Thursday Thoughts

Today I'm thinking about...


...This weekend. Because my friend Marian is coming to visit. And after spending an entire week with us last fall at the beach, she is still willing to return my calls! She is coming up for the Superbowl, and we are glad.

Friday is also my sweet mother's 78th birthday. She is not feeling well, but we are planning a nice dinner out once she is. In the meantime, she is enjoying the quiet, cozy, winter days in her little home. She also enjoys playing cards and bingo with her friends. And I am so happy for her.


Madison has a craft show with her Mary Kay on Saturday afternoon. She spent this week tying lipstick and lip-gloss into beautiful Valentine packaging and is excited to go. : )


We escaped the worst of the snow this week. Here are some pictures of what we have been up to this last week of January...

Pretty pretty pretty outside...

warm and cozy inside.

I finally packed away my Christmas bedding.

I'm a hold out, you know. : )

Three of my four all ready for a lunch date and grocery shopping.

We do everything as a family. : )

My girl...always willing to snuggle.

Ironing is my thing...especially when it involves pretty, festive aprons.

 Our contribution to National Chocolate Cake Day this year...

It was good. Really good.

And just in case you think I went all sugar happy...

this was my lunch this week.

Grilled chicken breast marinated in Peyton's homemade Asian dressing with  lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!

Keepin' It Real...Naptime

And I don't mean for the kids.  In the interest of fairness, I feel compelled to admit to you that yes, I take a nap. Almost every afternoon. I am a morning person. I awake early, shower early, begin my day early. And that makes me happy.  It also makes me sleepy around the same time every afternoon. Could I hop on the treadmill instead of onto the couch? Absolutely. Should I? Probably. But that would mean missing out on one of my Flynn's favorite parts of the day...snuggle time. Since she was little we have taken time most every afternoon to snuggle in the same spot with the same blanket and recharge for the rest of the day. She calls it Snuggletime. : ) She used to sleep as well. Now...not so much. She snuggles and watches a show or two while this old lady gets her rest. Note: Homeschool Bonus...Older kids at home in case Mom falls asleep on the couch. And honestly, I will truly miss this special time when she outgrows it. But then again, I'm 45, and haven't outgrown it yet. : )

If you need me, this is where you'll usually find me around 2:00 everyday. Try it sometime. It will change your life. Promise. : )

Don't Forget...National Chocolate Cake Day!

Just a reminder! Tuesday, January 27, is National Chocolate Cake Day! Really. It's a thing. As if I need an excuse to bake and eat chocolate cake! So put on your aprons and get baking! And don't forget to share you photos!

Thursday Thoughts

Today I'm thinking about...


...Time. And how quickly it passes. I have learned to stop lamenting that fact and have tried to embrace it by living in the moment. Time passes, things change, children grow. So why not hold on and enjoy? Here are a few pictures of the past wintry week in our part of the world...

My beautiful mother...she loved the pillow I had made for her with pieces of my dear father's favorite ties...

 

 

My sisters and I shared our memories of my father wearing each one with her. She recognized them right away, and told me she will treasure it always.

 

 

 

My Madison had her first Mary Kay skin care class, and Peyton was happy to help her out with the refreshments! Not pictured would be these amazing brownies. Because they were devoured as soon as I put them out! Thanks, Sarah! : )

 

 

My baby...with braids...

 

 

and the next day without. : ) And yes...she took a paper shamrock to Mass. And it sang. : )

 

 

Just me...

 

 

and my coffee.

 

 

Have a wonderful January weekend, my friends! : )