We have all missed dear Kelly while she is in Germany for five months. I get random, lonely texts from her at 4 in the morning my time. Apparently Germany is still on a tight lock-down and with the cold weather, it has been more gloomy than exotic. Poor Paisley misses Esme so badly, we have had many emotional conversations on how to use this time to reach out to new friends, strengthen other relationships and try new things. I think she has learned how much she relies on the comfort of that friendship. Our CRU pulled together a cheerful "Birthday Zoom" and we all shared photos of Kelly that made us smile. I shared this one. It was taken last year around this time, when we all were dying to meet up in person for a nice pick-nick. We squealed with delight as Kelly kept pulling homemade treats and drinks out of her bottomless bag for us. She really is the best.
I was so stinkin' excited to be invited to go through the Payson Temple with Alivia as she prepares for her mission. Honestly, the temple to me has always fallen more on the side of I should be going more... I need to make time to go... as I work through the guilt of not necessarily being drawn to attend when I have free time. I've learned over time that these are my feelings and they are just fine. But I was just giddy leading up to this fun event! Everyone would gather at my house for a quick meal before we headed out together. Sadie would be bringing pizzas so I made a big salad and double batch of cookies. I made Alivia a little banner because ~ Celebration! Sitting in the temple by appointment with just my family on a dark, chilly night in March, it felt.... cozy. It was wonderful!
I snuck this shot of Paisley crafting with papers and the cutter- putting together something. I just adore this cute gal at 14 with her cute style and projects.
St. Patrick's' Day! Remember last year? I was scouring Days Market's empty bakery after work for something jolly to bring home. And here we are, one year later. All the kids just home from half-day school and a big, festive spread before them. Cute!
Speaking of green, I have been painting over the dark green in the front room to a..... wait for it..... lighter green!!! This room just didn't want to be so formal. I put the ceiling back to a creamy white, put this beautiful "Basil" on the walls, and freshened the trim in a semi-gloss. I replaced a chair and ordered a matching chair and re-arranged. It feels like it's loosened it's tie. I love a fresh room!
And then the painting carried into the Family Room. I painted over the green and darkened the walls slightly and it feels so rich and cozy. I like the contrast. That was missing for me with the lighter walls. I freshened the curtains, removed the wall shelves and am now reworking what I'd like there in my mind... stay tuned...
Paisley Elaine in Adrens cute pants. They're magic pants! They fit everyone!
Early spring house.
April Fools! I put these signs on the door as a last minute thought before heading out to grab Eli from school. It made me chuckle to see the kids go around to the back door, then stand there confused. We even saw friends walking around back throughout the day and got a chuckle out of it. But not Jon! He just charged right in the door. Can't fool him.
I love these random moments I catch of these cute people growing before my eyes!
Some very exciting news for the teenagers in the house is... A new (to them) car! We bought Mommy and Daddy's car from them, which they bought from Granny and Grandpa Woolf. It felt like the right car for our kids to use to get themselves to school and work. I told them their Great Grandfather bought this car, and then it being the only car they've known their beloved grandparents to drive, they must treat it as such! It is currently parked in front of the house until we clear some space in the garage and we all think Granny and Grandpa are visiting when we drive up! My goodness do things change now that we aren't needing to run them everywhere. I asked Adren, "When will we have our nice chats, now that I'm not driving you to work?" He responded that we'll just have to make time. Yes, we will.
The boys and neighborhood kids were determined to enjoy a backyard movie on a big screen they acquired. It makes me smile that every year, just a few increases in the temperature they still get all excited and pull out the tents to sleep in, or this year a late outdoor movie. Sure enough, they each came in to put on more layers and grab more blankets. It was fun to peek out my bathroom window and see them all huddled enjoying it. It's very dark, but they are there.
Spring is in the chilly air!