happiness is...

As I was getting ready to go into work this morning I realized that I had a great cup of coffee, a rocking travel mug that actually keeps it hot, and cozy mitten gloves. Add new boots, a perfect playlist, and light snow - it was like everything lined up perfectly to remind me to pause and be happy. So I did.

They're perfect!

The youngest made me these awesome mini leg warmers to go with my new boots and skinny jeans. They are so warm and snuggly! And it's way better to have knitting everywhere than a bracelet factory.

just a few more minutes

On Thursdays, school starts half an hour later than the rest of the week to allow for staff meeting time. This busy week I was especially grateful to sleep in a little (if ten more minutes actually counts as sleeping in - when it's still dark and cold outside those covers, it does to me) then make coffee and eat breakfast at home.

another season

We had a parent meeting for the start of the basketball season. The youngest has worked so hard on the off-season, and we are excited to see her on the court in a week or two. I am so grateful to have kids that set goals for themselves and work hard to reach them.

the Singing Butler gets a makeover

I have always envied rooms that can change with the seasons, and wanted to redo our room with colors and furniture that let me do that. A few months ago, we redid our bedroom, and incorporated things that would give us that blank slate to work with, but not be boring.

I painted the room a tan-yellow color that matches a blond wood cabinet that used to be my grandmother's and the print of The Singing Butler - which is one of my favorites. We already had the white comforter and the red one is the solid side of a striped comforter from last year. I found a great yellow and white solid quilt on clearance at Target.

I swapped our wood slat blinds for the white curtains that were in the middle daughter's room. We also had the little tree and bear rug that I took to the fabric store, where my oldest helped to pick out a great plaid that matched almost perfectly. We bought enough to make a few pillow covers and to cover the piece of wood that makes makes the dog crate into a table.

I love how the room has a just hint of lodge. When summer rolls around, we'll switch out the red for something else - maybe celery green or pastel vintage print quilts.

finally, some snow to lay around in

This dog has been waiting ALL winter for real snow! 

This is the $4500 pup that had ACL surgery number two in October. He was so happy to be out in the snow that I could not resist taking him for a run through the yard. I kept him on the leash because he's still not ready for an all out run, but he made the most of every single lap we did.

When he finished running around like a maniac, he just laid down in the driveway enjoying the snowfall. Worth every dime of the vet bill.

Sparkle

I asked my middle daughter to take some pictures of the tree and gifts. She took this pic with my point and shoot Canon using color accent and the close up setting. Beautiful!

December 23 - Christkindlemarket

One of the things on our family list this year was to go to Christkindlmarket in Chicago. Years ago the oldest went there with her school, and has wanted to go back since. Now we all know why. Freshly roasted pecans, real potato pancakes, and the most beautiful European holiday gifts - most of them authentic, hand-made.

The blizzard of 2012

The news people have been forecasting the end of the world by snow for a week now in the Midwest. Rumor has it that some parts of the state received 20 inches of snow, but we got just a few inches of slushy stuff. To make a snowman, the kids would have to roll the entire yard.

And yes, yes that is grass sticking out through the snow.

December 15 - De-Hustle and Bustle

This is my kind of holiday shopping. A cup of caramel coffee and Amazon.

December 13 - Blessed

December 13 was my birthday. I am so grateful for all the people in my life who sent Facebook messages, texts or warm thoughts. I was still getting belated birthday wishes a day later. I posted this quote on my wall, and it could not be more true.

It is a good thing to be rich, and it is a good thing to be strong, but it is a better thing to be loved of many friends. ~Euripides

No snow for you!

Snow for everywhere else but here. Even the little village in the window has more snow than we do. Bah.

The stockings were hung by the fireplace with...

... scotch tape and staples. It's pretty only, kids, not functional. But St. Nick will get the idea.

Brrrr.

Today the oldest participated in a polar plunge for charity. 42 degrees. Couldn't pay me enough.

at least it's something...

Snow. Finally. It's just an inch or two, but it's still snow.

Ice storm

getting ready

This week the kids had a dance at school, and we always take dozens of pictures. I love this one. The contrast of her doing her make-up while sitting like a little kid, books among body sprays really highlights "teenager-ness". And you can't even see that her room is a total mess.

These boots are made for....

So I was looking for a way to stretch my winter work wardrobe. I avoided buying a pair of dress boots even though I really wanted a pair, because I didn't want to spend money on something so seasonal. But as I was walking through Wal-mart, I came across a pair on clearance.

I am so happy I bought them. I have several winter skirts that I rarely wear because dress shoes don't work well or look very smart in the snow. I feel like I have a whole new closet!

winter morning light

My oldest and I attended an event on Saturday, and I loved the way the winter sunlight looked over the lake - blue and muted. Simple, beautiful.

Ah, Wisconsin.

As we pulled out of the driveway this morning my middle daughter, dressed in a short sleeve t-shirt, cranked the heat all the way up. "You should be wearing your new Columbia," I offered. "Yeah" she replied, "but I am waiting for winter." I pointed to the 33F on the temperature display and she said, “I mean like snowing.”