Life Lately

`I haven't really had the itch to blog much lately and I think it's because I spend so much of my days in front of a screen (online teaching). That and the fact that life hasn't been terribly exciting around these parts. AJ and I both teach remotely now and Hank is with us all day and that's life in a nutshell! Life is just so strange these days and I'm trying to stay positive, but anyone else got a case of the blahs?? I'm seeking to find the good in each day and savor these moments with Hank and AJ at home that I wouldn't normally have.

some green tea and quiet mama time while Hank drives his Paw Patrol car recklessly into our basement walls 

One thing I am thankful for is this little blogging space. I think it's important for me to document this time in our lives because it so unique and such a turning point in the world. We pray every night for those who are sick, health care workers (nurses and doctors have been Steele family heroes for a while now), and those feeling alone and distressed. Like I mentioned earlier, there are silver linings in all of this and I can't wait to sit in a coffee shop on the other side of this and write all about it. In the meantime, we've been.....

*Spreading Love from afar--My parents dropped off a care package full of goodies and it was a fun treat!

the care package included red vines. Yes and amen! 

So I saw this online and just had to do it. Our toilet was smoking! lol. 

some chalk we left on our neighbors porches 

*Watching plenty of shows--we love Disney Plus for when Hank is up. When he's asleep, I watch all the crap on TLC and AJ and I have 1 episode left of Love is Blind (love it!). Yes, we do have every intention of watching that crazy tiger show. Haha!

Is A Goofy Movie the best soundtrack ever??? YES MA'AM! #powerline 

*Supporting Local Eats--Last week we did curbside service from Honeysuckle Coffee, The Local Greek, and The Salty Pineapple. Not hating all the take out. 

*Crafting--Hank and I played with shaving cream, coloring (I got him the No Mess Markers, he loves them). We've also been having fun with play doh. I have finger painting on the docket this week, we'll see if I'm feeling brave enough! An awesome local business, Heartfelt Wall Hangings, started doing craft kit delivery recently. Yes please! I made a chevron and polka dot flag and a cute sign for AJ's dad for Father's Day. I know of some jewlery designers making DIY necklace kits, too. How fun!

*Cooking and Baking--Cooking has been a bit up in the air due to grocery shortages etc, but I recently made pot roast, mushroom pork chops, fried rice, peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, avocado mac and cheese, and this week I'm making bacon parmesan chicken in the crockpot. It's nice to slow down and really enjoy the kitchen.

Avocado Mac and Cheese

Fried Rice

*Doing my own manis and beauty routine: I've been wanting to do a beauty/skin care post, but wonder if it's not appropriate at this time...or maybe yes as a nice distraction?? Anyway, while I've been trying to be diligent about skin care, my hair is whole other story. Lol. These Impress nails are nowhere near as fabulous as a salon gel mani, but they get the job done.

*Online Teaching: There was a learning curve, obvi, but this week is already shaping up to be smoother. I filmed a few videos Sunday afternoon to post throughout the week. I went into school last week (I've been trying really hard to stay away with social distancing etc) and prepared lots of material for a second round of packets for my kids. It hurts my heart because 1st grade is not supposed to look like lots of screen time and worksheets, but it is what is, right? It's been fun communicating with my class via Google classroom. I miss all their little faces so much.

This meme made me laugh---we're still here, doing what we do. Lol. 

*Going for drives: We've hopped in the car a few times, just to get the heck out of the house. We drove to Copperton, Eagle Mountain, The Great Salt Lake, and just around. We stay in the car, of course, but it helps. We cancelled our spring break trip to Boise to visit AJ's family and that makes us sad, but Starbucks and a road trip playlist sorta feels like a trip...kinda? not really? Oh well.

wearing my pencil earrings for some teaching videos later 

*Reading: Check out my March Reads HERE

*Getting Excited for Easter: We are doing a drive through Easter egg hunt this weekend and I picked up this dye kit for Hank (we're very into sharks over here). Yesterday I went to drop off some Easter decorations to Hadley. It's so quiet, peaceful and socially distanced there that I'm looking forward to warmer weather to spend some extra time there. I feel like this year, more than ever, the eternal message of hope that Easter Sunday brings is so needed, special, and holy. 

That's Life Lately---slower, kind of anxious feeling, strange, peaceful, unique. I love that Hank doesn't have a clue what is going on. He's just excited for a lot more Disney dance parties in the kitchen. I am too, honestly.

saw this poem online, it gave me all the feels 

Savor Your Sparkle,

Leslie