Dear Food Time,

Dear Food Time,

You are getting a little more difficult every day. You are a lot of fun, but boy what a mess!

I am pretty sure they only way for Balen to eat is naked. It's just not worth all the laundry!

Haven't tried it yet, but I'm thinking the only way to keep me clean would be to arrive dressed in a trashbag.

Someday the focus will move from eating the spoon, to eating what is actually ON the spoon!

Until then, we'll keep doing our best. Oh, and remember, the gagged up ham on the floor was NOT a big hit with the dinner guest! Other than that we're great!

Dear Old Age,

Dear Old Age, I saw you in full blown action last night at the restaurant! I would give anything to be able to go back and take a picture of you. You were the cutest little old lady and man. As I was people watching (staring), which is what I do best in public, I overheard your LOUD conversation with the table of young people next to you. You so nicely asked them how old their baby was and then you were telling them how fast kids grow up. I thought it was cute when you said, "Guess how tall my son is now!" And then proudly replied, "6'2"!!!" like he was the only six feet two inch guy on the planet. I could have stopped there. Made me giggle and made my night. But oh wait, it gets better. As you were leaving you couldn't get enough of the young couple. Not only did you repeat your exact same 6'2" conversation (which at this point I realized how sad, but sweet it is that your mind is leaving you) but you continued to ask (again), "How old is your baby?" They replied, "15 months." She could hardly wait to reply "Guess how old my son is." And before they could even think, she blurted out "30!!" Then she got a confused look on her face and turned to her husband, "How old is he???" He just looked at her and said "57." Her hand flew up over her mouth and the biggest smile was on her face as she said, "Ooooohhh my they grow fast!" This was the point that I really wanted my camera. Not to make fun of you, just to document another precious season of life. Thanks.

We will all hopefully make it there someday. It is so sweet to see how hard couples hang on to each other. They unconditional love that they show during this time is inspiring. Well, it's either that or just plain ole' tolerance!! (Which is probably what my spunky little Grandma would tease about!) I am sure that man gets tired of taking care of her but that is what love is all about. I am proud of him for getting her out on the big town and trying to enjoy the precious days they have left.

Dear Blue "MUD" boots,

Dear Blue MUD boots, I accentuate the word MUD because this morning I discovered that mud was the one, and only, element you were created for. Bein's that I wasn't in mud this morning, just snow, my poor little piggies had to pay. They eventually thawed out and forgave you and in the end it was all worth it. Next time I guess I will try three pairs of socks.

It was too pretty out this morning to stay in the house. We dropped Balen off at the G-parents and hopped in the pick up with Paige.

This is the newest little baby who is trying to learn how to nurse. Both the baby and the cow are having problems so Paige is having to bottle feed.

The hydrant is frozen so they are lighting some hay on fire.

They let it sit around the hydrant and burn...

until water appears!

I told Jared and Paige that this was a new trick I had never seen before. Without skipping a beat, he so lovingly, I mean sarcastically, replied "uh..you've never done chores before." I can't help it that I have my own chores to do! Inside.

(And for the record, I have done chores before, just not in the snow.)

Dear Snow,

Dear Snow, You are so beautiful today. It's not a harsh, nasty, miserable snow. Just a peaceful, gentle, big fat flaky snow! Days like this make me feel so calm. It is one of those snow days that brings back memories from my childhood and makes me want to go out and make some more. More than anything I wish I could get out and take some pictures, but it is a time I have to spend indoors with my Little Man. I have noticed that when I constantly think "I wish I could do...or I wish I could go..." I have to remind myself that this portion of motherhood is just a season and will SOON be gone. I have to find magic in the things we can do together now, and realize that all of these other activities will have their time. Anyways, back to the snow! Thanks for covering my little farm world with your big white blanket today. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!