GRANDMA

Yesterday when Kristin got home from spending the weekend with me, the twins were over-the-moon happy to see her. Ruby hugged and kissed and hugged and kissed her, and Carson literally did somersaults! Kristin was thrilled that the twins actually seemed to miss her and were happy to have momma home. Casey had told Kristin that over the weekend Ruby was really saying "Grandma", so when Kristin got home and called me, she asked Ruby to say Grandma, and I heard it over the phone. Now, I realize Ruby had just spent the entire weekend with Grandma Carrie, and had plenty of opportunity to use her new word and get positive reaction, but it made my weekend to hear those sweet words -- "GRANDMA"!

Amen!

From early on, we all have taught the twins to pray before they eat, and they really get it. In fact, as soon as you put them in their chairs and get the tray in place, they are putting their hands together and wanting to thank Jesus for their food. And sometimes during the meal, they will get a desire to pray again, so we pray again! Ruby ends with "Amen" and Carson says "man".

The other day Rachael, their wonderful nanny, was taking them for a long walk and romp at the park -- and they were most happy to be outside because of all the rainy days they had spent indoors. Rachael says to the babies "We should thank Jesus for the sunshine", to which Ruby spontaneously added "AMEN!"

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yesterday was my birthday and Kristin drove up after work to spend 3 days with me -- alone. (Thank you Casey, Carrie and Ray for keeping the twins so KJ could join me!)

Kristin arranged for Katharine to meet us at a very fun Italian restaurant in Seattle for dinner (www.baroloseattle.com). KJ and I went over on the ferry and met Kat there. I didn't know Katharine was coming so it was a real special treat to have her join us. What a fun evening with my girls and fabulous food. I sure love my girls!

(P.S. Bill is in India with 10 students for 2 weeks)

Seattle is having unseasonably warm, mild weather for January (We are getting what Southern California gets, and vice versa!) It wasn't even cold outside on the ferry, and the pictures were so clear and lovely. I particularly love the reflection of the city in the water.

The Olympic Mts. are covered with snow are are gorgeous from the ferry. That is Bainbridge Island in front of the mountains.

19 Month Old Miss Ruby

Thank you to my friend from church, Cheri, who gave this Pooh-car to the twins. They love it. When they both got up from their naps and discovered that Grammy had arrived with the new riding toy, I had to teach them about sharing by setting the kitchen timer. They actually got it! In this picture I gave Ruby her bottle and said "go sit on your Pooh-car and drink your bottle!" That's exactly what she did.

Pretty in Pink (and red)

How cute is this little bug? Miss Emma (my niece's little girl) is 15 1/2 months old and ready for some serious fun. "These ladybug-boots are made for walking...." and that's what she is doing these days!

Rise and Shine and Give God the Glory! Great Things He Has Done.

This was what I got to experience this morning. Wow, God is amazing, and His artwork is unbelievable.

(This is the sun rising over Seattle from my deck)

HAPPY BLUE MOON NEW YEAR - 2010

" ONCE IN A BLUE MOON"

Last night our country was treated to a rare "blue moon". That is something that occurs only about every 3 years. A blue moon isn't really blue. It is when there are two full moons in one month. We had one Dec. 2 and Dec. 31. It was gorgeous. Hope you didn't miss it.

(This shot was taken from my deck.)