Spring? Are you lost?

We are slowly warming up from another big snow storm. The Spring months tend to be some of our snowiest here in Colorado. I remember one year when we were little we built an Easter Bunny from the newly fallen snow instead of a snowman.  I'm not a fan of Spring snow storms...just when we are aching for warm days again BAM! More snow.  

Last weekend I ventured home to my parents home and searched for the first signs of Spring as Everdeen and I took a walk along the banks of the lake.  We watched as a bird caught a fish and swallowed it whole, we saw newly hatched flies sunning themselves on the brick wall, and we saw new green chutes coming up from the frozen ground.  

I wish I could bring Everdeen down to the lake everyday to explore. Some of my most vivid memories as a child are from playing along the neighborhood ditch. My sister and I would create magical worlds...crowns made from dandelions, moss became our gourmet meals, and the tree roots created the rooms of our house.  

I breathed in the sun filled air and warmed my baby's toes between my mittened hands.  I can't wait until we can go outside without a coat on. 

The good thing about Spring snow storms is that they melt quickly. Each time the newest snow melts we are greeted with more and more greenery transforming our wintery surroundings with new life. This snow storm is melting just in time.  My twin sister is on her way home tomorrow and I don't think her Florida bones would survive long in a blizzard :) We are so excited to spend the week together...the way it should be. 

So come on now Spring...bring on your warm Springy days.  I'm ready. 

eight months

Eight months have flown by in the blink of an eye. I just want these moments to stand still so I can hold onto them for just a little longer.  Everdeen, you are my everything. 

seven month update

six month update

five month update

four month update

three month update

two month update

one month update

Spring Break, I love you!

Today is my first official day of Spring Break! I've felt so tired all day long...my body can finally relax. This past week was exhausting to say the least.  

And then there was yesterday afternoon.  There we were sitting in the gym for a Chocolate Sales assembly thirty minutes before Spring Break officially started. Hmmm? What do you get when you add wild children and exciting prizes and chocolate? I'll let you ponder that for a moment.  The chocolate lady began her presentation and looked a little frazzled as she tried to quiet down over 200 primary students. "Children? Children? No talking! On your bottoms!"  I gave my 'teacher look' too many times to count to my own students, but their chocolatey glazed over eyes could not see me anymore. They had officially forgotten our Big talk about manners during an assembly and couldn't stop pointing at the neon flashing toys before them. 

Then the excitement really began. The Chocolate Lady began to show our little ones the cool prizes that they could have if you just sell $100 worth of chocolate! Our Kindergarteners don't seem to understand that you actually have to sell something to earn a prize. I think they thought we would go back to our classroom and I would hand each of them the dazzling iPad that had just been shown to them.  What a disappointing feeling when they realized all I had for them was their order form...not even made from chocolate but plain 'ol paper.  

We headed back to our classroom with minutes to spare before the bell rang to signal a week of quiet and tranquility for all teachers.  When the last student had been picked up I stepped quietly into my classroom and took a deep breath. 

I made it. 

{12/52}

"a portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Everdeen Kate: This past week we were battling your first real sickness. I was a worried mess, but you? You pretty much smiled through the whole thing. That's my girl. 

 Linking up with Jodi :) 

{11/52}

"a portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Everdeen Kate: I think this picture says it all :) You are so full of life, silliness, and laughter!

 Linking up with Jodi :) 

{10/52}

"a portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Everdeen Kate: You're standing! The couch is the perfect height for you to view the world from a new perspective. 

 Linking up with Jodi :) 

To Be Near You

The sun is already melting the snow we got yesterday and all afternoon I've been listening to the pitter patter of melting snow dripping.  Everdeen and I had to escape our apartment today so I wouldn't go crazy hearing my upstairs neighbors dropping bowling balls above us...or playing fetch with their miniature elephant, both of which are extremely loud and inconsiderate if you ask me. 

We decided to visit Martin at work this afternoon and we took a brisk walk around filling our lungs with fresh air and trying out my new sling! Everdeen and I have used a wrap since she was a few weeks old, but I was ready for something a little more simple.  I love baby wearing...having my sweet baby so close to me.  It makes it especially easy to give her lots of cuddles and kisses and take in her new surroundings with her.

 

 

A March Snow

We are under another blanket of heavy snow. I always forget that March can be one of our snowiest months...just when spring is starting to make her warm appearance we are reminded that it is still very much winter. At least for another twelve days. 

I'm so ready for spring...for summer.  This has been another challenging school year.  Yelling parents, five year olds who are going on twenty-one. It just doesn't seem right. I close my eyes and try to dream it all away.  Today, as I watch the quiet snow fall, I'm working on a few projects that will hopefully bring new bright changes for our family.  I am hopeful that as new life starts to bloom around us in the coming months we can also begin a new season as a family. 

 But until then, we are wrapped in winter snuggled together. And being together is really all that matters, even as we are waiting for life to change and move forward.

Italian Sausage and Kale {A Paleo Recipe}

I thought I would start sharing some of the Paleo recipes my chef husband creates for us :) This is one of my favorites! Plus, it's simple and fast- perfect for the work week. 

{9/52}

"a portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Everdeen Kate: Every time I try to take your picture you come scooting towards the camera quickly! I tried to get a picture of you crying the other day, but the moment I got my camera out you started to smile :)  I think you like having your picture taken, which is good because I'm pretty sure I take a thousand pictures of you daily. 

 Linking up with Jodi :)