Angels Watching

Our sweet little Hyundai is ten years old to us (thirteen years total). She's seen better days, but she's trusty and reliable.

Last weekend, Dan and Annie were leaving his parents' house when the front left lower control arm completely rusted through and snapped. Fortunately, this happened in the driveway. Another five minutes, and the two of them would have been traveling a good clip on the highway. The wheel would have completely fallen off. 

Dan's dad was gracious enough to loan is his car while we figured out what to do with ours. Turns out the repair bill would have been almost three times what the car is worth. 

With a little research, a recall for that part was discovered. So the car was towed a little over a hundred miles to Omaha where the dealer is repairing the car at no cost to us! 

God was definitely looking out for our family in more ways than one.

Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Why? Because I can! These have been tempting me for awhile on my Pinterest board, so I finally caved and bought a donut pan. We're eating our second batch tonight with some apple cider. (I remember hot donuts and cider when I was a kid after trick-or-treating.)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/93660867221739157/

And if you want some more pumpkin love, these ginger snaps are delicious!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/93660867228218330/

For the Love of Humphrey

Dayna's sweet little hamster friend had a rough time earlier this month. Out of nowhere, he developed a large lump right under his mouth. All research pointed to a cancerous tumor. Since Humphrey was acting okay and playing with us as normal...and touching the mass didn't appear to cause him discomfort...we just watched him for a few days. 

Mama finally broke down and called the vet by the third day. We honestly didn't know if he'd be making a return trip. Well...it seems our little hamster dude (as we affectionately call him around here) simply had an abscess that needed to be drained. A little hamster loving and tiny syringes of hamster   antibiotics, and our little guy is happy and playful again.

The things we do for love.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I get a little sad every February after the Super Bowl. It means I have to wait MONTHS...EONS to see a football game again. And here in Nebraska. We had some changes this year. I'm excited about our new head coach. It's been awhile since I've had a high respect for the coaching staff here, and I believe our new coach will bring some calm and integrity back to the sidelines. I particularly like not muting the post game interviews when the girls are in the room.

I'm also enjoying the NFL this year. Usually, I don't watch until playoffs, but I couldn't resist this great knit along project.

Well, my teams haven't been doing a stellar job on the field, but it's still been great to watch some good football again. I think my girls are even starting to enjoy the occasional game. Then again, they may just be in it for the nachos.

Sweet Corn

Why did it take until the last day of September before we ate fresh corn? What was I thinking? Must not be a native Nebraskan.

Ferroequinologist

It's a funny word I heard in a TV show the other night. And it fits Dan perfectly. Ferro - "iron", equine - "horse"; ology - "study of." Yup - that's my Dan. One who studies iron horses. Whenever he has a chance, he's watching the BNSF lines just out of town. In October, he dons a pocketwatch and UP cap while he drives the Ernest J. Vala. And last month, (on opening day of college football, no less!) he took the family down the road to a miniature train show. Ah! Life is good.

Vala's 2015 - Part 1

It's true. We've already been twice. The big slide seems to be the hit this year (in addition to Daddy and the train.) I'm sure many more pictures will be coming.