Let's Go Outside

"Let's go outside!"

That's what I've been exclaiming for the past two days!

I'll admit it. I was getting a little tired of the snow. And although there is still some snow lingering, we've had two blissful days of sunshine and warm weather. Heaven! 

The boys have been running around the front yard, wrestling in the grass, playing with soccer balls and golf clubs, and just being BOYS! It makes my momma heart so happy. 

The boys have been so happy (and better behaved) this weekend, and I just know it's because they're getting their energy out. They're doing what little boys are supposed to do--playing in dirt, being messy, and running around!

I know we've got some colder days ahead before spring truly arrives--but these warm days have whet my appetite for sunshine, freckles, and being outside!

These boys. I thank Jesus for them every single day. When I see Nathan riding circles in our driveway on his scooter, and when I see Jack getting excited and exclaiming, "DOG!!" when someone walks by with their dog, I think my heart might explode. Parenting is tough. It's not for wimps. But, this weekend, it's just been the fun stuff of parenting--cuddles, playing outside, giggles while drinking milk (messy!), crayon scribbles on birthday cards and church bulletins. The happy stuff of life. The little gifts God gives me and I thank Him so, so much for.

Few things make me as happy as when I run for the box of wipes in Jack's room to wipe off muddy hands. The dirt that gets under their nails and in every crevice of their palms. That dirt that tells me they've run, they've laughed, they've played.

And that's the good stuff of life, isn't it?

Snow Much Snow

Okay, we got TWO FEET of snow. So, of course, it's still lingering a week and a half later. Here are some snow photos!

My Valentine

See this man? He's my number one Valentine! I couldn't be more blessed to call him my husband. He is selfless, hard-working, encouraging, and unwavering in his love and ability to go above and beyond for his family.

Before I seal up his Valentine card, I wanted to share one excerpt.

"I know that we do not get a lot of me-and-you time. That stinks. I know we're not in the easiest life stage right now. We're both exhausted 24/7. But I wouldn't do life with anyone else. You are my partner and my support. You encourage me. The days are so very long--but so very rewarding. Life is good with you, Scott. You are the love of my life."

XOXO to my hubby--who hopefully, after three days, can make it home today!

P.S. My Valentine's Day gift to my hubby? I'm strapping on my Hunter boots, my enormous North Face, ski pants, my hubby's work gloves, and I'm shoveling the driveway in hopes that he can come home! Now THAT is love! :)

My Little Valentines

Well, since we're currently under nineteen inches of snow (you did read that correctly), I'm glad that the boys celebrated Valentine's Day at school yesterday, when the snow hadn't arrived quite yet!

How cute do they look!?

And here's how Jack Bean looked when I went to pick him up from Mother's Day Out:

We'll certainly be stuck in the house for Valentine's Day! But, I can't imagine two cuter boys to be stuck with! :) [Side note: Daddy has been at the hospital since Wednesday morning, and I'm hoping he'll make it home by Friday night!]

So-Gal's Recipe: Cajun Shrimp

You will thank me. Without question, you will thank me.

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You will need:

• 1 lb. of peeled, deveined, medium-sized shrimp
• 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp. of olive oil
• 1 tbsp. (if you're a wimp) of Cajun seasoning (more, obviously, if you're not a wimp)
• 1/2 tsp. of dark brown sugar
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cocktail sauce, if you like!

1. Remove the tail shells from all of the shrimp.

2. In a large bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and brown sugar.

3. Cover bowl, and set in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 350.

5. On a cookie sheet, spread out foil. Slice lemon and place slices on the foil.

6. Place shrimp on the foil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook at 350 for 13 minutes.

7. Enjoy!

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Keep in mind, 1 lb. of shrimp feeds 2 (not terribly hungry) adults, so buy more if you need to! This is quite possibly the yummiest shrimp I've ever eaten. My husband loved this shrimp, and even commented, "You should make this every week!" 

So, as I previously stated, you're welcome. :)

Nickel Creek

Can we talk about something?

My favorite band in the whole, entire universe and beyond is GETTING BACK TOGETHER.

May I say that again?

NICKEL CREEK IS BACK TOGETHER.

Seriously, in my mind, they're up there with Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Elton John, Garth Brooks, James Taylor, the Beatles.

I've seen Chris Thile perform solo (mandolin) twice, and I've seen Nickel Creek twice.

Rest assured, friends, I will be going to a concert. Probably by myself. But nonetheless, it's happening.

Okay, I'm going to go turn some more cartwheels and throw some more confetti into the air.

(In case you've never heard them before, you NEED to get into their music.)