My sister was supposed to make the 5-hour road trip to her new hometown today. I'm going to thank God for a little winter weather that delayed their move until the big storm is over.
It gives us a little more time to spend with one another.
I can thank God for that.
Thank God joy.
I may sound completely crazy but I hope that all the talk about an expected snow storm this week actually happens. I could use a day of eating snow, making snow angels and snowmen, sledding, and throwing snowballs.
With my kids, of course.
Hoping for snow joy.
Totally engrossed in coloring with markers.
Coloring with markers joy.
I taught for 8 years before staying home with my babies.
Being a substitute teacher for a wonderful class makes me really miss teaching.
Then I come home to my babies and know this is exactly where I need to be right now.
I miss teaching joy.
My nephew is the sweetest baby that I have ever known. There is just something about that adorable little smile that touches my heart.
I am going to print this image and frame it as I will not see this sweet little face as often as I would like. My sister and her family (my niece and nephew included) are moving this weekend.
I once took for granted that my siblings were less than 5 minutes away. Now, all three of them will be no less than 5 hours away.
I guess there will be a lot of road trips in our future.
Sweet little nephew joy.
Today big guy confidently read a 2nd grade level book and little guy counted to 7.
Sigh... they are growing too quickly.
Growing too quickly joy.
Kale chips are my new favorite snack. They are like little healthy green Pop Rocks.
Kale chips joy.
They are super easy to make...
Wash and tear apart kale leaves. Toss with 1 T. olive oil. Single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 20 min. at 300. Yummy!
These are the faces of two disappointed Bears fans.
There is always next year.
Go Bears joy.
It was a ping pong kind of day.
Go there. Be here. Stay there. Are we there yet?
It seemed like the second we walked in the door, we were walking back out.
The ping pong day caught up with this little man. He insisted on sitting down and reading a book before he put on his coat... again.
Ping pong day joy.
In other news... a special thanks to my mom for watching our babies so hubby and I could have a "date night". Thanks, mom! Love you!
Daddy and older brother were out for the evening. Mommy and the younger three made chocolate chip cookies.
They are the best chocolate chip cookies. EVER.
It was a delicious Friday night.
Delicious Friday night joy.
In other news... Clickin' Moms eMagazine was revealed today. It is AWESOME!!!! A MUST read! My friend, Lynne, put her heart and soul into making it absolutely fabulous!!
Check it out :). Click Magazine Winter 2011
Today was a good day.
"Me time" this morning. Sold some items on Ebay and Craigslist. 2011 family calendar from Shutterfly (love it) came in the mail and so did my new Ketti bag (LOVE it!). An email letting me know that I won a seat for the Speedlight Workshop (I'm still in shock and SO excited)!!!! A really good family dinner. Open House at the church. Lots of laughter. A glass of red wine.
Today was a good day.
A really good day.
Good day joy.
In other news... Happy 3rd Anniversary to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law!!! Lots of love to you both!
She'll turn up her nose to macaroni and cheese, ravioli, chicken nuggets and so on. But when it comes to a big bowl of fresh spinach, craisins, feta cheese, sliced almonds, garbanzo beans, and greek dressing, she licks her bowl clean.
She likes the healthy stuff.
And I'm glad.
Healthy eater joy.
He is usually pretty happy to go to bed. Tonight was no exception.
And as soon as I finish my cup of hot tea, take a hot shower and put on my flannel pajamas, I'll be happy to go to bed, too.
Happy to go to bed joy.
I love "no school" days. It's nice to take a break from routine.
We spent the morning at Monkey Joe's with my good friend and her babies. Although they were very excited about playing at Monkey Joe's, they quickly became overwhelmed the reality of it all. They spent most of our time there climbing on me rather than climbing on the inflatable climbers.
They are already asking when we can go back to Monkey Joe's.
So, why is my daily picture of a wine cork? I needed a glass (or two) after spending the morning at Monkey Joe's.
Monkey Joe's joy.
In other news... God is so very good. My brother-in-law was rear-ended by a semi tonight. He has already been released from the hospital so he can recover comfortably at home. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery.
I tackled the "Sell on Ebay" pile today. It feels good to get rid of the things we no longer need (clothes the kids have grown out of) or want (how in the world did we end up with a Packers shirt.? Ick!).
49 listings and counting.
Ebay joy.
Hubby took the youngest 3 grocery shopping. It was just him and I at home.
Me: So, buddy, what do you want to do since it is just the two of us?
Him: Can we have hot chocolate and snuggle on the couch and watch a movie?
Me: Sounds like the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning to me.
Perfect Saturday morning joy.
In other news... my baby brother celebrated his 27th birthday today!!! I hope you had a wonderful day, Dusty! I love you and miss you so very much!
The sound of my babies laughing is one of the sweetest sounds I will ever hear.
Sweetest sound joy.
Apparently the pink rain boots gave him inspiration to try out the new watercolor paints.
Little moments like this put a big smile on my face.
Pink boots and watercolors joy.
When I saw the snow falling this morning, I immediately pulled out the crockpot and prepared a meal for tonight's dinner.
Everyday I try to be the best mom and wife that I can be. Today, the crockpot helped me do just that.
The time that I usually use to make dinner was spent making snow angels, pulling sleds, eating snow, and warming my babies up with hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and colorful marshmallows.
It was time well spent.
And dinner was exceptionally good, too.
Crockpot joy.
I think I'm going to love "Macro Monday".
I also think I'm going to love trying new healthy foods. Kale chips and pomegranate are some of my favorite healthy choices.
Pomegranate joy.
I love how my kids love my mom.
I love how my mom loves my kids.
Grandma love joy.
In other news... Happy Birthday to my niece who officially turned 2 today! I hope you had a wonderful day! Love you!
She laughs a lot and loves a lot. She knows just how to put a smile on your face no matter what mood you are in.
And tomorrow she will turn 2.
Happy Birthday, Miss Thang! Auntie Shannon loves you so very much!
She's 2 joy.
You should never be too old for pigtails.
I often wear my hair in pigtails. They make me feel fresh and fun and youthful.
I need that feeling after wearing my hair in a slick back ponytail that makes me feel "mom" all of the other days.
Never too old for pigtails joy.
