Saturday, December 31, 2005

Philly Squirrels

Squirrels like nuts, right? Not this one - evidently he prefers chicken. We caught this fellow (that's photographically speaking, Jake) sitting outside our bedroom window yesterday, gnawing on an old chicken bone. Kind of kooky...

Monday, December 26, 2005

Y.A.B. (Yet Another Blog)

Just a heads up to let you know that I've started yet another blog - this one called Wayfaring Pilgrim. Wayfaring Pilgrim will be a place for me to reflect on what I'm thinking about theologically... if this type of thing interests you, please feel free to check it out.

And now, back to your regularly scheduled programming...

Looking Back


Looking back through photos from the summer, and I came across this picture of Me and Jack - July 23, 2005, on the trail below Mystic Lake in the Beartooths.

Brings back good memories...

Merry Christmas

So Friday afternoon we all hopped in the Excursion and headed out for Gettysburg to spend Christmas with Marilyn's sister and her folks. Or so we thought. We made it two whole blocks before something happened in the engine - basically we lost all power, and barely managed to get it turned around and back into the driveway, where its still sitting today. Something is evidently wrong in the fuel system - we have to try and get it up to the garage on Tuesday (and that probably won't be cheap).

SO...that left us stranded at home Friday evening, wondering how we could find a way to get to Gettysburg. Solution? Ryan and Rachel left their vehicle at our house over the holiday. Downside? It's a Honda Accord. Nevertheless, when you're in a pinch, you just have to make do - and so that's what we did: all five of us (and Jack!) piled into the Accord and headed west on 276.

As you can tell, it's a little tight. Where's Jack, you ask? Well he's right there on the floor, between Marilyn's feet!

So after a day's delay, we made it to Gettysburg! Much fun was had by all, especially the kids and grandparents. We had our traditional Oyster Stew for Christmas Eve dinner, then visited Brad & Miriam's church for the Christmas Eve Service. And then on Sunday morning...

...Marilyn's famous cinammon rolls with fresh roasted coffee! Ah, what a way to wake up on Christmas day!

We came back Sunday evening, and here we are this morning waking up and getting back into the swing of things (kind of - I'm waking up in my favorite coffee shop, and then I need to spend the rest of the day working on stuff for presbytery). So that's our weekend in a nutshell! Hope all of you had a great Christmas Day as well...

Thursday, December 22, 2005

My Little Angel

Yes, it's blurry. But it's still a cool photo. And she is still my little angel...

Christmas Village

One of the cool things about Christmas are Marilyn's Christmas Village ornaments that sit on top of the piano. I took this shot the other night. There's something about Christmas ambience, and actually having the time to enjoy it - tonight we are sitting around the table while the kids playing Lord of the Rings Risk (thanks Grandma C!), while Marilyn and I are working on addressing Christmas cards. Lots of fun indeed...

Making Her List

Here's a nice shot of Mrs. Claus, making her list and checking it twice...

Moments Like These

I just want to say that it's moments like these that keep us encouraged and longing for home while we are sojourning out here in Philly (especially over the holidays). On the one hand, its always a bit of a bummer to here what folks back home are doing. On the other hand, it not only brings back lots of fond memories - it also really gives us something to look forward to.

So thanks to those of you who share your lives with us - please keep doing that, whether blog posts or email. You really do encourage us (and we need it!). Also, please keep praying for us - it really makes a difference. If you have a few moments this holiday season, please drop us a line and let us know what is happening in your lives...

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Aggravation

Tonight was fun. First, Molly called and I actually had time to sit and talk and just hear what's been happening in her life these past couple of months (thanks Molly!). Then, the kids and I played Aggravation. For those of you who have never played this game, you have no idea what you are missing (of course, Marilyn absolutely hates it so she wasn't playing).

If you look closely, at the picture, you'll notice an extra set of marbles. We tried a novel concept tonight, where "pink is wild." Basically, whoever starts rolls their own turn, and then also rolls for pink. Then players proceed clockwise around the board, but "pink" proceeds counter clockwise (so when it's the person-to-the-right-of- the-starter's turn, he/she gets to roll pink in addition to his own roll, and the next time around, it's the person to HIS right's turn to roll pink). Effectively it adds up to "everyone plays their own color, but every 4 turns you also get to play pink. Which can come in very handy when you really want to aggravate someone. :-)

Overall it was a very cool twist. You might want to give it a try sometime! And who won the game you ask? It was neck and neck down to the wire, but Mr Incredible pulled it out at the end! Woo hoo to you too!

Saturday, December 17, 2005

Finals Are Over


Well, finals are finally over, and we've begun to unwind a bit. Last night was movie night - we watched Cinderella Man, and then the kids and I took some pictures of each other. And then this evening, the sunset was particularly pretty. I'll write more soon, but for now I just wanted to let everyone know we are doing well and thank you for your prayers.

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Why Santa Hates Christmas in MT

Turn up your volume and then see Why Santa Hates Christmas in Montana. Ah, this brings back fond memories of reading Christmas stories to my kids when they were little (yes, we Montanans are a wee bit warped)...
(HT: Random Mind).