Thanks to my generous and wise younger brother Erik (affectionately known as ELF), I am enjoying a renewed interest in skiing. My sporty hubby and I headed up to Mount Baker to enjoy a clear day of skiing and cold. Though a chilly 19 degrees, the wind was nil and the sun out. Though my skill are lacking, thanks to the patient cheering of my husband, I didn’t feel like a giant sloth or outta-control orangutan on skis. My father-in-law was a ski instructor and my husband practically lived on the slopes growing up. He is remarkably experienced and smooth on any downhill, ice-covered terrain.

So, while Sporty Hubby swish-swashed his way down the mountain, I carefully snowplowed and slid most of the day. Though clumsy as a newborn calf, I enjoyed myself thoroughly and continue to be thankful for my brother’s thoughtful and kind gift.

To ensure that I didn’t feel too proud and haughty about the day, the skiing gods endeavored to trip me up. On the way out to the car, arms laden with skis and poles, I did a full out slip’n’fall – feet sproinging out from underneath me, skis and poles flying akimbo as my body suspended in the air before crashing painfully down on the ice covered pavement. To ensure complete humiliation, I started whimpering and tearing up with a full crowd looking on. Thankfully, the only thing I have to show for the fall is a diminished sense of ego and a painful elbow.

It was a great day of seriously fun physical activity. Now, if only I could stand up without my legs shaking uncontrollably …

My husband, brother, fiance, brother-in-law and one stray friend went skiing up at Mt. Baker today. Click here to learn more about Mt. Baker (the most glaciated of the Cascade volcanoes). There was 5 inches of new snow and it was snowing lightly all day. While the snow wasn’t great for visibility, it did keep the ice down to a minimum.

I never would have believed it if it hadn’t happened to me but the new K2 “True Luv” skis that my brother Erik got me for Christmas totally improved my skiing game. I enjoyed the skiing expedition much more with these new skis, even in my old gear. My gear is so old that my goggles literally fell apart after a few runs. I had to buy a new pair up at the mountain. Either way, I felt almost graceful with the new skis and almost capable of getting down the mountain without harming myself or others.

It was a tiring day, even with the new skis. My legs feel like jello and my calves are bruised from the rear-entry boots (from 8th grade!) but I wouldn’t change anything about it. Quality time with family is so very special. And bonus, we all made it off the mountain with no injuries.

Today was a relaxing Saturday. I was able to finish the new John Grisham book, “Playing for Pizza.” It’s a sweetly sentimental story about a so-so football player, struggling to find personal joy and fulfilment in life. He travels to Italy to find success. The story centers around his journey and travelling, Italy and food.

Then, while my hubby outfitted my new skis (a Christmas present from my generous brother), I went to Otion to help with the last of the inventory. Erik, Sarah and I had a jolly time counting droppers, bottles and stray candle colorants.

Finally, we ended the day in a bowling alley. Here’s Erik (generous brother and Otion store manager), getting ready to bowl with his brand new bowling ball (our Christmas gift to him). He chose a scented 14-pound ball (yes, it’s really scented – it smells like Lime) called “Tropical Storm.” He totally smoked the entire group, at one point getting 3 strikes in a row.

While lusting over new kitchen designs tonight, I came across some free label templates from Kitchen and Bath Ideas magazine. The label templates seem particularly cute for one-off toiletry products that just require a quick and easy handwritten label. Click here to go see them.

Hat tip to BellinghamBloggers.comfor posting this photo.

From left to right: Husband, Sharon (Aunt), Mike (Uncle), Wenche (Mom), Richard (Dad)
Anne-Marie, Sam (the niece dog), Erik (Brother & Otion Manager)

My husband and my brother wanted to go bowling last night. Normally, it’s a Saturday night and weekends are for family. But, Erik (Otion Store Manager) and the hubby really wanted to spend some guy time. But, we had a living room full of gifts to be wrapped, cooking for 9 to do, and a thorough house cleaning to perform before my Mother showed up.

Our conversation went like this:

Me: (sigh) “Honey, tomorrow won’t be enough time to cook the food, wrap the presents and clean our house. It’s a mess!”

Me: (grudingly) “Well, you do have a point. And, I do have a book club book to read.”

Me: “Okay, go out. Have fun. Be home by 11 so we can get a good night’s sleep at least?”

Within 15 minutes, all the counters in our house were covered with soap and bath fizzy making stuff.

I made bath fizzies.

Today was our Annual Christmas Tree Hunt.

There was a light dusting of snow on the ground as we took off to find the perfect tree. We were bundled up tight against the weather with scarves, gloves, hats and ski jackets.

We settled on a seven foot Douglas Fir. Here’s my hubby sizing up the best way to saw the froen tree down.

Ten seconds later, success!The perfect Christmas tree for our holiday hosting joy is ours.