This morning is kinda a Rainbow Pancake goodbye kinda morning..

How To: 3 containers of Shake n' Pour Bisquick mix (buttermilk); food coloring; 6 mixing bowls; 6 spoons; patience with mixing colors; and be in a joyful and bright mood!

  It's the morning my brother heads back to his Naval base after a week of being home.

I hadn't seen my twin brother for about a year, so the long-over due visit was lovely.

Now, he is a little bit older, and a little bit wiser- but he's STILL the Adam I said goodbye to a year ago before I gave him up to Basic Training. ..Just, a little more frivolous with the women, I think. ahahaha. The joy I feel when I see my brother- indescribable. I know that he accepts me for all that I am, and looks up to me, as I am his older twin sister. It's a beautiful reflection of how Christ accepts us. With all of our flaws, with all of His heart, with selflessness and passion, and joy.
For his coming home party- we gathered as a family and enjoyed a messy helpin' of burritos!
For his going away party- we decided to try rainbow pancakes!
These turned out WONDERFULLY!! (with the exception of the purple ones.. hahaha)
The batch of pancakes added a bright and fresh perspective on an "Oh too familiar" goodbye...
If you want to try your own- good luck! They're quite simple! And have a blast!! We did! 

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Industrial Park Photo Adventure in 7 Minutes..

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A West Virginia Christmas: 2011

The looming mist rolls in amongst the cracks and crevices of the happy valley; the sun reflects off the slow trickling stream. The West Virginia hills pour out in a never ending gush of braided land- weaving and tossing, with only a few leaves hanging on with the last breath of fall to what was once an eyefull of color, but now- only sparce, sickly twigs.

The promise of snow is only a rumor but the nights are still silent; clear with what should be unique snowflakes making rest on the sloppy mudmess of ground. Joy rings in with only quick glimpses of sunlight as smiles peek onto the faces of you and I.
Families gather and come home. Gift exchanging only echos what should be the Spirit of the holiday- grace and giving- but is lost in translation..

God joined us on a Silent night. He stepped off His throne and joined time. He grew as a man, and died for this world. How unworthy are we? What a gracious servant! How great such a thing? Born of a virgin, in a manger- a small, healthy, glorius wee child. Our Savior! Papa God, your mind truly is beyond our own. You are an AMAZING God.

We celebrate this holiday to be reminded of this- His sacrifice, beauty, and grace. His entering into this world- our time. His adventure on earth for us..
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