Catfish

I few weeks ago one of my friends, Cathy Birch moved away.  They gave us their fish, which they called "Chicken Fish".  We call it "Son of a Birch" (Not really... just thought it was funny!) Anyway, our cat, Tipsy has discovered the fish and she tries REALLY hard to reach it.  She can get her head in the jar, but then her paw won't fit. Or, she gets her paw in as far as she can, then she can't see what she is doing.  The fish doesn't seem to be disturbed at all, but it is sure entertaining to watch!

Snowy Day

We woke up to about a foot of new snow this morning.  I don't know the official amount, but it looks like at least a foot to me!  I shoveled off half of the cement pad in front of our garage, so Tony could get out to work.  He got stuck further out in the driveway and had to be pushed out.  Then, one of the school busses got stuck down at the far end of our road, so the other busses wouldn't go down there.  My kids had to get on out at the corner.  The kids further down the street just didn't get picked up. However, our school district did not cancel school. I think we were the only ones within 50 miles that had school today.  As I continued to shovel snow, with aching back and frozen toes, my kind neighbor came over with his snow blower and cleared out our whole driveway, clear to the road.   I was so grateful!  Then I went to help out a few neighbors who had gotten stuck in their driveways. Jacob and I left a half hour earlier than usual to get to school, and it's a good thing we did.  Cars were stuck all over the place!  The roads in town had not been plowed at all and people were sliding and couldn't get up the hill.  We made it safely, but it took a long time!  After getting home this afternoon, I baked an apple pie to take to my helpful neighbor!  It was kind of a fun day, but boy are my back and arm muscles aching.  I hope I can move tomorrow!  This picture is pretty fuzzy, but it is the path we shoveled out to the chicken coop in the back yard. 

Maple Bacon Hot Dog

Tonight for our dinner, Tony and I went to a little shack called the "Dog House".  We got a maple bacon dog.  It consisted of a hot dog, wrapped in bacon and deep fried.  Then it is put in a "bun" that is actually a maple bar.  Add a little barbecue sauce and dinner is complete!  It was surprisingly good, but my stomach sure feels heavy hours later.  We are going to make a home-made version for the super bowl, so come on over if you want to try it! 

Last IEP :/

Today I had an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) with Erik at the high school.  I have been going to these meetings for my boys for the past 15 years!  This was the last one!  Erik will graduate in the spring, and hopefully Em will not ever need these meetings.  Basically, this is where the parents, child, school staff, therapists, etc., meet together and make a "plan of action" for the child, outlining goals, accommodations, and evaluating progress.  I have an odd mix of feelings about this last meeting...... joy, relief, fear, hope, uncertainty.....  I am really proud of the progress my kids have made, but it is also scary to have them become adults, without the support of the schools and others to depend on.  What a crazy journey!

Super Tracker

This semester I am taking a nutrition class.  I took one a long time ago and really enjoyed it.  I remember having to keep track of everything I ate, measuring the amounts, and doing long, complicated math equations to figure out the nutritional value of my diet.  Now, my class is having me use a site, www.supertracker.usda.gov, to keep track of my diet.  I just started this morning but it has been really fun and easy to use and has motivated me to eat better.  I tried really hard to get in all my food groups, and found that the vegetables are the hardest to consume enough of.  It keeps track of servings, calories, and even individual nutrients.  I am excited to use this tool to help me become more aware of my food choices. 

Dance party

It is really cold outside...my car said -22 degrees when I went to church this morning.  Yesterday for some exercise we had a family Wii dance party.  It was really fun, so I took a short video to show all of my family how we exercise when it is too cold to go out.  Enjoy!  

Daddy's Girl

Happy Birthday today to the best dad in the world.... mine!  I am so grateful that you taught me to wish upon stars, to work hard, to enjoy the peaceful moments, and to believe that I am a princess.  I love you dad!!!!