Rainbows

Did you know that not everyone knows the color of the rainbow?

At work someone asked me what order to fill the viles of blood. I said "in order of the rainbow (they all have color coded tops)." He replied "well that doesn't help me."

And while talking with Gary about colors he was unaware that the order of the rainbow is exactly the same every time the light shines through droplets of moisture in that perfect way.

Do you know the colors of the rainbow and their order?

P.S. This picture was taken by my mama on Evening Star.

Christmas Morning

Merry Christmas.
We got everything we wanted. Family. Love. And a few fun gifts.

We are grateful for the message this holiday brings. We are grateful for each other.

We are grateful for the blessing in our life and the people who bring them to us.

Christmas Eve

The Caroling.

The Sugar Plum treats.

The Christmas Story. Bless my S-I-L Lyndee for making this happen year after year. This picture cracks me up with it's complete wildness. However the sweetness of best birth story ever was felt as it is every year the Kirkman grandkids act it out.

Love.

My mother and father in law jamming out.

And as Gary strapped Canyon's limp, partied out body into his car seat to head home Canyon summed up the night by saying, "That was one cool party."


And after we arrived home in Flagstaff we layed our sweet angles down and we all slept in our room.

Handmade Gifts

About 6 years ago we started making handmade gifts for our family. And they do the same for us. This has brought thoughtfulness and craftiness to our Christmas giving experience. Making it very rewarding. I have had to dig deep some years as craftiness is not my strong suit. However, I am grateful to learn new skills.

This year the ladies got aprons & earrings (my side had aprons made from my Grandma Pat's fabric). They boys got duct tape wallets and survival bracelets. And Billy got a ax/saw/hammer (I think--he loved it and knew exactly what it was).

We received magnet boards and tote bags for the boys, a new purse for me, and a super soft blanket for Gary, and picture frames made from the Old House.

Our family has some seriously talented folks.

Christmas with my Mom

After the Polar Express my Mama stayed the night and we did a mini-Christmas celebration with her. I received the most wonderful gift... Handmade frames from Old House wood with pictures of the Old House and Paho, Skye & I (who were all born there).

They are lovely.

The Polar Express

We went on the Polar Express.

The kids were excited. So were we.

The Hot Chocolate was perfect. The cookies were huge.

We met Santa and saw the North Pole.

We laughed and sang, snuggled and hugged.

We rode a magical train.

1/2 Way THERE!!!!

Gary completed his 3rd semester @ NAU this week. MEANING he is half way done with his schooling at NAU. In just 3 more semesters he will have a degree in forestry & wildlife biology. Next semester he has a school trip to Nicaragua planned, the summer will yield another internship and in the fall he will begin his 3rd and final year. Time has flown by. We are working hard. We are tired. We are strong. Our boys are amazing. We are grateful for our opportunities and DO NOT take them for granted. We are blessed and thankful daily.

Out of Africa

Cara treated me and 4 WILD ANIMALS to a Wildlife park in Camp Verde. We could have left them there and no one would've noticed. The giraffes loved them and I am pretty sure the lions and tigers thought they looked tasty. It was a BEAUTIFUL day with wonderful company. All 4 boys loved it and I loved spending the day with my dear friend.

P.S. Cara and her family are moving across the country in a couple weeks. We are going to miss them... But are soooooo excited for their new adventure.

This weekend...

We went Christmas shopping, then rested in the local bookstore for a cup of hot coco and watched the snow fall..

Trek and Canyon spoke with Santa about their wish list...
We decorated the house...

Trek slipped on my boots [his Astro boy boots] and snuck out side to play in the snow...

Thanksgiving in VEGAS with the HOLLYs

We were invited to Vegas by one of my favorite families :-). We spent Thanksgiving in Vegas with Skye and her boys! It was loaded with fun and excitement.

We had the honor of watching the Matadors compete. It also happened to be the Holly's last game coaching, playing, and organizing with the YAFL Matadors. It has been wonderful sharing this experience with them. Their dedication and commitment has never ceased to amaze me and I am sure they will continue to represent in their future endeavours.

On the STRIP the boys meet some SUPERHEROs. Trek was in awe, AWE. He lives in Superhero world, so to have them before his eyes was an honor and confirmation that they exist. Canyon was gitty and decided when he's a grown up he will dress like that too.

The WATER SHOW at the BELLAGIO:

My SWEET SISTER and me:

My B-I-L and my SIS:

MATT and his SUPER cool friends. They attempted BEAT-BOXing for money. It didn't work out for them. However, Canyon hasn't stopped BEAT-BOXing since.

My WONDERFUL HUBBY (before he contracted food poising and hiccups for 3 days) and our WONDERFUL BOYS, who I am especially THANKFUL for.

Visiting Cousins

Kaydence taught the boys some fantastic dance moves (It was the closest thing to a Village People concert I will have the opportunity to watch-Trek even had a hammer for the routine)... Waylon Blue (he happens to have the same middle name as my baby Blue) stole my heart...

And the fearless, loving, precious duo were reunited for an afternoon of giggles, hugs, and front flips...