A Little Quiet

 It finally feels like the end of the school year is near.  We've had so many snowy and cold days the past few weeks that I was beginning to wonder if warm days were ever going to come again.   But today the sun is shining warmly and it feels good.  Even the air smells different...you can smell the earth and the growing grass and it feels familiar. Hello spring, we've been waiting a long time for you.

I feel like I've been quiet on my blog lately...that always happens when life is stirring.  I want to write about everything that is going on, but I'm so afraid that if I put it out for everyone to see it will disappear and I'll be back at square one again.  So for now I'm enjoying these new warm days with my family and trying not to become too overwhelmed.   I know everything always works out the way it is meant to be and so it will this time too.  

{17/52}

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

Everdeen Kate: I think Spring is finally here! Today we took two walks to make up for lost time. The sky is blue, the birds are chirping and I only have 17 more days of school before I get to spend every waking moment with you! 

 Linking up with Jodi :)

{16/52}

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

Everdeen Kate: I love when you wake up in the morning :)  Now you greet us by standing up and seeing the new day for yourself! 

 Linking up with Jodi :)

A Moment With No Socks

It's been almost a week now since the last day we could go outside and not freeze our behinds off.  This week has been lots of snow and ice and inside recess days. Last Saturday, Everdeen and I ventured outside for a few moments before the cold wind started up again and blew in another winter storm.  The sun was divine on our pasty winter skin and we practiced wearing-or rather eating- sun glasses for when the sun really does shine.  Winter is being mean and holding out longer than it should.  We are ready for warm days and shout it from the tops of our lungs every day! Please Spring, your season is almost up before it has even begun.  We would love to spend a few moments with no socks on feeling the newly green grass tickle our toes.  

{15/52}

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

Everdeen Kate: This was such a big week for you! You are finally getting your first tooth at almost 9 months old. I was secretly worried that maybe you didn't have any teeth at all...but that's just my wild imagination for you :) 

 Linking up with Jodi :) 

A Not So Snowy Snow Day {a little video}

On Monday, my school was buzzing with the possibility of a snow day. I had of course come to school dressed in my most springy outfit not even aware that it was supposed to start snowing that evening. I looked out the window at the blue sky and didn't get my hopes up.

All day my students were like nervous cattle before a storm, which tells me more than any weather person on the news can predict.  Within hours the temperature dropped forty degrees. We went home from school that afternoon hoping and hoping that by tomorrow morning we would be snuggled in bed under a heavy blanket of snow. 

 To our excitement all of the surrounding school districts called the snow day that evening...before even a snowflake had fallen to the ground! Oh I thought. They sure are taking this seriously! I excitedly jumped into bed, turned off my alarm, and snuggled under the covers waiting for the blizzard to come.  

The next morning we woke up to the sound of snow plows driving by. I ran and opened the blinds. I laughed...they never seem to get it right.  We had maybe three inches of snow on the ground and by the afternoon the roads were clear and the sun was starting to peek out from behind the clouds. 

Haha oh well! It was a much needed day off with my baby and to make it even better, Martin and I got to spend the day together! 

{14/52}

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

Everdeen Kate: Oh that smile! My heart literally melts every time.  

 Linking up with Jodi :) 

Easter {in pictures}

The Farm

This weekend was beautiful. My sisters and I drove home to my parent's house to spend Easter together as a family.  

We decided to go for a small outing and ended up at The Farm. I worked here for five summers helping run the day camps.  When I think back on those summer days during high school and college I remember the time so fondly. I learned so much and really came out of my shell...trying new things.  I learned how to saddle ponies, drive the tractor for hayrides, feed the animals, and milk the cows.  One summer we even watched as a new calf was welcomed into the world.  

My favorite time during those weeks was when the kids would stay over at the farm for a sleep over.  We would spend hours playing capture the flag, pushing the kids on the old tire swing, and grilling hamburgers.  The best part was when the sun went down and we would tell ghost stories in the silo and dare the other camp counselors to walk down to the basement of the old farm house...alone :) And soon the kids would be too tired to even watch the late night movie and they would drift off to sleep until the roosters woke them in the morning.

I don't think any other summer job could have prepared me better for teaching. Cleaning animal pens and cleaning up after five year olds sure have their similarities :)  

{13/52}

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

Everdeen Kate: We got to spend some time this weekend at a local farm. I worked there for five summers helping run the summer camps...you might not believe it but I have milked cows and driven a tractor :) You had never seen farm animals before and you couldn't take your eyes off the horses.  I love seeing the world through your eyes. 

 Linking up with Jodi :)