Finally Settling In!

I apologize for not updating recently. The basement is almost finished here, and we've finally brought most of our belongings into the house! YAY!!!

The girls room is done, and all 6 girls are snuggled cozily into it. I'm really glad we did so much de-cluttering before we moved, but we could definitely do some more!

Here's some pictures of the paint job in the girls' room:






I also carpeted the girls' room by myself, using carpet my parents have had in their basement for the last couple of years, which they got from my aunt and uncle's house when THEY got new carpet! (Clear as mud? Sorry.) But, apparently, I don't have any pictures of the finished carpet.


As for the yard outside, we waited for a calm, non-windy day, and did THIS:



No, we did NOT burn the house down, we simply burned some big dead evergreen bushes out of our yard.


Here's a better view of what was going on, so you won't think we're super-reckless:



I was standing out there with a hose, wetting down all the things we didn't want burned. Russell and the two big boys were out there with shovels, and we all walked around and around the flames to make sure the fire stayed under control. As cars passed by us, we waved to them, indicating that all was well. It became pretty humorous, as car after car slowed down to see if we were burning down the joint.

Actually, it speaks volumes about how people care about their neighbors around here, and are willing to help others in need-- pretty cool!

In closing-- wait. Did I hear you say that you needed to see some more pictures of our darling baby? Our #10 child? The High Empress of this household?

Alright. I can do that:

I'm always happy to oblige, you know... ;-D

And she's UP again!

Okay, so I apologize for my last cranky post. Being cold sometimes-- okay ALWAYS-- does that to me. Yes, I am a wimp. Hear me whine...

Oh, no! I think I've become my father. :-p He was born and raised in the South (Alabama, y'all.) and has never liked living here in Idaho. But he and my mom have been here 30+ years, so...?

Anyhoo, I woke up to a winter wonderland this morning, with snow and mist all over. But I'm actually perky today, due to the fact that we now have HEAT. YAY! Just another witness that Ma Ingalls I am NOT. *sigh* Oh, well. I'll stick with indoor plumbing, electricity, central air-- I mean radiant heat.

This morning I'm counting my blessings that I didn't have to haul myself outside to the outhouse at 6 am.

There is definitely something to be said about modern living!

Attempting to Take It All In Stride-- and Failing

I grew up in this Frozen Wasteland that some call "Idaho." I know what -27 below days feel like. I spent the bulk of my childhood wishing I lived somewhere else, and yet-- at age 35, with ten kids, and a house that has no working heater-- I am baaaack.


Why? Every day I ask myself "Why?" And every day the answer seems more distant and less accessible.

After living seven glorious years in the warm Arizona sun, I am freezing to death in mere 35 degree weather and rain.

Did I miss the memo that winter arrives here at the end of September?

Just checking.