First Snow of the season Christmas 2012

We had our first real snow of the season yesterday. I was able to get in some early pictures. I was fascinated with the natural black and white feel of the morning.

Estes kid Christmas

Had the best time watching the kids play board games and open up presents with each other. My heart was swollen and pulsing pretty loud in my chest when I realized how grown up my kids are. Lauren brought Adam with her and Comanche had Abby with him. All four were able to enjoy each other and I thought about all of the future holidays we would all spend together...and someday watch thier little ones.

Christmas 2012

Wow! Another year gone by. I suppose there is a lot to talk about but I can't guarantee this post will make any sense. I think I might just ramble, if it is all the same to you. I am still recovering from this nasty cough/sinus/flu thing. I don't know if it will ever go away and has me quite humbled. I have had plenty of time to rest and recoup, but that also leaves my mind unattended...which could be good or bad - depending. I was thinking about my brothers today. I think, naturally, this time of year I get a little melancholy and wish they lived closer. I miss being part of their lives (and the lives of their families). I truly do miss the banter, the constant reassurance, and the overall pleasantness of having them near. All three of my brothers are good, honest, God fearing men. They love thier families with a passion and spend time with each of them. Good quality time beats buying presents any day of the week. Or at least, that is how I see it. My mom is doing really well. She is over the moon for her new dog, Baxter. Every time we talk, she tells me something new or funny he has done. I am thrilled she has him as a companion and that he loves her unconditionally. She has needed that in her life for some time now. My own family is doing well. We love each other so much we have decided to share germs and now all of us have had a bout with whatever this is that is going around. Christmas is in just a couple of days so hopefully, we will all be recovered before then. I am sure we will be exhausted from the family get togethers and with any luck, we won't feel the need to share anyone else's germs to bring back home. We are doing something a little differently this year. We will still do the big Estes thing and we will still do Jeff's mom/dad thing. We will spend Christmas Eve with just our own little family unit. Jeff, myself, Lauren / Adam, Comanche / Abby will spend Christmas Eve at our house. I see a nice lunch and then board games or cards. I am super excited about it, but I still wonder how these beautiful children are old enough to have significant others. I love love love that they want to spend their time with us. Another really great thing is that Jeff and I are not working until after the new year. We get to spend some quality time together. Well, I am tired so I feel the need to retire to the bed and catch some zzzz's.

Pumpkins

Ghost and Ghouls 2012

Today was the annual pumpkin carving contest. I know we are a traditional family, and some may think we are dorky...but I couldn't contain myself when I looked at the intensity and concentration of my family as they carved their "winner". I just kept thinking that this was what being a family is about; traditions and sharing moments throughout the year. Being together is not guaranteed and I want to enjoy every single moment with those that I love and care the most about. Pictures will follow.

Puppies

About a week or so ago, my mom was telling me about my neice, Addy, telling my mom, "Grammy, you need a puppy for a companion." We giggled because Addy is not quite 5 and her using the word 'companion' was enough to make you wonder what words she will be using when she is, say, 10 or 12. Interesting path for the mind to take, but that isn't what this post is about. This post is about Grammy taking the advice of her not-quite-five-year old grandaughter. While mom was telling me what she was thinking about, she became excited and almost animated. Hearing that from her was so heartwarming because she has never had her own pet. We, the kids, had dogs, cats, cows, chickens, horses, coyote, and God only knows what else as we were growing up. The rule was...we took them in, we cared for them. Mom didn't have to and I guess we all assumed she just wasn't an avid animal lover like we were. Anyway - she found a dog. My brother, Stephen, saw a sign on his street announcing free Chiweenie puppies. Steve took Mom to look and she went home with a little boy dog - Baxter. He weighs in at a whopping 5 pounds and is black in color. He is super cute and follows her around everywhere. I'm thrilled she is in a place in her life where she knows what she wants and understands what makes her happy (as opposed to what makes others happy). Baxter doesn't know it yet, but my mom is the best care taker on the planet and he is one lucky little guy.

Culture Shock

Going from upper 80's on the beach to upper 40's at home is quite an adjustment. So, in order to make the best of it - we will be holding our annual pumpkin carving contest tomorrow. I really do like fall, and hope to arouse some more "like" for it after my body adjusts to what we are playfully referring to as "jet lag" or culture shock of the difference in weather. There is already some banter among the natives about who will out carve whom. I just raise my eyebrow like I do and think quietly to myself that they can carve their hearts out and I will take as many pictures as possible. Hopefully, the rain will hold off until after the pumpkin innards have been taken to the trash. That isn't the most glamorous job, but someone has to do it. :) Stay tuned for pics.

More beach pics

Perspectives

We arrived home yesterday from our fall break vacation to the beach. WOW! What a truly awe inspiring - much needed - soul searching wonderful break. We spent several mornings walking the beach as the sun came up. During this time, I was able to reflect on life and enjoy the inner quietness that comes with the ebb and flow of the ocean. The purple hues were an added bonus as the misty fog rolled from the water to the breaks of the shore. I was truly in a perfectly peaceful part of myself on those mornings. Then we would lounge by the pool and then rotate to the beach before an afternoon nap. We spent some time carousing the beach shops and then out for dinner before ending the day as we started...on the beach. Again, watching the sun set on such a perfect landscape was indescribable. The ocean swallowing the sun allowed for an even deeper insight into one's soul. We spent a luxurious 5 days in a part of God's paradise, Thankfully, I collected some pretty nice pictures to help me remember the person I was on that beach. I miss her when she gets too busy to slow down and truly have a perspective that is hers.

Sigh. Yes, it has been 9 months since I have posted anything. Wow! That is long enough to have a baby! :) Let's see. What has happened in nine months? Well, Comanche has found the love of his life. Abby is a much needed addition to our family. We were able to see our dear friend, Auntie M, safely and securely moved into her new house. Storybelle decided to have her little boy, Tucker, during our garage sale. That was big fun! Jeff and I are doing well. There are seldom bumps in that road, but when they happen, they are major potholes. However, the sailing is smooth for right now. My baby girl, Emma, is about 37 pounds of happy, healthy, wanna-play-all-the-time- puppy. I just love her. She has settled quite nicely in with our little family. I think that is all for now. I should probably grade papers.