My Exciting Drive to Work ~

This giant boulder and that car you see coming in the distance (which was road crew by the way)...were the only two things i passed for 12 miles. (and yes...i set fresh tracks in the 5 inches of snow on pingree hill).  Happy Hump Day Everyone!

The End of the Magic ~

 I knew it would come some day...but i was sad just the same when we had "THE" conversation last night in the car on the way home.
  I saw the signs this last Christmas...Jordyn seemed a bit unsure... not wanting to show enthusiasm or inquire about Santa, she was one of the last kids to take her photo with him at the Winter program at school (in fact i wasn't even sure if she would sit for a photo at all), and she had a lot of questions.  However, we made it through the holidays, and i figured the curiosity was gone for now.
 But recently she began asking questions again, and Justin told me about a conversation they had in the car last week...so when she asked me in the car last night on the way home, i figured it was time.
 After several leading questions, she asked me if i was the one that put the Doctor Who bed set under the tree or if Santa did.  I asked her if she would be upset if it was me, to which she replied, no.  Well after thinking it over in the car, and with tears rolling down my face, i decided it was time to let her in on the secret.  She did not seem mad or sad...a bit disappointed at first perhaps...but then she started to think about it and that unearthed all kinds of new thoughts and questions.  One of the first things she said was, " that means you and dad actually bought me the tablet last year for Christmas...that was expensive".
  I told her parents share the magic of Santa with their children because it's a wonderful memory from their own childhood and we all like to carry on the tradition.  I also told her that in many ways there really is a Santa, as the spirit of Santa is alive and well during the holidays when people donate gifts to toys for tots or other organizations, anonymously giving gifts and sharing the magic with those less fortunate.
  It was weird having this conversation with my daughter, as i never had this discussion with my own mom.  I just sort of figured it out one year, but never said anything to her, and that is how it has always been :)  But i am glad that Jordyn and i had the conversation, and i hope that she is too.
  My mom never liked to talk about difficult things, in fact, she still doesn't and avoids them at all costs, however, i think its important to answer questions when kids are truly ready for the answer.  I don't believe her way is wrong, i just want to be very open with my daughter.
  Then we discussed how it was her turn to share the magic of Santa to others by not giving away the secret to friends and little ones at school, so that they could continue to enjoy the spirit of Santa as well.  Besides, no one wants to be the one to ruin that magic!  Also, i jokingly told her that kids that didnt believe in Santa only got underwear and socks!  So alas, its the end of the magic...but perhaps the beginning of wonderful new things!

Denver Museum of Nature and Science ~

 

Went down to Denver this weekend for an Early Childhood Education Science conference at the Museum of Nature and Science.  I love that place!  Learned all kinds of fun new things to try with the kiddos...cant wait!  On my off time, i got to hang out with some fabulous ladies...Kendall and Christy!  It was a quick trip but a good time!  Jordyn spent her weekend at Grandma and Grandpa Bruens house, so it was just me down in the city.  Been a looooong time since i did that!  It was fun, but i sure missed her.  I think we'll have to take another trip to the museum again so i can take her next time!

Aebleskiver ~

I finally got a chance to try my new Aebleskiver (also spelled ebelskiver) pan i purchased when we were in Solvang, California!  I was a little nervous about how the pan would work and flipping the batter, but they came out great and the family gobbled them up!  One batch made 22 of these, and thankfully i took a photo of this one...the last one, before Justin devoured it!  I filled them with raspberry jam...but there's a savory recipe with basil and cheese that im excited to try!  I have a feeling i will be making these often!  :)

Rainbow Loom Girl ~

Jordyn got this Rainbow Loom for Christmas last year, but has recently become interested in making all kinds of new bracelets...so she has been sitting in the living room for the last few days working away!  I enjoy watching her be creative!  And im glad she has discovered the internet for tutorials!  Cant wait to see what she creates!

Vacation Days ~

 This is how we spent the rest of our holiday break...lots of pajama time...computer games...

 cuddling with catnip...and general goofiness!  :)  Never mind that Jordyn has a whole living room floor full of new Christmas toys...she found the cat toys more interesting!  If we had a cardboard box her vacation would have been complete!

 We occasionally went outside to enjoy the pond though...Justin the human zamboni was hard at work while Jordyn worked all day on this giant snowman!

Hugs!

New Years Day ~

 Happy New Year!!!  I prepared a dish of black eyed pea salsa with chips for munching in the morning...no recipe...i just threw in the things i love!  But looking at the photo you can pretty much duplicate the recipe!  :)   Then i headed over to Connies to enjoy martinis and laughs!

 Jan joined us for a martini...her first martini ever...but of course it was more along the lines of a sweet martini with the fancy flavored vodka!  Ill stick to dirty thank you!  It was great to catch up with the girls...we havent had a chance to hang much since school started so we had fun!  Mary and Glenn joined us for a cocktail later too!  And of course Emma tried to drink my martini when i wasn't looking...little stinker!

All in all a pretty mellow day!  Jordyn spent the night at grandma and grandpa Bruens house, so the day was ours to do with as we wished!  It was spent with good friends and lots of laughs!  Happy New year everyone!!!