Happy St. Nicholas Day

Dear Friends,

Happy St. Nicholas Day! We had a nice little celebration at home, which is such a nice prelude to Christmas. It also makes it easier for little children who have a hard time waiting until the 25th to open a present or two. These photos are dark, but they show a carrot that St. Nick's horse didn't eat, along with goodies from AnnaMarie and Evangeline's boots. We had cookies and tea to celebrate, and read a few Christmas stories that focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Simple holidays are the best, in our opinion!

AnnaMarie has opened her own Etsy shop, where she is selling handmade cards. She would love it if you stopped by and took a look! It's so fun to see children grow up and use the talents with which they have been blessed. I am in awe at some of the things they do, and am excited to see all that they will accomplish in their lives.

AnnaMarie also loves to make fantastic hairstyles on her younger sisters, who get a different style every day. Not everyone has their own hair designer! :)

The tree is up and decorated, and we love gathering around each night with the house lights off, enjoying the soft glow that speaks the peace of the season. May all of our hearts make room for the Savior and His message of hope. No matter who sits in political office, Christ will always be King!

Love,

Marqueta

The Boy Who Loved a Christmas Tree

Dear Friends,

Doesn't our post sound like a good book title? Frankie (and the girls) is soooo excited for Christmas he can barely stand it! He has been singing "Honk the Halls With Burning Love" at the top of his lungs (see what happens when you marry an Elvis impersonator?) every day, and asking if he can unwrap presents.

The top picture was taken right after Mr. Graham put the tree up; it has since been re-decorated at least three times, and tipped over by the cat only once. :) After looking at several Victoria Magazines, Tasha decided our tree should be more "Victorian" and added popcorn and cranberry strings, as well as lots of bells and other old-fashioned things.

It's dark and rainy here today, but we had a little skiff of snow on St. Nicholas Day, which was a nice treat.

~The chickens were less than delighted with the snow!

We had a fun cookie-making party for the Tall Dolls on St. Nicholas Day, followed by a little tea.

The birds have been mobbing the feeders lately. We had forgotten how many of them there are here in the winter! Where were they in the summer?

The deck railing makes an excellent blue jay feeder~

Ready for a refill~

Our little oyster mushrooms have been growing in the rain (we have two small logs that we brought home from a nearby woods); what a fun science project!

We finally feel in the holiday mood (we're late-bloomers that way) and have been working on last minute presents for everyone. AnnaMarie made tiny Advent calendars for all the children but Rebecca, and they have been wonderful for counting down the days (we'll have to take a good picture when the sun shines again).

This weekend we'll be performing for local nursing homes, so we're practicing daily. It's wonderful to have the oldest girls play their violin and harp for accompaniment. I tear up when I watch them playing together, since it's been a dream of mine for such a long time to have a family orchestra. Dreams really do come true!

Here's AnnaMarie fiddling away~ We'll have to get a good picture of Audrey on the harp, too!

 

Love and blessings to you all,

Marqueta