Archive for December, 2011

While we were in Bozeman, I had a couple hours of alone time. It’s been a LONG time since I’ve had an extended amount of that…and I desperately need to make more time for it. To refresh my soul…to sit silently…to read, knit, look at the mountains, listen to music…all without littles crawling about.

On this particular day, I had a nice salad, journaled a bit, read some inspiring words, and listened to Addison Road’s “What Do I Know of Holy” over and over. The lyrics sank deep within me…so beautiful. Go and listen! (If you don’t want to buy, it’s on YouTube…but ignore the corny photoshow)

I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life “its” name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

Mmmmmm….love it.

We made the 13 hour trek back home from Montana yesterday…and tomorrow morning we fly out to Iowa until Monday. I’m leaving my computer at home so that I can focus more on my family, letter writing, knitting, and reading. I may or may not post some blogs from my phone So if I don’t see you until 2012, have a wonderful New Year’s! It’s going to be GREAT.

*Because I know some of you will ask: the stack above is my Bible, my Kindle Fire, and my journal. The cozy was not made by me, but I love it. Cozies are my favorite. I think I shall knit LOTS of them.

This morning I met another Bozeman friend for coffee…my kindred hooping spirit and mama friend, Mary. So good to connect again…even if it was just for a few hours.

After that Matt, the girls, and I headed downtown and stopped in at the new Co-op downtown (which is just a few blocks from our old house).

We had a delicious lunch and then took a little walk…

…over to The Yarn Shop! It’s so funny getting into a new hobby and realizing that there are stores that have been there all along to support said hobby, but you never paid attention until now! Bella and I had a blast looking through all the yarns and spending some Christmas money and gift certificates that we had.

Is there anything more yummy than hand-dyed purple yarn?!

On our way back, we came upon a young man stuck in the ditch…he has slid off the road on an icy patch and couldn’t get out. My amazing husband used his tow strap to pull him out and send him on his way. We had a great talk with the girls about how we should always help others when we are able.

Upon returning, I started my very first knitting project…a dish rag with happy rainbow yarn! It’s going well so far…learning from mistakes as I go. Just like life

Before bedtime, Uncle Ryan taped tons of glow sticks on giant punching balloons, turned off the lights and let the kids go crazy! I don’t have a photo, but they sure had fun. We’ve had a wonderful time in Bozeman with family…tomorrow is our last day here and then it’s back to Colorado for a day and on the airplane to Iowa the next. Life is always an adventure! Hope your Christmas was joy-filled and wonder-full. xxoo

 

 

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:
the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.
*Burton Hillis

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

 

 

 

 

“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
*Jesus

Today I met my dear friend Deea in downtown Bozeman for a mama date. It was lovely to have some quiet moments away and we had a great time catching up. One of our stops included Stix, a knitting/yarn shop. It was my first time in such a place and oooooooh it was amazing. I wanted to touch everything. I bought some delicious Malabrigo yarn (Rasta/Arco Iris) and some chunky needles to try my hand at a cowl. Although it may be awhile because I just learned how to cast on/knit TODAY   Loving the process.

We were especially smitten with the “guerrilla knitting” on their railings and the giant ball of yarn. Such fun.

See more photos from our day here.

 

With four kiddos roaming about the holiday house, the living room is in a constant state of motion. Even more so when Uncle Ryan starts a giant wrestling match. Bella and Lucy are having a blast playing with their cousins every day!

We made it to Bozeman! There is a lovely blanket of white on the ground and we are enjoying time with family.

It’s always bittersweet to come back to a place we love so much. Feelings well up inside and I’ve had to work through emotions of wishing we were here again. Rugged feelings. Like the mountains surrounding us.

But God teaches through all of it…about contentment and peace and beauty in each season of life. And for that I am grateful.

On the road…together. It’s so wonderful to think we get to experience every moment of life together for the next 2 weeks.

As we wake up on this snowy morning in Sheridan,WY, I am blessed to call this amazing man my husband.

It’s 11:00 p.m. and the snow is falling softly outside. Thanks to that snow & some icy roads, our house has 5 more friends in it! Cheeks came up for a little Christmas gathering/dinner and decided to wait until morning to brave the roads back down the canyon.

After a wonderful dinner of lentil + sweet potato stew and sourdough bread, we ended the night with some brownies, ice cream, and decaf coffee. We also exchanged gifts and the kids had a ball playing dress up and teaching each other their dance moves. After the kiddos went to bed, the mommies and daddies stayed up to watch Robin Hood (photo) and I finished wrapping presents and packing for our trip tomorrow morning to Bozeman.

Our time together is always blessed…so thankful for friends who can “just stay”.