Painting & Play-doh

I don't really have any photos to share this morning, so here is a picture of a watercolor painting that I did recently. I have not had my paints out in a very long time. I can't even explain how good it felt to paint again. It felt right. It felt magical. I hope to reincorporate this wonderful art form back into my life somehow. I absolutely love painting and have missed it dearly.

So, the holidays were grand and the new year was nice. I would say my favorite moments of this Christmas season were watching Ben come out dressed as Joseph for his school program and wittnessing Isabelle open her American Girl Doll that she received from Santa. I had tears in my eyes, seeing her so happy and seeing her biggest wish come true.

So this winter break from school and other activities has been very nice. Not having to run out of the house all bundled and ready in the freezing morning has been a blessing. But, like all things, it has run it's course and it is now offically time to rejoin society and return to the hustle and bustle of life and it's requirements. Tomorrow we are at the starting line once again and it honestly feels good. If only I can get caught up with the laundry.

Calendar for the new year. Well here is my story. I am quite a calendar freak. I need to have the perfect desk/planner calendar to write in for the entire year. Appointments, notes, etc. I need to organize my brain properly. Well, I have been on the search for a calendar. I dragged the kids to staples before the new year and found a super calendar, but..then something in me refused to pay $21.00 for it. It's just not in me. Not in my soul right now and not in my wallet. So, then I drove a few blocks over to the dollar general and bought myself a calendar for $1.00! Sure, it's not the greatest. But it will do for right now. If I find a happy medium somewhere along the way, something that is a little more fun and joyous to write in, I may get it, but for now, it feels good to spend only a dollar to help get my brain sorted.

So, the new year... I have a lot to think about, plan, organize....bring to fruitation. We are already talking spring around this house. I miss flowers and the birds. Noah is so excited about planning his vegetable garden and becoming a beekeeper and beer maker. <--yes these are his current dreams. I am of course, planning this new baby coming into our lives. Thinking I am ready for this kid to be produced because I don't do pregnancy well and I am currently remembering that as things are starting to get more difficult. I am praying for peace and patience. I am trying to enjoy the kicks and movement that remind me of what the whole thing is about. I still can not wrap my brain around the fact that there will be 3 children in this house. Honestly, I am barely ready, but I know somehow it will all work out and we won't remember how we functioned otherwise. Wow. Also in the spring we will be hopefully finishing up the improvements around here including: landscaping and new siding. Also the baby room has to be completely refinished. Right now it is an unfinished office.

So I guess I should get on with my day. lots to do. (lots to clean actually including play-doh all over the kitchen floor). little notes of interests to conclude our discussion: yesterday I stayed in my pajamas and read an entire book (have a little faith) by Mitch Albom the author of Tuesdays with Morrie. Liked it, didn't love it. Last night, Noah made Chili for dinner, it was so spicy that I could not even eat it. ugh. Luckily he made homemade baked mac and cheese for the kids as well (and now you see why I have so many dishes to do). Last night we watched the movie: Facing your Giants. although somewhat cheesy acting, I enjoyed the story and actually cried at the end. I have a dr. appt. tomorrow morning, so praying for a good visit. There is defintley a busy and freezing week ahead, but I am so looking forward to seeing my friends again & getting out of this house for a bit. Biggest goal of this week: getting the Christmas decorations put away and finding proper homes for the gifts. Happy Sunday.