Jannie comes to visit

My brother lives in Utah. Whenever he comes to visit, it is a treat. He is one of my most favorite people and Gary and my kids love him. Jannie has been dating a wonderful woman, Tami and she brought her children Matt and Jamie to visit. So we took them out to our ice rink to skate in their shoes. It was fun to watch.

Guess who came carolling?!!

We were carolling at Walmart, for the Salvation Army, when along came my son, David. Home from 29 Palms for Christmas!! Yes we knew he was coming, but seeing him for the first time, is always so fantastic.

Joseph accompanying. He is a gifted guitarist.

The Carolling bunch!

Gabriel, our Chief bell ringer!

This is one of our Christmas traditions. Each year, all my children come together, to sing together, to raise money for the Salvation Army. It is the giving together and the service together that makes our Christmases together memorable.

I use one of my stockpots to bathe the babies. The smaller the baby, the smaller the stockpot. The sink is too low for me... and the deeper water covers their shoulders, keeping them warm and getting the scent of the herbs up close to their noses.

To hot water I add, a sprig of fresh Thyme, a Sage leaf, a two inch piece of Rosemary and three drops of Lavender. It calms a cranky baby down and they go right to sleep.

This is Frederick James Haxby, almost 5 months old and adorable.

Remember never to leave babies alone, even for an instant, seconds later Freddie wanted to suck his toes and could've slipped down in the deep water.

Busy days

We stacked lots of wood, because that is how we heat our home.

We cut three Christmas trees, this is Andy, Johanna and Xander with theirs.

Jacob (seated) was Sancho and Joseph was Padre' in Man From La Mancha which was amazing. Then they went on to District and State and their school took State in Theatre AGAIN!

David was home for a bit and taught Xander the fine details in the various G.I. Joe weaponry.

Xander turned a year old. I cannot believe how quickly this past year flew by.

So we have been a bit busy.

This next year will be bringing on a bit of a change for me. I will be living a Pioneer life, as much as I can. I will let you know the URL soon.