February Blues

I am tired of winter.  I have been trying to ski my way out of the winter blues but its not working. And I know it is silly to complain because the weather this week has been phenomenal!!

BUT for the first time in 10 years . . . . it appears we will not be taking a winter vacation.  I blame Boyd and his ability to get suckered into common core training over spring break. *sigh*

Something about needing to get a teaching job . . . . 

Although lovely - NOT how I want to spend spring break.

I have started taking sewing lessons.  I have warned my teacher friend that I have to go very very slowly or I will get overwhelmed and start throwing things.  It was going great and then I tried sewing at home and BAM!  Machine broken.  

I was transported back to 8th grade home-ec class where my teacher would tsk tsk and say "Again!?  How is your machine broken AGAIN?!"

  

I wish I knew.  I am not an engineer.

After days of the machine sitting in the middle of the dining table . . . Boyd finally decided to try and fix it EVEN THOUGH I told him dramatically: "THERE IS NO POINT!! It is impossible!!!"

He proved me wrong.  Which is great . . . but I hate being wrong.   

But then again . . he IS an engineer so really he SHOULD be able to fix it.

And I know an instruction manual would be a great way for me to "exercise my brain" but I refuse.  Absolutely refuse.  

Those tiny little pictures and diagrams give me the heebie jeebies.

Even Lucy began to think of the machine as permanently part of the table.

Hamlin basketball is winding down.  

I'm not going to lie . . . . . sort of looking forward to it. :)

I tend to be a little tense at games.  

Shocking, I know.

*******

My odd jobs are going pretty well.  The other day I went in to substitute teach and all of the sudden I realized . . . . I was not panicking!  I was not afraid of the children!  I knew the lunchroom drill! 

But then somehow I ended up subbing for a classroom full of hyenas.  

What happened to the adoring children?!

And EVERY time I sub . . . . I get asked how old I am.  I have never felt weird about my age . . . after all 33 is pretty "middle of the road" but when they look at you like you are going to keel over and die once they know how old you are . . . . well . . . I'm now a little self-conscious.

Darn kids.

Matilda Jane is going great.  

Succumb to the pressure and buy darling clothing.

I double dog dare you.

I have also been working on Lucky Day stuff.  I finally have some furniture pieces that I can work on so I am very excited.  Spring Sale will be held in April.   YES!  

There will also be a mini-sale in Sioux Falls in March.  

Stay tuned.

******

Valentine's Day was this month.  Boyd informed me that he had a really great idea for it but that it will take too long to execute so that translated into: "I am not doing anything for the holiday."

I'm not sure why he switched from his usual tactic of: "That is today?!"

After all, this method has worked for the past 13 years.

But to give him credit:  I was apologizing for not being the best-of-the-best in domesticity and he said:  "Life is Short. Don't waste your time making the bed."

Which after I thought about it . . . . 

he certainly has NEVER ONCE wasted any time on making the bed.  

A wise man.

******

Brother1 and Sister2 and their families were around this past weekend.  So.Much.Energy. :)  Coop demanded some "steamroller" and "spooks and creeps" - Both are games that Dad made up.  

Cate and Ellie delighted everyone by dancing whenever they heard music.

Caters felt pretty special with a headlamp

Ellie kept laughing and laughing.  Boyd had the best audience ever.

We recently had book club which is always lovely. 

And I was reminded that I have not done a "Nerd Alert" in a REALLY long time. 

So . . here is a quick list of some good reads.

 (Warning:  MOST of these books are kind of dark or heavy unless otherwise noted)

Reconstructing Amelia

Defending Jacob

Labor Day

A Room with A View (a classic - not dark or heavy)

The Dead Ex (sounds dark but was kind of funny - you know . . because dead ex's are funny?!)

Gone Girl

Divergent Series 

Kitchen House

It Takes a Village Idiot (so funny)

Wonder (So good - I may have even shed a tear or two)

Carry on Warrior (girl power!)

Takedown Twenty (Stephanie Plum book - love these)

Looking for Alaska

In the Kingdom of Men

Love Does (I just ordered this again because I lost my first copy)

The Silver Linings Playbook (great)

Next Up: This is Where I Leave You. (It looks funny. I hope it is - I could use a funny book)

At the moment I am re-reading Island of the Blue Dolphins for the 12th time because I am around elementary children way too much and they are all reading it and it made me think back on how that was my FAVORITE BOOK OF ALL TIME and I must read it Right.Now.

******
My sewing machine just broke again.

Good night.

Kona is the only one in the fam who adores winter.
And Boyd.

****  Boyd just corrected me and and said that Dad did not come up with "steam roller".  Apparently it was on Wayne's World?!  I have no idea . . . .

January

A quick catchup-up:

We celebrated Christmas.  Shocking, I know.

It is fun seeing O doting and caring for his younger cousins.

We had GLORIOUS snow and lovely temps.
And multiple dogs

Boyd and I celebrated 13 years of marriage on December 30th. 
Time FLIES.
Even when you are not having fun.

I jest. 

I miss dancing. 

This is a picture of my cat, Lucy.  She is in heat ALL THE TIME.  She makes strange noises, is in love with everything and in general has a death wish with our resident husky/wolf. 

And she gets into EVERYTHING.

I have been self-employed now since the beginning of January and it is splendid.  I have organized my basement, cleaned my house and then found myself decoupaging the light switches.  Which made me realize I should find some random odd jobs.

So I decided to tell the school I had more availability for subbing.

Subbing is . . . HARD.  And it gives me the sweats.

What color is Jupiter?
Why?
I don't get this math question.
Are you Mr. K's wife?
Are you Mrs. S's daughter?
What is Earth made up of?
He stole my pencil.
She broke my pencil.
He threw my pencil.
I don't have an eraser.
Can I go to the bathroom?
Can I go to the bathroom?
Can I go to the bathroom?
Can I get a drink of water?
Do you like us?

So.  That was my day.

I have also been painting for my Grandma.  I love to paint.  It is calming and I can listen to music.  Plus Grandma finds me delightful and that is awesome.  I was complaining about my knee issues to my Dad and he was telling me that lunges would possibly help me (I highly doubt it but whatever) and so I demonstrated that I knew the correct form and way of doing them.

And Grandma exclaims: "Isn't she neat?!"
Grandmas are the best.

We have been to WAY TOO MANY basketball games.  Boyd is coaching 7th grade girls; Brother 2 is playing C team and JV; and G is playing 3rd grade basketball with Dad coaching them.  I was worried that Boyd would not like coaching but he LOVES it.  He thinks the girls are fun and loves the sing-alongs on the bus rides.

How cute are those guys?!

Boyd and the 7th grade girls

Kona ran away while I had her in town with me.  She had been SOOO good and then all of the sudden her nose twitched and she was off.  I started running after her.  And yelling.  And waving my arms.  Brother2 happened to be with a couple of friends driving around town and he recognized Kona and then embarrassingly recognized me (poor kid).  I have never been so thankful to run into 15 year old boys.  Disaster averted.

Such a great weather weekend.  Brother1 came to visit along with Coop and Cate and so we had some merry sledding times.  A recap:

Caters loves Miss Ellie

When living in the Midwest you have to take advantage of a lull in the weather.

Boyd schooling Oli at Othello.

In other news:  How cute is this old picture I found of Lou?!  He was so TINY.  And yes, I found this picture because of said "organizing basement time".  Unfortunately I also found all my old yearbooks.

I hope January is treating you all well. 

December.

December always flies by.

Boyd's family was in town over "Thanksmas".  We typically only get to see his siblings once a year so it was great to spend time with them.  We even had decent temps - - although the siblings were still cold.

Southerners/West Coasters. ;)

Broom Hockey on the lake.

We played some broom hockey over Thanksmas.  And when I say "we", I mean Boyd and the guys.  I'm not sure who enjoyed it more - - the little boys or the adults.
We also held the 2nd Annual Turkey Bowl.
No injuries = Success.

We finally have some snow - - granted - -not a ton which makes snow shoes obsolete but I trust that SOON that will not be a problem.  My husband loves winter.  As does our Siberian Husky.  

I'm closing my eyes til spring. :)

I love Christmas decor.  I was looking at my light fixture and realized it was full of dead bugs.  As lovely as that was . . I thought . . . "I should switch it up"  and came up with this lovely concoction.  I love it.  Even Oli was impressed when he stayed overnight.

 I am nearly done with my legal secretary job.  I was asked to go full-time - and with Lucky Day and Matilda Jane on my plate - -
it is not an option.

So, I am now embarking on a new adventure of self-employment!  

Not to be confused with Unemployment. :)

I am hoping to build both Lucky Day and Matilda Jane.

I hope to learn how to sew and other creative skills.

And most importantly, I can now watch soap operas during the day.

Boyd is his usual optimistic self: "Go get 'em!"
Followed with:  "Where are you going with that hammer?"

I feel like I don't have much I can actually write about. Or maybe anything exciting.
the most exciting thing that has happened recently was that we bought a washing machine. zzzzz
And a couch!  But then we got the couch home only to realize they left out 2 of the cushions.
This would only happen to us. And it is only taking World Market 1-2 years to ship us the new cushions.
For the Love.

Brother2 is a freshman this year. 
He has grown out of most of his clothes and eats all of my food.
We do not see eye-to-eye on many things - most recently regarding footwear.
He sometimes comes over to work on homework.
He does not appreciate it when I bring up uncomfortable topics.


Go figure. 

This past weekend was lovely.  Sister1's boys came over for awhile.  We talked Kona into going back to her "roots" as a sled dog.  She loved it and the boys loved it.  Boyd also took them sledding. 
I opted to just help with sugar cookies.

Because it was COLD. 
Yes.  The 5 year-old has more fortitude than I.

Oli and his ski mask.  So sweet and menacing at the same time.

Lou waiting ever so patiently for some sugar droppings.

Boyd and I also went to Sioux Falls to see Brother1's family.  Caters and Cooper are a delight.  They were so excited to see us and you cannot help but feel super important.

We played hide-n-seek; football, read stories and watched Cooper in his Sunday School program.
Cate was upset that she had to wear a darling black and white knitted skirt to church.
She told Erin it looked like poop.
How.Cute.Is.That?!

Reading book #64

Boyd is nearing the end of this busy semester of graduate work.
He will start student teaching in January.
(Say what?!  Why is Sabrina quitting her job right now?!)

 I'm so excited for him to be fully certified.  Fingers crossed there are job openings next year.
He is also coaching 7th grade girls basketball this year.
Coaching scares the crap out of me.
I should rephrase:  Parents scare the crap out of me.

 I am, however, a fantastic statistician. 

Christmas is nearly here.
I have grandiose thoughts of getting Christmas cards in the mail.
Don't hold your breath.

I hope you all are taking the time to enjoy the season.
Blessings to you all.

November Nonsense.

I thought November had just arrived to all of the sudden realize that Thanksgiving is in 2 days. Say what?!

Boyd's family is celebrating Thanksmas this year which means I need to somehow do my Christmas shopping before . . . tomorrow.

Bring.It.On.

Nothing says: "I love you" like a gift card. Right?

Other November happenings:

Hamlin made it to the Dome. Which was AWESOME. And then we lost by 2. But it was so exciting to have a good season after a bit of an "athletic drought" that lasted about 12 years. I was proud of our team - - Sports can bring out the worst in people so I loved seeing such great sportsmanship from our school. Boyd loved making the crowd uncomfortable with cheers he made up and would lead randomly.

Hamlin Alumni Awesomeness Right Here, Folks.

Lucky Day had the big holiday sale take place this past weekend. It was a fabulous success. I am always overwhelmed by how great the shoppers are and how talented the vendors are. I am in awe.

Next holiday season I am toying with the idea of doing a 4 week 
"Holiday Shoppe". 

Such lovely creativity from my crazy talented vendors!!

And my lovely shoppers.  Can you spot Susie?! :)

We finally got Kona - our new husky! She is very beautiful and wants to kill Lucy and Betsy. We have a very delicate "family life" at our place right now. Lou learned quickly NOT to take her toy. And that she is bigger. smarter. furrier. and prettier. 
And she has successfully ran away about 532 times.

Mom just called me and asked if she could shoot the deer that lives on our property.  
"You can't shoot Rudy!!!"   
Crazy Animal Killers.

We do not have snow yet but our lake is now frozen. Boyd has been busy cutting wood for our furnace. I have been busy eating extra carbs to get my winter weight on.

I hope you all have a lovely holiday season.

October Delights

I kept sitting down to blog about October but then got distracted.

Huh? What was that? Just a minute . . .

The other day I saw a chiropractor billboard that said: "Foot Pain? Walk-ins Welcome!"

Are they being sarcastic? I'm not sure but it makes me smile every time I drive by.

ALL the animals are in the house again. It's cold outside and Boyd and I are suckers for shivering furry things. So far Betsy and Lucy are playing it cool and have not peed in the house.

Speaking of B&L . . . they have become the mighty hunters with their time outside this summer. Randomly I will find dead mice by my porch door. I'm not sure if they are leaving it as a gift . . . or sending a message.

Mel has had a couple of seizures which leaves me a mess. He's 12. He's old. I know he can't live forever but I love that stupid dog. So far he seems to be doing okay and I have not witnessed another seizure for a few weeks now.

I have no update on Lou. He takes long naps on the couch and snores like an old man. The cold days suit him just fine.

I did a Lucky Day trunk show in Sioux Falls at the beginning of the month. It was an experiment and went pretty well. I may try another one later this winter.

While in Sioux Falls - Boyd bought a race car, "for the nephews."  He loves it.  Apparently Cooper loves it also and told Erin that when he is 14 and big like Boyd, he will buy his very own race car too.
Dream big little guy.

I am gearing up for 2 holiday shows in November. My inventory is starting to run out!!! And most of my projects need help from "The Boyd" and unfortunately, "The Boyd" has zero time to help the wifey right now.

Will.Not.Panic.

Good News: The grocery store special ordered me my very own chocolate chip scones!
You were not aware of the scone debacle?! Well . . . . there was one. And now I have my very own warehouse box of them. Mmmmmm . . . . should last me well into 2014.

The Old Man turned 55 this month.
I like my Dad. He's alright.

I also like Caters - she is quite the firecracker and makes me laugh.

For the end of dad's birthday celebration - we played Castle Smash. This game was dad's brainchild back when I was a kid. The grandchildren LOVE it. Blocks are divided up. soldiers are divided up and then you get so many "bombs". Yes.  Morbid. You retreat to a corner of the room and then build your castles. Because the adults like to play also - we "team up" with the children. Oli was really into it. At one point he yelled: "HA! You didn't get any of our idiots!"

I have no idea where he learned such language.

The division of the blocks



Uncle Jordan hogging the bombs from poor little O. :)



Oli in his element.

The weather is changing. Quickly. Our boat is no longer in the water which makes me sad.

I have to bundle up to go for a walk.

Last day on the boat. :(

But as I like to chirp to myself every day when it is cold: "There are no bad days. Just bad gear."

I hope you all are having a lovely October.

Bring on the November madness!!!

September.

I try and set easily attainable goals.  For example:  My goal now for the blog is to post once per month.  Considering it is September 26th . . . . I nearly failed.  But seriously . . . ONE TIME PER MONTH???  Should be possible.

I like to be productive.  I make lists nearly every day and I will even add entries of things I already did JUST so I can cross it off the list.

I have issues.

Lately I have been feeling quite frazzled.  And I'm not a dazzling frazzled person . . . I am more of a short of breath, running to and fro and making lists, lists, lists.

And I MIGHT bite your head off.

So . . September . . . Let's See . . .

Boyd is in the throes of homework.  And his new job.  Fortunately he really likes working for the school district.  Win!

Unfortunately he hates homework.  Fail.

He has also been sick for approximately FOREVER.

I finally made him go to the doctor and she promptly gave him a shot for bronchitis and some medication.  He is finally on the mend.

I sort of thought he was faking it since it was MY SALE WEEK AND ALL.

Yes. Lucky Day Sale Week.

It was glorious.  I was panicking because I wasn't panicking enough.  (See "issues" noted above)

The day was perfect.  Slight breeze and about 73 degrees.  Lovely.

My vendors outdid themselves with so many great items.  My parents' house was packed full of items, the porch was overflowing and the furniture made its way into the yard and garden.

The shoppers arrived early and waited patiently for the rope to drop.

I had extra men on hand (when does this ever happen?!) and they hauled, lifted and loaded furniture. 

It was lovely.  I get so many warm fuzzies (despite the panic) during and after sale week.  I am in awe of the creative talent of my vendors, I smile when I think of how people love to shop and its is music to my ears to hear friends talking to each other about how excited they are for this and that.

I love Lucky Day Sales because I believe you should be able to have a stylish, creative, unique home without having to shop at designer prices.   It might possibly just me giving overly-expensive-stores "the finger" . . . but I LOVE the one-of-a-kind items that can be found.  Such gems

The porch!

A few of my favorite people:  Michelle, Becca, Stacey and Heather!

A montage of great items

Fabulous finds spilling out into the yard.

*****
I am now gearing up for a mini-Lucky Day Sale in Sioux Falls at Fringe Salon on October 5th!  Repainting a few dressers, getting some new items ready and spreading the word to vendors that I could use some extra items to make it all complete.  Its going to be really great.

My house is a disaster.  It was clean for approximately 2 days. 

******
Hamlin Chargers Football is going great.  I love high school football.  I'm not sure if it is the weather or the nostalgic flashbacks . . . but I love it.

Cooper cheering on the Chargers!

Hamlin 4 Ever!!!!

******

Little Oli turned 5.  When he arrived at the football game on his birthday, he zoned in on me and came to sit on my lap.  I was pleasantly surprised since there was quite a bit of competition . . . . he then says: "So, where is my dangerous present?"

Gads. I love that kid.  I had warned him months ago that my present was rather "dangerous" and that he would need to wear a helmet when I gave it to him.  Granted . . . the gift was vintage rollerskates . . .which might not seem all that dangerous to you precious readers but trust me:  The kid needs to wear a helmet.

The big 5!!!

******

I have approximately 24 spider bites.

********

Betsy and Lucy have been kicked out of the house.  They peed on our bed.

3x.

I'm okay with giving second chances . . . but more than 3 . . . you are out.

But I will make sure to still feed you.  And give you a nice blanket in the garage.

*****

I just heard Boyd mumble: "$T#SDFUi  . . . . .  I forgot about that project".
Sounds like a long night.

On to October . . . . . . 

Back to School.

GOOD HEAVENS it has been a long time since I have blogged.  Let's see . . . . .
 We have added a new member to our vehicle entourage. Meet Chester!

This lovely van is mine. All mine. And is to be used for hauling my crap all over the place. Try not to be jealous. :)

Things have been hectic around here. Little Oli stopped by earlier this month, walked into my house, looked around and asked: "Are your cleaners coming soon?"

Yes. It was that bad that a 4 year old noticed. It's a good things he's cute.

This kid melts my heart.  He coached me thru the proper way to put our arms around each other.

 

*****

 Last weekend Boyd, I and Chester went to Rapid City for a mini-Lucky Day sale! It was a fantastic success and I look forward to do more of them!  My relatives rock!

 

I have finally set the date for the BIG Lucky Day Sale - Saturday, Sept. 21 at my parents’ place. I will post more details soon. This also means, that I need to paint paint paint.

 

******

Boyd started teaching today.  I'm so proud of him.  

They grow up so quick.

****

Mel and Lou are thriving. Betsy and Lucy are annoying. (They are so NEEDY!)

New Member Alert to our Zoo:  While in Rapid City, we decided to adopt my cousin's loveable husky:  Kona.  She is a sweetheart and we are excited for her to come and live with us!  Boyd just keeps shaking his head at me but I know he is pumped as well. :)

Kona and Baby June.

*****
A few weeks ago we went kayaking: 

Me: My arms are tired.

Boyd: You just need to get warmed up.

Me: We should get a hot tub.

Boyd: Do you ever notice how girls make "hot tubbing" sound like a sport.  "Let’s go hot tubbing! My interests include hot tubbing"  (said with sarcasm)

Me: Girls are so dumb. My arms are still tired.

**** 

Boyd finished the porch roof the other day. It looks quite lovely. Apparently it is now my job to paint the porch. I don’t have time for this! Someone call the cleaners!

****

During all the crazy . . . . I’m trying to recognize the good around me. Whether its seeing a great sunset or beautiful cloud formations; taking my dogs for a walk and soaking up their pure adoration of me (no one loves me like my dog); eating dinner on the porch as many nights as possible and/or finding the time for evening kayaking with Boyd. Sometimes it is of utmost importance to stop and smell the roses. Or in my case . . .the cut wheat field near my house. Perfection.