Oh Valentine, Thy Names Are Snow, Cold, and Lovely

I couldn't have asked for a nicer day than today. It was a snow day, so we were at home staying warm and toastie. Then we froze our rear's off outside as we shoveled, threw snow balls, and went sledding. I wish I had picts, but alas my camera is lost in hotel-land/road-trip-land some where between Ohio and here, so there you go.

Since, the girls haven't actually started school yet, I stole Jessica's "5 Days of Love" idea and made it the girl's special project. Except we had "4 days of love", which was perfect as we used each letter as a day, with a corresponding treat. Sunday was "Lemon" cupcakes, with a strawberry on top. Monday, "Orange" Gatoraide (with a Valentinese label glued on), Tuesday, we had gum to take away bad breath "vapors", and Today we made Valentines and coupon books for "Everyone". It was fun.

Today was also a lovely day as Derek surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, the prettiest I've ever gotten actually. He picked them up from a florist down the street (whose shop is so cute, so I'm not surprised by the bouquet). I'm so glad we had a wonderful day together, as a family.

Plus.....Loved this Valentine!

Finally Taking a Deep Breath

Ok it's been two weeks, since we've moved. I've been in weird, bizarro world. I don't feel like I'm settled yet, even though we're at my in-laws and their house is totally lap of luxury for me (they have the best beds EVER--I could sleep for days in them!).

Here's a few details of our road trip.
We sold our van (it wasn't working so well).

The 5 of us drove cross country with stuff in a five seater Jeep Cheerokee.

It was FREEZING everywhere we went.

I felt like I left a part of myself in Oklahoma.

I lost my camera.

I'm excited to be in Washington DC, but not able to really settle down so it's kind of a downer as well.

Those are a few of the details. Perhaps this is why I haven't blogged so much. I'm in a mind numbing mode and I'd rather read everyone else's blogs rather than put my thoughts into sentences.

But I think it will be therapeutic so I'm making myself write.

Here are some things I'm looking forward to and am grateful for.

I'm grateful for Kristi Brooke's blog http://www.everythingispink.blogspot.com/ (I don't know her but she has a great resource for any family who has recently moved to DC), because of her I've been inspired to get out of the house and check out the area more--like Lucketts

http://www.luckettstore.com// can't wait to go.

I'm looking forward to a Relief Society Day trip to Mount Vernon.

I'm looking forward to S's Baptism.

I'm grateful to my in-laws and for their laid back lifestyle and for having a totally peaceful home.

I'm happy that we were able to get here in time for the Ward's Family Valentines Dance and I was able to boogie-woogie some of my blues away(at my dignity's expense of course--What's wrong with doing the "Elaine" dance every once in a while huh?!).

I'm happy that my kids seem to love being with family and have been begging me to enroll them into school.

I'm thankful to Derek for really giving me space and understanding, as I can be an emotional roller coster when it comes to letting go and starting afresh--especially when I get that frantic, bug-eyed look which means--walk away brotha man, just walk away.

Ok so I'm feeling better. Less sad, it's good to remind myself of some positives instead trying to forget about reality.