We are in that time of year that isn’t quite spring, but isn’t the middle of winter either. We wake up to frost on the grass, but find ourselves shedding our sweatshirts in the afternoon to enjoy the sunshine. One day might be a mid-50s day with clouds and feel so cold; the next, a sunny 55-degree day that feels amazing. We are attempting to break out of winter hibernation. We are coming out of short and dark days to brighter and longer ones. We are longing for a steady stream of blue skies and warmth, we just aren’t quite there yet.
Here are some things that are putting some spring in my step (pun intended):
Easy Recipes
I am a soup lover. We make at least one soup a week during the colder months. It is so easy — a whole meal in one pot! Now that warmer days are upon us, it’s time to adjust my meal planning.
This summer pasta is on heavy rotation in our house. The kids adore it and are always asking for more. I love that you can adjust the berries to whatever you have (or the kids will eat) and customize it in other ways. We use the almonds if we have them; I always leave out the basil and dried cranberries. And if I need to get dinner on the table a little faster, I use canned chicken.
These chicken avocado ranch burritos are also a fan favorite in our house. They take some assembly, but are still fairly quick and easy. This is the sort of meal that you can sit outside and enjoy during those perfect spring evenings.
Fun Snacks
My children absolutely love this snack they’ve named Squishies. (And honestly, so do I.). The frozen concoction eats like a treat, but has the added benefit of fruit and protein! There’s no official recipe, but here’s our Squishy process:
- Take some brown-ish bananas (I usually use 3-4) and smash them with a fork in a bowl.
- Spoon some nut butter (we use peanut butter, but I imagine anything would work) into the mashed bananas. I start with a spoonful of peanut butter (I add more later if needed) and mix it together until the mixture is a nice, even consistency. I like it to be a little sticky, but not too sticky. Use your judgment here for what will taste great for your family.
- Break graham crackers in half so you have two squares. Spoon the banana and nut butter mixture onto one square and then put the other half on top to make a sandwich.
- Wrap them up and throw them in the freezer. I use press and seal to wrap them tightly.
- Grab one when you (or a kid) need something delicious!
Time Outside
There is so much research that explains the benefits of being outside and I think we all know it is true. Sometimes I can get sucked into all that needs to be done in the house — dishes, laundry, cleaning, organizing — but I never regret going outside. Sometimes this is on my own to sit outside and read or go on a walk around the neighborhood (even a quick one does wonders for my spirit). But what I find even more revitalizing is playing outside with my kids. As adults, we tend to forget the art of playing, but it is just so fun! Sometimes play is as simple as chalk drawings on the driveway. Sometimes we play Red Light, Green Light or Simon Says. Sometimes I just watch my kiddos dig in the dirt to find rolly pollies. We are still fairly new to Knoxville and we love exploring the incredible greenways for an outdoor excursion. We grab bikes, scooters or rollerblades and hop on to check things out. Whatever it is, I’m never upset that I picked outside play over something else.
Popsicles In The Bath
As warmer weather approaches, popsicles are returning to the rotation in our house. Sometimes on hard days, I tell the kids to grab a popsicle and head to the bath. For some reason, the simple act of eating in the bathtub is just too much fun for them! It serves as a reset for all of us. I get a moment to take a breath and regulate myself while the kids giggle and splash. We all come out of it much better!
Picking Out Easter Basket Presents
For the last few years, I’ve used Easter baskets as a chance to prepare the kids for summer living. Their baskets are full of things like goggles, water or summer shoes, pool toys, and simple outside toys or games (these were a hit). Thinking about and purchasing these gifts lifts me up and gets me excited about summer and all the adventures we will have!
Remembering To Do What Brings Me Joy
Since January, I have been reminding myself that I only have to do things that bring me joy. For example, it doesn’t get me excited to make bags of candy for Valentine’s Day for all the kids in the class, so we don’t. We do simple store-bought Valentines. For other parents, making cute things to give out is fun and brings them joy, but since that isn’t it for me, we don’t do it. These choices open up space for us to do the things that feel more true to who we are, perhaps things that other people may not choose to spend their time and energy on. Intentionally choosing where my energy goes allows me to be more present and more engaged in the places that lift me up.
