Young Layers

Our young hens have just started laying so their egg sizes are all over the board from really small, to really big...one of the boys told me that he hopes they calibrate their systems pretty soon because laying those over-sized eggs must hurt!

No School Today

But, they're still learning.  First you work...

And then, you can play! 

Who could resist?

These are her first solo attempt.  I'd say she did all right.  They are delicious!

Pooped Puppy

After 4 full days spent playing with the kiddos, Amber was perfectly content to crawl into her crate and sleep today away...

Got snow?

Yeah.  Some.

Taking a break...

And enjoying the feeling of snowflakes falling on her face.

Ski Girls

They met me as I drove into the yard, carrying their skis. They couldn't wait to hit the trails!

And, they're off!

The Cutest Egg

One of the girls was thrilled to find this cute little egg in the nest this morning, and she couldn't wait to eat it. I had to snap this picture fast 'cause she already had the frying pan warming up!  (For those who are wondering, it contained mostly whites, with just a little yolk swirled inside.)

A New Potholder

I have the best collection of pretty handmade potholders!  I love how creative these kiddos all are!!

My Ski Buddy

I can almost hear her, "Come on, Mom.  Let's get going already!"

Self-reliance

It's the little things that I can figure out and do for myself that make me feel really good.  This morning it was changing the headlight in my car. Let there be light!

New Ski Boots

Who'd have thought that Rossignol would make a 'hair on' ski boot, or that our local ski shop would have just got in a few pairs, when I am shopping for my first new boots in 20 years?  I am one very happy cowgirl!

Snow FUN

Thanks Auntie M

My new yoga mat is so bright & cheery it almost makes those weights look fun.  Almost.

Happy Valentine's Day

I smile every time I drive by this sign in front of Littlefield's Flowers & Gifts.

Sugarloaf Outdoor Center in Kingfield, Maine

Today he raced in the Nordic State Meet for Freestyle Cross Country Skiing.  When he saw these conditions, he got even more excited and said, "Really?  70km? Let's go!"  The actual race was 3km.  He completed the tricky course in 10 minutes 48 seconds, finishing 19th out of  85 boys.  Proud doesn't even begin to describe how I feel.

His 1st Archery Trophy

Red sky at morning...

Our sunrise was beautiful this morning, but sure enough, it heralded in more snow. 

By this afternoon there were several more inches of fresh snow on the ground, and look what I saw traveling through Market Square...

...another motorcycle with a sidecar!  Do you suppose he saw my post last week and wanted to be considered 'tough enough' to be a Mainah?

Aly

My cat, Aly, always has to be in the middle of everything.  This afternoon we celebrated 3 birthdays together, and there she was on top of the gifts.  Whenever someone tried to take one of 'her' presents, she would actually defend her territory.  We were laughing so hard at her antics.  That cat is such a character!

Sunset after Nemo

A peaceful end to a stormy day.

Nor'easter Nemo

Never say that Mainers aren't tough!

4th Start

Today he raced at the Sunday River Outdoor Center.  Isn't that a great starting line?  The course was wicked fast!  He came in 14th out of 51 boys, with a time of 9:51 for 3k.  Whoo hoo!!

A Timeless Classic

My friend gave me these books for the kiddos...last night my boys sat on the couch all evening, giggling like maniacs.  So, I sat down with them, they showed me what they were reading, and I started giggling hysterically too!  We all love Garfield!!

My Card

I just had to share the card that my boys got me for my birthday...

I laughed so hard when I read it!  And then my older son started cracking up again, because he was sitting in front of me and could see that last line on the back of the card... 

Priceless!!



Zero to 40...

...in about 3.2 seconds. Boy, time flies when you're having fun!  Now, on to my next 40 years...

He's 14 today...

It has been so amazing to watch him grow...

...from such a smiley baby that people would stop me everywhere we went...

...to a young man who towers over me, and still tries to make everyone smile around him.  Happy birthday! 

Winter Hike

This afternoon we headed out into the woods for a walk...

...and I proceeded to hike their legs off, up the big hill behind the house.  They told me that's the last time they'll let me pick the trail!  Although, you may notice they're all still smiling, 'cause we had a great time... 

...especially when they saw the other side of the hill and realized they could sllliiiiide back home!  

Awww...thanks, buddy!

This afternoon when I got home from work, I discovered that my younger son had been hard at work with his ice chisel.  He's so sweet!