The Hunt

...is ON!

It all started with the fear being put into me during the cold snap a few weeks ago.

by the way, it may be 60 degrees now, but I'm still chilled to the bone.

Am I the only one experiencing phantom cold syndrome?

I was bundled up, out and about one night, throwing obscenities like frick and shnikes as I ran from my car to the grocery store, when I saw a reader board flashed 13 degrees and was instantly grateful that my little angels were bundled up, snug and warm in their beds.

But then it hit me...

I'd been checking the weather, in Iowa, everyday.

Iowa high 5, low -13.

Ah crap (please excuse my potty language)! Seriously. I was freezing my buns off and it didn't even reach 13 degrees in Iowa today... not even midday, when the sun was blazing overhead.

I was going to die.

Which leads me to today...another day on the hunt.

I stalk the internet in search of winter clearance sales in hopes that I might purchase some parka with enough down to keep my little angels warm in Antarctica. But a parka alone won't ensure their survival.

No way.

They need gloves, hats, and mittens. Oh my.

Oh my indeed. It adds up fast, even on clearance.

But it IS a commandment to feed and CLOTH our children. And it has been said that "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." My shopping is nothing more than me fulfilling my divine role as a mother.

Will you remind Steve of that as he pays the credit card bill? Thanks.The fruits of my labors.

NOTHING cuter than a toddler in snow overalls. NOTHING! Adam's new logger's cap ALSO served Shannon on silly hat day at school.

Multi tasking. I'm trained as a nurse...it's what we do.

Happy New Year

Just to let you know, we're alive an kickin'. A 14 day cold swept through the Hodgen household and drained our energy reserves. To cope, we immersed ourselves in the overindulgence that always accompanies the holidays.

It's Beginning to look a lot like...

Iowa

Heard of the blizzard tearing through the Midwest?

Here's Alabama's portion of their winter wonderland. 1/2 inch, maybe 3/4ths? What ever the precipitation, it was cause to run out, grab a loaf of bread and milk, then toss the kids in their "winter gear", aka a fleece zip up, and play in the snow until it melted into a soggy, muddy mess(30 minutes later).It was good practice though.

I thought about naming this post

I-O-Whatta?

Wondering why?

Steve has accepted a residency in Davenport, Iowa and as of June we'll officially be Midwesterners.

My first thought was..."uh, where IS Iowa?"

Isn't it that state I missed every test in the 4th grade when they either asked us to name all 50 states OR handed us a map and told us to fill it in. BOTH times = no idea! We are trilled with the opportunities that await us there, but at the same time there are moments like these when my heart feels heavy. Wonderful friends and family that will no longer be a short jaunt away. More like a grueling 14 hour track away, through snow and ice, uphill both ways.

My girls...

who welcomed me to Alabama with open arms when I had a 5 day old baby and forced me to exercise. I've love every minute...and will cry as I reread this post next winter in my down parka huddled next to a wood burning stove while you frolic at the park in your windbreakers.
But life's an adventure and I voluntarily signed up for the ride.

I had to include this picture. It shows my true colors. Or at least how I feel about dogs. There I said it. You always had an inkling though, didn't you?

When Lindsey Comes to Town

The sun shines brighter.
Almost blinding.
And life is a little better.
And she's so sweet with your kids that you nearly forgive her for stealing both recessive genes and getting the blue eyes that were meant for you (meaning Me, Melissa).

...I said nearly forgive. And I'm pretty sure the doctrine includes something about...AND forgetting as well, which will never happen, so I'm not too focused on the forgiving part for that reason alone.

Anyways, you feel inspired to...

Get gussied up.

Even if she is my sister, I can't let her see the way I really live.

Thanks to Laura for turning our kitchen into a hair salon and for being patient with me while I attempted to learn how to cut Shannon's hair.
Oh, and thanks for fixing Shannon's hair after I butchered it.

(note the look of concern on Shannon's face) (and the ugly look of concentration on mine)

All's well that ends well. Shannon likes her hair.
Whew.
I would have never heard the end of that one.

Moving on

...create an army of turkey cupcakes for Shannon's birthday at school.

(note Shannon's and Lindsey's new hair styles)

...Feel a little more free

like Adam here, who decided to sleep commando and leave a puddle on his bed for me to clean.

...get a shrink for your daughter after she hyperventilates/cries for 2 hours straight after Lindsey leaves.

Or just call Lindsey plan the next time she can come down. It's much cheaper and more fun!

my dirty little secret

He knew what he was getting into, but he was so hopped up on love that I knew he would agree to anything I said. I told him it would be expensive, I would have to rendezvous frequently, and that was the way it was going to be. OK? Good.

Fast forward 8 1/2 years.

The time has come. He's in denial. I did warn you, didn't I?

I'd seen my mom do it for years. I knew it was part of life. However, at the tender age of 17 I discovered the first culprit. It forced me to look at my own mortality.

Later, as they multiplied like a raging virus, I said, "No not until I'm 30." I gained some comfort knowing that my younger sister was starting down the same vicious spiral. Misery loves company.

With the awkward teenage years gone, I was finally learning to love myself. I might not have been perfect, but it was me. Now that must all change.

I also didn't think we'd STILL be students when the time came. But luckily, someone in the know took pity on me and came to my rescue. A fellow starving student wife. I offered to give her a shot anytime in return. Hi. My name is Melissa and I dyed my hair to cover a gray hair or two. I'm a natural brunette but loving my new life with blond highlights.

I'm still trying to decide if blonds have more fun.

Thank you Laura!

Who Doesn't LOVE...

Yea Yea. I'm alert and oriented. A&O x 3.

Yea Yea I know it's the middle of November.

BUT, I had to post some Halloween Happenings.

Partially at the insisting of Lindsey.

Partially for posterity's sakes.

Mostly because it's just too cute not to share.

What kid doesn't LOVE a mummy/pig in the blanket covered in blood/ketchup?

What little boy doesn't LOVE digging through orange, squishy pumpkin guts then flinging them on anything within 8 feet?

And what little girl doesn't LOVE getting her make up done by a professional make up artist (aka life saver Laura) to transform her into the Asian princess Mulan?

And what little boy doesn't LOVE a little extra junk in the trunk to pad a fall or two as he waddles from car to car sucking on his first dum dum?

And what parents doesn't LOVE pulling dum dum sticks off their little boy's stomach or taking a tax on their cute kids candy as payment for security provided while their children begged for candy from strangers (haven't I tried to teach them NOT to take candy from strangers)?

I don't know what you think, but we LOVE Halloween!

Future Sanitation Engineer

Yes, this is my trash.
Why a pic of my garbage?
Look closely.

A little closer.

There, now do you see it?

Yep, it's our library DVD.

Why in the trash? You might need to ask Adam.

He's been responsible for various disappearances around the house. He doesn't discriminate. Sippy cups. Grandma's shoes. Barbies.

But when you start messing with federal property, it's time for an intervention my boy.