End of December

Reed is a lean muscle machine. From hours and hours of building fences and youth, he is a forceful person. Older and in a different skill set is his older brother Harold. Someday I think Reed will be of similar height. Nonetheless, all my guys are pretty strong. 

We got an unusual amount of Rain in the days before and after Christmas. .58 inches in 24 hours and almost 3" for the month. I'm sure we were well over 3" by the end of the month probably closer to 4". And with so little coldness it's deep mud everywhere. 

We stole a few hours maybe two and painted together. This was really enjoyable. And I love the confidence and ability Millie and Livy share in answering questions and giving instructions to the rest of us who don't paint as often. 

I painted bubbles. Not difficult really but I stopped scrolling and trying to decide and just whipped this out. I'm pleased with the result. I haven't painted for a long time but really enjoy spending that time with my daughters. This was only possible because the younger children were playing at grandma's. 

The finsihed products. Livy helped Anna get the proportions and details correct. 

We ate dinner together often. 

Uncle Matt said good by getting a round of hugs from the nieces. 

and nephews. 

A wheelbarrow full of rain water. 

MY lettuce is doing well in the mild wet climate. I dug out the leaves and was surprised at how hardy it is. NOtice the bare feet in the picture obviously not that cold as I loathe cold feet. 

Merle enjoys the funny Christmas socks. These chicken legs are silly. And then he resumed wrestling Bruce who had finally come home from working with Reed. 

Bruce is grew up a lot in December. The daily grind of helping Reed gave him maturity and confidence that only comes by doing hard things day after day. I'm thankful for the opportunity to grow strong. I'm thankful for siblings who teach. I don't always approve of their methods but the end results are good. IT was a tough month and a lot happened due to the weather, and now we move onto January. Life is good and we are blessed.