Fire Trucks

Today we found out that our fire department has an excellent response time...

Our housekeeper was at our house doing the usual oven clean cycle except our Thanksgiving feast left the oven dirtier than normal causing excessive smoke, which then led to the fire alarms going off. When we moved into the house and set up the security system, we also linked the fire alarms to the panel. So if the alarms go off for an extended amount of time, it places a call the the alarms company who also dispatches the police/firemen. I called the housekeeper when I got a warning on my phone and she told me everything was fine, but when the alarm company called me, they had already phoned in the brigade. Anyway, by the time Ross was able to get home (and he only works a mile away) there were 4 cops, a firetruck, and 2 fireman in front of our house. The firemen were all suited up with crowbar and ax in hand, ready to bust in the front door. 

So there's some Monday excitement for you. It's events like this where I feel like I work so far away because I couldn't just get home to check on things. Good thing Ross is nearby. It is also reassuring to know that the firemen/policemen are so quick in responding. 

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Cyber Monday

I'm laying in bed late on a Sunday night and I can't stop perusing online deals, just to "make sure" I'm not missing that elusive thing that I don't know that I need, but I might... So far my favorite deal is the code "CYBERMON" on Amazon which gets you 30% off on select items. Apparently they are going to have a week long sale, so if this one doesn't tickle your fancy you can check back all week. Anyway I bought a pair of shoes for Claire a couple sizes too big. That's necessary right? :)

How was your Thanksgiving? We had a nice time seeing family, eating, celebrating birthdays, enjoying cool weather, road trips in my new car, playing chalk & bubbles, and to top it off Claire got to play in the SNOW at the Christmas festival at church. It didn't exactly snow, but there was snow and that's what counts. Oh and Claire learned how to say "Jesus" today. Super cute!

Claire was so so so mad when we pulled her out of the snow to go inside. Screaming. Kicking. Writhing. The hot chocolate helped ease the pain.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm taking the week off from blogging to enjoy the downtime with family and friends! See you in a week... Happy Thanksgiving!

For each new morning with its light, 

For rest and shelter of the night, 

For health and food, 

For love and friends, 

For everything Thy goodness sends. 

- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

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Goodbye 4-runner

The 4-runner has been such a great car for our family. From starting in negative degree weather in Alaska to surviving all the interior modifications only a giant Weimaraner can offer. It is bittersweet saying goodbye but we found a good owner looking for a low mileage 4 wheel drive SUV (aka my coworker). It's time. I took my last drive in it today. 

And I took my first drive in my new Volvo! The ultimate 7 seater mom car...

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No computer

Still waiting on a computer check- up!

But it's easier to wait when you have a cute baby picture. This pig-tail gem is my phone screen saver right now :)

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Broken computer

My computer is having issues- the mouse is moving around the screen all by itself. It's possessed! I made an Genius Bar appointment on Friday to get this ghost situation looked at, so in the meantime blog posts may be sporadic. 

How about this time hop picture to keep you satisfied? :)

Love looking back at sweet memories!

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Barcelona sights

Barcelona was such a fun city. Here are some more sights from our trip a couple months ago!

Doesn't this castle look like it belongs in a Disney movie?

View of Barcelona from a nearby mountain

This picture needs some explanation. During the Merce festival there is one night were there is a "Fire Run." It's basically a parade of floats, however the floats carry sparklers and fireworks. Alongside dance "devils"spraying the crowd with fireworks. Ross and I attended the earlier, kid friendly version (not the late night adult parade) and I was so scared! You're supposed to wear protective clothing but we did not; the fireworks were loud and sprayed into the crowd. It was not my favorite thing, but I am glad we stayed for a little preview to see what it was all about.

Bell Tower on the Cathedral of Barcelona

I hope to visit Barcelona again one day!

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Favorite Things

I just got home from a "Favorite Things" Neighborhood Ladies night out and it's what is fresh on my mind. Everyone brought an item that they really love, spending about $20, and shared with the group. Then, they collect the names of all the items and send out an email list afterwards for gift ideas. I'm going to try and remember a few:
Specs Gift card, starbucks gift card, Anthropologie Candles, Chanel lipgloss, Benefit mascara, Sprinkles gift card, Christmas decorations, Kendra Scott necklace, Fair Trade gifts, laundry detergent that is highly scented, Tina Fey book, Urban Decay eye shadow primer, Living Proof dry shampoo, lots of lotions...

And then the other day Oprah came out with her "2015 Favorites List" which is all featured on Amazon this year! I like quite a few of the items but came across this review of her list that I found useful before scrolling though all 80+ items. The cell phone case with the light for Facetiming seems like a great idea!

But this got me thinking about my own favorites. What are they? And what would yours be? Once you think about it, making a Christmas list might not be so hard!

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Elmo and Baby

This is what behind the scenes of trying to get a family picture looks like. Yes, Elmo and Baby Doll made it to the park too...

Pictures were taken by a friend (Jim Ross) before we had homemade pizza night. Have I mentioned that Ross is getting really good at making pizza? Another story for another time :)

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2 Years Without Lee

Today marks 2 years since Dad (Lee) Huebel passed away. 

Please take a minute to re-read this old post: Tribute to Lee Huebel

2 year reflections: 
Admittedly, I find it harder to recall special memories of Lee with the vividness that I once remembered them. In those times, I am so thankful for this blog, this journal through our lives. I'm able to go back in time and conjure up pictures, which help keep things more fresh. 

For me personally, parenting is where I feel Lee's loss most acutely. Now that I'm a parent not only do I have a deeper understanding of the two-way love between a parent and a child, but I also understand how it becomes three-way love with grandparent, parent, and child.  This bond is why I long for Claire to know Lee, not just know about Lee. But life happens. And now it is up to us to make sure that Claire understands what an incredible man her grandfather was.

Our world changed when Lee Huebel died and there will always be a gap where he should be, but isn't. We continue to keep on keep'in on, but it's just not the same without Dad Huebel.

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Mom & Claire

We had such a nice, quiet weekend at home. Somehow Sundays always seem to creep up on us though, don't they?

Here's a picture of Mom & Claire at the park today... So much fun!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! [Houston] Winter is coming!

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A look back

Blast from the past!

Check out some blog history by re-reading posts that were posted on the same day through time.

1 year: Kauai Photo Workshop
2 years: Tribute to Lee Huebel
3 years: Farewell to Chase
4 years: Brandon Visits Alaska
5 years: Lakehouse Yawns
6 years: Dorie's Book Arrives

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Tinkerbell

Claire was Tinkerbell for Halloween! I couldn't believe how much she liked her tutu and that the fairy wings didn't even phase her. She wanted to wear her costume the next day too :)

Trick or Treat!

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Huebel Halloween

We tried to get a family picture on Halloween before getting Claire dressed up. It wasn't exactly successful because moving targets are hard to contain!

Chewing on a glowstick bracelet, no big deal.

Oh well, you get the idea.

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Fall Festival Parade

Claire's school held a Fall Festival Parade on Friday for all the parents. The kids got dressed up based on which class they were in. Claire's Toddler class was the "Biggest Leaf Pile" and wore shirts they made as a class and bear ears? We haven't quite figured that part out.

Anyway Claire was the happiest little girl in the whole parade when she saw her Mommy, Daddy, Gigi, and Granna standing outside cheering for her. She was smiling and waving and staring at us.

And then the little wagon she was in with her classmates turned the corner to go around the little parade loop and the smile started changing...

And Claire lost it... Waaaaaaa! Moommmmma! Dad da!

All of Claire's classmates were just kind of staring at her. I was impressed that even though she was upset, Claire made no attempt to get out of the moving wagon. 

After 2 laps around the sidewalk (3 minutes tops) the kiddos went into their play area for parent pick up. When we got to Claire, she was in the teachers arms, shaking a little and crying. She couldn't believe that her parents just watched and didn't get her right away. Claire wouldn't let mom put her down for about 20 minutes afterwards, so we didn't stay for any of the other festivities. Claire had enough. Her teacher chimed as we walked out "We'll practice more for the next parade!"

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