WHY we live in Massachusetts

I have had something on my mind for awhile now and I feel impressed to get it out there. Maybe just for me or maybe for someone else, but either way, I would love to share my thoughts. I often ponder why? Why do we live in Massachusetts? How did we end up here? Why were we guided here? What is our 'purpose' in being here? Shawn and I have both had these thoughts. When we lived in Utah, I had encouraged Shawn to look for work outside of Utah. I knew it was a good time to do it with our young family, not rooted down yet, and flexible in our endeavors. He was not in a career job at the time and we only had one little Lanie to look after. But when the opportunity to actually move presented itself, we were both in shock. It was more than we could've ever asked for. It was a no brainer to pack up and move (across the freaking country!). When we prayed about it, and we prayed quite intently, we never received that undeniable confirmation that we were doing the right thing. But we also were never stopped in our tracks, so we moved forward. I never pictured being here this long. I never imagined starting my kids in schools here. In my head, it was a very short term, but important move for our family. But honestly, I always have imagined raising my kids in Utah. Raising them with the familiarity that is "home". Raising them close to family and friends. Raising them near grandparents! But here we are, 5 years later, still in Massachusetts, renting (not purchasing) a home, still unsure of what the heck we are doing, and yet life is good! So, what I want to say is, I have come to know WHY. Why we are here? The question that frequently goes through my mind! And there is not ONE solid answer. Because....

1. We are here to learn resilience. We have seen the darkest of darks in our journey with job loss, depression, financial struggles, etc. We experienced close to every life stress you can encounter since moving here, and we have overcome them. I know that no matter what comes our way in life, Shawn and I (and our kids) can conquer it....because we already have (in so many ways).

2. I have learned how to seek and receive answers to prayers. I have always followed a pattern of prayer that I understood. Ask of God. I would pray and ask God what I should do in certain situations. I often wanted God to map out my path and give me the answers and make the decisions for me. And I would follow! I am a very obedient spirit and this pattern seems to have worked for me thus far, BUT I have learned a new way of receiving answers. Shawn does the whole prayer thing differently. He has a situation, "studies it out in his mind" (and discusses it with his wife), MAKES A DECISION, then takes it to the Lord for confirmation. I have literally seen and experienced powerful, direct answers to prayers by using this pattern. Specific, and unexpected answers....AND I have learned how to pray! (Thank you Shawn!)

3. I was able to stand in as an escort for my dear Indian friend as she received her temple endowments. And then attend the sealing of her and her husband and watch them welcome their first child and start their eternal family. Visiting Teaching creates deep spiritual friendships!

4. My mom's family needed me! At least that's what I am told. I don't often feel like I am THAT important to be an influence on others or leave an impression on them that really matters. I don't mean this as an insult to myself, but I just try to be an instrument in the Lord's hands wherever possible and let Him guide me. Well, since I am living here, and my mom still has family in the area, I have tried to make an effort to reach out to them. In that, Shawn and I have were able to be here for the death and funeral services of my cousin, Angela. We were able to offer support where needed during that terribly difficult time for my aunt and her family. We were able to witness the change of heart and spirit over time of my aunt as the veil was thinned and she was touched by my cousin's influence. We watched my aunt return to "the fold" and make it to the temple. I was able to do the temple work for my sweet cousin and had an incredibly spiritual experience in doing so. AND.....the rest of this story is still unfolding. I don't take credit for any of this taking place (not in the slightest), but I know that I would not have been able to be an intricate part of my extended family's journey if we we did not live here. 

5. We needed time with Mickey. We needed to know directly who Aunt Mickey desired to be sealed to once she was on the other side (she had had 3 husbands). My kids needed to know "Grandma Mickey" and I needed to learn about my Great Nana and her amazing story!

6. We love diversity. Just within our ward there have been members from Brazil, India, Philippines, Taiwan, South Africa, Sierra Leon, Guatemala, etc. From all over! We are a U.S. melting pot from Virginia, Alabama, Michigan, Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Iowa, New York, and Utah (and probably more that I am missing). We have a ward of musical talent like you wouldn't believe! And educational stature beyond degrees! To be honest, moving into our ward was an honor; to be among such talent and diversity was initially so intimidating, yet inspiring! I love the diversity and because of it, I understand God's love for His children even more.

7. I was placed here to meet Erin and Kim. They are my Massachusetts besties and God knew I needed local sisters. They are my go-to girls and I have such a deep love and respect for the way they mother and organize their lives. I have learned SO much from them and if/when we move, I am going to have to bring them with me!!!

8. My family needed autonomy. This is nothing against being from BIG HAPPY FAMILIES. BUT....we were finding ourselves a product of absorption. Shawn and I were not US. We were not creating US. We were going through the motions and being absorbed and pulled in a gazillion different directions. Since being here, our marriage is OURS and we have found US. We have created traditions and found our family's niche (which many of you know as our bucketlist). We are creating a life we love, free of ANY OTHER INFLUENCES. And it's been awesome. That's not to say that we don't get homesick or miss events that we badly want to attend back "home", but it just means that we needed to find US and that is part of the reason WHY we have been here!

9. My testimony needed to be tested. Shortly after we moved here, I found myself in a very lonely, dark place. I was lost and depressed and in tears most of the time. One night I had a heart to heart with the Big Man, Mr. Omnipotent (that sounds blasphemous, but completely unintended that way). I was curled up in a ball, in fetal position, pouring my empty soul out to Him, begging for help (nothing I had ever done before in quite this manner as in this moment....not even on my mission). And He heard me. He answered me. And He comforted me. The answer I received in that time was, "Read your Patriarchal Blessing. Serve your husband. And write in your journal regularly." I did all 3 of these things. I pulled my blessing out instantly and read it as I sobbed. I was reminded of my value and divinity. I planned and carried out one service per month for Shawn (which I don't know if he ever knew about), and my love and appreciation for him and the life he was giving our family shined through. And I wrote in my journal, religiously, and candidly (please burn it when I die), and found great solace and therapy in doing so. But there was one thought that entered my mind during this time (and it was about 18 months worth of struggle). The recurring thought was, "Should I stop being religious? I could literally stop and no one would know or care. These people here don't know me. They wouldn't even notice if I wasn't at church. And my family back "home" would NEVER know. So should I? What do I believe; do I believe what I profess?" It wasn't necessarily doubt going through me, it was self reflection. It was a question of my true character. It was finding who I am. And do you know what? I found, that I am me! Duh, right? But really, going to church, serving, turning to God, loving my family, wanting to be the best me possible......these were all sincerely ME! If I turned away from the church, I would still be ME! I wouldn't be a drinker or a party-er. I wouldn't be promiscuous, I wouldn't desire to do evil.....that's just not me. I realized that outside of Utah, I could be whomever I wanted (without the judgment of "the bubble"- a bubble which we love btw) and that person is ME! I recognized that it wasn't about "church" and "going to church" it was about "the gospel" and "living the gospel". I realized that the gospel is who I am. I love it and I strive to live according to its teachings, and although I am imperfect, I am trying. And I love what that brings into my life!!! I don't think I would've learned this had we never left our Utah comfort zone!

10. And lastly (for now), the reason we are living here, and still here, and the main reason above all why I wanted to document my thoughts, is because I have learned to LIVE A LIFE I LOVE. All social media posts aside (which I post a lot....I know!), it is not about competition or comparisons. It is not about being better or just like someone else. It is not about perfection and out-doing each other. That is NOT why I post. And I don't necessarily feel like I have to defend why I post (especially not in this writing). It is about being authentic. Being real. And being YOU! Shawn and I love going on adventures. We are creating a life of experiences and memories. We have become tourists in our area and we have a bucketlist to accomplish this. This is OUR thing! Your thing may be something else. Something different. And that's AWESOME! I celebrate that! Since living here, and encountering many road blocks, I have learned to not plan my life and what I want it to be, but I have learned to plan how I react to what life hands me. I want to enjoy the journey and make a life that WE (Shawn, me, and the kids) enjoy. One that is pleasing not only to us, but to the Almighty. We love our adventures. We love to be out seeing the world. And we don't do it to be seen of the world. We are doing this because we have learned that as a family, we enjoy it. And we are documenting it along the way so that one day our kids can remember, or at least know, that they have amazing lives! I have learned that my house won't always be clean, I will not always be put together and ready, and sometimes (most of the time) others will see me caught in chaos, tardiness, and a frantic gathering of children. When we first moved here, I always wanted to seem put together and perfect, like life was not hard for me, and then I realized, no one relates to that and that is a standard that I cannot live up to. It did not make me happy but gave me deep stress and anxiety. Living a life I love is letting go of who I am not, and being honest with myself about who I am and what makes me happy.....and then going after it! I know that part of WHY we are living here, is so I can learn to be true to myself!!!

So there ya have it! I am so glad to get that out there and have it for future reference. I am so lucky and blessed to have an incredibly loving husband and 3 amazing kids who love me and challenge me in ways I could have never imagined. And most importantly (for this post), I am deeply grateful for the experience we have had living here and the lessons it has taught me. No matter what our future holds, I will always cherish "Our Boston Time".

Six Years with Lots of Tears, But Mostly Smiles with ALL our Miles!!!

You know, marrying someone after 12 years of knowing each other makes for an incredibly easy transition into marriage; there were very few surprises. But we are still getting to know each other, and since Shawn doesn't do sappy, I thought I might reveal some fun facts that I have discovered about him in our quick 6 years of marriage:

1. He still ties a bow using the bunny ears method. And he refuses to learn how to loop, swoop, and pull.

2. He has his own made up language. Don't ask!

3. He hates closet doors and has removed them everywhere we have lived.

4. He LOVES cookies and eats an entire batch in one sitting. It's probably good that I am terrible at baking.

5. He "sleeps" with socks on...

6. He is incredibly logical and therefore really struggles with the Old Testament.

7. He LOVES to be outside. Preferably at a baseball game or playing softball.

8. He is VERY organized and tidy. And throws close to everything away. Sore subject here!

9. He likely has NEVER cleaned a bathroom, especially a toilet. So he may be tidy, but doesn't know much about the cleaning part (we joke that if I wasn't in the picture, he'd need house cleaners).

10. He does NOT fight. We don't fight. If I get mad, he calms the storm. It's a gift really.

11. He has lost 3 wedding rings in our first 3 years. He no longer wears a wedding band. :(

12. He is often a grinch about most things, and loves me with all his grinch size heart!!!

13. He is a beyond loyal friend. I heard a quote, "You gotta take care of your friends or you could lose them." Shawn truly nurtures friendships.

14. He dislikes people who act like their pets are humans. 

15. He's mostly insensitive and not so romantic. Maybe one day he will dote and coddle. 

16. He is a mouth breather, snorer, and allergy fighter.

17. With those allergies, he blows his nose louder than a trumpet. Holy wake up the neighborhood!

18. He loves jeopardy and is the smartest person I know.

19. BUT he knows nothing about anatomy or physiology (myo, cardio, or pulmo???) Good thing he is not a doctor!

20. He is an avid reader and reads faster than anyone I know. 52 books/year!

21. He hates the smell of tuna fish and hard boiled eggs. Of which I eat lots!

22. He is a social drinker. He only drinks SODA in a social setting, never any other time.

23. He has a great singing voice, but hides it under a bushel.

24. He is an over-analyzer which makes decision making a long drawn out process. The day we buy a new car or house will be interesting and gut wrenching!

25. He separates his tiny little Trident gums into thirds so that they will last longer. Teeny tiny pieces of gum!

26. When he gets a meal, he has to cut all before consumption. I am a cut as you go kind of person, Shawn is not. So I am close to done with my meal by the time he even starts cause he has been spending his time cutting and preparing his food.

27. He has super sensitive eyes. He has NEVER been to the eye doctor and can't even handle eye drops. You should see the freak outs it causes.

28. He is a multi-tasker, unlike most men (and I am NOT, unlike most women). He HAS to be doing at least two things at once, usually 3 or more though. This includes in the car. Watch out!!!

29. He has to be right! And in most cases, is right!

30. He is weird in the morning. Okay, I'll be honest, he is weird MOST of the time.

31. He loves warm hugs. Usually at the most inopportune time.

32. He has an obsession with popping toes. I don't mind it cause I usually get a foot rub out of it.

33. He has the air on in the car year round. Total freeze out!! Brr!

34. His trademark is funny Sunday socks. 

35. He loves yard sales....especially ones outside of Utah. 

AND he's ALL mine folks!!!!

Happy Anniversary Honey Bunch!!!

Mega March....760 What???

Remember the days of 27 mm film development? When we took analog cameras around with us? The days when we didn't see our pictures until they were developed? The days when our pictures came with negatives in case we wanted to double or triple print them later on? The days when we took WAY LESS pictures? I do. And it was just before Shawn and my relationship together began. And since Shawn and I LOVE taking pictures equally as much, we kinda ridiculously smash the days of 27 mm film. After sorting through 760 pictures from JUST the month of March, these 40 collages are what I came up with to spotlight.
It was a fun and busy month!!!

Finishing the Alphabet School

Letter Z

Zebras and Zig Zag Races

Mav loves Lanie's kitchen more than she does. 

He always makes me eggs and soup. 

I was really trying to get a nap in one day and Lanie was NOT going to let that happen. So instead of being frustrated, we got crazy making silly faces and jumping on the bed.

Hudson Library

The "different" library is Mav's favorite for trucks and trains. He also walked the ramp for awhile with the toy vacuum. Lanie loves their puzzles and educational computer games. The library was particularly awesome this day cause we went in the afternoon. It was quiet so I sat and read while the kids played. It was magnificent!!!

Our beloved EcoTarium!!! Shawn took the kids and left me to my peace. 

They sure can't get enough of this place!

Science Play

Our new-ish bed. We bought this bedroom set off of some friends and we are VERY happy about it. It's got a unique look which I really like. I feel spoiled; we have a bedroom set AND a TV in our room. Shawn protests the TV, but I just tell him that I made it through our first 5 years married without one, now he can make it through the next 5 years WITH one. Then we can re-evaluate it. 

Another plus to this bed is the storage which Mav calls the CAVE. He can get to it through the white retractable pillow boards at the head. It's pretty fun stuff!!

Daddy Work?

This boy sees green and screams "Daddy Work!" So one day he walked in our closet, only to find daddy's work shirts. I couldn't help but put him in it and let him be daddy for the day. Shawn loves his job with Solar City and this shows a little about what he does to take care of us!!! 

Saving energy one roof at a time!

"Bleed Purple"

"W"

"Weber State! Weber State! 

Great! Great! Great!"

Couldn't have had more fun as a family than in our purple, rooting for Weber State, at Buffalo Wild Wings during March Madness. Pretty sure we were the ONLY Weber State fans in the entire state. 

We love Weber Basketball!!!!

Barbi and Nana

On Their Way!!!

Lanie was beyond excited to see Aunt Barbi and Nana JoJo. The morning they flew in....she left our apartment countless times to check and see if they were here yet. I had to document it. 

Thursday, May 13th

Day 1

They are here!!!! 

And the fun begins! 

Straight to lunch at Qdoba and the EcoTarium.

I love the picture of Mav and the tractor. 

Such a boy!

From the EcoTarium, we went to dinner at the Natick Mall and hit up the 

American Girl Doll Store for B's 4 girls. Had to get their souvenirs there, right?

That store brings out my inner kid!

After a full day of fun showing Barbi the area, we came home to be spoiled with presents from Alana, Barbi, and Nana. Sheesh it was like Christmas!!!! Lanie, the honorary Felicity Dance member!

Friday, March 14th

Day 2

Boston Day

Before Boston, we went to IHOP for breakfast, I got a tour of Lanie's Preschool (Tiny Tomahawks), and we went to the Toy Store for Nana's birthday shopping. Seriously, these people came bearing gifts. My cute mom has a tradition of buying these mini couch beds for each grandkid on their 2nd birthday. Mav had the choice between Mickey, Elmo, and Lightening McQueen and he of course chose Mickey. Lanie chose a My Little Pony toy. Fun Nana!!!

BOSTON

Tea Party Boat and View and the Custom House Tower (Boston's Big Ben). 

I LOVE this city!!!

Aquarium

Quincy Market

Children's Museum

Children's Museum Dinner

Barbi was getting the BEST smiles out of our Bug.

Saturday, March 15th

Day 3

Lunch with the gang at The Backroom in New Hampshire. 

We gave the best tip basket full of endless treasures and money. 

We are funny!!!

Visiting Aunt Mickey

Katie, Buster, and Justin came to Mickey's. 

It's great getting to know them better!

Mickey is seriously the happiest, most fun 86 year-old I know.

After Mickey's, we got a babysitter and went to the Boston Temple to do some family names. We got Aunt Joan and Uncle Chet sealed. Mom and Shawn were their proxies. Pretty awesome!

Barbi got a great shot of Shawn and me walking to the temple. That's a shot you don't get captured much. Love that boy of mine!!!

Sunday, March 16th

Day 4

Last Day (tear)

I think I mentioned that Barbi brought out the natural smile in this girl. It was unbelievable and so fun to watch. Barbi came in with the fun and love that these kids crave. Barbi had NO interest in doing the history sites in Boston or the surrounding area, she wanted to play with the kids, and they knew it. Her trip was different than any of the others of my siblings. I feel so blessed that all of my siblings and parents have been able to be part of our little life here. Lanie was truly a riot and princess in this adorable dress from her Auntie.

These sassy sweeties make my world turn. 

They put on a show for Nana and Barbi.

We went to church, then straight to the airport to say goodbye to Barbs and mom. It was way too fast, but so much incredible fun!

St. Patrick's Day

Lucky the Leprechaun visited! Lanie was pretty freaked out that he peed in our toilet and didn't stay long enough to flush or introduce himself. Holidays are what make being a grown up fun. They give us a chance to pause and think of how to make each other smile. I love making EVERY holiday more than it probably needs to be. So sue me!!!

These two weren't gettin' pinched, NO WAY! Green shoes, green shirts, green bows. 

Bow credit to Shelby Ray!!

Diva

That owl shirt ONLY gets worn on our "Animal Center" days when she sees the live owls. 

#EcoTarium

Loving their couch beds so much now that they BOTH have one. 

Thanks Nana JoJo and Grandpa!!!!

They tried to sell this Olaf to me for $299. Yeah right!!! He was HUGE!!! But fun to maul and play with in the store. Lanie knocked him over and rode on him like a horse. The workers were actually getting a kick out of us!

Joy School Field Trip

Pet Store and Toy Store

Yep, it was still freezing outside so our field trips were inside. We took the kids to the pet store which they seemed to enjoy. Then we took them to another store and had them tidy and clean to earn money to get a toy. Sadie pretended like she was the cashier. Lanie and Mav got to see the doggies get their hair cut. 

Cute kids!

Mav's Obsession

Elsa!!! 

Frozen is the ONLY show that Mav will sit through entirely and the only way to describe him while he watches it. He is not much of a TV/Electronics kid, but when it come to his Elsa, he tunes in. He kinda loves her....A LOT!

So much so that he happily sleeps with Lanie's Elsa doll and the DVD case. 

Daddy Daycare

Lanie at Toys R Us

Mav at Toys R Us

This little boy has my whole heart, plus some. He loves his momma too! We have an unbreakable love and bond. And sometimes we are just plain silly together.

#helovesselfies #Idonot

Time to make a chore chart. She had a blast. 

Normally my kids are terrified of the vacuum, but not anymore. 

Can't wait for her household helping hands.

This little lady LOVES her dad. Like seriously, that's an understatement. So this particular morning, she protested him leaving for work and planted herself in front of the door. It was pretty dang funny!

But then daddy comes home and they melt into him. He makes life so much happier!

Field Trip

Boston Science Museum with Lanie's Joy School friends. I loved the electricity show. The kids loved EVERYTHING. This was our first trip there. And it only took me forever to find it and get there cause I took the blasted exit 18 into Cambridge that inevitably ruins everyone's commute. BUT we finally got there and it was worth it. Plus, Shelly got us FREE tickets. Couldn't go wrong! 

Fun field trip! Spoiled kids!

One of my final classes with this year's preschool/joyschool crew. I would consider it a great success too! They learned about the Water Cycle, Cycles in general, and Rainbows. The girls had a blast making colored salt rainbow jars. What a smart bunch!

Well, that's our Mega March for ya!!! 

So glad we could have Barbi and Nana JoJo come!!!

February: Longest Month Ever!!!

Super Bowl Sunday

Febuary 2, 2014

We spent the Super Bowl with a dear friend of ours, Reed Nixon. Shawn is his home teacher and has had the opportunity to get to know him. Reed is amazing! He became a quadraplegic after breaking his neck in a car accident. Shawn and Reed get together and talk sports. We thought there was no better person to spend the Super Bowl with than Reed and his family. The kids were great and the food was yummy. Just wish the game would've been better!

Perfect Piggy

So there is a cute story behind these pictures. Lanie hasn't pulled her piggy bank out much since she potty trained. Well, one day, she was begging to go to Chuck-E-Cheese's. I wanted her to understand that outings have to be earned, so I pulled out her piggy bank. I said, "If we there is $10.00 in your piggy bank, then we can go to Chuck-E-Cheese's."  We spent the next little bit sorting and counting the money, which was actually very fun for the kids. Our final count was $10.35 which meant one happy little girl. I know she didn't totally understand this whole process, but it was so cute to watch her excitement as she realized that we had enough money to fulfill her request. Thank you Piggy for holding the PERFECT amount to make a little girl's day!

Unforgettable Moment

On Wednesday night of February 5th, I got a dreaded phone call from my mom. I answered to hear my mom say, "Anna something terrible has happened. Angela died!" (I get a pit in my stomach even writing this) I accepted the news and calmly asked what I should do. My mom asked me to call my Aunt Pam (Angela's mom) and find out what she needed. Pam was hysterical and not in a position to talk but her friend Christine, offered up some advice. Since we had just had a foot of snow drop that day, I couldn't safely get up to Vermont immediately, so the next morning, I packed up the kids and made the 2 1/2 hour drive up to see Pam and Anthony. I am so glad we spent the day up there and that my kids could offer some grief relief. In that time, my mom arranged to fly out and offer her help. 

So my mom got here on Saturday morning. She settled in, then on Sunday after church, we headed back up to Springfield, VT together. Pam was so relieved to have my mom there. And so was I.

Gayle met us in Springfield, and we stayed at a God-Forsaken Bed and Breakfast. It was cold, smelly, and mysterious. Two nights there was enough for us! I was kind of a mess, so I made Shawn come up early and stay with us. He compared the place to the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. Quite the memorable experience!

The viewing and funeral services were really good. It was incredibly hard to see Ang initially cause I just wish we could've helped her more. But I realize and know that she is in a safer, better place with those whom she missed and loved. 

Shawn conducted the funeral and dedicated the grave. It was his first experience doing this and he did a wonderful job. I am so grateful for his composure and Priesthood worthiness and I know others felt peace because of it. 

As if all of this wasn't overwhelming enough, when we went to pick up Shawn's car at the hotel, before the luncheon, the battery was dead. We tried charging it (keep in mind it was only 5 degrees outside....SO COLD) and what happened? Our cars started on fire! Terrifying! Shawn got the jumper cables off as quickly as he could, threw them in the snow, and put out the fire. He stayed behind and called road side service for help and sent me to the luncheon with the kids. They took care of him and he made it to the luncheon shortly after me. We left that afternoon to come back to Massachusetts. What a whirlwind!

Bad News = Good News

We got home on Tuesday night so my mom could fly out on Wednesday. But since the week was going so unconventionally, my mom of course was not able to fly out on Wednesday. We got snowed in and her flight was canceled. This was no bad news, at least not for us. It meant NANA TIME!

EcoTarium

We took Nana to our Wednesday storytime at the EcoTarium. 

We got to meet a live snake that day. 

And who doesn't need Chuck-E-Cheese's after meeting a snake.

Nana took us for a fun Valentine's outing at Chuck's E's. 

Made for a lot of smiles!

We love Nana JoJo!!!

My mom was delayed and stranded here till Friday or maybe Saturday (we didn't mind though), then she sat at the airport till they got her out. She needed to get home to make it to Chris' in St. George by Sunday to watch his kids while they went on vacation.  Traveling Nana!!!

 Preschool

Lanie has been part of a fun little Joy School rotation this year. She has really developed through it, it's been amazing to watch. We are so grateful for her school friends: Sadie, Sage, and Sydney. Lanie has loved their moms, her teachers, Miss Shelly and Miss Valerie. 

On my week of the rotation we did the letters "T" and "U". For T, they learned about all the different kinds of Transportation: air, ground, and water. They did a matching game and we built a driving range with pillows and masking tape. They were darling zooming around. 

For the letter "U" they learned about the United States of America and practiced writing U-S-A. These are 4 very smart little girls.

Field Trip

Part of our rotation is Field Trips. Two times each month we take the kids on field trips. We found a place in Hudson called the Roller Kingdom that teaches roller skating lessons for $5 per session. Shawn came along for some extra hands. The girls were nervous at first, but by the end, they were really getting the hang of it. Mav was adorable in his skates but was not a big fan of the whole adventure.

"Tallest Tower in the World"

Because this is what he really likes to do. Build Towers!!! It is so fun watching Mav play at the Lego Table that Santa built. This kid is such a boy!!!

And Lanie is such a girl! She is sweet, emotional, thoughtful, and intense. One day she will make a great mama. I love watching her innate nurturing skills. This was a sweet moment!

Olaf???

Well, we sure didn't have a deficit of snow this winter. You will notice that most of the pictures in this post are indoors. That is because we were snowed in most of the month.  One day, when I was sick of being inside and during Mav's nap, I took Lanie out to get some fresh air. We built this snowman. You'll never guess what Lanie named it....

Happy Valentine's Day

The kids' Valentine's Lunch consisted of our usual Peanut Butter Sandwiches which were "magically" cookie cut into hearts. Add some red sprinkles and voila! I am made to look like the coolest mom ever! We kept Valentine's VERY simple this year!

Disney On Ice

Happy Valentine's Day a week late!!!

Maybe we are creating a tradition. Year two of giving my family Disney on Ice tickets for V-Day. Got the tickets for free with the Simon Gift Card Promo. I felt happy about that! Fun family time!

What's a boy without his tools???

Mav found our stash of tools under our bed and he couldn't have been happier!!

"Coo-Jiveh"

Join the Inside Joke

So Shawn and I have an ongoing joke that he should NEVER bring home grocery store flowers that are still in their plastic wrap with the price tag on them. I find them thoughtless, desperate, and cheap (maybe that is harsh and jerkish, but it's how I feel). Anyhow, since we had that conversation, we've made fun of it and he often comes home with grocery store flowers still in their plastic with the price tag on just to make me laugh. I love him!!! But this particular day, to prove a point, Shawn walked in from work, went straight to Lanie, and gave her some grocery store flowers (and Super Why cereal). This girl couldn't have been happier and felt more loved. So honey, you proved your point, hun!!!

Game Night

Our friends, the Ramsey's, invited us over for Sunday dinner and games. They have kids the same ages as ours and so the kids played while we played. They introduced us to a fun game called Bausack (weird name). We love playing games, especially new ones! Lanie clearly made herself at home as she read on the potty while she did her business. The reason I took that picture is because the last time we were at their house for dinner Lanie was potty training. Now she is a potty going pro! Victory!!!

Library Day

Saturdays are library day with daddy!!!

Sand Play

Who needs playdoh when you have Swedish Sand. We love this play sand stuff that the kids got for Christmas. Has gotten us through a lot of snow days and is much easier to clean up than playdoh. The only problem is the kids try eating it. Foo!!

Best Daddy Award

Saying these kids love their daddy would be an understatement. He is so lucky to have them and they are so lucky to have him and I am so lucky to have them ALL. 

Yellow Marshmallow

This kid hardly ever falls asleep in the car, but who can't resist a good snooze when you're vest is like a pillow, packing you in your carseat? He was stuffed into the buckle and passed out!!! All sprawled!

The "Different" Library

Tuesday mornings, Hudson Library has Laptime where the kids go and get music and stories. They are both old enough now to interact at the class. It's really cute. But more exciting than the class are the computer learning games for Lanie and the train table for Maverick. Mav hoards all of the train cars and lines them up along the track. He prefers no one to bother his routine. You know, we usually go to the Northborough Library because it's just around the corner, but on occasion we take the 15 minute drive to this library, which the kids often request. It's their favorite and they call it the "Different" Library to make sure we know which library they want. I like going there too; it's on the lake and in an OLD building. It's awesome!

We Love Our Son

There is just something special about a mother/son relationship. I just adore this little guy! He is the happiest two-year-old around!

Happy Birthday Auntie Pam!!!

Auntie Pam's Birthday Banner! 

You would never guess how hard it is to take just one good picture of two toddlers

 next to a banner to wish someone a happy birthday. 

Here is our process and grand attempts!

Snow....snow....and more snow!!!!

Yep this was pretty much the entire month!!! It made for an incredibly LONG depressing month. Our best efforts tried to have fun, but there were few days over 5 degrees the entire month. 

It was bitterly cold AND snowy. 

Top left: Parking lot full of cars. Being snowed in literally meant no one left the parking lot.

Top right: Snow plows couldn't keep up. Shawn driving behind them, trying to get home from one of the few days he went to work.

Bottom left: So much snow that the snow tractors in our complex got stuck. This tractor had to have another tractor come pull him out. It was ridiculous!

Bottom right: Me standing by the snow bank. They were as tall as me. Piles and piles of snow EVERYWHERE! 

I love winter, but not this much winter. Give me snow in December and then go away. February is not the time to START winter!!! End rant!

Winter Escape

We needed some fun and we needed to get out of the house. So I planned a 24-hour getaway. We drove 2 1/2 hours to the White Mountain National Forest in Lincoln, NH. We got a hotel so we could do some swimming with the kids. It was delightfully fun!

The next morning we surprised the kids with Elsa and Olaf dolls, got them in their snow suits, and took them to see Elsa's Ice Castles at Loon Mountain Resort.

Before we went to the Ice Castles, we went on a hunt for Covered Bridges. We saw Albany, Sacco, and Bartlett Gift Shop Covered Bridges all built in the 1800s. We also stopped at a mom and pop cafe, Cabin Fever, for homemade pie and ice cream. Ended our adventure with lunch at Black Mountain Burger. The kids slept for most of our drive through the White Mountain National Forest which worked out perfectly cause then they were awake for the Ice Castles. Side note: I grew up with a mom who LOVED covered bridges. We did multiple puzzles growing up of covered bridges that she now has framed in her house. I now understand why. They remind her of New England and are beautiful tucked away in nature. Thanks mom for sharing your love of these with me. I love them too!

Ice Castles

When we were in Utah over Christmas, I heard about the ice castles in Midway. I really wanted to go see them, but it just didn't fit into our schedule. But when I had researched them, I noticed that there were 3 locations of the ice castles: Utah, Colorado, and New Hampshire. When we got home from our Utah trip, I made plans to go and see these with my little family. So here we are! Lanie loved the ice slide, Mav was afraid of the hanging icicles but loved the castles once it was dark and they were lit up. It was freakishly cold, but I am so glad we went. I love when we can take these quick and memorable getaways. 

And I love my little crew!!!

February was such a bitter-sweet month. I am not going to lie, I was glad when it ended cause I knew it meant we were that much closer to warmer weather. Sunshine brings smiles!!!