Wordless Wednesday

Merry Christmas to All

Ready?

I think I'm almost ready. I've found the slow cooker wild rice soup recipe I'm going to use for Christmas Eve, and I think I've figured out how to keep the hot appetizers warm so I don't have to spend the whole night making them in batches. Gifts are wrapped although they don't have any bows on them. Maybe they will be bow-less this year. House is sort of clean, but I'd better vacuum up the animal hair one more time. I'm sure I'll be thinking of more things I've forgotten as the day goes on.

Grandfather Clock

I've always wanted a grandfather clock and this year, Bruce and I decided to give each other one for Christmas. We found a new for us one on Craig's list, and I love it so much. It has more simple lines than some grandfather clocks do, and Westminster chimes. We decided to place it beside the sofa in the living room. I had originally thought that the chiming would be loud and difficult to sleep through, but that hasn't been the case. Perhaps the carpet mutes it, or maybe I'm getting hard of hearing, either way, it's perfect.

Cookie Therapy

It's been difficult to try and process the killings of the children and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. last Friday. I've come to my own conclusions that this is the type of thing that will never be understood or even explained as to why it ever happened in the first place. I can't pretend to imagine the horror and grief those parents must feel. I know we all need to hear about it, but it's about the only thing the news has been talking about all weekend, and it's hard not to cry when I really listen. I decided to try and distract myself a bit by making some Christmas cookies. I felt my mood improving as I dipped the pretzels in almond bark and poured colored sugar and sprinkles over them. It was kind of therapy. I know that making cookies isn't going to take away the evils of the world, but it is something beautiful I can focus on in my own little life.

Wordless Wednesday

Yummy Crockpot Egg Dish

I tried out a new crockpot recipe on the family tonight, an egg casserole. The family liked it, and it actually looked appetizing! I'm thinking that it will make a nice addition to our Christmas morning breakfast. And since Bruce has promised to make the French Toast, I think we are good to go. It made a good amount, and we now have some tasty leftovers for the week.

Makes Sense

I was excited when I saw this because this is how I've tried to manage Christmas for the kids over the years. I haven't always followed it exactly, but it's been my goal. Funny how the holidays can get people so worked up that they buy things they normally wouldn't. It does take effort and reflection to stay on track.

Wordless Wednesday

Decorating For The Holidays

The tree is now up and decorated. I love that we use the same ornaments every year, especially the ones of my kids' smiling faces. I'm surprised that Minnie Mouse is being so good... I don't think she's tried to climb up the tree once this year yet! She does love sleeping under it, though. And when Kates brings Tristin home over Christmas break, I have a feeling that things might get wild. That little boy cat is full of mischief and never gives up.

Wordless Wednesday

Turkey Day 2012

Thought I'd share a few pictures from Thanksgiving at Mom and Dad's. Every year we try to get a good picture of all of us, hoping for one that will work as a Christmas card. But, this year Nick wasn't with us, and I'm feeling conflicted about using one without him. I went out and bought some Christmas cards with glitter (so pretty), wondering if I could break the tradition. Honestly, I don't know what I'll end up doing. We also had the addition of Jake's girlfriend, Kate, and Katie's boyfriend, Codie.

I know that things are changing as the kids get older. I might just need to accept that this tradition might not be a tradition much longer.

Breathe

With the holidays fast approaching, I thought this to be helpful. Sometimes over thinking things just gets in the way.

Tender

I love this picture of Jake and Kate. Photographer was Kate's sister, Meg.

Wordless Wednesday

Quite the Day

We've had colder weather this week and even a little snow yesterday morning. Funny how the first snow of the season can wreak havoc on us all here in Minnesota. We should be able to deal with these things, but every year it's the same ... roads get icy and people don't remember to slow down. Bruce's car was bumped into yesterday on his way to work, and although there wasn't a lot of damage done, it was just the start of a very long, exhausting day. My commute into work lasted an hour and a half. I'm still not sure why as I didn't see any accidents along the way, but I have a suspicion that the traffic lights were off and working against each other. Bruce's flights to Detroit got messed up and in the middle of it all, we found out that Grandma Gloria had fallen and was taken to the ER for evaluation. Thankfully she didn't hit her head or break a hip, I was able to get her back home in time for supper, and so it all ended up fine. Nick started his new job yesterday, too, as if that isn't stressful enough on its own. Jake, by the way, was his usual wonderful self and took care of things at home while we battled the day. We were all quite glad when the day was over and we could go to bed. Today? Much better.

Wordless Wednesday

October Birthday Celebration

The October Birthday Celebration for Mom and Katie was a success. Nick started a helicopter war (which the dog hated), we munched on pizza and appetizers and chocolate cake, and Katie got a pair of cool new sneakers. It was fun!

Wordless Wednesday

Mouse

The house was cold when we came home from the cabin last night, and being that it was a Sunday night, the repair people didn't exactly rush to our aid. We did find a space heater in the basement, though, and piled some blankets on our beds, and ended up actually sleeping pretty well. There was still no call back from the repair people before we left for work, so I wasn't sure of what the day would bring. Bruce stayed on top of the situation, though, and by noon, the repairs had been done and the house was toasty warm when I walked through the door. What a good husband I have! The sad part was that a mouse had managed to crawl in from the outside pipes by the raspberry plants, got stuck, and died in the furnace. I don't like the idea of mice making their way into my home, but let's face it, it's cold outside and the little guy was probably just trying to stay warm. Now that I think about it, it sure seems like we've had a lot of major appliances going on the fritz lately... wonder what's up with that?

Blustery Day

I didn't dress warm enough today, because it was cold! It rained and then it snowed, and it felt like the start of winter. I am not ready for winter yet. But, the snow melted as soon as it hit the ground and though it's supposed to warm up a tad by tomorrow, it's almost November in Minnesota and that can mean almost anything. Debbie and I decided to meet at the mall for lunch. It was warm and colorful and full of energy, and we decided to have an Octoberfest lunch at Macy's ... Jagerschnitzel with Red Cabbage. We looked at the Christmas decorations that were out for the season already, and bought each other an ornament as our early Christmas gifts. We decided to just exchange them while we were standing at the checkout, and the sales person heard us talking and said, "That's different." We then laughed about that for awhile. It was a lovely afternoon.

Wordless Wednesday

Autumn in Minnesota

The leaves are coming down, and the weather is crisping up. We spent yet another day raking, and still have more to do. Bruce dumps the leaves in a pile in a back wooded area of the yard. I'm sure the pile does eventually shrink down some as time goes by, but it never really goes away.

Wordless Wednesday

Time for Family

It's been a week of family reuniting as Diana arrived from Washington to visit her mom, Grandma Gloria. Diana was able to see Gloria's new home, and Grandma Gloria was able to spend time with her daughter. Diana is talking about trying to get out more often for visits, and hopefully her job will allow her to do that. In the meantime, we'll just have to take what we can get!

Wordless Wednesday

Taking Care of Things

I spent time taking care of my home today, including nurturing a couple of plants. My basil plant surprised me this summer, by not only surviving but by actually thriving. I moved it out to the porch to get some sunshine, but I'll probably have to bring it back in tonight as nights have been cool. I also transplanted my Gerber daisy plant. (Last week when I went to visit Debbie, I was shocked to see that the Gerber daisy I gave her on Jake's Confirmation Day a few years back, was still alive and blooming. She might also have a green thumb and I'm pretty that sure I don't, but I figured it was worth a shot, anyway.) The bird cage was cleaned, bathrooms were scrubbed down, and animal hair was vacuumed up. Knowing that company will be coming into the house is a good incentive to clean! I also spent some time relaxing on the porch, enjoying the warm breezes and the sound of neighbors' sprinklers. And despite how dry this summer has been, the Fall colors have actually been decent!