Winter Happenings....

Risk is one of our favorite family games...Our little guy usually only hangs in for a few turns.












Our daughter is so silly...she dressed her cat, Blackie, up and had a tea party - not sure that
Blackie enjoyed it but she did.

Big brother built this snow cave for his siblings and they all, especially this guy, had fun in it. It is so like the Lord to bless me with a child who love the snow almost as much as me...and he loves building snowpeople...just like his mama!

I really love this picture of the mountains we live in - it was more beautiful as the time went on...and this picture does not do it justice. This picure gave me hope. I've been struggling with trying to be "happily" content while the Lord works out His plan for our family...some days I feel that we have been forgotten about - but as we all know this is not true in the least as God's word clearly says that He loves us and cares for us....and He has plans for us. Things have taken place that have stolen our joy and happiness BUT I think the Lord let us go through this to show us that those things are carnal and not as important as leaning on the promises of our great and mighty King of all Kings....Thank you to everyone for your prayers and friendship during our "adventure"....We are really asking the Lord to reveal the plans He has for us...asking Him to help us make some life changes...smile!

Food...I really enjoy decorating and making food look beautiful. So I decorated our lasagna with olives...so much fun to serve.

Snow is Here...and We Are LOVIN' It

December Days....

Christmas was an amazing time for our family as this was the first Christmas in three years that have been able to do "Griffin" traditions. Getting out our decorations and stockings was really emotional for me...but also filled me with much joy and excitement. We even picked out our tree, in the dark...with flashlights - that was a hoot! We were content with the simple Christmas we were having but......the Lord had other plans for our family....several friends and a group of ladies whom we have never met blessed us with gifts and goodies. Our Christmas day was filled with awe and joy. It still amazes me how the Lord used so many to bless our family...there were gifts given to us that no one knew we needed or wanted - well the Lord knew and He used His people to provide for our family.

Another major event that happened is that our oldest son turned 15 years old...15 wow!!!!! Wasn't it just yesterday he was begging for "Veggie-Tales" one more time????? He is growing into a wonderful man...full of fun and joy! We really are blessed to know him and have him in our lives.

Conviction in my heart happened this December....(sheepish grin)...during this season I realized how selfish I've been in the kitchen. I've not done my children any favors by keeping them out of planning, cooking and baking....ugh!!!! Since my "conviction" I've been cookin' up a batch of something with each of my children...and you know what - it is really rewarding and enjoyable to have them in my very "little" kitchen helping....and to see the joy in their eyes as they accomplish a meal or dessert for the family. If you have small children, please learn from my mistake and get cookin' with your little people before they get big and complain...like our older son who thinks Top Ramen and Mac-n-Cheese are fine dinning...he did make a delish potato and bacon soup and he did admit it was "fun" cooking with mom....

Hoping you will have a delightful new year and may you learn to walk in the spirit of the Lord...where there is life and joy and where you will be pleasing to the Lord! (Romans 8)

Ahhhh...My Favorite Time of the Year...Winter!

I love, love, love the snow...love it! I love sledding and building snowpeople has to be my most favorite thing to do in the snow.....really! So the children and I walked up our very, very, very long driveway and got busy building snowpeople. Aren't they great! I think that my oldest and my daughter take the cake in creativity. Sad to say but all things must come to an end...and after our two hour snow building we headed back down the driveway...stopped for a few sled runs...and in for hot chocolate! I'm so glad I took pictures as the very next day we awoke to high winds and rain...our snowpeople didn't make it and have all melted....boo-hoo!

A Summer Collection

So here is a summer collection of fun pictures for you! We have been busy getting ready for the fair, playing at the lake and just enjoying the summer. My daughter got her first sqirrel - she shot it and skinned it on her own - nice job "Annie Oakley"!

I want to also take this moment to wish a very special friend "Happy Birthday" - she is dear to my heart and is a rare jem - someone I treasure!

Thanks for stopping by the blog - enjoy the rest of your summer!

Welcome!

Fall...don't you just love fall? As we have enjoyed many days here lately I've noticed that fall has been different this year. I think it has to do with the peace and joy I feel in my heart. I see new things that I've never noticed before - like the wind blowing the leaves off of the trees...why have I never noticed that before I wonder? I'm sure I have but for some reason it just seems so beautiful and peaceful to me this year....hmmmm just something to ponder.

Have a delightful day tomorrow...