After a two week recess...

... I'm back. We've had a whirlwind couple of weeks going to and fro the farm. It was lots of fun- we got to see all of Jake's siblings (6 kids altogether, none of which live in the same state!) and really enjoyed helping out at the farm. We celebrated my FIL's 60th birthday and returned Friday to decorate for Christmas! I have a few remnants to stash away and finish up, but for the most part the house is festive and now I have only to wade through 4 more loads of laundry!

My snow DID come, and then left again. It is now pouring and as dark as dusk outside. A wonderful day for candles and coffee. I hope to work on our pile of Christmas cards today. We have to write the letter yet and then they are about ready to send out. Our shopping is 95% finished with just some wrapping to "tie up" (ha ha). I'm striving to get preparations done early this year and committing to enjoying this season without feeling like it's just hustle-bustle and to-do lists!

We're looking forward to a family getaway this weekend as we attend the wedding of a family friend. Pool + cable TV + no cooking = a nice break in routine! Plus we get to visit Mom and Dad again to celebrate Doodle's 6th birthday!

I need to switch loads.
Until later...

A chill in the air...

It's supposed to start snowing tonight! Now, I'm trying not to get too excited, as often I get all excited for this first snow, and then nothing happens. I really don't get this excited for snow after January, but there's something fun about the first snow!

I think part of it is that I tend to get in "homebody mode" and snow means I don't need to focus on work outside- just inside. I more freely give myself permission to pull out scrapbooking. I love the feeling of having my family all home and warm in the house as the snow and wind are whipping around outside. I love coffee and winter in Wisconsin has coffee consumption written all over it. So I'll keep you posted (And I'll keep praying for a snow day... As the wife of a teacher Snow Day = Midweek Saturday!!!).

Our get-away was wonderful and the kids had a blast with Grandma. I am so thankful for my husband. He's a wonderful provider and protector. He's a thoughtful husband and a great daddy. He's a rock. My highs and lows come and go, and he's steady. I'm so thankful for him.

It All Adds Up

That said... Jake and I are getting away for the night! Jake's mom is graciously coming up to take care of the kids. Perfect timing as Jake starts coaching Monday... basketball season can be a long 4 months :)!

Together in Tutus!

Bella has been enjoying the luxury of a "sister" this week as we have taken in HM's daughter while she and her husband enjoy a cruise. They are expecting a baby in February! The girls are exactly one year apart and have been doing fabulously together. We're having a great week and pray that H and J are thoroughly enjoying the Caribbean. 
 

A day at the park

We spent a couple of hours at a beautiful county park. We did a "fun trail," climbed to the top of an observation tower, spent lots of time in the nature center (where of course Doodle's favorite was the ice shanty for fishing!) found a stone ledge, and hiked together in the rustling leaves.
 
 

Grandma's favorite book in fall has always been Cranberry Thanksgiving.
 
 

Road Trippin'

WHOO HOO! We're off on a road trip this weekend to my parents! I love road trips and we haven't seen my parents and sister/brother-in-law for a LONG time, so everyone is pumped to go. I'll post pictures upon our return.

A Job Done Well

For all you local blogging friends I need to highly recommend "on the spot" cleaning- owned and operated by the dear Tricia R. She came to clean our carpets yesterday and did a wonderful job. She came the day after I called, it was fast, really reasonable, and it smells wonderful!!! She does carpets, upholstery and also general cleaning. Let me know if you need her number!

An evil pest no more...

I set the trap at 1 and when Jake arrived home at 3:30 there was booty in the trap. My toes have uncurled and all is well.

A Great Resource

I found a great tool on Cooking Light's website called the Pantry Chef. I have had a gift subscription to this mag for at least five years and have really enjoyed it, but this feature is so cool. You choose the food you have on hand, then they give you recipe options! It made planning supper for this evening easy- Chicken with Rosemary Sauce it is!

An Evil Pest

OK. Yes, we bought a used vehicle. But I really think it's a pretty nice one. I truly try to take very good care of it- vacuuming it regularly (in a nearly OCD way) and running it through the car wash at least twice a month. But we have a problem that has now occurred TWICE. A disgusting problem that I hesitate to even share.

There is a mouse in the van. I know, I know, "there's never just one..." but in my very stubborn rodent-hating mind there is just one. I don't know how or why IT has chosen to be in the van, but we had this trouble this summer when we were out west. Yes there are crumbs a plenty- we have three children after all- and the darn thing could probably thrive all winter in what is jammed in the holes where the seats clamp in. (I do vacuum it- I do...) But why a mouse in the van I love? The quest is on to kill it and I will keep you updated. Meanwhile I will have to run errands with toenails curled into the bottom of my feet...