It's been cold.

And Mommy's been Tired . . . with a capital T. Yes, a growing baby has definitely played a part, but I think the weather has also been a factor. These last few weeks have been COLD (in the 20's for most of the day and lower than that at night.) And I've been ready to call it QUITS by 7:30 pm and curl up under my heated blanket. Thus explains the lack of posts. Enough said. :o)

We are very glad to see some warmer weather returning! Ah, the bliss of a 40-50 degree day! Not only can we enjoy the fresh air, but it doesn't take nearly as much energy (physical and electrical!) to keep the house warm. We did, however, stay warm during the cold snap with a combination of space heaters, extra layers of clothing, lots of blankets, window quilts, and our wood stove. Mommy has gotten quite proficient at all aspects of using a wood stove except for actually chopping and bringing in the wood. That is one job I am more than happy to leave in the hands of my very capable husband. :o)

Our window quilts have been a HUGE blessing in keeping the house at a reasonable temperature. (Thanks, Grandma!) During the cold snap, the window was quite frosty most mornings, but the quilts kept the cold air from getting inside. :o)

And otherwise, we've just been settling back into our normal routine with plenty of indoor activities. On top of the cold, Daddy has had some rather long hours at work, so a tired Mommy has also had to drum up some extra creative energy (in addition to the energy being exerted to stay warm.) Thus explains the lack of posts, #2.

One of the kids' Christmas gifts was a set of race cars. We had to exchange one because originally one remote controlled both cars, but they now each have their own autonomously controlled car and have had lots of fun racing around. :o)

Hannah's enjoyed crafts as usual. :o)

As well as her special "paper" doll quilt--thanks, Great Grandma!

And Peter bounces from cars to Legos to Little People . . .

The kids had fun helping me with lunch train, and even more fun making peanut butter cookies with chocolate kisses, although I don't have pictures of that. :o)

Peter wanted his "baby" to listen to the music, and then Hannah helped all of the other buddies join in, too . . .

And I came upstairs from doing laundry to find the kids happily rocking their babies. :o) Awwww!

And yes, not only does Peter now understand that Mommy has a baby in her tummy, but he has a baby, too. Notice the smaller pumpkin on the tummy of the pumpkin bear--that's his baby. He now refers to two buddies by specific names. His baby is "mine beabee" and his Taggy Lion is "Raar. Mine." (The odd spelling is an attempt to communicate the accent with which he says the names.) :o)

So that's life in these parts. We're anticipating a dethawing soon. :o)