Family Picture 2009

Merry Christmas, ya'll. We took this in our backyard again. It always seems to be the best backdrop. And I cannot believe it is December so soon again!
Just a quick update. Our fall garden has officially died. After two hard frosts (lower than 32 degrees), the only things still alive are: cabbage, onions, and carrots. We managed to keep many things alive before the first hard frost so we were able to harvest some green beans just in time for Thanksgiving. Jared managed to save a few spaghetti squashes. I was hoping for a butternut to be ready in time for Christmas but they all died. So sad...a great loss with all our tomatoes and pepper plants that perished. Well, there is always next year. It could be a great year with all the rain we have received and continue to be blessed with!
Moo has improved in strides (compared to when we got him). He loves to play. What a free spirit he is! Run, run, run! He has learned how to fetch sticks then proceeds to chew on them. And when Dad comes home it is outdoor play time! Of course, he is still my siamese twin practically. He is the official protector of Mum. He barks and growls if someone is coming to the door.
The cats are still frisky and chubby. Kitty needs to go on a diet. I have been trying to feed her a lot less but it is difficult with another cat in the house. Jared managed to get a mysterious gift at a Christmas party we went to and it ends up that it is none other than a cat toy! They were not too amused with it however.
Jared's work is going well - steady and surely. We figure we are simply so blessed just to have employed in such a turbulent time. And he still is very busy with his present calling as Elders Quorum President. I have stayed quite busy as Relief Society Secretary. What a joy it has been to serve so many and to be side-by-side with such wonderful sisters!
Anyhow, we hope you all have a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year blessed with good health, peace, happiness, and true joy!

Crazy Carrot

So we decided to grow a variety of things this past spring in our garden. One of the things Jared wanted to try were carrots. Due to the harsh summer, we figured not much had survived. Not only did the miracle of rain come (through fasting, prayer, God's timing and will) but our garden came to life again. Amazingly enough the carrots were still growing. With all the rain and cooler temps we decided to plant again for the fall. Many of the crops are stilling growing or producing.
However, on one day not long ago, we could see that the top of one of our carrots looked large so Jared uprooted it and this is what we saw! It looks like a giant Momma carrot with a bunch of babies. Jared was hoping to juice it but perhaps it will add some flavor to our next salad.