Puzzle Time

After a breakfast of homemade granola, we're doing a 1000 piece puzzle and watching Twelfth Night. What a cozy morning.

A Christmas Party

The Younger Crew, a couple of cousins and a neighbor kid had a bunch of fun last night decorating sugar cookies. They also enjoyed some homemade pizza, sparkling ciders and a movie. It was a fun little Christmas party!

Cookie Decorating

The Crew, a cousin and a neighbor

Movie Night

Here's the popcorn, ready for movie night. Well, two thirds of the popcorn. Yeah, I fix a full five gallon bucket full when we have popcorn. Doesn't everybody?

The Crew's Popcorn

For each batch, melt 2 Tbsp coconut oil. Add 2/3 cup of kernels and pop. Top with 1/4 cup melted butter and lots of kosher salt. Enjoy.

My Newest Project and Randomness

I've been in a crocheting mood, as I often am in the winter. As usual, that means I am making a scrap afghan. I may donate this one to the Hidden Treasure auction in February to benefit Moses, Noah and Jacob's adoption, should it get finished. I have been known to start a project or two and not finish them, despite my good intentions.

We're going to be doing a deep clean of the house this week. I created a nicely detailed list for each room so that we don't forgot any minor areas. I'm shooting for it to take three days or less. The Lambies are excited. /sarc

Why do I always get itchy to de-clutter right before Christmas?

My Honey is such a great handyman! It seems that there are more and more fix-it projects around here keeping him busy. I'm so thankful for the many skills he has and that he is passing them along to our oldest son.

Kittens grow fast. Where did our Baby Ohren go?

Children grow fast, too. My oldest daughter can go get her permit as soon as she feels ready.

I love that all our Christmas shopping is finished already.

I've been gluten free for 12 weeks now. I have had gluten accidentally a couple of times and purposely a couple of times. I don't feel deprived. I don't miss wheat in general. I do miss English Muffins once in a while. When I do, I eat one, then have a sugar coma.

Almond flour and coconut flour are indispensable .

Troubles loves Crinkleroot. I truly wish our library had more than two of his books.

Cross-lateral movements seem to be working wonders for Missy. She is talking noticeably better; in full sentences and clearly. She is progressing slightly in reading, too.

Merry Christmas To Me!

Is it wrong to order things you want for yourself in December? I may 'let' my Honey wrap them back up after I browse through them for a day or two....we'll see.

The Joy of Giving

The Hidden Treasure auction for Lina has ended with a glorious number! $2120.00! Thanks to anyone who is reading here that has donated or bid. Look for another auction to begin in February. This time, it is benefitting THREE boys who are coming home as brothers. What a privilege it is to be able to assist their family in bringing them out of the orphanage and into their home.

Until then, More Than Conquerors is hosting a giveaway to help Sergei and the other Passed Over Ones at Reece's Rainbow. These children have lingered on the Waiting List for years. Think about that. While others are chosen, these kids have been passed over time and time again. They are all creeping ever nearer that horrible fate: being transferred. You see, at the age of 5-6, these little darlings are taken from the orphanages they call home, such as they are, and transferred to adult mental institutions. Most don't live a year after transfer. They are such desolate places. Little food, little care, little protection from the others.

Please, let's all give just a little to nudge their funds higher and alleviate the financial burden that a family would have if they chose one of these little ones. Just five dollars....just a cup of coffee!...can help save their lives. What stocking stuffer can do that?

Is there a better way to honor Christ in this season of giving than to include the orphans as you share what He has so generously given to you? Please pray for them, too. There is joy in giving. It makes us feel like we've done something and we have. But, oh, the power of prayer. That is the real game-changer. Will you be in prayer for them? Will you intercede on their behalf? The battle belongs to the Lord!

"Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow." Isaiah 1:17.

California in December

Missy and Troubles would like to show off the leaf candy cane that they created this evening. Our leaves finally started falling a few days ago. They've been waiting not-so-patiently until there were enough to rake up and play in. Tonight was the night they got to play!

Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!