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.)

Winter In Virginia

When I first moved here back in July, I asked someone, "Does it snow here a lot in the winter?"

Their answer: "No, not really. I think last year it snowed. . . maybe. . . seven times, or so."

I'm sorry. Come again?

Well, if that's the measuring stick for judging snowfall, then no, it doesn't snow here a lot. But let me tell you, from this deep-South, born-in-Shreveport gal, it snows here a lot. A whole lot. In fact, I've lost count of how many times it has snowed.

Most of the time, the snow doesn't stick--which is a mystery to me. I thought if it was below freezing, snow always stuck. Well, no, that's not the case.

Often, the snow will drift down lightly as I'm walking into Bible study. Or cooking dinner. Or coming home from the grocery store. Just a light dusting, flurrying down, dancing along the streets.

As I did with summer and fall, I have found winter in Virginia to be breathtaking. I was so sad when the leaves fell; and yet, their departure unveiled a new beauty. The wrinkles and folds of the mountains--the snow resting on their peaks. It's a beauty I've only ever known in pictures. And now, I look out of my dining room window over five mountain peaks covered in snow.

We've only had a couple big snows, where we can't leave the house. It's wonderful. We stay in our jammies all day, watch way too much television, and venture out (only once, usually) to play in the snow. Nathan doesn't feel the cold. I promise. I've never known another human being who just did not feel the cold. He would play out in the snow for hours. Little brother, on the other hand, lasts until his first fall. Then, there's tears. And sniffles. And pathetic cries and looks that say, "Hey, mom, are you crazy? I'm 13 months old. Take me inside!"

I'm even getting used to driving in the snow!

A little.

Okay, only a very little.

I am ready for spring to come warm us up. It does get very, very cold here in the winter. There have even been several days where it has been colder here than where my sister lives--in Anchorage, Alaska! Yike-a-rooskies, folks. Put on your mittens.

Maybe it's the beauty of the snow. Maybe it's the majesty of the white mountains. Maybe it's this slower pace--this quieter life--that I've found here in Virginia. I'm not sure which.

But it's magical here. In winter. In the bitterly cold. I'm so very happy God has put us here for residency.

The Sweetest Letter

Today, Nathan wrote some letters to send to his uncle who is currently serving overseas. (By letters, I mean alphabetical letters.) He then dictated a letter for me to write. It's absolutely too precious and hilarious and Nathan-ish not to share on here, so that I can remember it forever.

Dear Uncle _______,

I will send this to you. These are my letters: N-A-T-H-A-N. It's snowing outside. I will be right back.

After Halloween, it was Christmas. I got a Batmobile and that sword. I'm learning about Halloween and Christmas at school. My friends are Alex C., and Jacob, Caleb, and Isaiah--he has a weird name. He weirds me out.

I miss you and I love you. Have seen any bats, Uncle ______? Vampire bats drink blood, and fruit bats eat fruit. Brown bats eat mosquitoes and moths. And bats fly and they have teeth.

Love,

Nathan

Lazy Day

I was exhausted before my feet ever hit the floor this morning. It was one of those we're-going-to-be-in-sweats-all-day, the-house-probably-won't-stay-clean sort of days.

It. was. glorious.

This afternoon, Nathan and I sat on the front porch while Jack napped. I drank coffee, Nathan drank orange juice, and we talked. About bats. About volcanoes. About lava. About Hawaii. About school. About our favorite colors.

And then Jack woke up, and we decided to play outside until it was time for supper. Tricycle, new Lightning McQueen scooter, chalk, plastic golf clubs, baseballs, the whole shebang.

It was a fun time with my boys. I can't even believe how grown up they look in these pictures. Slow down, babies.

Christmas 2013

On December 18th, we drove alllll the way to Little Rock to spend Christmas with my family. The stressful factors of doing Christmas in another state aside, we had a splendid Christmas surrounded with so many people whom we love.

My mother spent hours cooking and baking her amazing-as-always (don't-want-to-think-about-the-calories) food. And we played games, laughed at jokes, watched movies, ran errands, reminisced, and enjoyed being with each other.

The hubbs and I even got away for a couple of evenings. We went to the capitol building to see the beautiful Christmas decor. I think the Arkansas State Capitol is magnificent at Christmas time. When I lived here, I went to go see the decorations every year.

On Christmas Eve, after much demanding by my three year old that Santa did NOT want cookies this year but rather cupcakes, we got busy baking. I'm guessing that since there were only some crumbs left over on Christmas morning, that Nathan was right! Santa wanted cupcakes!

Christmas morning was magical. Nathan's pure excitement. The smell of breakfast casserole in the oven. All of us sitting around the Christmas tree. 

Now that we're all scattered all over the place--literally--I really cherished my family being around for Christmas more than I ever have.

A blessed Christmas 2013! No doubt about it!