Christmas tears and joy

Have you ever hurt around Christmas time?  It seems that especially in this time of joy, tears are only just behind.  Our pastor had a tradition for a long time of writing advent poems.  They were often fictional narratives with Biblical figures and situations.  I read and listened to this one today.  I highly recommend you do the same.  It is an amazing picture of the compassion of our savior.

Burley

We welcomed Burley into our home this weekend. He is a goldendoodle--half golden retriever, half poodle. We named him after Burley Coulter one of our favorite characters in Wendell Berry's Port William novels. The breeder said that he was the best puppy she'd ever had. So far we would agree. He is doing the potty thing very well. No accidents in the first twenty-four hours. He's sleeping well and has been great to have around.

Lucy Update

Weekend Farm Adventures

Sorry I don't have pictures of these adventures.  You'll have to use your imagination.

Friday:
Cutting wood, I got my saw blade wedged in a log. Pried so hard I loosened the nuts on the saw. I tightened one, but while I was cutting the whole saw crumbled to pieces. After hunting all over we finally found the nuts and got the saw going again.


On the way back from the woods, I decided to drive through the dried up pond. It wasn't dry enough. The Rhino got stuck in the mud. I went and got the neighbor. Itch another neighbor's come-along, and after I put it in neutral, I pulled the Rhino out.

Today:
The boys went out to feed the cats and Ben said he saw something furry behind the door. I got the .22 and headed out. A few minutes later I was disposing of a dead possum. It brought to my mind the following Tom Waits quote that hangs at trout farm in Alpena.

"There's always some killin' you got to do around the farm."

Road Trip

We just got back from an amazing road trip through 5 states. I had a conference in Colorado Springs, so the whole family decided to come along. We had a great time. The weather was great and the sights were better. I was amazed by the vastness of the western landscape. The kids did well in the car. Breaking the trip up into 8 hour days really helped. The first day we drove up Pike's Peak. It was bitter cold and windy, so we didn't stay long. While I was conferencing, the kids went to the Garden of the Gods, Focus on the Family and of course Chic-fil-a. On the way home we hit the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Wall Drug. We're already planning our next road trip. It was a great time.  You can see all the photos here.

Bad parent

I've been very negligent in my posting of family photos.  Here are a bunch from the boys birthdays and Mom's trip here last month.  Enjoy.

September