Let it snow!

In the past 9 days, more snow has fallen than I can ever recall! The initial storm rolled in on Dec. 13 and we got about 4 inches of snow and ice. The temperatures didn't get out of the 20s for several days so all the snow stuck around. On Wednesday night we got another 5+ inches and then Saturday and Sunday we probably got another 8+ inches. It's been absolutely crazy. The roads are a mess, although we have been able to get out most days. Thankfully we can access lots of stores without encountering any huge hills. Here's a picture of Mike and the kids with their pal, Mr. Snowman. Mr. Snowman was built last week and didn't survive the massive snowfall we received yesterday. He's just kind of a blob in the front yard.
I'll post some more pictures soon of the snow fort Mike built this morning with the kids. It's pretty cool!

Check it out!

My December "Sell-a-bration" is up on The Writer Mama's blog. Check it out at: http://thewritermama.wordpress.com/2008/12/17/december-sell-a-bration-17-becoming-proactive/.

I've taken a couple of writing classes from Christina Katz (The Writer Mama) and her book was very instrumental in getting my writing career off the ground!

A tale of two Mallards

Ryan never sucked his thumb or took a pacifier (although there were many times when I wished he would because he was soooo fussy and agitated as an infant), but he is VERY attached to his yellow duck named Mallard. Many of you have met Mallard and know of Ryan's relationship with his feathered friend. He's such an important part of Ryan's life that I purchased a spare Mallard (now affectionately known as "New Mallard") in case we couldn't find "Old Mallard."

A few months ago, Old Mallard was missing (later to be found zipped inside a suitcase), so we brought out New Mallard. Ryan instantly knew the difference, but he was okay with it. When Old Mallard came back, I couldn't help but taking a picture of them side-by-side. Old Mallard has endured a lot in his four short years - many "baths" in the washing machine and lots of love from his pal, Ryan. He's a little dingier, a bit floppier, but definitely still Ryan's favorite!!

"I got hot"

Almost every night for the past month or so, Caitlin has taken off her pajamas after I've put her in bed. The following morning, I always ask her why she did it and she says, "I got hot." This cannot be true because we quite possibly live in the coldest house in Snohomish County!!

The other night, I couldn't resist snapping a picture while she was sleeping, although I feel a bit bad because I think she knew I was taking a picture by the expression on her face. Oh well, I had to capture this moment in time - naked Caits, laying on her PJs, with her beloved paci in her mouth.