First Snow of the Season

One of the things I like best about the D.C. area is that it rarely snows. But I have to admit, as much as I don't like being out in the elements, I loved how much fun Evan got to have building his first snowman of the season.

We didn't have a whole lot of snow, so we (as in Bryan) had to import some from the side of the house.

He is a little Picasso with the snowman kit his Aunt Sandy gave him for Christmas last year. He loved rearranging the features.

And if the still pictures aren't enough, here is some video.



We built a snowman in almost the exact same spot in our yard in March. I can't believe how much he has changed in nine months.

And then that snowman we built in March melted...

There are still a few piles of snow in our front yard from this month's snowman, but he isn't going to be around for much longer.

Dear Santa

I've been thinking about what I want for Christmas--it must be because I've watched A Christmas Story five times already (thanks for sending me the DVD, mom!). Instead of a Red Ryder BB Gun, I'll take any one of the following:

1) A change of scenery. We've been living in Northern Virginia for almost eight years now and I'm getting ants in my pants. I'm ready to move on to somewhere new. I do like it here, but if Bryan came home tonight and told me we were packing up and heading in a new direction, I'd love it--no matter where we were going. I'd like to go somewhere where we either don't know anybody or back to Utah where we know everybody. I like extremes. Just ask Bryan how I handle the thermostat.

2) New dishtowels. Mine are old. They are gross. They have stains ranging from black permanent marker (thank you, Evan) to pomegranate juice. I wash them, I promise. I spray them with Spray n Wash. I let Evan spray them with Spray n Wash, which means they get doused in it, but the stains remain. I am hoping Santa hears my plea and brings me a new stack of dishtowels so I can throw out all of mine and start new. I don't know why I don't buy my own, but it seems like a selfish luxury I'm not quite ready to splurge on. I guess that also explains why I don't have spa days or this season's shoes (I don't even have last season's shoes).

3) Someone to clean my car. Cheerios, Goldfish, milk splatters on the window...my car is in need of a good detailing. My at-home and gas-station-vacuum versions aren't cutting it. I need professional help (in more ways than one, but I'll start with the car).

I've been a good girl this year, not necessarily by choice, but it doesn't matter, does it?

More Book Club News

I am giving away another autographed book plate from best-selling author Loraine Despres over on my www.mindywrites.com blog. Head on over and leave a comment on the Book Club with Belle post by midnight on Dec. 4 and you'll be entered to win!

Book Club

I was a little late getting the Book Club post up on my Web site, but it is up and live now! If you read The Bad Behavior of Belle Cantrell or even The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc, visit the blog and leave a comment. I'm hoping the author will visit on Monday to answer questions and share her thoughts: http://mindylong.com/the-bad-behavior-of-belle-cantrell/.

What Are You Taking to Thanksgiving Dinner

A friend of mine shared this link on Facebook and I thought it was hilarious. A woman gives a VERY detailed list of what each guest is expected to bring to dinner and how it should be presented. I've never actually taken anything to my mom's or my mother-in-law's house for a meal, since we're already staying there, but I can't imagine they'd ever create a to-bring list like this, which makes me grateful.

And, this year we are having dinner with Granny, Bryan's grandma. I'm in charge of dinner rolls, pumpkin pie and an appetizer. Hopefully I won't mess any of it up!

Redskins v. Broncos

Bryan got tickets to today's Redskins v. Broncos game through his office. They weren't just any tickets--they were tickets to the Owner's Club Suite, which means we were 29 rows up and just about on the 50 yard line. It also meant we had endless food and drinks and some VIP treatment.

Evan had his heart set on ice cream. Unfortunately, there wasn't any in the suite. No problem--a nice lady who works for the Redskins simply directed Bryan and Evan to the press box where they were able to sneak away a couple of ice cream bars.

Evan did find some popcorn.

And some cookies. Those are orange sprinkles dripping off his chin.

The Redskins beat the Broncos. I will admit that I was cheering for the home team, but I felt a little like a traitor. Growing up in Utah, I was a Broncos fan (when I was cheering for a particular team). My cousin Jason is the biggest Broncos fan I know. I wish there would have been a way to bring him to the suite with us.

The Redskins cheerleaders stopped by. Never one to pass up a photo opp, I asked the blonde one to hold Evan for a picture. He batted his eyes at the girls. He is a total flirt.

It was a great day! Bryan and I decided Evan has no idea what a special treat it was, but we took plenty of pictures so we can remind him of it one day.

I'm Embarrassed....

So, I've been really terrible about blogging lately. I thinking putting this blog behind the cover of a sign in sheet made me lazy. Kind of like when company is coming I clean the house, but my closets will most likely be a mess since no one will see them. So, I apologize. And I'll try to do better!

The last month has been a pretty busy one. Evan started preschool last week, which is great since I've had a hard time keeping up with work over the summer. LOTS of late nights have been had. Evan is loving school this year. Today his teacher told me that anytime other kids were crying, Evan would give them a hug or take them a toy. He is a sweetie.

I've been trying to devote more time to my blog on my work site, www.mindywrites.com, so hop on over and check it out if you get a chance. I've decided to focus it on writing, reading and such. Let me know if you have any favorite books I should include on the site. I'm still trying to come up with ideas for the header...any tips?

So--that is a quick update.