January winter

Oh my gosh, I hate to be a Debbie Downer but this weather is brutal!! Raleigh said today on the way to school, "Mom I just want this snow to go away.... I want this snow to be HOT!" I said, "Oh Raleigh, me too. Meeeeee toooo."

Mark and I didn't sleep at all last night, the girl's didn't nap, and Gracyn cries/whines all day.... Christmas is over so I need a new obsession. The only things that make me truly smile as of late are pictures of my new nephew, Charles Stuart Free (of which I have no digital copies so I cannot post yet) and my new house.... I have pictures of my house progress so I will post.

First, I have to share a story. Raleigh is infatuated with licking things. This is a hard phase for her 'germ-phobic' mother. She licks public door handles, garbage cans, mirrors, etc. The other day we were in a department store and the saleswoman was checking me out and Raleigh licked the entire length of the glass counter right in front of her! I was not only grossed out but sooooo embarrassed. I made her clean it right on the spot (with cleaner and a paper towel the 'grossed-out-lady' provided) but was wondering, 'How to I break her of this habit???' Any suggestions? Many of you have given me so much helpful advice in the past-- feel free to pass it on again.
Front of the house
Back of the house and back deck overlooking the view in the previous picture
It was well below zero and Mark decided we needed to go for a 4-wheeler ride. Needless to say, the 4-wheeler never ended up starting. Hmmmmmm

View out of our living room windows.