Searching for Spring...

Hello!

It is Spring Break week for the Carlson kids and we are enjoying being in "no school" mode. Today held playdates at our house for both the kids, a little too much TV time, and bedtime tonight will be later than normal. We love it! It is great to have Connor here at home with us during the day. Kylee has recently developed a fear of being "left alone", so it is a relief to have another body in the house during the day so that she doesn't have to track me constantly in an effort to avoid perceived abandonment.

We have had a bit too much winter around here! Just tonight, Kylee asked if she could blow bubbles. Our rule is that bubbles must be blown outside (we get just as many bubbles all over ourselves and the ground as we do in the air). Kylee asked if she could please blow bubbles inside since it is so cold outside. I conceded and offered to lay down a towel for her to stand on in the kitchen while she played with the soapy mix. She then said, "I'll go out on the deck". So, there she stands, in the 30 degree weather, right next to the back door (wearing a Snow White dress), blowing bubbles (somewhat in vain given the gusts of wind). Where is spring? I love our kids, though, set on enjoying the pleasures of life despite the cold and wind.

We have some blooms in Caden's garden! The daffodils are peeking up and their cheery yellow flowers have already graced our kitchen table and island. Hooray! Lilies and some of the bushes are starting to green up, too. We can't wait to see this memorial in full bloom!

We made a trip to Great Bend this weekend to clean out my Grandpa and Grandma's house. It was a tough weekend emotionally, as tensions ran a bit high with the strain of packing up so many years of memories, but it feels good to have it done. My brother, sister, and I and our families will now enjoy heirlooms from the home where we spent all of our Christmases, Thanksgivings, and many happy weekends with Grandma and Grandpa. The house continues to sit on the market and we are hopeful that a buyer will come forward soon!

Kid quotes for today...

We are sitting at the kitchen table eating dinner. Grilled cheese and tomato soup are the main course (we only eat gourmet food around here). Kylee picks up her bowl and tries to gulp her soup, which thankfully did not result in a spill, but did result in a rather sizable orange mustache.

Kylee: "Don't you like my lipstick?"

Me: "Yes, your lipstick is beautiful. How about I get you a straw for your soup?"
Note: Using a straw to slurp soup is a great trick for the kiddos that I learned from my friend Trena. It has been a lifesaver!

Connor (from across the table): "Orange is DEFINITELY not a good color for her."

Just a few minutes ago as Kylee comes in from the deck, where she has been blowing bubbles:

Kylee: "Mommy, I was outside blowing bubbles in my Snow White dress, and I am not wearing ANY underwear!"

Oh, geez. Does that make me a bad Mom?

I'd better go. :)