The Nose Job

If you found it hard to believe The Painted Peanut just wait until you finish reading this one.

Just last Saturday night a beautiful snow was falling from the sky and we decided to take the kids to see the Christmas lights at Oak Park. Little did I know that the $5.00 entry fee would be multiplied many times (currently unknown just how much).

My last post mentioned that Audrey is a climber. Not only is she a climber but one of the most strong willed, determined children I have ever known. Even though it was below freezing outside she wanted her shoes and socks off. The shoes were easy but the socks posed a challenge. Knowing that I would have to put her shoes and socks back on when we arrived home I urged her not to take them off. Despite my warning she pulled and tugged and with the anger she so often displays she pulled as hard as she could possibly pull. The sock finally came off and along with it her fist that hit me square in the nose. Carl could hear the crack from the drivers seat followed by an 'ouch'. Thankfully the pain did not continue, but pressure, and soon after the headaches begin.

I consulted a chiropractor at our church the next morning and he informed me that nasal bones break pretty easily. The incident was followed by two trips to see him to get my nose straight again. Thankfully I am in the clear with no humps or damage to show.

The Painted Peanut

Just last Saturday I was home alone with the three darlings (yes, my tone is sarcastic). Carl had a long day of work ahead of him and little did I know that my day would be just as long. You probably don't know, but my children are all climbers. Audrey is tall enough that she is capable of climbing just about anywhere. Not only does she climb anywhere but she gets into everything.

Reluctantly I retreated to the bathroom to dress and fix my hair. Reagan was taking a nap and I thought surely with just the two of them it would be okay. Just a few minutes into my 'alone' time I heard a loud cry from Jacob. He is a cry baby at times so I wasn't too alarmed until I found the two of them sitting on the dryer. Jacob's pants and diaper had been ripped off and a special surprise awaited. With opened, pink glitter fingernail polish in hand Audrey looked up at me in guilt. Since Jacob continued to cry I diverted my attention to him and noticed not only was he diaperless, but his 'peanut' (as Audrey calls it) was pink. Not only his 'peanut' but the 'shell' that held it was also pink. What was worse is that he was crying because the fingernail polish had worked like glue. Skin was attached to skin that it shouldn't be. With a little advice, a qtip with polish remover, and a lot of crying (from Jacob) his peanut was saved. After some lubricant and a few baths no signs of the polish remain. However, the memory will last a lifetime.

By the way, I thought it would be best to not take or publish a picture of this incident.

Our First Big Snow

Our first big snow in North Dakota was definitely big! I woke on Thursday to a snow covered ground and it was still coming down steadily. In Alabama this kind of snow is unheard of and if it were to happen it would definitely mean everything would shut down. The night before, most everyone would have ran out for milk, bread, and anything else they didn't want to be short on. However, in Minot traffic was still moving and it was time to take Audrey to pre-school. Thankfully Carl was home because my car wouldn't start. So I moved on to Carl's truck which I initially thought would be better not realizing that rear wheel drive meant sliding all over the road. It didn't take long to realize the trip to pre-school was going to be an adventure. I got stuck backing out of our parking place and Carl had to come outside to help. Once I was out we slipped and slided our way to St. Leo's.

What is amazing is that this is a way of life to people who have been here for any length of time. Everyone was going on with their lives. I was expected to politely pass around those unfortunate vehicles that were spinning in the road (whom I happened to be one of for a short period of time).

In the past two days it is already becoming normal to me. Going out to your car is a bit of an adventure, especially with three young kids. Driving down the road is like a crash course. But everyone says the first snow is the worst. The ground isn't yet cold enough to handle the snow so it simply ice's over. The good news is when it hits 20 below the snow will be like powder, not slippery. The bad news is that it will be 20 below.

Halloween

Our first Halloween in Minot has been our best Halloween so far because Audrey is now old enough to enjoy (and pick out her own costume). She chose to be Snow White and I purchased an Elmo costume for Jacob and a cute Lion costume for Reagan. Thankfully I bought the Elmo costume at the thrift store for $3.99 because Jacob would not wear it. So he went trick or treating as the cutest guy in a red sweat suit.

A New Endeavor

While viewing a blog of a friend in Alabama I was inspired to start one of our own. My primary purpose is for our families to stay connected with the kids but also to let Alabama friends see how life is in North Dakota. It might also be fun for new friends to view while we get to know one another.
We are absolutely loving Minot and Carl is loving his job. The people are wonderful, the crime rate is almost non-existent, and ND is a state that holds old fashioned values. It is the most perfect place I could think of to raise a family.
Whoever you are, I hope you enjoy seeing our family grow.