White Stuff

The white stuff came!

I had serious doubts when I went to bed last night and it was a typical wet evening. I mentally chided myself for feeling let down...told myself I should've known better. But then I woke up this morning to a clean, sparkling landscape.

Yay for snow!!

(and look...the kids got to make their snowmen!)

Forecast

The media is abuzz with the prospect of snow this week. The latest prediction I saw was one to four inches here in the valley. The only problem is, try as they might, our weather forecasters aren't known for getting snow predictions right. This year they have promised it more than once, with nothing but icy rain to show for it.

Last week we had a couple of lovely white hours, with large, fluffy snowflakes that surprised and delighted many in the area. I happened to be at my preschool that morning, and it was so fun to watch the children come in with rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes. I would tease them, "Did you see the rain?" and they would laugh and correct me, "No Ms. Laura! It's snowing!" Then they would continue with stories of snow in their yard at home, catching snowflakes on their tongues, or driving through the snow to get to school. Unfortunately it went as fast as it came, and by the time the afternoon students were arriving, all signs of our frosty morning were melted away.

So, although I am skeptical about what weather we will actually receive this week, I can't help but long for a little more of the white stuff. Our children have yet to build a snowman this year. And visions of hot soup, cocoa, and reading by the fire are so appealing! Of course we can do that any day here in the cool, damp northwest winter, but somehow having snow outside makes it special.

Afternoon At The Park

When the rain breaks this time of year, and the sun comes out, you have to get out and make the most of it. Not everyone in our little family is top notch in the health department, but some fresh air is good for the body and the soul!

I'm so glad we made the time to play today :)

Meet Olivia

She's 12 weeks old...fuzzy...sweet...rambunctious...cuddly...playful.

Playing Catch-Up

I've been a little busy. I've been a little sick. I've been working a few extra hours. But I've still been taking pictures :) So I'm going to play blog catch-up...in photos.

autumn in the northwest

Happy Thanksgiving!

happy birthday, Peanut!

opening the Christmas season

Life is moving so fast, but we are blessed.

Favorite Things - Fall Edition

I read that Oprah is airing her much talked about "favorite things" episode, which inspired me to put together a list of my own favorite things...specifically relating to this time of year. So here it goes:

* My husband and my kids. But wait. They are favorites year round!

* My new camera lens. What's up Canon 50mm/1.4! You are dreamy.

* Eggnog chai and white chocolate peppermint mocha. Can you say candy cane in a cup? Yum!

* Speaking of white chocolate and peppermint...candy cane hershey kisses...divine!

* Lucerne's special edition pumpkin spice cream cheese. So good on a toasted cinnamon swirl bagel or even spread on a graham cracker as a simple snack. It's a fall staple!

* Hot & Spicy Cheez-Its. Once I start, I can't stop. I try to pass by in the grocery store because I know it's a problem for me. But they were on sale this week. For a buck eight-eight. How could I resist?

*Honey Crisp apples and Cuties oranges. Best. Seasonal. Fruit.

*Comfy, cozy sweaters. My friends and family will testify. I am a sweater and jeans girl.

*Knit beanie hats. Warm, functional, and a go to fix for bad hair days :) Isn't this one by Max & Melody cute?!?

* Scarves. If it's knit or fleece, it's for me. The eight (or so) in my closet probably gives that away. But don't worry. A scarf is easy to store, so there's always room for more!

* Laying in front of a toasty fire. Our new house has a gas fire place, and many evenings I have found myself stretched out on the floor in front of it, soaking up the heat. It's one of the perks in our new place.

* A cute pair of boots. I wanted boots forever, and I finally got a slouchy, brown pair last year for my birthday. It was a good choice. Now I think I need some black ones...don't you? Oh, and a pair of rain boots with a fun pattern. I do live in the Pacific Northwest afterall!

*Being creative AND being productive...

 Which means I need to stop compiling this list and remove myself from the computer! I could go on for a while, but this is a great start. I am a blessed, privileged woman to have so many wonderful things to enjoy.

What Is It About Kids And Gum?

It is a grand treat every time!