Who knew I would fall in love with another Canadian? Only this time, it was with a four-legged heart breaker. The pictures will tell it all, and I am sure many of you will soon be in the same boat as me when you see what stole my heart. The bulk of the day was rather peaceful. The twins slept in longer than they ever had, and we were able to enjoy a Skype conversation with Mimi and Papa. Isn't technology amazing? You download a program, sit in front of a webcam, and BAM - you are talking to one another as if you are in the next room. It was good to see them and it was evident from their expressions that being able to lay eyes on the "babies" was a sight for sore eyes.
We ventured out to run a few errands, including visiting a couple of local gift shops showcasing regional artists. There are some beautiful silver and jade jewelry pieces in the area - Mom would love the craftsmanship and appreciate the uniqueness of the work. Native American art and carvings are commonplace and Terrace is very proud of the Kermode Bear - an almost albino type black bear that is only seen in this area. They are beautiful and rare, and several of the town business and attractions bare its name.
But the real fun came when we headed to the farm for dinner. The house was rather quiet, having almost half of the children out and about either at work, play, or with relatives. Today was Boxing Day for Rick and Amanda at Petland, so they were sure to be home later than expected. What I didn't expect was what would walk, or rather be carried, through the door with them. I was helping Kathy with the dishes when I heard the commotion from the front door. I turned to discover curled up in Amanda's arms this miniature baby girl - an 8 week old chihuahua! Yep, I lost it! I immediately whisked her in my arms in the midst of all the little ones with their "oohhs" and "aahhs". I don't know the last time I witnessed a little creature so tiny and perfect, and I was ready to call her mine.
I spent the rest of the evening (well, most of it anyways) with her curled in my embrace and wrapped in Ken's neck scarf. She is so tiny that Amanda fitted her with a collar made for a guinea pig! We both fell in love, her little head resting on my chest and intermittently enjoying a puppy tooth sharpening on the side of my engagement ring. How can you resist that face??
I did, however, pry myself away briefly to partake in the nightly barn chores. Mother Nature must have known I would be out tonight, for it started to snow the most breathtaking wet snow as we worked in the barn to feed and milk Annabelle. Ken proudly removed the cow patties as Kathy filled the stainless steel pan with the yummy white stuff. Seeing that whole milk and watching her let the cream rise to the top brought back memories of childhood when Mom and Dad would pick up local cow's milk and do the same. I enjoyed snapping several pictures of the kids as they had wrestling matches and snowball fights while the snow continued to blanket what was already covered in white. The light from the barn was like a bright star lighting up the snowflakes and creating a scene straight out of a Currier and Ives painting. How amazing this trip has been. Kathy and Justin took me behind the house to show me some picturesque settings including the creek that runs through their property and how incredible the snow appears as it hits the black water and nestles on the branches.
As soon as I was back in the house, it was back to baby duty - I couldn't keep my hands off that precious little thing. I didn't want to leave, so it was good that the older kids and adults decided to introduce Ken to a game of spoons. I now can see that Ken is NOT the only competitive Lavoie. This game was ruthless, and ended up coming down to the two men of the house, with Rick claiming the prize. I was thoroughly entertained watching the game unfold, and the baby enjoyed the warmth of the fireside and my undivided attention.
Before we knew it, the night had slipped away from us and it was time to go. I reluctantly handed over my little treasure and tried to think of all the ways I could possibly smuggle her in to the country as an illegal alien. Surely they wouldn't turn down a face like that! I knew she would be gone tomorrow - her two other sisters were purchased within hours of their arrival at the store yesterday. I enjoyed the image of her little face and the smell of puppy breath as we made our way home. How fun and how blessed that we all enjoyed this fun-filled evening with family.
Love to all,
Tiffaney and family
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