Winter Exploration!!!

I was getting stir crazy stuck in the house. There is still another week before the kids go back to school and the Christmas toys are all ready old news. So MD, Lou Lou, Dolly and I grabbed the camera, my i-pod (set to the best of Bonjovi ) and headed out to explore the desert.

Exploration is one of our family's favorite things. Whether its the pond by our house, a dried up canal bed, or the vast miles of Idaho desert, looking isn't good enough for us. We have to explore.

Explore, as we know it, means to get out, walk around, pick things up, sniff them, compare them to other objects close by and come to a conclusion of how we think they got there. This usually involves an elaborate story, millions of years and dinosaurs, but it makes us happy to imagine it all the same.

So without any further adieu.. I give you our most recent exploration.




It may be that I grew up in the desert.. but there is nothing more beautiful to me than miles and miles of open land.

Spring time is really the only season the desert has sharp color, but I think these muted browns and blues are wonderful!

It looks like home to me!






The European Starlings flock in huge numbers to grain fields here in the winter. They move as if one, and can take the form of a dark menacing storm cloud.

It's one of my favorite sights!









I wish you could hear the thunder their wings make as they all take off at once!











I have an obsession with old farm buildings...
I love the story that radiates from them.
























This old building just had "explore me" written all over it!





What trip to the great outdoors is complete without your proverbial cow making an appearance along side the road?














I think Dolly looks like a big fox here..
Mostly I am just showing off how well my new camera takes moving subjects.





We spent about 2 hours out exploring farm lands and the surrounding desert. No better way to spend a winters afternoon!

Animal Quote Monday

"In order to live free and happily you must sacrifice boredom. It is not always an easy sacrifice." -Richard Bach

Our Winter Wonder Land

Make a Smilebox photobook

Animal Quote Monday-a day late- again

Therefore all seasons shall be sweet to thee,Whether the summer clothe the general earthWith greenness, or the redbreast sit and singBetwixt the tufts of snow on the bare branchOf mossy apple tree. -Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Frost at Midnight

Tradition with a Twist

Every year we love to make snowflakes. I think this is the kids very favorite Christmas project. We stepped outside the "tradition" box this year and added in some Christmas wrapping paper to make our snowflakes more colorful.

Because of the back light it's hard to see all the color, but most of these or various shades of red, green, and pink...Lou Lou wanted to use birthday wrapping so she could have hers pink.

We have never strung them like this before...I liked it. MD is making one for his bunk bed.

I wanted to do one snowflake on each kitchen cupboard..but after over an hour of cutting I lost some steam. This will have to do for now. Charlie was at choir when the kids and I made all of them, so he will probably want to add some latter.

This is the only bad part to the project..but it's worth it.

Please get me something nice for Christmas

This year I have been thinking more and more about the economy...I know you're shocked right? It's not like the economy is a hot topic or anything. Well, it's true, this is the first year I have really dwelt on the less fortunate. That may be because it is in my face every time I turn on my computer, TV or pick up a paper. But I like to think I'm just that kinda of person, (slightly cheeky laugh)

What ever the reason you really can't help to think about money this year. There are just so many who are hurting so much. And yes, I know that there has been every year. There has never been a December when every child in the world went to bed healthy, full and warm. There has never been a month for that matter, that everyone everywhere had everything they needed. And I don't mean new socks for Christmas or a cheap plastic truck. I mean really important things like, water, food, shelter, safety.

This year I just can't do it anymore. I can't look forward to fancy, or even just fun gifts on Christmas morning when some have nothing. I can't buy my kids every little cutie thing I see so that the unwrapping will last more than 2 minutes, when some kids will wake up to nothing. And while every year our family tries to give canned food and a few toys in the bins...somehow this year that just doesn't seem like enough, maybe it never was.

This year this is my Christmas list. And even though most of you are strangers I am going to ask that you please pick one thing on my list to do for Christmas, and send me yours so that I can give you a gift too. If we all gave each other these gifts there really would be peace on earth...or at least a dang good start.

1. Smile at a stranger

2. Drop change in the bell ringers bucket

3. Buy a toy for the bin in the store

4. Give a dollar to the person on the street (not because of what he/she will do with it, but because in giving you also bless.)

5. Buy a bag of cat or dog food for your local shelter

6. Donate blood

7. Give up your seat on the bus to someone who has just as good of legs as you

8. Pay the toll for the car behind you

9. Pick up a plastic bottle off the street and recycle it

10. Say thank you to someone in a uniform

11.Wave to a total stranger

12. Let a car in in the mall parking lot and smile when you do it.

13. Tell the sales lady thanks for standing on her feet all day so you can buy your groceries

14. Give your kid's old coats to a family you know is struggling

15. (And this one I took from Charlie) Make an extra payment in your 401k for future security

These are the things I want for Christmas...and if you are one of my family and want to wrap something, write what you did down on a piece of paper, put it in a box and wrap it up for me.

I'm going to end with my Grandpa's favorite quote...

"I expect to go through this world but once, if I can do any good therefore, or offer any kindness to any of my fellow creatures, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

Christmas Show and Tell

I like my house best at Christmas time. The lights, and smells and colors can not be topped any other time of the year!

Here are a few of my favorite spots in our home...





This is my "fancy" Christmas tree. We have another in the loft where we hang all of our family ornaments.










The one thing I miss about our old house is the fire place....the stockings just don't look right without one.









We love to play Christmas music together in the evenings...Charlie on the guitar, MD and I take turns on the piano, and Lou Lou sings.

Front room looking out.

I love this rocking horse!

The basket is filled with cinnamon pine cones that hit you when you first walk in.....and I love the wooden train.

This is the back yard pond...I'm always intrigued by the pattern the waterfall makes. (click to enlarge so you can really appreciate it.)

Hope all of you are having fun with your own homes, and I'd love to see some pictures...you can never have too many good ideas right?

Animal Quote Monday

"Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?"
Edgar Bergen

Joy to The World

MD and Lou Lou singing in church this morning. What they lack in tone they make up for in gumption!

Antique Corner

I really like antiques, especially if it has personal history.

This is my Grandma's vanity. I think she got it when she was 16. You can see the matching bureau in the mirror. That is a picture of Grandma and Grandpa. You can't see it, but on the other side I have a pic of Charlie's grandparents from the same era.

This is my reading chair...I have to share it with Poncho. Someday I aspire to have my own library, complete with a rolling ladder, but until then this little corner of our bedroom will have to do.

Camera fun

We got a new camera yesterday and Lou Lou and I were playing around with it.

Nope, not yet....

There we go...there's my blue eyed girl. Just look at those dimples!

Apple Cinnamon Ornaments

( I stole this picture off the Internet..but they look pretty much like this, just a little flatter. You can decorate them with gel pens, or paint pens)

Every year, about halfway through December I get the feeling that I have not done enough Christmasy stuff to hold the family until next Christmas. Yes, I realize this is absolutely ridiculous and I wise person pointed out to me that Christmas is not a competition to see who can cram in the most family fun. Never the less, the feeling still hit last night.

So, if anyone else gets that feeling, or even if you are just looking for a simple and fun family project here is one you must try. I did this with Lou Lou's Kindergarten class this year and it is so fun. These ornaments smell SO good, and last forever!

The recipe is simple:

1 cup of apple sauce

1/3 cup of white glue (like Elmer's)

1 1/2 cups of cinnamon (this is a TON so buy bulk)

Mix together- chill for 1 hour or more.

Roll out and cut with cookie cutters (poke a hole at the top with a straw)

Air dry for about 24 hours.

When you are done you will have cute wonderful smelling ornaments to hang, give away, or tie to presents. And the kids love it! I hung one in my car to make it smell good!

Animal Quote Monday-a day late.

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." -Victor Borge

I wish I were a cat

Meet Jack. My 9 year old tabby. This is how his day went:



9:00 am

I found him snuggled down on my good sofa. Now keep in mind there are only 2 spots in the house that animals are not allowed. My fancy couch, and matching love seat.....but they know I'm a sucker for a cozy critter. I never seemed to have it in me to shoo them off when they are all curled up like that.





11:00 am

As Lou Lou and I were heading into the kitchen
for lunch we passed him. "No, no, don't get up" I said.











2:00 pm

See how well he listens!









4:00 pm

After the kids and I got home from school, this is what we found. My giant orange tiger, Poncho, has decided Jack's got the right idea!








6:00 pm


Just before Charlie walked in the door, home from work...........


I wish I were a cat!

Pets: pros and cons

There are many, many things people should consider before getting a pet. This time of year parents go out and get a new puppy or kitty for a great Christmas gift, only to find out they weren't prepared to give it proper care. January -March are always full months at animal shelters. Taking in all those "gifts" that became overwhelming to busy families. I have taken the liberty to jot down a few pros and cons for potential pet owners to think about before you bring home that Christmas puppy.

CONS:

1. The hair: Take it from me, it gets everywhere. On your clothes, your carpet, sofas, church cookies!

2. The time: Depending on the type of pet you get this is a lot or not so much, but any pet will require some of your valuable time.

3. The noise: There is nothing louder than 2 dogs in a full blown wrestling match!

4. The cost: If you do get a pet you will need to invest in him. Buy quality food that supports their health. It costs more, but you wouldn't feed your kids bulk cereal for every meal. And vet bills, even if they stay relatively healthy from good diet and care a yearly vet visit is essential to good health.

5. The energy: Now a fish won't take much energy, but a dog needs exercise every day. And not just physical, but mental stimulation as well though training and games that work their intelligent minds. This can take it's toll on you after a long day.

6. The mess: No matter what kind of pet you get, some cleaning will be required, and your house may not look exactly perfect at all times.

These are just some of the cons you should consider before adopting a pet. And I say adopt because your local shelter is over flowing with all kinds of animals for adoption.

And now the pros of pet adoption,

Pros:

I could only think of one pro to adopting a new pet-

Enough said!!

Home for the Holidays?

(This is Buddy. I got him from the local animal shelter in 1992. This will be my first Christmas without my best friend in 17 years....this post is for him, and all the other wonderful pets waiting for a home this holiday. In this season of giving please consider helping some of God's most vulnerable creatures.)

How to Support Your Local Animal Shelter: Holiday Edition
By CurbsideWriter

'The holiday season is supposed to be about giving. Animal shelters can use all of the giving that they can get, so why not consider that when you are out there shopping this season?';


Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Things You’ll Need:
A few extra dollars
A caring spirit
A little extra time

Step1 Consider contacting your local shelter and finding out what they need the most. You may be surprised when you find out what they need the most. Maybe volunteers? Dog walking, a fresh paint-job, plumbing help, lots of tennis balls for the pups? Try calling or just showing up, and asking. (Hint: go/call during not-so-busy times.)

Step2 Shop in quantity. Remember, BUY IN BULK! The shelter is probably over-crowded, and the animals could use all of the comforts they can get to help with the stress.

Step3 A few constant necessities: Dry dog food; dry cat food; jingly balls for the cats; tennis balls for the dogs; baby blankets; and, of course, volunteers!

Step4 Feel good about whatever you do. You deserve the selfish feeling of do-gooderness. It's better to do, than to not do and regret it.

Step5 Make it a tradition! Do this yearly. Maybe have your friends/family do the same. Plan a get-together. Ask for donations to the shelter, in lieu of gifts. Do your part

The Origin of the Christmas Tree Angel

(This is a poem I wrote 8 years ago or so after hearing a joke about how the Angel came to be at the top of the Christmas tree)


'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the North,
Every creature was stirring to bring presents forth.

Santa was scurrying to find his red sack,
Rudolph was fevered, the sled had a crack.

Mrs. Clause came forward to give out her warning;
Only twelve hours left until Christmas morning.

"Where is my coffee" Santa said with a huff.
"And why in the hell can't I get this bag stuffed?"

The elves were all quarreling over a poker game,
Dasher and Dancer were riddled with pain.

Santa's hot coffee was spilled in his lap,
"Good Lord" he exclaimed, "I could sure use a nap!"

He tried on his red suit-a little too tight,
He'd have to ride in long Johns all through the night.

Amidst all the talk, amidst all the clatter,
There came a small sound; rat-a-tat-tatter.

Santa opened the door to an angel so sweet,
With a cute smiling face standing there at his feet.

"Santa," she said, holding a Christmas tree thicket,
"Where in your house would you like me to stick it?"

Animal quote Monday

"It seemes rather incongruous that in a society of supersophisticated communication we often suffer from a shortage of listeners."

-Erma Bombeck

Not our Daddy

So, today, after a long and drawn-out shopping trip where my husband, 2 kids and I fought the wandering hoards of human debris to return and purchase items of absolutely no significance we passed an accident. No big deal. Lights flashed ahead of us; we pulled over to let 2 cop cars through. At first it looked as though the sea of blue and red would not part and we'd have to find an alternative route home. Mostly I was annoyed by the delay. It had been a long weekend and I really just wanted to be home having my Sunday nap.

I was being short with the kids when they asked what all the commotion was. MD was pulling on the back of my seat to get a better view and the scene ahead was just one more distraction in an already distracting day.

Not that I could blame the kids for rubber necking. Even a family on bikes had come out to see what was going on. A woman and 3 kids straddled their bikes on the side of the road, not the least bit concerned that they were in the way of the emergency vehicles trying to get through.

And then as the cops cut the traffic into one lane and let a few straggling cars get by I saw what had happened. Just to my right, not 10 feet away, lay a man stone cold on the road. The kids saw it too. I realized then that the biking family were not mere spectators, but witnesses to the accident. The victim their father, and husband.

Our car passed by fairly quickly but that 10-second image is something I will never forget. Dark brown hair, gray sweater and jogging pants; he was laying on his side, face turned away. His body was deathly still, a police man crouched beside him. Someone had put a white blanket under his head and it was soaked in a dark crimson.

MD said, "That's the dad who got hit mom." And I said a silent prayer that this would go away, not just for the unknown man's sake, but for his family, and for mine. I didn't want to think about mortality and how all of our hopes and dreams can be ripped from us in the blink of an eye.

So I said my silent prayer that the man would be okay, even though I knew he wouldn't. And I prayed for the family that they could be strong and not scared, even though I knew they couldn't. Then I took some deep breaths and reminded myself that I was okay, that everyone I loved was okay...this helped my anxiety some, until I heard Lou Lou say very quietly from the back seat, "I'm glad that's not our daddy."

Suddenly it hit all at once. It could be. For someone, it was their dad. Where moments before they had been a family now they were victims, lives changed forever. As a mother I live in a false sense of security, I think I have to to cope. I tell myself that if I make everyone wear helmets and seat belts and look both ways before they cross the street that I can protect them. Nothing can break my safe cozy bubble I keep wrapped around us, at least that's what I tell myself.

The truth is, we are all just one bike ride away from destruction in one form or another. Nothing we do can protect all of us all the time, and life is precious. I knew that today, and I've known it before. I'm sure there will be other shopping trips that get under my skin, times when my children are not my favorite people; life is just like that. But tonight, with my babies sleeping soundly in their rooms and my husband here with me, I am thankful for the fragile gift of life and in awe of the respect that it deserves.

The Eye of the Tiger

Uncle's Rock Star X box game- $200

Grandma and Papa's TV- $900

A cousin sing-a-long- Priceless

TRADITION!

Tradition runs strong through my veins, and never is it more evident than on a major holiday. Thanksgiving morning started with tradition the moment my eyes opened. MD and Lou Lou woke Charlie and me by climbing into our bed and we turned on the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. We stuck it out for almost the whole three hours, just the four of us, two dogs and two cats on one king sized bed. About the 34 time one of the dogs spilled hot coffee on Charlie he asked, "Why do we have all these beast again?" The kids and I just laughed and I reminded him that they were to enrich our lives. To which he replied "oh" and mopped up the coffee off his chest.

Tradition continued all day, and more than once I felt like breaking out into Fiddler on the Roof...Tradi-t-i-o-n. And since, according to the official "Book of Tradition Rules" it only takes doing something two years in a row to become tradition, we have built up quite a few.

Pictures tell it best......

The kids table...classic tradition!

Relatives doing the bulk of the cooking...I love this one!

Auntie's ginger bread house's..each family gets one.

Love the football thing!

Over eating..you have to right?

And....... decorating for Christmas! This is my very favorite!!

Last but not least, turning off the lights and viewing the tree. I say it every year, but this time I mean it. This is the best our tree has ever looked....thanks to the day after Christmas sales last year, you guessed it, another tradition!

• I hope you all had a blessed day and gave thanks for much, whatever your traditions are!

Animal quote Monday

"A critic is someone who comes onto the battlefield after the battle is over and shoots the wounded."

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