...I married by best friend!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Silent snow
Today I realized what I have been missing about snowy days...the silence. Now, I know, it wasn't really silent but there was a stillness about the world around us today as we walked around our neighborhood in the snow. Neighbors were passing us on their way home early for the day (do to the snow) and they were giving us the funniest faces as we walked in the heavily falling snow!
It's not as if I really enjoy the prep work. Finding everyone mittens and hats and getting little feet and jeans tucked into boots is far from exciting but the pure joy on their little rosy faces as we walked in the snow was well worth it. How is it that we instinctively think that it is fun to catch snowflakes on our tongues? lol
A few days ago, a friend of mine sent me an email apologizing for any time she has made comments that I just needed to make the best of this Texas heat that I hate so much. She is not enjoying this winter wonderland and gave me the ok to complain away about the heat! lol I know many of my friends feel just like her and I hope that thru all the messing up schedules, and stuck cars this snowy week has caused, they are able to take even a few quiet moments and obsorb the rebirth this white world has brought us. I think that's why I liked the Alaskan weather. Yes, the winters were cold and long and yes the summers could have been a bit warmer and longer, but the changing of the seasons are nature's way of making us take everyday in and never for granted. It made us get out and enjoy the sunshine while we could or nestle in and slow our pace in the winter. The last few days here in Texas have been amazing and I am so thankful for Mother Nature telling us all to slow down...we miss so much of life by always striving for tomorrow.
What a wonderful day to walk in the snow! And the perfect time for some hot chocolate snack while the soup is bubbling on the stove...
Monday, December 28, 2009
Last giveaways of the year!
Once again, there are two amazing giveaways on blogs I follow. These are two of my very favorite blogs and the magazine is something I look forward to each month! Be sure to check them out for your chance to win too!!!
Mamaroots is giving away this month's Herbal Roots magazine!
Herbal Roots is giving away one of Mamaroots amazing creatures!
Mamaroots is giving away this month's Herbal Roots magazine!
Herbal Roots is giving away one of Mamaroots amazing creatures!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Snowman fun
I still can't believe the day we've had today...sledding and building an amazing snowman! I have to pinch myself to be sure I'm not dreaming! Snow in Texas?! Really?! It really does feel like a dream....this will definately be a Christmas to remember for more than one reason.
It feels so foreign to be bundling up to go out and play and yet so oddly familiar. I still can't believe I was able to quickly dig out all of our boots and gear. The gloves were in hiding but I found enough to make do. The thing I found the funniest was that dh knew exactly where Koda's old harness was for pulling sled. It was on a shelf in the garage, I guess he never had to heart to pack it away either. It was such a strang feeling as I handled the harness and the memories of late night walks in the snow came flooding in...and it was funny trying to get Karma into it. I forgot she was so young when we left Alaska and she had no idea what I was trying to put on her! lol She loved the snow tho and has been crying at the door ever since we came back in...even the dog misses our northern Eden.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Not so anxious
I know, I am probably the one mom on the planet that kind of dreads Christmas day. Yes, I am anxious for the girls to get their gifts and to see the look on their faces when they get that super special gift, but a little part of me is always sad on Christmas Eve. I am always sad about the projects I just couldn't get to, the thought of taking down our beautiful decorations and that idea that this warm and cozy season is over the moment the present are open.
In Alaska, things seemed to slow down a bit. People weren't in such a hurry to take it all away, they seemed to savor the cozy feelings indoors, as the feeling outdoors were much colder and what some would see as pleak. But living here, people seem to live life at a much fast pace. I can't quite put my finger on it but things seem to be more rushed and less savored. So for once last moment, I want to take in the views I see and the feelings that go along with them...tomorrow will be here soon enough!
This year we left Santa a Mickey Mouse waffle and milk instead of cookies!
Grow-a-Santa was huge hit! Thanks Toni!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
K-LOVE Home for the Holidays
Some time ago, before Christmas, there was a contest on my favorite radio station KLOVE. It was called Home for the Holidays and consisted of writing a letter to the person that makes you think of " home". We were instructed to write as if we were talkin to them face to face and telling them why they mean so much to us...All of that for a chance to go home for the holidays. Obviously I didn't win so I don't know why I kept the letter I wrote but thought I would share it here...
As a small child, my mother and I lived with my grandparents after my father left us. My mother had to work so I spent my days with my gram. She was the best baker I have ever known and had the biggest heart. She would bake and cook for anyone that would eat it! I can remember running errands with her and my Aunt Bern or going to visit my great grandparents. When I think of her, I think of how selfless she was. She gave me the start in life that I will forever be greatful for...Eventually my mom remarried a great man and we moved away for an exciting military life and I then married into the military life again which has kept me away for many years. One thing that has never changed is my connection with my Gram. The last few years have been hard, as dementia/early onset alzheimers has taken so much of my gram away from us. I treassure the talks we have and the things I have learned from her over the years but I can feel her slipping away. I wish I could tell her how much she means to me and how much she is a part of me but I know it would confuse and upset her. She's one of the strongest women I know. I want to be able to teach my girls the things she has instilled in me... I love you Gram!
I could have gone on to say SO much more but they limited the amount of words....Who would you write your letter to and what would you say?
As a small child, my mother and I lived with my grandparents after my father left us. My mother had to work so I spent my days with my gram. She was the best baker I have ever known and had the biggest heart. She would bake and cook for anyone that would eat it! I can remember running errands with her and my Aunt Bern or going to visit my great grandparents. When I think of her, I think of how selfless she was. She gave me the start in life that I will forever be greatful for...Eventually my mom remarried a great man and we moved away for an exciting military life and I then married into the military life again which has kept me away for many years. One thing that has never changed is my connection with my Gram. The last few years have been hard, as dementia/early onset alzheimers has taken so much of my gram away from us. I treassure the talks we have and the things I have learned from her over the years but I can feel her slipping away. I wish I could tell her how much she means to me and how much she is a part of me but I know it would confuse and upset her. She's one of the strongest women I know. I want to be able to teach my girls the things she has instilled in me... I love you Gram!
I could have gone on to say SO much more but they limited the amount of words....Who would you write your letter to and what would you say?