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Every Little Thing by April Jeppson

I’m not saying Minnesota is unpredictable, but if our weather were a person, it would be that friend who texts, “Be ready in five!” and then shows up an hour later in a completely different outfit than they said they’d wear. Last week, we were buried under what felt like an avalanche. Snowplows worked overtime and driveways became impromptu gyms for anyone with a shovel. Fast forward a few days, and here we are — birds chirping, jackets abandoned and people walking around like we didn’t just experience a winter apocalypse.

It’s the kind of weather shift that makes you feel a little unhinged. I’m half-convinced I should still be wearing my snowboots, but I also have an undeniable urge to dig out my sandals. This past week has been unseasonably warm. People have emerged from their winter hideouts with a need to start their spring cleaning. Windows are open, kids are playing outside without being forced, and I had my first sighting of a kid wearing shorts to school.

Here’s my annual reminder that when my windows are open, the neighbors can hear me. Also, here’s a reminder for everyone else, just ignore all the parents as they loudly encourage their children for the third time to brush their teeth or pick up their toys.

How is it spring break already? I know they say time flies when you’re having fun, but geez, I didn’t think I was having that much fun. So the kids will be home or the vans will be loaded to the brim as families rush off to a vacation. Either way snack consumption is bound to increase by 300% this week. With summer inching closer, I can already feel the shift in energy. Dinners cooked on the grill, sitting on the back deck with my family and enjoying sticky s’mores are no longer a far-away dream. They’re right there on the horizon, teasing us with their promise of long, light-filled days.

But the real highlight of my week? A dinner with a group of my friends. We gathered around good food, laughed until we almost cried and — perhaps most importantly — reminded each other that we’re all in this together. There’s something magical about sharing a meal with people who just get you. It was a reset button for my soul, a reminder that joy isn’t just found in big vacations or milestone moments, but in simple nights spent with the right people.

So, as we bask in this glorious taste of spring, I’m soaking it all in — the sunshine, the laughter, the momentary pause before life speeds up again. Who knows what next week’s forecast will bring (rain? More snow? A random tornado?), but for now, I’ll take every warm breeze and good conversation I can get.

Albert Lean April Jeppson is a wife, mom, coach and encourager of dreams. Her column appears every Saturday.