Sorry about the U of P obnoxiousness, Aimee. It sounds like the smart thing to do is finish up those two classes, then wash your hands of them, but how annoying!

I'm hoping we won't get as much snow here as last year, because what with taking the extra trip to Alabama to see my mom this summer, I'm seriously low on vacation time--as in, will probably have to take a day or so of leave w/o pay at Christmas.

One shipment of cold weather gear arrived. I feel like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in a parka. But it's got a zip out liner/jacket that is hot pink under the black parka. And I HATE being cold. The snow pants *just* fit in the waist but a teeny bit long in the inseam (not as bad as I'm used to, thankfully).

I got a pair of Merrell mocs, which are comfy. And a bucket hat, matching gloves and scarf.

The only thing for the kids in this box was snow boots. I've got a dilemma, though. I bought them some cheaper boots at Target this week. But I read this morning about Circo boots containing lead--not sure if this is just the vinyl boots or the snow boots. Do I take the Target boots back and keep the Lands End boots?

I got a pair of Merrell mocs, which are comfy

I live in mine. In fact, I walked to work in the snow with them this morning AIWFG!

Your winter gear sounds nice and cozy, Cashmere.

I'm finally at Mom's. AAA started the car and it apears to still be working. I missed my therapy appointment and had an asthma attack followed by an anxiety attack on the way here, but now I'm cozy and warm, drinking a hot cup of green tea.

sj, I'm glad you're ok. Tea is a good cure.

ACK! Furnace dude coming to inspect our furnace!! He'll be here in a half an hour. I called to cancel our gym appointment (daycare requires scheduling). Now I need to pick up the packing materials.

Vortex, I'm wearing the mocs right now--they are VERY comfy.

Still waffling on which kids' boots to return. I may consult with DH.

Vortex, I'm wearing the mocs right now--they are VERY comfy.

They rock like a rocking thing. Seriously, I wish I could wear them everywhere. I'm thinking about getting a pair in patent leather, kind of dressier.

Oh, sj! How scary! Take care and stay warm and cozy.

Still waffling on which kids' boots to return.

I hate stuff like that. I mean, small risk, but I hate accepting any known risk with Ellie. Not because it's necesasrily that bad for her, but if it ever was, I'd feel like shit.

The other day, I could have saved us an hour if I had been willing to take Ellie less than a mile without a carseat. But it was rush hour and on busy streets and drivers here are crazy. I decided we'd sacrifice the time because I could never explain to Joe why I'd taken the risk. With boots, though, I might.

Cash, how do you guys like Wisconsin so far?

I hate stuff like that. I mean, small risk, but I hate accepting any known risk with Ellie. Not because it's necesasrily that bad for her, but if it ever was, I'd feel like shit.

Exactly. I'll probably keep the LE boots because they just look like better quality boots and Owen took to them much better than the others. They're also taller and considering how much snow we get, will proably do a better job of keeping the snow out.

Of course, there is always the option of tossing the Target boots into the closet for spares. Considering how many times I've spent valuable time looking for lost shoes, I think a second, cheaper pair might come in handy.

Cash, how do you guys like Wisconsin so far?

Not to rub it in, but my backyard looks like a Christmas postcard. We really love it. SP has a tobbogan run set up in one of the city parks so we're just waiting for the kids' snow pants to get here so we can go try it out.

We finally got our fireplace inspected and bought a load of firewood so we're really, really liking our first winter up here.

Not to rub it in, but my backyard looks like a Christmas postcard.

Well, I'm insanely jealous, but that does sound like a lot of fun. I just hope that there is snow in New Mexico and that this baby gives me at least a week or more to play in the snow some.

Speaking of the baby, I've been having Braxton-Hicks type contractions on and off. They don't feel anything like the real thing but they are distracting and make me worry about the baby coming early. I just want to fast forward to Christmas already.