A snapshot in time

My apologies for being remiss as of late. All seems to be swirling so quickly right now and sitting down to type a note clearly has not happened. Here are a few snapshots in time from the Thomas Clan:

Notice the new photo of Dalton in his wheels. Do you remember when you could smile like that just sitting in your car with a few friends listening to the radio? Yes sir, no engine running, just the radio. Dalton has an 85 Camry and looks rather innocent in wheels produced almost a decade before he was born. He continues to drive his Mother nuts and we have a good time together.

Did you see Trenton and his special "man bag"? He thought he was so clever putting the little pooch in a bag as if he was a society person. Not!! He is fighting a nasty virus right now with a super sore throat and fever. Hope he is better soon and doesn't share with the rest of us.

A yearly event is wind damage and we had ours last Tuesday evening. Dad and I were chatting on the phone as they had bad weather much of the day and we mentioned with this much rain the evergreens sometimes tip over. Well we were right on track. Trenton and I headed to the basement after the sirens went off and your hair stood up on the back of your neck for a couple of seconds. When we ventured out we noticed a bit of missing siding, some tin bent back on one of the sheds and our pine tree was hugging the maple. Personally I think we should have laws against such things but we were glad it didn't fall on the house. The guys cleaned up the tree on Saturday while I was at work. Looks so different after having the large blue spruce there the entire 16 years we lived here. I am really looking for a full time job as the part time just isn't covering enough to keep it up. My name is in on a few things and hopefully something right will come along soon. Love what I do right now, but need to keep a roof over our heads as well.

Just wanted to share a little violet that is on the West side of the house. Isn't it so lovely? Spring is the best!!

Becky

Admiration

Occasionally you stop and realize the great things around you. We had another snow day last week (groan) and I marvel at the way the kids just kick up their heels for these special capsules of time. The neighborhood guys all came over to snowboard, snowmobile, sled and goof around burying each other in the "sand". Intermittently, breaking to come in and enjoy a monster bar with glass of milk to warm up and then back out to play. Our dog, Mia, just loves to be in the thick of it running and playing in the snow. Shasta, our little pooch, and I enjoyed the show from the warmth of the house with a nice warm cup of tea. We slid out a couple of times to catch some of the action with the camera. Notice how cold my funny little garden dude looks with the white background.

Way to make lemonade, men!!

Becky

My oh my - a little sun would be divine

How is it that you get past the middle of January and the snow is just not so cool anymore? And I guess I would add on to that ice, blowing snow and below zero chill factor...... And then about two weeks since the sun has shined..... Yikes! I am ready for a wonderful 30 degree day with a full plate of sunshine!!!

Otherwise, we are all fine.

Becky

Happy Birthday, Mia

Too often we forget to give props to our supporting cast. We need to fix that on our end at this time. Mia is celebrating turning three-years-old today! Mia is an austrian shepard and is as sweet as they come. Her red shiny coat is soft and hugable and she has the most adorable freckes on her snout. She loves to play be it chasing the boys on their motor toys or running along side them during their snowboard adventures in our backyard. She knows how to use her sweet brown eyes to their full advantage in case you forget a snack or are just sitting there not petting her.

Happy Birthday, Mia. Here are a few cute shots from her play adventures over the last year.

Becky, Dalton and Trenton all LOVE Mia!

Happy New Year!

New Years Prayer

Thank you Lord for giving me
The brand new year ahead
Help me live the way I should
As each new day I tread.

Give me gentle wisdom
That I might help a friend
Give me strength and courage
So a shoulder I might lend.

The year ahead is empty
Help me fill it with good things
Each new day filled with joy
And the happiness it brings.

Please give the leaders of our world
A courage born of peace
That they might lead us gently
And all the fighting cease.

Please give to all upon this earth
A heart that's filled with love
A gentle happy way to live
With Your blessings from above.

~ Charlotte Anselmo ~

Pitter Pat

What could be more wonderful that the holiday season? Fresh warm cookies, smiles from family and friends and little ones diligently trying to be good enough for the big guy in red to make a stop. We are all on the school schedule, so add lazy mornings to the mix and it is pretty good. We gathered with the Baldwin side of the family on Sunday and as usual bucked a bit of snow getting to Jake and Kristine's digs. We all had a great meal and fun with the gift exchange and soon it was time to head down the road. Today we congregated at Kris and Rick's house to enjoy time with the family. Kris generally has a set deal about how presents are opened and wouldn't the newlyweds want to get a present opened right away. Well! Come to find out their was a stuffed animal and couple of bibs announcing the are expecting a baby next summer. Kris was elated as daughter, Jessica, and hubby Matt are also expecting next summer. Guess we better plan on a few more cuties to adore next year. Very hard to focus on presents after that bit of glorious news. As with all good things, we wrapped up with a bite to eat to get on the road before the ice hits. Yes, we are having quite a weather event this week. We have had sleet, ice, snow and right now are in the midst of a flood watch and the rain is really coming down. Overnight we are supposed to have the rain turn to freezing rain and heavy snow and all should wrap up on Sunday. Nothing has been ordinary with the weather this year, so this fits right in nicely. Tomorrow the boys and I are going to cook up a turkey and enjoy each other's company from the safe sanctuary of our own digs.

If we could share one wish with you, it would be for peace. Not only for the holidays, but for each day going forward. So much has come our way in the last few years and peace is the thing I desire most. God bless each of you and thank you for being a part of our lives.

Merry Christmas!

Becky

Mumblings from a teenage guy

If only you could be here right now, the guys are both watching snowboard clips on the computer. As if that wasn't enough, they are both getting along and treating each other well! (Holy moly!!) A giggle here, a stunned remark about a cool stunt, and then the search for the next video. All of this from two fellows that were heart-broken about not being able to snowboard over Thanksgiving. (Yes, lots of moping going on over the holiday.) Last year, we spent Black Friday in Dubuque at the slopes. Nice photo below of them with their gear. Yes, I would be the lounge bunny type in case any of you are curious. Thank goodness I have Mia (Australian Shepard) lying on my feet to keep the thoughts of snow from giving me a chill.

Hurray for the little things in life!

Becky