I've waited 12 years for this

 

Hey, who is that?  Is that the Michelin Man?  Is that the guy who said that he thought he might never be interested in skiing?  Could that be my husband?  The One who assured me that skiing is cold, expensive and dangerous for your ankles?  Yes indeed. That's him alright.

 

For Christmas, I outfitted him in head to toe Smartwool.  We're talking base layers, neck gaiters, ski socks-- the whole shebang.  We stocked up on little hotties feet and hand warmers, and of course cocoa always helps. Cold?  Not a chance!

 

Our entire family was gifted season passes, rental gear and lessons by the generous folks at our local ski resort.  "It helps to have connections" Carl said to me with a tiny wink as they handed us our passes today.  He is the very puffed up and inflated designer of their website.  Expensive?  FREE!!

As for the potential ankle injuries?  That I cannot help him with!  Lots and lots of cheek biting today for me.  As an experienced skier (well sort of, I've had to take a few years off because he has refused to participate- either that or I've had a baby growing inside me or attached to me in some fashion) I wanted to give him all kinds of tips and advice.  We all know how well that would go over.  So, instead I waved goodbye to both him and his instructor as they trudged off towards the rope tow.

 

Me?  Well I was so stinkin' happy to be back on that mountain.  Any mountain.  I've missed it. I've got  rosey cheeks, chapped lips, and tired tired legs to prove it. We had 11" of new powder, hardly a cloud in the sky and did I mention that we left our kids with friends?  Perfect.

Good job to day Carl!  You did not exceed the maximum allowance of F-bombs and never once did you throw your poles at me. Oh wait, you didn't have any!  

You made it.  You skied one whole day!  I am proud of you and can't wait for next time.  Now, let me start the bath for you...you're gonna need it.

cleaning house

If you are like me, right about now you are tearing down the decorations and scrubbing everything.  I always get that spring cleaning itch right after Christmas. I scrapped my tree yesterday.  A nice clean slate! Clean countertops and clutter free rooms- bliss.

This year, as gifts for my friends, I went a little crunchy. I put together little cleaning kits for my friends.

 

The Dollar Tree was so helpful.  I found the empty spray bottles, scrub brushes, microfiber sponges and cute green baskets there.  I also tucked in an organic cotton dish towel.  The cleaners I made for them: All-Purpose Cleaner, Window Cleaner, and Lavender Scouring Scrub. 

 

Here's how I made them.

All Purpose Cleaner:

In an large glass measuring cup I mixed together 1 tsp Baking Soda, 2 tsp Borax, a few drops of Lliquid Dish Soap. (I used this because it was dye and fragrance free), and 2 cups of very Hot Water.  Stir, stir, stir.  Then I added a splash of Lemon Juice and several drops of Lemon Essential Oil.  Then, use a funnel to pour cleaner into an empty spray bottle. 

Window Cleaner:

Again, in a large glass measuring cup mix together 2 Tbl Vinegar, a few drops of Liquid Dish Soap, and 2 cups Hot Water.  Using a funnel, pour into empty squirt bottle.  This one is so easy! If you are just staring to use natural glass cleaner you may find this to be somewhat smeary as it cleans off all the residue of commercial cleaners.

Lavender Scouring Scrub:

In a large bowl measure 2 cups of Baking Soda.  Add 10-15 drops of Lavender Essential oil into the bowl along with the baking soda.  Then, pour this mixture into a sifter and work all the little clumps out.  I put finished mixture into a wide mouth pint jar.  This smells so good and can also be used in the laundry along with to your soap.

Easy huh?  Happy Scrubbing.

**With all the tidying up around here, I haven't neglected myself. There's been some "cleaning house" going on inside of me too.  I've been doing this program for sometime now and am beginning to see real and lasting changes in my heart and in my weight too.  Just thought I would throw that out there as many of you may be contemplating your New Year's Resolutions.

Hannah's head

 

I always knew it would be her.  I've suspected that one day she would be the child who would need emergency medical attention.  Last night she did a somersault off of her sister's bed (on purpose) and conked her head on the sideboard. 

 

A bit of blood, lots of tears, and two staples later...she is all fixed up. 

Thank goodness for husbands who brave freezing rain and snow at 10pm to make unfortunate trips to the hospital. (it took us a while to decide if we should take her in and who would be the one to go).  I'm totally down with a little blood and being hands on with the process of birth. I've even been front and center assisting with postpartum suturing...but I COULD NOT watch them put staples in my baby's head.  Uh-uh.  Even that photo- gives me the willies!