Kids, Lakes, Loons and Pines

Getting Out

It was such a beautiful day, 20 degrees + and sunny.   We took advantage of the weather and went for a lake ski and exploring our backwoods.   It feels so good to be refreshed and energized with some vitamin "N" and some sunshine.

I choose kindness.

Dear friends,  I wrote this heartfelt post that I have opportunity to share on mothering.com.   Help me to spread this message and this call to action for kindness, respect & responsibility.

Around here

Around here we enjoyed a wonderful weekend. During the work week we were experiencing extreme sub-zero temps (Friday we woke up to -33 F *and note that is below zero) Both Saturday and Sunday we experienced above zero temperatures - reaching into the 20's with sunshine! We fought our children back into winter gear as they were complaining that today it was "hot," and we spent a significant amount of time outdoors skiing and snowshoeing.

We are recharged and refreshed, ready for the week ahead.

Wishing you a great start of your week from our little corner of the world to yours!

Gratitude Snapshots

In the course of a busy day it can be so easy to just go through the motions.  Today, happened to be one of those particularly busy days.  I will spare you all of the details, but I will just spend a moment reflecting on the idea of slowing down and practicing mindfulness in the midst of the chaos.   I know that even on the busiest of days, and perhaps on these days the most, it is important to slow down.  

This afternoon I decided to take just 15 minutes with my camera to capture some gratitude snapshots.   Simple things like a pile of stacked word, a basket full of eggs, or a crooked smile from on of my middles are just enough to elicit a feeling of gratitude, which equates to happiness in my heart.

I encourage you to capitalize on pockets of time in your life and find moments of your own for this simple practice of gratitude.

 

...more thoughts on this on my post on mothering.com

Around Here

Outside:

Although we are experiencing some sub zero temperatures, we are finding our way outdoors.    We have a solid base of snow for cross country skiing and between after-school ski practices, MYSL and weekend outings, we're logging a fair amount of kilometers on the trail.

Inside:  

We are staying warm, even given our recent sub-zero temperature cold snap.   We recently tried out a new coffee shop in town with a welcoming atmosphere after a cold and snowy ski.  We have been keeping ourselves busy inside, the kids experimenting with duct tape crafts, the mama with some knitting projects.  On these winter days we are also savoring summer blueberries and backyard maple syrup with pancake breakfasts.

Wishing you a great start to your week!

School Days - January

The January issue of Minnesota Parent Magazine is available throughout Minnesota and online now.

My School Days Column in this month is "Serenity Now (amid chaos)".   

You can find the article through THIS LINK.

If you like what you see, social media 'shares' are appreciated!

Be sure to check out all of the other great content in the full issue as well!

As always - thanks for reading!

mothering.com

These images reflect my recent posts from the past month (or so) on mothering.com.  Please check them out!

You can find all of the individual posts on my author page on mothering.com.

If you like what you see social media shares are appreciated.  

As always, thanks for reading!