Our weekend is looking snowy and cold. But maybe not as cold as the last couple days were. Those -15 F temps are little hard to deal with this early in the season. And yes I said early in the season, cause it's winter here no matter what the calendar says.
I'm thinking that comfort foods are on deck for this next week--chicken and dumplings, stew, and meatloaf. Although the boys are clamoring for fried rice and Nick desperately wants a stir fry. Dinners are never boring around our house.
Bruiser had his first school program last night. It was adorable. He was so proud and sang so well. Even if it was cold out the turnout for the program was impressive. Also impressive, the music teacher didn't try force holiday songs on us. The program was based on puppies. There were some very cute kids dressed as dogs.
On our way home from said program, I saw Christmas lights in a window. Ugh, rushing the season some there.
Two weeks to Thanksgiving. Where is November going? I get this weekend and then it's Thanksgiving prep with friends and on to the holiday. I'm looking forward to it, but at the same time, I wish it would all just slow down some.
5 Pictures:
Today I raided Nick's phone for pictures:
Tuesday was National Forget Me Not day. A day to remember those we have lost touch with, perhaps try and reconnect with them. The Spin Cycle is asking if there is someone you have fond memories of and have been thinking of recently. This one was a bit of a stumper for me. I have friends I have lost touch with and the reconnected with on the all mighty Facebook. I have other friends that have moved away (the downside to living in a college town) and just don't have a connection with.
Really, in this day and age of hyper connectedness, it's harder to lose touch with people. The Book of Face lets you have a peek into the lives of far flung friends daily. Honestly the one friends Nick and I think of most often is one from before the inter webs became the all encompassing thing they are now.
R was our neighbor across the hall in the first apartment building Nick and I lived in. He was quirky, but fun. A bit socially backwards and had the worst luck in women, but we all got along great and had some truly great times together. He moved to Alaska about 12 or 13 years ago and we lost touch with him as he then proceeded to move around the country with trips back to Alaska and out to Minnesota and such.
The last time we heard from R was about 3-4 years ago. He contacted Nick via email and they corresponded for a bit. He, at that time, thought he was moving to Denver but we haven't heard from him since. We aren't sure where he is right now. It would be good to see him again and find out what he has been up to.
He crosses my mind at odd times and almost always when we do an electrical project as he was an electrician. One of those sparky people is always good to know. I really hope life has been good to him.
1. We celebrate Veteran's Day in the US of A on November 11th. When did
you last interact with a member of the armed forces (either currently
serving or retired)? Have you ever written a letter to a soldier, bought
a meal or coffee for a solider, said an unprompted thank you to a
soldier you encountered out and about somewhere? If you're not in the
US, comment on a similar holiday in your own country. I don't have a lot of interaction with military personnel in my daily life--either currently serving or retired. This makes it difficult to do anything for them. I do think the sacrifices they make are integral to the life I lead though.
2. You can have fifty pounds of anything at all (except money)...what would you choose? Seafood. As long as I don't have to use it right away. I love seafood and the selection here in the middle of no where is limited and usually frozen. When the ocean is at least a 1000 miles away, fresh is subjective.
3. When did you last receive an invitation in the 'real' mail? What was
it for and did you attend? When it comes to RSVP-ing, are you an 'early
responder' or a 'last minute, barely-under-the-wire' kind of guest? We got a wedding invite for one of Nick's cousins. We did attend, but there was no RSVP included, the reception was more of a casual thing. I like to respond early, but things get in the way and we are sometimes more of a closer to last minute replier for birthday invites and such.
4. What's something you really don't like to waste? Time. If I have an extra minute, I like to spend it reading. That is totally not wasting time.
5. Cheers, Friends, MASH, Seinfeld...of the ones listed, your favorite long-running sitcom? It would have to be MASH. I ahve fond memories of watching it with my family, but I think it had hit it's first round of reruns when we were watching it in the mid 80s.
6. What decision are you glad you made? The first one the pops into my mind is to go on the first date with Nick. He has been my rock, my encourager, my motivator, and my best friend for going on 22 years now. Best decision I ever made to go on that first date with him.
7. In this month of 'Thanksgiving' what is one thing that's different today than it was a year ago that you're grateful for? We have a new water heater that doesn't have the possibility of flooding our basement. After having been through that twice in the last 4 years, I'm thankful we have the new one now.
8. Insert your own random thought here. Now for my thankful bit for the week. I am thankful for our house. It really is a home and I love it. It's not the biggest, most showy house, but it is filled with love and feels homey and cozy. Which is especially nice when it's -14 outside.
Nick and I split the vacuuming yesterday. I did upstairs and he did the basement. Even the stairs, which I hate vacuuming. So there is less dust bunnies and such floating around.
Found another spider in the bathroom this morning. Stupid thing was trying to get a peep show. It's now much flatter and residing in the garbage can. I didn't even scream. Did do a couple full body shivers though.
What I felt like doing...
It's very cold here. It was 7 degrees this morning. And snowing. Winter came and set up shop. I really wish that it wasn't quite so cold, but then it is that time of year.
Hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only two weeks away. Ours is going to be a wonderful weekend this year. Weather permitting, of course.
Sleep has been elusive recently. Once again. It's kind of like this:
Somehow, having winter come has really made it seem much more a holiday season. Still not ready for Christmas yet, but totally ready for Thanksgiving.
Yep, winter has arrived in our neck of the woods. Snow off and on for most of the week and below zero temps at night and barely making out of single digits during the day. Lucky us.
It started snowing this morning. Bruiser was excited, because he could wear his new snow boots to school. Priorities of the young. I think I'm OK with the snow. At least my allergies will decrease significantly.
We had another busy weekend. We got leaves raked on Saturday morning. Which caused a bit of friction from the tween in the house. Turbo was less than pleased to be roped into helping. Sparks flew between him and Nick and ultimately, Nick won and Turbo figured out the whole do a good job, do it quickly and things go easier on you. Dealing with a tween is going to kill us, or him...
Bruiser had a birthday party to go to at the local laser tag place. He had a major blast. Totally didn't want to go home, but I was done and needed to get home. Once there I changed laundry and then crashed for an hour nap. Then it was time to shuttle the boys to Grandma's for an over night. Once we had dropped them off, Nick and I got a date night. Not that we went out to eat. Oh, no we cooked bacon wrapped scallops and snow crab legs for our dinner and watched cheesy musicals snuggled on the couch. It was awesome.
Sunday was a day of folding laundry, reading and being mostly lazy. I didn't even vacuum. That's on the agenda for tonight. I did get the heavy winter comforter on our bed and Turbo's down comforter on his bed. With the temps headed our way, we're gonna need the extra warmth.
So all in all it was a great weekend. Now for MMMM. This week is a freebie week, but with veterans day tomorrow, let's do a patriotic song or two, shall we?
Toby Keith with American Soldier:
Trace Adkins with Arlington:
Tim McGraw with If You're Reading This:
Yeah, some tear inducing stuff this week, but there's nothing happy or exciting about war. I do appreciate those who sacrifice all so I can live the life I have.
And there you have it the first week of November gone. Two and half weeks to thanksgiving. Wow, looking at it that way, time is just zipping by. But let's not worrya bout that and get on to the 5 thoughts:
Nick and I get a date night. The boys are going to see grandma for an overnight. It's been a while since both boys were out of the house for an overnight. I must admit having an evening to ourselves is looking pretty good right now.
Turbo starts ski team in a little over a week. He's excited, they went and got him his skis last night. Now we just need to get ski pants and gloves, and maybe a hat...
We have snow in the forecast for next week. I hope we got some of it, but that Nick can still get to Denver for the trip he really wants to make.
The laundry mountain must be climbed this weekend. Not really looking forward to it, but it must be done.
I could totally use a nap. I have been sleeping better the last couple of nights, but still feel like I have a deficit in the enough sleep department. Butt hen I'm not sure, if I took the time, I could ever feel completely caught up on my sleep.
So this is a retrospective of Halloween, so pictures!
Halloween Cookies a friend helped Bruiser make.
Bruiser's pumpkin chain decoration.
Downtown trick or treat
1930s detective
Dracula
Batman for school.
Pumpkin Carving
The trick or treat gang.
Halloween was about three major events for us this year. Over a week, so not too crowded. Next year things will be busier as it all will happen in about two days. AND as usual the boys are already making noises about what they will be next year...
Go see Ginny Marie and link up your spin on Halloween!
It's November and the month when we get all thankful for the things and people in our lives. I think Wednesdays this month are a good day to get my thank on. Or at least make a nod in that direction if I'm Hodgepodgeing. But today, no hodgepodge so thanks instead.
I'm going to get the big ones out of the way. I very thankful for my family. Nick is a fantastic partner, father and the love of my life. I love how he encourages me to be better, reminds me when I'm slacking, and takes care of me. His enthusiasm is contagious and it does help motivate me. I am truly thankful to have him in my life.
I am thankful for both my boys. Turbo is growing into a lovely young man. He can also be an exasperating tween and I have no doubt he will be an exasperating, but fun, teen. Bruiser is a delightful mix of stubborn and adorableness. He is growing so fast but it is totally fun to see how he is learning and becoming a boy rather than the preschooler he was.
I am thankful for my mother. She is a wonderful grandma and truly adores her grandsons. We would not be where we are without her love and help with both boys. As much as she annoys me at times, I love her and appreciate all she does for us.
Next up is the family that has become very good friends. Nick has a cousin who Nick is technically first cousin once removed. Which makes Nick second cousins to his kids. I think. Anyway those kids are roughly the same ages as our kids. We simplify the relationship to cousins. And we have become the best of friends. I am so thankful to have them in our lives.
I have a couple other friends that I am so thankful to have in my life. One I walk with and get regular time out of the house for girl time. She is the one I can talk reading with, thrift store shop with and discuss country music with. The other one I love shopping with and we get together for the occasional girl's night. We have also gone camping as families with this friend. We have a great time when we are together.
I am thankful for Nick's parents too. They love their grandsons and love being involved with them. We are truly thankful to have Nick's dad with us still. The heart attack in October was a rough episode for all of us.
So that covers the friends and family I am thankful for. What are you thankful for?
And Monday is over! Not that this Monday was all that bad, but now we get to move on to another, better day of the week. Why better you ask? One closer to the weekend, right?
Now let's get all random:
I loved this:
November is shaping up to be a busy month. The boys are in swim lessons, Turbo gets to join the junior high ski team which starts practice this month, we have a big Thanksgiving shindig, and Nick starts up archery leagues again. I do think November will fly by.
We got like 3-4 inches of snow yesterday. This has reminded me that I need to get Bruiser snow boots. He has everything else, but I must get him boots.
It's laundry weekend coming up.
I think I need some chocolate:
A routine is developing. Although when Turbo starts ski practice it just might go out the window. Or need some major adjusting. We shall see.
So what's your random this week?
Go random it up with Stacy.
This last weekend was busy, but relaxing. Halloween started it off with a bang, tons of candy and good times.
It all started Friday morning with Bruiser's Halloween parade. He made the cutest Batman there:
Then Friday afternoon we carved pumpkins:
Next we stuffed something resembling dinner down them and then costumes and off to trick or treating with cousins and friends:
Over all Halloween was wonderful this year. On Saturday Nick and I took a load to the dump--finally getting rid of the two dead dishwashers and the dead water heater and various other junk that has been cluttering up the driveway. Next it was off to the mountains for a load of fire wood. We got to have a nice late lunch/early dinner at a restaurant/lodge on our way home.
Sunday not much was accomplished. I grocery shopped, got dinner in the crock pot and then we rearranged the living room some and then it was lazy mode for the rest of the day. I did get out for a drink with a friend of mine, which was nice. A little bit of girl time.
So I think we had a great weekend. We did get to wake up to snow this morning though:
It is really coming down out there, but probably won't stick yet. Now on to MMMM. Songs of the 60s and 70s. I was born in the seventies. Not realy a music fan then, but I do ahve a few songs that I like that i have found since growing up.
Roberta Flack with Killing Me Softly:
ANd of course what Tribute to 70s songs can go without Cher.
Cher with Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves:
