Oh Minnesota...

I seem to have a love-hate relationship with Minnesota.

Over the past three weeks we have had every aspect of winter, every single one.

We had tons of snow.

We had the wind.

We had Freezing rain.

Now...

We have below normal below zero temperatures.

I love Minnesota, but really now.

I am cold the second I step outside my house.

By cold I mean that my nose freezes shut, my eyes water so I look like I am crying and my entire face is covered by a scarf so that each time I breathe my glasses fog up.

I am a picture of Minnesota fabulous right now.

I even wear a snowmobile jacket during the winter.

It is cold, and I am not a huge fan of it BUT

It is Minnesota, in the winter.

It is normal.

So time to stop complaining and time to figure out how many layers I can put on Boo before school.

The house is quiet once again.

Boo is asleep, much to her dismay.

Koda is bundled down, much to his glee.

Hubby and I are about to fall over, which I think Hubby already did.

We spent the day with family, and waiting. It was great to be with my niece and nephew, to once again be able to watch them open presents and just be together.

The kids spent almost two hours outside after gifts and brunch, and came in SOAKED to the bone. Two changed clothes, and all had coats in the dryer. Boo made a new friend, which doesn't surprise me in the least.

Hunter went home, which always makes me sad. It seems worse because of the day.

We got about 12 inches of snow so far, and it is snowing again right now. The roads are slushy after the rain mixed in, and some cities forgot what a snow plow is. We pulled one person out of a snow bank, offered two others who already had help on the way.

It was a day of family, fun and just being together. Boo is in hog heaven with her new books, clothes and games for the Wii. Hunter about freaked when he opened his very first hunting shotgun, I have never seen his face like that, not even at their birthdays. This topped it all.

I have pictures, and more stories. Last night we were at Big Sis's house, and that needs a post all in itself. Why? Let's see...snow, 2 year old, two 7 year olds and a 12 year old. You think about THAT one for a while.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, that you were able to hug your loved ones, you were healthy and you had a joyous time!

The snow is coming

Just a couple days ago I talked about the last snow storm we had, and now we are getting another. The snow is coming down pretty steady, and fast. The driveway is already coated, and I am not looking forward to the drive in to work in the morning.

They are talking about 18-22 inches by Saturday, two feet of snow to fall in about 48 hours. If the kids had school it would be cancelled.

I love it.

While it will make going to Big Sis and my In-Laws the next couple days interesting it is still the time for family. I can't wait to be together and watch the snow fall. To watch Koda try and maneuver around the yard in the morning and see the kids faces tomorrow.

Let the snow come

About a week and a half ago we had our first big snow fall, 7 inches or so but some killer winds. The winds were so bad that Boo's school was canceled because they couldn't keep the doorways cleared.

The night before, when there was about 3 inches on the ground I shoveled so that Hubby could get out and that it wouldn't be to bad the next night. Little did I know that Hubby would be home sick, and school/work would be off.

Boo decided that playing in the snow was way more fun that helping me get it off the driveway. I buried here as I went along, and she had the best time.

Here I am, all bundled up ready to clear the way, and it was fabulous. This was the first snow fall in OUR house, one that I knew would be exciting (nerve wracking) and wonderful. Who knew what the house would "do" in the snow, it was completely new.

We survived the snow, and the snow day. We spent most of it watching the snow fall, watching movies and napping on the couch. It was glorious.

A little randomness

I haven't posted about Boo's reward yet, because I haven't gotten the clearance to use some of the pictures yet. Must have that first! She had a blast, and I can't wait to share it with you.

We are laying low today. I want to get some stuff packed up, pictures and things we don't use this time of year. And, since we are getting snow this week, I figure I am good to do some of it.

One thing that I love about Minnesota weather is that we can get a few inches of snow one day, and it will be 50 the next. Any snow we get this week will be pretty much gone by the weekend, thank goodness.

Right now Boo and I are watching the news coverage from Fargo and Moorhead, where the river is still sitting really high even after it crested. Again, the incoming snow will throw it all for a loop in the next two days. Plus, there was a breach of one of the dykes this morning and a school is now flooded in Fargo.

With the incoming storm, that will affect the entire state, 2 foot waves are expected on the river. This could cause some minimal flooding if the river levels stay about the same. Plus, in the past years floods the water receded faster than it is right now, so there is concern if the Levy's will be able to hold this amount of water for a long period of time. If not, there will be mass flooding.

It makes me glad I don't live on a river.

Question of the day

Why is it that whenever Boo comes to work for the day it is snowing or raining? I don't get it, and I don't like it.

It is supposed to switch between snow and rain all day long.

I love Minnesota in March, you never know what is going to happen. Only three days ago it was 60.

Blah

How often do you see this "Chance of snow 100%". I know it won't happen, but if this storm missed us it would be hilarious!

I love living in Minnesota. The changing of the seasons is one of the main reasons.

But I hate HATE the brink of winter/spring. It is miserable. I feel like washing my car every day to keep the slushy salt nastiness off it, and my shoes and pants take a nasty toll too. Boo's boots have to be put on the heater almost everyday, from simply walking home from the bus stop.

It was gorgeous out last week, after we got 7 inches of snow. We had high 40's the end of last week, I wore my spring coat. Now we are getting another system coming through that will dump rain AND snow on us, and bring some freezing temperatures.

Right now we have Freezing Fog. Freezing Fog...interesting. It is almost noon and we have fog. Not something I am used to seeing at all.

But, I just keep thinking that in a couple weeks coats will be shed and spring will start creeping back in. I can't stinkin wait!!

You Capture - Love without a flash

This week is the first week of the You Capture carnival hosted by Beth at I Should be Folding Laundry.

Each week Beth will give us an assignment (her word, not mine) and we will all link up to display our photography achievements.

This week, the assignment was simple:

All I want you to do is pick up your camera and take a picture of something that
you love. It can be a rock or your kitchen sink or your child’s toes, just
capture it. Oh and since it’s supposed to be a challenge, try to do it
WITHOUT your flash…

My picture is a gorgeous pine tree, just after we got about 5 inches of snow. I love how the snow hangs, weighing down each branch.


Now, head on over to I Should be Folding Laundry to see more great You Capture posts.

A couple weeks ago Hubby had his twice-yearly "Man Weekend". In the summer they go to his friends then cabin/now home and in the winter they go up north to go ice fishing.

On the ice.

In the middle of the lake.

In a house.

The size of our house...well our living room at least.

That's JT...everyone say Hi!

This year there were 6 of them, and they had I think a 18 hole house. Each person can have two lines down, then they shut up the last four holes...to avoid past mistakes...like the phone going down the hole or the keys (I am so serious on those by the way. I had a great conversation with a Walleye once.).

They play cards, burp and drink whatever their hearts desire. Oh, and maybe catch a fish or two. They go the bar, but plan and eat everything at the ice house. My hubby knows how to save some money!

I used to go on these ice fishing trips...long ago. Long LONG AGO. A couple of months after we started dating Hubby asked me to go ice fishing, and I agreed to the shock of my parents. It was a blast. We played games, fished and were close enough to the local Casino that we went and won some money.

But you couldn't pay me enough to go now...not with all the boys. Hubby can have his man weekends, we will take the kids on the local lakes.

When the weather outside if frightful

I always laugh at the news when they show people in Florida wearing parkas. It is 40 degrees, and they are freezing. Well, laughing might be to nice...I throw things at the tv. When it is 40 here we are running around in light jackets, doing happy dances. This coming weekend will be lovely.

This morning however, it is down right chilly. -4, with a slight wind. I just ran out to my car and my hands are freezing now. Bundling up Boo was a great time...especially since she is so prone to nosebleeds. She MUST have her nose covered, to create moisture in her nose and so on and so on.

But I always giggle when I see her, it is funny. All you can see are her gorgeous eyes.

Oh, and see her wonderful Columbia jackets?? Ask me how much it cost...come on ask...$32 (originally $109)!! I love Kohl's!

Wordless Wednesday - Winter fun

Sledding in the cul de sac is the best thing ever. Just ask the kids.

For more Wordless Wednesday posts Head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom

Finally she can eat

Boo is on the mend!

She did in fact have strep, and it was pretty bad. Her rapid came back in under five minutes...go big or go home.

We got home, gave her the wonderful medicine that would make her feel better and snuggled up on the couch. By about lunch time she was bouncing back. Her throat still hurt, but she was finally able to eat. Thank goodness!

By dinner time, she was laughing and giggling. Even closer back to normal. We watched The Incredibles, and then crashed. I think I crashed harder, but man I was exhausted.

This morning, back to normal. No fever, no headache and only a minor sore throat. By 10 am she will no longer be contagious, and she is already getting cabin fever. We just might try bowling today.

She bounces back so quickly, it always amazes me. But, the doctor did say if she gets strep one more time in the next few months we will be taking a trip to our (not-so) favorite doctor...the ENT.

She said many kids who have chronic ear infections convert to strep throat about school age and end up having their tonsils removed. The doctor gave Boo a look and told her (as she was sleeping on the exam table) "Don't be on the of those kids Boo...don't do it!". Like I don't have enough to worry about!

Bitter cold fun

It is still really cold, but they are talking 30's on Monday! Having a heat wave...a tropical heat wave... (who knows what MN filmed movie that is in??)

Every year when it gets below freezing, really below like today, Kare11 does it's experiments. They throw water into the air, blow bubbles and turn fruits and vegetables into hammers...or Bammers as they call them.

I love watching this, and love having the kids watch. Even when it is bitterly cold, and we all have cabin fever there are fun (fast) things we can do outside to burn off some energy!

Crap

We got this notice from our leasing office tonight:

"Thursday January 14th there was a major city water line break on County Road #&&. This was no fault of our property, but rather strictly a city issue.

As a result of this occurrence you may notice that your water will be brown in color. We would strongly discourage drinking, bathing or washing clothes with this water until it has flushed it way through. We will suggest running Cold Water for a few minutes to see if this will help. "

Lovely...so not only are there bright lights from the construction crew fixing this water line, but I can't take a shower. At least not until tomorrow if they are done working. Great...lovely...fabulous.

Another joy to our -17 day! Tonight is going to be "the coldest in 5 years" hitting -25 without wind chill. With wind chill it will feel like -40. Hunter's school has already called for a two hour delay, but not Boo's. If the buses will run she will be going on time. But, either Hubby or our fabulous neighbor's will be driving the kids to school. Way to cold to wait for the bus outside.

Man I love Minnesota!

Oh Man

The house is strangely quiet tonight. Hunter went home yesterday, and it seems so empty. I can't believe how fast the week went, and now I am wishing for so much more time. It never seems like enough.

Throughout the 9 days that Hunter was here, there were many things from both kids that I heard that amazed/shocked me. There are also many things I never thought I would say that came out of my mouth.

From The Mouth of them:

"Mom...that's just how I roll." From the 6 year old...I nearly peed my pants on this one.

"You are comfy to lay on, don't move" form the 11 year old. I don't think he meant it to be mean...

"I miss my teacher...she is my favorite grown up right now. She lets me do almost anything" Lovely

As Hunter opened his DS "It's a MIRACLE! I never thought it would happen!!" this is my favorite quote from the holidays.

From the mouth of Mom:
"Don't throw that at the tree. I don't think Viking Santa likes the football that much" I surprisingly had to say that multiple times.

"No you can't sleep with your DS....because I know you will play it...no you can't snuggle with it."

And the highlight of this week:
"Honey if you want to practice that, you just might kick yourself...in the noggin" and she did. Hubby was teaching Boo how to do that move form Karate Kid (the Crane Kick or Praying Mantis)(honestly, who is saying "Wax on, Wax off" in their heads right now?? I am!).

My kids crack me up. Spending this time with them has been the best time ever, even during the pulling my hair out, screaming into a pillow, MAN ALIVE JUST GO AWAY moments. I can't wait for two weeks when I get one ENTIRE Hunter day all to myself!!

Baking Day!

Saturday was cookie day. After Boo got done with bowling, we headed up to Big Sis' house to bake the day away. Watching the weather I was prepared. I had a change of clothes for both of us, and tooth brushes. Last year we had snow and rain, this year just a lot of snow.

We had a lot to do, and with the prospect of a sleepover, we weren't overly rushed this year. We got the dough made for the sugar cookies, the gingerbread cookies and then made the Spritz cookies.

Have you ever made those???

They are EVIL. I am telling you that machine is the most evil thing I have ever had to deal with. But, we made it through and got a ton done. Boo loves putting the sprinkles on, making them "More Festive" as she calls it.

Big Sis and I did rock-paper-scissors to see who had to change the dough green, and she lost. I wonder if the green is off her hands yet... Boo wanted to do the red, Go Nuts Baby!

And she did.

My Mom was there as well, and showed us how to make Church Window cookies. Colored mini marshmallows, nuts, chocolate chips and an egg. SO FREAKIN GOOD!!! I am keeping this away from Boo. She will eat them all they are that good.

Boo also got to work the mixer. I thing she felt the most love for this job.

After a long day of baking, we called it a night. We didn't decorate a single cookie. Sunday morning, after pancakes to replenish our strength we got down to it. We decorated the sugar cookies, and some HUMONGOUS cookies on sticks. Boo liked those the best (shocking).

And what cookie decorating wouldn't be complete with a phone call from Hubby. He spent the weekend snowmobiling, and would call to check the weather reports. He had the best weekend, and was telling Boo all about it.

The cookies were all boxed up and we headed home. After a slippery drive we made it. We divided the cookies up, home and work and I took them in on Monday.

Once again, Success!! My co-workers love when I do this each year. A personal gift, that comes from a fun fun night with Big Sis and my Mom.

Brrrrrrrrrr

The start of this week has been a rough one. Between the cold temps we are dealing with (-9 right now) and the nasty cold I got at work I am not worth much. Last night I was in bed at 8:30, the earliest in a long time. I couldn't keep my eyes open long enough to even watch CSI Miami.

Sunday we spent the day with family, and rain that quickly turned into ice as the temperature dropped. My nephew had his birthday party on Sunday, and when we walked into the ice arena it was 41. When we left, it was 19, and my truck was a big piece of ice. It was cool to look at, but not to try to get into.

By the time I brought Hunter home, the snow had started. With that snow, we got some wicked wind. Driving through an open farm community was interesting, and fun at the same time. We made it to Hunter's safe and sound, and then I started back. This time it was much easier, I was going almost the speed limit the entire way. It was a much quicker trip that we had expected.

When we got home that night, Boo was ready to crash. Ice skating had taken a lot out of her, I think it might have been the falling down really. lol She hopped in the shower, and we had home made chicken noodle soup that my mother-in-law had given us. I was starting to feel the cold bug, so this was perfect! I will have to make her soup for Hubby though, he likes it better than mine it seems...

By the time Hubby went to work Sunday, it was snowing again. And it was really coming down. Not enough that school would be called off, but enough that the roads were pretty slick. I made Hubby take the cell phone, just in case. When I went to bed that night, the snow was covering my truck and making it way up the side of the garage.

Monday morning I got up, prepared to deal with the bitter cold. I knew it was going to be below zero, but I wasn't prepared for the wind that came along again after the snow moved through. After I got done cleaning off my truck, thanks to the long handled broom that I love so much, my legs were FREEZING. I almost put tights on under my pants, but didn't want to roast in the office later.

So here were are today, still below zero but no where near as much wind. I am still feeling nasty, but hopefully on the mend. I am better today, thank goodness. There is to much to do this week and weekend to be sick. We are getting more snow this week, today is the start. Hopefully it won't mess up my commute to badly.

Stay warm out there! We are trying here.

Cookie Baking Extravaganza 2008!

The time has come once again...for Cookie Baking Extravaganza 2008!

One week from this coming Saturday Big Sis and I will be baking the day away. Well...Big Sis will be baking I will be melting and dipping. Let's just get that out there. Big Sis is an AMAZING baker, Betty Crocker like. I love watching her go, she is outstanding! Plus, she has been baking for over a week already. She brough fudge to bowling, thought Boo's coach was going to fall over!

So, I am sitting here getting my shopping list ready for what I plan to make that day and the day after at home. There are my favorites: Buckeyes, Peppermint Bark and Peanut Butter Blossoms. I will also be dipping pretzels and pretzel rods.

I found a great recipe for Oreo Bark that I have to try out, and a recipe for some bars Hubby made at his mom's this weekend. These things are delicious! I will share that one when I get it.

I can't wait until next weekend! Boo will have bowling, and then we will be off to bake the rest of the day away. It will be a great time, and some wonderful time with Big Sis. Hopefully there won't be a snow storm this year...

What are you baking this year? I would love to hear what your favorites are.

Stay tuned tomorrow! I have a small giveaway ready to go!

And once again...

Every year I go through this, and every year I forget how stressed out, exhausted and just plain wiped out I am.

Open Enrollment.

You know the time, when your employer gives you your insurance options and you must make the choice...

HSA or not?

Copay or Deductible?

FSA or no?

How much into my 401K?

The first three are what I am dealing with now at work, only in MASS QUANTITIES! It has been a rough couple weeks. But, we are close to the peak.

So, if I am missing I am sorry. I am working a lot of overtime and must spend every extra minute with the rest of the family. Throwing Thanksgiving into the mix is always fun!

But, with that said, I am so thankful for my job. So thankful that I have somewhere to go each day to support my family. That I have the option to work extra hours and bring home extra money.

Even with the stress and exhaustion, I am so thankful for my job each and everyday. See you soon!!

Well look at this...

This is what we woke up to this morning...

At least it won't be like South Dakota yesterday. That would be bad since we don't have boots for Boo yet. Guess who will be going to Target tonight...