525,600 minutes

How do you measure a year?

In snowfall? We had over 118" inches of snow in 2008.

In fun trips? We started 2008 out with a visit with cousin Noah. He stayed with us for a week. We went to Virginia for Sarah's graduation. We went down to CT for a retreat. We went to NYC to see Myxy and then down to VA again for a fourth of July party. We went to Ohio for a family reunion, then on down (or was it up or over) to West Virginia to help Rich's parents move to SC. And then to Vermont for a lovely weekend away just Rich and I. Then we went down to SC to help them out after the fire.

Or all the great church events and community events? I did a slide show for the church and was amazed at all that God was able to accomplish in 2008. Weekly Church, Sky Show, 3 Block Parties, 3 Neighborhood Cleanups, 1 Sports Camp, 1 VBS, weekly Community Centers, Camping Trip, Job Skills Class, Financial Literacy Class, Harvest Party, Thanksgiving Dinner, Christmas party. God is good. Now we have an awesome opportunity to help out a group of refugees from Nepal.

Or as in Rent, in love? I love my God, I love my family, our friends, our church, our ministry. I love New Hampshire. And Morgann, she loves chocolate!

Oh Christmas Tree

A few pictures from Christmas. A wonderful, relaxing day. Rich and I love that Morgann's favorite gift - a pony castle was made from $6 mistint pink paint and scrap wood. Aunt Beth sent vintage tin kitchen furniture that fits perfectly. Sarah's princesses and the ponies are living the large life in the castle.



Our tree

Magnetic wooden dolls to dress up

The pony castle and newest pony - Star Song (made in China, but this was Morgann's only request for a Christmas present!)

Helping Uncle Kev open up a present



Ponies, Princesses, and a kitchen too!


Fishing at the creek on Christmas day.

American Made Toys

My friend Marie pointed out that this toy is US made - K'nex. Her son loves these! Morgann is pretty enthralled by them as well. They build cool creations for hours on end. They come in all sorts of models and kits and are very affordable - $10 to $20 a kit.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

And I believe that my dreams will come true. We recieved a fresh 10 inches of snow last night on top of our first layer from earlier in the week. Morgann skiied for the first time this season. She seems to have a bit more balance. Lo loves running, jumping, digging, and eating the snow. I love watching them and how our city seems a bit more "country" with a layer of pretty white snow. Its been snowing all morning and we are expecting about 7-12 more inches tomorrow. Snow is the best Christmas present of all, and better than American made, its God made!

Ask and you shall recieve

I know I am a geek, but I've always prayed for snow, and well, still do. Thank you God for our snow!

We need snow...

Our snowfall has been quite sad thus far this year! So in hopes that we get lots of snow before Christmas, I am putting up a new banner:) This picture is from last winter when over 118" glorious inches of snow was gifted to us. Bring the snow!

American Christmas III

Made in American canning jars. Currently awaiting to be filled with a deliciously smelling recipe in the crock pot!


Decorating a gingerbread house at the church Christmas party. Gingerbread making in North America has its origins in the traditions of the many settlers from all parts of Northern Europe who brought with them family recipes and customs. By the nineteenth century, America had been baking gingerbread for decades.

We had a wonderful evening with our friends. Lots of wonderful food, good coffee, and most importantly our friends gathering together to celebrate the birth of Jesus.


Alan sings a Christmas song he wrote.



I have always like Nalgene bottles. Morgann has had a Nalgene sippy since she was a wee-one, but this is the new BPA-free version. American made.