A Hard Day’s Work ~ BSM

Last weekend we trekked to the U.P. to visit Garth’s family.  It’s hard to believe it had been since Labor Day that we’d been up there, and that we wouldn’t make it again until at least Christmas.  We always have such a great time when we visit.  I remember how antsy Garth got during those summers of apartment living.  Who’d have thought that not having a lawn to maintain, flowers to plant, and so forth would be the source of complaints!  But being the hard worker he is, he enjoys putting in a hard day’s work.  That, and he likes playing with big toys like tractors!  Sorry babe, no need for a tractor ’round these parts just yet!

With much of the needed firewood already cut and stacked, it simply needed to be split and stored in the woodshed.  While the boys (and Kegan – she’s a hard worker too!) worked on that much of Saturday, the kids and I enjoyed some time with Mom and Jill.  When Calder finally went down for a nap, Jill and I headed out for a walk.

Logging 3

Logging 9

Logging 2

Logging 1

Logging 5

Logging 6

Logging 4

When all was done I believe they put up about 6.5 face cords of wood.   (I think I said that right.  I would have said “lots” but I suppose “face cord” is a more standardized unit of measure in this case!).

Logging

(I think this one has to be my favorite of this series!  Perhaps not the best technically, but seeing the guys together, working hard, and yet having a good time – that’s pretty cool!)

Logging 7

Considering the possible injuries that could have resulted, we’ll take the hole in the glove – even if it did happen much earlier than Dad would have liked!

Somehow, I managed to get through the weekend with very few pictures of the kids with their cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and great-grandparents!  I tell ya, I’m slippin’ here folks!  I’ll be sure to capture a few of those shots when we head that way for Christmas – which is surprisingly right around the corner!

See what best shots are stacking up over at Tracey’s.

Halloween Fun

A few weeks ago, I wasn’t sure we would be participating in anything related to Halloween.  But Calder seems to have overcome his fears, and in fact was sharing his milk and Kleenex with Sam earlier today.  The fact that it was in the mid-60s and a Friday night, and we were thrilled that we’d be able to join in some of the festivities at our church’s Trunk-or-Treat program tonight.

It’s hard to believe how much Calder has changed since last year…
Halloween Cutie

Knowing that we had his pumpkin costume, we planned to have Miss Seneca wear that.  After considering a few possibilities, we opted for non-traditional for our Little Man.  By himself, it seems a little weird.  But put him next to his sister and the “pieces” come together. 

Halloween 2

Our little “pumpkin pi(e)” trick-or-treaters!  Yes….we really are that dorky!  But hey, I figure it’s best to get a few of the obligatory “I can’t believe my parents did this to me” moments over and done with!  It doesn’t look like either were too severely damaged by the experience.

Halloween 1

He didn’t particularly love the actual getting of the candy – he would pull back his arm and try to snuggle in.  But once he realized he got to keep it — and EAT it — he was a little more interested!

Halloween 4

Little Snow White here, knows the ropes and seems to be have a grand time!

Halloween 5

Say “Sugar!”

Halloween 3

Who’s that diva?! 🙂

Halloween 7

This shot is one of my favorites!  Even though it was just approaching 8pm (aka bedtime) the excitement of the night, plus the influx of sugar, made Dad’s antics to try for a decent picture that much funnier!  I’m quickly learning how kids are reminders to stop and enjoy the simple things in life!

Here’s wishing each of you a safe and happy Halloween!

If I could, I would

create a time machine.  It would be a multifunctional piece of engineering goodness.  Not only would it allow me to go back in time (perhaps one of the unwritten rules of blogging, so my apologies if I have committed the utmost blogging crime!), but it would also manufacture time.

Sounds great, huh? 

Yeah, it would collect all those little bits of time that don’t really allow for anything productive to take place, and store them all together into a big batch of time.  It’s sorta like the defragment feature on your computer.

Sadly, or ironically, it would take too much time to create this fancy-schmancy do-job, so I guess I’ll just take the few minutes I have here and give a quick update.  Anyway…I’m still here.  We’ve been having lots of fun and I hope to post some pictures soon.  And I do have to commit the timestamp treachery again because I really want to post my hubby’s birthday wishes on his actual birthday….which was last Thursday! 😦  I’m sure he appreciates the time I’ve spent with him much more than time I’d have spent finishing my writing about him!

On the fitness front, I did weigh in this week, and was very pleased with my 4.2lb loss!  I’ve gotten out running about 3 times this week, which isn’t saying much because I can’t go very far just yet.  But I did register for the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, so now I’ve got me some motivation.

And just an FYI, not that I anticipate my absence will cause major trauma in the lives of many, but I know that in a few short weeks I will be quite fickle in my posts.  Between preparing for our presentation in San Antonio at the National Writing Project annual meeting, and getting things around for heading back into the classroom, I’m sure my plate will be heaping.  Which means, if I am here…it’s probably because I’m putting off completing something else and would rather share pictures and write about the fun stuff going on in my life! 🙂

I’ll leave you with a little shot of one of our recent outings.  There’s a new indoor playground at one of the local churches.  Calder had a great time and we’re hoping to get back there again before too long!

Playground

Since I don’t have much today, head over to Stacy’s to see what others have created this week!

It all adds up

7 years since that first blind date in April.

1 large scallop – your first birthday appetizer

5 different residences we’ve had throughout the entire time we’ve had between us. 

2 very strong martinis.

5 years of marriage – and you’re still my best friend, biggest cheerleading, and sworn Uno enemy!

2 beautiful children.

3 flights we’ve taken together.

1 very long road trip to and from FL for our delayed honeymoon.

4 years spent teaching – a career I may not have found if not for you.

1 step at a time – the way I plan to live each day of the rest of my life with you.

31 – The number of reasons I have to celebrate and thank God for bringing us together…until next year…and the next year…

I’m so thankful to share this journey through life with the most amazing man I know.  I love you more each day!  Happy Birthday, Babe!