Michigan weather

We finally, and I say that with great hesitation, have snow.

We have not had enough to even say it “snowed” until last week.  A week ago, it finally snowed.  We got about 6 inches of lovely white powder. 

And here’s what happens when a boy, who has been patiently waiting, finally gets some snow:

The snowball fights, fort building, and speed sledding commence.

And then there is HOCKEY.  Hubs made a rink for him and Lil’Dude to skate on this winter.  FINALLY, we have some good ice.

Happy winter!  Love from The Farm

Resolutions. Let’s get REAL!

Yahoo! said that some of the tops resolutions for 2012 were:

To loose weight (I think that has been on the list since time began.  I mean really, lets be a bit more original)

To be more organized  (I really wish I knew someone, personally, that was truly organized. Really, bonafied organized.  No mail on the counter, closets like Martha Stewart, and shirts neatly pressed and arranged by color.  I think I might have to shoot them just for the principle of it.)

To be more economically fit (Ok, this one I will let slide.  But only a little.  We have been in an “economic downturn” for about 6-8 years now, and do you think it is finally the time to get your “business” in order?)

I’m not being a brat, I’m just being real.

I make a list every January of all the things I’m going to change in the up coming year.  But by about January 15, most of them are already shot in some capacity or another.

So I thought….  What would be on my get “real” list for 2012?  Here are some of the things I came up with (oh and I’m putting them out here so all of you can keep me “real” and accountable.  Bust my chops when they need it.):

1. To quit tolerating bad behavior from others.  If someone is acting like an a$$, time to call them out on it.  So watch out, are you one of those people?  I am really tired of wasting my time on situations and people who can do better, be better, act better, and simply don’t. 
2. Be organized.  Not in the Martha Stewart closet kind of way, but in the life kind of way.  For instance, Make a plan each day of all the things I wish to accomplish.  And DO IT!  Make a plan for things happening during the week, and working tasks to make the week move swiftly.
3. Be healthier.  Cliché’.  I know.  But really.  Time to be stronger, fit-er.
4. Run a 5K. (refer to #3) I’d really like to run one in March, one in the end of May, one in July, one in August, and maybe another in the fall.  We shall see.  But at least ONE. (A secret desire would be a half marathon.  Inspired by my friend Jenna over at The Puckstoppers Wife.  She chronicled her journey to run a half marathon last year.  Take time to read.  She’s a HOOT!)
5. Eat dinner at the dining room table (that strange wooden object with stick like things around it that we throw all our “stuff” on top of) at least 5 out of 7 nights.  (see #3 again)
6. Clean house.  I’m not talking about dusting, I mean CLEAN the CRAP out of this HOUSE.  We have stuff here in boxes, that I know hasn’t been OPENED in years.  Time for it to GO!  Take up space in someone else’s house.
7. Get educated.  Yup, it said what you thought it did.  I made the decision, with Hubs’ full support, to go back and finish my degree.  I am so close, it is stupid to not.  I don’t think it will change anything in my day to day life, other than an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
8. Devote real time to doing things we love.  Like playing outside.  Working in the garden.  Playing in the pool.  Going on day trips somewhere exciting.  Spending time with people we love.
9. Be brave.  To do some things outside my comfort zone.  Don’t know what that means yet, but I’m sure time will tell and lead me down the right path to do so.
10. Be LESS in debt.  We all have debt.  Mortgages, car payments.  (And to me those don’t count, in regards to what I’m talking about.)  Credit cards.  We don’t have much.  But what we do have, I’d love it to be G-O-N-E.
11. Be more devoted to this blog-o-mine.  I do so enjoy it.  I hate to admit, I simply don’t make the time to post regularly.  Awful I know.  Beat me with a wet noodle.  But it’s the “real” truth.  So I’ve told my self to post at minimum once a week.  So we shall see how that goes.  (I know I have a hidden reader that will let me know if I do not hold up to that deal… Auntie P.)

So there ya have it.  MY get REAL list for 2012.  Did you make one?  What’s on yours?

Love From the Farm Wife

Time…… or not enough of it

Where does it go?

I looked under the sofa cushions.  Behind the chair.  And even under the rug.  And I’ll be damned, but I can’t seem to find it, or specifically enough of it.

The holidays came.  Well, flew by like a 747 jet to be exact. They started out with a trip to southern Michigan to see some family for an early Christmas extravaganza.  Oh, and some incredible bread making.  (more to come on that in another post)  Then came the rush of Lil’Dude’s #6 birthday.  (Holy Crap!  How did that happen??  He can’t be 6 already??  Yup, he is.  Whoa!) That brought on our first every “friends” party and trip to the bowling alley.  Yes, its true I bowled, and managed not to break a hip or anything. 

Then came Christmas in all its wonder, glory, and chaos.  We spent the Eve with my parents and granny, snuggled near the fire all full from a feast.  The morning of Christmas was spent at home in jammies watching a mountain of wrapping paper consume our living room.  That afternoon, we headed to Hubs’ parents for a holiday tradition of….. Chaos to the extreme.  Not really, but it sure is a sight!

We are so very blessed to be surrounded by our family, and friends, especially at the holidays.  Their love, support, and generosity is so overwhelming.

Here are some pictures of our holidays.

A new “Yoda” green reading chair for my room.  Yay!!

One of the trees and Santa at Hubs’ parents.

Family: All the boys, Our family plus an evil-ish elf that Hubs couldn’t resist adding to the picture, and Grammy and PaPa with all of the grandsons. (We will have one more next Christmas, Hubs’ brother and sister-in-law are expecting their first….Soon!  YAY!!)

“having fun”             and         “really excited”

Yes that is a bottle of tequila you see.  My father knows what I love.  LOL.  (Sister received one too, so I’m not the only lush in the family.  LOL)  And then there’s Lil’Dude.  He’s serious about NERF.

So now that the holidays are over, and life is getting back to normal, what ever that means, I’m a making a promise or commitment to be more devoted to this little blog of mine.  Look forward to see, and chatting with all of you in 2012.

Love, From the Farm