Ice, Ice Baby

It's been icy around here, hasn't it, Southwest Michigan? I myself, have never experienced an ice storm like this in my four years of living in this wonderfully-forever-winter state. I don't think I have ever seen anything more beautiful. The sun was out this morning, and it caused all the icicled trees to glitter and shine its reflection. It definitely uplifts the soul! In order to enjoy this perfect day, I took my little buddy and we ventured out for a walk.

Can you see how every branch and needle is covered in ice?

My camera not doing justice, but everything was sparkling. 

Tromping through the snow! Tromp, Tromp

Checkin' out the bucket on the maple trees. Just filled with snow, no syrup. 

My handsome fella

Walking down our road, the sun was shining and the trees were glistening!

It's so peaceful, no?

While I was about to take this picture, James laid down to do a snow angel. 

Our bittersweet is looking pretty popsicle-y!

He made it pretty far, we walked to Mimi's house and back. It was fun to stop and make tracks, snow angels, and general frolicking and goodness. On top of that, it was a snow day! We came back and had hot cocoa and apple cider, and perhaps some cookies too.

So that's what happened today. I have many more posts that I need to do, so expect some back-blogging to occur. Next topic: How our living room became Neverland and our couch a pirate ship. You're on the edge of your seats, I can tell!

(Oh, and I finished Wuthering Heights, and to all my faithful readers out there, we are going to need to discuss this novel. I have many, many comments and questions.

The skinny on the Hockers

Should I post again in February? I suppose so. Blogging seems to come in whims for me, doesn't it?

February found us very busy. Both kids have their birthday, among other things. To break it down for you, I'll go person by person.

Dave, my hubby and the most awesome guy I know: He's had his hands full. Recently, he went back to school working to get his Master's. It's a pretty cool program and the classes are set up in a manageable way. I think the sweetest party of the deal is that this educational technology program (what he'll get his Master's in) is through...Michigan State! Now not only can he be a huge fan of the university, but also say he's an alumnus. Isn't that sweet? I'm sure proud of him. He's continuing to work at GAMS, and loves being around the middle schoolers. Probably his favorite part of the job is being the yearbook and student council advisor, which give him time to interact with the kids outside of class.

James, my first born and the most smartest little boy I know: He's three now! How did that happen? He's officially crossed the threshold and can no longer be referred to as my baby boy (though I still will) but is my bonafide big boy. Even when singing "Sweet Baby James" to him at bedtime requires us to switch the words to "rock-a-bye sweet Big Boy James." Now instead of just loving trains, he also loves pirates. In fact, that's what he wants to be when he grows up, he says. (More on that later). He's turned into quite the artist, becoming an expert at drawing trains, people, houses, and his name. He's the most sweet-hearted boy I know, and always makes sure I get my favorite train when we are playing trains and knows how to cheer me up when I am down.

Clara, my little baby doll and the cutest little girl I know: Having a girl is so much fun! From the get go, there was no denying that she was a girl. As early as she could, she was putting bracelets and necklaces on, and using whatever she could to be her "purse" and carry it around the house (which normally ended up being James old Easter basket that was a basket ball). For her little first birthday she got lots of pretty girl things: necklaces, bracelets, earring, tutus, even a boa. At let me tell you, that girl knows how to work it! She is now facing forward in the car seat and loves seeing the world from this perspective. She's just my little darling and I don't think I can say enough how sweet she is and how I love having my little girl. She sports six teeth now, too (Finally)!

Me: Um, just doing my thang, I guess? Let's go get coffee if ya wanna talk about me.

So that's it. We've been one busy Hocker family, and as soon as I get my cord back so I can upload pictures from my camera to my phone, I'll update ya'll on their birthdays, my son's mohawk, and the way my husband was a hero on a snowy day.

Oh, and I'll have more recipes and book reviews for you too. Right now I am just trying to finish Wuthering Heights so I can move on. Can someone tell me what the deal is with this book? Why do people like it?

I'll have one blizzard please...

Well, my pessimism paid off. We did get a lot of snow! The lady on the news said that we got 16 inches of snow (I think, but she might have been in GR, I don't know). Outside my door, there is a lot. Up against our garage there was a least two to three feet of a snow drift, and when Dave shoveled a path to our garage, there was a foot wall of snow. It's pretty fun! It is definitely the most snow I have seen since living here in Michigan. Even more exciting than a lot of snow is what comes with a lot of snow, snow days! Yes sir, we are going on day two of a beautiful warm snow day, complete with warm fires made by my hubby, homemade cookies and soups. Oh, and we've been watching movies too. It just doesn't get better than this. Though my California counterparts can boast and brag that in January they can lay out by the pool with there 80 degree weather, they never have or will experience a snow day. And for that, my heart breaks. It is just one of the best experiences in the world!

One bad thing, though, has happened during this "Blizzard 2011," as our local weathermen are calling it. At 1:30 that Tuesday night, James threw up all over his bed, for the first time. Meaning, the first time I have ever had to clean up throw up in my three years of being a mom. And though I completely despise the task, a half hour later we had clean sheets and a sleeping boy again. Luckily, that accident didn't repeat itself, it must of been some weird fluke in his system. Hopefully, though, I can be accepted into the sisterhood of mommies? Like, have I earned some stripes now, and can officially be called a mom? I hope so. I just pray that I never have to do this again. Or, never have a Ruth Hocker situation, where he son throws up all over her in Meijer. I think that is the most/worst story I have heard in regards to this topic. Ask her about it, if you wanna know more.

This weekend we are going down to Indy to meet our new niece, finally! I mean, hopefully the roads and everything are nice and smooth so we can go down. We are excited to meet you, Faith!

Oh, Mr. Weatherman

So apparently this is the storm that should be hitting us tonight through Wednesday. I am sure it is supposed to be the most massive storm that Michigan has had in the last 217 1/2 years or something, and we'll get 6 feet of snow with freezing rain and huge snowdrifts and the abominal snowman is going to come eat us in our sleep. At least those of us who don't have generators, that is.



All I am saying is, I am holding my breath. I know that the weathermen (and women) like to hype up such predicted storms, only to leave the viewers with 1/2 inch of snow and disappointment. Even though this has made national news, again, I will just believe when I see it. The big storm, according to MSN.

In a sidenote, if I don't blog for a long, long time, it could be because this actual predicted storm was super bad and seeing as I don't have a generator, my power is out and I, along with my family, have been eaten by the abominal snowman. That's all.

The March Sisters

I think my favorite book of all time, or story of all time, is Little Women. This is the second time that I have read it, and I probably couldn't count how many times I have seen the movie. I don't know if it is how these girls (or Women) act, the time period it is set it, or the fact that I just want to be them, I don't know. Whatever it is, I just love this book. Everything about it. Everything.

Well, except for one thing.

Despite reading the book and seeing the movie, I just can't, can't understand why Jo and Laurie don't get together.The whole reasoning that they each have "such a temper" and would "drive the other mad" if they got married isn't a good reason for me. I mean, isn't marriage like that anyway? I mean, ugh. If Louisa May was still alive today (there's a nice little ditty), I would ask her why, oh why did she mean for them to have this amazing, fun and playful relationship for the first three-fourths of the book, then, when it comes time for Laurie to propose (which it is of course what we are all waiting for, right?) Jo says no? I mean seriously folks, what the dill! I just don't get it. I know that her and Mr. Bhaer together are nice and sweet, and they'll have a nice life together, it just doesn't fit for me. And it doesn't fit for me, that Laurie would then marry Amy. In my mind, it just doesn't work out. Does anyone else feel this way? I am just going to pretend the story didn't end up this way, and in my mind, pretend she did pick Laurie. Yes, know I feel better. A little.

Also, I love how everything is so refined and proper. Today we really don't have that, do we? They have such nice manners, most of the time, and there is a certain way of behaving, as a women, in that day. They even have tea time! I think that is just grand. I sometimes wish that we had more of their routines and sensibilities today.

Since I finished reading the book, of course I had to watch the movie. And no matter how many times I see the movie or read the book and know what is going to happen next, I still cry every time Beth gets her piano or Spoiler Alert! the night when she dies. I watched it two nights ago, and was just bawling. I can't help it. It's just so moving. The rest of the movie is just wonderful, too. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you do now. Go, do it.

So I am feeling good that I am on par with my goal, to read a classic a month. For January, I have read Little Women, which I am sad to be done with. For February, I plan on reading Wuthering Heights, as it was the most recommended to me. I'll let you all know how that one goes!

Right now I am reading "Firefly Lane" by Kristin Hannah for my book club. So far, so good.