Lucy Darling is an amazing pup!

A day in the life of Lucy Darling and her Big Daddy...

Delivering Holidy Cheer!

Mama and Papa Bear
It is inevitable that there will be at least one
Devon and Reilly pile-on while we are visiting the kids.
Lots of faces- and felt!

We brought our home made delights to the Scott Family Today! There is nothing quite like trying to get this family together for a family picture :) Wow! Look at those Stockings... What a work of art!!!
We got home just in time. We are having a blizzard that is forecasting at least a foot of snow over night... and no where to go tomorrow. I hope you are as cozy as I am right now with my cup of cinnamon tea :)

The Elves "Sweat Shop"

Well, it is that time of year again, when Rachael feels the need to make everything more complicated than it has to be. Yes, Mother, homemade presents are on the way! But, I promise I actually finished them this time- unlike the birdhouse. IT was So much FUN and we sure Worked Hard! I even had Reilly snipping away- he was THRILLED... let me tell you... It is amazing what one can accomplish when one so desires to be productive and creative :) My mother-in-law insists that I explain that the basement DOES not always look like this.  In fact, it is usually immaculate- That is just how much FUN we were having!  The highlight of my WHOLE night was when Reilly said "Geez Rach, I liked it so much better when I didn't know how this sort of stuff all got done."
I Hope everyone else is enjoying the Last few days before Christmas- The mad Rush to make it special for... just each other, I guess :)

The Natural Tree

The boys are not very happy with Mrs. Rachael Hobbs. They don't understand why they can't have a FUN tree. I wanted a natural tree! Here is the finished product!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, How Lovely Are your Branches...

Reilly, you had better leave this to the
STRONG ones!!


"Oh be Joyful, Oh be Jubilant, put your sorrows all away. It is that time of year again, it's almost Christmas Day" (children's song :)
Finals are Finally Over! It was a torturous week, but I can be even that much more grateful that it is over. It is so nice to have free time to catch up on everything that I have been aching to do throughout the beginning of Christmas season! We have even written all of of our Christmas Cards and they are sealed and ready to go! What an accomplishment.
The snow is blowing outside and we are cozy inside tonight. I spent some of the afternoon serenading Baby, Lucy and Johnny with Christmas music. I tried to get them to sing the chorus, but it didn't seem to interest them very much.
We went and cut down our Christmas tree with a little hand saw and a lot of man/woman power. Tonight we will decorate a most Scrumptiously Splendid Tree. A nice cup of cinnamon spice tea, Jewel Christmas Music melodiously playing in the background, and all of the animals trying to knock the ornaments off of the tree... I can just picture it now.

Reilly Saves the Day

Well, I guess I need to give a detailed update of life since it has been so long since I have diligently added to my blog. I continue to think that just around the corner, life will slow down.... I am still waiting for that to happen!

Reilly is working full time at Northern Lakes Community Mental Heatlh as a 'social worker/case manager'. He seems to be absolutely loving work, and he certainly has some fun stories of the daily events. He has been involved in some fun things through work such as beer tastings at the new local brewery, seeing the latest local shows (i.e. Caberet, the Nutcracker...) and making trips with some of the "members" to Wal-mart. I do have to say... when I am doing the laundry and come upon daily lists that Reilly has made for work, I am always taken back by the workload he his carrying! (names are not real for confidentiality purposes)

1. Sweep the floor with Judity

2. Cook sausage with Tim

3. Show Jane how to turn on the computer monitor

4. Wipe the counters in the kitchen

5. Plan the Christmas menu

6. Help Doris Move her things to the storage unit

Oh poor Reilly... I am just teasing! He is such a hard worker! I don't think I ever see him stop!

We are just LOVING our little wiener Doggy "Lucy Darling". She is such a nuckle head! We just haven't exactly mastered the whole 'house training' business... but then again, it is so cold outside, who can blame her? With those short little legs, she freezes as soon as we put her on the ground. But, one would think with a body as long as she has, it would take a decent amount of time for her 'necessities' to travel through her body... NOPE she is a potty machine!!!!!!!!

But, the snuggle bug that she is and LOVE that she gives is enough to make up for anything that might be even a bit annoying!!!!!

Sammy is as FAT as ever... We find him in the cat food every morning just stuffing his fat face! We are a little upset with him... He is going on a diet January 1st. We'll at least give him until the end of the year to be fat and lazy.. but that's it! Rachael is implementing a strict diet and exercise schedule for him!

As for Me... Well, School is the name of the game... I am actually supposed to be studying right now, but I couldn't help myself for just a little distraction. I have finals every day this week, and the past few weeks have been incredibly intense. I didn't realize how much work this semester was going to be! It has been a full time job!

I am really looking forward to the end of the week and finally being able to catch up on some card writing, Christmas tree decorating, knitting, and snuggling with hot tea and good movies! I am also officially starting hardcore marathon training. As of December 24th I have 5 months until the Race Day! I am excited, but nervous to actually accomplish one of my life long goals!

Well, my photos describe a typical morning trying to leave the house... Something is always bound to happen... Especially on a morning like today when we are running late and both had places we had to be... Rock star Rachael Gets the car STUCK. REILLY TO THE RESCUE.

Much love to all! And Seasons Greetings!!!!!!!!!!

More Snow!

Frosty the Snow Girl

-Welcome to the Tundra-
http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/fitness/tenday/49684?from=hrly_topnav_fitness
check out our weather for the week... Wait, I'm sorry I am having a hard time clicking on anything, why you might ask?

Because my fingers are FROZEN.
I knew this was really going to happen someday...
Well, It sure has-
I am NOT very proficient at driving in the Snow/Ice-

I am freaking out!
That's all I have to say about this.

I'll check in later today... If I make it home alive that is.

Gobble Gobble Gobble!!

Happy Thanksgiving! What a wonderful Holiday! So much fun, food, family and .... Football.. (not so excited about that one). We are thankful for so many wonderful blessings, and the wonderful people that are in our lives. We are thankful for a beautiful day, and a beautiful life! I am thankful for Reilly, and for the life journey that we have begun!
I am thankful for a Loving and Gracious God who has truly blessed us with all of these amazing gifts.
We had rosy cheeks and lots of laughs. And, what would Thanksgiving be without watching Trains, Plains, and Automobiles?
Lucy and Sammy Seem Thankful for Each other.

Big News all Around!

This past weekend I went down to Grand Rapids for a few fun reasons. One, Rosie Thomas was performing on Friday night. For those of you who are not familiar with Rosie... You should acquaint yourself immediately. She is fabulous! Secondly, My dear dear friend Heather got engaged this past week, so we went wedding dress shopping on Saturday! Super FUN! It is nice to feel like you can live through a wedding again :) It was good to see everyone, but sad that Reilly couldn't come along.
Anyways, I am happy and delighted to inform that Reilly just got notified/asked for Another medical school interview at Michigan State!!!!!! I am so proud of my husband! His dream may not be just a dream for to much longer.
Well, Events of the day...
1. Lucy fell down an entire flight of stairs- well, rolled like a hot dog.. (wait, she is a hot dog)
B. Sammy (and yes Matthew and will, we still love Sammy too!) got stuck in my pants drawer... probably because he is so fat!
3. Carpenter is having Pajama Day with slippers that feel like he is walking on "Piiiiwwwwooolllls"
4. A big 18 wheeler dropped off new windows for the entire house....
5. I ate a Mango
F. I wanted to go for a walk, so Mama Hobbs made me wear a BRIGHT fluorescent orange vest to make sure the hunters wouldn't mistake me for a deer. I'm still alive so I guess it worked.
7. I keep falling asleep trying to do homework.

Lucy Darling

We have loved having Lucy in our life! She is such a joy, and such a bundle of energy!!! She has been so good... and just today we heard some of the first few little "yelps" of barks... when Sammy attempted to chase her...!!!
It has been such a long time since I have blogged... I am sorry for that! It has just been very busy the past few weeks and life just doesn't seem to slow down.
Everyone is well. Reilly left and returned from NJ within 2 days for his medical school interview. He has started working full time at Northern Lakes Community Mental Health as a case manager. He seems to love it! He is also working part time as "Resource Director" at an addiction treatment Center. I guess he is getting as much experience as he can ... who knows what being married to me will be like in 10 years :)
We attended another wedding Saturday night. Wow!!! Talk about an eclectic experience. Reilly's extended family is DEFINITELY something UNIQUE...
Carpenter and I danced the night away.....
Sunday is peaceful. Thank the Lord for a Day of rest!!!
I hope everyone is well and healthy and enjoying the cool weather.
The "S" word is in the forecast for next week... BETTER start preparing myself!!!!
Much Love to all... R & R

We have A Baby!!!

Well, as many of you know, we were anticipating the possibility of an addition to our little family... Sure enough, we drove an hour and a half out of our way to see if she was acceptable for the Hobbs' family... and sure enough- There was NO leaving with out this little darling. Her family loved her so much and they were very sad to see her go, but we assured them that she will get PLENTY of love and affection with us!
She is just PERFECT! She slept the entire 5 1/2 hours home and wouldn't leave Reilly's Side every time we stopped. She is so TINY and precious.
We made her a little bed in an old wicker basket and she slept until 7 a.m.!!!! I have 3 tests to study for and I know it's hard to believe, but it has been impossible to focus!
Carpenter has been babysitting her all morning long. Down for a nap, up from her nap, inside, outside :)
Welcome to the Family "Lucy Darling Hobbs".

Hair today Gone Tomorrow

What A Whirlwind of a Wonderful Weekend!
We traveled out to Oxford, Ohio for my cousin Doug's Wedding. The Location was Miami University. We had the time of our lives! The weather was Beautiful, the Food Was spectacular and the Fun was never ending. We are exhausted to say the least! There was something planned for every spare moment.
Now, the explanation of the rather odd picture and Title of this entry. The hair was astonishing! There was no question about it.... this Was TALENT. A modern Day Bu-font.
I hope everyone made it home safely!
Can't wait to tell you what we got on OUR way home! ;)