Pittsburgh has been having such mild February weather. Like sunshine… 50-60 degrees… I am here for it. So are the kids!!

It makes such a difference when we can get outside and play versus being cooped up. Sadie and I even spent some time painting outside during Mordecai’s nap. Without jackets on! This is unheard of in February in Pittsburgh 😂

We put up Mordecai’s swing, played in a sandbox at our local park, rode in Sadie’s Power Wheel (yes, even me haha), and played in the yard all week. My prediction? This summer is going to be a blast! Mordecai wasn’t *quite* mobile last summer and this year he’ll likely be walking but past the age of putting everything in his mouth. I’m really looking forward to a summer of playtime with Sader Tot and Decky!

I learned a lesson this week. If I drink an iced coffee at 2:30 pm, I will be awake until 11:30 pm. The only good thing about that situation was that I got a lot of reading (currently halfway through this book) in from 9:00-11:30 pm! From now on, afternoon coffee will be decaf for me 🤪

I have a big pot of chili cooking on the stove as I type up this post! This week has been a busy one. Lots of baking, volunteering, school, and more.

Notes from this week:

• Being outside all week has me dreaming of gardening this summer. I want to plant romaine, arugula, tomatoes, zucchini, and cucumber.
• Niva and I made our weekly therapy visit to a school and had the best time.
• I blew bubbles for the kids alllllll week and it was pure joy.

• I can’t stop snacking on these crackers. They’re so good!
• We watched the Lego movie on Friday night and Sadie was cracking up the whole time. I love hearing her laugh 💜
• On the baking front, I made gluten free brownies for our co-op Valentine’s Day party, decorated countless chocolate covered Oreos for Etsy orders, and also worked on cupcakes for a memorial service.

• Sadie has had a renewed interest in learning sign language lately (I never push optional things like this as far as school goes), so I’ve been teaching her a few new words each day. I really like using these cards.
• Who is ready for Valentine’s Day?! Hopefully Jimmy isn’t reading this post… I got him a bag of coffee beans from one of our favorite local shops. I also plan on doing a shopping challenge with my mom and the kids where we draw a name, set a low budget, all shop for each other, and then exchange gifts and share things we love about each other.
• My brother sent the picture below to our family of his youngest daughter, Olive. Her big sister did her makeup, LOL.

• Playing outside all week has had me thinking about things I’d like to do with the kids in the backyard. Jimmy and I definitely want to build or buy a sandbox (this one is so cute) for Sadie and Mordecai. I have such fond memories of playing in the classic 90s turtle sandbox as a kid, haha.
• I decided I’m going to add St. Patrick’s Day chocolate covered Oreos to my Etsy shop and I’m so excited! I just ordered shamrock sprinkles and cannot wait to play around with chocolate ☘️
• Our local library booked Niva for a “meet a therapy dog” night next month and I can’t wait! Miss Niva is also set to visit our homeschool co-op in May.
• Speaking of the co-op, I’ve been working on my last two lessons to be taught in March and April. It’s crazy how fast the co-op has gone since it began. We’re really loving it.

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Okay, this post is long enough! My chili is all ready and Niva is giving me the look that means she wants to go for a walk. So, off we go!

I’m excited about shamrock sprinkles; what little thing has been exciting for you lately?

What was your favorite outdoor toy as a child?

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

Can you drink coffee late at night or will it keep you up?