Have you ever?

Have you ever taken more pictures in the snow than you can ever remember that is makes you want to Google "Average snow amounts" to see if you've had more this year than in the past ten years? I'm such a nerd. Yeah, I tried that. Couldn't find the answer. Still, I feel I have uploaded more snow pics than all my other pics for the year combined. Last Monday called for more snow pics as we joined our friends and neighbors for a little neighborhood sledding and snowball fighting.

Have you ever taken photos of melting snow? I hadn't until yesterday. I noticed water streaming from my (full and rusted) gutters. The last of the snow was fading and forming puddles in driveways and on picnic tables. Only the snow seeking refuge in shady spots of trees and fences remained. Today it is all gone.

Still my laundry room looks like this. Have you ever procrastinated putting away snow gear because you are just that tired? Yeah, me neither. ;) The only snow gear that has made it's way out of the laundry room are a set of snow boots that Little Britches demands to wear all over the house, all of the time. He wears Jag's everywhere and doesn't even care that they are 5 sizes too big and aren't even on the correct feet.

Have you ever been over the top elated to get a new appliance? So elated that, in fact, you've created reasons to use it over and over? My former washer and dryer went ka-put. The dryer had been having issues for about two months now and the washer followed suit by refusing to turn about a month later. Of course, at the time, I was less than thrilled about having to replace not one, but TWO major appliances. However, I'm in love. I barely hear these running. And if you're a mom of three boys you know that silence is golden. As a result, I've washed every stitch of clothing we own. And then moved on to every bed sheet set we own. And when that was done I headed straight for comforters and quilts! Sad, but true.

Have you ever let appliance boxes sit in the living room of your house because your littles were using them as their very own playhouse? Have you ever been tempted to climb in there with them because the box was so cool and reminded you of (many) years ago when you were a kid? They are taking up about half of my living room but I'm strangely and unusually unbothered by them.

Have you ever walked in to find your smallest little playing in your makeup only to realize that he has emptied not one but two bottles of expensive eye powder? Have you ever left the mess of said eye powder heaped in piles at the bottom of the makeup bag and used eye brushes to apply straight from the bottom of the bag just because you don't want to waste any by throwing it out and cleaning the bag? Yeah, didn't think so. I so totally didn't do that either. ;)

Have you ever received a package in the mail and sat like a kid at Christmas ravaging the box to find what goodies hid inside? I received a package yesterday from one of the greatest sisters in the world. She hit up the Victoria's Secret sale and sent me all kinds of unmentionables. As I folded and put everything away I realized that I had not bought or received anything so pretty in that department since I got married 11 years ago! But I'll say this: I sure felt pretty inside this morning even though I was the only one that knew why. I've decided after yesterday and today that women (yes, even us frumpy, middle-aged mommies) need pretty undergarments. It truly does something to self perception.

And speaking of self perception, have you ever resigned to loosing weight and holding yourself accountable by blogging about it? Well, I'm about to start. You see, my brother will be getting married in June and I want to look good! So, I'm posting this starting picture. I'll NEVER divulge numbers (oh the HORROR!!) however, I will say that I'm setting a goal of 30 lbs. I truly want to lose more than that, but I feel that I'd better start off with an attainable goal. I'll be working out daily and attempting to change eating habits. I'm starting with a Jillian Michaels 30 day shred program. I've done this workout a few times and I tell ya! Sista don't play! She's hardcore! I plan on blogging about progress once a week. Hopefully the pictures will show progress themselves. Fingers crossed. All y'all reading: hold me accountable!

Have you ever watched your heart beat outside your chest? Mine does every time I look at these guys. I'm so thankful I was chosen to be their mom.

Happy Monday everyone! Wishing you all a blessed week.