Don't Kill Me!!

My husband has always considered himself to be somewhat like Superman.  Invincible!  Immortal!  Basically amazing.  We all had to agree. :)  But on July 11th of this year, he realized something different.  He broke his leg in a major way, requiring surgery and many months of recovery.  We spent an entire month in Portland (where the accident happened) visiting the doctor and hospital numerous times.  Upon our return home, realizing he was no longer invincible Seth increased his life insurance policy to an amount that would take care of his family should anything worse ever happen. 

Since then he has been asking me silly questions or making queer statements, most of which come across like this, "You're not going to kill me are you?" 

All I can say to that is, "Nope, you silly man."

(I'd rather have you than all the money in the world.)

Blessings amidst the Yuckies

 Warning:  The language below may not be suitable for queezy tummies.

This Christmas brought with it many surprises.  One of those surprises came in the form of the flu.  That's right, our family came down with the flu on Christmas Eve!  Adalie came first, then Zoie on Christmas Day, and tag, Kylia was it the day after.  The flu is never fun, and as a mommy, it hard to see your babies hurting.  But amidst it all, I have to admit that I was blessed.  Each of my children lost their cookies (I apologize for any visual imagery this may bring),  Adalie and Zoie a number of times and Kylia in one explosive burst.  Every time, let me say it again, EVERY TIME they made it to the bathroom.  Once Adalie stated, "Mommy, it's time."  We made it to the bathroom in the nick of time.  Again, Zoie was playing while laying down, and Seth and I heard a noise, the lovely noise you hear when someone is about to lose their cookies.  As we ran out to her, we saw her hand over her mouth and fear in her eyes.  We rushed her to the bathroom and again no messes!  There was no clean-up, except for jammies needing to be laundered!!  If you are a mom, you understand the enormous blessing in this. 

Then came my girls sweet words.  Checking on them while they were resting, Adalie and Kylia stated at different times, "Mommy, you're so kind and gentle."  As my girls were feeling weak, missing out on Christmas festivities, unable to eat any of the Christmas goodies, they are telling me that I am kind and gentle.  They melted my heart.  When asked if they were doing okay, and if there was anything I could do to make them happy, they all responded, "Mommy, I am happy!" 

So yes, we had the flu on Christmas day, but the Lord allowed me to see His hand caring for me and my girlies amidst the yuckies.

The Best Gift Ever!!

Another surprise this Christmas came in the form of a very precious gift.  For the month of December, unbeknown to me, Seth and the girls were preparing a musical number to perform for me on Christmas day.  Adalie was to play the piano, while all three girls sang this song. . .

We Three Daughters  

(to the tune of We Three Kings)

by Seth, Adalie, Kylia, and Zoie Himes

We three daughters of my mommy

She teaches us to be so lovely

School and sewing, music and dancing

we are her daughters three.

Oh, Oh, mama-mia you're so fine

mama-mia you are mine

Sports and drama, riding lamas?

Thank you mom for being divine!

When the performance came to an end there were tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. 

Giving Thanks

Our Thanksgiving day weekend was spent in Oregon.  It was filled with joy and good memories and many reasons to give thanks. 

 Thankful for parents that love and care for us, who desire to spend time with us, and love to have us near.

Sleighbells Christmas Shop

 Thankful for good memories, hot cocoa and candy canes, a daddy's love for his girls, and Christmas surprises.

 Thankful for togetherness, snacky food, games around the fire, and Christmas movies.

 Thankful for my man whose heart is to bless, blisters that heal, a yard to take care, and God's beautiful creation.

 Thankful for music and the joy of listening to our daughter.

Glockenspiel Restaurant

 Thankful for traditions, cheese fondue, and little German towns.

Zoolights, Thanksgiving weekend

Thankful for crisp winter evenings, beautiful lights all aglow, holding hands as we walk, singing songs, and silly nicknames.

But most of all, we are thankful to the Lord for blessing us with a family to cherish.

Good Words

As a stay at home mom, who sometimes wonders, "Is any of this important?", the dishes, laundry, toilets, vacuuming, etc. etc. etc.  My husband helped me realize, with just four little words, that it is appreciated, and it is important.  The four words he spoke, not to anyone, but just because, were, "I love my home!"  Those four words make it all worth it!  They make me realize that sometimes the seemingly unimportant can make all the difference in turning a house into a home.  In creating a place we want to gather instead of avoid.  Those are good words.  "I love my home!"

The First Snow of the Season!!!

 Sunday, a day of rest.  A day to recover from the craziness of the week and recharge for another.  This Sunday however, we were in for an even bigger treat.  Snow began to fall!  Only November 21st and already a beautiful white blanket began to powder the ground and trees!   So, out came the winter gear.  Snow bibs were tried on and SURPRISE!, they still fit.  Boots were moved down to the next child in line.  Stocking caps and scarfs were put in place and we headed out for our first snow walk of the season.  Hand-in-hand with my man, we sauntered down the sidewalk, as the children skipped ahead singing joyfully, and talking excitedly of the closeness of Christmas.  There was plenty of snow for angels, snow men, and a little mischievousness.  After pictures were taken we headed back to the warmth of the fire, cocoa with candy canes, and a wild game of "Trouble".  This was simply a beautiful day!

Breakfast Daddy Style

Breakfast this morning was exciting and new.  Seth emerged from the kitchen with a pad of paper and pen and began taking orders for breakfast. He shared the days specials with us, and asked if we would prefer pancakes with strawberry syrup, maple syrup, boysenberry syrup, peanut butter, whip cream, or if we would like the harvest special.   Eggs were offered and which type desired, scrambled or sunnyside-up.  "Can I cheese those up for you?", he asked.  Seth collected our orders, even including our drinks, and began cooking.  Each dish was made special, complete with marshmallows smiling brightly, and breakfast was delightful.

The girls were thrilled!  After eating they disappeared upstairs. Some time later they returned in a noisy chorus.  Flags flying, signs made, and music playing in thanks for daddy's special treat.  It was a great start to our day!

Daddy is a special gift to our family, and he helped this day begin with smiles! :)