6 in the Sticks

Happy New Year everyone!

We stayed home. We made a few different kinds of appetizers and had planned on staying awake into the new year and playing games together.

Let's see, after we ate, Jeromy was soon asleep. Although, in his fairness, he did manage to stay awake later than he usually does. :)

Next Charly was out like a light, then Jack.

I was excited to watch Dick Clark's Rock'n New Year's Eve, but being in the sticks, the tv station cuts it off after one hour so we can watch the newly broadcasters talk about pretty much nothing from a hotel in Duluth. Yay. So that fizzed out, and Ashley and I decided to play a game of Life. By 1am we were tired. Probably a good thing though, this morning we are heading to Laurie's boyfriend house for a bonfire.

Hope everyone has a GREAT day!

We had a very nice time with Laurie and her friends! Jackson and Charly got to play with kids around their age, and toot around the yard on a kitty cat snowmobile. I was quite jealous as I wanted a Kittycat SO bad as a kid, the one with the black and white leopard print I think. Anyway, they had such a good time. Here's a couple of shots. This is Charly riding on the back with a three and half year old driver! I was a little nervous at first, as you can imagine I didn't hide that too well, but all ended good and kept the kids wanting more.

This reminds me of that old show, Our Gang, with little kids buzzing around on things. Go Spanky and Darla! And then Jackson got a turn to drive, he did pretty good. Not a shocker though. Towards the end of his driving experience, we would see him standing up just like the big boys do. Too cute. Here's Jack.

After Charly said she was cold and wanted to go inside, she changed her mind immediately after being asked to go for another ride. She wanted to keep riding after that.

Jackson and Charly have been excited to go ice fishing. Even more so once they both got a new ice fishing pole for Christmas. Jackson has reorganized his tackle box three times in the last week. The other night he asked for a dish to pretend to ice fish. He originally wanted to fill a tin canister with water after putting a toy fish in the bottom. Bring it outside, wait for it to freeze, then drill a small hole and see if he could catch his fish. He changed his mind once he found out it wouldn't freeze instantly.

The ice on Birch hasn't been the greatest yet. Maybe we'll hit a couple of the small lakes near our house and see if we can't catch something. Jeromy has been working out of town this week, we will ask him when he gets home if he wants to go fishing with us. I'm sure we will HAVE to twist his arm!

I found this picture while organizing some clutter today. This picture was taken at the end of July of 2002. Aren't they pretty? My little tards. Yeah, yeah, I'm not supposed to say that anymore but I think there is some kind of a clause somewhere for thirty-something year old women using the expression, "that's so retarded", due to being born so close after the first woodstock which severely polluted the air.

That may also explain why my children are the way they are. :)

After hours of negotiations we were finally able to coax Jeromy to go ice fishing with us. No. Not really. It just took Jackson asking him the night before if he wanted to go ice fishing. He must have dreamt about it all night as he didn't need ANY help loading all of the stuff up the next morning. So, we. Oops, Jeromy loaded the van up with everyone that wanted to go, basically everyone except for Ashley and Cally. Put the old skidoo in the back of the van and headed off to a smaller lake close to our home.

We found a couple of holes already drilled from someone else fishing and decided to give them a shot. Jack, Charly and I stood by the tip-up we had over the first hole while Jeromy decided to find another spot closer to the middle of the lake. Within seconds of Jeromy buzzing away on the skidoo, I heard the flag go up, turned around and yelled at the kids, "We got one! Pull him in!" Jackson was all over it, he pulled and pulled and look what came out!

They were so excited. They started to walk where Jeromy went and were yelling at him to look at the fish we caught. But Jeromy was having a bit of trouble by himself. He managed to get bogged down in a slushy spot on the lake and ended up getting soaked in water up to his knee. After walking the otter sled back and futzing with the snowmobile for a good five minutes, he was on his way. That will happen sometimes, especially during our winter heat waves. Temp yesterday was 44 degrees.

Meanwhile, Moose dog was loving life running in and out of the shoreline tracking deer and other animal scents.

He stopped at one area near shore where he seemed have found something and was carrying it around in his mouth and throwing it, then grabbing it again. It looked like he was chewing on it. From a distance, it looked like a rabbit or raven. He took it to shore and laid down and was eating it. After a bit, Jeromy decided to buzz over to him and see what he was eating. "Ah, Moose. Gross!" A nasty old deer head that had been passed around by animals before. See shot below, unless you have a weak stomach, then just keep scrolling. :)

A few moments later, another flag up! We didn't even get a chance to drill any more holes yet, let alone get our regular fishing poles in the water! Jackson started to pull but was cut off by his dad that couldn't contain his excitement as he said, "Here! Just let me do it!" We've got to work on that a little :)

Another northern! Charly was pretty hilarious during this catch. Not only did she cheer on and on as they pulled him in, but when the northern submerged out onto the ice, she screamed SUPER loud, "Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh" and then cheered some more. We will have to bring the camcorder next time and just leave it recording.

And then the drilling began.

And then we fished some more.

And then I got a bite. Bobber down and MISSED him! Bummer.

And then we never. got. another. bite!

Jackson got tired of having to walk over to Charly's hole to get minnows so he stocked a few in a bag to keep by his side. Busted.

I just realized looking at these shots that the kids didn't even get to use their new ice fishing poles. Their dad must have spaced it out in his spastic packing escapade. Another reason to go out again sometime soon!

We can't wait to go again!

I made the mistake of reading the news this morning. Some days it is so hard. So many unexplainable tragedies, hardships, and the unthinkable insane and heinous crimes.

My heart goes out to the families of missing children, families who had to chose which children to grab first before the unexplainable January storms came crashing through.

Seriously, what is going on in the minds of our youth these days? Suicide, murder, and then eating a human body? A father throwing his children off of a bridge to spite his wife?

My sister-in-law always says, "Find the wonderful in today". And she is right. It is very sad that finding the wonderful can be very hard some days. So, today I am asking that everybody that reads this, make the wonderful today. Pay it forward. Whether it be holding the door for someone, letting another person step in front of you in line at the store even if you are running late, buy someone a cup of coffee, send off a card just to say hi, just a shake of the hand sometime.

With so many negative acts being committed on a regular basis, what better than to "kill 'em with kindness" today?

I know you may be thinking what the heck am I talking about today, because Lord knows, I am far from perfect and have a tendency to talk out of my ass at times. But I am human. And with some random acts of kindness being trickled throughout communities, and civilization, maybe, just maybe, it will destroy and prevent some of the unnecessary tragedies. That is my wish today, please make the wonderful today. And what the heck, go crazy, go ahead and make it everyday!

Jackson and Charly took some pictures during Ashley's basketball game the other night. Some people capture phenomenal things with the camera and say that it may be a spirit or angel. You've heard of angels in the outfield. Well it may be possible to have angels are on the court too. What do you think?

Maybe I should call my Pro-Photo Taker :) and see what kind of professional or scientific photography solutions she might be able to give me. But it's kind of more fun to think of friends, relatives, and angels from heaven running back and forth with Ash and her team cheering them on! The shot above has something white that seems to between Charly and the wall, from looking at other shots, it is not the reflection of the lights on the wall. Shot below, just right to the basketball hoop, you can see the reflection of the scoreboard in what some people call orbs, or a bubble if you want to call it that. The scoreboard is actually located to the right but is centered above the court, so it seems to have found something to reflect off of. Oooooooouuuuuuuuu. :)

To each his own. Call me crazy? I don't care. I still believe.

We're heading to my aunt and uncle's resort this afternoon for some family fun. Ice fishing and pizza party! The kids can't wait. Hope we catch a lot of fish!

Well, we didn't have much time for fishing as we got there late but we still managed to get out with the kids. Laurie's friend found it pretty funny as I pulled twisted fishing line apart from three children all trying to fish together in one hole saying, "Okay, only one kid per hole." The kids had fun though.

I woke up Saturday morning with a sore throat and gargled with salt water in hopes to kick whatever I was coming down with gone. By Saturday night, Jackson said he had a sore throat and had a slight fever by bed time. Charly was acting totally crazy from a combination of coming down with the same junk, and playing with her new friend.

Jeromy told me to go ahead and visit with everyone while he sat with the kids. Well, would've been nice if the kids were able to settle but Jackson tends to need me more when he's sick, as I'm sure most of you can relate. I didn't mean that you all want me, I meant that you probably want your own mother. But if you do want me, thank you. I am flattered. Anyway, Jeromy fell asleep before both of them so Charly was able to run a muck unsupervised at moments. Yikes.

After the storm of children died down, Laurie and I were the last ones up. We watched Soul Train from the late 70's or early 80's. We laughed our asses off. Man, did that bring back a flash from the past. If you don't know my parents, my family was huge into dancing. I remember our living room turned into a dance floor as my parents taught friends how to "Do the Hustle!" So funny. My dad had a pretty kick'n stereo for back then as well. He had a reel to reel and recorded Funky Town a few times over and over and would blast it so loud , you could hear it all the way around the block! It was really cool when I was small and the song was still popular, but as I got older, it got to be a little embarrassing. I remember one of the neighborhood kids from a couple blocks away came to our block to hang out and said, " Someone is really going to Funky town" I'm like, "Uh, yeah, that would be my house. My dad really likes that song." :)

Sunday came, too soon. I was so sleep deprived, mind you mostly from the previous week, and the kids were up and raring to go. Jeromy got to stay until almost 11am and then he was off to Fargo for more meetings. And soon it was our time to head home and then, Charly cried. And then, she cried ALL. DAY. LONG. By the time evening came, all three of us were feeling quite weak. I can handle what comes my way, but I have to say, it is hard being a single mom when you are sick.

Jackson was home sick with us today. I hope we all feel better tomorrow and that Ashley doesn't feel worse. I guess I won't know until I pick her up tonight near midnight. The sick baby part of me REALLY doesn't want to pack the kids up and pick her up tonight, but you do what you have to do. Thank God her games don't last that late on a regular basis. Murphy's Law though that Jeromy is out of town, and the bball game is away so Ash gets home late, and I feel like I am dying with my two young ones. Lord, give me strength. But give me rest first. :)

Jeromy's sister was on the news tonight for her business. She is on fire, and her photography business has been booming.

Click here to check out the spot on Emily.

Congrats Em! We're so proud of you!

Hope you have a good day!

Happy Birthday Smurfs! LOVED that show! They are 50 years old already.

Happy Martin Luther King Day! Well, on Monday anyway.

Red Shirt
If the Red shirt thing is new to you, read below how it went for a man...
 

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me),and inquired if he was heading home.
No, he responded.
Heading out I asked?
No. I'm escorting a soldier home.
Going to pick him up?
No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq , I'm taking him home to his family.
 

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.
'Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign.'
 

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.

So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.
Red Fridays.

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority.' We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized,boisterous or overbearing.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that .. every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something red.
 

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances,coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is. 'We need your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.

This picture has always cracked me up! It's from our moose hunt in 2006. The night before moose opener and we had a curious young bull moose exploring things around our camp. Really wish we had better shots. No matter how many different ways Jeromy tells the story, I have never seem him so run fast before in my life! LOL! Oh, the memories! LOL! If you've ever heard his mom talk about him running fast in the prime of his football days, it was exactly how she explains it. :) I can't stop laughing as I'm sitting here by myself typing.

Anyway, on to my point. Wish I had one of those cop cameras mounted to my car because it is amazing sometimes the things you see as your driving down the highway. One night last week, I was heading to town to pick Ashley up from a function. The roads were pretty slick as the day warmed up a bit and made nasty road slush all over the place. So my headlights were covered with brown salt and sand and I was getting limited visibility and didn't want to pull over because the road was so slick. It was slightly snowing a bit and of course, the animals were on the prowl.

Being it was the one night Jeromy was home last week, he stayed home with the kids so I had my stereo cranked and was having a pretty rock'n concert all by myself along the way. I was only going about 40 mph and came around a turn to see what looked like three moose in the road. YIKES! Very cool, but YIKES! I tried to stop fast as they scattered off of the highway but they can only move so fast as well. Call me crazy, but I truly believe that they heard my stereo pump'n and had already started off of the road because of the way they scampered until they got back on to where the grass usually is. I wanted to stop in the middle of the road to take pictures as they kind of stopped for a minute, I'm sure thinking "what the heck is that?"

I have seen about twenty moose since I have moved here going on ten years now, and it always amazes me how massive, and beautiful this animal is. Every time I see one, it's like the first time I saw one, breathtaking.

He cracks me up so hard sometimes. I walked by the living room this morning and had to do a double take because at first glance, thought he was laying on the couch.

This isn't the first time he has done this either. I've done quite a few double takes the past few months. See he is big into not asking for my help to do things anymore, especially getting dressed. He was wearing this and then got hot from running around with Charly, so decided to take his clothes off and save them in a way that he will remember which way they are supposed to go when he's ready to put them back on. He'll do that with his shoes the night before he knows he wants to wake up and get dressed right away without asking anyone for help.

Another funny/cute thing Jack has said a few times is, "You are anoring me." Lol. He said that to Ashley last week too, "Ashley, you are just anoring me." Her reply was, "HUH?" Um, Ash, that would be a combination of annoying and ignoring but I think with the definition of annoying. Hey, he tries.

I'm calling our phone tech guy. I haven't been able to receive any emails since last night. Must be something up with out server again. The tech is so nice, we were having problems so frequently that he gave us a card with direct numbers to reach him. It is so nice to wack out the phone company through the communication because half of the time, they do not communicate! :)

Anyway,  the tech is now familiar with our home. One day I wasn't home and told him to go on in. Jeromy came home and saw I wasn't home and the phone tech was, and our tech had made dinner for him and had the new issue of outdoor news in one hand and a frosty beer in the other. Right.  But really, it is kind of funny if you think about it. Jeromy didn't say he was coming home, and I think the tech felt a little silly as he told Jeromy that his wife (me) told him to come on in. I suppose this may sound pretty cliché now that I think about it. Like the milk man, and cable guy kind of scenarios. Whatever. Jeromy will tease me like that, but seriously, I'd go mad if I didn't have a computer with DSL anymore, and emails are just a bonus! My link to the outside world.

I miss you all! And I can't wait to actually receive the nine emails that have been in lingo!

Jeromy got a "You might be a Redneck" calendar from Jessica and Eddy for Christmas. We were looking through it tonight and laughed when we saw what was in store for tomorrow. Jeromy said that we should cross out the word purse and write trunk and send it off to a couple of dear people we know. I think you know who you are. :) Jeromy's idea.

Hhhhmmmm. I haven't been taking pictures much lately as the family has been passing around a bug. The weather has been about -50 degrees the last few nights with the wind chill. The moon has been full and bright and the forest has been absolutely beautiful. I tried to walk out and take pictures without the flash but the pictures didn't turn out. I stood outside on the ice rink, in complete darkness, and snapped a couple of shots. There was nothing but darkness in front of me. When I uploaded the shots on the computer, I found this bright light on my shot.

Weird. That's not the sky either.

Some random shots by Charly.

More Deep thoughts. Jeromy was trying to educate me on our van. It's a good thing too because before he came along, I walked miles and miles just to get to where I was going. :)  Anyway, he was trying to tell me to make sure to rev the accelerator once the vehicle was warm. (We have a hole in the radiator that we are trying to prolong until the end of the month. Heat works 50/50 part of time.) He told me this, " Yeah! Just make sure to hit the foot feet pedal real quick...." I was like, "What?! :)", "What did you just say?" "Foot feet?" LOL. What the heck? Does this fall into the "yum-yum" category or was that an actual term somewhere? LOL. You put your right foot feet in, you put your right foot feet out,...Lol. For those that don't know, my wonderful husband thought that yum-yum was an actual name/breed of chickens until not so long ago. It was just what his mom called the broiler chickens. It was pretty funny when we went to the store to buy chickens several years ago and Jeromy asked the clerk if they carried any yum-yums. I love you honey. I know, you'll get me back, you always do!

And life still kicks in the sticks.

Doesn't she look like she enjoys her treats? Wonder if she'll ever grow out of this, It's kind of funny when I think of her manners never changing as she gets older. My little sweet cheeks.

With everyone getting over the little bug that came our way last week, the younger ones are a little more irritable and short fused. Jackson and Charly usually play together very nice, but also have their typical sibling moments. Jackson has been teasing Charly a little more these days, especially on the days that she's having troubles coping. The more she whines, the more Jackson laughs at her and teases her. My sanity definitely has been tested this week.

And on that note, why is it that when you happen to be in public with your irritable child, some people think that they are the cure all by trying to help disciplining your child. I wish there was a way to let these people know that THEY ARE NOT HELPING! I'm sure parents can relate with me on this, as much as it may not look like it to a stranger in the moment, I DO know my child better than they do, and in most cases, when a child is in the middle of a meltdown, an outside opinion can be even more damaging and intensify the situation. " Hey lady, I'm not as dumb as I look, shut your pie hole and turn your cheek." :) Aahhhh, wouldn't that be nice? But if I really did that, my "catholic guilt" as my friends and I used to joke about, would kick in and then I'd feel bad.

But it is funny how just one simple name can drive a sibling CRAZY. Jackson calls Charly, Jarly. And he'll kind of sing it to her over and over and say this, " Jarrrrrrrrly, the prettttttty." And it drives her completely mad. He started that about six months ago and finds it so comical when he sees the reaction he gets. Last week Charly's typical female instinct kicked in: Don't get mad, get even. When Jackson started on her with his silly smirk, " Jarrrly, the preeeeetty." Charly smirked and said, "What was that Jackin? Did you say something Jackin? What Jackin." He didn't like it so much.

Jeromy and I had quite a few laughs with the redneck calendar that we decided we would try and throw a quote on our blog daily, along with a deep thought of some kind. But please don't hold us to it, as our intentions are good, our follow through lacks at times.

So for today, as some of the locals in our town would say, " The twenny terd of Januery" , our topics are as follows.

Deep thoughts: Breaking news! A survey was conducted and studies found that men that never had children had developed prostate cancer more so than the men that did have children. And a suggestion was made by the media that maybe men should think about that when deciding to have children.

When I heard that on the radio, it made me think. What I'd like to know, is how the heck that is possible? How do the sperms communicate with each other once they've flown the coop, in certain words, that in fact they will fertilize an egg verses just shoot a blank? Really. Maybe they have intuition before they leave and they know that they will be fertilized, and in the excitement of knowing they will be fertilized, it sends a chemical reaction into the male body, thus eliminating prostate cancer. Hhhmmmmm.

Don't know how well you can see the deer but he's in there. He crossed the road fast before I came closer. It has been so cold and it amazes me how the animals survive such harsh conditions at times. The deer had such fluffed out hair, I suppose it was that way to keep it warm. So cute.

I went to Ashley's basketball game last night and I have to say, it was THE most exciting game I have ever been to for her. They lost, but they fought hard. Ashley was on FIRE! And I'm not just saying that because I am her mom. She was book'n, and swish'n and managed to intimidate the other team players. At one point, the coach for the other team started screaming at his girls saying "Who's watching 24?!" That would be Ash.

I was so proud. But I didn't like the way that coach yelled at his team so after I laughed at how ridiculous his testosterone outburst was, ( as if these KIDS are playing for the NBA), I gave him my evil eye. And as we made a few seconds of eye contact with each other, I was hoping he felt like a schmuck and that he was in trouble with his mother. Even though he had that, "dumb broad" kind of attitude. I know I wasn't alone as all the heads of the parents in the stands started to move and people looked at each other shaking their heads in disbelief.

I really have NO tolerance for intensified ignorant testosterone, just as I have no tolerance for intensified ignorant estrogen.  I continue to struggle with the ignorance, racism, and sexism from the locals of our small town. But the good things outweigh the bad and I hope that my children are not influenced by these kinds of peons and that we will always be grateful that we chose to raise a family in such an area.

Ashley really kicked some butt last night, and the team played beautifully even though they lost by about ten points.

One more note on our small town. I got my first birthday card yesterday. It was from the ladies of our bank. I LOVE our small town! :) I can't say that ever happened when I lived in the city.

Our Deep Thoughts for today is:

How many people do you actually know that today's redneck comment applies to? :)

Okay, so I might be borderline redneck. Just kidding.

I turned thirty-eight today. I'd like to say twenty-eight, but it is what it is, I think 266 in dog years. I'm sure my parents would like me to say I'm twenty-eight as well because if I am thirty-eight, how old does that make them? Haha. Yesterday, Jeromy asked the little ones, "Hey guys! Guess how old mommy is going to be tomorrow?" Jackson shouted out, "Fifty!" Good guess Jack.

I came down with another bug that I think Jeromy passed to me. I was up most of the night with a sore throat and slugging tea. I can't remember feeling this bad. But come hell or high water, I will go out tonight. We basically have three dates a year, I know that sounds so terrible, our birthdays, and our anniversary. As much as I enjoy doing what I do most of the time, I am just so excited to be getting out of the house for something other than a school function for a change. Ashley, thank you so much for babysitting tonight!

Chocolate ice cream cone face. As I said before, she really enjoys her treats.

I am having such a good day so far! My family has been pampering me and letting me rest. That NEVER happens. And I got breakfast in bed! Some very delicious waffles, topped with four candles, and made just the way I like them, with the bacon pieces inside. Some orange and apple slices. And a new pair of gold hoop earrings! The best! Thank you guys. After they sang Happy Birthday to me, Jackson and Charly hopped on each side of me and dug into my waffles and fruit as they were telling me how good everything was.

The other day, I met Jeromy at the store with the kids. They had picked up my birthday present, and put it in Charly's pocket for her to bring home and hide in her room until they could wrap it. When I got home, I opened the door to the van to see Charly's face look like this. Or something close to it anyway. She says, " I don't want to tell you sumping. It's a surprise." She was so worried that I was going to try and peek. She must be used to her Dad. :) Anyway, I reassured her that I wouldn't peek. They actually did very well from keeping it a secret for two days. Then they wrapped it together. So cute.

Today's Deep Thought is one by Jack Handey:

"I believe in making the world safe for children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think children should be having sex."

Where did today go? Oh the calamity of it all! :)

We had a bit of a heat wave the last couple of days, weather in the thirties! Now tonight around dinner time, the freezing rain started, and we have thirty below fast on its way. Hoping Jeromy and Ashley make it home safe tonight after her basketball game, the roads were pretty slick at 6pm.

I wish I had some shots to post on here but I do not. Maybe soon. So all I have is the redneck & deep thought.

Maybe I shouldn't admit this, but I didn't get this one. Guessing it has something to do with rednecks having yards full of crap, like old cars or something.

And today's Deep Thought: America should have THREE presidents because of the huge diversity of people in this country, how can just one have say for all?

School's out for the day. I guess it killed them to announce it off now that we are over 50 below with wind chill. The kids will be a little disappointed as they both had fun stuff planned at school today. I'm sure once I put them to work, they'll be even more excited to get back. :)

We were one of the four schools that didn't get called off yesterday. We ended up driving an hour and a half to the nearest Lowe's and picked up a new kitchen faucet as our second hand one finally went kaput. And a trip to Wall-mart to to pick a few things that we've been waiting for. Next, a quick stop to see these guys. I couldn't get over how big they are getting! They're practically grown up.

The roads weren't so bad, there was patches of black ice here and there, but the worst of it was near our home and the hwy that went to Ashley's school. Every winter now, as I drive I can still hear my sweet grandpa, that is now fishing away in heaven I'm sure, telling me, "Watch for the black ice Keemosabi." For as long as I can remember, he called me Keemosabi. Another thing I miss about him, and it wouldn't be the same if someone else tried to pull it off.

I am always surprised when our school calls it off for the day. It's happened maybe five times in my ten years in the sticks, verses big city life when school would be called off five times a year. I wonder what the their reasoning/regulations are as to why we usually have school running when surrounding communities are off for the day. Maybe they check the sled team and see if them doggies are starting to turn to dogsicles. Who knows.

Now I've had every intention to have a picture every day but it hasn't happened. So picture this. With the cold, freezing rain the other night, then the below zero wind chills, every tree, rock, and mound of snow in the lovely forest has been covered with a smooth and shiny gloss. At the peak of the sun shining yesterday, it was a picturess moment to see everything in sight truly glisten. The rock that had been blasted away to make a smooth highway was forked with the Superior National Forest sign sitting upon a giant, round boulder that looked as if it was covered with a heavy coat of shellacking solution topped with a heavy blanket of crisp snow that had frozen in the midst of falling off. It was breathtaking. I will seek out for future footage.

Would that "picture my picture" moment count as our Deep Thought as well? I asked my dear husband to think of a Deep Thought for today. He said, " With the below freezing temperatures, one must snuggle with their significant other to keep warm." Don't knock yourself out or anything honey.

Other than that, the only thing we could come up with that struck us funny lately had to do with Mr President Dipstick. And as I've been told before, "We don't want to hear that s---." Lol. We can't help it though, it's hard to hold back sometimes. So, we have another one by Jack Handey. When Rick told me he was having trouble with his wife, I had to laugh. Not because of what he said, but because of the joke I had thought of. I told him the joke, but he didn't laugh very much. Some friend he is.

School in session again. Jackson was a little bummed because he missed school yesterday and only has class three times a week.

We had a fun day yesterday though. Thank you Laws for lending us the ATV game for Playstation! It is SO much fun! I will get some pictures soon.Ashley was making fun of Jeromy, Charly, and myself because we were getting so loud when we played. Cheering each other on, and yelling, "whoaaaaaa..", as we try to make a turn fast.

We stayed inside all day, it was a bit chilly out. The kids had a little project time by building stuff with toothpicks and styrofoam peanuts. That lasted for a while and nobody poked their eye out.

Like I said before, Charly enjoys her treats.

Notice Jackson's collar? He said he wanted to leave it up like that because he likes it like that sometimes. "And sometimes Dracula's do's that."

We did some chores, and ended up having a GREAT family fun day. Lately, even our weekends have been booked with errands, or kids functions so it was SO nice to play together knowing that we don't have to get going. And, as much as I hate to admit this, we had a family dinner together! Our intentions are to have it every night, but we are all on different schedules this time of year and it doesn't happen as much as we'd like to see it happen.

If you sat in our bathroom and looked out the window, this is what you would see. Behind two layers of glass, flowered ice crystals clinging to the screen.

Yes, the seat was down, and lid. And I was fully clothed, no worries.

After dinner, what better than to pop in Star Wars Episode 1. We have the first trilogy but never bought the last three movies made so the younger ones aren't familiar with them, but they've been getting into the other ones a bit. So, you can imagine their faces once we popped in the movie. Their eyes were wide open, and mouths wide open, and complete silence in the room, except for the movie. They thought it was pretty darn cool. And when the movie was done, Jeromy said, "Darn-it, now we have to get the next two! I don't remember them." :)

Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey:

A wise man can pick up a grain of sand and envision a whole universe.But the stupid man will just lay down in some seaweed until he's completely draped in it. Then he'll stand up and go, "Hey, I'm Vine Man!"