How can 28 days feel like the longest month ever?

I'm really, really ready for Spring.

At least we turn the clocks ahead earlier this year. I love DST!!!!

Love is in the air...

Did you have a romantic Valentine's Day?

We...did not.

Wednesday saw a huge ice storm hit our area. "Oh, that's romantic!" you are probably thinking, "Being holed up and cozy inside, watching the miracle of nature in action from the comfort of your couch." Yeah, not so much. I mean, I did get the day off, due to the weather, and so, it would have been nice to kick back and watch the storm. Except.

Except that Sadie was in the throes of this virus that rendered her unable to do anything but lie on the couch, cry, vomit, nap intermittently, and demand that I bring her juice. Or ice-pops. Or coloring books. Or a different movie. Or tissues. So, my day centered around caring for her.

And, the icing on the cake, so to speak, was when my parents, who had been without power (and therefore heat) all day showed up to stay the night. Don't get me wrong. I was so glad that we were there, and could give them a comfortable place to stay. And, it was nice having them. It kind of reminded me of the long weekend visits they would make to us up in Massachussetts. We gave them our room and we slept in the den. This was probably a good thing, as I was up and down out of bed all night helping poor Sadie.

Anyway, I would not call this one of our most romantic Valentine's Days.

Taxes

Ok, this is the earliest I've ever been so organized with our taxes. I actually just e-filed them. We're getting a nice big refund. I know, I know, all the financial gurus say that if this is the case, you're lending your $$ to the gov't interest free, blah, blah, blah...but you know what? I *like* getting it all in one lump sum once a year. If we had just a bit more each week in our pay, we'd just fritter it away on trivial things. This way, we're going to fritter it away on something significant, lol.

So, what's the plan for the refund this year? Our backyard. Otherwise known as the wasteland. We're having some trees cleared, tearing out the old deck, putting in a patio and possibly an outdoor shower. Hopefully, we'll have a great outdoor space for hanging out and entertaining this summer.

A Weekend Away

We took a trip down to visit Evan's sister, brother-in-law and our newest niece, Kayleigh over the weekend. In spite of the FREEZING temperatures, we had a good time hanging out, cooking, eating, and visiting the Children's Museum.

On the way back, we stopped at the spectacular Longwood Gardens. What a gorgeous place! The kids loved walking around the conservatory, and Eden was adorable stooping down to sniff the flowers.

Sadie had a blast looking at the room full of "spoinky plants" (cactuses, to the rest of us)



and finding the bananas growing way up high in the trees. We will definitely be returning there, in the spring or summer when we can enjoy the outside attractions.

Sisters

Growing up, I always wanted a sister. Someone to share secrets with, to fight with in that way that only sisters can, and someone I knew I'd be close with my entire life.

Well, I never got that sister, though I do have an amazing sister in law. But, I think I have something even more wonderful. I have two daughters. And they have eachother.

As Eden is getting bigger and becoming more of a real person, it is so amazing to watch the two of them interact, play, squabble.

I know that there will be fights and petty jealousies and times when they don't like eachother very much. But I also know that they will always have eachother, and this makes my heart smile. Here's to sisters!!!

Love that Shadow

Early spring, baby! Thank you, Phil!