Almost Christmas

I am sitting on the couch, with Kens Laptop on my lap, and are watching a program on the TV about Christmas in Yellowstone park. It is beautiful! It is about a wildlife photographer that is spending the days alone, living with just a backpack and his camera. He built little tarp shelters for the night, and used skis to get around.
But the best part was the amazing pictures. Huge waterfalls with icicles, icy water, wolves, bison stuck in the snow, and foxes. It showed snow blowing over the mountains, and geysers blowing up steam in the sunset on December 21 (same as today). The colours, the snow, the peace, the natural beauty, and so much more.
Every time I see beautiful pictures of nature, I am amazed at the wonderful world that was created. The huge mountains, the small creatures, the big beasts, the rivers. All of it created, made, planned, by a loving God.

Nicole is Learning to Sew

Nicole wanted to learn to use the sewing machine, so she made a small pillow for her doll. Then Mommy cut some squares of fabric, and Nicole sewed them together. She understood the pattern, and knew how to place each piece together to make this design. Mommy helped with the backing and the petal on the floor, but Nicole did most of the work. She pieced and guided all the material. She isn't even afraid of the machine now! Good job girl!

I want to be a Peanut Butter Maker

Kenny proudly announced what he wanted to be when he grew up. A Peanut Butter Maker. He then drew a picture, and Mommy labeled everything!

After drawing his picture, we all decided to eat peanut butter sandwiches for lunch.

Great job Buddy!

After the Grass Fire in December

The First Picture - This is where the fire started. A Hydro pole is burnt at the top where it was shorted, then the gound is black under the pole, where the fire contacted our very dry grass.






The second Picture - This is where that starting fire jumped the dirt road, and started its journey towards Magrath, and the windmills.

The third Picture - You can see how far away the windmills are in the distance. There is a farm just up the road that never was touched. Just past this farm is where the wind grabbed the flames, and raced up the ridge faster then the firetrucks could drive.

The Fourth Picture - This is the other side of the windmills. The fire tore over the ridge and down the other side. There is snow here that came after the fire was put out. The Fire burned over 300 acres of land. Each fence post is burnt at the bottom, and many are only held up by the barb wire. Many Hydro poles just behind us have been replaced.

The fifth picture - This is the remains of two houses and a barn. The only thing remaining is twisted metal, and truck body shells. The horses made it to safety, as well as the home owners, and renters that lived here. Neither had insurance, and only escaped with the clothes on their back. The tall pine is burnt at the bottom, but the top is not touched.

The fire continued past this point, and just missed another house, and then was stopped. The smell of ash is still in the air.

Grass Fire in December

This may not look like much to you, but this was a enormous fire that was JUST SOUTH of Magrath. It was such a windy day that the fire was traveling up the ridge faster then the firetrucks.

Everyone was worried that if the wind shifted slightly to the north, that the entire town would be in the line of fire.

We stopped to take a quick look, but didn't stick around. We didn't want to get in the way of the water trucks, and the farm tractors that were headed out of town to help fight the fire.

Two Huderitte colonies, and four volunteer fire departments were used to get the fire under control.