We have been experiencing some unusually wonderful weather lately in Nebraska.I don’t ever remember a winter this nice, nor do I ever remember experiencing such great spring like weather during the month of March. Recently, while our family should all be in the house cleaning and working on home improvement projects, we’ve instead been outside playing Air Soft and shooting hoops. Not only have we not been cleaning, we’ve been tracking in all kinds of extra dirt and leaves. It’s lovely – and it’s all over the house.
The boys have been asking for popsicles and have been hoping to soon turn the sprinkler on under the trampoline. I think it is a little early to be thinking about both of these, but hey, it never hurts to ask, right? While I can’t accommodate them on the sprinkler, sure, I can make popsicles. Why not? After all, I did ask my husband to grill steak the other night when it was a warm fifty degrees outside. Of course he was happy to oblige.
Over the weekend, I was able to go out and play a couple rounds of HORSE with my boys. Then because it was so lovely outside, and I couldn’t stand the thought of going back in to face the dirt and leaves (which were by that time joining forces to plan a party in every corner of my house), I stayed out even longer to continue to shoot baskets for another half hour with my teenager – just he and I. It just doesn’t get any better than that. And, you should be impressed to know that I got my hair caught in the nearby gangly weeds only twice while retrieving my ball. Not too bad, eh?
My personal trainer (aka, awesome friend Jen) and I have been able to take long walks outside for our work-outs lately. Walking outside in the sunshine for miles instead of walking lap after lap after lap (after lap, after lap…) on the indoor track – there is no comparison. There is just something about the sun and mild weather that is invigorating, making us want to stay out longer and work harder. It probably helps that the bugs aren’t out in full force yet. Seeing several centipedes on the sidewalk is almost endearing, as opposed to breathing in and having twelve gnats threaten to fly into your mouth and down your throat. Yes, this kind of weather totally works for me.
Now, I am Nebraskan enough to realize that this kind of gorgeous weather may soon be blown right down south while a freezing cold northern wind blows sheets of ice right down my pitiful and frigid neck – any day now probably. But as long as the sun is shining and providing ideal moments to spend outside with the people I love – I’ll be abandoning the vacuum and dishwater to catch some Vitamin D and to make some memories.
What are you thankful for this Gratituesday? Write about it on your blog, then come link up with us here. If you don’t have a blog, be sure to leave a comment letting us know what you’re grateful for!
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Amy Bradsher says
The dirt will still be there tomorrow – go play!
Cheri says
Linked up, thanks!
Alice says
Linked, though made a mistake and wrote my name instead of the name of my blog :) Laura, could you change that for me? thanks.
Crystal says
We’ve had very unseasonable NICE weather here, too! It’s nice to be able to be out with a light jacket, instead of bundled up to the point of waddling! :)
Diane says
It’s been an unseasonably warm winter here in Ohio. Today it will be in the 70! I am going out to play in the garden :)
Jessica says
Sunday afternoon, I abandoned piles of clothes I was sorting and even convinced my husband to join us down at the park for frisbee and foxtail with the kids (its a ball with a long tail). It was only about 30 minutes, but you would have thought we were parents of the year.
Kristin @ Fiskerelli Bellies says
It’s been gorgeous here in NC, too. I’m already dreaming about my garden. We’ve done a first tilling and I have my grid all marked out.
Jill Roper says
I love it! Your boys will remember hoops and not the leaves and dirt in the house. Enjoy the sun.
Adrienne @ Whole New Mom says
Thanks for hosting, Laura.
Had to say, we are about to order an airsoft gun for my son based on that post you wrote awhile ago. Thanks for sharing your family’s experience! You are going to make this 6 yo VERY happy!
Blessings!
Dottie says
Don’t you just love this weather? I really need to get my family in gear and go out and enjoy it too. Here in the south we usually have mild winters but this winter has me blown away! Except for a few cold days, we’ve had mostly fall or spring like weather. I’m so thankful for it, but today my post is more about being a queen.
Stacy @Stacy Makes Cents says
It’s been very warm here too! :-) I am enjoying every minute…and I hope our summer will be mild as well.
Elisabeth says
Here in Illinois, we are finally seeing some sunshine! I am so ready for spring.
Michelle says
Yay for spring!!!
Courtney says
Does that mean it’s time for spring cleaning?!?
justpitchingmytent says
I have the EXACT same feeling about walking…my friend and I go outside whenever the weather is nice! We almost always walk longer and stronger outside!! :)
Lyndsay says
I too have abandoned the inside of my house for this amazing Nebraska weather. We just moved in February, and promptly got 12 inches of snow our first weekend. So now that it’s warm, I have been enjoying exploring our yard, setting up our patio, grilling out a lot (which also happens to equal less dishes to wash!) and watching our boys find worms, make mud pies, and play. I even spent an entire afternoon sitting outside with my sister-in-law, talking and enjoying the sun while the boys got very dirty! Loving the fact that the forecast calls for the weather to last through the week! Now to unpack some boxes…or not!
Sumer says
We’re looking at 70’s all week here in Denver!! Yay!!
I love that you said WE were out playing Airsoft – way to go! :)
Thanks for the gracious reminder that our precious kiddos are only this age ONCE… and that we should enjoy it instead of stressing out over the dust, laundry, cleaning and what-not. I think I’ll abandon my chores for part of the day and do the same. :)
Lori @ Shine Like Stars says
Yes, wonderful weather in SW Oklahoma, too! And much-needed rain!
Theresa says
Linked up, thanks!
Shari @ Leaving A Legacy says
I love Spring weather. The way the morning air smells is one of my favorite things. :)
Lynne Vinson says
We, too, are enjoying wonderful weather! Getting ready to put some clothes on the line in just a minute, though I’ll have to run them through the dryer for a few minutes when they are done to get the pollen out. :) I’m thinking today is going to be a mostly outside kind of day. Hope yours is blessed!
Holly @ My Plant Based Family says
I excited that you can enjoy the nice weather. I’m in Arizona where the weather is beautiful but I don’t get out to enjoy it nearly enough. I know soon it will be too to enjoy. My 3 year old loves to play outside but he is a runner and runs off so I don’t take him out by myself (I have a 1 year old too).
Jen says
I’m right there with you! My just turned 4 year old son has been a runner since he took his first steps. Even before his 15 month old brother was born, I couldn’t keep up with him by myself… he is FAST! I’m thankful our back yard is fenced in, so I can take them both out in the back. Of course, my son prefers to play in the front, but it’s just not safe unless my husband is home. I do wish I could take them both for walks, or to the park, or anywhere actually. Hopefully soon the training will kick in, and I will be able to trust him to stay with me.
Tituslady says
It’s been beautiful in TN too! My LO and I and our puppy played outside almost all day yesterday! We left dirt and cleaning inside to just to enjoy the nice weather =)! And then God Blessed so much today with a new homeschooling playgroup for my LO and I’m getting to join a quilting group! I’m like a five year old who wants to jump and down!
God Bless
Naomi says
Hope you’re having a blessed day Laura. We have had an unusual winter as well here NM. Hoping for more rain because we need the moisture in this dry state. :o)
Laura M. says
We are having great weather where I live as well and I have greatly enjoyed taking my son out to play!
Jen says
It’s been absolutely gorgeous here for days, and it’s supposed to last for as long as the weather is predicted in advance (10 days). It was so nice to get out in the yard last weekend and plant some spring seeds! Soon we’ll have radishes, garlic, onions and turnips poking through the ground. We’ll be planting more every weekend for the next few months.
My husband was able to clear a corner of our yard that’s been on the list for a year or two. Now we have a place to plant some raspberry and blueberry bushes. My lilac bush, honeysuckle, oregano, chives and thyme are coming to life.
We also had steaks on the grill the other night. My little boys are having fun digging in the dirt and sand. My 15 month old is building a great immune system, chewing on twigs, and other fun things outside. I’m so thankful for, and absolutely love spring!
Chara says
Thanks for hosting! Sharing my home cured Corned Beef- perfect for this weekend- easy and delicious! :)
Also linked to my latest find- home made super easy beeswax candles! :)
Chara
http://stitchingheartstogether.blogspot.com/2012/03/home-cured-corned-beef.html
http://stitchingheartstogether.blogspot.com/2012/03/beeswax-candles-version-1-super-simple.html
Thank you for sharing your life with us! :)
Lisa says
We have been having beautiful weather in Colorado too. We started working in the garden (but not much…need to play too). We are suppose to get up to 70 then this weekend back down to the 50’s. Well, it is still winter after all. lol I am very thankful for the nice reprieve though. Everyone enjoy, and remember this time because it will get hot soon. :)
Jenifer Parker says
I don’t doubt there is such a phenomenon as ‘global warming’. We here in Miami have had NO winter at all. 3 days of temps under 60º. NO FAIR. A break from the heat is needed. HELP.
Jenifer Parker says
Ummm? be happy, we get dirt and leaves tracked in 365 and 24/7 with a dog door. LOL
Christie says
Way down south, in Mobile, Alabama, I am thankful for lots of nice rain and sunshine to soon dry things up. I am thankful for being able to sit close to my boys(8 year old twins, 10,12,and 14 yr olds) and 3 year old daughter during lessons as we homeschool each day . I am grateful for Daddy tilling our garden and then to see our children learning to find joy in planting !I love to see and hear the excitement over the new baby chicks. Each day we gaze in awe as we admire the beautiful azaleas ….such a handiwork of God . Most of all, as always, I am grateful I know the Creator of all these things. For this I am eternally grateful.
Lisa says
Laura, I also wrote about some lovely spring-like days we enjoyed last week. Soak up that vitamin D while you can!!
Blessings, ~Lisa
Sara Shay says
We’ve been enjoying the warmth and sunshine of a new little baby boy!
Jolene@The Alabaster Jar says
Thanks for hosting this link up. Your site is very helpful!
Jacqueline @ Deeprootsathome.com says
The photos are so pretty. Thank You to our sweet hostess :)
Carrie says
This is my first time to link up on Gratituesday! I linked a post to a new series I’m starting called Tightwad Tuesdays, inspired by Amy Dacycyzn’s Tightwad Gazette. Thanks for hosting!
Jessica says
Thanks for hosting!!