A Reminder

I keep this magnet on the file cabinet beside my desk.  It reminds me not to take life too seriously!

Gotchya!

Self-portrait

It's always interesting to see how the kiddos view themselves...

It must be Monday...

There's a kiddo at the desk behind me! 

(He has archery on Monday evenings, so he walks to my office after the school day ends.)

A New Desk

She wanted a new table for her room.  Guess who made it?  SHE did!  (With a little help from Dad, of course.)

Fear of Skating?

I took this picture as soon as I got on the ice...saying to myself, (and anyone else who would listen) "What am I thinking?"  I have not skated since I was a little kid.  As an adult I've been way too scared of falling on that hard ice.  This morning the girls asked if I would take them skating .  I wanted to take them, but it was so cold and usually I sit on the bench and freeze my butt off.  I gave myself a talking to, "When has the fear of falling ever kept me off a horse?!" So, I dusted off the skates that were a gift from my parents many, many years ago and followed the girls onto the ice. We had a great time and that was so much more fun than just sitting there watching them!  And I didn't even fall! Well, okay, maybe once, but I controlled it and only went to one knee.  Hopefully next time I won't fall at all!!

He's in the paper, again!

That's it...

 

We're heading South!

Bad Timing

 

I can't believe it's only 1 degree out and my gas tank is almost empty.
Yup. I'll be the icicle shivering at the gas pump!

When we met...

3 years ago today, a customer walked through the doors of Tractor Supply.  I was working in the clothing department, rearranging shirts, when he walked up and asked me if we sold blue Carhartt pants.  I told him, "No. But, we can go check the computer and maybe I could special order them for you?"  He told me that was okay and left. I remember feeling sorry because I would have liked to talk to him some more. An hour or so later, I got the chance...

The first picture of us together. I took it with my phone because my sister in Tennessee kept asking me what he looked like.

He told me later that he had felt the same way, so he came back to the store. He found me in the backroom, stacking pallets and stuck his head through the door to speak to me.  He told me that he had noticed I wasn't wearing a wedding ring.  I explained that I wasn't actually divorced yet, but unfortunately my husband and I were splitting up.  He said he was going through the same thing and if I ever needed anyone to talk to, I could call him.  At which point he wrote down his phone number for me.  I was too shy to call him, but he started coming into the store regularly to see me and very soon we found ourselves falling in love.

And, of course, when you're newly in love, you have to have a kissing picture to show your friends too!

That was the beginning of the happiest relationship that either or us has ever been in.   Our marriage is filled with affection, good communication, laughter, love and understanding.  We look forward to spending the rest of our lives together and can only hope that at some point time will slow down, because these first 3 years have gone by way too quickly!

'A Pirate's Life For Me!'

She drew this the other day & couldn't wait for me to take a picture of it and post it for the World to see!  She did a great job, didn't she?  And I'll tell you something; the weather outside today is really making me wish that I was a pirate right now - sitting on a sandy beach enjoying the warm ocean breeze blowing gently and the waves tickling my toes...

Our Turn to Ski

Today we went to Carter's Cross Country Ski in Bethel.  It was great fun for us to actually get to ski for a change!  We were sweating by the time we got back to the lodge - skiing is such a great workout.

A Fun Opportunity!

She loves to ski behind big brother at home, and today his coach let her ski with the team, once they were done racing.  She had a great time and even learned how to improve her technique!!

Friday Afternoon

The kiddos and I were lucky enough to have the afternoon off.  Despite the bitter cold, we enjoyed the bright sunshine and goofed around in the snow.  The 2 oldest headed off into the woods with Amber for a long trek on their skis, while the twins and I stayed closer to home and went sledding and played with the goats.  It was a fun, relaxing time.  I wish we could have every Friday afternoon off!

Homemade Lip Balm

 

The girls made me some lip balm last weekend.  I'm now keeping it right on my desk because it's the best stuff I've ever used!  Plus, it's all natural, which makes it even better as far as I'm concerned. It contains: shea butter, beeswax, safflower oil & a few drops of orange essential oil.  We'll definitely be making more!

Organization

 

It's really nice having a husband that is so handy with wood.  There will be no more skis & poles laying around in a tangle!

School Project

My son has been studying this material Heat in Science class & has created his own website.  I'm so impressed.  I think it looks great!

For a good cause...

 

I made a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters and got these great mugs in return - my husband is particularly pleased with the color! 

These boots are made for walking...

 

The weather today is so unseasonably warm that I went for a walk at lunch!  It felt awesome!!

Big Stretch!

Good morning!

 

She cracked open a double-yolker!

Old Telephone Box

My husband found this really old telephone today. He's going to modify it, hang it up and we'll all store our cell phones inside. A very modern use for a very old antique.

We're in the paper!

Blown tire...

 

Someone's day went from fun to not-fun really quickly!

2nd Nordic Race

 

My son competed in his 2nd Nordic race this afternoon.  It was held at Titcomb Mountain in Farmington.  He loved racing just as much as the first time!

Kiddos + Legos =

Hours & hours of entertainment!

Happy 13th Birthday

The Boys of the Oxford Hills Nordic Team

My son's team competed in their first race of the season today at Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. It was beyond cold, but they had a great time and did very well!

My Favorite Christmas Gift

My husband gave me this beautiful amethyst ring. It's a Creaser Jewelers original.

Yeah...

It's been that kind of day.

Patriot's Pen

This evening we attended a ceremony honoring a few of our local students. 200+ students from the middle school had entered essays about patriotism into a contest sponsored by the VFW. My son wrote the first place winning essay! Now his essay will be reviewed at the state level and then at the national level.  I wonder how it will compare.  I haven't read it yet.  My son is very self-deprecating, so he almost didn't even enter his writing in the contest, and he certainly didn't save a copy to bring home!



Happy New Year!

Thank goodness for our over-sized table & our own hens! 3+ dozen eggs, 5 pounds of potatoes, & 2 1/2 loaves of bread later - my husband got the troops fed.