Did you know...

a. Cherry trees have started to bloom here. Unfortunately, it's the beginning of February. The weather has been unseasonably dry and warm... not that I'm complaining, I'm just hoping our spring and summer flowers and berries will come in as they should.

b. Speaking of berries, my favorite thing to do up here is go berry-picking. Whether I'm with the kids, a friend, or by myself, I seem to find a lot peace at the farms. I am thankful for the farmers who work so hard to provide quality, reasonably priced products ($1.50 per lb. of raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, or marionberries).... mmmm I can't wait for June. (I tried to freeze several pounds of berries this summer, but I ate all of them before they could make it into my freezer.)

c. I've taken 11 baths within the last 6 days. Let's just say I've been a little under-the-weather, but I'm finally getting better!!! Heath hasn't picked up this terrible cold yet... keep your fingers crossed.

d. Putting together my mom's book for Christmas was one of my favorite things. Receiving emails from her friends (really, I consider most my friends too!), reconnecting with people I hadn't talked to in years, and being reminded constantly that we are loved and supported was an immense blessing. thank you for contributing.

e. I chose to focus on three activities for the new year. Running, Reading, and Cleaning. I recognized I wasn't very intentional with my alone time last year for many reasons, so I wanted to concentrate on things that would make me feel better and be better. Reading is my favorite thus far. I'll be running a 1/2 marathon in July.

f. Kisses from Katie was such a beautiful story. I literally couldn't put the book down. It made me aware of the types of things and people Heath was surrounded by during his time in Africa. Loved it, highly recommend.

g. I'm a non-fiction kind of gal. I don't mind if it's heavy or sad, I just want to be able to understand the majority of what I'm reading :) Got any suggestions for me???

h. Trinity (2 yrs. old) and I were talking about our nearing play-date today, and I asked her if she was excited about playing with Ellie... "No thank you, Katie. I just want to be with you. You's my favorite."

i. Most of you are probably aware of this already, but I am a Pinterest fan. I'm on pinterest more than facebook for sure. The creativity and visual interest bring me in every time.

j. Heath is awesome. How lucky am I to have such a sweet husband who works to understand me and grow with me. I am really thankful for his strength and love for me.

k. Tristan refers to Heath as "that big, tall, silly guy". The kids love Heath so much and they've only been around him a handful of times. I guess they think he's pretty great too.

l. I am currently reading The Happiness Project. A friend gave it to me to read one year ago. I was not in a place where I was capable or ready to hear it's message. Now, I am pleased to say that I am capable and very ready to work on being happy and growing daily. And that feels good.

Obviously I've missed writing on this; I have more to say, but I don't want to scare you away. I'll have letters m-z another day.

What brought a smile to your face today?