Such a tease.

It's one of those sunny, 50 degree February days that almost makes you believe winter is over. And for today, I'll fall for the trick. 

We started the day wrangling animals and mucking barn stalls to birds chirping and sunshine on our backs. Then we headed off to a winter farmer's market I discovered about 30 minutes away. I was in heaven, floating from vendor to vendor, trying wonderful samples and filling our bags with goodness. For February in New England there was an incredibly diverse spread of products available. 

When we got home, we couldn't help but have a picnic. Our new jar of salsa from the market was pulled out, along with some other nibbles from the fridge. The big people sat in peace while the little people tromped through puddles, tried to cut apart pinecones, and drew pictures of what they saw around them.

Oh, winter. Please don't over stay your welcome. I'm catching spring fever.

Painting.

With all this snow, we've been doing a few more indoor projects. Dorothy and Lucy particularly love watercolor paints. Dot will ask, "mommy, what should I paint next?" I will give her an idea, and off she runs with it. My recent favorite was when I asked her to do a bunny (we've been on a bit of a Beatrix Potter kick lately), and she came up with this:

She calls it "a bunny dancing in the moonlight." It was partly inspired by all the bunny tracks she can see in the snow every morning now. She must imagine them out partying in the late night hours:)

New Baby

Well, our family gained a new baby a little earlier than we expected. Miss Rosie, a 6 month old Jersey calf, has come to live with us--a very sweet and generous gift from Marty's brother. 

She is sweet as pie and beautiful with her big, dark eyes. The hope is to turn her into our milking cow within the next year or two. But for right now we just get to spoil her with love.

Cozy Spots.

February days are good for finding cozy spots. Cow and horse in hand, of course.

Day off.

I think I have to claim today as a "day off" from our regular schedule. 

First off, when Grandma Vieira offered to take the girls for lunch and an afternoon craft I dropped them right off and set out for errands with my boy. We did a few little things, and then realizing my poor timing (because of my rumbly tummy) I made a decision that we would break our typical rule and go out to eat. Luckily, Ezra is not too picky and gladly joined me for an Indian food buffet. How is it that almost all food you do not have to make by yourself when you are pregnant becomes heavenly? There were several plates of spicy, saucy goodness that entered this belly.

After we retrieved the ladies, I was too lazy to try putting Ezra down for a nap. Instead we all ended up on the couch with a huge pile of library books. I just hoped he would pass out. Instead, several books in the afternoon sunshine was directly on us. I took the opportunity to stretch out in cat-like fashion and just bask for a good half hour. Yes, there was poking, eye-lid lifting, and corner of book jabbing, but I just ignored it. They all found something else to do eventually.

When it came time for dinner, I still felt little drive. I pulled chips, salsa, yogurt, and granola out of the fridge and pantry and called it better than nothing. To my surprise, no one complained. Bellies still were filled, and now we're all on the verge of dreamland.  

I'm starting to think a day off here or there should become more of a regular thing.

Happy.

Our life feels crazy these days. Marty is busier than he has ever been in our marriage ( lots of mommy--munchkin and solo bedtimes); I'm in the middle of morning sickness, nine weeks pregnant with baby number 4 (surprise!!); and on top of Marty being the Young Men's president at church, I was called in as a counselor in the Young Women's presidency (hello major time-sucking callings!). However, with all that is going on, I can honestly sit back and say that we are happy. Life is full of joyful moments, and I am grateful to count those blessings each day. 

I love that we still manage dinner together as a family 99% of the time . I love that we are learning to seize moments for fun--like a random movie (candy included) yesterday afternoon during a rainstorm. I love that when things get crazy we all seem to come together in a beautiful way that ensures things will still get done.

Yes. I am happy. Bags under my eyes, urpy-tummied, blessed-beyond-measure Happy. 

In.

Happy New Year!

We are slowly getting back into the regular routine after a wonderful few weeks of celebrating and hosting family. 

The new year has also brought a dose of the bitter cold that has been settling in across the country. And that means we've been settling in to more indoor activities. 

The girls (Dorothy, mostly) have decided that dressing Ezzy up as a little princess makes for a wonderful morning:

He is happy to play along, so long as he can still ride his horse and play with his dinosaurs.

The girls and I like to spend our afternoons doing non-Ezra compatible activities. We recently painted bird houses, and it was so fun to watch their beautiful faces concentrate.

I am happy to think the weather is supposed to warm in the next few days. We'll enjoy the fresh air once again. But a few days cooped up is good for the soul in it's own way.