Saturday, December 28, 2019

Picture my December

Our area got coated in a thick layer of ice that stuck around for a week. Trees looked beautiful coated like this, but there were many branches lost, including the one where we had our bird feeder hanging. We have yet to find the perfect place to hang it since losing that branch.


Steven loved spending time outside, dressing a little differently almost every time he ventured out.


The sun made the ice sparkle, which my camera did a terrible job in trying to catch that beauty. Going to town and seeing entire tree covered mountainsides glisten in the sun nearly took my breath away in the beauty of it all.


Cold mornings meant Rosie Mae had to scrape ice and frost off her car before leaving for work. She seems to enjoy it.


Our annual Christmas box from my parents arrived. The small package on the lower left hand side of the picture had a piece of paper wrapped around it, and Mom had written a few sweet words on it. I decided to wait to open it, sure that what ever was inside couldn't be as special as what she wrote on the outside. After opening it I discovered a lovely letter opener my brother Mahlon had made, and immediately burst into tears. I'll treasure it for always!


After wiping my tears I noticed this rainbow on the floor in the laundry room and had to smile. I have no way of explaining how it can appear there. It really makes no sense logically. It never did before Mahlon died, but now on days when I'm really missing him, little rainbows appear. They always make me smile, and always turn my thoughts to God in praise for His love and care.


Sharon was offered the job of being one of the chefs on the train. She accepted it, and absolutely loved it. Running her to and from the train yard kept our weekends extra full, but I was happy she got to experience this.


Christmas Day rolled around and we did our traditional 'children in front of the tree' picture. We had a lovely day even though I took an accidental nap most of the afternoon. While I was sleeping the guys decided to wash their vehicles. Not very festive, I know.

 Of the gifts the children gave each other my favorite was a beaded bracelet that Steven gave to Sharon. He spent a lot of time painstakingly making sure each little bead was in the proper place to create the pattern he wanted. All the gifts were all thoughtful, heartfelt, and meaningful.


I don't know if I'll be making another blog post before the new year rolls around, so I'll take a minute now to wish everyone a happy and blessed New Year! 

25 comments:

  1. Those ice coated trees make some gorgeous scenes. Happy New Year to you and your family.

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  2. Beautiful family. Happy New Year and New Decade.

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  3. I loved hearing about your family and the package. Your children all sound like they are hard workers and love each other. You have taught them well. I especially loved reading about the gift God has give you of the rainbow. I'm wishing you and your family a wonderful year ahead, full of blessings from the Lord.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  4. Your rainbow was sent just for you at that moment, so lovely.
    In all the years I've been following your blog I dont think I've seen a photo of the 'children' together. How grown up they are now and how nice they look.
    Your parcel from your mom must have been such a delight.

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    1. I had never stopped to think about the lack of having the children all in one picture, but I think it's usually only at Christmas that I get them to pose with each other.

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  5. Some lovely photos, especially the one of your family. What a precious gift your mother sent you, something to treasure in the future.
    Happy New Year.
    Diana

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    1. Definitely something I'll treasure for a long time!

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  6. All so very lovely. You have a beautiful family. I'm glad you had a wonderful Christmas, and we hope your New Year is blessed, as well.

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  7. Wonderful photos. I bet it would be interesting cooking on a train. It sounds like your Christmas was great and I do wish you a happy new Year.

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  8. It sounds like a wonderful month, and a beautiful Christmas. Happy new year to you too.

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  9. Lovely photos and equally lovely words. Hope the new year is a happy and healthy one for you and your precious family. Xx

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  10. I've been off blog for about a week so slow to catch up. But it really does sound like the most perfect Christmas. And I have to say that the letter opener was the most thoughtful, perfect gift.

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  11. New here to your blog as I'm hoping over from blog to blog to meet new bloggers. Your thoughts on your brother brought a tear to my eye. I've recently lost someone dear to me too. The happiest of New Years to you and yours! Nice to meet you, Sharon.

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    1. I'm so sorry for your loss.

      Thanks for the New Year's wishes!

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  12. What a treasure to first have the note from your mom, I treasure every recipe card or card that I find now with mom's writing on it. How awesome to get the letter opener that your brother made. Another treasure to cherish. Sounds like your kids all keep busy with jobs and what not. Fun! Happy New Year. Wendy

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  13. I have so enjoyed reading your blog over the years, Mary Ann. What a surprise it was to see a picture of your four gorgeous children, though. I remember when they were Sailor, Rosebud and Sunbeam, and then Buddy. Now they are all so grown up (well, the three eldest) and that seems to have happened overnight! That was so dear of your Mom to send that special gift from Mahlon - and then for him to send you another gift of a rainbow. It sounds like your holiday was a very good one, and I hope that the coming year brings good health and even more happy times for your family. Ann in Virginia (PS In addition to noting our children's accomplishments over the past year (tangible and not), we also like to make resolutions as we anticipate the coming year. You gave me some new ideas to include in ours - thanks!)

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment. I love hearing your thoughts.