More pictures

Well, the winds here weren't very strong at all. But, it continues to snow and snow and snow. At least while we are cooped up in the house, I have a chance to take more pictures...hope you aren't sick of them! We measured 9" of snow on the deck, 10" on my car which hasn't been moved since Wednesday, and 13" over by the pool (probably the wind blew it over there).

Winter has arrived...and then some :)

Tomorrow is the first day of winter and we continue to experience blistery conditions in Bellevue. School was closed on Thursday and Friday, so I didn't have to go to work. Tyler and I worked from home, although he was much more productive than I. We haven't started our cars since Wednesday PM, weird. Yesterday, to cure us of cabin fever, we walked to the store and to lunch -- a nice two hour break :) Tonight, another round of snow and very strong wind gusts is supposed to hit. Here are a few pretty pictures from our deck. Stay warm out there!

a **snow** day!!

 
 
 
 
I can't believe it! It actually snowed and it keeps coming down! There has to be at least six, seven, eight inches out there? I forgot the ruler when Tyler and I took a walk. I was so disappointed yesterday and throughout the night when it hadn't snowed but between 4am and 6:30am, it sure changed its mind! I am so thankful for my boss telling me to stay home, she was right! So far I have been really productive on my snow day. I emailed the 13 students who were signed up for my advising session tonight, cleaned the bathroom, finished my knitting project, wrapped presents, played in the snow, uploaded pictures...and now...I think I'll take a nap :)

Party, Le Chateau style

We partied it up, Le Chateau style, on Sunday evening. The "Grand Salon", or community room, was the location of the annual potluck gathering. I enjoyed baking cranberry bliss bars for the party and visiting with the neighbors. Here we are next to the Christmas tree.

 

Here is Roy, the President of the Homeowners Association (Tyler's successor) and his girlfriend Magda.

 

Beautiful pointsettias and the Christmas village added to the party atmosphere.

 

 

We ended the evening with a game of Apples to Apples, always a hit!

work and play

Yesterday was packed full of goodness. It started out that I had to work in the morning -- giving an informational presentation to prospective students. Doesn't sound like a fun way to start your weekend, but Tyler graciously agreed to attend, so it was nice to have a familiar face in the audience. Not only that, my friend and Mary Kay pal, Christa, showed up :) So good to see her as well. Afterwards, Tyler and I headed down to Auburn for some Christmas baking and visiting. Dad is in a lot of pain after his second surgery, but he was in pretty good spirits considering all that his body has gone through. We enjoyed the warm fire, Christmas decor, baking cookies, a delicious supper, quick game of balderdash and visiting.






Oooh, and I can't forget, visiting the precious animals!





And the snow began to fall, loved this touch of winter even though we didn't get as much as I was hoping for :)

How cute is this?

updates

Busy busy week and weekend!

• Dad’s hernia surgery went well on Friday. So well that they should be able to do a second surgery tomorrow. Yes, the man had two hernias that he has been living with for way too long. I am thankful that dad finally gave up on his stubborn ways and scheduled the surgery! He will be home resting and recuperating for the next month or so. What a perfect time for rest, it will be so nice to have him home for the holidays.

• I proctored the SAT on Saturday morning and wondered why I put myself through this once again. It’s way too early to wake up on a Saturday, but the extra money is nice. Thank goodness there isn’t another one until February :)

• My excitement for Christmas continues. Tyler and I keep adding to the décor at home and are gearing up to send out Christmas cards. I was home helping mom and dad this weekend. Levi put up all of the outdoor lights and décor and Becca and I worked on the tree. It’s so very beautiful. We enjoyed the warm fireplace and Christmas lights.

• We celebrated Gabi (Levi’s sister’s) 30th birthday this weekend. She continues to do well with her chemo treatments and is battling her lymphoma with strength; I wouldn’t expect anything less from her. :-) I’m glad for this and excited for Levi – he got a new job, starts on the 15th!

• Work is steady and we’re hoping to round up a decent amount of new students for winter quarter. With the uncertain economy, it’s hard to say how many will want to go back to school. I have the 24th through Jan 5th off, yahoo!

I am praying for health and happiness for all during the busy holiday season!

Christmas Decor

Tyler and I decorated for Christmas last weekend and are more than excited for this time of year. We bought our first 'big kid' tree and hung our stockings. I think it turned out quite nicely in here -- nice and cozy.