Sigh. The cold is upon us.

Here's Max! He's almost two and since we had awesome weather last week, we played out in the backyard and built a fire! It was almost like camping!!

We had a great week last week with temperatures in the 70's!!! and, now we're down in the 40's. SO, I'm slowly beginning to give in to the idea that winter is here and with that comes cold weather, rain, sleet, snow, wind, gray skies, and did I mention the cold!!! No, I don't hate Michigan, I just despise the gray skies that hang around from November through April...it gets exhausting and depresses me. But, with my husband's prompting I'm trying a new approach to this looming problem. I'm going to try to focus on positive things that occur rather than just the things that cause me frustration and depression. Genius! My first attempt at this was this morning. I awoke to gray skies, rain, and, wait for it.....wait for it....somewhat warm weather! Ah, a reason to smile! It's not freezing cold outside. Yay! I'm so happy! I hope I can hold on to this feeling forever, or at least for today and maybe through tomorrow, or until the next peek of sunshine blesses me with a few moments of warmth and exhilaration and the hope of spring. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Now on to more serious matters. Blogging. Hmmmm. I haven't really given this a try not because I'm against it, but because it's one more thing to keep up with and I'm not very good at journaling or keeping track of my life. However, the idea of being able to publish my writing and photos in a book has motivated me, so here I am venturing into unknown territory and doing it as gracefully as possible, which is to say it's not at all.

Here are a few pictures to get me started...I hear my little monster waking from his nap, so I'll have to come back later to continue my "sharing."

I love this picture because he was trying so hard to put his hat back on and just couldn't get it to work. He gave up and asked for help, which sounds so sad and pathetic. He looks at you with these big blue eyes, puts on the best pout he can muster, and says, "Help me mommy," in the the cutest little whine you've ever heart. It causes my heart to melt and my laughter to jump from my throat....every time I laugh no matter how frustrated I am or how chaotic it is when he asks...it causes the same reaction every time. I love it!

And...here he is kicking the soccer ball and running with all his might. He's going to be a fierce athlete and competitor. He does not like to lose...even if it is to the dog!

Later!