How long?

How much longer until Spring?  Even the fairies have had enough.  This morning it was just a dusting.  Tomorrow, it's 2-3 inches and Saturday it's a "clipper" coming though (hopefully that means no shadow for Phil!).  Maybe we're all spoiled because of last winter...maybe I've just outgrown winter.  Either way, bring on Spring!

LOL

I couldn't find a lot to laugh about while the power was out today.  Thankfully, I have the boys to keep me smiling as I was shivering in the dark.  It's good to know the boys talk all day....it's more concerning they were both in class! #thanksforthelaugh

It's a Win/Win!

A 63 degree day in January.  Followed by a 30 degree temperature drop so that Will can go snowboarding tomorrow.  It's nice that we both got our wish!

American Pickers

I thought I was in for a night of Buffy.  Little did I know that Will was going to find another favorite and make me watch.  Well, make me is a bit of exaggeration   He made me for about 20 seconds until I fell in love with it and set it up on the DVR.  I hadn't caught American Pickers before, but now I'm addicted too!  

Yummy!

Breakfast for dinner....can you tell that Jeff left early today for Texas?  While we miss him bunches, we're taking the opportunity to watch Buffy, eat lots of breakfast foods and sing country music at the top of our lungs.  Ok, just kidding!  Will would run away to avoid country music.  But dinner was great!

WOW!

Ok, so I was just sitting here, getting ready for bed when a huge panic shook me as I remembered that I forgot to check in and blog tonight!  That's what I get when I sit, waiting patiently, for Will to get home and Smallville to begin.

So here's to a better story tomorrow as well as a picture to match!

In your face

Let me tell you all I got done today.  Taxes, invoicing, book designs, studio prep for tomorrow and lots of misc. work.  Will got to play video games.  Hunter got to interview all day and catch a movie tonight.  Jeff got to finish up all of the last minute work so a little less chaos will be waiting for him when he returns next Thursday.  All in all, we managed to "git r done".

When I was taking a break from the grindstone, I found Fancy lounging on the living room floor.  I'm not sure if she was just lounging around or if she was thoroughly enjoying the fact that Toccoa wasn't chasing her.  Truthfully, it was a bit of both.

Either way, it was one of the few occasions that she let me get up in her face with a camera.  That was the few minutes of the day that just didn't feel like work.  Did I mention how happy I was that it's Friday?

From the Fashion Challenged...

I feel like I have a staring role on What Not to Wear.  While Hunter and Shannon were much nicer than Stacy and Clinton....I still feel like I've stepped into a world that I know nothing about.  But with a little help from Hunter, Shannon, Jeff and Michele (and the use of technology), I've found at least one week's worth of outfits to make me feel excited about turning 40.  I know it's just a number.  I know that 40 is the new 30.  I know that millions of women have reached the milestone before me and lived to tell about it.  I just didn't want to cross that threshold wearing yoga pants and a Little Miami sweatshirt.  

Todays Poll

Just a short poll....

Who thinks this furry creature will be living in the bonus room by the time I get back from our birthday trip?

Bribery?

The easiest way to this momma's heart?  Ice cream and Starbucks.

It's unfortunate that others realize this a little more than I do.  As the story was told, Hunter got more driving privileges when he included a scoop of ice cream for me.  It's the old "I want to drive but mom won't let me leave her sight" story.  Jeff seems to remember me being a little more flexible when there was a stop at UDF and a caramel sundae involved and he relayed the information to Will last night.

You're all probably wondering what this has to do with Starbucks, right?  Today, Will send me a text from school asking me to wait to have my afternoon coffee with him.  I chalked it up to the -15 degree wind chill and his driving home in a cold car.  So image my surprise when he walked in a lone Cafe Mocha that tasted like heaven.  Yet he only had one cup, for me.  When I asked where his was, he explained he only had money for one.  My heart warmed as I drank it down.

I asked Will why he went out of his way to bring home Starbucks for just me.  His answer....."It's too cold for ice cream."

Prozac.

I know that I lost a few minutes of my life today.  I thought watching Hunter drive off his first day with a license was horrible.  Turns out watching the second one was even worse.  I'm not sure the reason, but I assure you that it took everything that I had to stay put and not follow him all the way to the dentists office.  He'd have laughed and gone along with it, but if I didn't let him go today, each day would get a little harder.  So tomorrow he'll drive off to school, just like his brother did before him.  And I'll cry a little, worry a lot and  take an extra Prozac.  Ok, I'm just kidding about the Prozac.  Sorta.

Good Day (and Night!)

Butter braids with all the kids, a short trip to Joann's for fabric and an afternoon of Iron Man.  Is that a great Sunday or what?  Follow that up with a wonderful evening and I'm a lucky girl!

The only thing that makes it better is I get to do it again tomorrow.  Ok, so maybe not the trip to Joann's or the movie, but breakfast with the boys will make the whole day.  

Surprise!

In September, Will told me that I just couldn't surprise him.  Game on.

It was just a small, quiet group of Will's closest friends.  And it was a big surprise for Will.  Friends, family, food and an awesome snowboarding cake!

So all I have to say is ..... Happy Birthday Will (and we got gotcha)!

It's Official!

The scariest day of my life has arrived!  We now have two licensed teens on the road.  I'm pretty sure I'll never sleep again.  

Congratulations Will!  I know this was a hard fought battle for you but we always knew you could do it!  We're very proud of you.  

 

A little Fairy Dust....

It's amazing what you find when you come home from a Target shopping trip.  Or what you find to take pictures of when left alone for a bit.  I had this idea the minute Hunter got her for Christmas!  Fairy Ice Skating....I wish I could join her.  Better yet, I wish a little fairy dust would bring Spring our way!

This is a Test

This is a pre-birthday vacation test. I'm trying to make sure that I an blog from my Ipad, not my laptop. At my soon to be old age, I don't want to have to carry more with me than necessary. As an apology for such a terrible topic, I've included a picture of one very cute puppy as a peace offering.

Normal, witty and thoughtful blogging will resume tomorrow.

The Gee Man!

It doesn't take much to make it a good day at Ohio State.  Food, friends, late nights, late mornings, more food and of course, football!  Who would have thought that the highlight of Hunters first year would be running in E. Gordon Gee.  At some universities, meeting the President is uncommon.  At Ohio State, it's an experience you seek out.  So when Hunter, Shannon and Marissa ran into Mr. Gee in the Union, they were thrilled!  They talked about their evening plans and their mutual passion for movies...and a picture was a must.  I didn't get to capture the moment myself (thanks Shannon!) but the smile says it all. 

    

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

When it was 60 yesterday and this is today's midday high, is there anything else to say?  I don't know about you guys, but my toes are starting to turn blue and my nose is as cold as Frosty's.  Any everyone in my house is complaining about it.  Well, not everyone.  Will's love of snowboarding has now turned into the never ending snow prayer.  I'm pretty positive that's because he hasn't had to drive in it or clean off his car!  But either way, is it Spring yet?

It's My Fun Day!

A quick, quick note to tell you that we love Sundays.  Will, Jeff and I got the pleasure of spending a day in our jammies.  Well, with one minor exception of Jeff's trip to Kroger.  Don't get me wrong, we worked hard all day.  The studio is all ready for tomorrow, the basement closet is clean, all traces of Christmas have been removed from the house.  A productive yet relaxing day filled with old television shows, afternoon coffee and  yummy food.

Tomorrow is back to the grind.  But today was wonderful enough to get us through until next weekend - when Hunter and Mom arrive!

Shutter Shades

Anyone want to know what an arm full of tickets at Dave and Busters will get you?

Let me tell you that with an entire "gift shop" of items to trade for...here's what Will picked out.  I can't really crack on the shutter shades as Hunter had them too.  It's the attached mustache that makes me laugh!  Just so you know, we did actually buy him snowboarding boots for his birthday, these were not his gift.

Happy 16th!

I was dying to call Will this morning at 2:06am to wake him and wish him a Happy Birthday!  He didn't think it was necessary.  I thought that since he kept me awake at 2am when he was born, I should get to return the favor.  Yep, I value my sleep and can hold a grudge :)

I remember that night like it was yesterday though.  We didn't get checked into the hospital until just after 11:30pm and just a few short hours later, Will arrived.  He was the picture of peace the minute they handed him to me.  My very own little piece of zen.  He never cried, he slept through the night at six weeks and he lived in a bubble of calmness.  Even today, spending five minutes with him is the most peaceful experience.  It's a trait not many people have.  I'm very lucky....as is anyone that takes five minutes to sit down with him.

Happy Birthday, William!  May all of the peace and tranquility you send out into the world come back to you tenfold.  I love you more than you'll ever know!

One crazy dog.

Need I say more? It's impossible to figure out what she's going to do next. This is her new hiding spot. I'm positive that she thinks we can't see her. Of course, this was after she just got out of time out for terrorizing the cat. Maybe she's just patiently waiting for Mom and Hunter to get here this wekend. Or maybe she thinks she's a cat. Or maybe she just thinks that she rules the house. Yep, I think that's it.

Help!

If you won't help me get my toys, I'll get them myself!  And I'll get some for Zoey too!

Make it sew.

Yesterday during dinner, Will and Jeff calculated how long it would take to get to Kepler 47b at warp 9.  This morning, Hunter called me to tell me how easy his Chemistry class would be.  This afternoon, a piece of tissue paper made me feel dumber than both of those (who knew that was possible?).  I never thought that a sewing pattern would be the reason I ended up in the padded room.

When you open it, it looks so easy.  Instructions, crinkly paper and pictures that show you the way.  How hard could it be?  And the package said EASY.  An hour project, tops.

 There was cutting, ironing, pinning and more cutting.  So far so good, but it was taking a little longer than expected.  I think it was 2 hours into it when I finally though I was ready to turn on the sewing machine.

And this is what it looked like about 3.5 hours into it.  In case there is any misunderstanding...that's the "I quit!" picture.  I mean, really, who can read a pattern?  The EASY instructions were like reading Hunter's Chemistry book.  I had a better chance of putting a man on the moon than I did finishing these pants.

About a half an hour later, I remembered how much faith Jeff had in my skills.  He was coming home and I was going to have to fess up and say I'd quit; that I couldn't do it.  All I can say is that shame is a powerful motivational tool.  I don't quit.  And flannel and some tissue paper sure weren't going to get the best of me.

See what a little determination (and 5+ hours) will get you....

So the lesson?  Don't give up.  When you really, really want to, remember that someone out there expects more.  If that doesn't work?  Call your mom.  She's always your biggest cheerleader and will tell you how great you are.

And just in case you're wondering, it would take 3.3 years at warp 9 to reach Kepler 47b.

Be Wise.

This was one of the many finds that Hunter and I found at Goodwill last week.  Hunter's still not sure about it.  I, however, love it even more than I did when I first saw it.  The sunlight loves it too.  I keep moving it around the house, trying to find the perfect spot for it.  I'm kinda liking the kitchen table...it gets the most sun!

Wipe out!

Ski club was Will's idea.  While I support most of the adventures the boys choose, this was one that made me worry.  But since they would be with the school, supervised by a teacher and limited to four weeks of the season, I figured Will would be safe as could be.

So yesterday, he decided to head out to the slopes to get in a day of "practice" before the first ski club outing on Wednesday.  This is what I came home to....

One very tired, very sore and very beat up son.  But he had the time of his life.  According to him, it was awesome, he loved it and he can't wait to go on Wednesday.  Apparently, the fact his throat is bruised and it hurts to eat is just a small nuisance.  

One day he'll understand why I worry.  Until then, he'll just have a great time!

Look, we're home!

Happy back to school day to both of you!  Thanks for entertaining me the whole way back.  I know how glad you are to be home.  See you in 12 days!

Goodnight and Goodbye :(

What better way to spend Hunter's last night than all of us hanging out, shoveling down Mexican food and watching the Bengals in the playoffs?  Ok, so the Bengals lost again but who didn't see that coming?  At least the food was great and the company was outstanding!  I just keep reminding myself that it'll only be a couple of weeks until he's home again.  And in a couple of months, it'll be summer vacation.  And when I need a good laugh, I always have this....

You're so vain!

Those were the first lyrics that ran through my mind this morning while I was watching Toccoa admire herself.  She's such a handful, but moments like there are worth it all!  She must have played with herself in the mirror for 1/2 an hour.  I think she's cute, apparently she does too.  Definitely a moment worth capturing!

Better than a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup!

Thank goodness Christmas break is coming to an end.  Will's returned to school, Jeff's returned to work and Hunter will be returning to OSU this weekend.  Why the excitement?   Because I could weigh 800lbs if they're home any longer!

Will and Hunter decided it would be a good idea to make puppy chow.  Will came up with the idea; Hunter executed it.  If you're not familiar with puppy chow, let me describe it.  It's this heavenly treat that's made of chocolate, peanut butter, rice cereal and powdered sugar.  And if you know me, you know that chocolate and peanut butter is my FAVORITE combination (and one of the only ways I eat chocolate at all!).  The boys think it's a treat.  I think it should be a food group.

Love you guys, but if you make it again, please take it with you!

Sunshine and Sweet Dreams!

Can you tell that it had been grey and overcast for weeks leading up to my trip to Joanns for fabric?  I wanted to make a new pillow case and yellow seemed like a great choice.  Of course, by the time I got up the nerve to attempt to sew, the sun came out.  Oh well, I'm sure there are lots more grey days in the near future....this should do the trick!

Wishes and Dreams

Happy New Year!

We figured there was no better way to kick off a new year than with a wish.  While Will walked away with the larger half, there is no doubt in my mind that both of their wishes and dreams will come true.  Here's to hoping 2013 is the greatest year yet!