Home Alone

The kids and I have been spending a lot of time without Pete this month due to his busy traveling schedule. It has been a really long adjustment period, as Pete pointed out. I feel like we do really well on our own. Breakfast, lunch and dinner still happen. Books and books are read, homework done, the kids are bathed and teeth are brushed, did I already say we read books?. we have come up with our own "without dad" routine. I enjoy the evenings and like a little time at night to sew or read and not feel like I am keeping anyone up.This is not to say that I don't have my moments. A few really. We miss him a lot. Luckily, Hans is a great impressionist and plays the part well. I guess it's lucky for him that it's Dad traveling and not me.
My original plan in adopting Spike was to have a lookout dog. He earned his keep this week, that is all I will say. We had our first snowfall of the season yesterday and he was not pleased. He barks at it and shook his feet at every step. I think this may be a long winter for him.

Olive was so happy. She immediately changed into full snow regalia.
It barely dusted and only stuck for about an hour and a half but she was fully entertained just by making tracks. This was great for me because for the last couple of months she has stuck to me like glue. She requires complete, undivided attention if there are no siblings around and even then it is only a momentary reprieve. Most of the time I have to watch her paint or call out letters or shapes for numbers for her to write. I introduced her to a stash of paint with water books I had and they are extremely popular although she has no idea who the snorks or monchichis are. Her favorite activity by far is dancing. Dancing outfits are a must, the living room must be cleared and she also has strict musical requirements. Namely, Spongebob Squarepants or Sound of Music. This is one of her favorite things. Want to know a few of mine? Let me tell you in the form of a new list.
Five of a few of my favorite things(right now).

#1. Our myriad of pets. Spike, Hans' bird Isabella, Max the turtle, the caterpillars we are growing into painted ladies and our 5 Mexican jumping beans, who apparently can live for up to three years.

#2. Western Barbie. I had her when I was younger and recently found her at the DI. I am not letting anyone play with her which is causing drama because she winks! A big blue eye-shadowed 1980's wink.

#3. Winco. I had never shopped there until Alex turned me on to them. We had one in Washington and I loved it. I was sad when we moved and had to give up both Winco and Trader Joes. But then a great thing happened. They opened two new ones this past week here! Now if I can get a Trader Joes and a Grocery Outlet(I like their cheese selection), I will be happy.

#4. My "Ladies Knife". When I bought my Bernina a couple of years ago I poured over every piece of paper it came with. When my eyes landed on this pocket knife I knew it had to be mine. As is customary for me I put my good vibes out and waited for one to find me. When we were in Sequim last visit we went to a garage sale where we actually lined up and waited. They let only a few people inside at a time so there was no crowding. When it is an older persons home there is usually some sort of a sewing area and this lady had a whole room. There were several people in there already but my eyes fell to a little black box. One brand new Bernina swiss army knife. It has done me well and this past week of Halloween costume making it has been a dream come true.

#5. My house. I love my home. I have such plans for it. Mostly I just love that we have a comfortable, happy place to live in and I am grateful to Pete for providing for us. I especially love my room with all of my things and all of my mess.

I know I left out the obvious kids and husband. I feel that it was an assumed favorite thing. What about you?