so-long week, hello weekend!

Finally wrapping up a very busy week. There were days of work, work and more work. School, projects, frigid temperatures-and I know that has nothing to do with being busy. It was just a downer on our mid 60s-70s parade.

But it was all worth it, because we are getting geared up for a long weekend at the beach. And though it may not be a warm weekend, we can at least get a much needed break and change of pace. So, no complaints here. I'll keep this post short as I still need to pack before we head out.

Weekly phone dump:

"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all the time, this expression is unique."
-Martha Graham

lovely days

I will keep this short, and let the pictures do the talking.

We had a wonderful weekend, filled with boy scout award ceremonies...

There were movie nights to be enjoyed...

In the middle of all the celebration, we were able to enjoy some of this warm weather...

We hope ya'll enjoyed the weekend as much as we did. All I know, is I am so grateful to soak it all up, to the very last drop. It reminds me, that we should not live to work, but instead work to live. Because that's the bread and butter of life, baby. And we live in the South now, where there's a lot of butter.

what'll ya have!

I'll keep this post short, as I am gearing up for another work week.

We had a wonderful weekend. Mostly low-key...the good kind.

Aunt Jess came down for a day, and we had a lot of fun. Not fun watching our two favorite NFL teams lose in the playoffs- the Saints and the Packers. But we had fun in other ways. Like what do you do when you're down at half time? Bake.

Then when your team loses, what'll ya have? A delicious dog and fries at Varsity.

We found that in the end you can get over things. Especially with good distractions.

And besides, I've always learned being a Saints fan...there's always next year!

Our weekend also brought fun in the form of a birthday party, and boys trip to the Coleman Factory Outlet. How's that for getting back out there.

Hope ya'll have a good week!

Go Super Bowl commercials!!

kickin it off right

We were so happy our new friends called us up last minute to invite us over for an impromptu New Year's day dinner. We kicked off 2012  right with collard greens and blacked eyed peas-for good luck ya know. It was Mark and I's first go with them both. Verdict in...they taste great! Especially in the company of new good friends. Thanks Jenny and Steve!

A little treat while we were over at their farm. The kids got to ride on one of their "ponies". They absolutely loved it!

Katelynn was a natural. Never riding on a horse before, it didn't stop this little girl from hopping right on and  grinning ear to ear.

She loved every minute! And kept begging to get on "Windy" again. We're going to have to watch this little one.

Caleb was a lot more reserved. Stating he would like to ride, but only if he could ride last.

But once he got on, he really enjoyed it.

We had so much fun! A great way to start our new year, and enjoy our time before school kicks in and life in general gets a little more busy.

"Another fresh new year is here...

Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest...
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!"

-William Arthur Ward

be still

I tend to be a busy body.

Not by choice, by the way.

Okay, so it's a little by choice. I mean I'd be lying if I didn't say I take joy in signing up for extras. Moving to a new place definitely opened up all kinds of possibilities. But it did something else. It cleared the slate.

So, while looking at this open slate (otherwise known as an open google calendar), I started getting ancy. You need to fill it, I nervously told myself. There needs to be a meeting there and a practice here. I began researching on local activities for the kids. Then on to myself. What about getting into projects? How can I get this calendar more "full"?

What I didn't realize is that you don't have to fill it full of extras. Focus on the essentials.

Just be.

Have some girl time with your little one.

Paint your fingernails the shimmery shade of glitter with her, and hold them in the sunlight.

Cook a meal. And slow down the burner so it simmers slowly. Enjoy what you are creating to go into those precious tummies.

Take a day trip somewhere fun.

Be silly. Be that parent that makes your kids laugh. Or at least yourself laugh.

Slow down. Order a shake and sip it without giving yourself a headache.

Teach your kids that life is meant to be enjoyed while taking your time.

No agenda. No full calendar is needed. Look at those empty squares and leave them that way. Instead of hurrying to fill them. Really look them over if they are full, and ask yourself if those tasks are worthy of taking up your precious time. If they don't, then do your best to either eliminate them or dwindle them down to take up as little time as possible.

Because your time is valuable. And not just anything can take away from this.

Be still, be quiet. And sit back to enjoy the sweet taste of time.

Happy Weekend All!!