homework + winter decor

The flu has been raging through my classroom this week. Actually, the whole school has been hit. Tonight I ran into one of the moms of my student who has been sick this whole week and she mentioned how extremely happy her daughter had been that I sent home homework. She sees her older sister doing homework and she really, really wants to have homework as well. As soon as she mentioned that, my thoughts traveled to the Lisbon house when I would sit upstairs in the little bedroom, on the chest from grandma and grandpa, with an old purple/green trapper and pretend to be doing homework. The chest would be a "bus seat". I love when little remembrances of the past sneak up and you remember something you haven't thought of for a long, long time. Anyways, here is a glimpse of room K3, mid January. Winter projects are fun to do!

Although, sometimes it feels like it's the other way around...

PC Week 8

Catching Light on a Foggy Day by Kristin

Ready, Aim... by me

Today was the type of day where you shove your fingers into the vents after you get into your already running vehicle because it is just too bone-chilling cold out! This whole last week has been nasty.

We had some vehicle things to do at my in-laws in the country today. I should have known Aaron would pack the guns into the G6 so we could go shooting while there! There are a few less limbs on trees, a couple more holes in stumps, less snow on a few branches, and one less rabbit running around. (Insert glare face from me, here.)

I was able to try out my lil Annie Oakley again. That's what I've started calling my little pink Christmas present from Aaron. As I was standing in the above picture, I can remember the thought crossing my mind: I wish it was baseball cap wearing weather instead of wool scarves and ear muff wearing weather. But then Aaron told me what to aim for and my thoughts were all back on the task at hand. (Well, for the second it took me to shoot the stump anyway!) Yes, it was a terribly cold day in North Dakota, but it was fun hanging out with my best buddy on this 10th day of two thousand fifteen.

By the way, the above shot gun was a gift from Aaron for my birthday a couple years ago. He knows how to give such romantic gifts! :) Just wait until I can start buying him halters, bridles, and brushes when he gets a horse!
But you know what, it's fun doing hobbies together! He enjoys shooting, so I'm happy to oblige and shoot with him. Being together is sometimes all that counts.
Okay, I'm done being mushy online.

PC Week 7

I think I'm in a plant taking rut when it comes to detailed photos!

Eventually I'll "branch" out. ha. :)

Family Pictures

I was so excited to receive these family pictures in the mail today from my father-in-law! I thought I would share a few of my favorites.

By the way, when I first met these folks, I was told by my then-boyfriend Aaron that his dad had a wooden leg. And Aaron told me,"He lost it in the war, do not stare!" Hmm that's weird, I remember thinking to myself. Haven't they upgraded from wooden legs to metal or something? But I sure wasn't going to question it and offend anyone. Maybe he was old fashioned.

That same day my future mother-in-law came in to the house with a high pitched, nasally voice saying "You must be Laura! So nice to meet you!" Oh my goodness, I remember thinking then, please do not laugh at this lady's voice...

And THEN, I met Aaron's sister. I was told on our way to my future in-laws house that his sister had a severe hearing problem and to "speak loudly so she can hear you!"

Yes, I remember meeting the whole crew like it happened yesterday. I also remember the feeling of my stomach about to turn inside out from nervousness. Turns out, my father-in-law has both his legs, my mother-in-law has a very normal voice, and there is nothing wrong with my sister-in-law's ears. I guess you could say I was a tad gullible. BUT I remember not wanting to say "Nah Uh," to anything and offend Aaron! (On the off chance these things WERE true!) I kind of liked him, and wanted to keep him around!

And so, after five years with Aaron, I can safely say I love being part of his crazy, funny family. Is it odd to say that the more time I spend with his family, the more I like the guy? :) (But uff, I am thankful I am done meeting in-laws!!)

New Years Walk

We took an afternoon new years walk today. Above, my sister demonstrates the safest way to decline down the bank to the frozen lake. My mom soon joined us, along with the two retrievers, and we made our way into the back woods. 

I soon fell behind the rest, meandering slowly through the snow, taking in the little details of the first day of the year. 

The sun was shining, which made the snow sparkle. I fully appreciated the crispness of the walk (it was 10 degrees out), even though my thighs turned into ice cubes on the way back. I ended up having to forfeit my down coat from my top half, to wrap around my bottom half.  I'm not complaining though - what other type of weather do you expect in January in Minnesota?!

And a pro about this cold weather? The absolute tastiness of hot apple cider when you arrive back inside as well as warm cozy blankets!

Thank you, 2015, for a calming and beautiful first day.