Dear Mother Nature,

Dear Mother Nature,

We have had such a nice relationship lately.  What happened?

The snow this year has been lovely. The temperatures have been tolerable.  Now, wind and above freezing temps?  Really?  You know this will result in huge drifts, sloppy roads (that will freeze over night), and ditch divers.  Well, if that is what you want then you had better not try to pull this same weather in February. 
We will have to have words like last year.  Remember that?

So we agree.  Crazy weather now for a nice February.  Too much to ask?  I don't think so.

Thanks,
Me

Family Pet

I thought about complaining in this post about how sick Brad and Ellis are.  And about how much it will stink if the rest of us get it.  And how I won't get to lay around and ignore all the children's needs if I get sick like Brad was able to do.  But, I decided that this post should be perky.  Up beat.  Something to make you giggle.

So, here is your perky, up-beat, giggle.
Are you ready?

Ocelia is convinced that we should get a kangaroo as a pet. 
Why a kangaroo you ask?

Well, for those of you who have dogs or cats, and who's home we have visited, you will remember Ocelia's reaction when she saw your four legged pet.  FREAK OUT!  SCREAMS!  Child trying to climb nearest adult to escape terrifying family pet.  Funny stuff that memories are made of.

We hoped that she would out grow it.  Not yet.  We are considering getting a dog (we are still trying to work out how we will handle our 2 month travel across North America with or without a dog, but that is another post).  Ocelia decided to join the discussion one evening recently with the simple comment..."I don't like dogs.  I don't like cats.  I do like kangaroos.  Lets get a kangaroo at the animal shelter.  I bet them have some."  Yeah, we are working on her pronouns. 

So, now she is obsessed with getting a kangaroo.  Santa brought her a stuffed one for Christmas that doesn't leave her side.  She is making plans for our family kangaroo a place to sleep, eat and where it will sit in the suburban. 

In conclusion, if anyone has a kangaroo you would like to volunteer a brief vacation to Alaska, I think it may cure baby O of her family pet obsession.

G'day Mates!

Bowling!

I always forget how fun bowling is.  Why did we go bowling today you ask?  How nice of you to wonder.

Well, Isaak had invited a couple of friends to go to a golf and shooting range then come over to the house for pizza and "hangin' out".  Hanging out is what 12 year old boys do for birthday parties now.  Did you know that?  I didn't until last week. 

Anyway,  Ellis and Brad have both been pretty sick the past couple of days (temps, chest cold, and body aches) so we had to come up with a Plan B.  I wasn't about to invite kids over to our germ invested house.  Our plan was bowling.  We can bowl a couple of games, eat pizza there,the boys could play video games, and then take the boys home.  It was a great plan.  We shot for 11:00 in the morning.  But, as my good plans are usually foiled by some crazy unforeseen circumstance, we found that bowling league was not going to be over until 11:45. 

Well, Arby's called our name and after a quick lunch we headed to bowling.  When we arrived, the place was almost empty.  It was great!  The kids bowled, gamed, and had a blast. 

I so enjoy my kids getting older.  Isaak and Avery are old enough to be so helpful with the little kids.  They taught Ocelia to bowl.  Too cute!

Avery had requested prior to our Plan B to go bowling with his friends for his birthday.  Looks like we'll be hitting the lanes again next weekend.  Works for me!  Hopefully we will all be able to go this time.

Snow

Guess what?!  We got more snow last night.  And we are expected to get more tonight and tomorrow. 

Now, those who know me best have a clear understanding that cold weather and I do not get along.  We agree to live together, but we don't have to like it.  Why do I live here you ask?  I don't know.  If anyone has information on this, please share. 

I know it is only January 6th.  I know we are gaining light again.  I know that I will be much happier come the end of April when most of the snow is gone and the high temps are in the 40's or better (if we are lucky).  I also know that this pretty snow we have right now will be slick and blown around in February when the winds pick up and the temps drop drastically below zero for weeks on end. 

So I guess I will take a moment to breath in the peace and silence that comes with new snow as I look out my kitchen window. 

 Peace to you as well.

I've Got a Ticket to Ride

This summer my mom and dad introduced us to the board game, Ticket to Ride.  If you have never played it, you should.  It is FUN!  It is competitive, stressful, strategic, but fun. 


I bought my family the game for Christmas and we have played it nearly every day.  Of course there is a smart phone game you can download as well.  Did we download it?  You bet!  Now three of us can sit around with one of the devices in the house and play each other.  I won't play with Brad anymore because he just plays to sabotage.  I like to play for strategy and for points.  Regardless, we are honing our skills for this coming summer and the games that will ensue. 

In conclusion, I highly recommend you give this game a try.  It is great fun!

Till tomorrow....

Already behind

Of course I am already behind on my goal.  But, I am ok with this and I will continue to persevere. 
Yesterday's post was derailed by Ocelia getting sick, Brad staying home, and me coming home from work to a disaster in my house.  Today I am home because Ellis is sick.  The disaster is being cleaned up, laundry is washing, and I have a moment to catch up here.

Because it has been negative 15 degrees the past week and today it is actually above zero, I feel like I am obligated to post a warm and summery picture.

There will be a day again soon when we are able to enjoy the beauty and mystery of nature in hot, sunny weather.

And a day to play and have fun with family and friends! 

I can't wait!

Fly into the new year

Well, with 2011 behind us and 2012 before us I feel compelled to set solid goals for myself.  I recently heard a report on Talk of the Nation Science Friday (yes, I love NPR) about willpower and how to increase one's reserves and ability to utilize our own willpower best.  Here is a link to the story:  http://www.sciencefriday.com/program/archives/201112304 So, upon obtaining this new information I have set two simple goals.  One, to do some type of exercise daily.  Today I did just that.  Check.  Two, I vow to post a pic and small comment each day on my blog.  I have no intentions as to what the comments or pictures should include, just my thoughts of the day. 

Today, being that I am already 2 days late on posting each day, I am going to post 3 pics to make up. 
Enjoy! 

For today:  Have I every shown you where I work?  Here it is!  Or at least part of it.  I took this pic after school today around 3:45.  We are gaining light now, but the sun was almost set when I took this.  And, yes that is the moon in the sky.  Anyway, the view out all the windows are of all the surrounding mountains.  Pretty breath taking.  I'm pretty thankful. 

Yesterday's pic:  My baby turned 12 yesterday!  12!  Can you believe that?  I can't.  Here he is the day after Christmas sledding, or actuallly jumping his sled.  Crazy.

  Day One:  Happy New Year!

later....