Life is marching on here in our little nest – even as I try to build back up my stamina from being so sick.

Thankful for these easily quieter cold winter days!

We got back to school last Monday and have been enjoying our rhythm and our learning very much!

It’s always a better day when this guy is in the house –

Chad works part-time and is also working on finishing his senior year of school!

And what would we do without chapter books to fill some down time?

Speaking of that, I need to go and pick up all the library books we ordered that are in and waiting for us.

I also just ordered two more chapter books on line that we could not get at the library.

They go with our History study and we will enjoy them I know!

We are enjoying the one I am reading aloud right now called Toliver’s Secret.

I think we need ONE more room in this little nest of ours.

OK, maybe two more rooms!

This visionary guy usually builds all of his creations in the garage, but it is just too cold for that right now.

I found him down in the furnace room of all places, but he is having fun and building cool things everyday.

I had to laugh when he came to me last week and said, “Mom, do you ever feel like you need to go 500 miles per hour right now or you might lose your mind??!”

Can’t say that I have ever felt that way, sweet boy.

But you go for it!!

When I went to find Lane for those photos I was so taken by all of the beautiful sunlight streaming in the windows downstairs – which prompted these photos!

I also had to get a photo of a new resident of ours.

His name is Chippy and he feasts visits our restaurant very regularly.

Isn’t he cute?!!

I thought so too, until Addie showed me that he chewed through the wrap we have on our deck to get to that food in the bird feeder.

Stinkin’ little Chippy.

Last week Tate and I made cinnamon raisin English muffins and then I made a huge pot of soup to go along with them for dinner.

It all was a hit!!

I had to take a two hour nap after I did all that – but Tate had a blast, and I had a blast with him, so it was all good.

Do you like the new pot my hubby got for me?

It holds eleven quarts!!

Our biggest lodge pot is only seven quarts and it just was not working anymore.

I LOVE my new pot and I use it ALL the time.

Thank you to my sweet man!!!

I left Twin Oaks for the first time in sixteen days this past Friday.

Crazy as that sounds, it is true!

Of course date night was NEEDED, more than ever it seems!

We did get grocery, yes.

It was wwaaaayyyy below zero and beyond freezing cold, yes.

BUT we were together, we had treats while in town, and we made a great meal together when we got home!!

So, so worth it – freezing cold and all!!

By the way, Happy February, friends!

Are the days getting longer where you are too?

I was SO excited when I saw daylight before 7 a.m. this morning!!

A sign of things to come, for sure.

Keep marching on, sweet life of ours!!

Hope you all are enjoying your days too!!