Yeah, Basketball!

 It's so much fun to introduce Lincoln to new things, including sports. He has been to several basketball games but it was extra fun to go with him on Saturday when the UNI women played Drake. Lincoln was very interested in the mascots and the people around. Dale and I picked up Ashley and Lincoln then met up with Linda and Kim. I love it that Lincoln is so comfortable with everyone!

Snowy Walk

Fresh snowflakes on a hand knit scarf and my favorite dog at my side made for a great walk this morning. The wonderful next door neighbor who brought his snowblower to my driveway was a bright spot that left me with enough energy to walk with Mowgli and shovel the patio and front sidewalk. I am grateful for this beautiful snow on a day when I don't have to go to work and an assurance that much of it will melt soon. Mowgli is a great motivation for exercise.

Sleepy gardens but the patio will be filled with furniture, family and food in just a couple of months!

Healthy Baking?

I love to bake and I love treats, but I am trying to eat much healthier these days. (again) Yes, I have been a yo-yo when it comes to the scales. Sometimes I try harder than others, but I don't want to give up on some of the things that I love like baking. After our fun making waffles, I decided to search for another healthy recipe and Monday afternoon Lincoln and I made cookies that were full of oatmeal, raisins, applesauce, honey and whole wheat flour. There was no oil and no refined sugar. They were actually pretty yummy. I also have no self-control so I sent them home with Lincoln to share with his playgroup. I wish it was easier for me to stay away from treats, but getting them out of the house helps.

Valentine Sleepover

It was the best Valentine sleepover and I took plenty of photos. This was the first time that Lincoln has spent the night with me. I offered mommy and daddy an opportunity for a Valentine date and they accepted. I had fun getting ready and looked forward to it for days.

Lincoln loves fruit so I stocked up on produce and made sure that he had lots of good options. I think that the fresh pineapple may be his favorite for now.

We got a beautiful light snow fall on our Valentine afternoon. Lincoln noticed and we went outside twice. I love being outside with him and look forward to spring and summer but it was so fun to watch him get excited about the snow falling from the sky.

When my kids were little I used to make a heart shaped meatloaf. They thought it was dorky and they were right but I made a mini heart shaped Italian meatloaf for Lincoln and me to share. He liked it but he really loved the macaroni and cheese.

I love bathtime and jammie time so much. Lincoln loves his bath and he got to play with my tub toys from the eighties! He must like being comfy and clean too because he slept for twelve hours. I was fully prepared for some night time wake up calls but it never happened.

Lincoln woke up happy and thrilled to crawl into bed with me. Well, he is mostly thrilled by the remote control for my ceiling fan and light. It's lots of fun, even first thing in the morning.

I love making good breakfasts for my overnight guests and was happy to find a healthy waffle recipe with whole wheat flour, bananas and applesauce. Lincoln was glad to help with the preparation and sat on the counter very patiently while we cooked. They were pretty yummy.

Lincoln even helped with some other household chores. Did you know that all of those little buttons on the dryer beep? It was a wonderful discovery.

Lincoln is so loving and generous with kisses and sharing food. It was a wonderful sleepover and I look forward to the next one too!

Sunday Drive

For some reason on Sunday I thought of our long neglected list of Iowa Courthouses. We got out the map to confirm there were just eight courthouses in the state of Iowa that we had not yet visited and photographed. Most are on the far western side of the state but Chickasaw and Howard County are just north and we decided that a Sunday afternoon drive would be nice. We got some vitamin D, Dale photographed two courthouses and I got a little exercise. The bonus was the Mabe's Pizza in Cresco which was a nice surprise. We have now successfully visited 94 courthouses. Neither of us seems terribly rushed or motivated to finish the list soon but I am sure that will happen some day.

Dog Treats

Mowgli benefits greatly from Lincoln's new found desire to feed him treats. It's good for Lincoln. It's good for Mowgli and it's good for their relationship. We all love treats! I had a huge treat when Lincoln came to spend Valentines night with me. It was our first overnight and there are photos coming very soon!

Mohawk Senior

Jake's "Senior Night" for Mohawk Hockey was a memorable event. I don't usual cry at hockey games but I did drop a few tears last night. How hard for Jake to end his high school hockey career with a concussion that has taken him off the ice but he impressed me with his strength and grace in handling the situation. I loved spending time with Jake, his family and their dogs! Congrats on a great career, Jake!

Sunday Squirrel

Save the Date

I love this!! Jay and Briana had a great idea for their "Save the Date" cards and I was thrilled when they asked me to help. They got the cards sent out recently but we took the photos back in September. It's great to see the finished product and remember the fun we had with the back yard photo shoot; not official engagement photos but a Sonny and Cher shot for the cards. It's official, I get to be the mother-of-the-groom and so far it's been lots of fun!

Saela

Today I got to meet the newest member of the family, my great niece, Saela Grace. She is absolutely beautiful and looks just like her mommy! Ashley was traveling to their house to photograph the newborn and I rode along so that I could meet Saela, see her family and play with the boys during the photo shoot.

Because the boys both took great naps I had time to watch all of the activity. I love watching Ashley as she does her photography, posing newborns and getting them so calm and comfortable. Saela was very cooperative and I even got some snuggle time before and after. I always enjoy seeing Ashley's photos but it's extra fun to watch her work especially with a baby that's so special to me.

Brecken is a wonderful big brother, so gentle and caring. He was sweet enough to share his table and cheese with Lincoln too. I so love watching these boys play together. What a fun day with family. Congratulations to Scott and Kaley. What a beautiful Little family!

Fruit and Vegetable

Looks like a balanced meal to me; fruits and vegetables. Those are beef short ribs behind the pot which were added after the bottle of wine, much reduction and beef broth. This is what happens when I watch Food Network! It's in the oven for two hours right now. I hope it's as good as it looked on TV.