Darr Family Blog

Weekly Happenings: This past week was a fun one. Valentine’s Day has never been one that we celebrated in a huge way, but this year we did get to do a few fun things. It started this past Tuesday when Joseph had a Valentine party for Story Time at the library. We then had a Valentine picnic (and cookie decorating) at a park close by with friends on Thursday. On Friday, I took Joseph on a “date” out to the mall where he got to choose a new LEGO kit and then we got a Happy Meal on the way home. Friday night, Paul and I dropped Joseph off at a friend’s house and then went out for dinner (while I love our son, it is really nice for it to be just the two of us every once in awhile). Yesterday we had a low-key day at home and then went to the nearby outdoor mall to walk around in the evening. As far as today goes (Valentine’s Day, itself), we went to church as usual, but do have a somewhat special dinner planned (Paul’s going to grill some steaks and we’re going to have sauteed mushrooms, potatoes, and veggies).

The Weekly Weather: I’m beginning to think that winter is over. The weather this past week was amazing. Warm (but not too hot), sunny, and beautiful. If this is what is in store, I’ll take it!

What Paul’s Been Up To: Not too much out of the ordinary…he’s been keeping busy with school work, work, and whatnot. He did use a Best Buy gift certificate that he’s had for a while to purchase an inexpensive Kindle Fire (tablet) so that he has an updated eReader. He also was officially set apart as the Assistant Scoutmaster for our ward.

What Sarah’s Been Up To: I had a book club meeting this past week (and have another this week…I love being in two different book clubs. Since I have two books to read each month, I find myself reading a lot more, which makes me feel like I’m spending my time more wisely than I would be if I were to spend it watching TV or endlessly checking Facebook). I’ve also been plugging away with my piano students. 🙂

What Joseph’s Been Up To: Other than the events that have been mentioned already, not too much. I’ve had so much fun with him this past week. I love watching his reaction when we get to do special things. The pure joy that he expresses makes my heart sing. I love my little man!

This Week in Pictures:

Weekly Happenings: We spent a lot of this past week out of doors. The weather has just been beautiful. We’ve had park play dates, friends over to play, just playing on our own in the back yard, etc. To be honest, we didn’t do much else. It’s nice to have weeks like this on occasion.

The Weekly Weather: As aforementioned, it’s been beautiful. The mornings have been kind of cool (I’ve noticed frost on the grass and rooftops) but then it would warm up throughout the day. The pollen hasn’t even been that bad (yay).

What Paul’s Been Up To: He’s been kept busy with school and work, as well as his new responsibilities as an assistant scoutmaster (mainly going to a training for it this past week).

What Sarah’s Been Up To: Not a whole lot out of the ordinary. I’ve finished a couple really good books. I kind of like being in two different book clubs. It provides a lot of suggestions for new stuff to read that I might not have normally thought of. Plus, it’s great to be able to meet up with other women to discuss the books and see different viewpoints and insights. It’s intellectually stimulating (and fun!) which is something I feel I might have needed a bit more of in my life.

What Joseph’s Been Up To: He enjoyed having several play dates and also loved being able to spend some of the money he’s been saving up (if he does well with his responsibility chart he gets a small allowance) on some toys he’s been eyeing for a while. It was a good lesson to sit down, count up his money, and separate the tithing (while giving a somewhat simplified explanation that the bishop uses the money to help people). It was also a good lesson for him to see how much certain things cost.

This Week in Pictures:

Weekly Happenings: This past week was pretty average. Aside from having the occasional play date, it was pretty much the normal activities. Yesterday Paul did go to a video games/electronics convention with friends and had a pretty great time while Joseph and I held down the fort. We did notice that the momma bird from last spring has come back to inspect her nest (glad I was too lazy to remove it). I had no idea she’d be back, but Paul said that Phoebies are one of the types that will often come back to previous nests. It would be cool to have more baby birds this spring. The “yummy food adventures” has to do with a couple of new recipes that I tried out this past week. I’ve found quite a few repeatable recipes (meaning we like the food enough to make it again) in my new cookbook and consequently we’ve been having some pretty yummy food. Oh, and Paul took the Honda to a local mechanic (he lives in our neighborhood and has a shop nearby) to try and figure out why it was so smelly…lo and behold, the gas tank was cracked, so that will be getting replaced and we’ll no longer have a smelly car and garage…yay!

The Weekly Weather: We had a few cold days which have been followed by some downright warm ones. Today’s high (as well as tomorrow’s) is supposed to be in the 80s. I guess Mother Nature forgot that it’s winter. Though, it won’t stay like this for long. We’re supposed to have another front coming through that will cool it down again.

What Paul’s Been Up To: Other than work and school, not too much. One big thing is that he was released from the Sunday School presidency and was called to be the Assistant Scout Master for our ward’s scout troop.

What Sarah’s Been Up To: I’m back in the swing with students, visiting teaching stuff is choo-chooing along as usual, and I’ve started choir practice back up.

What Joseph’s Been Up To: TONS of imaginative play, playing with friends, and showing that he’s got quite the brain in his noggin. The other day, he asked if he could play Paul’s old DS. I told him he could play it for as long as I was in the shower. Without missing a beat, he told me to make sure I took a really, really long shower. Little smartie-pants!

This Week in Pictures: