So, apparently having one snow day completely throws me off for a week at a time.  Good thing I don’t live somewhere that it actually snows on a regular basis!

But, I have to say the girls were really excited to have enough snow in our own backyard to actually play in for a bit.  I was excited too because it meant I didn’t have to drive them somewhere on slippery roads, which is usually the case.

They were out the door as soon as breakfast was finished, and it was REALLY cold.

It was Miss I’s first time in the snow and she loved it…for about ten minutes.

We all had fun playing for a bit and then came inside for hot cocoa while poor Hombre had to thaw out his car…the downside of no garage.

Though it may sound unbelievable, we pretty much spent the rest of the week constructing valentines for the fabulous party we’ll be attending today.

Even Miss I participated.

It was great, until I turned around and her paint-covered hand was in her mouth!  Ugh!  So gross!

So we’re off to the Valentine Party today.  I’ll try to fill you in on that sooner than a week from now.  We’ll see….

(hint: scroll down and look to the right)

We’ve been teasing Auntie Leash about counting down the days until Princess Darling’s arrival. 

It seemed like it was too soon to start counting days, and more importantly, Auntie Leasha is not so good with numbers. 

But when I found this cute little thing to stick in my sidebar I called her up and let her know she doesn’t have to do the math anymore. 

Let’s hope Princess Darling is punctual!

Despite all of my best efforts, I finally caved to all of the pressure and signed up for Facebook last night.  I’m sure I will regret it.  I really didn’t need another online time-sucker….but don’t worry; I love my blog more, so this will still come first!  (I know you’re all so relieved)

Here’s your links for the week:

I love this post for what it has to share, and of course because it refers to something written by Jane Austen, so how could it not be awesome.

All you crafty people, have you taken Martha’s quiz????  I got a 7- average.

If you have trouble keeping up with your laundry, then this post is for you.  I’m really trying to psych myself up for taking action after reading this; my organized-minimalist side is at war with my frugal-use everything until it disintegrates side.

If you’re feeling the drag of wintery days you should check out some of Soulemama’s winter manifestos here and here.  Enjoy her cozy pictures and be thankful you don’t live in a place where you can make an ice skating pond in your backyard.

And here’s some valentine fun for the kids.

In case you’ve ever felt frustration with the stray dogs or cats in your neighborhood (as I often have), I’m here to show you that it could be worse. 

You could walk out your front door and encounter this:

The most obese pig alive, slothing his way across your street because apparently your gravel looks appetizing.

This isn’t our first encounter with the pig, but I have to say he has grown significantly since our last encounter.  The last time we saw him he was attacking a dog….  My girls think I’m mean because I yell and throw rocks trying to make him go away.  I think I don’t need an overfed animal with a brain the size of a peanut and a nasty temper hanging out by my front door.

By the way, animal control doesn’t “do” pigs.  Just in case a pig ever crosses your street. 

I wish I had a slingshot!