First Month with Ginger

To help her learn to not jump up on the kids, and get some exercise, I tied a string to the tail of an old stuffed animal toy. She loves to run and chase it.

We took her on a walk without a leash. This pup is amazing. She kept right with her "pack", and didn't wander. She loves her people.

...hehee

Christmas 2011

Just a small hand full of the family gathered at our home this year. James' sister Clover had her baby a few days before Christmas, so the other half of the family went to Belingham. I missed the traditional big Christmas gathering, but we had big surprises for the kids that made this year a good one.

On Christmas eve we surprised the kids with a new puppy. Wes an Timmy have been asking for a puppy for years. Their kindergarten teacher informed me that they have been asking God for a puppy at prayer time. I knew I wanted to get them a puppy, but timing was essential. Now that Weston is 9 and more responsible he can help raise a puppy. His tender heart and love for Ginger, our new pup, is priceless. She has bonded to the family well, and can't stand being apart from any of us. She was easy to potty train, and sleeps with the boys in their room. She is very loyal and loving.

Before I brought her home, I asked Weston a question. I asked him if he had the choice of having all the presents under the tree or having a brand new puppy, what would he choose. It took him a couple seconds to answer, but he then said, "A puppy, I always wanted a puppy."

And now we have a Red hair-green eyed baby girl...=)

Halloween 2011

Wes an Tim enjoying their caramel apples...

pumpkin carving...

mama's baby Dino...

my four candy collectors

Weston's 9th Birthday

This year we decided to do something really fun. James and I rented out the gymnastics center for the birthday party. The kids had a blast! There were games, large rope swings, a large trampoline, zip line, bounce house, and free reign to all the gym equipment. I made Weston a dinosaur land cake which was all edible except for the Dino's. It was fun to make.

Cant believe my eldest is already nine. He's already wearing my shoes and up a little past my shoulder in height. I have a feeling I'll be the runt of the family once all have grown.

Apple Cider

My brother-in-law Ian borrowed his parents cider mill for the weekend. We all got together at James' Grandfathers place and picked a truck load of golden delicious apple straight off the tree. Cleome, my mother-in-law, made us salmon chowder, corn bread, and fresh apple crisp. We all had lots of fun. There was about 30 gallons of cider made that day. My family made off with 5 gallons which we will be enjoying this Thanksgiving.

The Taste of Summer

Apple butter. The last jam we will make this summer. It is quite the cumbersome jam to make too. After picking, slicing, boiling, smashing, stirring, and stirring, and stirring for hours, you get to enjoy 10 jars of it. Perfect jam for fall. Nothing says fall like pumpkin either. The two go hand in hand really. Pumpkin pancakes with home made apple butter and a dollop of whip cream, oh my, I can see my waist band expanding already.

Milton Freewater grows the best blueberries in the world, I think. Sweet, almost huckle berry flavored. We have made many crisps, smoothies, muffins, and pancake topping with blue berries. We really can't get enough.

Apricot jam. My favorite! Weston and I fight over this one too, making sure the other person doesn't take the last drop. James, he likes to add pineapple to his apricots. I must admit, I like it too.

Alli in Grandpa Clark's orchard picking cherries. I freeze these for the kids so they can enjoy them through out the year.

Strawberry jam. I made it all by my self this year. It came out delicious and beautiful in color. We also made cherry and blackberry jam. Both of those turned out amazing too. So, these delightful treats should help fight the winter blues. Good-bye summer...already looking forward to seeing you next year.

Camping Near Mt. Rainier

This was our annual church camp out. They chose a beautiful camp ground near Mt Rainier call La Wis Wis. We set up our tent next to the hazy blue river on top of a soft pile of sand. It wasn't as "rugged" as my husband would have preferred, but it was fun to socialize with all our friends.
There were a couple trails off the road near our camp that we took on Sabbath. Like this little pretty waterfall that the kids enjoyed playing in. The water was ice cold, but that really doesn't stop most kids from getting in.

My beautiful baby girl enjoying the water. And yes, momma let her play in her underwear. Hehe!

Sleeping next to the river also made it peaceful for sleeping. Love the sound of rushing water. That and the feel of my cozy sleeping bag.

Baby Rowan slept well. Of course momma dressed him in fleece with 6 blankets for a bed. ...Cute lil'guy, love his lil'raindeer hat.

...and of course, when your a kid, you gotta torment the wild life.