Pumpkin pie is an anomaly to me: it smells like heaven in the oven, but I never, ever want to eat it. There’s no confusion for Clark or Sam: they’re all about the pumpkin pie, all the time. They love both the smell and the taste, as long as Cool Whip is involved. Because I’m (occasionally) a good wife and mother, I try my best … Continue reading Pumpkin Pie
Today I’m grateful for our little entrepreneurs. Not only do I love hearing about their business ventures, but the vast amount of time it takes to draw up a business plan usually means I get to cook dinner in peace. “Mom, we’re starting a plow business!” the kids declared tonight. I was chopping veggies, but of course listened intently as they told me about their … Continue reading Our Little Entrepreneurs
We hardly e-v-e-r get snow days in Alaska. Today was an exception. The pattern of ice instead of snow in recent years really wreaks havoc on the roads, and today was one of those mornings. The kids were sooooooo excited! They love school, but clearly they love snow days more. The neighborhood was alive with impromptu snowball fights and Capture the Flag matches all day long. … Continue reading Bonus Day
Finally! Saturdays have been rough this year. Our team keeps almost* winning this season. * = losing in the last minute of the game. Tonight, one finally went our way. I couldn’t breathe until the very end, but we walked away with a W against an undefeated team. How is that possible in this nightmare 2015 season? Okay, maybe there was a little help … Continue reading Huskers Win!
Today I’m grateful that we own a sewing machine, even though it’s the most frustrating piece of equipment in our home. Last night I was reminded why we only sew once a year. We decided to make hotpads for the upcoming holiday season. What a great teacher gift, tied together with a wooden spoon and nice card. How hard could it be to sew four straight seams? … Continue reading Craft Night
Today I’m grateful that Maggie is alive. She was not kidnapped, trampled by a moose, eaten by a bear, or lost and frostbitten in the woods. Possibly more miraculously, her father and I did not kill her. I should probably back up and explain. The evening started off in a typical manner: I was tackling the dishes, Maggie was avoiding homework, and Sam was begging … Continue reading Happy Endings
Today I’m grateful that our library is once again fully staffed. One of our assistants finished his degree last spring, and took a position as the Teen Librarian at Loussac. Of course I was thrilled for him, but supervising our enormous space solo and covering the bell schedules for both schools has made for some long days. Our newest team member started today, and she seems … Continue reading Fully Staffed
Today’s gratitude: my books and my bed. These days my alarm is frequently set for 5 AM, which means I head to bed at the same time as the kids. It’s funny how they battle bed time, and I can’t wait for it! There’s nothing like those first few moments after crawling into bed: a big exhale of relief that the day’s chores are complete, … Continue reading Books and Bed
Today I’m grateful to be home safe and off the roads. Snow days in Alaska are rare… I get that. Other states call off school based on a meteorologist prediction, but not us. We can be in the midst of an ice storm at 4 AM and still refuse to cancel school at 7 AM. Because it might improve? It’s the ultimate no win situation … Continue reading Home Safe
This “Thirty Days of Gratitude” thing is going around Facebook right now. Last year I tried something similar, and it took me around 6 months to post two weeks of grateful posts. And lately I’m averaging one single blog post a month. So naturally I’m on board. I figure if I can shoot for more ordinary and less profound this might be doable. So here … Continue reading Halloween 2015
Profoundly Ordinary 