The Big Number 5

My baby is turning the big number 5

:: The Big Number 5 ::

I don’t know whether to cry or smile at the fact that my baby is turning The Big Number 5 today! Haven’t we figured out how to freeze time yet? I really wish we could, as I would keep her at this age! She is in love with so many things right now.  She is our sweet heart and makes friends with everyone she meets. She definitely has stolen our hearts.  

The Big Number 5. My baby is turning 5 today!

Madeline was born on Easter Sunday.  She came into this world with the sweetest disposition.  I truly believe God sent her to us just the way she is. She has the patience of a saint.  Her birth came right after we had started a busy speech and ABA therapy schedule for Mason.  We were running around to various places, and she would go along for the ride content in her baby carrier or car seat.  She has always been right by my side.  She has smiled, listened, and held my hand tight along the way.  She understands and “gets” her brother and looks up to him very much.  Everything he does, she wants to do right there with him. Madeline has been our rock, our happiness, and our girl! I can’t believe she is 5.  [Read more…]

Our Life in Photos

#Disneyland (image via Simply Happenstance)

:: Our Life in Photos ::

The month of March has been so full, happy, and memorable for my family! My two littlest ones celebrated their birthday’s! Miss Blue requested a mermaid theme, with street tacos {made by her daddy} for dinner, and a colorful circus cake! {Ha!} The only gift she really wanted for her 6th birthday was to go to Disneyland. {We had passes four years ago… but since then, we haven’t been back.} A week following her actual birthday, we made the trek down the mountain to the happiest place on earth! 

Before we get to those fun photos… here is a peek at Sophia’s special day!  {I wish I could take credit for the birthday decorations… but it was all my creative husby’s vision! He decorated and I made her sparkly crown… because every mermaid needs a fancy crown, right?!} 

Mermaid Birthday (image via Simply Happenstance) 2

Mermaid Birthday Mermaid Birthday (image via Simply Happenstance) 3 Mermaid Birthday (image via Simply Happenstance) 4

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Happy 3rd Birthday, Finn!

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Yesterday we said goodbye to the age of 2. Our youngest little man, Mr. Amazing… is 3 today!!!

There’s a children’s book called Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury, that has truly impacted my life and the way I parent. {My older sister bought it for me almost ten years ago.. it’s such a wonderful gift for new parents.} It’s a beautiful book that has you thinking about the last days of developmental milestones and phases with your kids… the last time they cuddle up and sleep beside you in bed, the last time you held them in your arms singing them lullabies, the last time riding a bike with training wheels, the last time they said a funny phrase, etc. It’s one of those books that although is a kids’ book, with darling pictures… it’s really more for the parent reading it. I am so thankful for that sweet book, as it’s kept me focused on being more present with my kids {since we never know the last time they are going to do or say something}.

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Happy 6th Birthday, Sophia Blue!

Image via: Simply Happenstance.jpg

:: Happy 6th Birthday, Sophia Blue ::

My sweet, sweet girl… didn’t I just write about you turning 5? The year has quickly sped by…. leaving me wanting to turn back the clock, and experience the last year with you all over again.

You have grown so much this year… not only taller, but in maturity. A year ago, it was hard for me to imagine that you’d soon be starting Kindergarten. Now… First Grade is around summer’s bend. To be perfectly honest, you haven’t been crazy about homeschooling this year… mostly because you want to do your older brothers’ work, or play with your baby brother, Finn. You find coloring, cutting, and workbook pages to be “boring!” I’m constantly buying new curriculum for you… or searching the internet for projects that you’ll enjoy!

You still really love to help around the house, especially if it involves cooking or baking! You recently picked up a camera and shot some photos. I couldn’t believe your natural ability to capture beautiful moments, from your unique perspective. When you aren’t playing with your favorite dolls, you are typically singing, dancing, or tumbling around the house {or on the furniture!}. You pretty much provide us with constant entertainment!

You are the most amazing big sister, Sophia Blue! You love your baby brother more than anything! He follows you around… wearing your high heels, sparkly makeup, and tutu’s! He loves getting wrapped up in your imaginative games and practicing your fancy ballet moves! Lately, you’ve been telling your two oldest brothers that they are the “meanest brothers in the whole world!” {This is definitely a new phase we are going through.} Deep down… you do love them dearly, but those older brothers of yours LOVE to antagonize you {they really like to make you shriek!}. Although Mommy and Daddy do our best to keep the peace… we know that having three brothers will only make you stronger, more well-rounded, and confident in life. Promise! [Read more…]

10 Tips For Keeping Your Kids Safe

10 Tips For Keeping Your Kids Safe

:: 10 Tips For Keeping Your Kids Safe::

Knowledge can be powerful and yet it can be scary.  This topic is not our usual fluffy recipe of simple goodness, but it’s a topic we as parents can work harder at achieving.  These 10 Tips For Keeping Your Kids Safe, is something you can practice and address to your family in your daily routine.

I recently attended a parenting safety night at my son’s school.  The Joyful Child Foundation spoke to parents about teaching our children to be brave and be safe.  To be honest with you, I was nervous to attend the engagement, as I knew the premise and who the speaker was. Erin Runnion, the mother of Samantha Runnion and Founding Director of The Joyful Child, was the guest speaker. Samantha was the victim of a terrible kidnapping that took place in Orange County in 2002.  The Joyful Child Foundation was established in loving memory of her and their mission is to help to prevent child sexual abuse and abduction. I hope that this safety information will create some additional awareness for your children as well as your community. [Read more…]

Woodland Decor Inspiration

:: Woodland Decor Inspiration ::

Have you been noticing sweet little foxes, rabbits, deer, squirrels, and owls everywhere you look? I certainly have… and I LOVE it! I thought I’d share with you my top ten favorite Woodland Decor pieces for kids’ rooms!

Woodland Theme Inspiration {Simply Happenstance} #woodland #decor

Perhaps it’s our life in the mountains that has me enamored by these darling little forest creatures… or maybe it’s that they are all so cheery and whimsical! Whatever it is… I simply can’t get enough of all the fun decor possibilities! I am not a huge fan of themed rooms, but I think a sprinkling of what you currently love, is always a good thing when it comes to decorating! These ten would be super cute in a nursery, young child’s room, or even in a playroom!  

1. Woodland Friends  Print  // 2. Owl Branches Coat Tree // 3. Fable Foret Owl Clock // 4. Gold Owl Bookends // 5. Canvas Fox Wall Art // 6. Teepee // 7. Cardboard Deer Trophy // 8. Luxe Faux Fur Animal Hoods // 9. Forest Fox Trio // 10. Modern Woodland Wallpaper [Read more…]