February?…or April? WI?…or NC?

How mild was it 1/31/12?  Sunny, warm and totally springy.  Graham said when he stepped out Tuesday morning - 'smells like spring!'  Indeedy.

On that note, burgers and potatoes on the grill!  Fun - it's like having breakfast food for dinner - summer meal in winter.  And it happened to be mismatch day for Graham at school for Catholic Schools week - coinkeedink!

Jason made posole (I'd never heard of it) in the crock pot.  Used part of the pig from Aunt Dar and then various ingredients including hominy (I'd never had) which was so very good.  He added chipotles in adobo sauce so it was spicy but really it had such a great, great almost mild flavor.  Fresh cilantro and shredded cheese on top with a tortilla on the side.  This is what unceasingly amazes me about Jason is his ideas and creativity.  Also the foresight and prep and all of the work and thought that goes into it.

My mom was here for a visit and we had some tea and I thought it was pretty - the different colors.  So soothing and comforting - especially sharing with my Mom. ( :

Estelle is working on smiling upon request:

There's no lack of effort but the real ones are the best especially when it's with big awesome brother Graham:

Just about everyday I think about the generosity and the incredible feeling from the gift of hand-me-downs.  I love everything about it.  First, the obvious: the reuse/greenness of it, not buying new mass manufactured, money saving and convenience and more.  Secondly and more importantly is the love and thoughtfulness and generosity from the givers/lenders!

Below is a picture I took when I noticed that each winter outwear piece here is not only quality, so cute and useful but one is from Jen and Brooklyn, another is from Katie, Abby and Emily, the purple from Bridget, Josie and Isla and yet another from Mary and Evelyn.  Wow.  I love it and I love each of you girls.  We are deeply grateful.  I think you are all angels.

Geez, I always think to myself, I'll just post something quick and make it quick and readable.  Whoopsies.  Not so.

A little blip from Feb 1 from God Calling:

I can only bless glad, thankful hearts.  You must be glad and joyful.


That's a challenge for me.  It also says in so many words…we worry and fret so much and it soils our lives - we crush blessings with worry and fret.  A daily challenge.  But worth every step striving and refocusing on gladness and joy.