P365 - 2015 - Day 90 - then this happened

P365 - 2015 - Day 90 - then this happened

Today faintly resembled a season that I have heard exists... Spring.  When I took the dog out this morning, it wasn't freezing and I heard birds chirping.  Then later on when I went to the grocery store, I actually left the house with no jacket over my sweatshirt!  It was puzzling...since I was convinced that Spring was a made up season told as a fable to get us through the roughest parts of Winter.  But then this happened...The Boy and The Princess had outdoor soccer practice!!  It must be Spring because I drove across the bridge several times tonight dropping off, picking up, and dropping off.... I look forward to this season that I have heard so much about but haven't seen in a very long time.... ;-)

P365 - 2015 - Day 89 - Converge

P365 - 2015 - Day 89  - Converge

The Bear and The Princess have been working hard on their science project - Project Converge.  They spent last night putting the finishing touches on their boards.  I am so proud of their hard work and work ethic.  I can't wait to see where these two will go in their lives!!

P365 - 2015 - Day 88 - Showers of Happiness

P365 - 2015 - Day 88 - Showers of Happiness

Wishing my cousin Showers of Happiness as she gets ready to go from Miss to Mrs. xo

P365 - 2015 - Day 87 - sleep over party

P365 - 2015 - Day 87 - sleep over party

And he is off...  sleeping bag, check, pillow check, bag packed, check.  The Boy was so excited to go to his friend's birthday sleep over party!!

P365 - 2015 - Day 86 - braces

P365 - 2015 - Day 86 - braces

The day is finally here... The Princess got her braces and she is still excited.  Braces or no braces, she is beautiful inside and out.  xoxo

P365 - 2015 - Day 85 - this smile

P365 - 2015 - Day 85 - this smile

This is the last day for a while that we will see this smile quite so... naked ;-)  As of tomorrow The Princess will be getting braces and she is excited!! Here.we.go.

P365 - 2015 - Day 84 - All I need....

P365 - 2015 - Day 84 -All I need...

It's pretty cool to be able to "work" from my car while picking up my kids from soccer practice.  All I need are these ear buds and I can help people get started on a path to good health.  That is a pretty cool feeling and I think I like it. :-)

P365 - 2015 - Day 83 - They were just....

P365 - 2015 - Day 83 - They were just...

I turned the corner into the kitchen and this is what I saw.  My two preteen twins each at a computer.  And my heart hitched for a moment.  The days are dwindling until these two graduate 6th grade and move on to middle school,  this is their last year before becoming teenagers, they seem to be growing and maturing at a rate I either am unable or unwilling to keep up with, and when I turned the corner and saw them I caught my breath.  They were just toddlers playing on the family room floor with their toys, watching Barney and dancing in their underwear....   They were just first time big brother and big sister marveling at their tiny baby brother.... They were just starting kindergarten, nervous, excited, and determined....  They were just walking onto the soccer field for the first time... They were just catching their first wave.... They were just little a moment ago... Then I turned the corner into the kitchen and they were big.  I miss those little ones and cherish those times.  But at the same time, I am amazed by who they are becoming... and really they have only just begun.  They are kind, hard working, and determined.  They are funny, charismatic, and smart.  They are athletic, creative, and talented.  The years keep flying by and every time I turn a corner I see something new...yet at the same time I still see each stage that came before. I look forward to all of the wonderful things that are around each corner for them. xo

P365 - 2015 - Day 82 - Happy National Puppy Day

P365 - 2015 - Day 82 - Happy National Puppy Day

He's not really a puppy anymore...he's almost 3 after all... but Happy National Puppy Day to The Pooch.  He is showing off his latest accomplishment... he has nailed "Sit. Stay".  He drives us nuts sometimes, he has some serious anxiety issues related to the washing machine, he licks his paws and the floors like it's his job, and he is addicted to eating trash out of trash cans.  But we love him anyway and we're glad he's part of our family.  xo

P365 - 2015 - Day 81 - tournament

P365 - 2015 - Day 81 - tournament

The Boy and his team had their first tournament of the Spring season today.  They all played well and The Boy scored a beautiful goal.

P365 - 2015 - Day 80 - second

P365 - 2015 - Day 80 - second

Somehow I can even get competitive about March Madness.... I filled out a bracket with admittedly very little knowledge and simply "followed my gut".  But when push comes to shove.... I am competitive and now I want to win:-)  As of the time I went to bed, I was still in second in our family pool. :-)

P365 - 2015 - Day 79 - concerned

P365 - 2015 - Day 79 - concerned

I am concerned that we are in a perpetual winter loop.  I am aware I say this every year, but this year I am seriously concerned.  Mother Nature is either taking a winter's nap and is unaware of what has been going or she is purposefully toying with us.  On what was supposed to be the first day of Spring, we had snow.  Again.  I may or may not have seen this bird in our backyard....  Where did he find that tiny coffee cup?  I digress.  I really am concerned about this.

P365 - 2015 - Day 78 - treated to this beauty

P365 - 2015 -Day 78 - treated to this beauty

My Wonderful Husband headed out first to drop off The Boy at soccer practice on his way to take The Princess to her practice (he is assistant coaching this season!!).  I left later with The Bear to drop him at his soccer practice and swing back to pick up The Boy from his.  Spring soccer season is creeping up slowly and with it the crazy back and forth schedule that comes with it.  It can get crazy and there are days when I cross the causeway bridge more times than I can count... but having the chance to see the sky over the bay as I cross thee bridge makes it totally worth it.  Tonight The Bear and I were treated to this beauty, rainbow included.  I had my copilot snap this picture and it is just beautiful!

P365 - 2015 - Day 77 - "Last minuteness" is not always a bad thing

P365 - 2015 - Day 77 - "Last minuteness" is not always a bad thing

It appears that The Bear has acquired my genetic predisposition to "last minuteness".  Is that a thing?  Yes, it is and it is not as negative as it sounds.  I have spent my life saying that I work best under pressure.  It's not to say that I don't plan to get things done on time nor does it mean that I don't in fact get things done.  It simply means that at times, even with all of the tedious planning, the best, most creative work pours out of me at the last minute, in the 11th hour, and with a headline looming over my head.  I reference any Halloween to illustrate my point.  That being said, it appears that The Bear has inherited this trait.  His ELA teacher has them complete "100 point" assignments for the books that they read.  The Bear and The Princess both are readers - I never have to worry about bugging them - they love to read, especially when they find a book or series that they love.  They have also done great this year with this assignments.  The Bear was planning and working on this particular assignment for a little while now based on Catching Fire.  He is really enjoying the Hunger Games series and was excited to complete this comic strip assignment based on the book.  He had soccer practice tonight and while he finished all of his other homework before going, he still had some last minute finishing touches that had to be made on this... of course.  So, in the 11th hour, he was up at the kitchen counter finishing his masterpiece.  "Last minuteness" is not always a bad thing... creative minds sometimes just need extra time. ;-)

P365 - 2015 - Day 76 - St. Patrick's Day wish

P365 - 2015 - Day 76 - St . Patrick's Day wish

My St. Patrick's Day wish for my children.... I am lucky to have you.  xo......

May you live a long life

Full of gladness and health,

With a pocket full of gold

As the least of your wealth.

May the dreams you hold dearest,

Be those which come true,

The kindness you spread,

Keep returning to you.

P365 - 2015 - Day 75 - earned the right

P365 - 2015 - Day 75 - earned the right

I am a firm believer in reading a book before seeing the movie they make of the book.  So when The Bear wanted to watch The Hunger Games, I reminded him that he would need to read the series.  He finally took my advice - read them, loved them, and earned the right to watch the movies.

P365 - 2015 - Day 74 - ready for some madness

P365 - 2015 - Day 74 - ready for some madness

The Bear started his Spring soccer season this weekend in some very un-Springlike weather.  He and his team suffered two disappointing losses, each by one goal, after playing in the rain and cold, windy temperatures.  Due to the aforementioned weather, My Wonderful Husband, who was at the games, didn't get a picture like I requested.  Hard to take pictures while you are huddled inside your jacket.  Once they got back, warmed up, thawed out, and shook off the weekend, all three of my "boys" were excited that today marked the beginning of March Madness!  The brackets are out and printed and this house is ready for some madness! Bring it!

P365 - 2015 - Day 73 - Futsal

P365 - 2015 - Day 73 - Futsal

The Princess participated in a Futsal league the past several weeks and Saturday was their program end tournament. Her team played well in the tournament, she did a fantastic job, and learned a lot throughout.  She is ready to trade these indoor shoes for some cleats and get outside on the pitch for the Spring season!

P365 - 2015 - Day 72 - call me crazy

P365 - 2015 - Day 72 - call me crazy

Call me crazy, but I like laundry day sometimes.... I love the day that sheets get washed.  Fresh sheets on the beds...  a fresh perspective.  Crisp, clean sheets.  It makes me smile.

P365 - 2015 - Day 71 - Cheers!

P365 - 2015 - Day 71 - Cheers!

Almost a year ago I decided to take care of me.  I, like so many of us, had spent quite a bit of time taking care of everyone else.  I decided that it was time to focus some of that attention on myself and I began a nutritional cleanse hopeful to feel better, less tired, and more like the person I knew was hiding inside.  I was more successful than I imagined I would be... I felt great, I lost weight, and I was lucky enough to be building a bit of business as well.  I continued to stay the course and changed not only my eating habits but those of My Wonderful Husband and our kids. I became more focused on my health and the health of my family.  I have maintained the weight loss and have continued to feel great for close to a year since starting this journey.  So in honor of my approaching one year anniversary of my good health I decided to start another 30 day nutritional cleanse.  So here I am on Day 1 once again ready to take on the world and excited to see what this month will bring.  Cheers!

P365 - 2015 - Day 70 - the waves were calling

P365 - 2015 - Day 70 -the waves were calling

It is Spring break, so it was about time that My Wonderful Husband had a chance to get out and surf today.  The sun was shining and the waves were calling... he even rode his bike over.  Spring really is in the air.... :-)

P365 - 2015 - Day 69 - I could get used to this

P365 - 2015 - Day 69 - I could get used to this

Another beautiful day meant another run with My Wonderful Husband.... I could get used to this "Spring Break thing".... I wish I could go for a run with this guy every day.  The paws didn't come with us though.... he can't keep up. ;-)

P365 - 2015 - Day 68 - Sunset on a Spring-like day

P365 - 2015 - Day 68 - Sunset on a Spring-like day

*photo credit - A Happy Sole*

I don't want to jinx anything, but it seems like we have turned a corner.  It seems like Spring is trying very hard to find our island.  It is poking it's tentative head up through the ice in the bay, melting the leftover snow, and bringing temperatures back to a more human-like level.  My Wonderful Husband and I went for a run in the morning that did not entail me layering myself for the frozen tundra -a light jacket, no scarf, and no gloves!!  If that wasn't enough, when the kids came home from school they went outside to play in shorts and sweatshirts and stayed out until dinner as the sun was about to set.  My plan was to get a photo of the kids outside but I was cooking.  Then I thought a photo of the beautiful sunset would be perfect but we were eating and cleaning up and before I knew it the sun had already set.  Luckily when I opened my computer later in the evening, a fellow "islander" had posted this beautiful photo of the sunset and she agreed to let me use it.  :-)  So thank you @ahappysole for this beautiful photo of the sunset on a Spring-like day.  :-))

P365 - 2015 - Day 67 - walk on the beach

P365 - 2015 - Day 67 - walk on the beach

I can not think of a better way to end this weekend then with a walk on the beach in the sunshine.  The snow from the other day is melting, the temperatures have risen, and My Wonderful Husband and I got to take a long walk on the beach in the beautiful weather.  After what has seemed like an endless winter, it appears as if Spring is really trying to make an appearance!

P365 - 2015 -- Day 66 - Happy Birthday weekend

P365 - 2015 - Day 66 - Happy Birthday weekend

After two snow days, I spent the day cleaning and organizing rooms with the kids.  It's Spring Break, we're springing ahead tonight, and I thought that called for some Spring cleaning as well.  After a day of hard work, My Wonderful Husband and I got to go for a run and work together to make dinner for us and the kids. Then we sat down together to enjoy a slice of the most delicious birthday cake ever, a treat of a cup of coffee, and some good conversation.  Happy Birthday weekend. xoxo

P365 - 2015 - Day 64 - the first day of Spring Break

P365 - 2015 - Day 64 - the first day of Spring Break

And for the first day of Spring Break...... I bring you  - "A SNOW DAY".  We woke up to no snow but a call for plenty of it and school was cancelled.  We stayed inside and watched it fall all day....  I'm over it but happy we were all home together, safe and warm inside.  xo

P365 - 2015 - Day 65 - a day worth celebrating

P365 - 2015 - Day 65 -a day worth celebrating

Forty five years ago, this guy came into the world just so he could be mine.  :-)  That is a day worth celebrating!  Happy Birthday to the love of my life - I hope to celebrate you for many many many more to come. xoxoxo

P365 - 2015 - Day 63 - Spring Break....

P365 - 2015 - Day 63 - Spring Break....

This is a reference that my kids will not really get... this one is all for me and My Wonderful Husband.  Tonight when he arrived home from work he began his Spring Break... wooohooo!!  ;-)  That break may not involve warm weather and drinks with umbrellas but we are on an island together... that counts for something. Happy Spring Break!

P365 - 2015 - Day 62 - this happened

P365 - 2015 - Day 62 - this happened

I felt like a bear coming out of hibernation this morning.... after what has felt like forever, the kids actually went outside to play basketball while waiting for the bus instead of hiding inside the house until the bus pulled up.  There was actual sunshine and we were not human popsicles when the bus arrived.  I was able to go for a 5 mile run and feel all of my fingers and toes.... and then after the kids got home I saw the dreaded white flakes start falling.  Because although this happened this morning... we will be back in the thick if winter again by tomorrow night.  But at least today this happened.

P365 - 2015 - Day 61 - ROV

P365 - 2015 - Day 61 - ROV

Today was the culmination of The Bear and The Princess' ROV group.  The group was able to put their ROVs into the pool and see them in action.  They even got to race them.  I love that they have the opportunity to do such cool things through their school - I really appreciate the time their teachers take for the "extras".

P365 - 2015 - Day 60 - cookie apprentice

P365 - 2015 - Day 60 - cookie apprentice

The Princess did a great job making this batch of chocolate chip cookies.  I think I see a new cookie apprentice in the house....

P365 - 2015 - Day 59 - exciting day of basketball

P365 - 2015 - Day 59 - exciting day of basketball

It was an exciting day of basketball to end the St Francis season.  The Boy's team finished up with a great game and some really cool bobble head trophies.  Petite Home Furnishings had a great season and a lot of fun.  In a major upset, The Bear and The Princess' team made it to the championship game against the undefeated champs and WON the championship game.  A bloody nose didn't stop The Bear who scored several baskets and The Princess scored the game winning basket in the final 20 seconds of the game.  It was a great game!!!

P365 - 2015 - Day 58 - I'll take it

P365 - 2015 - Day 58 - I'll take it

Finally Friday of the flip flopped week and My Wonderful Husband is home.  We may have been looking at each other over the tops of our laptops on opposite couches, but we were in the same room, the same house, the same state... so I'll take it.

P365 - 2015 - Day 57 - I miss bedtime stories

P365  -2015 - Day 57 - I miss bedtime stories

The kids will be reading to the little kids at EJ School tomorrow, so The Princess and The Bear went through some "oldies but goodies" and picked their favorites.  The Princess practiced reading Go To Bed and I was brought right back to the days of bedtime stories....was it really that long ago?  I remember the time it took to pick their favorite books, sitting together with piles of books, and bedtime snuggles.... It warmed my heart to hear her read the book much the same way we used to read it to them.  But at the same time it made me sad to think that those days were so long ago.  Now they do their own reading and I miss bedtime stories.

P365 - 2015 - Day 56 - different kind of flip flop day

P365 - 2015 - Day 56 - different kind of flip flop day

Ok.. so it wasn't a flip flop kind of day in the traditional sense.  Not the sense that I would prefer... note the goofy looking snowman?  What is he grinning about anyway?  No, this was a different kind kind of flip flop day.  It's Wednesday which would normally be the day that My Wonderful Husband would be heading home but instead, due to the weekend of awful weather that trapped him in Nashville, he "flip flopped" his schedule for the week and left this morning.  I would much prefer a real flip flop day.....minus the snowman.