Mighty Big Love

I have been loving these 14 Days of Valentine's.  All right, mostly, I've been loving them.  I tried to make them as simple as I could (sometimes I have mighty big ideas) and I tried to be as prepared as I could.  I'm sometimes a really huge a procrastinator (as evidenced by every single college paper I ever had to write).

I let Abby loose in the kitchen on Sunday afternoon in an attempt to practice giving up some control (me) and for some baking practice (Abby).  She made chocolate cupcakes and then I made pink and purple frosting for her and Finn to decorate their cupcakes with (Yes, I made the frosting.  I said I was practicing giving up some control).  It kept them busy during our 8 plus inches of snow storm.  Okay, so Finn ate more frosting than he actually used on his cupcakes and they both went a little overboard with the sprinkles, and Abby was right there with him, surreptitiously eating spoonfuls of frosting when she thought I wasn't looking.  And I wasn't looking because I was eating spoonfuls of frosting when they weren't looking.  It was good frosting.

Finn and I (mostly me) made Valentine's for his once-a-week preschool class.  Damn Pinterest for giving me holiday celebration ideas that my inner Martha Stewart feels an overwhelming need to act on (see every Elf on the Shelf idea that I had and 14 Day's of Valentine's for two years as evidence).  Let's all be thankful I decided to forego the 40 Days of Lent Countdown, since that really isn't so much of a celebration and actually would probably be considered a tad sacrilegious by some of the more devout.  I'll save my spring thing for Easter instead, since that actually is something to celebrate (complete with dyed Easter eggs, and this year, chocolate filled eggs made with real shells.  Because I want to, that's why.).

Happy Valentine's Eve (not a real holiday to celebrate, but I don't care!).

I have been loving these 14 Days of Valentine's.  All right, mostly, I've been loving them.  I tried to make them as simple as I could (sometimes I have mighty big ideas) and I tried to be as prepared as I could.  I'm sometimes a really huge a procrastinator (as evidenced by every single college paper I ever had to write).

I let Abby loose in the kitchen on Sunday afternoon in an attempt to practice giving up some control (me) and for some baking practice (Abby).  She made chocolate cupcakes and then I made pink and purple frosting for her and Finn to decorate their cupcakes with (Yes, I made the frosting.  I said I was practicing giving up some control).  It kept them busy during our 8 plus inches of snow storm.  Okay, so Finn ate more frosting than he actually used on his cupcakes and they both went a little overboard with the sprinkles, and Abby was right there with him, surreptitiously eating spoonfuls of frosting when she thought I wasn't looking.  And I wasn't looking because I was eating spoonfuls of frosting when they weren't looking.  It was good frosting.

Finn and I (mostly me) made Valentine's for his once-a-week preschool class.  Damn Pinterest for giving me holiday celebration ideas that my inner Martha Stewart feels an overwhelming need to act on (see every Elf on the Shelf idea that I had and 14 Day's of Valentine's for two years as evidence).  Let's all be thankful I decided to forego the 40 Days of Lent Countdown, since that really isn't so much of a celebration and actually would probably be considered a tad sacrilegious by some of the more devout.  I'll save my spring thing for Easter instead, since that actually is something to celebrate (complete with dyed Easter eggs, and this year, chocolate filled eggs made with real shells.  Because I want to, that's why.).

Happy Valentine's Eve (not a real holiday to celebrate, but I don't care!).

On my mind today...

• I made cider doughnuts for my small humans last weekend - small circles and hearts of appley goodness on a chilly Friday morning.  
• They were tasty and a bit reminiscent of fall in Kansas City - a place where temperatures still get downright warm in the afternoons and the sun shines more than it doesn't.
• Will-power became my middle name, but I managed.  One tasty doughnut dipped in hot coffee got me through the morning.  Finn, on the other hand, was a sticky-cinnamon-sugary mess, and he kept trying to sneak more little doughnut holes when I wasn't looking.
• You can go here to make them if you'd like, but I forewarn, the dough is really sticky and not that easy to work with.  I added extra flour to mine.  Regardless, I'll probably still make them again.
• We walked by the lake this morning and Finn yelled: "Want to RUN!"  Apparently he likes a quicker jaunt on these chilly mornings.  I obliged.
• The waves were high and loud on the break wall, so I kept him in his stroller and we passed the time counting the dogs we saw on the trail.
• Our bathtub faucet is leaking.  Downside: I think we need to call a plumber.  Silver lining: I've been using the extra water to give my houseplants a drink.
• I've decided to suck it up and drive into the Big City once a week for an actual WW meeting - and I'm going to stay for the whole thing, not just weigh in.
• Finn will need lots of books and coloring crayons to get through.
• Maybe I can bribe him with hot chocolate if he's a good boy...or a trip to Target.
• Abby's almost done with volleyball, I think she has one more home game.  My goal is to bring the camera and get some pictures.  I haven't yet this year.  Slacking, I know.
• I planted my tulips and hyacinth bulbs last week.  I check daily to make sure the squirrels haven't dug them up and eaten them. 
• This week, Finn and I are doing this turkey art project.  I just need to get some new paints...last week we painted fall trees with leaves that are hot pink, purple and blue.  I think they're hippy trees, but that was all I had for paints.  Luckily we have to go into the Big City anyway, so I guess a stop at Michael's Craft is in order!
• And then it will be time to work on raking our leaves.  But today it's supposed to rain, so I think I'll curl up with my book instead.

{I Should be Folding Laundry | You Capture: Shapes}
{And then she {snapped} | Show Off Your Shot}

• I made cider doughnuts for my small humans last weekend - small circles and hearts of appley goodness on a chilly Friday morning.  
• They were tasty and a bit reminiscent of fall in Kansas City - a place where temperatures still get downright warm in the afternoons and the sun shines more than it doesn't.
• Will-power became my middle name, but I managed.  One tasty doughnut dipped in hot coffee got me through the morning.  Finn, on the other hand, was a sticky-cinnamon-sugary mess, and he kept trying to sneak more little doughnut holes when I wasn't looking.
• You can go here to make them if you'd like, but I forewarn, the dough is really sticky and not that easy to work with.  I added extra flour to mine.  Regardless, I'll probably still make them again.
• We walked by the lake this morning and Finn yelled: "Want to RUN!"  Apparently he likes a quicker jaunt on these chilly mornings.  I obliged.
• The waves were high and loud on the break wall, so I kept him in his stroller and we passed the time counting the dogs we saw on the trail.
• Our bathtub faucet is leaking.  Downside: I think we need to call a plumber.  Silver lining: I've been using the extra water to give my houseplants a drink.
• I've decided to suck it up and drive into the Big City once a week for an actual WW meeting - and I'm going to stay for the whole thing, not just weigh in.
• Finn will need lots of books and coloring crayons to get through.
• Maybe I can bribe him with hot chocolate if he's a good boy...or a trip to Target.
• Abby's almost done with volleyball, I think she has one more home game.  My goal is to bring the camera and get some pictures.  I haven't yet this year.  Slacking, I know.
• I planted my tulips and hyacinth bulbs last week.  I check daily to make sure the squirrels haven't dug them up and eaten them. 
• This week, Finn and I are doing this turkey art project.  I just need to get some new paints...last week we painted fall trees with leaves that are hot pink, purple and blue.  I think they're hippy trees, but that was all I had for paints.  Luckily we have to go into the Big City anyway, so I guess a stop at Michael's Craft is in order!
• And then it will be time to work on raking our leaves.  But today it's supposed to rain, so I think I'll curl up with my book instead.

{I Should be Folding Laundry | You Capture: Shapes}
{And then she {snapped} | Show Off Your Shot}

Getting to the good stuff.

I feel like all I've been doing lately is slaving in the garden.  And I love my gardens, but dang...there is no end to the weeds and the random crap poking their heads up helter and skelter.  I'm still not sure if I'm pulling weeds or pretties and I'm not sure if I should be pruning back some of the more rambunctious plants.  But I'm doing it anyway.  We'll see where I need to fill come spring.

It's the weekend, though...or almost, at least.  I'm determined to not step one pinky toe into any of the gardens - my shoulder and my calloused hands need a break!  I plan, instead, to play with lots of construction site trucks outside in the sandbox and to buy some school supplies (because we haven't done that yet and school starts in just over a week.).  I plan to eat pancakes with blueberries at our outdoor table that is, somewhat, in shambles because we are "re-envisioning" it.  Which also means I plan to haul two small humans down to the lake to gather some more rocks for aforementioned table re-envisioning project.  I plan to lay on my back and look at some clouds.  I plan to blue-tape the library in anticipation of painting it next week-ish (I'm having a hard time nailing down my time these days.  At least I get out of my jammies before the church bells ring daily at noon.).  I plan to take in the county fair.  I'm plan to pet a cow (because I love them.) and watch Finn's world blow up when he sees a real, live horse.  I plan to eat some cotton candy.

What about you?  Big plans for the weekend?  The Great Minnesota Get Together kicked off yesterday, but I just don't think we'll have the time to get down for it this year.  There's always next year, I guess.  If you're in need of a fun project for the kiddos that doesn't require blowing your diet on all things fried and secured to a stick, I believe that sidewalk painting is the new sidewalk chalk.  Mix equal parts water and cornstarch, add food coloring and paint the heck out of your sidewalks (and feet).  Washes off easily with water (hose or wait for rain, you decide.) and is pretty much fun for adults, too!

I feel like all I've been doing lately is slaving in the garden.  And I love my gardens, but dang...there is no end to the weeds and the random crap poking their heads up helter and skelter.  I'm still not sure if I'm pulling weeds or pretties and I'm not sure if I should be pruning back some of the more rambunctious plants.  But I'm doing it anyway.  We'll see where I need to fill come spring.

It's the weekend, though...or almost, at least.  I'm determined to not step one pinky toe into any of the gardens - my shoulder and my calloused hands need a break!  I plan, instead, to play with lots of construction site trucks outside in the sandbox and to buy some school supplies (because we haven't done that yet and school starts in just over a week.).  I plan to eat pancakes with blueberries at our outdoor table that is, somewhat, in shambles because we are "re-envisioning" it.  Which also means I plan to haul two small humans down to the lake to gather some more rocks for aforementioned table re-envisioning project.  I plan to lay on my back and look at some clouds.  I plan to blue-tape the library in anticipation of painting it next week-ish (I'm having a hard time nailing down my time these days.  At least I get out of my jammies before the church bells ring daily at noon.).  I plan to take in the county fair.  I'm plan to pet a cow (because I love them.) and watch Finn's world blow up when he sees a real, live horse.  I plan to eat some cotton candy.

What about you?  Big plans for the weekend?  The Great Minnesota Get Together kicked off yesterday, but I just don't think we'll have the time to get down for it this year.  There's always next year, I guess.  If you're in need of a fun project for the kiddos that doesn't require blowing your diet on all things fried and secured to a stick, I believe that sidewalk painting is the new sidewalk chalk.  Mix equal parts water and cornstarch, add food coloring and paint the heck out of your sidewalks (and feet).  Washes off easily with water (hose or wait for rain, you decide.) and is pretty much fun for adults, too!

Pinterest is crack.

I ignored my house and cleaning zones.  I ignored the bike trail. I ignored the grocery store. I ignored the handprints on the windows and the crumbs on the floor. I ignored the laundry. I even admit to ignoring my kids (well, not completely, but a little teeny bit.  I'm not proud of it).

I could blame the seasonal transition - the gray skies, the shorter days, the cooler weather and all that crap, but that would be a straight lie.  I blame Pinterest.  It is my new obsession.  I have found some fun crafty ideas and things to do with the kiddos, some great photo inspiration, lots food to bake, and some fun ideas for changing my house.  But I probably need to take a break from it.  If I can.  And I'm not saying that I can, I'm just saying that I probably should take a break from it.  In the interest of, you know, feeding and clothing my children, and all.  But I probably won't.  I mean, I'll feed and clothe my kids, I just probably won't take a Pinterest break.

Bonus for you, though...next week I have a bunch of crafty crap to share with you as a result of my Pinterest addiction.  Let me put it to you this way...I bought mod podge, chalk board spray paint and, if I keep my craftiness up and don't get my butt back on the trail, I'm going to need to dive back into my chubbier clothes because I've tried a couple of great recipes, too.  (Just kidding.  I won't get out those chubbier clothes.  I like it when the scale tips down instead of up.  I vow to better balance crafts, cooking and working out this week.  Pinky swear.).  Maybe you'll be inspired to do something fun, like make Candy Corn cookies or lobster pictures with your kids...or spray paint the crap out of everything in your house.

And the quote with the picture?
Yes, I got that off of Pinterest.

Oh, and if you're on Pinterest, find me...I'd like to see what you've pinned and what inspires you.

I ignored my house and cleaning zones.  I ignored the bike trail. I ignored the grocery store. I ignored the handprints on the windows and the crumbs on the floor. I ignored the laundry. I even admit to ignoring my kids (well, not completely, but a little teeny bit.  I'm not proud of it).

I could blame the seasonal transition - the gray skies, the shorter days, the cooler weather and all that crap, but that would be a straight lie.  I blame Pinterest.  It is my new obsession.  I have found some fun crafty ideas and things to do with the kiddos, some great photo inspiration, lots food to bake, and some fun ideas for changing my house.  But I probably need to take a break from it.  If I can.  And I'm not saying that I can, I'm just saying that I probably should take a break from it.  In the interest of, you know, feeding and clothing my children, and all.  But I probably won't.  I mean, I'll feed and clothe my kids, I just probably won't take a Pinterest break.

Bonus for you, though...next week I have a bunch of crafty crap to share with you as a result of my Pinterest addiction.  Let me put it to you this way...I bought mod podge, chalk board spray paint and, if I keep my craftiness up and don't get my butt back on the trail, I'm going to need to dive back into my chubbier clothes because I've tried a couple of great recipes, too.  (Just kidding.  I won't get out those chubbier clothes.  I like it when the scale tips down instead of up.  I vow to better balance crafts, cooking and working out this week.  Pinky swear.).  Maybe you'll be inspired to do something fun, like make Candy Corn cookies or lobster pictures with your kids...or spray paint the crap out of everything in your house.

And the quote with the picture?
Yes, I got that off of Pinterest.

Oh, and if you're on Pinterest, find me...I'd like to see what you've pinned and what inspires you.