And so.

And so a new year is upon us. With style. (This kid's got style. JD style. For the past week.)

Snow started falling sometime Thursday and didn't really stop until today...or something along those lines.

You'll have to excuse me and my memory, I've been cooped up for days on end. With three kids and an ornery gallbladder and g.b. flush regimen. All I know is this: Outside=big snow.

(Please excuse the non-edited red-eye photos. I have to find a new editing program. Any suggestions?)

And this:
1) Eating no fat for a week is boring.
2) 1/2 cup plain lemon juice down the hatch will pucker you up.
3)Not looking forward to the 1/2 cup of Olive oil tonight.

We'll see what the outcome is. Hopefully success.

Because I want to eat something good and juicy and fatty.Elsa's checking out how she measures up to the BIG present. It turned out to be hers.
Oliver was only a little disappointed.

Looking back to Christmas, I did succeed in getting in the spirit at the last minute and enjoyed the crazy busyness of those few days. The kids were well spoiled. Really, Santa could've skipped our house, they made out like bandits elsewhere. But, he came, they opened and all was enjoyed. I even managed to get a few Christmas cards done in time... the rest are *ahem* sitting on my counter. Getting in the way every time you want to use the microwave. Waiting for stamps.

We don't want to be to prompt or anything.

It's 8:08 on 1/1/11. The kids are sleeping. The dog is snoring. The hubby is at work. And I don't feel any large doses of ambition coming on. Think I'll curl up with a book.

Peace on Earth

Ahh.

The week of Christmas was filled with much hustle and bustle around here, but at this moment, I'm enjoying a cup of tea, early bedtime for the kids and some peace and quiet. And a moment to reminisce.

Credit on the photos to my talented friend Jennifer. She does wonderful work.

The days went by fast, but much fun was had. All of my siblings were home at some point for the holiday, and it was wonderful to see them. (For those who don't know, we're about as spread out as any siblings can be while staying in the states. California, Massachusetts, Georgia, Alaska, and in the middle, me, at home in MN.) As usual, the uncles riled up the kids, spoiled them rotten, and left us with memories to tide over until next time. It doesn't get much better than that. (My camera was evidently far from my hand...not many photos to share. And these are SOOC...no cropping or nothin'.)

We went to my uncle and aunt's on the Isaacson side to enjoy Christmas Eve; sang carols, visited, good food...and no pinata. Piece of advice: start a pinata more than four hours before you want to break it...even with the aid of a hair dryer, it won't be ready. In spite of that, the evening was still a good time.

Anyone need a half-finished pinata?

Christmas morning everyone slept in. The kids didn't rise until after 10, and being as we had two parties to attend, I didn't even attempt to make it to church. Instead, we enjoyed a more leisurely *late* morning together. Santa was good to all, and hit the jackpot with Oliver's shotgun. Talk about a little boy's dream come true. He had shot a some bear, deer and a couple eagles within hours...despite Great-Gramma R.'s admonitions that he shouldn't, because "Eagles are a national symbol." No convincing this young hunter.

The afternoon spent with my mom's side of the family, then the evening with Eric's. (Where Elsa was given this adorable doll.) Lots more food, presents and fun. Then all of a sudden, the day was over. Another wonderfully full and enjoyable holiday. And a snowy one as well!


Today saw me straight back to work, and boy was I dragging. But as icing on the cake, I came home to a freshly cleaned kitchen and bathroom, as well as supper on the stove. Num. A good way to bring in the new week!

This and that

I had a request a while back for better pictures of the Christmas stockings I made. I took the pictures, but forgot all about them until today. So, a few last Christmas pictures:

Oliver showing them off

I can't decide if the heel to toe part is too long...but once one was made, I figured the second one should probably match. So, there they are.

Eric brought home his old-grown-out-of snowshoes recently. I've been suffering from a lack of exercise and a lack of options for real exercise with two kids in tow. I was skeptical about pulling the kids in the sled while I shoed, but it actually works wonderfully well; especially once you have a packed trail. I think I'm hooked. It's more fun and a better workout than just going for walks all the time, as I can get out into the woods, and am pulling 40 or so pounds of kids.


I must admit I've only gone a few times so far, so it's still a novelty. Hopefully one that sticks and keeps getting me out of the house. I just feel so much better if I've got some exercise under my belt. Not to mention a little more fresh air for the kids is great as well.
Elsa in the sled after out outing. She ends up with a lap full of snow if we make new trails, but it doesn't seem to faze her. She's proudly wearing her new jacket and snowpants set that I found on sale yesterday. It took much hemming and hawing on my part, but I'm glad I bought them. She has always hated the snowsuit she had; not sure why, but she complained every time I put it on her. Today with the new stuff? Not a peep, and she lasted outside longer.

So, along with some laundry, an attempt at cutting Oliver's hair, and the pot of chili on the stove, that's pretty much been my day. Hope yours is going well!

-39 degrees. I'm looking forward to it.

Or to spring. Yup, pretty sure I'd like spring instead.




Chuckle of the day: Yesterday this goofball noticed my shirt riding up when I sat down, and laughing his head off, poked the skin, saying "Mom! You losing you britches!!!" Here, he's enjoying a Sunday nap.

It was a good weekend! I started Saturday with an ambition to paint a living room wall. I had just set up some babysitting when I got a phone call with an even better option-visiting! Evelyn was in town, so I spent much time this weekend enjoying the company of friends- always a wonderful past time! Some other locals and I also came up with a plan to meet at least once a week to go for walks. A little exercise is always more likely to happen when others are involved. We were planning on starting Tuesday...but with a forecast of highs of -10 and windchills of -39 to -44 or more, I'm not so sure it'd be the wisest idea. Humpf.


****

My brother Steve recently posted some pictures he took over Christmas on his Flickr. I took liberty to steal many of them, and here are some of my favorites. Isn't the lighting (by that I mean not 'flashy') and quality just great? A good camera and talent does wonders:)

Elsa and her Mom

I love the way the light plays off her hair in this one.


This one's just great. I don't think he ever succeeded in blowing it up.
These were just a few...great job catching lots of fun moments, Steve!