Long time, no blog...

I know it's been awhile since my last entry, a lot of things have been going on around here. We're well into the cold part of winter, even though it isn't officially winter yet! We've survived two nasty storms and are now basking in subzero temps....-24 yesterday morning when I got up and a -51 windchill! Needless to say the girls and I aren't leaving the house too often.

Just before Thanksgiving Stu's Dad, Gary, had a stroke. Thankfully St Alexius Hospital in Bismarck is the best and they're taking great care of him. We can only pray that he'll be home by Christmas, but if not we're OK with that. At least we can all be together, as that's what matters most. He's doing well and is slowly recovering. We're staying optimistic and keep praying that the road ahead doesn't get too bumpy.

Stu's been very busy. Work has him running like crazy most days and he's been taking care of the cattle chores for his Dad. Luckily our cattle are also over at his folks' place so unless he helps his brother do their chores he only has to feed at one place. It's worked out well and his brother helps when he can. Otherwise Stu's sister-in-law and her Dad come out and help. With the cold there's been water freezing, etc but we're hoping that a new milkhouse heater in the well pit solves that problem.

The girls are very excited for Christmas. Em more than Grace...but she knows more of what's going on! She's chomping at the bit to see her grandparents from both sides, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. She wants a birthday party for Jesus, also. It's cute how she approaches any talk about Christmas! We just try to keep Grace away from the tree and gifts...she wants it all!

I'll try to keep more 'up' on this blog as I can. This week will be busy with the normal day-to-day work as well as more shopping, baking, etc. The girls have their daycare Christmas party on Friday and we're hoping to get to Bismarck on Saturday to spend the day with Stu's folks.