Snow Pictures

It is melting away now, but at the peak of the storm, we had accumulated 10 inches, and it was breathtakingly beautiful outside.

Coming in our Driveway:

The House:

The Barn:

Front Yard:

Christmas Celebrations

We were blessed this year to be able to spend time with both sides of the family and still get a travel-free Christmas Day at home. And the best part? It was a WHITE Christmas at Hillside Farm! Here is a photo recap of the festivities:

Whittaker celebration in Junction City:
Stockings hung with care:


Lots of presents:


Playing with Auntie Jo and Uncle Tim:


Twist celebration:
Reading with Cousin Savvy:


Baby Girl on the move!


More presents:




A White Christmas at home:

Waking to snow Christmas morning:


Playing with Daddy and new toys:


Sledding!

Two Years Ago

Two years ago today, we welcomed our Firstborn into our family. He was an early Christmas surprise, since he wasn't due until January 5th.

Our lives are fuller and richer because of this charming little boy. We are so proud to call him ours!

Birthday Party for Jack!

We celebrated the long-awaited 2nd birthday on Saturday with the help of both sets of Grandparents, some Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and even a Great-Grandma. That Kiddo had such fun checking out his alphabet cake, opening presents, and absorbing all of the attention!

Apparently, Mama the photographer was so absorbed in either feeding everyone or watching her baby enjoy his day, that she neglected to get many photos of the other participants. Hopefully other members of the papparazzi will be willing to share their photos of the day!

In Loving Memory

My Grandmother Clara Nielsen Whittaker Borovec was born October 8, 1915.
She passed peacefully from this earthly life on December 14, 2007.

Grandma with her parents and brother in 1930:


Undated photo of Grandma with her Mother in a hayfield (here's proof that I am descended from farmers!):


In 1939, after her wedding ceremony, with new husband David Whittaker:


At a recent Thanksgiving family gathering:

Zoolights

Checking out the lights


The Zoo Train


Jack and his cousin Savannah got to watch the elephants eat their dinner


Jack riding his Daddy's shoulders down the path

Christmas Tree Day

We went out on Saturday to find a Christmas tree. This year was fun, because I have been pointing out decorated trees to our Boy for the past month when we see them in stores. Then we prepped him all morning and talked about putting a tree in our house. He thought that was a terrific idea!

Heading off...


Little LumberJack


Boots


Mission Accomplished


The tree had to dry out awhile when we got home, so us Parents got it up while the Kid napped. It was so fun to bring him down the stairs when he woke to find a fully lighted and decorated tree in the living room.

Checking out all the "balls" and "ites" (lights)

ABCs and 123s

Our Boy is obsessed with his letters and numbers. From the time he was 11 months or so, he would pretend to sound out letters on boxes and containers and in books. Around 2 months ago, he correctly started identifying "O", "X", and "Y". He now recognizes all of the letters in the alphabet except for maybe 5 or 6, and he also knows his numbers 1-9. And all of this with very little coaching on our part!

But he really had us amazed and laughing the other morning as he was eating his meal. He had munched his toast down to just a corner of crust, held it up, and proclaimed, "L!" I ran for my camera- now THIS is a blog-worthy photo!

A Wonderful Gift

My darling husband gave me the best gift this year for my birthday, something I have wanted for years- predating my relationship with him even!

First, I will preface the revelation with the poem he greeted me with on my birthday morning:

Today is your birthday and I made you a present,
I didn't spend a penny cause you married a peasant.
No flashy gold earrings or diamonds that shine,
So if that is what you wanted, please do not whine.
Instead I thought of you, oh what does my dear need?
I even asked Jack, but he could not give me a lead.
Perhaps a new car, more shoes, or new clothes?
But all the above could bring lack of money woes.
So from out of my stash of the odds and the ends,
And the this and the that and nails with no bends
I soon found some stuff, old and neglected,
And in very short time had your present erected.
I hope that it fits your needs and your treasures,
And brings you delight in very short measure.
You deserve all the best and this is yet another,
Hand crafted birthday present for my loving wife and kids mother!

Being that my birthday fell on a Sunday this year, we then rushed off to church, and it wasn't until we returned home that he led me to his shop where he showed me what his resourcefulness and talent had created. I neglected to photograph it then, but yesterday, after spending a good amount of time getting it situated, bolted to the wall, and filled with what it was made to be filled with, the end result was this:


I now have my very own library in a corner of my bedroom, and I am in love with it! It perfectly matches the four-posted bed that he made for my wedding gift, and the bed stand that he created for last year's birthday. I told him he could make a tradition out of making furniture for me each year until our house is filled with all the right pieces. I am blessed to be attached to this gifted and thoughtful man for the rest of my life!

Incidentally, the little table was also built by him, as well as several other pieces in our house. Someday maybe I'll get them all photographed and into a blog.

Two Thanksgiving Traditions

Olive munching


And Frisbee...


The whole "Frisbee Gang"- my dad, his three brothers, my brother, brother-in-law, and Matt.

My Little Chef

Quite often, in the evening while I am creating dinner, the resident Toddler likes to join me in the kitchen. The top sliding rack in my pot cupboard makes a perfect range for him to also create culinary masterpieces. With a pot, set of antique spice shakers and an old wooden spoon, he cooks to his heart's delight, and quite often gives me samples to make sure his seasoning is right. :)

The Cake

Another week's worth of creative labor. I try not to think about the fact that it was demolished within hours of completion!

Christmas Photo Session

For a sneak preview of our family Christmas photo(s), check out my little sister's blog. She is a talented photographer, and it was great fun having her do our session; although I must say, we were probably her biggest challenge yet! Despite the pregnant mother, reluctantly photographed father, squirrel-y toddler, and various outdoor pets interrupting, she did a terrific job, and I'm very happy with how our photo card turned out.

What I've Been Up To

If you want to support your local Twist family, and also want to give something hand-made as a gift for Christmas, keep an eye on my ebay listings now, and in the weeks ahead to see some of my creations.

Here is an example:

Changing the Look

Inspired by the combination of a free braided rug (very large and old, in just the right colors) and the increasing amount of dents in the old growth reclaimed flooring of our front room (caused by the constant dropping of Thomas the train and a few of his friends), we have changed the look of our "Front Room" and our "Great Room".




If you have never visited our home before, these photos probably mean absolutely nothing to you. Since I neglected to take "before" photos, you can check the links following to see what you missed. In this post there is a glimpse of the pre-carpeted Front Room. In this post, there is a picture of the Great Room as it appeared before.

A Boy's Life

Growing up before our very eyes...

"I can't wait to be a big boy, so I can do cool things just like Daddy".

An interesting new way to watch Elmo on Sesame Street:

This warmer and sunny weather has brought the box elder bugs out in droves. They love to hang out on the window screens (outside), and a certain Someone loves to watch them crawling about. He even attempts to count them, "2, 4, 7, 3..."