When the Snow Turns to Slush

Dear Friends,

When the fun of sledding and snow-sculpting have worn thin (along with the snow on the front lawn), what could be more fun than making up a big batch of Play Dough and setting up a "bakery?"

When the Play Dough is no longer fun, then you find other forms of entertainment.

This house sparrow makes me feel guilty for not having a heated birdbath... maybe someone will get me one for my birthday (hint, hint!).

And lastly, AnnaMarie and Audrey have been entertaining us with creating beautiful music, such as the following video~

I hope you're having a lovely week!

Love,

Marqueta

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

A Merry December to you!

Dear Friends,

A merry December to you! This year is just flying by~ as it reaches its close, we reflect back on all the little things that we did and didn't accomplish. It seems like just yesterday that we were putting away the decorations from Christmas, and planning all the wonderful things that we would do before we next took them out of storage.

One of the nicest things this year has been the gaining of new friends, and keeping up with longer acquaintances. One of our dearest friends even invited me to be in her newsletter which she has begun publishing. Imagine my surprise when I saw myself on the cover! If you'd like a peek at Emily's Desert Rose Homestead Newsletter, visit her blog here.

I think you'll be truly enchanted with what she has put together!

Now we're off to watch the girls practice for their latest at-home production of "The Nutcracker." This year's costumes are quite creative, being culled from the local thrift store where we volunteer!

Love and blessings,

Marqueta