Seven Quick Takes XIX: Snow and Inspiration

Things have been quiet on the business end around here. While I enjoy the lull, lulls always make me worry that there won't be an end to the lull. That may sound a little crazy, but it's okay, I fully accept that I am a worrier, and that it's just part of who I am. Anyway, I've been digging in deep, looking for some inspiration, and here are my current forerunners:

-One-

Cherish This Day, a blog full of those everyday moments. While I'm not doing a 365 project this year, I think it's important to still recognize that each day has it's own importance, despite the fact that us stay-at-home parents often feel like we're just slogging through to the "next" thing. This time that feels like an in-between time to us, is the childhood our babies will carry into adulthood.

-Two-

Snow. I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with snow. I don't like being cold or slogging through mush in parking lots, but I love how beautiful it is, how much my girls love playing in it, and how ridiculously adorable those little girls are in a mountain of backyard snow.

-Three-

Traveling plans. In the distant future (but hopefully before our tenth anniversary), Daniel and I are hoping to make our next big trip to the Czech Republic. My family is from a small village outside Prague, and I have always wanted to spend some time connecting with that past. In the less distant future, I am planning a trip to the South, and hopefully photographing a sweet family for a little "Day in the Life" narrative/shoot. 

-Four-

Two years ago, this petite little lady came into the outside world in the midst of the blizzard. This year, her birthday week has pushed this month into the snowiest February in 103 years. She is hilarious, adorable, and an absolute joy. I am so grateful for her presence in our lives. We have a sweet little Winnie-the-Pooh party coming up this weekend, because I'm all about celebrating these little lives we've been entrusted with, and she already gets super excited when she sees a decoration or piece for her party hanging out.

-Five-

Good food. While visiting my Oklahoma sister, I got back on the meal planning train. My food is nowhere near as exciting or varied as hers, but just having a plan with a few things we haven't put in rotation in a while has been refreshing. I do need to get better at actually getting things out to thaw or dough ready to rise on time, but it's been a happy week full of warm, yummy food.

-Six-

My mom is here! While I adore living in Colorado, the one thing that makes me regret leaving Kansas is the fact that my parents and so much of my family are still there. I am incredibly blessed in that my mom is willing to make the drive out here multiple times a year. There is an actual real possibility that the house will be clean and in order for Colette's party, thanks to this wonderful woman. Plus, everyone needs their mommy sometimes.

-Seven-

Spring. It's still a month off, at least (March is our snowiest month, usually), but it will bring Easter, a garden, roses by Mary, Anni's first big dance recital, the ordination of a dear friend, and more lovely, lovely things. I'm okay with the anticipation of it all, I wouldn't wish it sooner. Just knowing it's on the horizon brings hope and a willingness to settle into this lull with a cozy blanket and a cup of hot chocolate.

Check out more Seven Quick Takes at This Ain't the Lyceum.