For starters, David took and passed his driver’s exam first thing this morning.

Then, I happened upon a much-needed windfall from a neighbor who provided us with something that we really needed. It was such a blessing!

Third, we found out that Lora and Chad will be having a BOY this June. I had not made it a secret that I was really hoping for a little blue bundle, so I am very excited!

Fourth, I got news that a job I interviewed for last Friday was awarded to me. I start training tomorrow as an Administrator for an editing company. I’m excited and nervous…

Don’t you just love days like this when everything just seems to be aligned for you?

This is the time of year when I can usually stand a dose of color in the house. It’s cold, gloomy and snowy day after day outside. Inside, life can get a little monotonous as we traipse through day after day of the same school routine.

I may not have anyone standing by ready and waiting to perk up my life…so why not do it myself? I can totally see ordering a bouquet of flowers for myself… or maybe a blooming plant that will get me through the winter until it’s time to get out into the garden and dig again.

If I feel like I need a little inspiration, there’s always great websites out there with a plethora of useful and helpful flower information. Take a quick peek at the pages here and it won’t be hard to choose a bouquet or plant that I would love to have.

So, how about you? Need a winter pick-me-up?

Lora and her hubby are happily expecting number three for their family at the end of June. Not the ideal season for baby hats, but little people can use a hat in any month of the year. They already have a girl (five in March) and a boy (he was three last October). Our tally for grandchildren is three girls and one boy…so I readily admit that I am SLIGHTLY partial to the idea of another grandson…but obviously we will be thrilled with whatever comes.

The big ultrasound is in early February, so we don’t have long to wait until we find out…as long as babe is feeling cooperative!

Hospitals always have a generous selection of newborn hats available for the new baby…but I’m particular. Many times, I’ve brought along my own hat for a new little one…one that I’ve made myself or purchased especially for the new little head. I would especially a knit baby hat, so I think this new baby might like one, too! What could be better than a first hat from Grandma?

Maybe instead we could settle on an electronic drum set. Something that doesn’t take up as much room, yet delivers the same sound and playing experience. I hate to see him turn his back on his drums and it seems like an electronic version of the same thing would fit our purposes well.

Hubby is going back into the snow plowing business. When we met back in 1989, this was his thing. He then sold his two plow trucks and moved on to other endeavors. Now, he’s decided to dabble in it again.

I sure hope we don’t need any breakdown service while he’s out and about this winter. And I sure hope we get dumped on so it’s worth it!

Here in Wisconsin, we’ve settled into real winter with a few snow storms and some really cold temperatures over the last few weeks. I find I reach for my soup recipes when winter whips through. How about you?

Isn’t it comforting to have a big stockpot simmering on the back burner of the stove when it’s blustery outside? What’s your favorite soup to serve?

Here is our homemade tomato soup recipe to get the juices flowing!

Cream of Tomato Soup

2 tablespoons butter
1 chopped white onion
2 tablespoons flour
1 quart tomato sauce
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated parmesan cheese

In medium stockpot over medium heat, saute onions in butter and remove from the heat.

Stir in the flour and then slowly whisk in the tomato sauce.

Return the stockpot to the heat and add salt and pepper to taste. Cook until it simmers but don’t let it boil. Remove the stockpot from the heat.

Let the soup cool 10 minutes then add the milk. Serve immediately and top with a pinch of parmesan cheese.

It’s no small undertaking to do something like this with seven kids…ya know? We dragged Daniel and Jessica and little ones along, too, for a grand total of 13 in our party.

They did have FUN, though. The waterpark is big enough to keep big kids busy, also providing splashing fun for little people, too. They visited the waterpark twice — once on Sunday and again Monday morning before we checked out.

The indoor theme park has an indoor ferris wheel, go karts, laser tag, a golf course, a merry-go-round, a climbing wall and a rope obstacle course. There was something for everyone there, too.

We arrived home Monday evening just in time for Sarah’s ballet class.

Unfortunately, we brought a stomach flu home with us, though! Isaiah, Michael, Ruthie and Sarah all got sick overnight Monday into Tuesday. They were all down for Tuesday and Wednesday. Leonard got sick Tuesday night and I caught it Wednesday night. Unbelievably, Rachel, Abby and David never did catch it! Go figure that!

I’m buried up to my eyeballs in school and work — no time to worry about anything, let alone flexible metal hoses.

I’m feeling the urge to get out my snowmen decorations more every day. Perhaps this coming weekend, the girls and I will get our little guys out and finally put away the autumn splendor for another year.