Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Winter Happenings

Winter has flown by! Baby Penny arrived, born to our friends, Jon & Kari and their two older children, Jonny & Lily. We celebrated the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ, during Christmas. We're looking forward to celebrating a late Christmas in Wisconsin with the Ottum side of the family. Woo hoo! Here are a few photos of our busy winter:

Kari, Jonny (5), Lily (3), & Penny (1 week?)


Sharing some of the baby love. How can you resist it? ;)


Proud "Uncle" Steve holding her for the first time.


We didn't decorate much this year since we have travel plans, but we did get some beautiful Christmas cards from some wonderful people we love.
Thanks, guys!


The Oregon Capitol CHRISTMAS tree, in all its glory.

I love the capitol building.
There's something truly awe-inspiring found in old architecture.

Happy New Year to you and yours, with love from us!

Our Little Buddy

We've been blessed with the opportunity and responsibility of sponsoring a young child through World Vision. His name is Adrian Ruben. He is almost four years old. He enjoys playing with toy cars, like any other little boy. He lives with his parents and siblings in South America. His family brings great joy to ours! What a privilege to carry this child before God in prayer, and to be blessed through sharing God's riches with his family.


I can't explain the thrill I feel when I see an envelope like this slip through the mail slot!


Check out those motor skills! Such a great little artist! We're so proud!
=)

Late Birthday Post

Just a little post on how I spent my 26th birthday. =)

I received some pretty great gifts from some pretty special people. I didn't get photos of them all, but they're all equally awesome. Phil, Patty, and Maya, aware of how much Steve and I enjoy board games, gifted us with the incredibly fun Carcassone! I then got a package from mom and dad:


These scissors are incredible! A great help with Christmas gifts!


Beautiful flowers from Kiki!


I spent part of my evening at the Willamette Humane Society, helping out in the pet store.
It's always fun to see little critters get a new home!


My sweet husband treated me to dinner at a Mongolian grill.
Yummy! I love not having to cook some nights.


Can't beat a steaming plate of stir-fry! Mmm...


I had a wonderful birthday filled with lots of love and well wishes.
Thank you, everybody!
I'm sure my year will be amazing.
God is good!



Friday, December 17, 2010

Wholesome

I splurged.
Bob's Red Mill Stone Ground 100% Whole Wheat Flour
It now occurs to me, this must not be a splurge.
This must be a staple in our home.

The texture: Soft. Light. Fluffy. Substantial.
The taste: Rich. Nutty. Well-rounded. Fulfilling.

These chocolate chip cookies, made with Guittard chocolate chips, were picture perfect and tasted heavenly with a slight crispiness to the outside, a deliciously soft inside, and warm, melted chocolate in every bite. Mmm... Pass the milk, please!