Winter Solstice

So when I got to work this morning, my judge announced that today is the shortest day of the year. It's winter solstice. How depressing, right? WRONG. I was actually pretty excited. Because to me it means one thing...........the days are starting to get longer!!!!!!

Not that we've had an awful winter or anything.....or that winter has actually even started for that matter. But it just got me kinda excited. So I thought I'd pass it on!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

ps - winter solstice always reminds me of my Grandpa Keith, my only grandpa I never met. he married my grandma on this day because it's the longest night of the year. :) that man was thinking!!! hehe.

December Desktop

It's December 1st. I've been looking forward to this day for one reason, and one reason only - I get to download a new calendar desktop for my computer. Yes, I agree, I'm a nerd. Smashing Magazine has some really cute ones this month.

Here is the one that I chose for now:

And here is the one that I will probably change it to sometime closer to Christmas (only because I couldn't pick just one.):

Little Project...

So I've completed my first "major" project in my new house. There have been other major projects completed, but not by me. My amazing dad has replaced my front door (a PAINFUL all-day project) and installed a new garage door opener. And he's not necessarily a Mr. Fix-it either, but he loves me. And he's done an awesome job! I am so grateful! Thanks, Dad!!

Okay, back to my project. I decided to paint my downstairs bathroom. Every room in my house is the same camel color. So I thought I'd spice things up a bit, and I've forever wanted to paint a room gray. So here it is. Before, during and after. Whattya think?

November Desktop Calendars

I recently stumbled across this site, smashing magazine, that has awesome desktop calendars for free download. There's a ton of options for each month. I found it in the middle of October and didn't feel like changing it in the middle of the month. So I couldn't wait until November to change my desktop.

I'm a dork, so it's so exciting to turn on my computer every morning and see this pretty picture and have a calendar right on my desktop.

Plus if you can't decide on which one you like best, why not change it up a couple times throughout the month! There's some good ones on for November, so I might be making a switch in a couple weeks.

Quick Road Trip

As promised, here's the update on our weekend in Fargo. Hal and I stayed Friday night with Jared, Jill and the kiddos, although Eddie and Nolan were convinced it was Darby and not Hal. I guess they look similar? After Jill ditched us for her pillow (which was, what, 8:00?), the girls and I played a game of scrabble and made bead necklaces and bracelets until the wee hours of the morning. It was so much fun!

On Saturday morning, Carly, Alyssa and I headed out to the chicken coop to collect us some eggs. It was a little dangerous since they have a killer rooster on their hands. Seriously. But no worries because Carly brought the super soaker.

We managed to get our eggs without anybody getting hurt. After a late french toast breakfast, the girls and I got our work clothes on and headed back out to that chicken coop to give it a good cleaning. After chores, we had a nice relaxing afternoon of playing on haybales watching the trains go by, walking through the cow pasture, exploring down by the lake, getting covered in those prickly things (cockleburrs? - i have no idea. been too long since i've been in the country), jumping on the trampoline and just having a good time playing, laughing and enjoying the beautiful fall weather. I played with the kids, and Hal bonded with Diesel (their bulldog). I'm not sure who had more fun! He wants a dog SO bad. And Diesel loved Hal!

We then said goodbye and headed into Fargo to meet Jalon and Katie at the Fargodome for the NDSU v. Missouri State football game. We both had a blast and the weekend went way too fast. Hopefully we'll be able to make it back up sometime this winter.

Thanks, Jill, for letting us stay and do your chores!! And thanks, Katie and Jalon, for joining us at the game. It was great to see you all again and hang out!

Miss Me?

Just popping in to say 'hi!'

Don't have a whole lot to say, but just wanted to update my blog since it's been...........a LONG time. Sorry about that. I have been the worst at having my camera with me or even having time to sit down and tell you how incredibly boring my life is. But I'm hoping to start making time to fill you in a little bit better.

My man-friend and I are off for a couple days to the beautiful Fargo/Moorhead area (sense the sarcasm?)! He's never been there before and since his football team has a bye this weekend, we thought how better to spend a free weekend than by - watching some more football! So we're off to visit relatives and catch some great NDSU football. And bonus for him, they play the Missouri State Bears. (He's from Missouri in case some of you didn't know how that could be a bonus for him.)

So hope to have some pictures and an update when we come back. But don't hold your breath.

Going Dark

So after about the fourth annoying spam comment I decided that it might be a good idea to add a little security to my blogging life. You're probably thinking, "Why? It's not like you ever blog." I get it. But it's still annoying.

So if you're reading this, you made it!! There may be a few others that I know, but that I don't know read my blog. So honestly if you hear of someone complaining that they're not going to know the latest and greatest in my life, you can let me know and I'll "invite" them to the cool club as well.

He's Baaaack...

..and sporting a new 'do. I guess as long as he's home, it doesn't matter what his hair looks like.

Jordan flew into Duluth from Fayetteville, NC, (previously from Iraq) on Saturday and dad and I were there to meet him. We had a great couple of days hanging out watching dad's Squirt A hockey team whoop up on Duluth and Proctor - mostly Jordan and I just enjoyed the music they played during the whistles. You had to be there! Let's just say Jordan was a little shocked I knew all the words to Ice Ice Baby! We also enjoyed some good food, shopping, and of course, the beautiful view of Lake Superior.

Welcome home, Jordy!!