Finally Getting Around...

...to admitting that mid-winter break is over.

I just couldn't bring myself to post my weekly phone pics on Friday because I didn't want the week to end. But a new week is more than halfway over, and I figured today is as good a time as any to get these photos off my phone and onto the ol' blog.

Here's a peek into the last 10 days or so around the Matt household!

| bouncing it up with Landon at their friend Brooklyn's third birthday party |

| pizza and juice with his favorite buddy, literally cries every time we say goodbye |

| bubbles and trains, story of our lives |

| matchy matchy |

| love this simple and powerful reminder each morning |

| lots of pencils, and Michael Scott to entertain me while I sharpened them |

| more train time, "kung foo" (aka: coming through) |

| Bible and breakfast time |

| "Mama, I need paint!" |

| post bath snuggles in the coziest blanket (thanks Aunt Jenn) |

| ...are you noticing a theme?! (hint: TRAINS) |

| life is exhausting sometimes |

| my version of naptime during break |

| my love <3 p="">

| Auntie Tammy and Harry...and lots of raspberry fingers |

| last day of vacation, we enjoyed a YUMMY breakfast together |

Savoring

This week has been delightful. 

I have been home on mid-winter break, and I am seriously savoring every. single. moment!

There are definitely "mid-winter-break-haters", and I'm sure they have their reasons, but I am certainly not one of them. 

You may think teachers get too many breaks, but in all honesty we need them; at least I know that I do.  Teaching is a wonderful career, but it is exhausting. In order to maintain my sanity, and do my job to the best of my ability, well...I need weeks like this one to just be.  

This week, I needed to spend lots of time at home, to ignore bigger chores/projects that I should do and just have ordinary days.  I needed to watch movies with Harry, to play trains, read books, and most of all spend lots of quality time with people. 

It has been glorious - not extravagant, but ordinary. 

And I have loved every minute!

I can't say I'm fully ready for this week to be over; thankfully I still have a few days left. 

But I can say that having a whole week to step back, slow down, and focus on my family (and life outside of work) has been refreshing. I think it's given me the boost I need to make it through the gray and gloomy winter weeks ahead...and into the hope that comes in spring.

Happy Birthday Hubby!

We celebrated Josh's birthday a little early (it's actually not until Friday). My brother was home from college for the weekend, and Josh likes to enjoy his "birthday all week" so it was fitting that we ushered in his birthday "week" with dinner, gifts, and ice cream cake.

On Friday night Josh and I are going out for a fancy dinner to celebrate just the two of us. We are excited to get dressed up and enjoy a kid-free meal and date night.

Here's to year 32. 

I can't believe we're getting so "old" ;) I'm not quite 30 and I know even when I get there I will still be considered young...but Josh and I have known each other for 11 years now. It feels like forever ago that we celebrated his 21st birthday together - the first of many birthday celebrations.

Time seriously flies the older you get.

Here are some snapshots from Josh's first birthday celebration of the week:

My parents.

Griffin & Josh. Brothers from another mother. 

But seriously, they could twins in regard to their personalities!

Sisters. 

I didn't realize what a bad hair day I was having...but Ashley looks adorable!

Kyle & Gigi. So cute! :)

If you're a germ-a-phobe, look away. 

It wasn't worth the battle for me to get him to stay in his chair...

"Oh why was he born so beautiful..." (family traditions)

He actually liked the cake, despite the face he's pulling!

Dad, if you're reading this...I'm sorry! But I couldn't resist! This was completely candid. Hahaha!

Harry, taking over my cake...plus Mom, Ashley & Kyle enjoying the festivities.

Go Super Hawks!

Classic.

Insta-Friday :: Valentine Edition

I'm a day late, but better than nothing. 

Here's my weekly set of iPhone photos, linked up with Jeanett from Life Rearranged!

| coffee, Bible, journal time |

| hat hair in the grocery store :) |

| SNOW DAY!  P U R E  J O Y ! |

| unimpressive snowman, hahaha |

| learning how to abide in God's grace |

| reader's response discussion re: why my students find their favorite books interesting |

| spoiled, completely spoiled by the beauty of God's creation |

| early valentine, can you see me peeking over Josh's shoulder in the mirror? |

| mac and cheese, yum! |

| late night fun with my mini-heart punch |

| lounging with his train |

| Valentine's Day: first, second and THIRD!?!? |

| snuggling with my little police officer, while my other officer was at work |

10 on 10 :: February 2014

Last month, the tenth was on a Friday...this month a Monday. I hate to admit it, but I was significantly less "inspired" to capture my day this month. Maybe because it was on a Monday, or maybe it's just because this time next week I'll be on mid-winter break. Either way, I am still thankful for the chance to capture a few glimpses into an ordinary day.

Happy tenth, oops I guess it's the eleventh ;)

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Check out other sets over at Rebekah's blog: A Bit of Sunshine!