Seeing a sweet boy roll trucks across the ground, pups sniffing the air, and really fun shadows that are giving cottage vibes.
Smelling daffodils and spring in the air. The flowers started blooming right before we got a night of freezing temps but they somehow bounced back.
Hearing all kids of birds chirping. Callahan can identify several, but for ones we don’t know, we use the Merlin Bird ID app. It’s free and it’s amazing. Perfect for curious toddlers and parents.
Tasting the dinner that’s cooking in the kitchen between popping outside for the dogs.
Feeling nostalgic for springs past. The smell of spring and the brisk morning temps take me back to zoo trips when I was little.
Another month, another round up of photos documenting where I was over the last month. It honestly felt as dreary as it looks. I kind of love the muted tones of these photos because that is exactly how the month felt. Looking forward to a more springy selection in March.
• Callahan’s Tiny Things – I never want to forget Callahan’s little treasures, carefully collected and handled with love. A panda, a heart, a tiny dog—among many other things tucked safely in his drawer.
• Sick at Home – Too many days in February spent in pajamas, snuggled up in bed next to two cuddly pups. This month has been full of tissues, electrolytes, and naps.
• Golf – A winter escape to the indoor putting green (even if it’s just at Dick’s Sporting Goods), boots on artificial grass, trying to shake off the cold-weather blues. Our boy loves the sport and let’s be honest, I do too.
• Playing Outside – Sneakers on concrete, basketball in hand, soaking up every tolerable moment of fresh air before the next cold front rolls in.
• Ice Skating – Standing on the ice, watching tiny skates glide forward, slow and unsteady. Holding my toddler’s hand, feeling the wobbles and the determination.
• Family Exercise – A workout for three squeezed into the living room, weights on the rug, trying to get our pump on.
• Toys in the Living Room – A floor covered in stuffed animals and basketballs, proof of a day well played. My feet among the chaos, embracing the mess of childhood.
• Soda and Shopping Vibes – A weekend with my folks always includes a fountain soda grabbed by dad and a trip to target with mom always makes my day. Sidewalk slush, white sneakers, a small but familiar joy.
• Soaking up the Sun – Face tilted upward, spring finally in the air, melting the last bits of snow. Always thankful for glimpses that remind us that winter won’t last forever.
The Good List: Two snow days for a boy who is really excited about snow. Sprinkled moments in the work (from home) day to play. Opening “presents” at my desk and helping put the final lego on top of the tower – too good. The way that golf and lawnmowing become winter activities. How he wants to be just like his daddy. Cozy blankets to snuggle with when we come inside. An incredible start to my 2025 reading goal. Snow gear from last year that still fits IYKYK. And together being exactly where we want to be.
What a weekend. We got about two inches of snow on Friday and the cold front (after several days of 50-60 degree weather) made us want to stay inside all weekend. We did venture out to hang up our new bird feeder and I snuck in a little me time at a bookshop downtown. I did come away with the first book in the Crescent City series by Sarah J Maas that I’ve had on my TBR for years at this point.
I’m currently in the middle of the audiobook “Remarkably Bright Creatures” which is book number 12 for the year. I managed 65 in 2023 and am on track to surpass that if I keep up this pace. Depends on how many 800+ page Sarah J Maas/Brandon Sanderson books make it onto my list. I’ve really been trying to habit switch to spend less of my time on my phone, and more with a book after Cal goes to bed. Amazing book stores and a nightstand full of books I’m excited about definitely help make that happen.
The best thing I did all year was create a bucket list of experiences that I wanted our family to prioritize throughout the fall. We definitely didn’t hit all of them, but the ones we did check off were so much fun! For each thing that we ticked off, I made a little collage of 3-4 photos.
I always enjoy following along with current trendy things on social media. Even though I don’t post there super regularly, it’s still fun to think about what I would post if I was following along with the viral TikTok challenges (minus dances because, well, just no). Most of the ones I’m excited about lately are Pinterest related – so enjoy these few fun things and maybe I’ll share some again in the future when new ones pop up.
Jacqueline-Core
This one was made by searching my name and “core” on Pinterest.
I’m a huge fan of the French vibes that my name always brings about. Plus books and a solid quote. I’m sold.
Jacqueline Aesthetic
Searched “Jacqueline Aesthetic” on Pinterest. Mind readers. Censor for tiny eyes.
Doesn’t the second to last photo remind you of a Taylor Swift album? Just me, ok cool. PS. Writing a post about all my thoughts on Taylor Swifts new album with a whole list of my favorite songs.
If My Pinterest Board Was My __________
Curated Pinterest boards showcasing all my favorites.
Simultaneously my favorite to make and the longest to put together. I did have some of these things already pinned, but it was fun to categorize them in this way. Attitude and aesthetic are spot on. I normally say “neutral” is my favorite color, but I had to do something a little more visually interesting for this!
If I were a __________ (according to Kevin)
I asked Kevin, “If I were a __________ (color, season, fruit, etc.) what would I be? These were his answers.
Color: coral
Season: fall
Fruit: blueberries
Time of day: nap time
Flower: mums
Thing: magic 8 ball
Holiday: Christmas
Weather: 73 degrees and partly sunny
Food: nachos
Ok, this was fun. I’m here for all of the things that are supposed to describe me. Obviously, if I didn’t agree it wouldn’t be here. They are all curated and lovely and I just want to keep them here as a reminder of silly things we do like I wish I still had my last MySpace Top 8, Favorite Xanga Quotes and Tumblr reposts. RIP to all those websites, ok bye for now.
