Just call me the Pioneer Woman!

Temp: Low 12 degrees (f), high 25 degrees (f)
Snow: None
Wind: 5-10 mph
Windchill: 7 degrees (f)

Why is it that I only need wood for the fire when it’s 20 degrees or below? Seriously! It seems that I always run out of wood when it’s the coldest. I stock pile ahead and keep a continuous fire, but it always seems to work out that I don’t need or have room for any fire wood on the warmest days! Go figure!

Today, I bundled up and hauled some fire wood up to the house. Now, when I say I “hauled”, I literally mean that I walked myself and the wheel barrow out to the corn crib (which might I add is about 50-75 yards away from the house) and loaded wood into the wheel barrow (from the farthest side of the corn crib because hubby says it’s the driest), walked myself and the wheel barrow all the way to the front porch of the house (because that door is the closest to the fireplace) and unload the wood inside (whew! I get tired just thinking about it!) -- and did I mention it’s 25 degrees outside and up hill both ways!

Now my father-in-law, has one of these and it sure makes hauling wood so much easier!! I used it last Monday and even had enough energy to take some wood down to his house. I’m so glad that he has this to use because the wood is kept down here and he lives about 150 yards or so away. Man, that would not be fun, hauling wood all the way down there! Guess I should quit my complaining!

And truth be told, I could ask my father-in-law to use this again, but :

1) If I do that, I won’t be able to justify the need for a manicure at my friend’s salon – please huney, I REALLY NEED one! Let’s do inventory of both hands . . . I’ve got 3 scratches, 2 burns, 3 broken nails and a cut (the cut is actually from the potato peeler, and I guess the burns are actually from making this and really the broken nails – well that just comes along with the territory of having two children --- but don’t tell hubby!) Oh darn, he’s reading this! Well, can I have the manicure anyway? Pretty plllllleeeeeeeaaaaaasssssseeee!

2) I won’t be able to use this story later on my children---it would go a little something like this . . . You see kids, Momma knows what REAL work is . . . remember that winter we stayed at Grandma’s when you were little? Well, Momma hauled wood for the fireplace to keep the fire going just to keep you girls warm. My hands were worn and tired, but I kept gathering ‘cause I had you babies to look after. It was so cold – most times I couldn’t feel my nose. It was uphill both ways and I had to make several trips. I love you that much! Now, go clean up your room and just be glad that’s all I’m asking you to do! See, doesn’t that make a good lecture?

All in all, I’m enjoying my time here. I told hubby that I really do feel less stressed. It’s kind of a “vacation” but not. I mean, I still do all of the things that I would have to do at home – only, I’m doing them somewhere else. So, I’ve got this all figured out . . . I can consistently vacation for the next few years if I just keep swapping houses every 2 months or so!

Stayed tuned for my next post . . . which hopefully I’ll be able to get posted in the next day or so --- you’ll hear just how domesticated I’ve really become!

Day 23 Ohio: January 20, 2008

Temp: 7 degrees (f), windchill 10-20 degrees below 0
Snow: None

Can you hear that? No? Well, if you could, it'd be my teeth chattering! Holy cow – it ought to be illegal for the town to function in this frigid weather. People are nuts! Can you believe people are going about their normal lives as if it weren’t cold enough to freeze meat. Really, if you run out of room in your freezer , just put the extras right out there on your back porch. People actually do that, I think!

Heck, in Florida, if there’s even a chance of snow flurry or temperatures below freezing, the entire town shuts down. No kidding! Schools close, roads close, grocery stores are ransacked for the last gallon of milk and the last loaf bread, favorite TV shows are interrupted every five minutes with the latest Storm Tracker weather report. Seriously! If we even think there will be snow or cold weather for that matter, we hunker down and darn near hibernate until spring or until temps rise above 50 degrees (F)! Ok -- maybe I'm exaggerating a teenie bit. But cold weather is not really anything I can relate to. We’ve been known to wear short sleeve shirts and shorts to the family Christmas celebration.

As I sat here, in frigid Ohio, lamenting to my family via cellphone of the ungodly weather bestowed upon us, I was comforted in knowing that it was indeed, cold back home too. Yes siree Bob . . . my brother called and said temps were in the 20’s. And then, of course, we got into a friendly verbal match, each trying to “out do” the other with our tales of weather hardships. The conversation went something like this:

Me: “Oh yes, we really shouldn't leave the house. But we ventured out to church anyway. And it takes FOREVER to get both girls bundled up. And then when I finally do, and I get each girl out to the car, I realize that I have to adjust the car seat straps because both have increased in size about 4 inches! All the while, my fingers are about to freeze off as the wind whips through the vehicle. By the way, what does frost bite look like? I may need medical attention. And you know like on the Christmas story, when his tongue sticks to the frozen lamp post – well, that’s what almost happens to my fingers every time I grab the steering wheel without my gloves!”

Brother: “Yeah, well, we had a puddle in the pasture and when we woke up this morning, it was frozen -- FROZEN I tell you! Now, how often does that happen?”

Me: {gasp} “Well, they say that if you stay out in this wind here for more than thirty minutes, you’re sure to get frost bite -- I'm pretty sure I'm suffering from some. I could lose a finger!!!”

Brother: “You know that little frozen puddle I was telling you about . . . well, one of the cows got stuck in it and tipped over and he almost died. We had to go out there in this COLD, COLD weather, pick him up and just about carry him to the other side of the pasture! Man, he was heavy!”

Well folks, how do you top a tripping cow that almost died – you can’t! So, I waved the white flagged and surrendered the argument.

Anyway, we are expecting warmer temperatures within the next couple of days. We may actually top out at 30 degree (F). They’re calling for snow all day tomorrow (Tuesday).

Blockbuster . . . here we come!

I'll leave you again with another picture . . .


When I said that I have to hose down my kids after meals, I wasn't kidding!

Lippy the Snowman just doesn't have the same ring to it!

Well, we finally had enough snow to make a snowman. I should confess, though, this is actually our second snowman build. Our first one turned out like this . . .



. . .but the second one really takes the cake. Hubby and Maddy worked very hard on it. And it has a set of lips that would make Julia Roberts and Angelina Jolie jealous. I’m not sure if Hubby injected a little botox in them or what, but man, check out the set on this guy!



I must post this disclaimer: I was not in any way involved in the building of the second snowman (and for those of you who know me, you know I'm telling the truth! He's scary looking, don't 'ya think?) The lips definitely balance out the ears, though.

Congratulations NY Giants -- specifically Lawrence Tynes!

Lawrence Tynes, kicker for the New York Giants
Can you believe that I'm from the same little town as Lawrence Tynes? Who is Lawrence Tynes you ask? Well, if you watched last night's game between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants, then you already know that this young man is responsible for the field goal kick that won the game for the New York Giants.

Can I tell you alittle bit about what I remember of this now well known player in the football world!

Lawrence Tynes graduated from our hometown high school just one year after me. He was skinny and lanky . . . the guy who was doing flips in the hallway. Seriously! He was the class clown who always had something funny to say or do. He always had a small crowd of people who followed him and clapped over his antics. He played soccer and football and was so good at both. He was humble, though. I never saw even a hint of arrogance. He was such a cute little guy - someone that anyone could love.

So, to you Lawrence, I just want to tell you that we are so proud of you! And I'm happy for you . . . what an amazing feeling you must have right now. I'd like to wish you luck in the Super Bowl, the Patriots are tough. Keep your eyes where they need to be and always remember to give thanks to the Lord above.

Martin Luther King Jr - I have a dream speech - Aug 28 1963

Thank you Mr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today, we honor you and your accomplishments!

Day 17 Ohio: January 14, 2008

Monday, January 14, 2008
Temp: 30 degrees F
Snow: Light dusting

Well, we’re here and doing pretty well. I’m managing on my own. Building fires, gathering wood – hubby is away, obviously!

This past Friday night, my friend, Annette, came over with Chinese food in hand and a good chick flick. I’ve talked about Annette before, I think? I met her at Hubby’s class reunion and we’ve been friends ever since. Whenever I’m in Ohio, I always try to get together with her. She owns a wonderful Salon/Spa here in town. Anyway, as I was saying, she stopped by on Friday night and we had such a great time. She was kind enough to bring her scissors and she trimmed Maddy’s hair for me. In fact, I guess this was Maddy’s “first haircut”. I’ll have to post pictures as soon as I’m able to find a faster connection to the internet.

Saturday was wonderful weather. Maddy and I got outside and played for a while. We walked, picked up sticks and chased the dog. For those of you who know Maddy, she absolutely loves being outdoors. She’s so curious. We played a little game. She’d point out things and I would tell her what it was. We had a good time and were thankful for the opportunity to get out of the house.

Sunday we attended the local First Baptist Church. It’s a small church with a big heart. I’ve been enjoying the services there.

Hubby will be home on Wednesday. We are sooooo looking forward to his return.

This is what I wake up to . . .

In great need of encouragement

Well, I'm in a lull today -- actually the past couple of days. This big 'ole house is lonely. Hubby has been gone almost a week. I'm stuck in the routine/schedule of two little girls and I can't get out. Internet access is almost impossible. My cell phone is dead and I'm without a charger. I feel like I'm losing my connection to the outside world. It's 26 degrees (f) here today. And too windy to get the girls out. Maddy is breaking out -- I'm sure from something she has eaten -- what? is the mystery. Having food allergies to peanuts, eggs and milk, it's impossible to shield her from all of those. So, which one is the culprit this time? Who knows?

I'm feel unorganized. I need to get online and pay bills, but it takes so long for the pages to load. And then, when they do, the payment never processes. I feel so scattered. I don't have all I need here -- my files, my systems. Anyone who knows me knows that I work best in a routine. I work best in my own environment. Change really stresses me out. And I'm someone who needs support and lots of encouragement. And unfortunately, two little girls aren't able to give me support OR encouragement.

I also feel like I'm running in circles . . . changing diapers, vacuuming, mopping the kitchen floor, fixing a meal and then cleaning up a meal . . . it's never ending. I'm wondering when I'm going to get to stand back, look at my accomplishments and feel good --- feel like something has been done. Most days I feel like I'm just chasing my tail. Seriously! And I know I'm not alone. I've read the other blogs from other mothers -- And I'm a smart girl -- I know I shouldn't be looking to you all for encouragement. Instead, I should be opening God's word because I know he has a lot to say to me.

So I'm asking you for prayer. I know the lull will be short lived and I know this is just an adjustment. But please, please pray that God will help me "get it together."

Oh, and I promise I'll be back with a post. I've started one and I just need to get it posted. Because of my internet connection, I have to type it in Word and then take about 10 to 15 minutes to get online and attempt to post. So, wish me luck -- hopefully it will be posted today!

Oh and if you feel led to, please feel free to leave me a comment. I may not be able to respond, but I'd love to hear from you.