{Unmentioned}

I selfishly forgot to THANK my wonderful friends for making up for my absenteeism while I was away. It was a group effort, and I am so appreciative of my unselfish and loving, big hearted friends!

For one of the Thursdays I was gone and a Tuesday, Julie came over around 6:40 AM, got Maisey onto the bus, and then took Ry to Ci's. Ci watched him until Naomi picked him up for 9 AM preschool (you know the saying it takes a village to raise a child, quite applicable here)!

What I would have done otherwise, I really have no clue! Ci also had my kids for a play date and Ry alone another time. I feel so spoiled with her constant, helping hand! I've never had to ask, she graciously gives!

When I met Ci over 4 years ago we clicked. She was a student, I was a student, and we were dedicated mothers who got each other (if only I could say I wasn't a student anymore like her)! Anyway, little did I know she would be so influential in my life, in the lives of so many for that fact. I am blessed to witness her gracious ways in all she does, as she inspires me to be more relaxed and easy going. My entire family loves their family and life would be very different without our frequent weekly interactions. Although we have less time together right now than before, it's wonderful to see the kids love one another as they grow up together.

The William's are certainly "Gold."

And thanks Michelle for having Ry for a play date. I know that isn't unusual, but it's just something about the fact that I was gone that made it all that more priceless for the single dad of the house!

{FL}

This past week was an amazing experience for me. My time in Florida went SO fast, I felt like I was only gone 4 days (versus 8). It was very tiring (I had to fly in a day early to check into the conference on time since it was so far), but it was great to meet with fellow learners and practice all we've been learning for 1.5 years +! We did mock counseling all day long in cohort groups. When 5 pm rolled around (in between night studies for my other classes and homework), I managed to get in a little bonding time over dinner with fellow learners.It was unfortunate we (the students) didn't get to see much in the day light, but that didn't stop "us."

We took a trip to St. John's for dinner one night, ate many meals on the Jacksonville board walk (where Dolphins entertained us on the first night), and visited St. Augustine (the oldest city in the U.S).

The pics were few, but I captured a couple!This big yacht was parked in front of the hotel the whole week.

The rail and water shot to the right was where the dolphins swam and played while we ate dinner the first night.

A guy running on the bridge got stuck when it lifted and decided to do sit-ups while waiting for the bridge to lower. The top two left pictures were through the window of the wax museum. We went to visit, only it closed before we made it. Seinfeld, in honor of my dad.

St. Augustine was beautiful! There were more museums than I could count, but the architecture alone made for wonderful entertainment!

I missed my family, but it was a wonderful feeling to know they were well cared for. Chad did great with the kids, which eases any worries for next year when I have to do this again.
The kids asked me to take their picture when we were skyping. I thought this was so cute. We read our scriptures and other bedtime books I packed or bought over the computer each night. It was great!

I came home to handmade signs (at the airport and at home) and a whole lot of love!

I realized this was my first time being alone, ever! I graduated high school 12 years ago, moved in with roommates, then with Chad, and then had kids. When I went to slide my room key, it hit me. And, although I didn't really get any down time, it was peaceful to reflect on my life during the 10 hour days I spent traveling.

I did not care for the 6 planes I had to take to and from to get there and back. My connections were okay and I now know I love United, especially over U.S. Airways. I practically had to run to one of my flights in DC to get my last plane to Portland, which involved this "portable lounge." The airport was so big, you get in one of these transportation lounges, and it hauls you over to the other side of the airport.

The best thing I took away from this experience, is that I want to teach as part of my career. The entrepreneur in me is constantly planning away.

{GymNest}

Ryley is certainly LOVING his "trampoline class" at GymNest, although it is really a great variety of instruction, with GREAT teachers (proabably the best my kids have ever had, and that is pretty crazy with all their activities)! I encourage you to check it out! It is parent participation, but really the kids do the work. Ry and I typically do it together, and it has forced me to take time out. A really good thing!

{Phew}

It's that time again... Fortunately, we delivered 153 boxes of pre-sale orders in 2 days which is the time we sold them in. If we missed you, let us know because we are still selling in the community at local area stores!

{waterproof}

Maisey got a waterproof camera for Christmas but it was totally crummy. Recently we found a great replacement- and it has been so much fun!Gotta love technology!

{HEART}

I have just come to the realization, that Valentines Day may be my favorite, or equally ranked favorite holiday with Christmas!!! I never thought anything could trump Christmas (and Christmas is still #1 of course because of the reason we celebrate), but I love Valentines too!

I've been trying to incorporate festive hearts into everything lately, as well as seasonal colors (shades of pink, white, and red). Today at church my friend told me (as I explained my pink fish nets, pink bow, and pink necklace, and Maisey's pink everything), that it wasn't even Valentines yet. Are you kidding, it's in 9 days!
I recently made some festive food to show my spirit- and love...

mini dipped pretzels

cake pops and dipped marshmallows

HEART shaped pizza pocket

HEART shaped cherry pies

HEART cut-out Nutella sandwich will sprinkles

{Maisey}

Our life never seems to change much. It kind of feels like Ground Hog Day (which is an analogy I constantly use, perfectly fitting for today since it is actually Ground Hog Day).

With that said, we do like to try new things, and Maisey never holds back! For starters she's decided she likes her hair curled out much of the time (a hairstyle her BF just so happened to get a couple days before)! She also decided to play basketball this season (don't you love the outfit?)! Who knew the jersey's would be purple (from here on out I will only by solid colored shorts)!She also tried some "move into math" dancing at school (this girl can never get enough dance in her life! In November she informed me next year she intends to take even more dance, which hardly seems possible, and quite frankly is not happening. She said she wanted to pass on sports after all these years and just dance. However, at basketball the other night she was already talking about next season!

Maisey is behind her BF Lexie here (see the resemblance of the hair do from the first pic of Maise.) Lexie is also a big dancer- they have so much in common. This girl of ours keep us busy! She's always got something going on and something to say (always)!