A Warm Day for Pictures

 We had a wonderful visit with Danielle and Ryan over Christmas weekend.

And though I am sure after growing up in Southern California that I spent many a warm Christmas's as a child, but this was the first in a very long time!

 I do not know what kind of plant this is, but I am sure Dr. Seuss must have been looking out his window at one when he created many of his characters--LOL

I love the plants and trees in Santa Barbara.

 What do you think?

Like mother, like daughter?

I have no idea what we were talking about here, possibly the amazingly large number of stairs we were going to have to go down to get to the beach.

And sadly that meant having to go back up them later-HA

 But you must agree it was a beautiful view!

 See what I meant about the flowers.

 Isn't it great all the diversity in creation our wonderful God gave us!

 Now this one is just too cute for words.

And with a skinny little body like hers she might make a great model when she gets a little older-LOL

 Even cactus can look beautiful, especially with the beautiful Pacific in the background.

 This is what we were hoping to get while on the beach.

A family picture, minus Erinn and Michael.

Don't know what Caleb was going for?

He actually has a beautiful smile.

 Our treasures hidden in a 'cleft of the rock'.

 Some of the local wildlife.

 And a fallen log meant there needed to be a challenge to see who could go up the farthest.

 Ryan on his way up.

 And on his way down!

 Danielle and I gave it a try, but it was actually lots harder than it looked,

Especially on a slick log with sandy feet.

 Drew on his way up, he made it the farthest.

Drew on his way down!

 Drew holding on for dear life-Ha.

 Please tell me that you all get pictures like this!

Everyone looking at the camera and someone thinks it is a great time to give a thumbs up!

This kid is making me old before my time.

 Here we all are somewhat looking at the camera, but very squinty!

 Danielle and Ryan 2011

 Those of us left at home 2011.

Me and my best friend of 26 years!

Surprise Christmas

We decided to do things a little different this year around our house.

We will be blessed to spend the Christmas weekend with Danielle and Ryan in Southern California, so we decided to surprise the kids and open present early--Tuesday night.

Drew knew, but we chose not to tell the littles because we are dealing with lots of anxiety issues on their parts right now anyways----and that did relieve a lot---now they can just look forward to our trip and time together as a family:)

 Can't remember if I posted this yet, but what else can you do when you have a big deer head hanging on the wall by your Christmas tree?

Sorry all you non-hunters, but we were thankful for the meat.

 Drew made sure everyone was decked out in their WSU Crimson and Gray.

The fact that Caleb has been wearing his for two days straight tells what he thinks of it!

Well it is in the wash now, or I told him he could not take it to California---Awe Mom!

 Awe---Doggy lovin'!

 Erinn and Michael sent some cute Christmas ornaments--a football goofy!

 And of course a Disney Princess Tianna!

 Last year my wonderful husband filled my stocking with Pepsi, chocolate and vanilla candles.

Well he was doing great with the Pepsi and chocolate, but I really don't like the smell of vanilla-Ha.

This year Erinn got it right this year with this amazing Salty Carmel candle.  

It is absolutely amazing.

 Gifts all the way from Grandma and Grandpa in the Philippines.

Hannah and Drew's are both from local artisans.

 Oh, poor Liberty looks like she is really suffering under the barrage of bow and ribbons and lots of loving from Hannah and Belle.

 Hannah's new Christmas do and her jingle bell hair tie.

Let's just say we always know where she is:)

 And I might seriously be regretting this one in the next few days!

My mom and dad, under my recommendations, got Caleb his first Spy Wear that he has really been wanting.

Let's just say he is a very typical boy is some ways, like his fascination with spying, forts, and traps.

Some days I head upstairs to a maze of rope and yard with directions how to navigate the hallway to my bedroom.

Well now we must all be careful of the video taking, voice recording, picture taking spy Caleb.

Oh my, Lord give me patience!

 Some of the stash from Grandma and Grandpa.

I must say Drew was a great sport now that he is the only big kid in the house.

While the littles were opening toys, he was opening household appliances for his apartment, warm clothing for Pullman winters and dress clothes WSU requires for traveling sports teams!

 Awe---poor Liberty, she looks so bothered by all her bows!

Notice she has not even moved now that there are boxes and on her paws and wrapping paper on her head!

What's Up

 We are so thankful to have Drew home for Christmas break.  

He is happy for the break from school for a while too.

I have been busy putting out fires that can occur from upsetting schedules and anxious kids not having their expectations met.

This year has had a little more I think because we have not had the big kids around for months and little minds set up expectations for what they thought it would be like when they got home.

I missed the cues:(

So we try to keep them busy and let them know what is going on and when.

Though we are keeping it a surprise that we are opening presents early:)

Here they are both working on some ornaments the sewed out of felt.

We are also busy with an extra dog.....

Drew brought home his coach's dog.

Long story, but the short of it is that it was just supposed to be a ride to Southern Oregon, and it has turned into a three week stay.

Not a big deal, but those of you who know us, know that our precious golden retriever, Liberty, hates dogs!!

Not a real good combinations with a Rottweiler mix.

Well we have done a pretty good job keeping one inside and one outside after Miles showed us just how high he could jump over the gate we put up.

Libby can't jump at all and we thought we were safe.

We know better now.

So add a little more anxiety and stress to the mix and Hannah is pretty much trying to keep to her room where it is peaceful.

Today's schedule contains some more crafts, probably a game of Ticket To Ride (an amazing game by the way), a trip to the library, a run in the cold, and a good Christmas movie by the tree with hot chocolate.

Peaceful

Hopefully

Interceeding.....

I really had no choice but to forward this post from Sarah's Covenant Homes.

Please know that the pictures contained in this post are graphic due to this precious little girl's medical condition.

During this time of plenty---where we give what is not really needed to those we love...

What about giving what is really needed to one whom we can love through prayer.

What is Christmas about if it isn't about love and sacrifice and redemption?

One little life.

What can we all do?