Winter Wonderland

This is the makings for Frosty. He didn't get finished however - the kids came in and ate lunch and didn't make it back out. Hopefully he will be completed soon. I just love snowmen! (notice the amount of snow on the yard - this is from the afternoon yesterday)

This is what we woke up to. A small wind left over from the blizzard is still out there, but the snow has stopped. Church was canceled today too. I don't remember seeing this much snow at one time in a long time. I think Savannah will have a hay day - she has snow pants, boots, gloves, a sled, and a hill to play in. That is if she can stand the breezy air.

Some places look worse than others depending on where the wind blew the snow. I love it for now. It is exciting. For now that is. Wait until we have several more months of this...but until then we're walking in a winter wonderland!

Christmas Cheer

Last night we attended the children's Christmas party at Charlie's work. Savannah immediately went into craft making until Santa appeared. She waited patiently in line with her list in hand and when it was her turn he asked her if she was the toothless reindeer. She rolled her eyes - apparently the missing front teeth jokes are getting old. Then he asked her if she had been good and about the clothes she leaves on her bedroom floor, she was embarrassed but later told me, "Santa really is real! He knew about my leaving clothes on my floor!"

I debated about telling her the truth this year but I think she'll figure it out soon enough. The important thing I do teach is to not idolize Santa Claus - she still doesn't understand why I tell her he isn't important - but I see her grow and grow over time with more and more lessons at church about our who our Savior is.

Here she is with her reindeer antlers (the toothless reindeer) and her list that contained a lot of Barbie Doll requests. Luckily Santa didn't make too many promises there - he must know me well.

 

Afterward we stopped at Jitter Bean for some hot coffee and cocoa. When we arrived home I couldn't help but take a picture of the front of our house. At first I wished our lights would have been on, but then I wouldn't have gotten the cool effect of the snow falling like I did. The camera somehow made the flakes blue in this picture. The one below I used a different setting. I like them equally so I wanted to post them both.

Baby Ryan

Here is my grandson! Isn't he just so cute? I only wish I could hold him and smell him and kiss him. Parents are doing fine. What a great Christmas gift from God. Babies are so precious.

I'm a Grandma

Wow this day came a lot sooner than I was prepared for! Of course being 1500 miles away from the baby makes it even more unrealistic.

Michael and Brooke had the baby tonight at 7:30, he weighed in at 8 lbs and 3 oz and is 21 inches long. They sent me a picture via cell phone but I had Savannah put my phone away and now I can't find it. So pictures to come later. They are still working on a name. He is so cute and I wish I could hold him.

38 is a young age to be a Grandma and I am feeling pretty old right about now.

So I started a Scentsy Business...

Now that we've moved 1500 miles away from our previous life and my family (sigh) a lot of changes have taken place. Especially for me. With extra time on my hands not working so much I found I had many days of depression and insecurities. There were many good days too. But I just didn't know how to keep my thoughts focused away from feeling like I wasn't contributing to the household.

You see I haven't been a stay at home mom full time or even part time for that matter in I don't know how long. So after getting Savannah off to school the house would be very empty and quiet. Sure I had the pets,  the housework, Jake usually in bed from working 2nd shift, and then off to my part time job but it wasn't what I was used to. My husband assured me all I was doing was very valuable, but for me I am just so used to providing away from the home it felt awkward.

I'd rather sit at the computer all day working, after all that is what I was used to (especially my brain) - so as I was online looking at grocery ads, school lunch menus, and ways to keep sliced apples from going brown in your kids' lunch pail - it hit me one day. I was shopping online for Scentsy products and thought, "Why not sell them myself? How else will I get to know people around here and make friends to help with feeling the void of no family nearby?"

I had also thought about it back when I lived in Utah but I had no time to spare so it was a passing thought. My job was stressful and I really didn't have the attitude for it and knew that a half a weekend devoted to anything wouldn't work successfully.

Well now I am excited to sell it, but the only thing is all my acquaintances are in Utah and not here. So selling long distance is not as productive, but I am very appreciative of all the support they have given me thus far. I know that eventually I will have a customer base and will get to know more people and be able to succeed, but I really wanted to do this to keep myself occupied with something productive that I also love - so I need to remember why I started this. I do love candles and making my house smell good, so I can't deny this wasn't the product.

Best thing of all, I don't feel near as depressed as I did a few weeks ago before I became a consultant. This has been the biggest benefit so far!

If you are interested in browsing the products, the link to my site is always at the top of my blog here. You can also request to have a party in your home, I will send out the tester samples, catalogs, etc and all you have to do is invite people and introduce them to the product and you will earn half off items and credits towards your own merchandise! Plus who doesn't like a party?

These wickless candles are safe in that they don't cause any possible harm with fire nor do they get hot enough to burn someone. The designs are unique and fit almost any personality. Plus they are always coming up with new and fresh ideas. I am having a hard time not buying for myself that is how much I love them. People ask me what my likes and dislikes are and I find it hard to have "favorites" of anything, but candles are the exception. Any way shape or form as long as they smell I just have a fettish.

So I started a Scentsy business...and I am learning that my job doesn't define me. It is a good feeling.

Another one!

As we were cuddling on the couch last night, Savannah jumps up and yells, "I just lost my tooth! I just pulled it out and it didn't even hurt!"

Yep. Tooth number 5. I am praying the new ones all come in straight.

All I want for Christmas!

Tooth number 4 didn't come out without a fight. It has been hanging on for quite a while now. We tried pulling it several times as it looked like it was hanging by a thread, but it didn't budge. Until the night before last.

Wow I didn't realize how dirty her face was when I took this photo. I guess that is what happens when your tooth is gone and just having ate dinner?

In other news we put up our tree this past weekend. For me it isn't a "Christmas rush" but it does only come once a year and we like to have a real tree. It has always been our tradition to get it the weekened after Thanksgiving. We found a perfect one at the lot close to our church. It smells great too!

This year we have a train , however as you can see it is not in tact. I know a little girl who has enjoyed playing with it.

So there hasn't been any snow yet. Just some rain and one day of really cold! I am sure this will be changing for us soon however. 

Thanksgiving Feast

We had 14 at our house for Thanksgiving. I thouroughly enjoyed it, however I am not sure why I didn't eat much. It was probably due to the anticipation of new company and all that munching on olives and stuffing prior to dinner.

We were able to have a family from our church over and an elderly lady and seat them all at our dining table. We also had my nephew JJ and his family over. Savannah and the little boys had a lot of fun running around the house playing.

A friend I made through Savannah's school mate also came over for pie so if you counted all that together there was 17 total.

I think next year I would like to go to someone's house or just have something smaller. But this year was our first and so I wanted to be sure it was like having my family over. It felt great to be able to help those in need this year as well.

And then there was pie:

The Pecan Pie was the first one gone, then the Cherry.  I admit they were pretty good! I also made Dutch Apple but it seemed to be too sweet and I am not sure I have the touch for making an apple pie of any sort as I have tried several different times with several different recipes. Next year I will have to come up with a new idea I guess. Our guests brought many pumpkin pies as well, but I think I am the only one that really likes pumpkin so they took just as much home as they brought I'm afraid. I did miss my sister's cream pies - that is for sure.

All stuffed and ready to roast.

Charlie brined the bird overnight. We thought we purchased a 15 pound bird but it ended up being closer to 19 when we looked a bit closer. Isn't it funny how the turkey looks appetizing before it is cooked?

Silly Pets, part 2

Muffers is a loner cat. Usually. The only time I have seen her be completely friendly 24/7 was when Charlie and I were seperated this summer while he worked here in Wisconsin. The other time you see a lot of her is when the cat food is out. She reminds you that she is there. She will rub on your leg and meow. I'm not sure where she likes to sleep or not, I don't see much of her during the day. Sometimes I do find her napping on the placemats on the kitchen table or on the chairs. She doesn't sleep with us or on the couch much. She has different sleeping spots all the time. A few weeks ago it was on the coat bench. Usually wherever you find her fur that is where she has been sleeping.

Muffers likes to go outside for the most part - mostly to roll in the dirt and enjoy the fresh air and sun, but she doesn't hunt like Buddy does. She has no front claws and she is mild mannered. She is curious though and does like to play with bugs and cat nip. I've never seen her pounce a bird like I have Buddy but she does make a funny meow while she watches them.

Unlike Buddy Muffers absolutely hates the dogs. She scowls at them. Buddy does cuddle up to Bear every so often - he always has, but Muffers cannot stand him in the same room with her. She tries to swat at him with her clawless paws. Bear doesn't even acknowledge what she is doing, but I'm sure he would if she could snag him.

Muffers likes fresh drawn water, but not in a water dish or by way of toilet. When you are using the restroom, she will jump up to the bathroom sink next to you and meow and sometimes put her paw on you to let you know she wants a drink. So long as you fill a cup or the sink with fresh tap water she is good to go. During this summer she has been drinking in our water fountain on the deck, but now that it is cold there is no water in it.

Muffers has curly belly hair. It is the cutest thing and fun to rub your nose in. She has a pink nose and loves her chin scratched, when she is allowing you to pay attention to her that is. She usually wants to "make muffins" meaning kneading with her paws on my belly. No other belly will do, not Daddy's or Savannah's, just mine. I am pretty sure it is cause it is soft and gushy and of course fat. She usually chooses to do this while I am on the computer, why? I don't know. Maybe because she knows it is a sit still position and well Muffers hates to be bothered when she wants what she wants. She also prefers to come to you to pay attention to you and not the other way around.

Muffers will not eat anything other than dry cat food, except the one time she was out and ate dry dog food that is. She goes crazy and super hyper and funny on cat nip and loves to roll around in it. Muffers was a stray kitten who walked into Charlie's apartment when the boys and I were visiting him in Wyoming. It has been 8 years since he cleaned her up and we have had her ever since. She is our baby.

Little Miss Priss.

Here is Muffers actaually content with Savannah, this is a very rare moment!

Silly Pets Part 1

I just love our pets, even though they are reason for 75% of my cleaning duties. Here is part 1 of the day in a life at our house with our pets...life is just not the same without them...

Our orange tabby, Buddy, is the youngest or our pets and is an outside cat. He meows at the door at the same time each morning to be let in. When you open the door to let the dogs go out to potty, he comes in. Charlie calls it "changing of the guards." When he gets in he'll wander around and scope everything out while meowing really loud to make sure we know he is in the house. After all is fine he eats from the cat dish (depending on what he's hunted and caught the night before - yes I have seen him hunt and eat just like a cat in the wild) and then he chooses to drink water from one of the toilets in the house. (Even though I draw fresh water every morning.) He walks around the house some more meowing, works his way in and out of cupboards in the kitchen and bathrooms (why I don't know and have no idea how he has opened closed doors with knobs - he is crafty) then finds a spot to settle usually on my bed or on the front room furniture, just so long as it is quiet. He bathes himself and then sleeps all day. We don't hear from him again until about dinner time when he wants let outside to hunt again. Just last week I caught him outside attempting to pounce on a squirrel while hiding behind a tree. He was unsuccessful and didn't bother to go up the tree after it. My guess is that he has done this before and either got bit or out ran several times and learned his lesson.

Here is Buddy sleeping behind my sewing machine. Can't get much quieter than that, I don't use it much!

Mr Snoopy!!

Halloween

Jake and Savannah carved their pumpkins while we watch Fantastic Four in our theater room. Charlie made his famous pop corn with our new machine and built a real fire in the fire place.


Sunday Savannah and I started off our venture to get treats when we ran into her friend, Lily, who she knows from Girl Scouts. It was good in that we didn’t have to go alone.
The weather was beautiful and we were done by 5:30 – we were too full on munchies to have dinner and bake our Halloween cookies though. I guess we’ll have those tonight.




Savannah’s bucket was overflowing. We got her this bucket when she was a baby and I just insist on her using it ever year, but I think it is time to put it up and get her a real bag.

This morning she asked me “What does November have?” and on our way to school she looked at the neighborhood houses and sighed and said, “I miss Halloween.” It is hard to explain that she doesn’t miss Halloween, it is just the experience of happiness and fun she is missing. Someday she’ll get it though.

Hope you all had a safe night.

1st Grade Field Trip to Grand Isle Park

Friday I joined Langlade Elementary's 1st graders on a nature walk in Green Isle Park. It was a little chilly but once we started walking we warmed up in no time. Savannah was so excited I was coming with them, it was priceless to see the smiles on her face. The kids were to find "interesting" things and put them in their Ziploc bags. They were so cute and had big imaginations about the sizes and shapes of all the leaves they found. The class made pictures out of their leaves later that afternoon and brought them home.

I am really glad I got to go. I met a couple of moms and was able to get to know them. They were very friendly and nice and asked a lot of questions to get to know me too. I hope for more chances to get to know them better through out the year and I am thankful the school put together a contact list so we can easily keep in touch for play dates. What a fun fall event! Here are a few of my favorite pictures.

Savannah, Ella, Rachel and Brooke 

Walking in the woods! 

Beatuful scenery 

Serenity! 

Savannah and friends eating granola bars. 

Autumn beauty! 

Happy girl! 

Owen, Debbie, and Ian. I found out her family lives in Utah too!

I can't wait for the next chance to get out there with the kids and the parents, it was fun.

The joys I have of living with a little girl named Savannah

Savannah has had a loose tooth for a while now. This is her third. She lets everyone wiggle it. Well the other night she was letting Daddy wiggle it. He wiggled it more than she wanted and she was screaming for that split second until she realized it was out. It was like an instant replay from an AFV show where the kid is crying and then in an instant changes to super excited with screaming for joy as if it were Christmas. Well when she ran to the bathroom to grab some Kleenex and to look in the mirror, she accidentally dropped it down the heater vent. She was then crying again. Daddy took the flashlight and opted to pull the vent out but would need to pull out the floor board to do so. I said no to that. Not in my new house anyway. I reminded Savannah that the tooth fairy is so small she could get in there and get it, that all she would need to do is leave her a note. And that is what she did!

Well the next day she was pretty bummed that she got a golden coin. She wanted a dollar bill. Guess she'd never seen a dollar in coin form before and we had to convince her that it was a dollar and not some silly Chuck E. Cheese game token. She added that to the dollar Grandma gave her when she was visiting and well now she is that much closer to buying that ballerina Barbie she's been wanting. You see she gave all her Barbie's away before we moved and now she is really missing Barbie.

Next morning, Savannah came into my room with a sad face. She said, "The tooth fairy didn't give me 5 dollars." So come to find out Savannah thought if she put another note under her pillow the next night that the tooth fairy would find it and obey any thing she put on that little piece of paper. Trying not to laugh I told Savannah that the tooth fairy won't come again until she loses her next tooth and that she will simply need to continue to earn more money for her Barbie. She understood and we put the note away for safe keeping. I think her 4th tooth will be out sooner than you know!

Each day while walking to and from school, Savannah has been aching to jump in a leaf pile. I have to explain to her that the neighbors pile them up by the roadside per the city to pick up for fall clean up. She hasn't seen so many leaves in her life. Where we lived in Utah it was a new neighborhood and not very many trees were tall enough to have many leaves. Well now we are in a for a treat. So she asked if she could rake up a pile. And of course I said sure and tried to convince her to put them on the side of the house. But nonetheless any of them being raked was my goal as I was putting off getting it done myself. Here is a picture of here swimming and having great fun. She did lose her gum in there somewhere though. Reminds me of Linus from the Charlie Brown cartoon. Good ole leaves, nothing like making memories! I remember my first time of jumping in the leaves too!

Another Year gone by...

Sad to say no birthday girls day out this year, but I did spend the Sunday before my actual birthday with my family enjoying a ride to Suamico and to Michigan. The fall colors are just gorgeous!

We stopped at the Pumpkin Place for a bit of fun. Who can resist playing on a farm? They had pumpkin bowling - Savannah broke open the pumpkin and Daddy got a strike. We went through a corn maze where Savannah led the way out. There was a petting zoo and the animals were so cute, especially the farm kitties. We made sure to get some home made coffee and pumpkin cookies before we left too. Really makes me wish I was raised on a farm or had one of my own. (until I think of all the hard work LOL)

Charlie and I

The most beautiful pear tree I have ever seen! 

Huge! So big they had to move it here with a fork lift! 

Meet Farmer Rose!

After the farm we took a drive to the Michigan border, took our pic, and then turned around again. I can now officially say I've been to Michigan. Will have to mark that one off my list.

We ended the night with dinner at Olive Garden. I know it is a chain but its one I was craving and just needed a good fix for, that and Jacob had never been.

Monday, the next day and my actual birthday, Jake gave me a lovely candle and candle holder from Yankee Candle Company. I think he remember how excited I was when we found that store in the mall that he took notes. And he did good. He'll make a good husband someday. I was glad he chose the Thanksgiving Theme. I am not too much into Hallowe'en decorations. .

Later that day, I came home from work to find my hubby in the kitchen whipping up a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Bless his heart, he wasn't feeling well as he had pulled a muscle in his back, but he still knew my one birthday wish. I guess my dad always made sure there was cake for every birthday no matter how old or small so that is why it is important to me. Savannah gave me one of her stuffed animals and my husband spent almost two hours finding the perfect card that brought a smile to my face. They lit the candles and sang happy birthday to me in the dark. I made the perfect wish of course.

My mom sent me a lovely set of dishes. One of the cup handles were broken so she let them know and well now I have two sets. Good for entertaining, so I'd better get to inviting people over yeah? People that don't have to drive over 1500 miles that is.

We have our housewarming party this weekend so it will be good to have extra plates, but not sure if I want to let them use them they are so nice.

A call from my friend Jodi, a card in the mail from my sweet ex-co-worker at DWS, Aubrie, and about 60 happy birthday's on Facebook later, I'd say all in all it was a great birthday! Thanks everyone!

Happy Harvesting!

So staying at home more has given me the privilege to shop sales! What I mean is that for the first time in my life I have started a food storage system. In the past I have always planned a menu around what was on sale and what sounded good and then went shopping for that two week period of time. Now the only difference is is that we purchased a bunch of meat and other items upfront so now that we have a stash of things I can focus on what is on sale instead and just stock up.

We did have to purchase some shelving and a freezer, but this is what we have so far.

I know it is funny to be so excited but when I was working full time I never took the time out to try this, nor did we have a freezer! So now that our freezer is full and we have plenty of food for a month out, what I get to do now is purchase solely what is on sale whether we need it or not! Bad thing is I think we will be tempted to eat more cause we have it.

Only thing is, is that I can't pass up a good sale now. This week Shopko has some amazing things for dirt cheap. I hope I can get there before the others and what I save in the grocery budget I will be able to use for other items on sale that we need.

Yeah I get excited. Working these past 10 years has made me appreciative of the things I didn't get to do at home when I wanted to, so I am enjoying the moment!

Update on our life here in WI...

Just got out of the hot tub and am totally relaxed. I don't think I've ever sat in a hot tub this early in the evening, we are feeling totally spoiled, but don't ge me wrong, it took a lot and still taking a lot of hard work!

So the house in Utah isn't sold yet and there are still some things we need to take care of, but all in all I am enjoying life here in Wisconsin. I do miss my family and wonder if they will ever get to visit us or when I will get out there to visit them, but my nephew, JJ and his wife and kids are coming out for Thanksgiving. I am excited for this.

We have also set up our small housewarming party. We don't know a lot of people yet, but those that we do we want to have them over to visit. Church has kind of been on hold for a while, Charlie has had to work most weekends and with the move and all we've only been once so far. Savannah loves Wednesday night Blastzone activities and I have signed up for the women's Bible study on Tuesdays so we are working our way slowly into the weekly events.

Speaking of Savannah she went to her first bowling game with the other kids in her school, she loved it - well lets say she loved the socializing and the snacks. I swear she is on a growing spurt lately always so hungry! She is also signed up to start Daisy Girl Scouts next week.We found out that one of the girls from church attends her school so I am happy that she will be able to attend church with some of the girls at school too, so this is something that we didn't get the chance for out in Utah being that everyone is pretty much LDS and all those in the same neighborhood were only those who would end up in both church and school together.

I start a new part time job next week too. It is a long term temp job until April working as a Data Entry clerk. I am excited cause it will be the hours I want and will still be able to take care of Boo's in the morning and continue to take her to school as well as get some stuff done around the house too. No more babysitters! In fact I am signed up for the PTO and am baking and cooking next week for the parent teacher's night. I may even be helping out in the library soon too.

I am keeping positive during this large change. We found that Jake will not be able to stay at his job as permanent as we thought, but we stay hopeful that he will still find something soon. Charlie continues to work hard at work and with his overtime we will do fine, so I really appreciate all he does. Until our house sells we are kind of stretcthing things now that my income from Utah has ended and we are back to a budget, so I am really thankful when he gets the chance to work extra even thought it takes a toll on him.

The fall colors out here are awesome! I guess cause there are millions of trees everywhere. I really need to get my camera and take some pics. I hope you all are excited for the new fall season. HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Grand Tour

Now that our new additions of furniture are in it is time to give you all the grand tour of our new home! And since only mom and Randy will be the only ones to see it in person I thought I'd better show it to you now as well in hopes you will all come out and visit us! Yes we are having a housewarming party, so if you could come by for an open house on October 16th, please do! (I know, I know. You are all too far away - thought it would be cute to try though, right?)

Family room on main level. We still have some organization to do with the wires from the TV and surround sound and additional wall hangings are yet to be found and hung where that clock is.

Other side of the family room. Pugsly is snoozing! 

Formal Dining Room. My grandma's mirror hung there inj back as I will always cherish it.

China Hutch and table we purchased from the previous owners. 

Kitchen. There is a side by side fridge and a double oven that are not shown in this picture.

My housewarming gift I bought for myself. I didn't like this Scentsy warmer when I first saw it in the catalog over a year ago, but when I moved into my kitchen here and noticed they matched perfect together, well I just had to buy it! 

Dining table. 

Laundry room minus the front load dryer and washer set that is to be delivered next week. 

Front formal room or Grand Room as I've heard it called. 

Piano that was left by the previous owners. Needs some tuning and some minor repairs. Next year Savannah will be starting piano lessons! 

Bear and Pugsly posing while I get a shot of the oversized chair and ottoman we fell in love with at the store. As you can see I am still in search for some sphere shaped candles to decorate the candlbra on the table.  

Entertainment room in the lower level minus the 65" flat screen that Charlie dreams of every night. We have yet to get the aquarium up and running, it will be a lot of work yet.

Sectional for comfy seating while watching movies. Sorry to mom and Randy that we didn't have the TV set up for this while watching that long movie the night before you left. 

Hot tub Room. 

Charlie's dungeon room in the basement. Lot's of WOW playing and some writing and recording on the Yamaha keyboard too. (I like the latter of these two.) 

Cigar patio on the top level near the bedrooms. (That is how the previous owners named it and it has stuck since!) 

Spare bedroom and bed. 

Our bedroom. 

North side of the back yard. 

Deck and water fountain, south side of the yard there in back. 

Savannah's room. 

My multi purpose room, I need to get a chair and get my sewing machine set up still. There is room for a couch and lamp and table on the other side for reading too that I'd like to get someday. Or we could put a bed in there for visitors as well. 

Other side of our bedrom. Oops forgot to put that load of laundry away. 

Main bathroom vanity on top level. Love the double sinks! The toilet and bathtub are in their own section behind the sinks.

'

Jake's room.

Master bath and shower.

I did not get photos of the other two bathrooms, the garage, and the tool room in the basement where the freezer is but there you have it.

I just have to say I never would have imaged that this house would ever be ours, meaning that it is all what we wanted and more and that when we put an offer on it we didn't even plan on it going through so it has truly been a blessing. I want also to express my gratitude to my husband for all his hard work to make this happen. Of course I don't like being so far away from my family, but he has worked so hard to get us a place to come home to and keep a steady job and now I am able to stay home more and be with Savannah more. I haven't been able to do this since she was a baby. 

Thank you Charlie for working so hard for our sake. We love you.