Forcing some spring bulbs always brings a 'green hopefulness' to these continually cold days. These paperwhites sprung up in a pot near my kitchen window. I wasn't very fond of the scent though.

Drove to Cincinnati to see John's dad and enjoy his company. Talked, looked at pictures, went out to eat. The three of us played some Skipbo. (Surprisingly, this was John's first time playing!) Wayne did great and whipped us in the first two games. We are grateful that his dad gets assistance through his complex. John's brother Dave lives nearby and is a kind-hearted man who really helps out a lot.

Some of the big trees on the land were pruned Friday. Some other trees were dropped. Dad has been steadily working on felling, cutting, and splitting. He's helping clear an area for us, plus he's providing wood to heat his house.

The girls (and Zeke) were constantly applying clear lip gloss during their 5-day visit. Grandma had given each their own gloss to help with chapped lips, and they pulled the tubes out of their pocket every hour and applied the flavored gooey stuff. On Christmas Eve, during our white elephant exchange, Justin received some lipstick and he quietly handed it off to Claire, saying, "Hey, do you want this?". A few minutes later Claire and Lydia nonchalantly walk into the room. There was no way to go unnoticed with their ruby red lips!

Most of the kids came inside with rosy cheeks and cold hands. They didn't mind letting me cradle their faces or enclose their fingers in mine. Usually they were smiling, catching their breath, and reporting on what happened outside.

The day after Christmas brought a short visit from Luke. His girlfriend Cheyanne came along and we had some nice opportunities to visit. Cheyanne hopes to graduate this semester with a nursing degree.

I feel so privileged to spend time with my boys. There's a time in everyone's life where they want to distance themselves from their parents and stay far away. I totally understand that. Our boys had those stages. Now, though, I am warmly blessed that our kids actually choose to talk and spend time with us. Just expressing my thankfulness...

Family members came home during Christmas vacation. Not only did all three of my boys make it home, but my 2 sisters and brother were also in town. The nieces and nephews bundled up a few times a day to go outside.