February Break: The Final Few Days

 I feel so silly writing about fluff when people are fighting for their country #godblessUkraine and yet, I also feel so grateful to be able to continue to live freely and focus on doing what I can, in my own home, in my own community, in my own family to promote peace.  As Mother Teresa said "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family." I am holding them close and loving them fiercely.

~

The little guys went ice skating while the big kids were skiing, and their personalities shone through.  Xander didn't want any help and walked-skated all over the ice.  Declan was very careful and slow to learn.  Brendan was falling all over the place, but learned to skate and even do spins with a big smile on his face.

~

Phil bought an old Far Side book and this accordion joke hit a little close to home.

Speaking of accordions, Xander (age 10) went to the dentist and was told he had one baby tooth left, which was news to him as he thought he had lost them all.   He came home and wiggled it and then pulled it out that night.  It wasn't even loose at the dentist.  Should I be proud or terrified?  Like do I have a future oral surgeon or a psychopath on my hands?

~

We had some of Phil's coworkers and their spouses over for a game night.  We played Catch Phrase which is so fun, especially the electronic version - no need to set up a board or get out cards and paper and pencils.  And we ate... a lot.  Just look at that charcuterie board!!

~

The next day was JP and my birthday!  I am officially 43 and JP is officially 19...wow we are old.  Well he is young, but old to be my child.  I got an electric blanket and Brendan and I could snuggle in there all day.  Sleeping is my favorite.  Phil also got me Emily Stimpson Chapman's new book, a new workout mat, and took me out to lunch. The kids made beautiful and heartfelt cards and signs (these whiteboards and markers get lots of use in our house) and we had a lovely dinner of chicken parm and ice cream for dessert.  What more could a woman want?!  (Actually I would have wanted JP there, but he's coming home in 2 weeks and we will celebrate him then!  He did get an amazing gift package from home, and went out to dinner with his girlfriend and friends.)

~

And now we feast before Lent starts tomorrow!  I made some chocolate dipped strawberries last night, and got the kids donuts this morning.  Phil and I are ordering lunch at work today, and the high-schoolers are buying lunch at the cafe.  So yeah, you could say we are whooping it up :)

Happy Fat Tuesday y'all!