St. Valentine's Day

The kids and I had so much fun crafting valentines for teachers, therapists, classmates, and loved ones earlier this month to prepare for St. Valentine's Day. We had a family celebration a couple of days before the 14th because I was away leading a weekend retreat on the Saturday that the feast day fell on this year. We enjoyed a yummy dinner and exchanged candy, small gifts, and homemade valentine cards. I am so blessed to be loved by three wonderful people!

February Happenings

Ella is to the age where she really enjoys being around others, but she also likes to spend more time in her room as well. One afternoon I caught her relaxing, playing games on the iPad after school. She requested a few new apps so we used the iTunes gift card she got for Christmas (thanks Uncle Brett!) to purchase several new educational apps, which kept her happy and occupied long enough that mommy could finish some chores around the house.

I recently ordered Ella some spring/summer clothes because 1) she's growing so rapidly, she barely fits into anything anymore and 2) Gap/Old navy had a huge sale that I had to take advantage of. These glasses came in the box of new things and I don't think she's taken them of since. Her future's so bright, she's gotta wear (rose colored) shades. 

I have been trying to make one or two new recipes for dinner each week because I get so tired of eating the same thing week after week. Pinterest has been a huge help in discovering new recipes. I found one a couple weeks ago for Italian Wedding Soup (which is my absolute favorite) so I made it from scratch and it turned out amazingly delicious! The whole family enjoyed it. I think it will become a winter staple. 

Today is February 24th and amazingly the Narcissus Daffodils are already blooming! The crocus are blooming as well and the hydrangea and lilac bushes already have buds on them. Everything is up about a month early, which I don't mind as I much prefer warm spring weather over cold, snowy winters. 

My dear friend, Catie, recently sent me this little treasure. It's a necklace with the kids' names, a small cross, and a pearl. I absolutely love it and wear it all the time. Thank you so much, Catie! You are such a thoughtful friend!!

The kids and I planted our own little indoor terrarium a few weeks back. One of the succulents is doing quite well and the other two, not so much. I think it will be worth it to buy a small fern and some moss to place in there instead. 

Every once in awhile I like to take a photo of myself to add to our blog so our children (as they age) can see what mommy looked like when they were young. This is one of me one afternoon on my way into work. 

In just a few days (February 28) we celebrate World Rare Disease Day. I purchased this tee in honor of Nicholas, from the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation and will proudly wear it on the last day of this month to show my love for our boy and the estimates 350 million others in the world who suffer from rare and genetic diseases. 

Jeff's 33rd birthday

 On January 29th Jeff turned 33! We had a simple family celebration for him with the most delicious ice-cream cake ever...it was covered with various types of candy: Butterfinger, M & M's, cookie dough bites, Heath bar. Mmmm, it was a fantastic treat! The following weekend, Jeff and I had a date day for his birthday, a lunch out at a new brew pub and an afternoon movie. Happy birthday husband! 

Kiewit District Meeting

On Thursday and Friday this week, Jeff had the annual Kiewit District Meeting for the Northwest District. On Thursday evening we had an evening out a Punch Bowl Social. We visited with friends, played some darts, and ate some tacos. 

On Friday morning Jeff was asked to give a speech on the importance of safety in the workplace. He was nervous, but later in the evening, several co-workers told him what a great job he did. He is such a shy guy and not one to speak in front of crowds, so to say I am proud of him is an understatement. Also, he looks so handsome in a suit!

WE decided not to stay overnight, but since Kiewit paid for a room for us anyway, we had a place to leave our coats before dinner. This was the pretty view of the Willamette from the window.

Then we headed to the ballroom for cocktail hour and found a private room to I could watch most of Jeff's morning safety talk on his co-worker's phone. 

Then we grabbed a couple of cocktails and chatted with people before heading into dinner. 

The dining area was full of amazing ice sculptures.

After dinner, a few of the wives asked the husbands to take photos...

 as you can see I got mostly outtakes. 

The after party consisted of a live band, flowing spirits, amazing lounge areas with rustic Alaskan decor, and billiards and other games. 

We had a great time but didn't stay out too late. Until next year!

This & That

We've had very little rain in Washington this past month so we've been taking walks almost everyday, which the kids love. Ella rides her bicycle and soon may be ready to try pedaling without her training wheels!

Gramme stopped by for a visit last week and happy donned a crown with her granddaughter. 

We've already decorated for St. Valentine's day. I only have two banners, so decorating was pretty simple. It's never too early to spread some love, right?!

My former workplace, Pacific Crest Academy, had a fundraiser for Nationwide Children's Hospital to help raise funds for a gene therapy clinical trial which will likey cure SMA. There was a dinner and rock-a-thon a week ago at a local restaurant so the kids and I happily attended. Thank you Barbi Jackson, for coordinating this!

 Nicholas has several therapy, speech, and reading tutoring appointments during the week, all of which happen in our home, so during that time Ella and sit together and practice writing letters, colors and shapes, or we read together. It's nice to have time to reinforce what she learning in preschool. 

Portland Trail Blazer Game

Our good friend, Joe Miller, invited Jeff to the Blazer vs. Miami Heat Game a couple weeks ago. Jeff had a great time and even got this photo with Blaze, the mascot!

2015 Begins

This is my motto for 2015...

Saint Teresa of Calcutta said the most amazing, inspirational things during her life. She was a true hero and a beautiful woman of faith. 

Elizabeth got some roller skates for Christmas from her Grandma Steph. She absolutely loves them and spent a couple of hours practicing in them a couple days ago.

She's a little wobbly and a little unsure of herself, but she's doing great so far and with additional practice I am sure she will get the hang of it.

Until then, thank goodness for protective gear!

I have been on vacation from work for two weeks and it's been wonderful. This is my daily outfit...cozy yoga pants and a comfy sweater. Pure bliss. 

We had some visitors on the last day of the year. This little cutie pants, Riya, and her older sister, Lily. They stayed to play for a couple of hours and the kids enjoyed the time with them immensely. Ella and Lily played most of the morning in her bedroom with all her new toys and Riya happily entertained Nicholas who was absolutely enamored with her. 

He LOVES babies. But who doesn't?

We rang in the new year with close friends who live around the corner from us and the kids made it to midnight. Ella napped earlier in the day, so she had plenty of energy for the evening. 

On new year's day, Ella & I went to mass and we saw my parents sitting in the church when we arrived, so we sat with them and they treated us to lunch. What a treat! It was a wonderful way to begin 2015!

We wish all our readers a happy and healthy 2015!!