5 Things

5 Things I Miss

1. Family.  I honestly don't know how much longer the kids can go without seeing Gram & Papa.  It's a daily topic, if not more. :(
2. Traveling!  Adam and I were supposed to be at the Kentucky Derby this weekend.  We had to cancel our Memorial Weekend trip to Nashville with my family.  At this point, we're just hoping to salvage our RV trip this summer.
3. Just being able to walk into a store without debating if it's worth it, finding a mask and gloves, etc. 
4. The kids being able to play with their friends. 
5. Date nights with Adam.

5 Things I Don’t Miss

1. Rushing from activity to activity. I can't stress this one enough, and yet when I think about when we could not pick back up I don't know what it would be. :(
2. Spending money.  Aside from our grocery bill {OMG!!!} we really did cut back a lot when Adam was home.  It's crazy to see how much money you squander away every week. 
3. Makeup. I mean I'm going to start wearing it again someday, I think...
4. Jam packed weekends. I still wake up every Saturday and think, 'This is the best'.  Two entire days with zero commitments!!
5. Deciding what to wear.  I'm pretty sure I have worn the same three outfits this entire quarantine and I don't even care!  It has really made cleaning out my closet so much easier!

5 Things I’m Grateful For

1. Technology.  I can't imagine living through this 10, 20, 50 years ago!
2. The sunshine and temperatures in the 70’s.  Finally!
3. Being quarantined with my favorite people.  It's honestly been pretty fun!
4. The ability to work from home.  It hasn't been easy, but I really appreciate their flexibility! Also, after Adam was laid off, I was reminded how lucky I am to still have my job and that I carry our insurance!
5. Our health. It’s a good reminder why we're even enduring all of this.  Bonus :: being able to lock into a 15 year mortgage at 2.625%
   
   Inspired by Sarah and Brittany

12 Positive Outcomes

I have a million thoughts running through my head about all of 'this' {I can't even say 'COVID-19' without cringing. Who knew all of the companies I've shared my email address with over the last 10 years?!  Also?  I really don't care how you're responding to this.  I'm talking to you credit card company.} but as a person who can easily spiral with anxiety during unknown times, today I'm going to share some of the positive things coming from all of this.

+ Free evenings!
+ Extra game/movie/puzzle nights with the kids
+ More time with Adam!
+ We cancelled things we have been talking about for years {I'm talking you cable company!}
+ A clean house!
+ THE KITCHEN CABINET PROJECT!!
+ I'm finally working on all of the photobooks I've been neglecting for years!
+ We've made a huge garage sale/goodwill pile!
+ Reading the stack of books that have been sitting by my nightstand
+ I had the time to paint my nails
+ Homemade meals {bonus that they're being made by Adam!}
+ We're getting to come together as a community {& across the country} and witness everyone coming together in a time of need.

I'm excited for my kids to look back on this time and see how we all came together.  How we took a brand new situation and made the best.  That we had the ability to stay home as a family and spend time together - laughing, playing, learning, & resting.  Stay safe friends!

Snow Fun!

A few photos from the snow this winter.  The kids loved building igloos, jumping on the trampoline in the snow, and riding in tubes behind the snowmobiles.  I can't imagine loving somewhere without all four seasons -- it gets long, but it's so fun!

#RealLife

The kids first Vikings game

For Christmas, we got the kids tickets to their first Minnesota Vikings game.  Well their first NFL game, too I guess.  Our friends Jon & Jess and their boys were there too, so we stayed in a hotel in the night before and went to the game together.  We always like to stop at The Vikings Longhouse before the game to get in the spirit.  The kids got to meet the cheerleaders, so that was fun.  

As for the game itself, the Vikings sadly lost to the Bears, but it was a great game!  Especially when you consider none of the Vikings starters played.  I was worried the kids would get bored, as football games can get a little long sometimes, but neither kid seemed bored at all.  We did however spend $6157248645 dollars on food! ;)  

It's been so long since we were there I can't even remember where we ate {sad!} but I do remember we stated at the Hilton Downtown Minneapolis {thanks Priceline!} and it was beautiful!  Longtime followers know how much my kids love a good hotel!  It's all about the pools and the two double beds to jump back and forth on.  :)