Life in the Bristolwood

I took this photo this morning during a brief squall….the snowflakes were coming down the size of small snowballs!

The Scottie boys slept late this morning, not even wanting to go outside until about 7 o’clock! There was a fresh coating of newly fallen snow that was wet and sticky. The trees all appeared to have been “air-brushed” and the birds in the trees sang their various songs cheerfully above our heads, as though welcoming the new year in their own way! We lingered outside longer than usual….it was just so fresh and such a feeling of “newness”!

 We are excited about the Buffalo Sabres game this afternoon. It is being called a “Winter Classic”. Buffalo will be facing the Pittsburgh Penguins…they played them at Pittsburgh a couple of days ago and lost.  This game will be played in Buffalo today and the big difference is that it will be played outside! 

Our entire area, including Buffalo, is under a winter storm warning, so everyone is hoping the snow will hold off until after the game!  Mark and I were talking about this game yesterday, and several teams were hoping to play this game. Mark wonderd how Buffalo got chosen, but as I thought about it, I came to the conclusion that Buffalo is ALWAYS the brunt of jokes because of the somewhat extreme amount of snow it receives in the winter. *Perhaps* that had something to do with it!

This year, we spent a quiet New Year’s just relaxing…..

NOT!

The kids had asked if they could have a party, and we decided it would be fine, but the event would end at 10 instead of midnight.  The kids all live about 10 miles from our house, so we thought it best they leave earlier.

Michelle busied herself getting the house all spiffed and shining. She had seen some little candy mice Carly had made, so she decided to make these sweet little treats for her friends. She ended up making  more than 50!

 The dinner fare consisted of cheeseburgers hot off the grill, macaroni and cheese and onion rings.  Michelle had mentioned burgers at first, then thought perhaps pizza might be better. As the time grew near, I thought maybe the burgers would be better, as they can be made quickly and everyone could fix theirs individually.

The other day, while shopping at Sam’s Club, Michelle picked out a Black Forest Cake for dessert.

As the kids arrived, one of the boys brought a dozen cupcakes. Then the girls came and two of the girls’ mom had made up a special cookie platter…..

Do you see the cookies announcing the new year?

There was a total of eight teens here from 4 till 10. They were loud, but they were such good kids. There was no craziness, and no nonsense.  One of the boys brought along Guitar Hero, and that was quite the hit.  What a challenge that is. The only downside is that the music can be annoying! (listening to many oldie moldies)

In all honesty, we really did relax a bit, even in the midst of all those teens! The strangest part about this group is that every one of them is homechooled! One of the boys just turned 15 and  is now enrolled in college. His brother is nearly finished with his Master’s at the ripe age of 19!  Their mom is a teacher and she really did a fine job as far as teaching her boys to love learning!

As their friends left, Michelle sent each family home with several of her little mice.  All in all, a very nice evening and hopefully, some fun for the kids.  Now, anyone want a slice of Black Forest Cake, macaroni and cheese, cupcakes, or perhaps a cookie of two?

Happy New Year! May your new year be filled with love, peace, and joy. 

 ”The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:22-27