Winter essentials

Since we are in the thick of winter and snow here, which doesn't seem to be going anywhere, I thought I would share some of today's winter essentials.



Hot chocolate! It makes everything better.



A shovel. Notice this is a smaller model....



...so that smaller people can help!

But what is she shoveling?



Paths in the backyard for the dog! (I guess that's the downsize of a small breed)



"Mom, I'm getting snow in my eyes!"



The hairdryer. Why would that be essential, you wonder?



It is the only way to get all of these frozen snowballs off Reese when he comes in. He loves the snow and even with the paths, he likes to venture off of them!

I never thought I would be shoveling the backyard for a dog!!! At least he's cute and I have good help.

Happy Snowy Day!

Project 365-Week 7

This has been a fun week. Enjoy taking a peek at what I did!

Sunday



Super Bowl party with small group tonight! This is just some of the food that was here. Yum!!

Monday



Got everything together for taxes today. Not exactly fun, but necessary!

Tuesday



Received my new book today! I am very excited to be doing this book study along with Beth Moore's blogging community.

Wednesday



The kids had a snow day today. I had packed Ethan's lunch the night before, so he just grabbed it at lunchtime. Well, the girls saw that and wanted to play "school lunch" too. So this is what they had.....



Everything had to be packed and in bags or containers and out in the lunch box. They are just too funny!

Thursday



Do you recognize this? It is the same laundry room floor that wasn't so clean in last week's post. I got it all folded, put away and even did more and the floor is still clean!

Friday



Finally went and saw this movie! Great movie with a great friend!!!

Saturday



My new shoes came today! I got them for a steal!! The heel is really high, but since I have lost so much weight, I love wearing heals now!! Plus it helps me deal with the denial that my 10 year old is as tall as me!

Have a super week!!

Snow day and random thoughts

The kids had a snow day today. It was a lazy day of playing and just being home with no agenda. I think we all need one of those every once in a while!

I have been very busy the last couple of weeks with different activities at the kids' schools, church, meetings, jewelry shows and just life. I have been feeling overwhelmed lately and feel like a new season in life is about to start. A season that will include my oldest going to middle school, a second grader, one starting kindergarten and the youngest starting pre-school. All of this is coming at me at once as registrations begin, information is being sent home to get us thinking about this activity or that. And I start wondering.....what will I be doing?

It is bittersweet to think that time is going this fast and my "babies" are ready to start these journeys. At the same time it is exciting to watch wings spreading, Independence growing and personalities coming into full bloom.

I feel like a new season is coming for Kevin and his job. Whether that means he remains at the same place or moves on, it feels like it is inevitable. And again...what will I be doing?

God has really been working on me these past months. Sifting, refining and calling me closer. Some days and moments, I have been obedient and rested in His peace, His care and His teaching. Other days and moments I have insisted that I knew best and I have wrestled and cried at the feeling of being out of control.

And there it is. The word...control. I am a firstborn, a leader, a get-things-doner. (can we pretend that's a word?) This season I am being called to be a waiter, a prayer and a truster. That is sooo hard, especially when all of the results will inevitably effect my family or me directly. But yet, His plan is always so much better than mine.

So I will wait. I will try to savor the changing of the season and bask in what He is trying to show me. I will continue to sit on my hands and bend at my knees and seek His control instead of mine. I will give Him glory and praise because He is worthy of that and so much more. And I will enjoy those random days with nothing scheduled that He gives so I can remember and reflect that even a snow day, is His day!

Project 365-Week 6

It's week 6?! How is it that the days and weeks just keep flying by? This week has been a blur and I am so far behind on household things, but the pictures are here. I guess that means this has really become a part of my day to day life.

Sunday
Today was a more laid back day, because we didn't have small group to get ready for. There were still things to do though....



Kyla helping me unload the dishwasher. She is an awesome helper!

Monday

Last week was the 100th day of school. Ethan brought home a paper he did about "100". Take a look at what he wouldn't want 100 of.



I guess 2 are enough for him!

Tuesday (a few today)

Today Reese had his first haircut. Here he is before...



And after....



We also had our last puppy class tonight. Would you believe another mastiff was in class and of course who did Reese want to be with?



But he did take one romp with his little pals for the last time...



Wednesday

New shoes and a new workout video.



This is tough! Still circuit training but much more focused than the Shred. I will rotate both. All I can say is Jillian is getting back at me for the Girl Scout comment last week!

Thursday

I told you yesterday I did a new workout. Today my body felt like it needed....



I ended up not taking any and just complained instead.

Friday

I mentioned that I was behind on household things. Here is case in point..



All of these clothes are clean, but are probably so wrinkled now that I'll have to start over. Don't judge...just keeping it real!

Saturday

Grammie and Grandpa came over to visit and play games before leaving on vacation. Of course we had to play....



Wits and Wagers!!

Hopefully next week I'll get caught up at home and my kids will know where their clothes are! How has your week been?

Project 365-Week 5

How is it possibly the end of the week already? This one flew by, but I was able to keep up the pictures.

Sunday



Girl Scout cookies were delivered to us today. Jillian didn't look too happy, but I think the Girl Scouts can take her!

Monday



We took the kids out to eat and then stopped at Krispy Kreme for dessert. (the light was on and we had free coupons!) While there we conducted an experiment. We asked to have a doughnut before it went through the "icing shower". Oh my, I took a little bite and it tasted like a crispy roll. That icing makes all the difference!!

Tuesday



Puppy Class! Reese's friend Thunder graduated, so he wasn't there. But, we have a new class mate. Murray, a bull mastiff, and of course Reese loved him because he was the biggest one!

Wednesday (Two today)



Why do the girls have their pant legs pulled up you wonder? See the brown fuzzy guy? He loves to go after their pant legs to play, so they decided to fix that! And....



Reese's new found toy when outside. It's the climbing rope on the swing set that Grandpa built. Thanks for thinking ahead Grandpa!! Not only do the kids love it, but the dog does too.

Thursday



Today was Mom's day at Ella's school. One of our projects was to have our child paint our hand to put in this book. Fun day!!

Friday



Went to the Fun Fair at the boys school this evening. There were games, prizes, the "balloon man" and food. The snow cones were a huge hit with our tribe!



Saturday



Kevin and I went out for dinner tonight while Grammie and Grandpa kept the kids. (Thanks Mom & Dad!) We went to Houlihans and waited 2 hours for our food!! (they gave us our meal on the house) So nice to have some time to ourselves, eat hot food without cutting anyone else's and not have to take anyone to the bathroom!

How has your week been? Would love hear about it!

Balding beautifully?

In my Project 365 post yesterday I posted this picture...



...and told you it was my special purchase. It is called Nioxin and my hair stylist recommended it. Why you might wonder? Will it give me silky smooth hair? Maybe it will enhance my hair's natural beauty? Well, I would hope so but the main purpose is to help my hairline. Yes, my hairline.

You see, I was blessed (and I use that term oh so lightly) with my maternal grandmother's hair. It is very thin. Well that was ok because I still had a lot. Not so much anymore. It has gotten to the point that my husband and oldest son have a lot of fun telling me I am bald or I'll catch Kevin looking at the top of my head. My son was so kind about a week ago to tell me that I needed Bosley. I was mortified!

I have spoken with my stylist before and she said to try this product. When I went to the beauty supply to get it, there were different levels, for different hair textures and hair that is chemically treated. I asked an associate for help and was thrilled to have her look at my head and give me Level 4. Do you know what Level 4 says? It says for "Visibly Thinning Hair". Thank you very much associate for supporting my son and husband! Can a girl get some hairline love somewhere?

So here is hoping that it will do something. And because I have totally lost my mind, I even have a picture of the top of my head to show you the cause of all of the humor in our house. Please be kind internet. I am an emotionally fragile balding woman!



And for those of you who actually see me on a regular basis....Please don't stare at the glare on my head! :)

Project 365-Week 4

It was a busy week this week, but was able to keep up with the pictures! I'm so glad!

Sunday



This is what our entry looks like 3 out of 4 Sundays every month. Why you wonder? It's small group!

Monday



Ella had her best friend, A, spend the night since there was no school. Here are the girls enjoying each other.



And since there was no school, we went bowling with Grammie!

Tuesday



Puppy class again. They were moving so fast it was hard to get a shot. But guess who Reese found again....



Thunder!!!!

Wednesday



My special purchase today. It is called Nioxin. If you want to know what it is or why I bought it, check back tomorrow for an explanation.

Thursday



Played a rousing game of "Guess Who" with the girls!

Friday



Had a baby shower for Ella's Pre-K teacher, Mrs. C today. Such a special lady and was great to see all of the kids honoring her!

Saturday



Mom and Dad (AKA Grammie and Grandpa) came over and brought dinner. Afterwards we played Apples to Apples and....



Wits and Wagers. This is a great and quick family game!! We got it for Christmas and it was an instant hit with our family!!

Can't wait to hear about your week!!