We’ve got reasons to celebrate!
You see, I arrived home Friday evening to find that our water was froze up… again. Bill got here shortly after and plugged in the under-the-house heater. My grandparents’ house started as a small cabin decades ago. It’s been added on to layer by layer, and well, I love this place but it’s got its quirks. So, we patiently waited for the heater to work its magic, but that time never came. Dad got home in time to weigh in on the verdict… it wasn’t looking good. And that was the crucial point for me. I could decide to become annoyed and cranky about the fact that we will be without water until a plumber can get to us. Or the other option was to see some adventure in the situation. Having dealt with plenty of inconveniences the first way, I decided to try the other. I’ve made it my mission to find the fun and the positive in this minor setback. So, here’s how we’re managing:
The camp shower has once again proven to be a great buy! Though we have a great neighbor (read: my dad) who lets us haul all the water we want and use his shower. We’re so lucky that his water isn’t frozen as well, because that makes things far more difficult. Anyway, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the pipes will be thawed out this week.
I spent the weekend lounging, reading, baking (for my cookie exchange), watching bits of Elf, and hanging with family. We got a nice winter storm here yesterday, and by 6:00 last night we knew we were all off the hook for today! The area schools canceled, and I got to sleep in this morning. This is going to be a crazy week at work with the holiday play and parties, so today gave me that much more time to prepare for the whirlwind that’s to come.
Of course, if you’ve made it to either of my sisters’ blogs, you’ll know that I am going to be an auntie this summer… twice! I’m enjoying the time to plan showers in my head and think about how Bill and I can fill the roles of coolest aunt and uncle. I suppose this is probably my favorite reason for celebrating right now.
I always enjoy the holiday season so much, and tonight we finally got our tree decorated. I pulled out a few of Grandma and Grandpa’s ornaments, because it seems strange to have a tree here but not them… Every year we’d decorate the tree at Dad’s and Gram and Gramp would walk over to come and see it. We’d do the same when there’s was ready. I’m glad to be celebrating here in their house. This is the first tree Bill and I have put up together, and I realized that we are in the process of forming our own traditions. How could I possibly NOT feel lucky?
Happy Holidays!
I was so excited to hear about April and Jesse’s news! (Being an auntie is pretty fun!) I’m sorry to hear about your frozen pipes–I hope they thaw soon! Aren’t snow days wonderful? We didn’t get nearly as much snow here as you all did up there, but we still got out of school today because of the bitterly cold temperatures.
Your tree looks great–I especially love Bill’s technique with the top!
Melissa
Awe you are living Yurt style…hee 🙂 Bummer about the frozen pipes…but then again…you always have a positive outlook on things…so I am sure you made the best of it.
Wow…your first tree together…awesome! Our tree was up, but now it is leaning…ugh…we bought one of those cheap stands from target and it wont hold up our tree…ugh!!!!!
Your Tree looks beautiful! Love…LOVE…LOVE it…
Congrats on the news…that is so exciting for your sisters to be pregnant at the same time…wowzers…fun times!
Hello Coolest Auntie! I love your tree, and I can’t wait to see it. And your cocktail looks yummy, though I’m sorry, but the camp shower doesn’t. Hope your shortened week goes well. Love you lots…..
I’m so glad we could hang out with you for the weekend….. isn’t napping on a monday the best?
The tree looks great- I can’t wait to see the ornaments of g2 that you chose to put up…. did you put that little one of Zac?
xoxo
Hi Erin….home sick today with a cold so I have time to check out your blog which I love. Makes me feel connected still! Big baby news here too!I’m going to be a grandma in July!! I think I was born for this role. Can’t wait.
Chris leaves for Austria for 5 months pretty soon…Glenn is fine and we just keep on keepin on. I really like 8th grade…it turned out okay. Never see anybody from “the other side” ever, except Sara. Our mothers are well-no trips to ER planned, so I’ll have to write on Amanda’s blog instead. My sister’s being a giant poop (long story). Enjoy your special relationships with yours. Take care and lots of love!!!! Alison-now that I’m a grandma I have every excuse to pee my pants and spill. See I can find silver linings too!!!!!!
I love your post today, Erin. It’s so positive. Your writing about your gram and gramps also struck a bit of a nerve. Kinda going through that myself this winter, and I’ll admit, it’s been a bit tough. Grandpa’s failing and thinking of the way Christmas was then and comparing it to how it is now can be a little sad. But, like you and Bill, I look forward to the traditions we are starting with the kids.
And, I don’t doubt that you and Bill WILL be the coolest auntie and uncle ever – almost didn’t catch that part 😉
what up home slice! I’ve decided since both sisters are prego, you should join the fun too. Doesn’t that sound like a wonderful idea? I thought so! Anyway, glad you like the new painting, unfortunatly, I painted over the one you liked so well. You see, when my mom saw it the first thing she said was, “all I see is a big purple dick” and ever since then thats all I could see too. So… I painted over the whole thing. I needed fresh start. Glad to see you guys are doing well, love the tree but would HATE the shower and not being able to flush! Hope you both have a super fantastic Christmas and I look forward to seeing you soon… WE NEED TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. missing you and loving you!
Later love,
Sara
You are a trooper. Our water was out for only a few hours and I threw a fit! And the drink is beautiful, I bet it was tasty too! I love your Xmas tree!