We Interrupt This Winter to Bring You Some Sunshine and Warm Temperatures!

Yesterday, after lunch, the boys and I pushed our school books aside and headed outdoors to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and spring-like temperatures.  March, you are such a tease!

First, the boys had to test out the trampoline to make sure the winter didn't damage it.

Next, we walked down to the river to check out the spring thaw.  It is so exciting to see pools of water where there was once only ice.  Oh, and the smells.  Standing on our favourite rock, I couldn't help but take in a deep breath and savour the the fresh, crisp smell of spring. Sometimes I wonder if I even breathe in the winter.

On our way back up the hill, the boys decided to check on the camp they had made in the woods last autumn.

The ground was so mucky!

They were ecstatic to find the teeter totter they had made was still working.  Country kids!

Being the beautiful afternoon that it was, none of us were ready to go in just yet so we grabbed Scout's leash and walked down the road to see what interesting things we could find.  Thanks to all the rain we had on Wednesday, all the nearby waterfalls were overflowing.  They were beautiful, and not to mention, noisy.  At one in particular, we couldn't hear each other talking over the sound of the rushing water.  Even though it was tremendously loud, it felt so peaceful.  Elliot and I didn't want to leave, but poor Avery was having a difficult time restraining Scout from chasing a couple of taunting chipmunks, and so after a little bit we decided to move on.

Our next stop was a local beach.  Since our beach was still pretty iced over, Scouty was unable to play in the water, which is his favourite pastime.  Luckily, this beach was open and he quickly got to work digging up rocks . . . tee hee!  He is such a funny dog.

He would have had a lot more fun if we had taken him off of his leash, but since there was still a few sheets of ice out there and this was right around the same time of year our previous dog, Sport, died after getting caught under the ice, the boys refused to listen to my pleas on Scout' behalf.   Nonetheless, he didn't seem to mind.  Scout is just happy being where ever there is water and his family.

Such a wise puppy.

Happy Friday!

Back at 'er!

Well, we're up and at 'er . . . . . grrrrrrrrrrr!

No one is ever ready to bid farewell to a wonderful week off, but throw Daylight Savings Time in there, and you've got yourself one apocalyptic meltdown on your hands.  Zoe's began last night, as she was frantically trying to remember how one gets ready for the school week.  There was volleyball gear to find and pack, there was a speech she had to polish and try to memorise, and most importantly, there was the first-day-back-to-school outfit to lay out . . . eeek! I didn't think it was ever going to come together, but she managed it, and we all got some sleep.

Hooray!

But now I sit here and wait for the BIG one.  The meltdown to end all meltdowns, and the source of this meltdown will be none other than this guy:

Sure, he looks peaceful here: just a boy, his knife and a stick, but trust me, today will be anything but peaceful.  And I'm scared!

Me being taken hostage by Elliot in an epic gun battle that went down yesterday.

If I do not survive today, at least I will die knowing that my last week on earth was a good one.  I had plenty of opportunities to visit with family and friends, which consisted of drinking oodles and oodles of herbal tea, chowing down on yummy food, and having lots of heart-to-hearts.  Awesome!

I also read two books; one, of which, will go down in history as one of the best books I have ever read: The Paris Wife.  Loved it!  I am currently in mourning that it is over and have been unable to pick up another . . . ugh!  There is nothing harder than ending a good book.

I was also able to get away for a night with Mr. Level-Headed sans rugrats, and it was glorious! I love car trips and our entire six hour drive to Portland was spent talking and snacking.  I love that about Mr. Level-Headed and I; we are incredibly comfortable together and we can talk up a storm, but then when the conversation dies, which it inevitably does on the drive home, we can simply sit and enjoy the peace.  I am one lucky gal!



I also love the fact that he enjoys shopping and eating just as much as I do, and we spent our entire time in Portland traipsing through the mall trying to find all the things on Baby Girl's list and eating loads of yummy, gluten-free meals at restaurants.  I was shocked that all but one of the restaurants we went to had a gluten-free menu.  This trip was perfect!

Being able to send photos via text message is the best thing ever and it saved both Mr. Level-Headed and I from having our teenage daughter disown us.  The salespeople were laughing at us because we kept taking pictures of things we would find, texting them to Baby Girl, and waiting for her reply.  Can someone please tell her that she has the best parents ever? And the best part about our shopping adventure was finding a pair of  volleyball sneakers she liked for only $23.  Like I said, this trip was perfect!

And to top it all off, if I don't make it through today, at least I will die knowing that I am a published author.  How cool, insane, incredibly awesome, but oh-so very strange is that! If you haven't checked out my article, you can read it here. 

It's crazy where this thing called life will lead you if you just relax and enjoy the ride!

Anyhoo . . .

Happy Monday, and I really hope to be back at it tomorrow.

pray for me!

It Was in the Air (for one day at least)

Did you feel it?

The oh, so very tiny, and just a pinch really, hint of Spring?

I feel bad if you didn't catch a glimpse of it on Saturday because let me tell you, it was spectacular! It put a spring in my step and made my spirit soar. I spent the day doing laundry and cleaning up the house, with our bedroom windows open, welcoming the cool breeze in to wash away the winter staleness. The bright sunshine and the mild temperature,  drew the boys out to play and inspired me to finally take down our Christmas lights. While I was out there, I daydreamed of getting back into the garden, of getting my knees and hands dirty, and of watching my little buds flourish under the hot, summer sun. 

Sometimes, when I look around at the white world that currently surrounds me, I forget that just beyond this blanket of snow and cold, there are hot sunny days waiting for us.  Days, when we spend almost every waking minute outside swimming, playing soccer, gardening, or just sitting; days when we can slip on some flip flops and leave our sweaters behind; days when the sun never seems to tire and the only thing that outlasts it is my kids' energy; days when we prolong going back into the hot house as long as possible to sit out under the cool night sky, sharing stories and laughs around the bonfire, while I hold one of the kids on my lap, drinking in the smell of summertime that is splashed all over their skin.  

It is coming.

I can smell it on the melting snow.

I can feel it on the sun's rays as it lightens up my home.

Spring is coming.

And even though, we have at least two months before we see and feel any real changes, Saturday was a welcome reminder that She has not forgotten about us and that She is just around the corner.

Saturday morning cartoons and sunglasses

Happy Monday, everyone!