12of12 | March

[click here to enlarge]

01. I love the quality of light in the mornings.
02. Yes, she is always this excited to head off to school -- and by school I mean being with friends.
03. A month or so ago Megan did a FHE lesson on what makes your heart happy. We each had to draw it on a paper heart and when we had finished and shared with each other she promptly taped them on the wall. I look at our collection of hearts several times a day and each time I can't help, but smile.
04. Monday = laundry
05. While walking out from the grocery store I noticed this very loud distinct sound of fabric flapping in the breeze. I love our flag, especially on a windy day when it's begging to be noticed.
06. Working on Bella's birthday party invites. Took me twice as long since my printer decided today of all days to stop working. bleh!
07. I asked her to try on this new dress. I shouldn't have been surprised when she pulled out her itouch and took a photo. When I asked her what she was doing she said, "I'm trying to decided if I want to wear it with a black t-shirt or cardigan."
08. Every Monday I add more socks to the I-don't-have-a-match-pile.
09. Megan had a dentist appointment right after school. NO cavities!
10. I took a little stroll moments before the girls came home from school. Sadly everything is still pretty brown -- don't know why a few days of good weather would change that. However, this little patch of yellow caught my eye on my way back. Spring is bound to come.
11. The weather has been so good the girls haven't wanted to do anything else, but be out in it. Megan was biking while Tess continued to master her rollerblades.
12. Lara and I met up tonight for dinner, frozen custard, and good conversation. I always love catching up with her in person. She didn't mind the back road route and the deer saying hello either. :)

Would you believe I almost forgot? It wasn't until 8am, minutes before the girls left that I remembered. I wonder how far into the day I would have gone before realizing. Certainly wouldn't have been the first time. Have you ever forgotten?

I hope you all had a fabulous day!

many hands make light work

Grateful for my girls positive attitudes today as they spent their day off helping to get our house in order, particularly the outside. It does seem they're more fond of raking leaves and using the blower than they are at cleaning the bathrooms or vacuuming the floors (Jill, I guess that gene didn't get passed along). Can't say I blame them, there is something fun about being outdoors in this weather even if you are working hard.

Although I'm aware cleaning/picking up did not come pre-programmed in them, trust me there are plenty of opportunities to keep them on task (especially the little one), they do understand that each of us has a part in our family and recognize how much quicker everything goes when we're helping together.

Feeling so blessed.


12of12 reminder
I wanted to remind you that tomorrow is the 12th. I am, like always, amazed at how quickly the time has passed. It's going to be December before we know it, which means Christmas is around the corner. Crazy. Anyway, I look forward to seeing what your Saturday holds. I hear it might snow--should be good.

Have a great day!

delightful fall eve | photos

We played outside tonight until we couldn't play any longer. The great thing about fall is you can enjoy the fading sunset without having to wait up til 9:30pm. I do hate loosing that light, but it does make getting kids to bed much easier. Of course after a full day of school and play falling asleep becomes a welcomed reward.















Happy Fall!

earth day outing

I didn't realize until after our outing that it was earth day today so how serendipitous that despite the cold wet weather Megan and I spent the late morning hours at one of our favorite outdoor spots.

I don't think I've ever been up there in spring and while I was hoping for a little bit more foliage, maybe a wild blossom or two, there was some life. The grasses, which will soon turn to long weeds were already growing rampantly and the tender small leaves at the tops of the trees were beginning to bud. It was a bit muddy and messy at parts, but we had an enjoyable time.






While we were getting ready to go she said, "Mom I'm gunna bring my scrapbook and draw what I see while you take pictures."

just the 3 of us

It's just Tess, Megan, and I holding down the fort tonight while Adam is in Vegas enjoying the 100 degree weather (not) and Bella is spending the evening with her best cousin Whitney. Jill graciously invited her over because her boys are at a campout tonight.

This evening started out rough for me after falling asleep when I got home around 4pm and not waking up until 6pm. I had a hard time recovering from my apparently much needed nap, I guess my 530am mornings are catching up to me.



Lucky for me I had Megan and Tess to force me out of it. We spent the remainder of the evening outside enjoying the weather. The girls made beds for potato bugs and we eventually went on a walk/bike ride around the neighborhood.

first step to making the perfect potato bug bed

picking the bedding

second step

making beds

third step

finding bugs


fourth step

introducing them to their new beds

It was a delightful evening that ended for them at 9:45pm. I fear mine will drag on much longer with my nap so I'm hoping the late night for them will mean a late morning tomorrow...especially since my early raiser is with her cousin.

carefree afternoon

Thursday is one of the few afternoons we don't have something scheduled. Ok, Monday and Fridays are free, but for some reason after a busy Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday is a welcome free afternoon.





Today they chose water and swim suits immediately after getting home. I, in turn, followed them out with an ice-cream on a stick because if it's warm enough for suits, it's perfect for a cool treat.



At the end of our chocolate(y) snack we were greeted with a hidden message on the empty stick. I couldn't agree more. It doesn't get much better than everyone healthy, feeling happy, being together, and eating chocolate. I'm telling you this weather does wonders for the soul. What is it about the sun, the warmth, and the fresh cut grass smell that keeps your spirits high? It's the perfect remedy.

her suggestion

It doesn't take me a lot to pull out my camera so when Megan suggested we go outside and play with the camera I put down the laundry I was folding and followed her. I'm not sure I've ever gotten a request like that from her before so I was more than willing to oblige.









It wasn't long before she was through with me and said, "no more pictures mom, let's swing". I guess since it was her idea it was her agenda we were following as well. So we did some swinging (yes I swung too), I did some pushing, then we ran around and played with the little bit of snow that was left. It was so nice and refreshing to get out of my stuffy house and play outside for once that I think I will probably cry when it snows again. I'm just so ready for the season to change and the blossoms to come.
Are you ready?