'Tis the Season

 As I title this post, I can't help but think of the name of this blog ...

for everything a season.

So why ... "Tis the Season"

Maybe because for always this one stands out ...

drawing us, because God has set eternity in our hearts.

I've been listening to Noel

the story of amazing love ... truly one of my favorites,

sung by Lauren Daigle ...

 Last week we had our staff party with Calvin and Heather Dyck as guest musicians.

 We also had our annual MGCC party, hosted by Julie and her hubby in their clubhouse.
For more details you may want to see Ellen's beautiful pictures.

Of course, there's been some good aromas coming from the kitchen.

 We've listened to children who have practiced hard ...

 beautiful music, 

inviting us into the celebration of the Light of the World,

the gift given to us.

I've been wrapping and hiding our own gifts,

while even the house, we keep going back to,

has had it's own wrapping. 

So much going on ... I keep saying it.

If I really think about it all at once,

I'm overwhelmed.

Yet, I want to focus on keeping the main thing 

the main thing. 

"Tis the season ... reminding us of

Hope, Joy, Love and Peace -

not only for the season.

♡♡♡

These Were the Special Times

This past week, as I was decorating this house one more time,

I had the chance to reminisce ...

and look back at the years that have flown by.

 We moved into this home 1987
Julene was nine, Kristal seven and Benji four years old.
(in the family room)

There were the years of trains, table hockey,

maple town and barbies.

Moments of pure anticipation ...

sparkly eyes and mittens.



Christmas was always a time for extra practices.
whether it meant playing an instrument, singing or page turning.

And this photo just makes me smile. 

How the room has changed since 1994.

 The teen years snuck up on us.

as well as the last Christmas before college days.

We welcomed Chris into the family in 2000.

I was so proud to set the table for my growing family of six!
It felt official.

Christmas break 2002 we welcomed Shaun,
and he and Kristal made their home in California


 Christmas 2004 we celebrated early,
as Chris and Julene with two babies left for Indonesia
It now sounds easier than it was -  15 years ago.

Shaun and Kristal came home for Christmas 2005

with a wonderful precious cargo.

 And Ben brought home a special girl ... Kari

 The photo couch in 2005 

with a message to our Indonesia family

The following year our Indonesia kids had a Christmas furlough

  but we missed our California family.

 The beginning of cousin times in 2010

Shaun and Kristal moved here and Chris and Julene took a break.

And so ... for a few years, all the cousins were home.

Hanging out in the family room that has seen some changes.

We initiated a gift opening chair, 

so that the gift opener could have some space.

 The kids' table

and the adult table

And back to one full table in 2014.

Christmas 2016, just days before Jack came along.

I left all of the tree decor in the box and decorated with blue bulbs.

Little concerts before opening gifts

have become tradition,

as well as cousin photos,

 taking turns facetiming across the ocean

and we can't forget Papa's overflowing lap and stories.

How very blessed we have been in this home ...

it brings me to happy tears of joy and gratefulness

(For all) the special times

Times we'll remember
the precious times ... the tender times
we'll hold in our hearts forever...

These are the sweetest times
These times together
And through it all, one thing will always be true
The special times are the times I share with you,

(Celine Dion)

♡♡♡

Dreams Growing from the Ground Up

 When we began drawing up scratch plans and designs, I kept looking for ideas of slanted roofs.

I also wondered how they would frame it.

But they are professionals.

So, needless to say, when the day finally came that this roof became visible,

I was very excited. We happened to get there just as the framer was working on the arch. 

I said to my H, this center part of the house is like the tiny house I'd want to live in ...

but for now we will make room for more ... and share the space.

 The inside of the slanted roof ... the dining room.

Are you surprised?

View from the kitchen window.

 Back yard ... from the family room. Lots of work.

 View from the guest room.

I will have to curb my desire to post pictures of Mt. Baker.

These days there are so many decisions to be made

but we are enjoying it a lot!

Over 30 years ago we built for our little family,

filling this home with life and memories to cherish,

but it's time to move on.

A future retirement and

grandparent's home is a new season to embrace.