Dear Florida,
I am severely disappointed in you. For years I have enjoyed your fabulously mild winters.
I have run in your morning hours and worn flip-flops year round. I have packed away my coats and most of my long sleeved shirts.
Your temperatures, as of late are abominable, and will not be tolerated for much longer.
Kindly get your act together and I will remain a proud Floridian.
Sincerely,
Bitterly cold in Brandon
The Gingerbread residence of 2008 -- total disaster, right??
Not compared to this year's attempt-- it didn't even last twenty minutes before falling apart. The only reason I am in the shot is because I had to hold it together long enough to take the picture.
I can only imagine what the Great Gingerbread Experiment of 2010 will look like... maybe something like the remains of Pompeii-- circa 79 AD.
The kids reported that it was delicious and we really did have fun making it... I guess that's what really matters, right?
This week we said goodbye to our beloved pug, George.
In March of 2003, Lance and I drove six hours in a blizzard (while Lance was high on Lortabs due to a broken collarbone) to pick up George from a breeder in Idaho. It was a rough beginning, but everyone who ever met that funny little puppy loved him.
Nearly seven years later, he is such a great and easy dog. Over the years, he has been dragged on campouts, vacations, and one cross-country move. He has been awakened nightly by crying babies, poked, climbed on and dressed up in Hawaiian shirts, Halloween costumes, and Christmas sweaters. We just couldn't ask for a more tolerant dog.
Unfortunately, the years have caught up with him and he is suffering from various afflictions (the least of which is an unearthly odor). We know that our family is unable to give him the care and pampering that he deserves in his old age. We are so lucky to have found an organization who specializes in caring for aging pugs. They are giving him the attention that he needs in his advanced years.
We handed him over last Tuesday and they have reported that he is loving his new position as center of attention-- a position he has not enjoyed since we started having kids and took in Bluto in 2005.
Here are some pictures of George through the ages. You will notice that he has put on a few pounds and gained some gray hair over the years (but then again... so have I.)
Good luck George. We love and miss you, buddy.
I love everything about Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I love traditions and retelling the Nativity story. I love hanging out in jammies all day. I love relaxing and playing with new toys/movies/books. I love the food. This year was the first time we have ever celebrated Christmas by ourselves. While we missed our families-- it was an awesome Christmas.
I forgot my camera so you will have to take my word for it that it was very cool. Perfect weather (not too hot for jeans, not too cold for shorts), Christmas carols being played, and Christmas decorations throughout. Followed by a long nap and Family Home Evening.
We didn't have any carrots-- so this year Santa's reindeer had to make do with lettuce.
A Slovacek tradition-- a fire in the fireplace and Andy Williams on the cd player before the kids can come out of their rooms.
Lance vs. Tobin's Optimus Prime
Zoie trying out her new digital camera on the cutest subject in the house
One of Tobin's favorite gifts. After years of feeling left out during "dress-up"... NO MORE!
The kids talking to my parents over the webcam. (They will be home by next Christmas!)
Our (apparently cross-eyed) little reindeer.My kids love visiting Santa. Last year they saw him three times at Busch Gardens and twice at the mall. This year, I have avoided both places due to large crowds. Zoie reminded me yesterday that she hasn't seen him yet. In my naivete, I thought, "What a fun day! Let's go visit Santa!"
Each year my Mom sends my kids adorable Christmas outfits. This year was no exception. Each year I neglect to capture these outfits in good pictures. This year was no exception.
To make a VERY long story short: There is a reason that Zoie is shoeless in her photo and please excuse the spit-up all over Chase's sweater. We had an extremely harrowing Sunday morning, followed by wonderful, spiritually-uplifting church meetings.
It was so nice, after an unbelievably hectic few hours, to sing Christmas music and be reminded of the meaning of Christmas. It really helped me to keep things in perspective.
After all-- who cares if Zoie somehow lost all of her church shoes and wore brown canvas tennis shoes to church? Does it really matter if Chase regurgitated his breakfast on himself and both of his parents? And is there some kind of rule that mandates hair-brushing prior to church attendance?
Merry Christmas, everyone!
