Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Winter Wonderland

It's here!! The first official Blizzard of the season. I am so excited that I keep going to our big picture window where are Christmas tree sits all lit up and just stare with amazement at the blowing drifting snow. It is truly a beautiful sight. The outside Christmas lights glowing under the snow are beautiful. I can't wait to wake up tomorrow morning to see the drifts of pure white snow draped across our front lawn and driveway (my husband and son will probably not be as excited as I am since they will be the ones outside clearing it all away). It is quite magical looking when not a car or person has driven or walked through it. It is a picture postcard scene. The fury of the wind makes the most wonderful amazing drifts of snow, with swirls and peaks. Our backyard resembles meringue on top of a banana cream pie. Oh the glory of nature!!!
Blessings,
Jill

Monday, December 7, 2009

snow and an engagement

We are on the verge of a major winter storm here in Iowa. Well, that's what the weather people are predicting. I have to be honest and let you all know that I love snow! I don't say it out loud very often because believe it or not there are a lot of people in Iowa who get a little grumpy when it snows!! I on the other hand do not. Today while I was driving to work I was thanking God for the little bit of snow we got overnight. I feel so blessed to live in a place that has 4 distinctive seasons. Spring where everything is new. There is a new birth when spring appears. Flowers breaking through the soil. Robins returning to nest and the new leaves on the trees are a beautiful light green. Summer is when all the flowers burst with color. The sun is warm and the days are longer. Time spent outside sitting on the deck and listening to the birds sing and the smell of freshly mowed grass. Fall with it's vibrant reds, golds, browns and orange colors. Pumpkins and Indian corn. The leaves falling and a faint whisper in the wind of goodbye, see you in the spring from the geese flying overhead. All of this leads into winter. Winter where the air becomes brisk with cold. Snow falls and the days become shorter. Blankets are brought out and draped across the couches and chairs just waiting for the time when someone will snuggle down in with a cup of hot cocoa or tea. Winter also means the glorious season of Advent and the celebration of Jesus birth. Sledding, snowboarding and walks on a cold winter night while the stars shine brighter than ever. Big pots of soup and freshly baked cookies. Four wonderful seasons all with their own special qualities. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else!!

I am so excited to let you all know that our daughter Kayla became engaged on Saturday evening to her wonderful boyfriend of 2 1/2 years. He is the son of one of my dear friends and we just love him to death. He is one of the nicest young men and stands a towering 6 1/2 feet while our beautiful daughter is a petite 5 feet. We were so happy when he came over last Tuesday evening to ask our blessing and to show us the ring he had picked out. It is beautiful. On Friday Kayla left with Jerod and his family for a week long cruise to celebrate his grandparents 50th wedding anniversary. On Saturday evening after a day of nerves and Kayla asking him repeatedly if something was wrong, he popped the question. She called on Sunday morning to let us know and her voice was filled with excitement and shock. We are so excited for this new journey that they will be planning.

God has truly blessed us this year and I know that there is even more blessings awaiting us for 2010.

Blessings,
Jill