Busy, Busy Best Friend...

I was shocked and sad when I realized I hadn't posted in 10 days. Time sure is flying. Fall definately is a time of chores when you've spent your summer "playing" at the track. We supplement our regular heat with a wood burner. Not just to save money, but the heat is warmer. We also have a fireplace in the living room (another house selling point...too bad there isn't one in the bathroom!) that we enjoy burning in on cold evenings. When we first moved in (13 years ago) we split by hand! I can't believe my Grandfather split everything by hand, what a man! It didn't take long to purchase a splitter, now I can split too...wait that didn't work out right. haha

My BEST FRIEND is my precious dog Josie!!! She follows me everywhere, doesn't care what mood I'm in, hugs me when I cry (she really does, she wraps her head around my neck) and "talks" to me in the morning. Even when I'm splitting wood, she lays in the bark and shavings close by. I sure am gonna miss her when she's gone. They say your dog waits for you in heaven...I sure hope so!!!

And He's only 11....

My menfolk love to go hunting. Archery season is their favorite. Probably because, contrary to what anti-hunters think, they love the outdoors and the wildlife as much, if not more, than the actual hunt. I hear lots of stories of how squirrels "hollar" at them if they're sitting at the base of HIS tree, chipmunks run around gathering and hiding nuts and the beautiful skies blazing various colors of crimson, violet and blue. They all come back renewed.

We had a big discussion with Jon about being very selective before raising his bow due to the unseasonable temperatue of 80 degrees. Well I received a pic on my cell phone showing this magnificent 8-point buck. Jonathan is only 11 years old and this is his third dear, two with a bow. His very first hunt (at age 9) he bagged a 3-point and last year a smaller 8-point. He says he wants to be a Professional Hunter when he grows up...I'm starting to think he just might be!

I hope I didn't offend anyone with the picture...I kept is tasteful.

Book review...

This is the best book I have ever read. I was hooked reading the forward. While it is a fictional book, it will make you think. We spend a lot of time with closed hearts. We don't volunteer at animal shelters because it breaks our heart to see them come in abused or have to be euthenized, we change the channel when they show starving children and turn a blind eye to the homeless. This book will help you open your heart and understand that giving really is better than receiving. After you read The Shack you will want all of your friends and family to have a copy.

Game time...

When I was growing up as an only child I spent alot of time playing games by myself. And you may find it hard to believe...but I played honestly (boy did I lose alot of games). I come from a long line of card players. Unfortunately, we "kids" weren't allowed to play...still aren't, and I'm 39. (no really, I am 39) So I made a vow to myself when I was young I would always make time to play games with my kids. And while it's not as often as it should be, we play often, more when the weather turns cool. We usually pop some popcorn, heat some water in the kettle and grab a game or two.

Tonight it was Sorry and Sliders. Jonathan has been playing Sliders in Science class. How do you play sliders you ask? Each player has a different color slider (in this case Sorry pieces), you take turns sliding then to the end of the table and whoever is closest to the edge gets a point. How does that relate to science? I'm sure it has something to do with how fast, how much force, etc...

I enjoy this time with the kids. It's a relaxed time to chat, heckle and just "be" with the family. Dad doesn't always join in, but that's ok, because he always wins. Drives me nuts!!! But we certainly enjoy when he joins in on game night.

If you don't have family game night you should. Wether you play a board game, dice or cards. Wether it's with family or friends. Game night is a great excuse to slow the everyday pace down, share stories and, of course, eat some yummies. Enjoy!!

Autumn is here...

It's quite nippy here in Ohio this evening. Granted, this same temperature in February will feel like spring and we'll all be sick from going outside with no coats. But tonight...it's down right chilly. After going out to check some trees to cut down for firewood Jonathan and I decided to build a fire in the fireplace. The kids put their electric blankets on their beds so their tootsies will be warm tonight. Hope your warm where you are tonight!