What we do here in da U.P. when it's a little cold...

Been a while. Haven't felt like writing much lately. Think it's just the winter blahs setting in? We are all ready for Spring to arrive with all it's glorious new life and sloppy mess due to the thaw. Our yard and driveway are a grease pit thanks to the sand/clay we have here. Since we put our house in last fall, we didn't put in a lawn and gravel it will be a huge mess til about June!
Bear is still home. This has been the longest amount of time off he's had. Being laid off is good until it catches up with you like a gigantic wave that engulfs you. We weren't prepared for him to be home this long so to say things are tight is an understatement!! We love having him home no matter the strains, because we miss him so much when he's gone! All of our hearts ache when we are separated due to work! So we have found things to entertain us that don't cost a thing. Mainly they involve our children and the outdoors.
Bear and I took the kids for a walk in the woods to see where we might put our horse pasture!

Wahoo!! Can't wait! The girls and I were lucky to take care of 3 beautiful horses for just over 2 weeks. Gave them a little idea of what it takes to take care of them. We all loved it! Even got my Bear over there to help me as he didn't like the idea of me going there alone. After all I am only 39 years old and not grown up yet, ha ha ha ha! Just teasing ya Bear! He didn't want to worry about me being there alone and if something were to happen with one of the horses, how would I get the help I needed. He is awesome with the animals too, they quickly learned who was boss when he was there. I missed them the day after we didn't have to go over. Gave me something to do and it's such good therapy. Haillee is a Morgan with a beautiful red coat, she was my favorite. She would get daily rub downs as she was the only one that would allow it. The owner told us to come over whenever we want to see them. We will do just that! She also said this is the first time her horses have been this well cared for when she has left. (Pats on the backs) Surely was worth every minute and gallons of gas to get to her place. All for the love of the animals. I so look forward to getting our own horses. Spoke with another person that has some for sale, ugh! Doesn't help with the longing to have my own. He has 3, 3 year olds for sale. Has one of the most beautiful horse breeds I have ever laid eyes on, a Gypsy!! Sigh, some day I will have the horse I want.

On our property there all kinds of wildlife. There have been sighting of strange looking bears. Please tell me if you know what kind they are. I know there's a name for them but just can't think of it right now. We see them all the time and they even live in my home. Hmmm sure wish I could think of what they're called. In the woods they leave strange markings on the trees, like this? Do you have any of these kinds of things in your neck of the woods? They also ride these things down the snow covered hills around the house making these screeching sounds and giggly noises. Have yet to figure out what's all the fuss. Looks like they are having a grand time though, doesn't it?

Ever wonder if your kids pick up on your moods? I have proof. Mare Bear made a balloon for Bear the other day because he's been crabby and hurts all the time. Hmm wonder where she got that from??? No matter how hard we try as adults to hide our feelings so our children don't worry about us, they know. We have mother's intuition, they have children's intuition.

Bear made a tire swing for the cubs to play on. He of course had to test it out before they could go on. He reminded himself that if you spin too much you will get dizzy and fall down, quite literally! They were having fun and that swing will be there a long time.

I just told Bear I was working on my blog. He asked me if I put up my Yooper picture yet? My answer was of course "NO!!!" He told me I wasn't finished yet! So here it goes, try not to laugh too hard! He is so proud of turning me into a Yooper. The coveralls are his old pair, can't you tell? This is what I wore to care for the horses. It works, not a fashion statement for sure!

Take in the beauty around you.
Till next time...

Leavin' On A Jet Plane, Don't know when I'll Be Back Again..

Today started much too early for this girl! There is just something wrong about getting up when it's pitch black outside. I have never been a morning person, my Mom will vouch for that. I was always the one up until 2 or 3 am talking on the phone or writing notes to my friends. Alarm clock would go off again and again, I think I wore out the snooze button. Should have been doing homework or studying but what fun would that be?

The cubs and I took Bear to the airport this morning. We all were up walking around with sleepers stuck in our eyes, trying our darndest to keep the blanket over our heads and pretend it wasn't time to get moving already.

We all have to make sacrifices now and then. Today was one of those days that the cubs and I had to sacrifice sleep. Our bear makes plenty of those for us on a daily basis. It's only fair we take a turn at it. We had to leave before he started going through the security check to keep the tears to a minimum for everyone involved. Not sure if you know this or not, but my rough and tough construction foreman is a softy at heart. His heart melts for all his girls and aches too when it's time to leave us behind to go to work. It's ok to cry really it is, but when we first met, he was not like this and now some 3 1/2 years later he decides to show the soft side? I love it though, makes him human and not this super construction man!! But just don't tell anybody, he can't have the guys on the crew knowing this information then they might not want to take orders. Today was easier then the last airport good bye. We were down in Tuscon Arizona last year, the cubs and I were flying back home after a wonderful week in the sun! The babies and I started crying and then Bear started crying when we had to leave the comfort of his arms. We were done going through the security check and the TSA asked if we wanted to turn around and give one last wave. With tear filled eyes, we turned around to see our tough man with tears running down his face, gave our wave and said good byes and I Love You's and see you soon. You'd think we weren't going to see each other ever again. The TSA lady looked at me with tears welled up in her eyes and said that was heart wrenching to watch!!! Try going through it! Pixie was and still is scared to death of the plane and heights! She never wants to fly again or go on roller coasters! Poor baby! Mare Bear on the other hand, give me adventure!! Two totally opposite kids!!

Bear made it to Detroit, 3 hour lay over and then they tell them to go to a different gate because the plane had to have maintenance! I hope he makes his next flight and his luggage makes it to where he is going today. He said he should just get on a plane and come home! He didn't want to go to begin with but me being me reminded him that if he doesn't go we don't have the money to have what we have. Gently reminding him seems to help him stay focused. He misses us and home terribly and would love nothing more than to be done with work and be able to have our home, kids and animals.
Yikes! I said animals. I hope we can get all the work done soon! Need land cleared and fences put up, and pasture planted before we can get our horses! I am impatiently waiting for the day I will be able to buy our horses and bring them home! Such wonderfully beautiful animals. I love their hair, their smell, the muzzle, their individual personality, their beauty. First we will get puppies, 2 Chocolate Lab female pups will join our family in the spring. I must have left my brain in Trollville! Two puppies along with 2 kids and a husband, what am I thinking? Thinking the girls need to start with puppies and work their way up to horses, and have a companion too! And Labs are my favorite puppy/dog. Their ears are the softest things and those eyes, just make me melt, and their chubby little belly's while pups are irresistible to pat and rub. Who wouldn't love the kisses and the cuddles these critters give? We will have a Molly and Spirit if the girls stick to those names. Ask me a day or so after getting these little buggers if I still feel that way about them!
Bear will be landing soon and I have so much to catch up on. I love him being home but for some reason while he's here, I don't want to do my daily housework and laundry, I want to spend time with him. I can check off writing my blog today! The rest will be there tomorrow.
Til' next time!