We have had some illness here, which has made this little blog of mine rather quiet the last few weeks!

I spent eight days like this –

And like this and this….

It was NOT fun!

Of course I am SO thankful for my crew, especially my amazing husband, who literally took care of everything while he himself had a bad cold and was working full-time from home because he was not allowed at the office.

He came to me one morning so I could walk him through our huge waffle recipe a couple ingredients at a time.

He then filled a bunch of bellies and the freezer with several bags of waffles!

I laughed when he came to show me that the waffles were actually turning out!!

Grant and Addie did a HUGE grocery run one of the days I was sick, and Blake took a crew with him on Saturday to get grocery again.

When Grant and Addie got home that day I heard them putting it all away and it made me smile to hear all the chaos and chatter!

This is what I saw when I went to check on them all – I think Grant was at the receiving end of everything being thrown down the stairs?

I was well enough by day five (or six maybe?) to be feeling a little stir crazy – which is how Ruby was feeling too, I think!

I sat in the sun for just a bit one afternoon and guess what??!!

We have TWELVE red cardinals that ALL visit at one time now!

I love those beautiful birds so much.

I spent some time reading and looking for recipes while resting in bed and found enough energy one afternoon to make these grain-free snickerdoodles.

They tasted just like my Mom’s.

Exact taste….and texture too!

Made me so happy – recipes have come a lllooonnngggg way since the day I was diagnosed with celiac disease back in 2006!!

There were some happenings in January before illness took over the month – which is how this post originally started!!

We enjoyed some time at the library and lunch with this adorable crew one day!

I started the New Year off exactly how I love to start a New Year!

Do you all start the New Year with renewed ambition?

Or maybe a list of goals?

Or an idea for a “reset” of sorts?

I DO!

I have always loved the start of a new day, a new week, a new month and certainly a new year!

I did make a list of intentions – things I want to be sure to be intentional about.

I hung them on the mirror in the bathroom and I really do stop to read through them at least once a day if not more!

Some of the things on this list come very easily to me without even thinking, and others take intention!

I also have some things I am doing as a “reset” – one of them is taking a break from Instagram.

Don’t get me wrong – I love Instagram for all the good things it allows!

But it takes up a lot of space…brain space, time space….and I know it is not always the best use of my time.

Since the first of the year I have gone on to Instagram once a day to look at both of my daughters’ posts, but that is it.

It has been a very nice change, which has given me more time for so many other things – like reading books, tackling projects, and making these posts on my little blog.

I thought it was SO cute when I found my trio working on their intention lists!

I never said a word! They just followed my lead!

Isn’t this so sweet?

Because I am not on Instagram I have not been taking many photos at all.

That, too, is a breath of fresh air.

I do have a few though – memories made and memories kept!

First – let’s talk about my amazing man again!!

He is my husband!

And it was his birthday on Friday, January 7th!

I met Blake in town that evening and we sped through getting grocery in the negative 30 something degree weather.

I took a photo of the thermometer in my van – but the wind chill was much lower than that!

Then we came home, shooed the kiddos downstairs, and made a wonderful meal for just the two of us to share together!

Pan seared salmon, roasted potatoes, green beans and a tossed salad with ranch dressing – yum, yum!

You will just have to imagine all that deliciousness in your mind because I didn’t take one photo except the next morning when I saw what condition we left the kitchen in, ha, ha!

Chad and Addie were away at a wedding that weekend, and David and Kay were having a party for Aspen the next day, so we had a little celebration for Blake on Saturday evening with those of us who were home.

More fish!

And gifts!

And a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting!

It was sweet and special and delicious!

And that guy of mine is SO worth celebrating!!

I love him so much!!

We are always eating and I have been having fun trying all kinds of new recipes.

We are still enjoying homemade bread and butter pickles – they are delicious!

Those grain-free waffles have made more than one appearance!

I ran a HUGE pot of chicken stock one Saturday as our freezer was bare.

Here is one of my secret ingredients – so much nutrition in homemade stock.

January brings a slower pace which I believe is a gift from God!

We enjoy reading on the below zero days.

But anytime it is even close to warm enough, the kiddos are begging to be outside.

Especially at Aspen’s place!!

David gave them all rides on the back of the four wheeler one time when we were there.

Tate and Eliza are still enjoying and working hard at piano.

They love it!

When I walked downstairs, saw Eliza like this, and heard her playing Amazing Grace I said, “Are you reading that hymnal to play that song?”

She said, “Mom, I can’t read all those notes! I am reading the words into my head and then playing the song to the words in my head!”

Silly me!!

She has a very talented ear and I hope that piano continues to bring her so much joy!

I think it’s safe to say I am glad January is over.

I am also glad for SO many things during what could have been a very serious illness!

Thank you, Jesus, for healing!!

There are lots of fun things on our calendar for the days ahead – can’t wait to see what the Lord allows!

Hope that you all are well and enjoying these winter months.

Stay safe out there friends, and keep your eyes on Jesus!!