february, etc.

My goodness, this month was kinda insane... and went out with a bang, too! The ice-storm earlier this week was a piece of cake compared to Snowpocalypse Friday. I spent FOUR HOURS in the car going to/fro Little Elm to pick up the littles from school for a dental appointment... that was cancelled 10 minutes before we finally arrived. GAH. You know how hard it is making dental appointments for 3 dumplings, when Wednesdays and every other Fridays are your main options? It's not that much fun! After walking back into the house in a daze, I drowned my missed-appointment sorrows in veggie chili mixed with mac and cheese... it was absolutely disgusting and completely hit the spot. ;) And then my amazing husband cleaned the bathroom so I could take a nice bath while the kiddos ravaged the snow. I try not to complain too much here on the blog, but let's chalk this up to "keeping it real:" Friday SUUUCKED. ;P

Anywho, 10 hours of sleep and a bottle of wine later, I feel back to normal! Here are some more fun parts of February that are worth remembering wayyy more than Snowpocalypse Friday. ;)

Repo, the sweetest dog at C3 Auto, who kept me company while they fixed my CD player. You outta check out their shop if you're ever in need of a new car! Great group of people, all about customer service. :)

The cutest little macarons in our breakroom one day. 

My favorite watches of the month. Chelsea Peretti, Beginners (!!!), and Obvious Child.

An amazing Galentine's Day afternoon, hosted by Shaleah, with the sweetest, most creative yums and the most wonderful group of gals. :D

See just some of the yums here!

The cutest "party favor:" homemade candles in tea-cups! Shaleah is adorable!

And Tomo, making sure we feel loved as we left. :D

Notes from my family that make me smile. :) (I have no clue if Grandpa Jim knew he was Facebook messaging me, he probably doesn't either, but I'll certainly take it!!)

An amazing feast a la Tonya: almond-crusted fish, a bounty of squash, and the most delightful salad I've had in a while. :)

This meme, which always makes me laugh.

Adult sippy-cups at "The Book of Mormon!" The most handiest theatrical concept ever!

Silly selfies during "The Book of Mormon" intermission. ;)

Lady Gaga's Oscar performance, which I'm still emotional about.

Meggie french-braiding Emmy's hair one night. :)

How pretty the snow looks when it's falling and I'm inside without having to drive anywhere. 

Sadie, post-Snowpocalypse Friday drive. :D

Emily (in my boots!)

Meg by the firepit, Emmy in the hammock, while Sadie and R3 attempt to roll a ball of snow to make a snow man... didn't work out. ;)

Important memos.

This! Still!

Other awesome memories, not pictured:

- Chas spending the night with us, watching the SNL 40th anniversary and eating pizzah!

- One of the fishes in our fish tank having a BABY. 

- Fun, professional things with Yesenia!

- Lunches and pow-wows with Janine, who encourages me to eat donuts (thanks!)

- A new indoor work-out routine for R & I... that completely kicked out butts, but hey! We're doing it!

- Meghan making her Da a sandwich, just because he asked. ;)

- Stephen going to the grocery store with me. :D

- drinks at home with Matt, because he's awesome

- Getting my real-estate business going, slowly but surely!

the BEST valentine's day :)

Valentine's Day this year was so special. Our beloved Tonya & Stephen moved to the area from Colorado this past week, and Valentine's Day was the first day we could all get together as a family and love on each other. The kiddos have been dying to hang out with their new cousins since meeting them at our family vacation in Colorado. Dying! Our sweet kittens are pretty sentimental in general, but I've never seen them react to anyone the way they glued on to T & S. It just makes my heart sing when the best comes out of our weird little blended family. :)

To make matters extra awesome, Darrah and the boys came over as well and the weather was absolutely beautiful. Oh, and burgers! We made burgers! And afternoon bubbles. And back-yard soccer. And Richard helped Darrah finish her taxes! Can you feel the magic? It was a pretty magical day (considering I had to work ;P).

Fair warning, I took alot of bubble pictures. Dumplings + bubbles!

Meghan had a date with Nick and got all dolled up. :) 

Just look at that hair!

Emily was parked right by the window, keeping us updated on Tonya & Stephen's arrival. :)

And at one point, R3 was singing "Wrecking Ball" while playing video games. It... was so hilarious. :)

These pictures are so blurry, but I don't care! They make me so happy. :)

My girls! :D

Stephen helped R3 build the catapult he was given for... Christmas. Slow and steady, guys!

A sweet moment on the couch with cousins. :)

And attacking Sully with the fully-actualized catapult!

I guess it's pretty succinct to say flowers and chocolates aren't really my thing on Valentine's Day. ;) With these sweet folks as company, who can blame me!