Christmas Dinner Japanese Style

We decided to have a Japanese dinner this year for Christmas.  This gave Louise a reason to break out all the dished she purchased while in Japan.

Nayland Christmas Photos

Christmas around our house

A few pictures from around our house.

As you can see, Louise has a few nativities from around the world.

Ginger Bread City

Louise bought a ginger bread kit to put together this year.

Put frosting on and a little candy for the houses, and a little for us! 





Now, will it make it to Christmas before the rest of the candy disappears?

1st Christmas Eve with Nayland

The Bible Christmas Story
Luke Chapter 2, King James Version

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Pumpkin Chuckin 2010

Refinished Chest

I finally got a day off! Time to catch up on some old projects. I started to refinish a couple of chests for Laura to use. She like old stuff and these were old. A friend gave them to us and they were his mothers and told us to put them to good use. The other one is done, but I need Laura to clean it off and let me take pictures.

La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum

We told Sean and Brendan we would take the to do something for their birthday this last week. We took the four boys to LA and went to the Tar Pits.

I told the boys that I need bamboo sticks to build me a vine holder like this. Hummm could you see a pumpkin hanging from here?

The guys got some hands on trying to pull the rods out of the tar.

And of course Louise was looking cute today as always.

They had the bones of big cats on display. We even went out the the observation pits to see where they were working this last summer (they only dig in the summer). It looks like a messy job!

Pumpkin Harvest!

I may not have grown my biggest pumpkin this year, but this is the most I have grown. This is from one plant. And there are four more still on the vine! The one on the bottom right was the first one I let grow and was going to be my big one this year. Maybe next time I will have better luck.

Fixing up an Old Chest

With Laura moving back home in a couple of weeks, we picked up a couple of pieces of furniture for her from a friend. This chest is a great old piece. With a little loving care to make the drawers slide easier it will be ready.

The little drawers on the top someone remove the old locks, I am going to replace the missing wood and cover the holes.

Pumpkin patch

This year I did not have good luck in growing a super giant pumpkin. So, I went for a punpkin patch. Should have some good carvers this year!
Three are growing from a vine hanging over the fence!

Pumpkins!

There is a where's the other pumkin in this photo. Brendan and Sean found it yesterday. It is under the vines going over the fence.

I love when these flowers are in bloom. They remind me of fireworks.

Pumpkin growth and bird update

Thank you Margene! It is a Mexican Oriole. We love having them in our back yard. The humming birds don't because they also like the sweet nectar.
We have had some good growth this week on the pumpkin front. As you can see it more than doubled in size. I also made a wooden pallet for it to set on.