Sometimes it's better to start at the END and go back to the beginning...and for January, that is a fun way to start!!! January definitely gave me a little perspective, like a giant smack across the face perspective about how truly blessed we are as a family. (I mean, I think I say it all the time, but I am so very grateful for this life). I am a very grateful person, but there are moments when I get stuck....and BAM, life sure reminds you of your blessings!!! From a week home with kids where we lost power, had to continuously pivot and let all expectations go....to an amazing weekend with friends in the woods, it is NOT lost on me! We are continuously blessed and I am so abundantly grateful!!!
January 1st and it was time to get Christmas packed up and the house picked up! I love starting January fresh and it starts with the house, right?!?!
Not only was Christmas picked up...but January meant the kick off to a few projects around the house! This space being one of them. It's now mid-February as I type and we are slowing pulling it all together!
Off to the depot to get some supplies for....TBD home project of the moment!
It's not all home projects around here...we decided to have an adventure day and pilled in the car in search of snow and some sledding! It turned out, one of Millie's friends has a cabin by where we were sledding so we crashed their place instead!
Look who got out for a little day date and home decor shopping!!!
I mean...have potty, will travel. We have regressed a little...me, not her, in the potty training department, but I hope to pick it back up in March! Goal is potty trained by 2.5, so I have about 8 weeks to go. Ahhhh, where did baby Leighton go?!
Back to school...officially back after Christmas break and these kids were so happy to head back to see their friends after some much needed R&R for all.
A special friend lost her husband and the kids and I went to visit. These are her chickens.
THIS. Give me all of this. All day, every day...except when they are being crazy, then give them to Rich.
I mean, the gems I find on my phone.
This was LJ's 4 week post cast removal check up and yes, thumbs up. Everything was healing up nicely and she got the ok for being a crazy 2 year old AGAIN.
Doritos and hotdogs...it's what every doctor in training eats for lunch, right?
Sometimes a random Wednesday calls for a trip to the Woods for treats after school. The "no reason" reason is my favorite thing to celebrate.
Yee Haw. Giddy Up. This cowboy and cowgirl were ready for Western Day at school.
Not sure the reason for this...but looks like we took a picture since we were matching in our HCA sweatshirts. Go Eagles!
And more of the TV Area/Loft coming together.
Surprise! Celebrating Grammy's birthday with dinner at our house! We've been so lucky to start having my parents over for Monday dinners each week, that we decided to celebrate her a day early! Win, win!
Lots of help to blow out the candles.
And then it happened......SCHOOL got shut down and we were back online for a week (oh lord, I prayed so hard that it would only be a week and thankfully it was).
Just a little pivot when the power decided to go out when we had Griffin and Millie both with Teams classes...so we shifted and headed to my office and set up camp for a few days!
All in all...these kids, resilient as ever just went with it. I'm so freaking proud of them!
Power came back and we were able to wrap up the rest of the week from the kitchen table!
And when school is at home...there is MUCH needed time to get out and get the wiggles out at the park!
I mean...my 3 little bears, one is too hot, one is too cold and one is just right!
More "recess" from home! LJ is so happy when the bigs are home and she gets to be a big girl too!
CHEESE!!! It's just a few of the crazies from the crazy farm in crazy town!
Woo hoo...a little night out with the ladies.
Who's JJ and who's Leighton? I mean, when her favorite "star" looks just like her! Stinker!
Birthday crown for Auntie Roxy's birthday and off to celebrate her for the day.
Blow the whistle...woot woot!!! Just waiting for something...and yes, these are pajamas from the "big purple" era!!! Still 75% effective and LJ gets HOT...so, it's a little built in a/c.
And then the wallpaper came....
Master bedroom (left) and Loft (right). It was actually just installed today and it looks freaking Ah-mazing!!!!
It's so weird not being able to help in the classroom and see how the kids are...but it's so fun when someone sneaks a picture for me, especially on volcano day!
A REAL Date Night...yes, we showered! We cocktailed. We dinnered. We had fun and remember how much fun we have together and that we have a pretty darn good love and life. He's my dude!
And then there is that night after bath time where mom and dad just don't get you to bed when they should and you go put yourself to bed on the couch!
Postponed adventure from Thanksgiving RESET!!!
Nothing says heading out of town like a selfie in the card loaded to the brim!
And the mountain was OUT!!!
We arrived and the first stop was the Hot Tub. Meyer Bell Vacation take #10! It's so fun to have friends that are like family and the memories being built together!
Movie time!
Time for a morning walk and explore the great outdoors!
So fun to have a break in the weather to explore the river and get these little legs to burn some energy.
When they are together, my heart is complete! I know that the time will come where the 3 of them won't always be together...but I will cherish each day that I can and love the memories they create together!
Afternoon tubbing...yep, that's what the cabin is all about.
Time for some afternoon s'mores because they make everything more fun.
The parents!!! And yes, these parents are scheming and adults only trip in the near future.
Meyer Bell clan!
Drinks, games, fire AND inside dinning. WOO HOO! Never did I ever think I'd be so excited to have a drink indoors with my family.
All smiles with daddy!
Parents on holiday!
Love this picture. We have the same one from November 2019...and I'm sure we will have it again. Thanks Packwood for the memories!
Another day...another day exploring the river.
These are my people...they are my sun, my moon, my world!
Senorita sassy pants and the sweetest pineapple princess around.
Again...my little hearts!
The kid crew!
Fun thing...my grandma's cousin lives and works in Packwood, so we were able to visit and meet her. Love learning more and sharing with her our kids.
Last night of vacation...games, smiles, drinks and wrapping up a nice weekend of slowing down! If the last 12 months have taught me anything, it's do what you need to when you need to and take a break when you need too. It's not a race and we are best set to LIVE each day.
That's all she wrote January!!!
