surprise, planting time, & leftovers

1 It's the Easter long weekend and we are having a quiet time of it so far. The littles are back on Sunday night so Monday we will do the egg hunt, some decorating, and a family dinner. Here's the surprise that I did for them at their house. Eggs are plastic and not filled with candy given the rainy weather!

2 Time to get a few spring plants. I'm thinking some purple pansies, my fave, but everything else is just a bit too early. Perhaps I'll start some plants myself? hmm It's been a long time since I've done that for sure.

3 The new Instant Pot is exactly what we thought it might be. 7 in 1 and cooks super fast! A cut up chicken was 16 minutes to tender, juicy, and delicious. Tonight I'll use the rest of the chicken and make some Chicken Tacos. Creativity at its finest? I'll let you know

road trip again, hearts, dear friends, road conditions & NIck

1 We took a trip to the Kootenays and worked on the house. The plan was to clean and paint but the reality of what we actually needed to do was not quite in sync with my expectations. Cleaning continues. Painting to come. The house really has morphed from our efforts so far. 

2 My sister and I share a beautiful heart to heart. I'm so proud of her for being open to sharing and for being real. It's never easy starting over.

3 Our dear friends host us again while we are working on this project. They comfort and support us, fill our bellies with delicious foods and coffees and we even find chocolate bunnies and a beautiful mug as gifts on our bed. 

4 The road conditions for the drive over to the house was a winter weather combo, snow, hail, fog, rain, bits of sun. But the drive back was sunny and blue skies all the way. Funny what a difference a day makes. 


5 Nick sends me a text that says, "Dinner tomorrow? Your kitchen, my ingredients." Of course I said yes! He brings ingredients and wok and teaches me how to make Pad Thai! Oh sweet love. Delicious, and a great visit. I'm so happy he's home in Canada, close by and eager for family time. 

birds, sunny days, & instant pot

1 I clean and put together a beautifully weathered wind chime of hummingbirds that had been at my brothers' house. It is in our front entrance now an is a gentle reminder of him. 

2  We have had more than our share of overcast skies, rain and gloom this winter. But hey it's spring and we are all ready for sunshine and beaches. Okay so we got some sun, beaches too but not in a bathing suit or shorts just yet.

3 Nick invites us over for dinner and to check out the Instant Pot. It's amazing. Simple settings, easy to use and tender beef in 15 minutes. 

warmth, thought, & funny lady

1 The sun streams through the window and warms every inch of Zoe. She luxuriates in the warmth and soon is asleep in the middle of the floor.

2 My dear friend is home. She's been away visiting her mom and yet took the time to say hello and catch up a bit. So thoughtful. I really am blessed to have such a good friend looking out for me. 

3 My coworker is hilarious! She is master of jokes, voices and stories. I often wonder what life must be like at her home with her two littles. 

A&W, watch it, & insight

1  The kids pop by on my dinner break with a bag of goodies. Blt chicken lettuce wraps and a root beer! Seriously good tonight. I really appreciate that they could stop in and I could get some kisses from Izzy and a quick hi from Kesler as a bonus.

2 This morning was filled with phone calls and texts for all sorts of family and  friends. It feels good to be relied on but I had to remember to save time for me. 

3 I had someone say to me that I am often very accurate in my judgments and assumptions and that I would need to challenge these to move forward. I am thankful for the insight.

surprise, hopeful, & see the stars

1 The kidlets get a fun surprise on Monday when I pick them up from school unexpectedly. Kesler sees me, makes eye contact and says "Hi!" then he runs right to me and grabs my hand. My heart just loves that he's making a connection. Miss Izzy sees me and says, "I thought I saw Grampa! I know I saw his car. But it's okay that it's you. I love you so much Grama." Sigh, life is better with the littles in it.

2 The sun finally comes out and warms the earth. The birds are coming to the feeder and Zoe takes up her spot on the deck eyeing them, making little bird sounds, hopeful that one day she might escape and go hunting.

3 The hot tub is smokin' hot and we indulge in a soak. The clouds are gone and the sky is clear. Time for star gazing and relaxation. Oh, and of course a glass of wine, or two.

Silent Sunday

sometimes, lucky, for me, & fixed

1 Sometimes we just don't know what is next for us. Sometimes we struggle, fall down, rise up and fall again, making little, small steps towards whatever we are searching for & sometimes we make giant strides. Sometimes we go too fast. And sometimes it's time to slow down. Time to listen to your inner self and begin to know yourself. Sometimes it's about you.

2 Spring really is coming, isn't it? A co-worker came in to tell me that her tulips are showing above the ground, and I gotta say, I felt jealous. I didn't plant any bulbs this year but the soil Mr P brought in to our yard last fall was full of winter bulbs. Will I be so lucky and have spring tulips pop up in the back yard?

2a I think I should by a pot of paper whites or tulips just for me.

3 When you listen to your friend at work who suggests that you widen the nose pieces on your glasses because you have a huge sore spot and you have a "Duh, why didn't I think of that?" moment. I am grateful. Thanks Sam.