Thistle Hill Ranch: Year End Wrap-Up

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Year End Wrap-Up

Hello...yes, it's been awhile! Where to begin..........

We went to Honolulu for my 40th Birthday, in October. We had a wonderful vacation seeing my family and homeschooling along the trip. The boys read Hawaii's Story, written by Queen Lilioukalani, Hawaii's last queen. I wanted them to read a first hand account of Hawaii's history before we went. It was wonderful sharing with the boys all about Hawaii's history as well as our wonderful Hawaiian and European family history in the islands.

Me and Mr. Landen on the flight over to Honolulu...only 7 1/2 hours to go!

Me and my 88 year old Grandpa at The Outrigger Canoe Club for a dinner by the sea, with the family.

Me and my cousin...I sure have missed my family!

Honolulu Mission Homes...A great way to look out how Hawaii started becoming a destination forEuropeans and Americans. Even my husband Glen really enjoyed learning about Hawaii.

Seeing my Tutu (Grandmother) in the memory care home was difficult, but yet felt so good to hug on her too.

Seeing my husband Glen relax, was the best Birthday gift to me EVER!

My Dad, ornery as ever, on our last day.

Then, two days back on the mainland in Texas, and it hit! I got the most horrible illness that 4 Dr.s couldn't diagnose....of course! Only me!

2 cat scans, 1 MRI, an X-Ray, colonoscopy, endoscopy, and ...a partridge in a pear treeeeeee! UGH!

So, I was sick for over a month. They think it was an embolism in my abdomen that may have also been followed by some sort of infection. But, after a grueling recovery and then trying to get energy for Thanksgiving and Christmas decorating, I barely made it! I couldn't have done it without all three of my guys help.

That's why there hasn't been any recent posts on here...oh how I've missed blogging!

Without further chatting...here are a few Holiday pictures to catch you up!

Homemade peppermint bark for neighbors and friends.

Landen, my youngest, helping me finish the living room.

I love our lighted owl tree topper, (that unfortunately doesn't show well here), and Santas Elf with his list of neighbors and family on the Good List!

This is in our school room. We use our Advent candles each year.

This year I used oranges and pinecones on the staircase garland. Do you like my "doggy gate"...otherwise known as a fireplace screen.

Our entrance table...

The tiny nativity scene.

Kitchen island, complete with our joyful nutcracker baker.

This year I did a woodland scene on the kitchen table.

This bird cage is hidden in the previous picture, but it's in the corner of the dinette. It was my husbands idea to put the tree in the cage. I added the little stocking.