New Year, New...

...expectations.

...resolutions.

...risks.

...gains.

...losses.

...attitude.

...perception.

...desires.

...joys.

...sorrows.

...page. blank now, just waiting for that first glint of sunlight to rise on it ~ Jan. 1, 2010. what do you have in store for us, new decade? eager to find out...

new posts and first snow

the kiddos raced outside today to play in the first snowfall of the season. not much on the ground in this photo from early afternoon, but it is certainly covered out there now!

little by little I have been keeping up my blogging. but I have been keeping it all to myself. I know. what's the point, right?

dunno.

but I just didn't feel inclined to publish them. don't judge. I've already admitted I don't know why.

anywho. they are here now. if you wish to peruse...please do. they date back to August, I believe ...and yes, I kept the original dates on them, even though some I just finished recently. I like chronological order. it makes sense in my oft scrambled brain.

oh. and there will be more (summer vacation pics still coming--yikes! only 6 months behind on those!). and they will be added by their original date, too. sorry if that is confusing. I would say that my new year's resolution is to keep up better with my blogging--but I think I said that LAST year... :P

Christmas 2009

all dressed up in their Christmas outfits for Christmas Eve service at church.


I am so blessed :)


may your Christmas be filled with joy and love.

Pierced Ears

Gabby's Pony Party

Gabby has been taking riding lessons this year at a wonderful stable near our house. However, the lure of gymnastics recently pulled her away from riding and I am currently enjoying an inside seat during lessons at the gym (it is stinkier but much warmer ~ especially this time of year!). BUT, if birthday party desires are any indication of where a girl's true love lies...well, we may be back in the stable before long :)

Many of Gab's friends were able to join us for her pony party ON her actual birthday (so nice when they fall on a Saturday!) And Miss Kathryn really went out of her way to give everyone a fantastic experience. We all learned so much about horses and ponies during the tutorial time, and then all the kiddos got to ride TWICE! ice cream cake and presents rounded out a fun (although super cold) December day ;)

King Arthur patiently allows us to examine his teeth

so happy :)

Gabby, back in the saddle again!

ian saddles up, as well

even little sister goes for a ride

wonder what the wish could be? couldn't possibly involve horses...

the saddle Gabby sat on to open her presents!

Fun time all around :)


Oh, Gabrielle, I have so many wishes for you ~ on your birthday and always. mainly, I wish you to know just how very loved you are. and what an amazing young lady you are becoming. 9! whoa!--is that possible?! Each year has been more and more wonderful with you. You make me smile everyday with your songs and dances and dreams of being a 'rock star'. To me, you always will be. I love you, Babs. :)