Something about the winter inspires these bundled, infrequent posts. We're fully tucked in now after seven snowstorms in six weeks, so at least we can say it's going to be a very white Christmas for our first year in the new house. We've been busy little elves this December. I'll try to capture the highlights.
The chickens have fully adjusted to winter and are back up to peak egg production after a couple of touch-and-go months. I keep them cooped up all day with a 150-watt lamp and a heated dog dish (tucked safely away in the lower nesting box so they can't crap in it: it's a wonder how long it took me to figure that one out). I half expected they'd be frozen to death by now, but they seem totally unfazed.
Jenna's wedding ring was missing for a few nerve-wracking days. I got to be the hero and find it and return it to her. I haven't seen her that happy since the first time I gave her the engagement ring. OK and maybe our wedding too, but that's poetic, right?
This is the best police recruitment video ever. Seriously. When I'm feeling uninspired, I just play that and let the wailing guitar riffs lift my spirits. It has become the unofficial theme song of our office. The pace drags after the intro, but be sure to watch the end for the killer finale (complete with an exploding car and more laser sounds).
The cold weather hasn't stopped me from making ice cream. Right now in the freezer I've got peppermint, vanilla/blackberry swirl, and my newest innovation: mudslide. Why prepare mudslides in a blender--the "old fashioned way"--when you can make an ice cream with the liquor mixed in? Just add chocolate syrup and whipped cream, and enjoy! Next up, grasshopper.
Natalie is a big girl. Two years old is the best age yet. She's more prone to sudden displays of affection and just a lot of fun in general. I'm really digging on the dialogue that have together. Notable quotes:
- On her weekly kindermusic class: "I go to musnic school and we eat cake and play musnical chairs. I hope you come with us next time. You should."
- On Christmas: "I'm so 'cited! It's almost Jesus' birthday! We open presents and eat cake! Presents for everybody!"
- On Santa: "He fly. And he have deer."