Sledding

DH took today off, their wasn't snow in our neighborhood, but it wasn't hard to find. We went to Tucker Willis Park, there was a little hill for the kids, the dog and BYO hot chocolate!

Happy Holidays

We had a nice holiday, hope you did, too! We didn't go overboard and buy them everything, we tried to keep simple, they each got about 6 gifts each. Butters was excited to pick out his own gifts. I'd like it to be more about the giving, so next year I'll encourage them to make gifts for other people. We need to donate more, but it's never too late for that.

Birthday

This is what happens when you try to steal your mom's birthday sundae!

Nutcracker

We went to Ballet Northwest's presentation of The Nutcracker. We had perfect seats, on the balcony, right above the sound board, so when some of us were bored, there was something to look at! The girls had their photos taken with the Snow Princess and DH's cousin is the Sugar Plum Fairy (in purple). The kids loved it and were very well behaved for the long dinner afterward. A fun tradition.

Famous

My Letter to the Editor was published:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20101215/OPINION02/712159964

I am writing this letter because I support a repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. This outdated policy discriminates against the gay members of our military and keeps qualified gay and lesbian men and women from joining our armed forces.

The policy has been found to be discriminatory and a violation of our rights and can therefore be reversed by the courts. I am asking our Congress to vote to dissolve this policy and create a means for openness in our military. Our military would be stronger with an open policy where members are not forced to lie about their sexual orientation. I am proud to know that my representatives, Rick Larsen, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, support a repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

Knitting Alert

This is my Frankenstein sweater. I had started the Tilted Duster by Norah G a year ago, but I reconsidered the idea and now it's a Zimmermann Saddle shoulder. I used the sleeves from Norah and worked the body from the other pieces, you can see one in the corner. It's working up fast, but is now past the portability stage.

Evelyn Clark's Shetland Triangle is the shawl I finished. I used Lamb's Pride in worsted, but the pattern calls for a smaller yarn, so I got a bigger shawl, enough to wrap around me on cold night instead of a Snuggie. Cats provide scale.

Completed hiking socks and feet for scale.

Outside Interest

It's a rainy day today, the river is supposed to reach flood stage in a few hours and we found a leak in the basement. We are staying in to wrap presents (check), make cookies (check) and get every toy out and play with it once (check) and monitor the leak.

On friday, as usual, E and I went to pick up Butters from school and E wanted to bring a pad of paper and a pen. Kids are great at exposing your habits, from the back seat I heard her say, 'Get in the car, check." We pulled up to the school. "Pick up Boy Boy, check." I guess I write lists a lot!

I've become more involved in the neighborhood association and with Snohomish County Democrats. I'm now secretary of my legislative district. I need outside interests and I need things to do or I create my own stress. I'm working on my certification as a postpartum doula, so if you know any pregnant women within a 30 mile radius, send them my way! The kids are getting better at playing on their own, but now I've got to go because they are now wrapping up their toys and one of them has a permanent marker....

Spa Day

DH and I went shopping and the kids, got to have a spy day! Hair bows, glitter, painted nails and a haircut for Butters!