Too Much Fun!

Thanks to Cartoon Living, I've been having too much fun this afternoon, while the kids are napping.

I took the liberty of preparing this little gem for all of my siblings-in-law. And Eric.... I used you 'cuz your my 'favorite', and I love ya. Merry Christmas! Talk to you all soon.

Taking a Breather.

At this very moment, I am sitting in Jitters (our local coffee house). I am enjoying: a peppermint & white chocolate mocha (compliments of dear MD), not another soul in the place (except Michelle the owner), and wonderful Christmas music playing softly. With this crazy week of pre-Christmas preparations, a sick hubby, and taking care of Pop's estate stuff, I'm frazzled.

I am awaiting a phone call from home to tell me that Mudge has awakened. With that I will scoot home, collect everyone, and off we'll fly to Dad's. Speaking of Dad... would you believe he just walked through the door of the coffehouse? Seriously, he did! What are the chances of that?!

So, the kids will be camping out at Dad's house tonight so Steve & I can celebrate our anniversary, #11 today. We plan to take in a movie & dinner, and some shopping, which honestly I've had just about enough of! Shopping.... one thing I could live without for sure.

Don't tell Steve, but I plan on losing him in Borders for awhile tonight. You read that right. It will be reminiscent of our dates before we were married. We'd go to Barnes & Nobles, separate at the door, and spend a couple hours selecting books for ourselves & each other. We'd meet back at the front of the store & share our treasures. Now we're lucky if we can find time to read something besides Dr. Suess. My how kids can change your life! Aren't they cool though?

Well, there are oodles of blogs to read, and time is fleeting.

I pray that you all enjoy this Christmas season, the laughter & special moments. Remember Jesus, the wonder of His birth, and His love for you. You couldn't imagine a more spectacular gift than Him.

Merry Christmas, one & all.

The Icey Kayaking Post

This is the 4th time I've typed this post. Blogger Beta keeps eating the posts I make from Picasa. If all of that seems like gibberish to you.... nevermind. It's probably going to eat this post too, but then you wouldn't be reading this would you? Nevermind.

I have this really cool paddling buddy who seems to be able to carve out time to kayak. She doesn't bore me with excuses for not being able to go. I've heard them all too. I'm too busy. I'm not sure if I can get away. It's too cold/hot/windy/calm/rainy/dry etc. I haven't encountered the perfect paddling day yet, but I sure won't find it with my boat hanging in the shed.

So, our goal is to go kayaking in the snow. Or rather, to kayak while it's snowing. Even though this looks kind of fun.....




We've been out a couple of times this fall, but have only seen a few minuscule flakes of snow coming down. I'm pretty sure our time is running out on this endeavor as the lake appears to be frozen over, and the river is l-o-w.

Our last outing had us out on the local chain of lakes one Saturday morning with the thermometer hovering around 25 degree. It was tons of fun. I learn new things every time I head out. This time I learned about cold fingers. I see water repellent paddling mittens in my future.


The shorelines looked like this, and it was so pretty.

We found an island that had a structure built on it, so of course we had to explore! After circling the island we found a spot to land the boats. We then found a path that led up a hill to a deserted cabin.


Notice the ladder. It was handmade from branches.





I chuckle when I see this picture. The camera is propped up on my ice-covered glove, and we kind of have a nerdy-bobsy-twin thing going. We're both in our spray skirts & wool beanie hats. That's it.... we're kayaking nerds. How does that sound Jodi?

We snooped around a little more, snapped some photos, and then headed in for the day. I'm not sure about my buddy, but a hot shower & a cup of java were needed to thaw me out. It was sooooo worth it!