Farewell 2014

First, I want to share something we've been working on this year. It's based on an idea I saw online at the end of last year. We kept a glass with little pieces of paper clothes-pinned to it on the island in our kitchen the entire year. We used the paper to write little notes of accomplishments, happy memories, and other things we wanted to remember. Tonight we sat at the table together and took turns pulling those little notes out and reading them. All four of us enjoyed it, which is saying a lot. We laughed a lot and relived good memories. When we were done, I put the notes in a baggie, marked the year on it, and put them away in a safe place. We all agreed we want to do this again this year. I think it will be neat to look back on these in a couple years, too. It was really special.

 

Here are the moments & memories that top my list for 2014:

Snow & extreme cold definitely made an impression but we made the best of it...

Our trip to Key Largo...

 

Special times with our family & friends...

 

 

Celebrating accomplishments...

Danielle's 3rd Handwriting Contest win!

Basketball championship

Uncle Ron's first skydiving trip

Uncle Ron's first 1/2 marathon

Softball championship

 

6th grade camp - which was a big deal for Tyler

Trumpet solos and first dance. Stop growing up!!

First band concert

 

Watching Danielle play sports...




Special moments with my kids...

Special family moments...

We are ushering out 2014 pretty much like we did 2013: feeling grateful to God for all His blessings. We are all healthy. We have good jobs. The kids are successful and happy at school. We have a warm house, full cupboards, and reliable vehicles. We are surrounded by good friends and have both of our families relatively close by. But most importantly, we have each other.

And together we welcome 2015...Happy New Year!!

Squirrel!

There is a leaf pile nestled between the branches in one of our trees that the squirrels occasionally use for shelter. I think they move from nest to nest, so they aren't always there, but lately I have seen an adult and a smaller squirrel go in and out of the nest. I don't really like it when the squirrels visit our yard. They eat all the seed and peanuts I leave out for the birds, and they drive the dog crazy. They've been entertaining this week, though.

I tried putting my camera in the birdfeeder and placing a tempting pile of peanuts right in front of the camera to see if I could get a close shot of one of the furry thieves. The birds don't seem to mind the camera, but the squirrels can't figure it out. They have no problem plopping right down in the middle of the feeder to eat when the camera's not there, but when it is, they are a bit jumpy. I think it's funny watching them try to figure it out.

 

 

Taking a break to rethink the peanut situation.