Because the week is filled with hectic schedules and not as much family time as I'd like, I love love LOVE to savor our family togetherness through the lens on the weekends. This is the most special time because we're all together the entire weekend and being with my family (and capturing it all) is my number one passion of all. :)

This weekend, I savored (through my iPhone lens), an outside-on-the-patio moment with C and nature. The weather warmed up (and now we all caught a cold this weekend...boo!) and C was happy to soak it up outside. She's still loving my zentangles, but now, she likes to just color mine in, instead of drawing her own. And, I love to hear her sound like a motorboat while she does it. :)

My heart is still sad and missing Rusty. I'm doing better during the day, but I still have moments when I cry in evening. I even cried when D mentioned the puppy bowl on Sunday for the Super Bowl. :(

This was the first time I've sat outside, in his backyard, since he passed. It was a bit emotional, but it was also comforting at the same time. And, the doves...they've been back twice this week, just hanging out (for almost 2 hours!!), eating and taking naps all in the areas he always laid and sniffed around in. They're bringing me comfort as well.

While taking in a moment of stillness and heart-filled reflection, I just loved the way the wintry tree's looked against the sky...it's not every winter that our tree's look like this...usually there's still leaves hanging that never made it to the ground.

It's always fun when I walk out of little bro's room, after putting him down for the night, to find the hallway wall colored and autographed. LOL!! I called her over and asked her, "What were Mommy and Daddy doing when you did this?" (Because I couldn't believe I missed out this on!!)

She said we were in the kitchen and that she was measuring herself. LOL!! I love it!! And, I'm sure I'm not alone in this department...that is, if you have little kiddos the same age as mine. :)

Sunday morning, D took C to the store while Luca was napping, so I was able to get in a little doodle break time. Aaaaaahhhhhhh!!

And then, we spent the day cooking!! Since we're all dealing with colds, I made my chicken soup (without the kale...boooo...I didn't have any...and it's SO good in this soup!) for lunch. SO comforting! Then, for Super Bowl, D made his chicken wings and I made the Pioneer Woman's, Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp (without the spice) with some toasted sourdough bread.

I know, weird combo...but I was craving these shrimps. I love to add the bread, because it reminds me so much of one of our favorite dishes we get here in NOLA... Hot Crab Claws. O.M.G!! Let me tell you...we've been living here for 4 years and my babysitter just introduced us to these this past Spring...say wha!?! I can't believe it took me THAT long to discover these things...they're blue crab claws that are in a butter, garlic sauce and just SO SO divine!!

These shrimps definitely didn't compare, but they hit the spot!!

Then, we brought out the kiddos "their size" chairs and figured this would keep them content for a bit so we could watch the game. It lasted for maybe, a good 5 minutes, because all Luca wanted was C's markers...and this boy can grab those markers FAST and then pull those CAPS off even FASTER!! LOL!

Once the markers were no where to be seen, he found something even more fun to do. Oh this kid...ALWAYS keeping me on my feet and my heart dropping to my stomach. :):)