A Snowy Day~

It's been a while since a post, but honestly, my heart has been a little busy and a lot sad.

Last week we had parent teacher conferences.  This was late nights and a sad mom heart.  It also became apparent that we needed to make a change in our daycare situation for our children.  This was heartbreaking, as we had been with the same provider since Rowan was 6 weeks old.  I loved that she loved my children and took care of them in my absence, but it was obvious a change had to be made.

We gathered all of our paperwork, and I took Monday off to get the children situated in district daycare.  Change is hard for me, and there were LOTS of tears shed.  I felt guilty for working and heartbroken that my choices had put them in harm's way.  I've come to terms with some of this during the week, but it was a downright ugly week for me.

The upside is the kids seem adjusted to the new program, and the two moms who have so religiously taken Rowan to preschool for me, agreed to continue transporting him.  They are such a blessing to us, and my heart was eased knowing Rowan would continue at the school he already knew. 

Other than that, Alex and I celebrated Valentine's Day at the Row House last Saturday with good friends in the midst of our angst.  It was a blessing, and we so enjoyed the company and amazing food.  (No pictures-I was just working on surviving at this point).  

I"m still bopping along at the University with my undergrads.  I really like teaching them, and I'm enjoying the challenge of it!  They make me think:-)

The kids and I were home Thursday and Friday after we were left in the wake of the "Blizzard of Oz" and 9 inches of snow.  We played, baked, napped, watched movies, and just enjoyed the quiet.  I didn't put on makeup for two days, and I just let myself catch up.

Check out this bed head!!

Sassy sporting her boots!

Alex took Rowan to the circus on Saturday morning.  They had a great time, and Rowan was already chirping about going back today;-)

Genuine smile:-)

Today the kids and Alex made a snowman outside as it was in the 40s.  Sassy isn't a huge fan of the cold, but she loves her Daddy, so she stayed with him until the bitter end.

Our family mascot, Dixie!

We are slated to get 8-10 more inches of snow tomorrow.  I'm fully anticipating another snow day on Tuesday, and I'm giving myself some grace to just enjoy the day off and my kids.

This has been a bum week, but life isn't always easy, I guess.  We are finding a new normal, and my heart is a little less sad everyday:-)  Change is a fact of life, but it isn't always fun in the process.  That, I know for sure.  

Valentine's Crafts~

I've been crazy busy the last month!  Crazy busy!  While I love looking back at the blog, I just didn't have the energy to muster up a post.

I was hired at the local university the Thursday before classes started to teach an undergrad class.  I love it, but it has certainly taken up some of my time in the evenings.  We are working with the strategic planning committee at church which has also taken quite a lot of time, and I am on a technology committee at school which takes yet more time.  I can't say I don't enjoy any of these commitments, but it has definitely added a great deal of stress to my life.  I'm currently working on not taking life so seriously;-)  When faced with a new project, I jump in full body all at once.  I think about it, dream about, contemplate it in the shower, etc.  So, we are working on balance at our house right now;-)  Must find balance...

With that said, I did manage to complete a craft afternoon with a couple of girls 2 weeks ago.  We picked crafts, bought supplies, and then crafted up a storm.  It was fun, and stressfree;-)

Craft 1: Yarn Wreath
Styrofoam Wreath: $4.99
Grey Yarn: $4.25
Felt for Flowers: $2.00
Ribbon: I borrowed some from a girl who already had this, so FREE!
 Total: $11.24

 I wrapped my wreath beforehand which took about an hour and a half.  Then it took about 1 hour to make my flowers, and I literally hotglued them on.  I love the wreath, and it looks great against my white front door.

Craft 2: Felt Pennant
Felt: $4.24
Ribbon:$1.99
Total:  $6.23

I cut out the pennants and then the letters.  I hotglued the letters to the pennant, and then hotglued the tab on the back down over the pink rope.  It worked like a charm!  I really like it against my yellow chevron too:-)

Craft 3: Canvas Art
Felt: $.24
Canvas: $7.99 for pack of 2
Buttons: $4.99
Black Paint: On hand!
Total:  $13.22

This project was my favorite.  Alex painted the chevron pattern for me to match my kitchen curtains.  Then I cut a large red felt heart and hotglued it down to the canvas.  Then you just hotglue the red buttons to cover the heart.  It took the better part of an hour to do the buttons, but I think it turned out great!  I hung this in my kitchen, and I know I'll have a hard time taking it down after Valentine's Day:-)

So, there you have it.  Life's busy, I was a little crafty, and we are trying to find balance at our house so we still like each other and ourselves;-)