...technical difficulties.

So, we are having some technical difficulties in our life lately. We spent a day without cell phone service. It's amazing how scary that felt. I rely on constant communication...or at least the option of constant communication.

My sweet hubby has done such a great job getting us set up to have free TV. Cable has been gone for awhile. With our new digital antennae and DVR, there are so many extra channels...we have been living the good life. Until, this weekend. The DVR quit working. We now have to sit through commercials, we have to watch our shows right when they are airing...life is rough. What was that I said about loving the option of "constant communication"?

To top it off, I have given up facebook, cold turkey. My sister-in-law was my inspiration. She likes her privacy and thought it took up too much time. I, on the other hand, don't mind revealing the minutia of my day-to-day, constantly communicating! But...facebook was becoming an all consuming project. I tend to go all out when I do something. (Hmmm...perhaps I could address that in a separate post someday.) Anyway, I am done. Will I miss connecting with all those people? Maybe some of them. Will I miss out on some big news or juicy gossip? Probably.

I sense a theme in my life. I am constantly communicating...but to whom? I haven't missed TV, honestly. I am glad my cell phone is working again, although I like to turn the ringer off more and more. I hear I can just log back in to facebook, like I was never gone. But at the end of the day, my real desire is to sit and talk with my family face-to-face. I want to pick up the phone and hear my sister's voice. What's better than sitting down and writing a letter to someone with a pen and paper? And, to be still and feel God's presence?
I guess constant communication isn't so bad after all.

My little one...

My little one decided to be a Secret Service Special Agent for Halloween. We made her this cool badge and she found all sorts of gadgets to attach to her ear and waist. Her cousin was also a "spy". She was impressed that her uncle used to be an "agent" years ago.

Prior to Halloween, she and I took a trip to the pumpkin patch with her class. This is truly one of my favorite field trips. As a class, they make a real scarecrow and take home good size pumpkins and other treats. I was thrilled to find peach syrup, pumpkin butter and cherry juice in the little store.

We had a little snow!

We had a little snowstorm last week! School was closed for two days. P didn't go to work, except to pick up some files from the office, early in the storm...he wanted to be prepared. We had a great time sitting by the fire, sledding, eating at our neighborhood pizzeria. We played games, cuddled, crafted. I thought I would get so much done at home; cleaning my desk, the craft table, maybe even scrapbooking. No, I got very little done. I guess snowdays are not for catching up on tasks, but for catching up on living.

...my big clown

G and her friend went to a Halloween party last weekend. Her friend went as the girl from Pirates of the Caribbean. What on earth is her name? My G went as a clown...but not just any clown. My grandfather was a clown in the Shriner Circus in Abilene, Texas. The vest and the shoes were his. She wore it so well. Isn't she adorable? She did win "best costume" at the party.

Now, I am off to put together the most amazing "spy" costume for my little one. Any ideas?

...my green friend!

My friend Heather has these lovely chairs in her kitchen. Her sweet children eat their breakfast there every morning! I guess they might have spilled a bit...you know kids. So, Heather decided to reupholster the chairs. And what a fine job she did. The brown seat is before. I am sure they look even more spectacular in person. I am hoping to try out those chairs while drinking a cup of tea with my friend Heather someday soon!

I missed my blog-iversary...

Okay, I think I made up that word...but I did miss the one year mark for creating my blog. My first post was Sept. 20, 2008. Wow!

I haven't blogged muched lately as I have been extremely busy. I work part-time at Preston's office, part-time for PTA, and full-time as a homemaker/mom/wife. That's a lot of hours. I think I am overcommitted. I am whiny; forgive me. I feel blessed that our business is flourishing and that I am a part of it. I am thrilled that our PTA is thriving and purposeful. I am overjoyed to have a beautiful home, a fabulous husband and two incredible daughters.

And... I do find joy in the season. I love the crisp air. It rained yesterday and made my world beautiful. I love the deep colors that the rain brings out in the tree leaves and trunks. I love how everything metal and man-made becomes glossy when wet. I love feeling the mist on my face when I am out walking. I love puddles and the sound of water running in the gutters.

Zuchinni and Hiking...

The last of the zuchinni came out of the garden recently. This HUGE one was spotted by A and her friend. I tend to be picky about the flavor and texture of the zuchinni I cook with...sometimes these big ones are not that great. So... this became 4 loaves of chocolate zuchinni bread and 2 veggie lasagnes. My friend, Mary Beth, and I spent one afternoon baking and cooking to celebrate fall!























We felt very blessed to spend a long weekend at our friends mountain cabin. This beautiful 4 mile hike was at Monarch Lake. We are sad that summer is over, but look forward to all that the fall and winter have to offer. I am especially looking forward to warm fires, apple cider, colorful leaves, Christmas carols, snow angels, family gatherings, baking...