Photo Project 2012 - Days 305 to 328

Day 305

We celebrated Zelda's third family day on Nov. 1. She opened her gift first thing in the morning.

Day 306

Another spectacular sunrise. This one was out the patio door in the kitchen.

Day 307

Zelda's travel group gathered at our church to celebrate the anniversary of our adoptions. Two families weren't able to attend the party and were missed. It's so fun to see how much the children change from year to year.

Day 308

Apparently, this is the only picture I took this day. It looks to be the early colors of sunrise through the trees in the backyard. A pretty pathetic shot, if you ask me.

Day 309

I bought an abundance of Chiquita bananas (the very best) when they were on sale. Once they ripen, I cut them up and freeze them. We use them to make smoothies. Delish!

Day 310

Annalee looked so chic with her hair in a bun.

That same evening, Papa (Dad Bob) had some company while he relaxed on our couch.

Day 311

These cats constantly amuse us. That's Portia with her legs straight up while Cinna rests his head on her belly.

Day 312

Pomegranate season was upon us. It is Annalee's favorite fruit...well, along with watermelon.

Day 313

Whenever I can't find the kittens, I have to remember to look in the laundry room. On top of the washer, in the dirty laundry basket. Ick.

Day 314

Zelda and I made a chocolate cake for me to take to a class at church. When her face looks like this I'm never sure how much she actually gets into her mouth.

Later that day, as we headed out to the party to celebrate Annalee's eighth family day, I captured this sunset just down the road from our house.

These are 13 of the 18 girls who came home in Annalee's adoption group. They're growing up so fast! Annalee is in the pink.

Day 315

Cinna sleeps on Ron under a sleeping bag. He's a big baby (Cinna, that is).

Day 316

I remember a picture I took in February after we returned from Puerto Vallarta that was of a wonderful fruit salad. On Nov. 12 I found myself with pineapple, papaya and watermelon, so I made the same salad, tossed with a squeeze of lime juice.

Day 317

I was surprised one morning to find Portia resting on the vent in the bathroom.

Day 318

I have bored myself with images of the sky at sunrise, so I'm sure you're bored, too!

Day 319

The sun was just setting on our way home from the library one afternoon. My phone captured it as a huge glowing fireball.

Day 320

Portia likes to play in our library basket.

Day 321

The table at our church dinner dance looked so pretty lit by tea lights.

Day 322

This was the best of the first group of pictures I took of the girls for our 2012 Christmas card. I liked it, but I still did a couple more shoots to get the one that actually made the card.

Day 323

Zelda and Tubby hosted a tea party.

Days 324 through 328...
...went by in a blur as I ended up sick with pneumonia. I spent five days that included Thanksgiving in bed and am still gaining my energy back today as I write this (Dec. 27). I figured I was feeling better when I remembered to pick up the camera to continue work on this year-long project.

Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 24, 2012

May Christ our infant savior give you the joy of the Bethlehem shepherds, the awe of the worshiping sages and the humility and love of the holy family. May you become as little children and the blessing of God our Creator, Redeemer and Giver of life be with you always.

Amen

Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night! (Yes, I know I'm mixing a Santa story with Christianity, but we just read The Night Before Christmas, so it's just in me!)

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 23, 2012

At the end of communion, we sang "Let There Be Peace on Earth," a song I adore.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me;
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be,
With God as creator, brothers and sisters are we,
Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now.
With ev'ry step I take, let this be my solemn vow;
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth and it begin with me.

Amen to that.

And, now, our closing blessing:

As we await the Child of Peace, may we have the prophetic courage to turn our culture upside down. May we turn our swords into plowshares, not just as an act of poetry but of prophetic imagination and action; and may the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all, be upon you now and forever.

Amen and Merry Christmas to all.

Photo Project 2012 - Days 300 to 304

Day 300

I thought Zelda looked too cute in this flamingo shirt. Too bad she's growing out of it.

Day 301

Zelda was on the schedule to help with ushering at church on Oct. 28. Before the adult ushers arrived, she grabbed bulletins and was in position to greet people as they entered the nave. Nearly made me cry.

Day 302

The kittens really liked the fleece I was working with to make Annalee's Halloween costume.

Day 303

On days like this, when I see the sun burning through the trees and bushes, I relish the opportunity to get Annalee to school at 7:15 a.m.

Day 304

Fleece flames on Annalee's cape. I think this is the best costume I've made so far.

Here she is as the girl on fire, aka. Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games.

Zelda turned into a black cat for Halloween.

My nephew Wyatt was a scary clown. Yuck!

Do you know the name of this fairy? It's Merryweather from Sleeping Beauty. Way to go, Gerri!

Though I didn't take this picture (obviously), I include it here, 'cause it was a fun picture and you can see the excitement building as we prepare to go trick 'r treating.

And, now, I'm caught up through October. Only two more months to go!

First Sunday of Advent, Dec. 2, 2012

May Christ the sun of righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path, and the blessing of God almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all, be with you and remain with you for ever.

Amen