.: November 2009

Saturday, November 28

Thanksgiving

This year was such a great year. We have gone through a whole lot of change, and have enjoyed every minute of it. God has showered us in His blessings, and we continue to stand in awe of everything He has done in our lives. For Thanksgiving this year, we really took the time to think about everything we are thankful for. This year Devin and I can't help but smile upon the results of God's faithfulness in our lives. We are so thankful for all of the awesome friends God has given us here in Anchorage.

We had Thanksgiving with 4 other couples and a couple of girls I know from work.

Although we all missed our families, it was one of the best Thanksgivings ever. We had so much fun together. Devin fried two turkeys, and Matt smoked one. We also had a honey baked ham, and all of the traditional sides x3 and some amazing appetizers! We played games, sat by the fire, watched college football, and drank cider.

Some of us cooked some traditional sides that we have never made before, because our mom's usually made them. It was really fun. I made stuffing and yams for the first time, and they tasted almost just like mom's.

Devin and Hailey (Ryan and Jen's daughter). She is soooo precious! We all love her so much!

Some of the boys watching the game... while cuddling! haha

We got about 6 inches of snow on Thanksgiving day!

Matt, Josh, and Devin carving the turkeys!

The table

The appetizers!

Sunday, November 22

Snow pictures!

Yesterday we went out to take pictures in the snow, in hopes of capturing at least one good shot for our Christmas card.

We had a great time with Matt and Sarah!

Devin kicked the tree to get some snow to fall for the picture....

more fell than expected.

Sunday, November 15

Lately, it has been about 10-15 degrees! It's getting ready to drop below zero. Devin and I have actually acclimated pretty well. We think it is because of the slow transition from summer to winter here. We went from 60 degrees for a month or two, down to 40 degrees, and then in the 20's and 30's. We are cold, don't get me wrong, but it's not bad at all! We are enjoying the beautiful snow! Driving has also been an adjustment. Fortunately, Devin and I drive down to Anchorage every morning together. We both start and end our work day around the same time. I am so glad because I would be too scared to drive the Glenn highway with all of that ice! We've slid a couple of times when we were downtown. We have to drive pretty slow! Then you also have the yahoos who think they can drive fast, and end up sliding and making a full 360 turn and then get into an accident, man, some people!

I think it's because it's all new, but we are so excited about all of the things winter brings!

I love watching Devin shovel the driveway in the morning.

I love that I have to wear gloves in order to touch the steering wheel, because it's too cold.

I love watching the snow fall with my kids in our classroom.

I love how excited they get when it's time for recess, and when they come back in with bright red noses and cheeks.

I love that scarves, gloves, hats, boots, and coats are not a fashion statement here; they're a necessity!

I love how much more I love hot coffee, and tea.

I love how smooth everything looks with a fresh coat of snow.

I love watching Devin build a fire in our fireplace at least 4 times a week.

I love the way the pine trees look with snow of them.

I love how the bare trees have each branch so gracefully covered in snow and frost.

I love gathering with friends around the fire to play cards.

Now, I realize that some of these things I will not love so much after a few months, like having to wear gloves to drive. BUT, I am enjoying/embracing every moment of it. I'm sure when summer comes, I will be more than ready for it though!

Many more pictures to come!