The sweater that Grandma Kathy knit fits! Esther looks beautiful in it!

A few of Esther's favorite things:

1. Watching her hands and feet (they're amazing and do amazing things).

2. Taking baths (just not the getting out part).

3. Sucking on her lower lip and tongue.

4. DADDY! (he's so silly and fun!)

5. Country music on car rides.

Tummy time is so much more fun now that my face doesn't have to be smashed into the blanket.
10 weeks old - 13lb. 1oz.

Our beautiful little Hawaiian girl.

8 weeks old.

A Promise of Spring.

I planted these beautiful pansies today while Esther was taking a nap.

I pinched off the blooms in order that they could put their strength into growing deep roots and a healthy plant. It's true that they will be robbed of their beauty for a short time, but when they do finally bloom, what gorgeous-ness they will display!

Today I'm praising the Lord for the times that He's pinched me back (and will continue to do so) in order that I might become the person He's shaping me into.

Chris got to feed Esther last night.

"Thank you, Daddy!"

Hat in progress.

A Special Greeting

especially for Greg:

We're thinking about you today and praying for you, too.

We love you, Greg-shpeg!

Merry Christmas!

Here are a few pictures from our Christmas up here in Bonnners Ferry.

My, how that baby belly is growing. We are so excited to introduce your sweet little niece or nephew to you. Baby's due in 5 weeks!

Mom and Dad Grant were able to come up for the weekend. We had a fantastic time.

Karissa sent this cute Christmas necklace for her Auntie Tricia.

"You guys are just the best. You got me this bed, you're painting the room for me...

I really am the queen of everything."

Some pretty little cherry tomatoes we were growing this summer.

Week 10
Foods that are Fabulous:

• spinach salad with strawberries and poppyseed dressing
• cantalope
• all-fruit popsicles
• grapes
• foods that fairly mild-flavored
• JIF reduced-fat creamy Peanut Butter!

My lovely little flowers, like imprisoned beauties, are trying to escape.

Oh what a playful little kitty.

Our finished hearth! Chris did such a fantastic job on it.

We went to Wisconsin this weekend to see baby Josiah for the first time, and to spend some time with Paul and Becca. Here are some favorite shots from our weekend.

Baby Josiah's blanket that his Auntie Tricia made for him and sent off the day after this picture was taken.

Chris holding the chunk of materials that he cut out of the floor for our fresh-air vent. From the top: stone, cement board, plyboard, carpet, carpet pad, laminate, two layers of wood flooring, and one hefty floor board. It was hard work!

Our little cat, Juliet, was very interested in the new hole in the floor. Before we grabbed the camera she had her entire head down inside the hole.

Our new stove! Chris finished the grouting on the back wall of the hearth Sunday. The stove came on Monday and they just finished the installation yesterday. We have a few finishing touches to do on the hearth, then on to our next project - wood.

I'm still glowing from my birthday last week. I had a great day at work - then immediately went to the spa after work and had a massage. Chris and I went to dinner at a local place that we had gone last summer and had had amazing steaks. Unfortunately, Chris's steak was so-so... but my shrimp was mouth-watering mmmmm.
And to top off my amazing day, Chris surprised me with this beautiful guitar and a lesson at a nearby music store to be redeemed when I so choose.
Sigh.

This is us - Chris and Tricia on a hike last summer.

I am so amazed and blessed to be married to such an wonderful man.