We are catsitting two adorable kittens and Charlie. I thought I'd take a picture of all critters underfoot at this moment.

We were told that our girls would lay less or not at all this winter when the days shorten. We were encouraged to put a light or heat lamp out there for them to keep them laying more regularly. But, our girls are hearty. No heat, no light. All they ask for is food and water and look what they give us in return. They play out in the cold and even stomp about in the snow. I may have to shovel a path for them when it gets really deep. I want to keep them happy. After all, happy hens make eggs, which make happy humans.

Reeny's Christmas Program '09

uncle jim visit dec. '09

Uncle Jim came from NY and we had a great visit. We started out with some rousing games of ping pong and finished the evening with old photos put on DVD of Rob and Matt when they were kids. The kids loved seeing their 'young' dads. If they had any complaints it was there weren't nearly enough pictures. We were promised more.

Sat. morning workout

I wish I had a picture for this post. It would show 5 smiling women, representing different ages and all my neighbors. I roped these women (last night!) into joining me in an exercise class this morning. They all hopped in my van and we went to this class that we knew nothing about, other than I knew the instructor and she was teaching this new fitness class with the word groovy and dance in the title. I will not be able to adequately describe this class. There were no mirrors in the room...intentionally. The instructor started out by saying that fitness doesn't have to be what Hollywood makes it out to be. That no one will be checking out our 6-pack abs in our coffins. She spoke honestly about how we view fitness, our bodies, and how concerned we are about what others think. I was most surprised to find myself sweating and smiling the entire workout! We're all heading back on Monday night and I think I'm even going to drag along one of my girls. Mom, watch out. Next time I get you out here you're going to be groovin' with me!

teacher gifts x-mas '09

With 4 school teachers and 4 church teachers, it's always a challenge to come up with an idea that's economical, manageable, cute, and something the kids can make. This year I am knitting a washcloth and the girls are making the soap. This was my trial run. The girl's soaps actually have turned out much cuter. They love mixing custom colors. Now I just need an idea for the one male teacher in the mix. We'll probably make him some cookies.

christmas program 2009

The big girls had their Christmas program on Monday night. This is Anna's last year and next year Irene will be singing with the kindergarten class. Sad endings and new beginnings. I'll miss seeing Anna get excited about this event as she has every year. Next year she can sit with us and gets to sing, as part of the alumni, the last song, the one that always makes me cry. When I go to this program, it reminds me of why I especially love our school. There are so many different kinds of culture represented on stage... a slice of our community and maybe what heaven will look like. Caroline is the girl with the cowboy hat on in the first row.

Day 3 of or 30-day marathon. We were greeted by great big flakes of snow. Beautiful.

30-day challenge

My mom and I are taking a 30 day challenge. We are committed to exercising every single day for the next 30 days. We are going to connect daily and hold each other accountable and encourage each other. For me, a huge part will be about planning ahead to make sure I schedule it in. My mom and I both want to do most of our exercising outside, so I intend to get some thermals for the impending cold weather.
Feel free to join us in jump starting a healthier year to come.
I 'm looking forward to being with my mom in Minnesota at the end of this month where we can finish off the last of our '30- days', walking together....and then we'll talk about extending it another 30 days!

O Christmas Tree

One wild and crazy idea turned into one wild and crazy looking tree. It's an old heavy turquoise metal "tree" that was used for storing lumber. A friend was getting rid of it so I took it, even though at the time I had no idea what I would use it for. The word "tree" kept coming up in my brain until I finally said to Rob, "We should use it for our Christmas tree." He had to give it the go ahead or it was just another one of my crazy ideas. It still is a crazy idea. But, crazy fun.

Meet Genevieve or Ginny. We were going to adopt from the Humane Society until this stray kitty made its presence days before Izzy's birthday. She is the sweetest cat and she loves her owner. She spent her first night in our house sleeping in Izzy's bed- all night long!

Izzy is 10!

Izzy is 10 today. And I have a picture of her in the camera. If only I could find it. I'm sure it will show up tomorrow. You'll have to wait to see what she got. Hint: Rob is even more outnumbered.