Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Dear Friends,

We had a nice snow storm here a couple of days ago, and now it feels more like Christmas! Audrey snapped some photos of the beautiful scenery for us to enjoy~

We took a couple of hours last Friday to sing at a favorite nursing home; it's wonderful to have children old enough to play instruments and sing, instead of just looking cute. ☺

(Of course the little cute ones stole the show, anyway!)

We met one man that was one hundred years old; I was amazed to think that he was born just after the Titanic sank! It really puts time in perspective when you listen to someone elderly tell the story of their life. I always wish that I could spend more time with the folks in nursing homes, since they love company so much. Hopefully knowing that we cared enough to sing for them will be a happy memory for them until the next time we come to visit.

Today the children are preparing for their home-grown "Nutcracker" production, which they put on every year for the family. We're excited to watch it tonight, and hopefully we'll get some good videos this time to share.

Meanwhile, we'd better get those last-minute presents wrapped; Rebecca has promised not to peek!





























We wish you a safe and happy weekend, and a merry Christmas to all of our frieinds.

Love,

Marqueta

Happy Valentine's Day

Dear Friends,

We are enjoying a beautiful, sunny Valentine's Day today here in Missouri. Yesterday we had two inches of snow (our first real snowfall this winter), and everyone stayed out as long as they could, sledding and making leaf-encrusted snowmen. :)

Every year our children spoil Mr. Graham and me with an at-home restaurant experience, complete with entertainment; I'm excited to see how it turns out!

The starlings are enjoying their own buffet of crusty sourdough~

We took the opportunity to clean some of our rugs in the snow, laying them out and then stomping on them (Hickety Pickety thought that this particular rug set off her comb and wattles most becomingly.)~

Even the comfrey has been decorated for the big show tonight~

Audrey might be able to sneak in a few minutes to work on her quilt, which is being quilted the old-fashioned way!

Each year on Valentine's, the holiday becomes more meaningful to us as a day to reflect on how we can be more loving and caring, instead of just a day to celebrate romantic love (which of course is nice, too!).

Our prayer for all of us to make each day a "Valentine's Day," giving love to all those around us, especially when they seem the most unlovable, for that is when it is so important.

May you be blessed today,

Marqueta