Merry, Merry Christmas!

It has been a Merry Christmas at our home this year--all of our kids were home today.

O' Christmas Tree on Christmas Morn

Shovelin' the driveway

Abi and Bear-ness

Shoes by our front door are replaced by snow boots lately

Abi with Tiger and Bear

Our plans to visit Grandpa and Grandma Nichols were not hampered by the snow and ice. Matt and the kids shoveled the drive way and also a trail to the road. The drive up over Chehalem Mountain was absolutely gorgeous! The snow was highlighted by the streams of sun rays. Matt told us to soak in these sights, as this snow fall in our area is rare and may not happen again for another 40 years.

Grandpa had baked a huge lasagna for our Christmas meal. Super huge, like 5 inches deep. A terrific garden salad and toasted garlic bread topped off the meal. In tradition, spiced cider was simmering in the crock pot. Delicious!

Our visit was cut short by icy roads after dark. :(

Grandpa, Abi, Dan, Nicole, and Grandma Grandpa's famous Christmas Lasagna Abi, Grandpa and Grandma

Dan and Grandpa Lori, Debi, and Abi Abi and Nicole

Dan and King-size Lasagna

Miss Gizmo

Christmas Eve

Well, it's Christmas Eve.

Matt has been working his toochy off at his jobs, and hasn't been home much.

I managed to get all of my "to-do" list for Christmas completed--with the much-needed help from my daughter, Nicole.

• The tree is up and decorated
• Christmas shopping budget has been used
• Presents are wrapped and under the tree
• Fudge has been made
• Toffee candy has been made
• Goodie plates have been delivered to our neighbors
• Snowman is in the front yard
• Sugar cookies have been baked--awaiting the frosting tomorrow
• Dough for cinnamon rolls has been started
• Handmade heating pads have been made for Nicole's friends

Now, all I want for Christmas is time with my husband. He's still working as I write this. :(

Happy Christmas Eve....

40-Year Record Snowfall

We're not quite sure how much snow we have exactly at this point. The measurement is quite a bit more than our 12 inch ruler. Guestimate is about 18 inches.

A lot of snow, right outside our back door

It snows at least once a winter in our town, and average is about 2-3 inches that usually melts away later in the afternoon. Certainly not the case for this storm. I don't really like referring to this snowfall as a storm, or use negative-type words. I am really enjoying the beauty and awe of the snow and I am thoroughly thankful for the amount of snow we have received.

Our resident squirrel enjoying some peanuts

Matt is a true storm-trooper. He is loving the fact that he can use his 4x4 to navigate the snowy icy streets. He has not missed a day of work in the past week, and does not intend to. The pictures were taken this morning, before we received an additional 5 inches. You can see Matt in the picture next to his truck, before he left for work.

Matt warming up the truck

Matt made it through the snow last night to pick up Nicole and bring her home for Christmas. Nicole and I enjoyed our walk to McDonalds for lunch, and to the store for shopping. We took some pictures along the way. Nicole and Lori

Our cars buried

The Beauty of the Snow

Click on any photo to view larger image

My name is Tiger....

Hello, world....

I am a lucky dog. I was adopted a week ago from a shelter. I've have had a really rough life. I am underweight, weighing in at 7 pounds.

My new family drove through the snow and ice to pick me up. They have taken me to the doctor for a check up, and also to the groomer to get my new hair cut. I have a warm home now, with lots of hugs and kisses.

My two new brothers, Checkers and Bear look out for me, too. I hear I have a sister, Cindy Lu, who is living in Arizona with Grandpa and Grandma Andrews.

Yes! Got Snow!

8 1/2 inches of snow fall Saturday

We received 8 1/2 inches of snow over the past 24 hours. Our yard and neighborhood looks wonderful. I wish it could last all winter.

We have had many small birds visit our bird feeder that we have hanging outside our kitchen window. They take turns floating down from the nearby tree to eat from the feeder. The squirrels haven't been by yet this morning to eat the peanuts.

Matt and Dan doing cookies in the street