Sibling Love

All was quiet at our house when suddenly a hurricane blew in - otherwise known as Collin burst in through the door. The entire atmosphere changed instantly. Collin brings a lot of joy, exuberance, hugs, and chaos when he enters the house. He is fun. He came to see his twins. I just happen to be here. They laugh, squeal, and squish each other. Mostly they love each other. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Books Books and More Books

During the summer I attended a class taught by a most fascinating woman. She is THE children's/young adult's book guru. Like seriously, if she doesn't approve it doesn't get published. The class was about nonfiction books. I haven't really appreciated that old boring genre in the past. However, Susanna opened a whole new world of expository literature to me. I can't get enough of it. I just keep reading it. I have read a book called "BOMB: The Race to Build - and Steal - The World's Most Dangerous Weapon" twice. Seriously it was sooo good and fascinating. I feel a whole new smart coming on because of it. There is another book called "Toilet" that explains in a most delightful way the whole process of the sewage disposal system. It is currently one of my favorite books. If you can't find me, check the library in the non-fiction section. I'm probably there. 

My Short Daily Jaunt

I am lucky enough to live close enough to walk to work. It is a short, two block walk to the back doors of the school. In the mornings, during the winter, that little walk can be a bit intimidating. I swear I saw a cougar in there once which made the hair on the back of my neck stand straight up. On that day I walked out of the alley, quite quickly, and took plan B which is always the roadway. That adds an extra half block of walking, you know. But in the afternoon, the walk is peaceful and beautiful - for an alley. Today, I took a few snaps because the frost from yesterday was still lingering on the links and limbs. I love the frosty feathers.

Wintertime Wonders

Not too often, but occasionally, we get a really dense fog that settle upon this area we live in. And, if all the elements are just right, a beautiful frost will adhere to the trees turning everything into a winter wonderland. Such was the occasion today. Unfortunately, I was inside until the wee hours of the afternoon so I missed the most marvelous moments but I did catch a snap of the heavy frost on our tree. We live in such a beautiful place. I'm so grateful to be here - even in the winter.

Grandma Erikson

Today I helped the twins enter names in a family history book that they will use to find the names of temple ready ancestors. I'm excited for them to get involved with genealogy. One of the names we entered was of my Grandma Erikson. Just he name triggered a flood of wonderfully warm emotions and memories. She died just over thirty years ago. That is a long time to miss someone and I do very much and often.i wish she had been here as I accomplished things as a teenager. I wish my she had been here when I got married and as my children were born. I wish she had been here to hold them. I wish they could have tasted her orange rolls, chocolate chip cookies, and maybe, even, her ketchup-flavored gravy. She would have loved them and they would have loved her too. In honor of her we had twice-baked potatoes because that is one thing I remember about her and could share with them.

Exercise

It's January - the time to feel ambitious. The time to jump into exercise. I loath the thought of exercise and dread the deed. But, once it is over, it feels good and I'm ALWAYS grateful that I put in the time. You know, if exercise could elicit the enjoyment I feel while eating strawberries dipped in whipped cream I'd stick to it longer and probably never complain about it. 

McKenna's Birthday

Today is the birthday of McKenna Carol Grant. She is nineteen years old. She is also away at college and spent her first birthday away from family. I assume this was much harder on me than on her. My class and I facetimed her and sang our class birthday song. It was the highlight of the students' day. I sure hope she had a great day. I sure love her! I want this to be the best year of her life so far.