We had a pretty mellow Valentine’s Day. I did silly thinks like dye milk pink for breakfast. I shaped the girls’ macaroni and cheese into hearts on their plates. They were so sweet and made every person in the family hand-made cards. Something that they did all on their own– no help or encouragement to do so! I’m so proud of the way they love each other.

This year, we didn’t get the kids any candy. None at all. They are always given so much by grandparents and their teachers at church that we are drowning in it. I try to avoid feeding them sugar because I know how harmful it is. We do have treats, but they are just that– a treat. I want to encourage you to read this and see why it’s important for me– especially during this season of illness. Food is medicine (or poison). Moving on.

The girls had a slumber party with Scott’s mom on Friday night. That allowed us to go out for Valentine’s Day for the first time in… I don’t even know. A long time. We ate dinner at a local Italian restaurant, and then we hit up our friend’s board game cafe and played games for a few hours. (I also spilled a massive coffee all over myself and every nearby surface. Winning.) Will you do me a favor and “like” his FB page if you are on there? He’s seriously such an awesome guy and I love what he is doing for the community.. He also made me a new drink without being asked and didn’t charge me for it. GO if you are close by!

On Saturday, we went to another local book store and I drooled over their beautiful books. This was the first Saturday that Scott and I have both had off in several months! I think since we moved into this house… so we soaked up every minute.

We also went to TJ Maxx, where we found this farm-to-table play kitchen for an absurd clearance price. I was sure it was going to be broken inside or something. I couldn’t pass it up– and I usually am good at that. We built it before going to pick up the kids. We couldn’t wait for them to get home and see it!

It came with the pots, veggies, “wood” baskets, and cutting board! They have played with it every chance they get. I love that the colors blend in wonderfully with our home while still providing a ton of fun. We used to have this play kitchen and loved it also. It got used and abused by three toddlers and we sold it before moving to Oklahoma– knowing that it wouldn’t survive such a big move.

We had such a fun and relaxing weekend. I always hate when they end. I hope that you felt loved. Even if you don’t have a “special someone”, you have a father in heaven who loves you more than any human ever can.

Can you believe that February is over half-way gone?! Don’t forget to read The Magnola Story for our book club!

I am so grateful for the reprieve of warm weather in the midst of a gross winter. We take advantage of the change each time. The sidewalk chalk comes out of storage. Bikes, scooters, and helmets are scattered about.

The kids’ favorite place to be is by these massive pine trees They kept trying to climb them with no luck. But, they sure had fun trying. The sunshine was glorious. I didn’t think we would ever see the sun again.

Of course, it has snowed and iced many times since then. But, two days of warmth certainly helped boost our moods to get through more yucky weather. We try to focus on the good instead of feeling grumpy about the weather. Grumpiness doesn’t change anything. In fact, it is just contagious and makes everyone else that you encounter grumpy.

Isn’t that the truth for life? Being grumpy and having a bad attitude doesn’t change a thing. Some days, it is hard to not be grumpy and have a bad day. I understand that. But, a positive attitude can be a game changer. Looking for the good in the midst of the hard is what gets me through the hard days.

The weather is cold and dreary again. Blue skies will return again. We will be okay. We will play in the cold and play in the sun. We are going to enjoy each day. They are ALL a gift.

Side note– Have you heard of the book No Such Thing as Bad Weather ? It’s one that I really want to read. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you have read it.

Yesterday was National Library Shelfie Day. Who knew that was a thing?! I took this picture to use for my Goodreads profile, and our personal library shelf is behind me in the office. So, I guess this is my shelfie? I did take one for work, but I’m not going to share it. My book was The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah.

Since we had Monday off, we went to a place called The Old Book Barn. It is a whole barn full of books new and old! I want to go back and explore more without the kids– they got bored in our book sections. They each got to pick a book from their section, and it’s so affordable. It was a fun treat without costing much at all. I also learned that they offer trade-in for store credit! We immediately came home and gathered up books we won’t read again so that we can start the process of trading to buy more. HA!

I hope that you have been reading The Life Giving Home for our book club! It’s not too late! It is SO phenomenal and has inspired me so much. I’ve implemented some of the things I’ve read about and already seen a change in my home. The kids are signed up for an art class, which is really exciting. This is our first official homeschool group to join– which is WAY out of my comfort zone. But, I’ve done a great job and pushing myself out of my comfort zone so far this year.

I’ll be announcing the February book club book soon. I’ve been thinking about doing Uninvited by Lysa Terkeurst. Have any of you read it? I already know what we will do in March, and I’m very excited about it.

Target and Amazon both have their books and movies buy two get one free currently! I buy non-fiction books so that I can highlight and make notes as I read.