Sharing a Room

Jack and I have been thinking about reclaiming the front room (Charlie's bedroom) and turning it back into a guest space. Then, when Walker asked last month if he and Charlie could "live together", we thought perhaps it was the time to put the boys together. So this past week has been, once again, about shuffling the living situation and playing a round of musical rooms. This also comes at a time when Jack and I are revamping our own bedroom a) to make it a little more kid friendly and b) to get Jack better support for his back during his sleep hours. It's finally all done just in time for our first guest of the winter season, Pa John, who arrives tomorrow night!

Here's the boys' room:

Here's a peek at the master:

And the guest room:

Hotel Greenman open for business!

Santa at Whole Foods

10 days until Christmas!

Yesterday we took a quick trip to the grocery store because we heard that the big guy was going to be there! And indeed he was. Before chatting with Santa, Walker said, "I'm feeling a little nervous because we haven't seen each other in such a long time." But he was brave and walked right up and sat on his lap for a photo and a conversation. Walker told Santa that he didn't know what he wanted for Christmas. St. Nick told Walker that it was alright not to know and that all he needed to do was write a letter when he was more confident about his Christmas wish."

Charlie was NOT into Santa and held onto his Daddy for dear life when Jack approached the big red throne. Santa said, "I don't think this little guy is ready to talk with Santa." We all agreed that handing a reluctant Charlie to Santa would be a bad idea. After Santa gave the boys a set each of foam reigndeer antlers, we headed inside for some groceries. Then Walker found an adorable puppet for sale and did an impromptu show for Charlie. I might need to go back and grab a puppet or two for the boys for Christmas - they both loved them!

Work Day

Jack and Walker joined me in the front yard today for a little post ice storm clean up. It was all hands on deck for raking leaves, edging the lawn and shoveling compost. Walker decided that he needed his cowboy work boots and his neon orange construction hat from Pa Obbie to complete the job. As I was taking photos he yelled, "Make sure Grandma Happy sees this!" Perhaps Walker is hoping that his Grandma Happy will share these work photos with a potential future employer as evidence of his able-bodied ranch hand qualifications.

Venturing Out | Day Four of Icepocalypse

School was closed today as that early morning ice was still covering bridges and school bus driveways. Walker, Charlie and I spent the day inside while Daddy braved the cold for work. In the afternoon, the weather warmed up to 32 degrees, so we ventured out for a bit.

First order of business, clear the ice from the wind shield.

Dallas skyline from White Rock Lake. This is what Texans call freezing fog.

Look it up, its a real thing.

Then a few photos in the front yard of Mr. Cute.

Whoop... I hear the phone ringing. It's J.Crew calling.

More Ice

Day three of Dallas' Icepocalypse. We're spending our third day inside waiting out the ice. It's supposed to dip above freezing this afternoon. Daddy is planning a short trip to the grocery store, but that is still up in the air. Last night a car came sliding down our street and skated over the curb, banking itself on the sidewalk across the street. No one was hurt and it thankfully missed our car. But from what I hear, Dallas is a sea of small ice-induced car wrecks. With only 7 de-icing / sanding trucks in the DFW area, we are not really prepared for this sort of weather.

We remain indoors busying ourselves with games and puzzles and Christmas TV specials. Here's a look at this morning's activities:

Yesterday, Walker and Mama headed out onto the ice for a little look-see. We saw lots of trees down and what looked like snow, was still just ice. Crossing our street was an exercise in balance, sure-footedness and strategic sliding. But once we were over, the ducks came to greet us and we enjoyed the 9 minutes before Walker cried "uncle" and we headed back inside for hot cocoa.

Icy Days at Home

Yesterday The Greenmans awoke to a world encased in ice. Being that the roads and walkways of Dallas were frozen, schools were closed, business shut down and everyone was told to stay home. Cracking trees gave way to fallen branches because our sweet tall spindly Texas trees aren't used to the weight and bit of ice. So power grids started going down. But in the meantime, I pulled out my camera and enjoyed the icy weather.

Then the power went out and Walker enjoyed some quiet time by candle light...

Then after four hours, the power came back on...

And then I snapped a few photos around the house, 

so pleased by the glow of tree lights and the hum of the heater...

Today, it's more of the same...  

Dallas is still frozen over, so we'll spend today in front of puzzles and books and drawing paper and hot cocoa. The boys and I are all fighting some kind cold bug, but we're happy and stocked with antibiotics (Thank you Pa Obbie!). Jack is reading A Christmas Carol, I am working on my upcoming book and the boys are happy to be home and in arms.