A Bit of Spring Fever

This little bit of sunshine we've had these two days has us grabbing for our rainboots instead 0f the snow boots and happily passing by our mittens on the way out the door. This winter sun break reminds us of our springtime rituals. Afternoon strolls, feeling warm patches of sun in late afternoon come through our windows, Gretas butterfly net ("no butterflies today" she said so the net collected damp rocks instead), hearing birds sing and feeding our animal friends at the park. We collected some aging bread and fruit and headed to the park to do a mid-winter check of the animals. Oh, how happy they were to see Miss Greta again. Especially the pink pig and the black pig. When we got home, we started a special "pig food" basket with a pig tag drawn by Greta to remind us of our duty to supply the pigs, llamas and goats with snacks. We'll fill the basket with scraps and breads instead of Greta emptying the fridge for "piggy food" each visit. Little Fieldin was very happy to be free of his arctic suit and feel some sunshine on his face. He loved watching Greta climb the melting mountains of snow in the front yard. We've been patient with the weather and Springtime gave us a sneak peek today of what is to come....eventually.

Fairy Elf slippers for Miss Greta

Gretas elf slipper, originally uploaded by inthewheatfields.

While cleaning my crafty stuff the other day, Greta found this pattern and REALLY wanted a pair of Elf Slippers. I wish I knew who to give pattern credit to but there is no info on the card and not sure how this got into my crafty stuff in the first place. Maybe fairy magic? I finished this lone one late last night and hope to start on the second today. This is, if I find a moment between indoor campouts, treasure hunts, laundry and some light snow shoveling. Have a magical Sunday everyone.

Little Red Truck Is All Grown Up

Most people are attached to their vehicles, but Little Red Truck is part of our family. He turns 18 years old next month and has a staggering 180,900 miles to show for it. He's old enough to get a credit card now, which I am sure he would use to buy a much needed new stereo. Jeff has known him for 18 years and I've been his friend for 10 years. He drove us on our first real date and now he is hauling around our first born. We have camped in him under the stars on warm summery nights, risked horrible mountain passes and braved border customs with him . He's a good guy. Never complains, even though he's never gotten a spot in the warm garage. He is usually covered in snow, rain or ice and always starts up happily EVERY morning. If only we could be so consistent. To date he has only requested the few following essentials:

Two mufflers, Two new brakes, One headlight and some motor oil.

His radio is broken, he is loosing foam from his seats, his check engine light has been on for 8 years(eventually covered with some electrical tape to stop spooking car pool buddies) and his spare tire just hangs out in the back because its holder gave up years ago.

Miss Greta adores him most of all. Cries well up if she is told they won't be taking the poor old truck on errands. When daddy goes to work in the morning, Miss Greta watches from the window and says"Good bye daddy, Good bye Little Red Truck".

I could really go on for years about stories that involve that red truck but I think you get the jest. Here is to 18 more years my friend. If you stay around long enough Miss Greta will take you for her own......

Birthday Love

Birthday Love, originally uploaded by inthewheatfields.

Thank you all for the Birthday calls and e-mails. Now that the birthday excitement is over it is time to play catch up ( the resident bakers' toadstools were very good by the way). The roads were finally clear today so the day was spent at appointments and errands that have been put off for the last couple weeks. I noticed the river is getting very high here. I hope the weather is treating you well wherever you are. I hope Mother Nature is taking a little break for a while.........

Two Capricorns and A Cake

My birthday is tomorrow. The cool thing is Jeffs birthday is the day after. For one day each year we are the same age and for one fleeting second we actually share a birthday. Then I happily pass my birthday off to Jeff to enjoy. Sharing a birthday each year is fun and we always share a cake. Two cakes sound good in theory, but it's not. Trust me. So tomorrow, for just one day, There will be two 33 year olds, a 3 year old and a 3 month old in our house. I have no idea what that means but maybe we should buy a lotto ticket or something. Today was full of card and gift making by Miss Greta and tonight the resident bakers are hard at work baking this years "wishing treat".( I eavesdropped, it's going to be cupcakes decorated like toadstools, Can't wait!) I'm not sure what Jeff is wishing for, scratch that, he'll wish for a winning seasons for the cubs. I think I may wish for a break in snow so we can get our mail delivered. I guess I'll see, I have 4 hours, 15 minutes to think about it and counting......

Need vs. Want

Just a quick note about the babe. He just turned 3 months and as of today has grown 5 inches since his birthday. That deserved a celebratory superbaby flying spin around the house. Maybe it's our water, because big sis is 3 1/2 now and a little over 3 1/2 feet tall. If they keep growing at this rate, I am doomed to be the shorty pants in this family.
Now on to Need vs. Want. I am an organizer. I tear apart our home about twice a year and get rid of clutter, move things around and horribly annoy everyone that lives with me. My organizing is never a pretty sight. Piles everywhere. It has to get worse before it can get better, right? It's the beginning of a new year and a good time to get rid of stuff that has accumulated, like 4 magazine articles on pruning (I will google it anyway). Todays projects included moving Gretas bookshelf or should I say library(my arms are still aching), Creating an art center in the kitchen for Miss Greta (so we can see our dining table again for at least a couple days) and reorganizing all my crafty stuff (that was a hard one). I know my habit is annoying but I just try to keep what we need. It's not worth just wanting something there should be a real need for it. I say this now but check back 6 months from now when I find unused yarn stashed away because I really needed it.....for something.

"WSU Here I Come............"

We have been hearing this echo through the house most recently by Miss Greta. She starts pre-school in 18 days on inauguration day. So while our country starts in a new direction so does Miss Greta. January 20th will bring excitement and change to all of us on a different level but Miss Greta is not excited about a new administration or even a new daily routine at pre-school. Miss Greta is excited to be a Coug. A Coug just like mommy and daddy. Here is why she will be a COUG in her own words:

1.)I will go up to college everyday (very true she is enrolled at a WSU pre-school and her building is on campus)

2.)I will have a backpack like the big COUG kids (but theirs don't have Disney characters;))

3.)I have a Go Cougs water bottle

So there you go, Miss Greta is now a Coug and we are so proud. Luckily we will not be paying full college tuition and she is too young to get into a sorority so I'm not too worried..... well kinda....

So to celebrate, I knitted Greta the legwarmers to match her new rainboots. She loves ribbon so I added it for prettiness and because it keeps them from sliding. They will be great for Spring (oh, please come soon) when she is splashing around in her wellies and digging in the garden. Here's to thoughts of Spring and Go Cougs!