Catching Up

Here it is, the last day of January. One month done of this new year, and I'm already feeling two months behind.

Definitely behind in this week. We headed downstate Monday and first visited with my folks (and pigged out at the Golden Corral--Thanks, Mom and Dad!) Then we went to Anthony and Betsy's house to celebrate Caroline's third Birthday a couple days late. Ben, Lori and their kids were there, too. We had a real nice visit. That evening, Betsy, Lori and I went to Michael's where I was trying to find certain components to make some more of these little houses:








I was hoping to make some for three of my little granddaughters for their sixth birthdays this year. They are each made of two small Michael's hutches, glued back to back. They are only about 6 inches tall or so. One of these little granddaughters just loves mine, so I thought it would be a good idea. Doesn't look like it's going to happen, though.

You'd never the believe the ribbing I received in my quest for these hutches. A perfectly normal excursion, IMHO.

We stayed that night at Betsy's. The next morning, most of us went to the mall until it was time for Dale and me to head back home. We really enjoy being with our family.

For any of you who are worried about the misplaced snake, you'll be happy to know I returned it to its rightful owner. However, it seems the little critter took up residence under Betsy's dining room table instead of leaving with its master for warmer climes.



Stay tuned for the further adventures of The Snake!

Meet my Boss...

This little furball is my pet, Zebadiah. She (yes, she) is getting old and has mellowed out a lot since her younger days. She's still a little thing; no bigger than a minute. Sadly, my children don't like her. (Please refrain from mean comments about her, kids.) I've had a lot of fun with this little rascal over the years.

Can you believe it?

Some of my kids will be surprised--and pleased--to know that I finally broke down and bought a new pan! They've been making comments about my worn out old-faithfuls. I've been wanting one of these for a long time and KMart has them on sale this week.

Success and Failure

Success: I did it! I got all the flannelgraph pieces cut out and ready to use!!! What a job.

Failure: I made homemade bread this morning--something that usually turns out beautifully. Well, today it flopped. It was edible, but not great. I'm trying to figure out what happened so I'm making just one loaf this afternoon to see if it goes better. Already, I realize I forgot the sugar this morning. Ugh. I'm thinkin' maybe I need to get new yeast, too.

My Beautiful North

Here's a picture I snapped as I was driving down the road the other day. I love to see the snow on the pines.

Here's what we have right near the door.

The Stairway

The new stairway is finally built in the church. Here they are nailing the last step in. Of course, there is still the finishing to do--carpet, rails, chair lift. Hopefully, we'll soon be able to use the basement classrooms again!

The Beginning of a New Year

Ben, Lori and their kids arrived on New Year's Eve. We had a nice relaxing week with them, just enjoying being together, eating burritos, going to thrift shops, playing games (Clue and Dutch Blitz) and watching Ernest movies. Kate and Josh were here with us some of the time, too. Josh rode his snowmobile to our house; our little southern grandsons thought that was pretty neat! They also enjoyed playing in the snow. We had some decent-sized hills in our yard where the snowplow had piled the snow. Just right for youngsters to sled on.

For some reason, Austin, Caleb and Chloe are very hard to get pictures of. They move so quickly! Here's a picture I snapped of Austin and Caleb. They were right there when I looked in the camera and started pressing the button, then poof! they disappeared before the picture was taken.

This next picture is of a little gem we seem to have acquired during their visit. Caleb bought it at Dollar Castle, and Ben is sure they took theirs back with them...so how did it get in our car??? There it was, cosily slumbering on the driver's seat when I went to get in. Yikes! I about jumped out of my skin. It looks too real. Maybe not in this picture, but believe me, it looks altogether too real.



Well, now all the holiday family gatherings are over and it's back to getting caught up with life. Sure did enjoy these last couple months of fun!