The Best of 2014

January 2014

Eric surprised me with a zoom lens for Christmas. I've been snapping lots of pictures at my parent's house.  There are a pair of Northern Flickers that I like watching.  This is the male (I believe).

The squirrels are so fun to watch.  This one was running all about and then climbed into the tree.  Within a minute, he jumped out, let out a loud warning bark and then climbed back in, disappearing.  Within seconds, a large hawk came swooping in, and let out a loud call.

Another cute squirrel. 

1-4-14  Saturday

While this was the third time in two months that we had to cancel our winter float on the North Fork of the White River, it seemed like this weekend was kind of meant to be.  The fourth was the one year anniversary of my mom's brain surgery.  I noticed it, but didn't dwell.

The forecast called for a REAL winter storm and I believed it to be true, so I spent the day running around with Audrey-groceries, bank, craft store, and the volleyball store.  We also reserved space at the local bowling alley for a Cosmic Bowl birthday party for her.  My first born is finally going to be a teenager!  Her age is finally catching up to the big personality she was born with.  

Eric was a little under the weather, so he stayed in his pajamas all day.  I wasn't nearly through with my adventures before the storm.  Ava volunteered to go with me on the big hike (2 1/3 miles) at Mastodon State Park.  When I asked Audrey to go with me, she said she had to clean her room and then erupted in laughter.

We only saw one other person on the trail.  I love that I got one-on-one time with both of my girls.  Ava talks and talks.  She wore her new fancy white boots with fur.  She looked adorable, and they proved to be practical for our hike. 

1-5-14 Sunday

Oh the storm!  It came and stayed for the day-as did Ava's fever.    I stayed in my pajamas all day.  We burned lots of wood in the fireplace.  We watched both Sherlock Holmes movies ( lovely Christmas presents from my in-laws).  In the evening, when the snow had finished falling, and was instead just blowing around creating pretty drifts, Eric and I took a walk.  We bundled up and walked down the middle of our street.  Over the course of this winter, in particular, I've discovered how much I really love going for night time walks in the cold.  I just love it!  The solitude, the sky, the cold air...I only wish I could go on a true night hike through the woods. 

1-6-14 Monday

Eric took bits to the doctor and instead of having strep, our girl has the flu!  Oh my.  The only good thing about this is that she can't return to school for an entire week!  The girls have been on a two week break from school and thanks to the snow, that has been extended.  The flu will extend it even more for our youngest.

I nested all day.  I now have had two plus days off from caring for my mom.  I haven't had this much time off since we were in New Orleans last summer.  She has been hospitalized twice since then, but I still spent nearly every day at the hospital with her.  I've just really needed some time at home-no real agenda or obligations.  Perfect.

Today, I used one of my favorite bundt cake pans (Nordic Ware Heritage) and made a new recipe-gingerbread cake with coffee glaze from the Sprinkle Bakes website.  It's a keeper! I think we're going to watch Meet Me in St. Louis later and eat some of the yummy cake.   But before we do, I think Eric and I are going to brave the -1 degree temperature, and go for a walk.  My camo coveralls are being put to use this winter!