Thursday, January 31, 2013

A Reminder

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

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Self-portrait

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

Monday, January 28, 2013

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.)

Sunday, January 27, 2013

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.)

Saturday, January 26, 2013

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!!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

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!

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

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!

Monday, January 21, 2013

'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...

Sunday, January 20, 2013

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.



Saturday, January 19, 2013

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, January 18, 2013

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!

Thursday, January 17, 2013

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!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

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! 

Monday, January 14, 2013

These boots are made for walking...

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

Friday, January 11, 2013

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.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

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!

Saturday, January 5, 2013

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!

Friday, January 4, 2013

My Favorite Christmas Gift

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

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

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!


Tuesday, January 1, 2013

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.