A sweet friend dropped off these flowers for me today as a thank you for the work I’ve been doing for the book festival. A kind gesture really goes such a long way, doesn’t it? These flowers have brought me so much joy today. I’m left feeling gratitude for this thoughtful gift of gratitude. Funny how that works.
I decided to sign up for a month-long challenge through the MommaStong program I’ve been doing. My goal was to show up every day in January. I even bought myself a water bottle as a prize for completing the challenge to help motivate me. Guess what? I did it. Even though I was often surrounded by rambunctious boys, an inquisitive cat, and dirty floors, I did it. If you know me, you know I have a hard time making space for myself in my day so this is a big deal. Yay for self-care.
We’re up at my parents’ lake house this weekend and it’s been lovely. Quality time all around: painting, ice skating, snow fort building, baking, puzzling, and lots of reading. Here’s hoping for lots more quality time with the rest of our family in the not-so-distant future.
Look at these two. Can you handle it?
Robbe told me that his snow boots “feel funny”. I took out the insoles and discovered these and a heel worn practically through. Sheesh. Kids are resilient, aren’t they?
Luckily, I found an acceptable replacement pair in the closet. I love when that happens. Thank you, hand-me-downs.
I don’t want to brag, but Chris and I are kind of Oreo connoisseurs. When I gave up gluten, having to give up Oreos made it extra hard. But look what I found at the grocery store today: gluten free chocolate sandwich cookies (aka Oreos)! Chris and I taste-tested them and they’re actually pretty good. They’re not Oreos, but they check all the boxes. I’ll take it.
Last week was a tough one. I was too busy every single day and I felt it by the end of the week. My to-do list still feels daunting, but slightly more manageable this week, so I did something crazy this morning. In a quiet house, I enjoyed a cup of coffee while reading in the sunshine with a cat curled up in my lap. We spent 20 minutes like that. It was exactly what I needed.
We finally got a bit of snow last night so we got outside for some frolicking this afternoon. I can’t help but wonder how many years we have before the boys realize that the “sledding hill” in our front yard is actually kind of a dud. I’m hopeful we’ve got a few years left, at least!
Chris’s uncle and aunt used to own an extreme sports store near Milwaukee: the Torque Center. His aunt just started printing these throwback logo tees and we’re all pumped to be sporting them.
Chase’s writing assignment today was to craft a letter in cursive. This is what he came up with. Adorable, right? I added that photo after the fact so you remember what Wally looks like. :)
Here’s the final graphing assignment for our book donation project: pie charts!
If you want to see them up close, pop over to the book donation blog where you can click for a detailed look.
Chase and I are already working on our next project-based learning theme. If you’ve got any suggestions, send them my way!
Wally spends a lot of her time sleeping. I’m not sure if it’s the pain medication or the stress of a new environment or just that she likes sleep (I get it). Today’s adventure in sleeping found her on a chair full of Lego dragons. It was pretty awesome. I think she’s got what it takes to be a cat in a home with kids.
We have a new [temporary] family member. I’d like to introduce you to Wally. She’s a cat that’ll be up for adoption through the Eau Claire County Humane Association after she heals from a hip injury. We’re fostering a cat! Woohoo! Wally will be with us for at least week and then she’ll be posted for adoption. Hopefully she’ll be adopted quickly. She’s a sweet little peanut.
Today was a day. I wouldn’t describe my life as low-key on any normal day but this one really kicked it up a notch. I blame Covid…and motherhood…and just life, I guess. Here’s a glimpse at the roles I took on today:
Teacher: remote schooling for both boys
House cleaner: four loads of laundry and fresh linens on all the beds; three rounds of dishes (plus loading the dishwasher); general picking up ALL DAY LONG
Graphic designer: oh yeah...that job I actually get paid for.
Hair stylist: three haircuts
Volunteer: book festival is back, baby
Personal chef: homemade waffles for breakfast, gluten-free main course for dinner (lunch was in there too, just nothing to write home about)
Mom: in charge of dispute resolution, enrichment, entertaining, and
That was just today. The things we do.
Have you heard about hot cocoa bombs? It’s a new cool trend—new to us at least! Those chocolate balls dissolve in hot milk and marshmallows appear as it melts. This was our first go-round with hot cocoa bombs and they were fun. A little intense on the sugar, but that’s not a bad thing when it comes to cocoa. And Robbe’s cocoa mustache speaks for itself.
Yep. Gluten-free is happening at our house…for me, anyway. No, it’s not a fancy New Year’s resolution (just coincidental timing) or some fad I’m dying to be a part of. I went to the doctor last week and she let me know that my stomach doesn’t seem to love gluten as much as my mind and heart do. Quite a conflict, right?
Library to the rescue (note all the cookbooks pictured above) as I try to navigate an entirely new way of eating. It turns out about four of the meals I have in my entire dinnertime repertoire are gluten-free. It’s everywhere, I’m telling you.
Last week I was feeling overwhelmed and disheartened. This week, I’m ready to face the challenge head-on. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.
I used to dream about a day when we could all sit down and silently read together. It’s happening. It’s really happening.
Another beautiful day on the frozen lake. Our first [unsuccessful] ice fishing adventure and two ice skating outings. Highlights of the ice skating include: Chase getting more comfortable on the ice, my mom getting out on the ice, Chris and Robbe honing their hockey skills, and I started skating backwards. It’s not a big deal. You’re right. It’s a huge deal.
Chase and I enjoyed a lovely winter walk during virtual school today. We usually get one or two in during our solo days together (on Thursdays and Fridays). He said these walks are one of his “favorite things” today. Cue: heart melting.
Robbe has been following along with a drawing YouTube channel this week. He’s always loved art but I don’t think he knows how to develop the skills to keep him interested—lord knows I can’t help him there. Crafting? Yes! Drawing? No, sir.
This little lady was one of his projects today. Isn’t she so cute? I guess it’s an LOL doll if you know what that is (we didn’t…ha!). I’ll keep you posted if he ends up producing any other gems.
small city | BIG DAYS
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