Dragon Breath

So around here we never expect a white Christmas.  They don't usually happen, and when they do it is a treat to be thoroughly enjoyed.  This year we got our typical beautiful snow-less Christmas.  I like snow, and wouldn't mind having snow, but we just don't get much (if any) around here.  But, on the flip side of that, if we got snow, I wouldn't be able to take photos like this.

Or this.

Crisp. 

Clean. 

Cold.

Beautiful.

A Great Big Smile

So...for Christmas.  We all got Legos!

Mine was the most complex to put together. 

Coming in at a whopping 1230 pieces.

Also the most fun!

The Space Shuttle: to scale!

Awesomeness!

Love

Dogs have a way about them that just speaks of love.  They never complain when they are left outside for long periods of time, they just wag their tails and grin at you for letting them in.  Dogs love unconditionally no matter what.

We had an additional dog at our house for a few days as some friends did some traveling.  Four legs didn't really like it at first, but got used to having another dog around pretty quickly.  They played with each other outside, running in circles and just enjoying having someone like themselves to play with.

Throughout those few days Four Legs had to be constantly re-assured that he really was our favorite dog and that we weren't replacing him.  He would come up to us if we were sitting, or standing still, and push his nose into our hands.  Soon the other dog picked up on that as well and began to do that.  Seeking attention.  It was so funny to watch!  One dog would nudge one hand and the other would nudge the other hand, both looking for love. 

Once the friends returned from their trip they picked up their dog.  And it has been funny to watch our dog re-adjust to being the only dog again.  He looks for someone to play with when he goes outside now.  And he still seeks almost constant reassurance that he is loved.

Which he is.

Something Wonderful

When I came downstairs this morning, I had to take a second look.  And then grab the camera.  I did have to re-adjust the light a couple times because Four Legs kept "helping."  But this was what I saw.

A lovely reminder about what this season is really about.

Why There Are Two

All dressed up and trying not to look too terribly excited about the upcoming concert.

The see-I-can-smile-for-the-camera look.

We are never ever silly around here.

What? Do I smell funny?

Giggles.

Tickles and more giggles!

And those are but a few reasons why I love my children.

Just a thought

This morning, as I listen to the Christmas music that I love (all year round, incidently), I am reminded of a moment in time, several years ago.

I had given birth to a 7 1/2 pound 21 inch boy.  He was a dream come true for Handsome and I.  Mr O was a good baby, sleeping fairly long at night, and eating like there was no tomorrow (he's still like that).

But this isn't about the baby that was.

This is about the season.  The beautiful Christmas season.

You see, that baby that I gave birth to, was part of a live nativity.  We bundled him up in a blanket, I fed him right before we were "on stage," and he slept like an angel through the whole program.  It was a simple program of songs and short stories about the reason for the season: Jesus and His birth. 

Now, you may or may not believe that Jesus is real.  You may or may not believe in any of that Christianity stuff.  That doesn't matter to me.  What matters is our attitude, our spirit, our way of thinking. 

The reason I love Christmas music all year round is because it reminds me to take that time out and really appriciate what I have.  These days so much focus is put on what we get rather than what we give, and listening to the beautiful music reminds me of how much we have.  We are together as a family.  We have a house and a dog.  We have warm beds to sleep in and fresh food to eat every day. 

Truly, we are blessed.  And if you're reading this, then so are you.  Take a moment in time to say thanks.  Thanks to all those around you.  They are what makes your life complete.

Thank you, all my dear readers.  Thank you for being here when I needed you.  Thank you for being a huge part of my life.  Thank you.

Splish Splash

Right now our little town is going through a very rainy season.  Normally around this time of year we have a little flooding.  A couple streets get covered and blocked off, a house or five get moved out of for 2 weeks, and we have puddles galore to jump in.  During this super wet time, we do a lot of hot cocoa.  Because our children learned the sacred art of puddle jumping from their mother who still joins in on the way home from school.

Puddle jumping is so fun, that we have actually figured out which streets to walk on for the most jumping joy.

And I taught them well.  Notice Mr O's pants aren't wet?  Yup, that takes is an art form when you are puddle jumping.  Never mind that on the next puddle (in sight of our house) he let it rip and got soaked up to his waist. 

Also notice the umbrellas.  We don't want to get wet, well...soaked, so we use them. 

We'll enjoy our next rain!  It will probably be tomorrow...