Welcome Spring

Yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  We still have the threat of snow this weekend, but these glorious 60-70 degree days have been therapy to my sun-deprived soul. Tonight we had a pancake celebration of spring (thanks Ann for the cute pancake molds).  Occasionally we like to have breakfast for dinner for a couple of reasons--a) I'm in NO mood first thing in the morning to lovingly make molded pancakes, and b) when you've eaten beef for like 5 days in a row (anyone who has ever had a cow slaughtered knows what I'm talking about), peanut butter pancakes sound really good.  And here are some more springish pictures to brighten your day....

Sam and Roy opted for Mickey

Here is Lucy in her bunny t-shirt lovingly appliqued by yours truely. You can find instructions here, it's my new favorite blog.  She is visiting her teacher, Mrs. Hogan, who just had a baby.

I'm thinking of stacking some books like this. I just hope it will look intentional, and not like I'm a hoarder.

Meet Rooty

Rooty
Originally uploaded by stephaniewatson

She's a sweet and friendly gal. A little off beat, but we love her anyway. She is the product of Mommy/Lucy tonsil recovery time while the rest of the fam was at church. We think she's kind of lonely, so stay tuned.....

My Happy Place

After reading the posts that I wrote at the beginning of this blog back in September, I realized I had some updating to do.  At the time, Disney World seemed like wishful thinking. It's fun to read what I wrote and then see what God actually did.   January 30th, the Watson family flew to Orlando for a week at Disney World! How did it happen--nothing that seemed too miraculous--a combination of good deals, condo connections, a little savings, a great bonus, and a tax return. Put it all together, and we have a vacation of a lifetime. It was tiring, a little stressful, expensive and TOTALLY MAGICAL! We had an amazing time. We were so thankful and realized that God had orchestrated it all.  The kids were at perfect ages to enjoy and appreciate the whole experience (with the exception of Emma).  Now, it's my happy place. No need to turn on the TV to lull myself to sleep. Just close my eyes and take a walk down main street!

taking another stab

Ok, so thus far, my blogging efforts have been less than stellar. I don't know how I managed to fizzle off after only 2 days of blogging, but I am going to give it another stab. Give it another try. Take a new approach.  This blog is going to be more about things that inspire me, new ideas I'm trying, and pretty much whatever floats my boat.  I figure I have nothing to lose since I have only one or two faithful followers (thanks mom and dad!).  So today--drum roll please--I am going to introduce you to..I haven't even decided yet, I'm thinking...I'm asking Lucy...my latest baby gift --the tag monster!  I know what you must be thinking--"wow! She's amazing!"  Well, this is the part that I get real with all you people, I just followed a simple pattern I found on the world wide web.  Simply click here to download a pdf pattern of this cutie and before you know it, you will be crafting the night away.  I'm off to deliver my tag monster to a lucky little baby.  See ya in a few months--just kiddng ;)

Diamond in the rough

Today Emma came to us with this diamond she had found in the dirt outside La Hacienda (or you may know it as “La Ha”). At first I thought it was just some costume piece, but as we took a closer look we thought it could be real. It was large in size—maybe 2 carats! I’m thinking that there is no way it is real, but it looks sooo real. I called my friend who has experience with diamonds and he said if it was real, it would be worth around $20,000—Disney here we come!!! I took it to Zales to see if it were an actual diamond and not a “CZ” (I knew I had to find out before I booked Cinderella’s castle for Emma). Even the jewelry lady thought it was possible--but it wasn’t.

It was a good reminder for me. Even though my diamond wasn’t real, it could have been. God can do anything, in any way He pleases. It would be just like Him to send us to Disney World with a diamond that Emma found in the dirt. Now, I know that going to Disney isn’t the most pressing thing my family is facing, but it’s important to me. I really want to take my little princess to Disney while she is still little. I can’t wait to see how we get there. God has shown me over and over that he provides for my needs, but he also loves to give me my hearts desires.

Your gonna miss this—

Summer is over. I'm pretty sad about it.  Even though it was tiresome most of the time, it was sooo fun!  I love taking the kids to the pool, or White Water, or to the creek.  I love that I get to be with them every day.  And although there were times when all I wanted was to be ALONE, I loved my summer.  Towards the end, I was starting to wear out. One day, I wanted the kids to clean their rooms and it seemed the only way it was going to get done was to A) do it myself or B) yell and scream.  I knew neither option was good so I just went into my room to take deep cleansing breaths.  I remembered a Trace Atkins song, "You're going to miss this"  so I pulled it up.  Before I knew it, I was sitting in my room bawling. Is there no way to keep our kids from growing up?? I think the only way we are going to be able to not look back with aching hearts at what is no longer, it to enjoy what we have now.  Be in the moment and soak it in. I can't believe I have no more preschoolers in my home!  From now on, I am going to enjoy every minute I have with my kids.  They are a gift, and they are growing before my eyes--someday I'm going to miss these days, but I'm not going to have any regrets!  Well, probably a few--hey, I'm human!

So my tip for the day is to listen to the words of this song. They are so true. Don't we always wish for the next phase of life?  When you find yourself frustrated or discontent, listen again and again.  No matter where you are in life, these are the good times! Watch Here