Snowy days

This was about a week ago...and we haven't been out in the snow since.

The other day on the news the weather lady said they had received "numerous" calls from people who fell on the ice on the way to their mailboxes or when they were out to walk the dog.

Because that makes total sense. The first thing I thought of when I wiped out on our front porch was, "Quick! Where's my phone? I've got breaking news!"

And then Chet wiped out and I missed it. If only a news camera had been there.



I think they are playing Snow Football. Also known as A Way To Get Even Colder While Playing Outside.



Sharkies looks thrilled at his catch...don't think he's realized that the ball is no longer in his hands.

Life is one big awkward stage

This kid is getting some teeth, two on the bottom, two on the top. And every time he smiles, I think of Mater.



And then I say "Ka-Chow!" to myself under my breath. Which would be embarrassing, except that this is what I was wearing all morning. Scratch that. Still wearing.



So I have more pressing things to be embarrassed about. I know what you are thinking. Where did I find such fantastic green leggings?

I got cold in the night and grabbed whatever I could find. Chet had a good laugh at my expense when he saw me this morning. I think the words "Giant Green Bean" may have been mentioned.

Duly noted.

(Sharks just saw this pic and said, "Oh, is that you when you had Finlay in your belly?" Groan. It just keeps getting better.)

In my defense, I have been caring for sad, sick kiddos like this guy all week. Poor Deeds.


On second thought, I don't think there is an adequate defense for green leggings. Ever.

(Not) Alone

Here's my talented sis-in-law, Ashley's new music video for her song, Alone. The chorus especially has been encouraging to me, in the moments when I feel, um, alone.

Also, for some free music and to help give clean water to those who need it, check out this post.

Wintry Drinks

Two drinks we've been enjoying this winter:

Hot Milk and Milk Punch.


So, for the Hot Milk...well it is what is says and it's so easy it's hardly a recipe. But we love it.

Partly cause I kept forgetting to buy cocoa. (How unlike me, I know.) My mom made a variation of this when I was little if I couldn't sleep, so we'll call it a tradition. Even though now we drink it at all times of the day.

Oh right. The non-recipe, coming right up.

You need:
Milk, a cup or two
REAL maple syrup, to taste (you could use sugar - we just try to stick with more natural sweeteners.)
Cinnamon, sprinkle on the top (I let the boys do this, so we get a different amount every time.)
Vanilla, a capful or so

Mix in a pan and heat on the stove. Then drink and relax. It is perfect for when you are cold but have already had one too many coffees. (Actually that is pretty much my state of being.)

Though I have been known to put it IN my coffee, kinda like a Cinnamon Dolce Latte, but not. (I really want to write, "but Not-te" but it looks more like Naughty instead of rhyming with Latte. Sigh.)

And now for the Milk Punch, which is a little more grown-up. I have also been known to put that in my coffee. It is absolutely delicious, a perfect accompaniment to dessert, or for after dessert. Or for breakfast. Or for in your coffee. I may have mentioned that...

To us a child is born

Deedo says Isaiah 9:6-7, very cute-ly, I might add.

I tried to get him to be all gangsta

As I was taking this pic of the Deeds today, I remembered a similar shot of Sharks, taken at almost the same age.

To me they look different. But to everyone else, they look like twins. Then again, people always used to tell Chet and me (I'm pretty sure that's grammatically correct, even though it seems wrong) that we looked like brother and sister. Because that's just what every dating couple wants to hear. So we laughed and said, Well, we are from Arkansas.