Junk Drawer - December 2025.

Send Sidney to TJ Maxx and she finds all the good things.  She could not resist this Christmas tutu for Dani.

Sunsets.

My mom booked an amazing Christmas light ride for her and my dad in this super awesome car.  The driver was amazing.  He had blankets and hot cocoa and took them to an amazing neighborhood.  My dad informs me that if you did not have your house decorated, you stood out like a sore thumb.  This was their 54th anniversary!

I got new windows in my house this year.  I saved the sunroom for last.  They told me this room would notice the biggest difference, since it is almost entirely windows, BUT I use it the least.  As I was putting things back together, I stopped to admire how peaceful and beautiful this room is.  Sometimes I forget.

I ran to Dutch to grab an afternoon coffee.  While waiting in line, I looked over at the intersection and saw this super cute sight.  It literally made my day.

Downtime.

Kendall has been taking advantage of her downtime between semesters.  She had a Stardew Valley binge day, which is a throwback to her childhood.  She came back to her computer, after a short break, to find Crispy playing.

Diego got to open his Christmas presents early, since he was going to be out of town.  He loved the Carhartt sweatshirt Kendall got him.

Kendall's stunning bouquet of carnations.

Kendall, Diego and their friends took in the Christmas lights, which in included a stop at Scentsy.

Dutch holiday party for the win!

Darkening up those tresses.  It looks SO beautiful.

Trust.

Horses are prey animals, so they do not lay down a ton.  If they do lay down in your presence, it is a huge sign of trust.  I pulled up to the ranch to see Levi laying down.  Often times, he will jump up when I approach.  Not this time.  He totally stayed laying down.  I was able to enter the stall and Pigeon was even able to walk away.

My mom was a few minutes behind me.  She was in awe.  We took the opportunity to sit down next to him and take a few pictures. 

He was so relaxed that my mom started to worry something was wrong with him.  I said that as soon as I opened the grain bucket to refill bags he would jump right up.  Sure enough that is exactly what he did.

I was brave enough to finally take Levi (and Pigeon) to the VERY back arena next to the herd horses.  They had so much fun exploring the new area.  They both spent a lot of time bucking and running.  Pigeon was having such a good time that he stopped paying attention and ended up on his side.  It kind of freaked me out, but he got right up and seemed just fine.  Phew!

Levi has gotten so tall.  Sidney can no longer see over his butt.

Sidney has been riding Levi quite a bit lately, and he is doing great.  After an awesome ride one evening, she asked me if we wanted to walk him through the light tunnel that Sabrina put in.  Of course!  It was so much fun!

The boys' grain buckets seem to always get water in them, no matter how good the lid is closed.  My dad and I used our scrap wood and materials to make this little roof for the buckets to keep water out of them.  It turned out super cute.  These horses are not spoiled.

I got a second snuggle time with Levi, as I caught him laying down again.  He is just the coolest horse.

Good for the Soul.

I truly believe that animals are good for the soul.  Every now and then, Kendall texts me that she has had a rough day, and she misses her furbabies.  When she does this, I bombard her with pictures to make her day.

Willow found a new nap spot.

I often wonder what brand of eyeliner Bailey uses:).

Bella...she loves to be loved.

Willow catching a ray of sunshine.

Who says cats and dogs can't get along?

The girls and I donated to the Idaho Humane Society (through our local pet store).  Super cool, as it goes directly toward shelter food for other animals.

Christmas 2025.

Christmas was lovely this year.  My sister sent these beautiful flowers with my parents.  She knows how much I love flowers.

Hannah stopped by and brought the girls and I some delicious candy and this beautiful candle.  It was great to see her and hear about how college is treating her.

We went to the Christmas Eve candle light service, which was very special.

Rebecca joined us for Christmas Eve steak dinner and Bingo.  I must say Bingo was off the charts this year.  If you have not spent much time with Kendall, you are missing out.  She is a riot and does a fantastic job as our Bingo caller.

Rebecca had the spot by the gifts and was a sport about picking out each persons requests.

6-7, really!

Christmas morning was fun, opening presents and enjoying coffee and cinnamon rolls.  

After the gifts were open, everyone relaxed and enjoyed some of their gifts.  Sidney had scored this paint by number wooden craft in Bingo, while Kendall worked on her new coloring book with the new alcohol markers Diego gifted her.

My dad...he napped and Willow joined him.

The girls and I went to a Christmas evening movie.  Our second annual Christmas evening movie.

On a Roll.

I have been working like crazy to make more quilts.  I have been able to use a lot of fabric that I already had and buy when I needed to.  I believe my mom and I have made 24 quilts in total.  It brings me great joy to think that these quilts may bring comfort to a child or birth mother.