One Word Wednesday

Joining the wise Billie Jo and cheating following her example today while trying to hop back on this blogging train.

 

Snow

 

finally.

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

We're comin' for ya, Spring!

 

February Wrap Up

Sometimes things happen and days turn into weeks around here. Have you noticed?

While I had the best of intentions to post birthday and Valentine's photos last week, a bad tummy bug hit a couple of us here. It's odd for me to get sick and then even though I was technically 'down' and had so much time on my hands, I still wasn't feeling well enough to even pick up a book to read.
So there goes any productivity, even on the sickbed. Sad and unfortunate.

Finally bouncing back and praying to the good Lord that the last three remain unscathed, I'll quickly try to attempt a wrap up via photos and we'll call February finished even if the calendar says it's not quite.


Two days of fun began with our homeschool group's annual sledding Valentine's party.

The big kids each made Valentines boxes for the exchange with the other kids. Each of them created their own themed box and used their unique creativity (and the help of Pinterest).

Lily went with the Frozen theme and did Elsa's castle in box form. Surprisingly, no other kids went with Frozen so hers was unique. 

Jonah is my super-creative, sometimes over the top, but has trouble putting his B-I-G ideas into action, child. He wanted to go with the Lego movie theme and created the Double Decker Valentines box. (click the photo to see the speech bubbles)

Another project knocked out of the park and completed on time. 

Again, another unique box among the others. 

The following day was Valentine's Day and our parish's annual Winter Carnival, an all afternoon and evening affair. The worst part was that the temperature was frigid cold and the actual lack of snow put a damper on some of the outdoor activities. 

There were indoor and outdoor games for the kids along with horse drawn wagon rides through town as well. The little kids especially enjoy the indoor games with prizes and the creation station activities. 

The kids warmed up by the bonfire outside during the scavenger hunt Reed put together. 

In the evening, our Bishop joined us for Mass and chili supper. A tradition our priest, Fr. M started last year was an evening movie with the kids. This year it was Big Hero 6. The kids think it's a pretty big deal to watch the movie with the priest and at church. 

Before Mass, we've also started the tradition of doing a pinata. 

You may remember Olaf from last year when we watched the Frozen movie?

This year one of the moms who helps plan the event made the cat from Big Hero 6, Mochi. It was pretty awesome and must have taken a lot of time. 

As with last year. another huge hit and another successful winter carnival.

The following two days were when Margaret got sick and I followed. Feeling like we'd both bounced back, Tuesday was Gianna's 4th birthday. No birthday post for my sweet girl because I hadn't had time to prepare it, but we did a little bit of celebrating. Since we'd already celebrated the two girls together, her birthday was simplified and my parents spent the day with us. 

I was still on the mend and hadn't any idea the next couple days that followed I'd relapse with the ickies. Please pardon the less than stellar family photo, but I guess they can't all be perfect. 

Now you know how we roll around here. 

With that, we survived the next few days and I had one more down for Thursday. 

How's your Lent going so far? Let's just say mine has started off with knocking me down and running me through the wringer. I joked with someone when I said I thought Ash Wednesday was perhaps my last. That evening I was pretty sure that the next 39 days of Lent were gonna be smooth after that ride. 

We had one or two days with temps in upper teens and then the cold blast is going to be here again. 

I guess we're getting the cold January weather in February instead. Crazy winter!

We took advantage of the sunshine and bundled up to at least get some fresh air. 

After last week being cooped up, I needed it.

The girls didn't want to come inside and instead looked at me through the door as I warmed up indoors. 

Poor girls, they just want to be outdoors running around like hooligans and riding trikes and bikes again. 

Heck, I do too. 

Here's to March around the corner and warmer days at my window. 

Winter Remedy Wednesday: Lips

It's winter here in Minnesota which brings a drier environment both indoors and out.

I have found myself the last several winters with extremely dry lips. I think my lips have always been dry, but somehow as I age (or become more maternal and hormones or something changes) they keep getting worse. I'm not talking just dry, chapped lips. They are extremely dry layers of skin that peel off no matter how well I lube them up.

I've done sugar scrubs and other exfoliating lip products to peel that dryness off and it always works. The bad part though is that the dry flakiness always returns no matter how much I slather on moisturizers and balms. 

Would you like to know what sort of things I've tried? Inquiring minds wanna know, right? 

These are some of the latest over the past two winters:

 

     

           

None of them worked. In fact, some of them even dried my lips more and unless I constantly slathered that stuff on, my lips were horrible. C'mon, I've got more important things to do than apply lip therapy all day long. 

Recently I went on a quest to research the dickens out of this lip care topic. I spent more time searching Pinterest, online boards and forums, product reviews and the like than I did when buying our last vehicle. 

Somewhere in the midst of all that data I found many suggestions 

to try this:

I hit up Target last week and dug deep to spend the $3+ for this tube.

But you know what? I'm so glad I did!

Within a day the results were in and my lips were smooth again. They have now stayed that way for over a week and that's only with applying the Aquaphor a couple times a day. 

That makes this Minnesota gal happy and ready to embrace the rest of winter. 

I'll be purchasing another tube (or several) to keep handy around home and in my purse. You know how it is, when you find a good thing, stick with it. 

Until the company inevitable discontinues the product without so much as asking you. 

*This is a simple product suggestion to my dear readers. I have not been compensated to review or promote this product. I just really like it.

Scenes From A Saturday: Sledding

Saturday mornings are usually bath time for the little girls and I decided to throw in a little hair trim for both of them too. 

As you see, Margaret was thrilled.

But, why must you cut my lovely locks?

Because, they are stringy and you need a little winter pick-me-up.

With the prospect of 50 mph winds that were to blow in for the afternoon, we headed outside this morning while it was in the mid-30's.

Some of us dawdle more than walk, but that's how this girl rolls. And dawdles.

We hit the sledding hill that grandpa worked on with the big kids the other week. The kids have been having a blast on it. I didn't take photos showing the length of this hill, but it goes down the hill/path they made and onto the snow covered icy lake below. It's more of a tapered hill and not straight down, just in case you are worried about the risk factor.

The big kids take turns with Gianna.

And enjoy the competition to see who gets further on to the ice.

Winter landscape offers photographic fun.

Sweet cheeks that belong to child #4 who almost always waits patiently in her cozy sled while the others play.

Another turn down the chute with Lily.

Gianna thinks it's a hoot.

But not so much when she tips out of the sled, which happened with daddy just after I took this photo.

A good time was had by all.

We finished up just as the wind started to roar.

Now it's blustery/blizzard-like and snow is swirling around the house. I'd say 50 mph winds are not impossible as the temperature has dropped in the lower teens.

So much for more sledding. 

At least not for the rest of this weekend or probably next week as we sit in a deep freeze.

I hope you're warm and toasty and enjoying lots of family time during your weekend.

Winter Makes Its Debut

Just over a week or so ago the weather was balmy and in the 40's. And then last week it was still pretty nice and in the upper 20's and low 30's. I kept thinking how it didn't seem like December last week when the grass was brown.

I should've known better than to bask in the thought of a possible non-winter type winter. You know, like the ones other people enjoy. The winters without snow or minimal snow.

But that's not MinneSNOWta, is it?

We went from those balmy days to some snow on Friday and Saturday. There was just enough for the kids to play in and still not get too cold.

Saturday evening the snow started falling again in massive quantities. We made it in to Mass Sunday morning(we only live a mile from church), but none of the side streets in our little town were plowed.

By mid morning the wind had started up and the Blizzard Warning we were in proved obvious. The snow was still falling and swirling around like crazy.

When all was said and done, at least a foot of snow was dumped on us. The big kids ventured out several times and dear hubby went and did the back breaking work of shoveling.

I spent the day indoors with the little girls since it was just too cold to have them both outside. Our view from inside:

The girls liked it better in doors and rolling around and playing any way.

In the midst of the weekend blizzard, we managed to get some baking done and also Christmas decorating.

We are almost running out of staircase to put up our stockings!

Today is bitterly cold and will be an inside kind of day. When we woke up it was -7 degrees outside. That's seven BELOW zero, people. A bit more nippy than it has been. I reminded the kids this morning of the 102 degree temps we had around 4th of July. That was 109 degrees difference from this morning!!! Whoa.

Not much ahead for our week, besides a Little Flowers meeting tomorrow and piano recital in the evening. It will be Jonah's first time performing for an audience. I am hoping it goes well.

Until then, it's a season of waiting, isn't it?

I am eagerly awaiting  a great nephew or niece who should debut (hopefully) tomorrow. And of course, waiting on Minnesota Mom and her litttle man's arrival too.

And while we're all waiting, could you spare a prayer? There are so many in the world/blogosphere asking for prayers, but maybe you could say one for my friend who suffered through a miscarriage last week. Thank you!

Happy Second Week of Advent!!

Snowy White

Today brought our first snowfall and although that does not necessarily mean that winter has officially started, in my book it pretty much does.

So begins winter survival, snow packed country roads and more snow/winter gear to pile on before heading outdoors.

Surprisingly, my nine month old enjoyed the sled ride and snow blowing at her face far more than I anticipated. The girl was smiling more today in the sled than she has over the last two weeks donning her winter coat in the stroller.





Now it's back to the couch with me to nestle in my cozy blanket, the smell of warm chocolate cake out of the oven and the sound of my daughter practicing "There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays" on the piano.

I hope you are enjoying your Saturday!

Hibernation And Nesting

You know, I think we could learn a lot from the animals. I don't think we give them enough credit for their instinctive actions. Most of the birds from around here fly south for the winter. As do retirees and we call them 'snowbirds', but I call them wise. Other animals find a warm, cozy place for their fluffy, overweight selves to hibernate. Best idea yet.

Oh sure, we're not animals and we do have obligations and duties that make us the responsible humans that we are. But when the wind starts howling, the temperature drops and weather forecasts give indications of first snowfalls, this mom starts getting in hibernating/hunkered down mode. You're right, I am not made to live in Minnesota. We come from hardy descendants though and we are tied with resilient heart-strings to our families and we just can't bear to leave this wonderful state.

Until the first snow flies...

So, when the first flurries began and the winds were howling and moaning out my window, creating slushy roads and reminders of winter realities, I couldn't help but think. You know, because I'm starting to feel like a mama bear these days. Big and rounded and testy. It's those hormones of course.

It's just fine though because I've got a baby in my belly that is gonna start growing like crazy in these next 15 or so weeks. There are holidays, holy days and happy days that will fill our calendar just enough to keep us busy. I've already begun all of the nesting and preparing. Trust me, even hubby was questioning my sanity when it all began last weekend. Why was I wandering around tearing into numerous projects, re-organizing and throwing things away like a mad woman? It's the change of season, the chilly weather and general nesting hitting me full throttle.

I started to wonder aloud, ponder and fret while hubby listened and chuckled. Why does it matter what we get the kids for Christmas RIGHT NOW? Why does it matter what kind of gifts we'll buy for this baby in a few years because we have so many 'things' already? What do you mean will this baby feel loved? Oh yes, I was all over the map and ever-patient-one that my dear husband is, he took it all in stride. You know, sometimes it's overwhelming (my new favorite word, just ask hubby) being so planned and organized.

In making plans for the coming months and Christmas preparations, I re-read my post from last year. It reminded me of how much I enjoyed the Advent season last year. I stayed out of the stores and we focused together as a family on the true meaning of Christmas. I think this will work out perfectly for my hibernation-while-baby-is-growing scenario and will also allow for some more wonderful memories and days at home.

I guess I better get plugging away at that Christmas shopping list, even though I'm planning on keeping it rather simplified and gifts more thought out/meaningful rather than spendy. I've got a little over a month to do it in an effort to keep with my December 1st deadline. I think I'm up for the challenge.

There's sure to be more nesting ahead too amidst my restful hibernation. After all, we all know that the state of every nook and cranny along with every closet in our house will really matter to this precious little one we are awaiting. Um, sure it will.

Hi-Lo: March 5th

HI's:

1. Our family took a late evening walk over the weekend in the bright full moonlight. It was a bit cold, but beautiful and still enough for a precious family memory.

2. The weather has been perfect with warm enough temperatures to get us outside and the sheet of ice is completely melted off of our driveway. New mud boots have been bought for the children and they are already puddle jumping and splashing wherever they find water!




3. Tuesday was our afternoon out, complete with Lily's piano lesson, a trip to the library, a couple of errands and going out for pizza after Reed was off of work. Best part, with Lily's Book It certificate and a gift certificate our family received, we ate out for free!

4. Lily's past weeks of awful bedtime habits have decreased and she is again falling asleep with ease and in her own room. Our house is a happy house at bedtime again!

5. Jonah is reading!! Well, it's just the BOB books that I did with Lily, but he has now read two of them on his own! This is a major accomplishment since I tried them with him a few weeks ago and he wasn't even trying to sound out the words and could not have cared less. Randomly, this week he asked to try reading and made the effort and succeeded. Pretty exciting!

6. Biggest Loser and The Office returned this week!


Lo's:

1. Dancing With The Stars announced their new 'stars' and their partners for the upcoming season. Among them was Kate Gosselin. I love the show, but don't know that I will be able to watch as long as she is on there. Kate and I have some unresolved issues between us.



I guess it wasn't too bad of a week here, huh? How about you? How did your week go? I hope your Lent is fruitful. Happy Friday!


Check out Colleen's Highs & Lows this week over here.

Wordless Wednesday: Evening Walk Edition

Rewind

These are VERY overdue, I know. Please excuse the delay, but some of these were much too pretty to pass up. Of course, the ones during the snowstorm are much easier to consider 'beautiful' three weeks later, when we are not breaking our backs shoveling and trying to keep up with it. And, the fact that today we are sitting around 30 degrees instead of the single digits like we were back then!