Hummingbird Sights

One thing I love about our home here in Sierra Vista is the view we enjoy from both the front and back yard. For instance, the sun sets in the front yard, and the moon comes up squarely in the center of our backyard. We have a great view of the mountains during the day and of stars (lots of shooting stars!) at night. The backyard also has a lot of bushes and trees--perfect for providing cover to many little songbirds. In turn, these little birds have been attracting owls and hawks. We've even had the privilege of seeing a coyote meander through the FBI field office parking lot behind our home in the middle of the afternoon. Never a day goes by without seeing some neat wildlife.

Because our trees are nicely located near the window, I wanted to hang a birdfeeder or two. Naturally, since Roxy and Kawaii (our kitties) became indoor cats, I also wanted to give them a reason to look out the window and keep them entertained. Unlike in Okinawa, hanging birdfeeders here is easy to do without feeling guilty that I am attracting prey to my beloved hunters!

I have never hung a hummingbird feeder before, but I had heard that Sierra Vista is the "hummingbird capital of America" so I wanted to put the slogan to the test. Thankfully Jared recognizes my "love of critters" (as he puts it), so he willingly helped pick out and purchase three regular "wild" bird feeders, three hummingbird feeders and two bird baths. He made me pledge an oath to clean the birdpoop off the back fence whenever the situation arose, and we situated our new items around the back and front yards. After making a homemade hummingbird nectar potion to fill the hummingbird feeders, we just waited...and it didn't take long for us to see some new friends (and for the neighbors to think we were stalking them and taking pictures of their backyard). You will need to click on the pictures individually to increase their size. Look for the red and yellow feeder to find the birds:

At least 6 different birds had a snack in a period of approx 45 minutes (look really carefully at their colorings/markings--they are all different birds)!! Hummingbirds are very territorial, but luckily, we never saw a showdown between any male birds while we were watching.

$10 to the person who can spot the hummingbird in this picture FIRST:

I can't wait for the summer when hummingbirds enjoy their peak season!

Jared's Promotion

Jared was promoted this month to Captain in the USMC.

The promotion ceremony was held yesterday.

Jared and Major Craig

MSgt Gillian announcing the warrant

(Dad Bussey--see the "Spirit Orb"?)

Jared reciting the Officer's Oath

Pinning on Jared's bling

Congrats Captain Blake!

Kate's Hair

My little sister Kate had her hair chopped off last week while visiting in AZ. She plans on giving it to Locks of Love. She looks super cute! Before:

After:

However, over the last few days, she has been complaining that she misses her long hair. It made me think of Little Women when Jo has to sell her hair and is lamenting its loss after it is too late. Jo's sister Amy says "Oh, Jo--your one beauty!"

Even if Kate's hair did NOT look good, she thankfully has many beautiful features to be grateful for. :o)

Love ya K8!

Or else.

We saw this nice reminder on a bill board in Montgomery, Alabama.

A little larger for those with failing vision:

Well, you read it--now you have no excuse.

Get yourselves to church this Sabbath and have yourselves a Merry Christmas!

Highlights from our trip across the South...

Holiday Traditions

Jared's mom always purchases a new ornament each year for us to place on our Christmas tree. She writes each person's initials (and the year) on the ornament so we don't forget when we received it. I think it's a great tradition and I am glad she passed this tradition on to us. Jared has some of the sweetest little ornaments from his childhood. When he puts them up, I think it causes him to reflect upon the fact that he is getting old!

This year we were all able to help decorate Jennifer's Christmas tree on Thanksgiving. Kayleigh was a great helper!

Welcome to the world, Allyson!

Allyson Blake McCrary

November 24th, 2008

9:40 a.m.

7 lbs 4 oz

20 inches long

Proud Uncle Jared and Aunt Adri