We're back in the land o' snow. First, I should go back to where I left off: Tuesday, one week before Christmas:
The snow that had been falling since Sunday melted. When I left for work Wednesday morning, it started snowing again....it snowed ALL DAY LONG - in fact, it snowed for about 24 hours straight. When I got home from work, I decided that I should probably do some snow removing so I could actually get out of the house. So, I shoveled the walk way and contemplated getting on our quad and trying to plow the driveway (Curtis was not due to be home until Thursday night and I was afraid I'd be snowed in or out of the house by then). So, I found the key and started her up. I've watched Curtis do this before so I figured I could do it. Bless our dear neighbor, Jason, who clued me in to the fact that I kept getting stuck because I wasn't in All-Wheel Drive, just 2 wheel drive. They also have a quad with a blade on front, so we gave it our best attempt at plowing (needless to say, Jason is much better than I am). His wife, Heidie, asked if I would be fighting Curtis for who gets to do the plowing from now on. Yeah, right, like I'm going to fight him to do that. I did have fun, but I was cold and wet by the time we finished.

We left for my parents' home on Saturday morning, got to town about noon, fueled up and mom and I went shopping. We did so much baking and shopping! It was great! The 5 days went by way to fast, but it is always wonderful to be home for Christmas. We woke up on the 26th to snow! Now, snow doesn't happen very often on "the other side" of the mountains, and even less in southern Oregon, and even less at Christmas (if it showes up at all, it's usually in Jan or Feb). So, we met up with Curt's parents for breakfast and headed out of town by about 10am. By that time, the snow was melting. It seems like it's been snowing ever since we got home - little bits here and there, but enough to keep Curtis busy on the quad! We probably have a foot and a half. Speaking of snow - it's snowing right now!

We got to spend lots of time with family - my brother and his girlfriend - Karleigh; cousins - David and Craig; Aunt Janet and (briefly cuz he's sick), Uncle Randy. My grandma also joined us (she's the only grandparent Curtis and I have between the two of us). For the third year in a row, we fondued on Christmas Eve, after church. It's a lot of work, but lots of fun.

I took the rest of the week off and have been trying to get things cleaned up and put away. I couldn't stand to put all of the Christmas stuff away, so a few things are still out - snowmen stuff mostly, but I figure they'll fit in for a few more months. The cats are very glad we're home and the dogs are happy to be back to a place where they can frolick in the snow. Seriously, they love it.

Snow

It's finally arrived. Sure, we've had a few days of snow here and there (like when that huge storm pummled the coast a couple weeks ago). But it's been snowing since Sunday night. We had about 4 inches until today when it suddenly got warm (and by warm I mean 37) and melted. I let the dogs out last night (cuz they go crazy when it snows):


I haven't been much in the Christmas spirit this year, but we do have lights on the house, a tree up, and my snowmen decor out (thanks to my wonderful hubby who'll do anything to cheer me up).



Speaking of the hubby, he's gone this week - in Grants Pass for work. He'll get back on Thursday and then we'll turn around and go back to Grants Pass on Saturday for Christmas.

Curtis and I did all our Christmas shopping in 6 hours on Saturday. Let me just say, there was extensive planning and a very detailed list. I had to be reminded several times to "stick to the list." It helps that we don't have lots of people to shop for.

Well, Christmas looks like it threw up in my living room, so I'm going to sign off and attempt to finish wrapping presents. Maybe putting in my favorite Christmas movie (Love Actually) will help inspire me to finish up.

Merry Christmas!

I am a Sunflower What Flower Are You?

Happy December!

So, what's been going on for the last 6 weeks you ask?

We went to the beach (decided at the last minute not to take the doggies - maybe next time)




watched the Ducks beat ASU
Mom and my brother, Jeff:

my mom's brother, Bruce (joined us from Salem) and my dad

Curtis and me:


Hosted Thanksgiving at our home for 12 people (we used our china for the first time since it's spent much of the last 3 years in boxes). It was so nice to have a house full of family and friends.


Made fudge with my grandma while she was here with my parents for Thanksgiving. This was a special time for us since we always make a batch of fudge together at Christmas.



Now, the Christmas lights are up. We have a tree with lights on it and maybe one of these days we'll get motivated to put ornaments on it.

Here are some other random pictures:
What our yard looked like 2 days ago:


What it looks like now because the snow level went up to 8,000 feet:


Chester aka Mr. Hopeful:


Curtis playing with Jesse, who has his KONG toy in his mouth - he LOVES it: