In need of some visual stimulation!

I was looking through some pics I've taken recently and have discovered that I dislike the months of January-March for more than just the obvious reasons (cold, dreary, boring).

In these months following the holidays, impatiently waiting on spring...

All my photos look very similar. 

Indoors.  Artificial light.  Doing the same activities.

At least in a normal Minnesotan winter, you have SNOW.

Something to play with.  White and fluffy, decorating the ground and trees.

And mind you, I'm not complaining about the mild temps, but as far as my pictures go...

I'M BORED!  

We've got nothing but gray and brown lately.  Ish.  .

I managed to capture a few shots of the girls messing around on Monday before gymnastics class.

We were graced with some sunshine flowing through the porch windows, and although these are far from perfect, at least they feel fresh to me.

And of course, because I love the subjects so much, I think they are adorable!!!

 

"Playing Doh"

I am not a huge fan of Play-Doh.

It takes up a lot of space, makes a mess, and most often causes some sort of fight between the girls.

Yesterday though, when Lila came out with the box of Play-Doh stuff and said, 

"Ellie really wants to play Doh", I just couldn't say No.

Out came the multiple colors and tools.  Cookie cutters, forks, and the tuna strainer,

(it makes fun little polka dots!) and for once, I enjoyed Playing Doh too!

Those two girls played quietly and contently for almost 20 minutes!

They shared and giggled.  It was almost magical to watch!

And then the very best part.... THEY HELPED CLEAN UP!!!

Without so much as a whine, when they decided they were done, I asked for clean up help

 and they both proceeded to put the colors back in the correct tubs and throw all the accessories back into the box!

Amazing!

Now, I've gotta run.  Ry and I had a nice little date night last night, and thanks to the wonder of my in-laws, we have a full day where the two of us can do some fun stuff.  Ie.  Work on the basement uninterrupted!  I'm just so excited to skim coat my drywall! Ha!  The things you look forward to when you're old, eh?

Have a great Saturday!

 

Monday Stuff

I have to say... I've been a bit slack about blogging the past few weeks.

Just can't get in the groove.  Got stuff goin' on, ya know?

The girls just went down for naps and as I sat down on the couch, I thought of a few things I should blog about.  None of them really work together, so I think today I'll give you one quick blurp about each and then elaborate at a later time.  Sound good?  Hope so... cause here we go.

#1:  Healthy Life Changes

About 6 weeks ago, Ryan and I finally quit talking about how badly we needed to take better care of ourselves and made some huge changes to make that happen.  We have both dramatically changed our diets and have started routinely working out.   It's been hard. ... but we're getting there.  Here was part of my breakfast this morning!  Actually quite delicious;  Vanilla protein powder, 2 cups packed raw spinach, sprinkle of flaxseed, 1/2 cup vanilla Lite n' Fit yogurt,  unsweetened almond milk, splash of cherry juice, and some fresh blueberries.  Bright green? You bet!  This was consumed next to 2 lovely over-medium eggs!  

#2:  Basement Progress

Since last fall, we (ie, Ryan) has been working at a slow, but steady pace to move forward on finishing our basement.  I've been essentually NO help up until now, but I think we're finally at a point where I can get my hands dirty.  I'm ever blessed and grateful to have such an amazing husband.  Seriously, the guy can do ANYTHING!  

We spent a large amount of time (and money, ish) in Menards this weekend.  Picking out tile, a toilet, a sink, yada yada... but in a way, this was pretty exciting!  We have stuff to be able to DO stuff.  I may actually have a basement I can enjoy before our children are teenagers!  Quick peek at the current status of our basement!

#3:  Naughty Elaina~ the Terrible Two's are coming!

As a toddler, we always used to refer to Lila as "Busy", or "Challanging".  She'd have her rough days and was and still is the Drama Queen of the century.  But she always knew that "No" meant  NO.  Sure, she'd push us a little here and there, but honestly... she's never really been a bad kid.  

Elaina, well...  She's another story entirely.  

Our second-born will turn 2 in April, and I feel the winds changing.  I feel the storm that's brewing in that tiny little body of hers.  In that glare she can give you that says "don't test me mom, you have no idea how much of a headache I can give you!"  She'll look right at you and watch your reaction as she proceeds to do exactly what you just told her not too!  I fully anticipate lots of deep breathing, and Time-Outs!  It's a darn good thing she's cute, and man, oh man, is she funny! The problem I think, is that she knows it!

Now, back to the couch!  The girls both start gymnastics tonight, we'll see how that goes!

Happy Monday!

Happy Valentine's Day

Good morning all!

Got a solid 8 hours of sleep and am feeling pretty darn good!!!

Since I have to work again tonight, our family celebrated Valentines last night!

The girls had heart shaped pizzas and we gave them their little gifts!

Lots of chocolate and sweet treats, Lady and the Tramp, Candyland, and a few other trinkets!

Ryan and don't do much for each other on this particular holiday, but it's sure fun with the girls!

Today we're having heart-shaped egg-in-the-hole for breakfast, and will possibly be making a zoo run later!

I'm going to go enjoy our little breakfast with a cup of coffee and my sweetest gifts of all!!!

Also, Happy Anniversary to my mom and Alan today!

They are out on a cruise this week enjoying some sunshine instead of the snow, lucky ducks!!!

The week: Recap

I'm going back to work tonight, after a lovely week off (mostly).

The week was full.  Lots of things going on, but a few nights of just relaxing (as much as you can with 2 little ones)!  

I'm home today, with many tasks on my "to-do" list... cleaning, laundry, etc... but I felt the need to put up a post.

About what...  ?

I don't really know.

Usually, I have a photo that sparks an idea.

Or an event or memory I want to share.

Today, I just feel the need to ramble and write... bear with me.

This week has been an emotional one for me.

I have laughed and cried.  A lot.

I have thought about some major life choices, and some not so major ones.

I have spent time with my children and husband.  

I have spent time with friends.  I have spent time alone.

The girls and I took a trip to the zoo on Monday, and baked Valentine cupcakes on Tuesday!

We've spent a little time outside, enjoying the unseasonably sunny and warm weather!

I got lots of snuggle time with both of them, and have spent the week feeling truly blessed to have such

amazing little people in my life!

Lila showing off our masterpieces!

Silly girl giving Rio some "affection"!  Man, I have patient dogs!

Phone photo:  taking a stroll outside!

On Tuesday night, I picked up a little overtime.

It just so happens that a co-worker of mine, carrying not 1, but 2 little babes decided

that was a good night to bring them into the world!  I was lucky enough to be able to share

in that moment, and capture on camera those miracles! Congrats again Amber and Dan!

I found out yesterday that a friend of mine, had to have a defibrilator placed last week.

A young, vibrant person that now worries about her heart on a daily basis.  

Having lunch with my best friend yesterday, I got to see her little belly bump that is just starting

to pop out with baby #2!  This pregnancy seems to be going much smoother than her first did,

and I love to see her glow and be happy, rather than sick and tired!  

And I think what has carried the most weight this week is Kaiya and Jilanne.

They have been on my mind and in my heart every day.

I pray for them.  For strength, and courage, and comfort.  

I'm now going to finish my cup of coffee, throw in a load of laundry, turn on some calming

music and get stuff done.  Then, when my family comes home this afternoon, I'm going

to soak up every second with them until it's time to head to work.

Be thankful.

Happy Friday!

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Everyone else is fighting a harder battle

There are so many little things in life I complain about.

Work, lack of finances, day to day muck that bogs a person down.

Yesterday I was thinking of my friend, Jilanne and her little peanut, Kaiya.

I shot her a quick text as I was leaving the zoo with the girls, just letting her  know

I was thinking of her.

I received a message back that she appreciated the support and that it was needed.

They were struggling.

Kaiya is being placed on the list for a heart transplant.

Through all her smiles and sweetness, she sure doesn't look like a sick baby,

but the truth is,  her heart just can't keep up.

She is scheduled for a heart cath today, which should help and give them a better idea of what's going on.

I swiped one of Jilanne's FB photos.... she just looks too cute!

I ask again for prayers for this family.
Follow their updates by visiting http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/traynor

My complaining about my kids being up at 5am...  SO not important.

I'm going to go hug my little blessings and watch a Dora for the 957th time!