Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Happy Birthday Hannah!!



Today my little girl turned 11. I can't believe it. She is so grown up and getting more beautiful everyday. Here is my list of 11 things that I think are spectacular about Hannah.

1. She is an animal lover X 100! She has not touched meat since she was 6 years old. She believes that killing animals is wrong no matter what the reason.

2. She is environmentalist X 100! She has educated herself on the contribution humans have made to global warming. She stands by her beliefs and will not be swayed by anyone.

3. She genuinly likes everyone. If she doesn't, she will never say. She is kind to everyone.

4. She can keep a secret and will keep it. I have witnessed friends of hers trying to pry a secret about a friend from her, she will not budge no matter what.

5. She is loyal to her friends, once a friend always a friend.

6. She is helpful around the house. She is always the first if she can help with something. Even tonight for her birthday she asked if I needed help setting the table.

7. She has fashion sense I never had. For 11 years old, she knows how to dress well.

8. She loves her dog Stella with all her heart. The dog sleeps with her every night.

9. School is very important to her. She takes her grades and studies seriously.

10. She plays the violin, and is becoming quite good at it.

11. She is a great daughter.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Winter Blah's

We have entered the time of year that seems to bring out the blues. I hate to sound like I am complaining, but I can't take this weather anymore. It is so cold, there is so much snow and there seems to be no sun, ever! It feels like Spring will never arrive. I long to be able to open my windows, hang my sheets out to dry and to talk a walk around the block that does not require I wear so much gear to keep warm. I know my kids are getting in cabin fever and the dogs need to run around with get snow or salt stuck in their paws. My poor husband reads his gardening magazines and books religiously, planning the garden that is months away from being planted.

I wish I could say that I am one of those people who skis, skates or snowmobiles, but I am not. I really have no business living in such a cold climate. I prefer being outside in the sun and warmth. Swimming in Lake Michigan, biking or hiking. But, the fact is that I live in Wisconsin. I lived here most of my life and will probably stay here for the rest of my life. So, I guess I better learn to live with the blues for 3 months a year or engage in one of the many winter activities this climate allows.