Category: rhen

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Gingerbread Houses 2022

Ohhhh my goodness! How many times have we made these crazy little houses?!

However, we haven’t actually done one quite like this. Notice the double chimneys. There’s your first hint.

See if you can figure it out.

I worked on this side of the house with my little brick planter and flowers and sweet rock pathway…

and only the stuff I particularly love– on the roof.

Ok, on half the roof.

There was someone else making a whole different building, with a totally different vibe, on the other side of this house.

Think of it like the ultimate Christmas duplex–if you will.

Mrs. Claus on one side and Mr. Grinch on the other. Haha.

It was very him–if you get my drift.

Hazel said that her house looked so good that she wanted to eat it. No one could think of a reason for her not to do it…

…so she did.


I hope we do this every year…

forever.

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First Snow…men

With the very first real snowfall of the year, Rhen was over come with seasonal spirit and promptly went out and made an adorable little snow man. Perhaps this is better described as a snow-ball man–but no matter. We adore him, perched up on top of the car!!

When the family saw our little guy the photos of their snowy creations started flooding the family text group. Miss Chomp and Fluttershy with their frosty fellow–

so cute!!

Miss H with her gigantic snow lady. Check out that hat!!

K & L’s snow chick even has long, lovely hair! Awesome, awesome.

Even my crazy Dane sent in his contribution from 85 degree Texas.

Ohhhh, Dane!  HAAA!

Our silly snow didn’t last long–an hour or two, tops–but we’re pretty good at making the most of what we’ve got…rain or shine.

And loving every minute!

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Goodbye My Boy

This…my sweet “Bald Kid” is leaving us now, for the Missionary Training Center for three months–then on to Siberia–for two years.

I’m deeply proud of his willingness to serve, but—

oh, the ache in my heart.

Behind him it feels as if he’s left a huge gaping hole with no bottom.

The absence of him is in every corner of every room…socks–his socks…. bananas–he loves bananas… his aftershave… his car keys… his Viking quilt… and his kitty that can’t find him–anywhere.

Many moms are so-so perfect at this “sending them off into the great adventurous unknown” to work and serve and grow up. But, as you might expect, I’m not so good at it. Fact is—I’m a blubbering wreck.

I wander around the rooms and think, “I’m not ready for this. No. It’s happening too fast. I need more time…”

More time.

And yet, somehow I’m quite certain we will survive the away-ness of my baby boy–for the next two years–but…

I think…

just barely.

Be brave, and well and happy in your new world my dear, sweet boy, and know that our love and prayers and such a piece of your Mama’s heart are going with you…

till we’re together again.

 

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Stuff To Love…

on this Valentine’s Day.

Since I don’t actually have my own “sweetheart” per se, I’ve decided that I’m pretty close to being in love with the UPS man…or maybe it’s just the truck. Just seeing it pull up in front of the house, makes my heart pound. It must be love!

I positively love having a daughter that can machine quilt my sewing projects like some kind of magical pro. I mean, seriously–check out those hearts. Amazing.

My sweet kitties–Beany and Jiff–who utterly refuse to sleep somewhere other than my bed. ~sigh…

Homemade potato salad, made the right way. You know, with my mom’s recipe, only I added chopped pickles, which she never would have done, but it’s fabulous–so we’re good. Don’t tell her.

The greatest creation in the cookie decorating world since sugar sprinkles. I mean it.

A boy with a very new suit…who is leaving soon.

Hope your day is full of love, and kisses, mushy stuff…and chocolate–lots of chocolate.

Happy Valentine’s Day!