Saturday Scones

My mom is the queen of Saturday scones. She makes a different kind every week, and my dad is happy to sample. I miss my mom and Saturday scones. But I was thrilled when Dayna brought a cookbook home from the library and made these cranberry orange gems all by herself. Even better...she cleaned up after herself!

D.A.R.E.

Dayna and her classmates had their D.A.R.E. graduation on Friday. A local police officer has come to their class every week this year to talk to the students about making good decisions, resisting peer pressure, and knowing the dangerous affects of issues like drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and internet safety.

49 Years!

Just had to give a shout out to this incredible couple who has set the bar high in their example of a marriage that honors God first, each other second, and then their family. Their priorities and selflessness for so many years have been an inspiration, and I'm proud to call them my parents. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Symphony with My Girl

Dan's parents shared their symphony tickets with Dayna and I this month. It was fun to watch her engaged the whole time, watching the pianist, the cellos, and even the percussionists (a pretty nice gig - 4 cymbal strikes in an hour, but the same pay scale!) She was making some really nice observations about bow holds, musician posture, acoustics, and the different meters of different pieces. I love watching her love for music blossom.

A night out with my girl was pretty special, too!

This Guy

The second half of this month has been eye opening for me. I realize anew just how much I love my husband and how much I depend on him. He had the opportunity to do some job training in Dallas two weeks ago. Four days. Four really long days. One kid with the stomach flu. Three days to finish one load of laundry. One hour to load the dishwasher. Everything seemed to be in slow motion, and I felt ill-equipped to handle the pressure. Nothing seemed to get accomplished, and my best efforts to have a smoothly-run home for his return were in vain. He came home to three high-strung girls and a lot more gray hair (on my head - he asserts that his hair is clear.)

I know that Satan has used this time to throw his fiery darts of accusations and lies, and I confess...he almost had me for a bit. I have wondered if I was enough for my girls. I have wondered if I'm nurturing my family the way they need me. I have felt like I was failing those I love the most.

But I'm reminded that I don't need to be enough. I can't do anything on my own power. God created our marriage. He designed our family. He knew exactly what He was doing as He fashioned four very different souls from four different parts of the world. And as long as He is enough....that's enough for me.

(That, and I'm really glad that Dan is home and doesn't travel often! I'm also really glad that the stomach flu never actually reached the vomiting stage - for those who may know that according to an agreement made with Dan years ago, that's my end.)

Knitting Accomplishments this Month

My needles have been flying. It's been a fun month finishing some long term projects and starting new ones.

My Oregon State socks. Pattern: Socks on a Plane (Ravelry); yarn: Biscotte Clownfish

 NFL KAL 

Yarn: I Love this Cotton

The high scoring season ended in a ten foot long scarf! It came together into a nice cowl (no picture, sorry)

New socks, to be finished this week:

Pattern: Briony (Ravelry); yarn: Regia

Another Birthday

Many find January to be dismal. I get kind of excited. I've always loved my birthday. This year was a lot of fun. I got to sub in the same class I enjoyed for six weeks last fall. Dan sent me flowers at school, and brought birthday treats to share with the kids. I taught piano lessons and was treated to dinner at Cracker Barrel. (Not as good as usual, but hey, I didn't have to cook!) Dan and the girls made my favorite German Chocolate cake, and the family delivered on some thoughtful gifts. Thanks to all for sharing my birthday joy this year!

Hooray for new sock yarn and a new yarn swift to wind it! And the cake didn't last very long...

Happy new sock yarn from Alaska

New yarn swift to wind the yarn!

Look at those sparkles. Now to find the perfect pattern.

The cake didn't last long.