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…]

Christmas Cranberry Spritzer

chirstmascranberryspritzer2

:: Christmas Cranberry Spritzer ::

It’s Christmas time and boy do I absolutely LOVE a fun holiday drink! This Christmas Cranberry Spritzer is a new favorite.  Made with St. Germain, a little bubbly {champagne/sparkling wine}, a splash of cranberry juice, and a dash of blood orange vodka. This drink is definitely something to say “Cheers” to. 

Lately, when Shane and I have had a moment to go out to dinner, we have noticed that the cocktail menus in most restaurants are creating libations with St. Germain.  It is a flowery liqueur that when combined in a tangy drink it adds a hint of sweetness to a cocktail.

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S’mores Ice Cream Cake

 

s'mores ice cream cake

:: S’mores Ice Cream Cake ::

I whole-heartedly have had every intention of posting healthier recipes up on the blog {and I promise… I will!}; however, we did have a special birthday in our family last week. Ryan, my oldest son, turned nine. I’m still sort of in shock at how quickly my time with him has gone. In just nine more years… I’ll be sending this handsome boy off to college {sigh}. I’m literally holding onto him for as long as he lets me…

One of our traditions {dating back to when I was a child} is having the birthday person pick their favorite dinner and dessert. When I was growing up… I always picked savory crepes for dinner and deliciously sweet crepes for dessert. {Not your traditional birthday cake, but still to this day, my absolute favorite!} For Ry… it was his favorite restaurant for Chinese food and homemade S’mores Ice Cream Cake for dessert. In my opinion, there’s just no reason to purchase ice cream cakes. You can so easily make one yourself…. and I guarantee it will be so much more decadent and flavorful!

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Nearly a Decade…

 

Nearly a decade…. I can’t believe it, Ry. It’s been nearly a decade of hugs, kisses, cuddles and sweet, thoughtful conversations with you. Nearly a decade of reading books, exploring the outdoors, answering your questions, going on walks, praying with you, and tucking you in at night.

Being my firstborn… it’s amazing how much I remember about your sweet personality growing up… your likes, dislikes, and little quirks. I remember each major milestone as if it’s permanently etched into my mind. It’s so special being the first… in so many ways. You see, you will always hold such a sacred space in my heart, because you were the child who first made me a mother. The child who taught me patience, and an unfathomable type of love {the most exceptional form}, that which is unconditional.

When you were a baby, you loved looking at books from the earliest age. In fact, when you were only weeks old, you were completely mesmerized by my colorful psychology books placed on the shelves. When you were slightly older, you would wake up and spend several minutes thumbing through board books. If I came in before you were finished, you would get upset… indicating a desire for a few more minutes with your books. It was the sweetest thing! By the age of three, you were doing 100-piece puzzles in a flash! By the age of 4, you told everyone that when you grew up, you were going to be a Paleontologist. You have always loved learning… for the sake of learning! It is so beautiful to bear witness to….

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Funfetti Cake Batter Milkshakes

 

:: Funfetti Cake Batter Milkshakes ::

What do you think of when you hear the word, “funfetti?”  You think of cake, sprinkles, confetti, & fun…. right?! Exactly! I knew when I heard of this cake batter milkshake that I had to blend up a batch for the kids! After all, what kid doesn’t love milkshakes & funfetti cake? The combination of funfetti cake mix + vanilla ice cream + milk = pure heaven {in my world}! I promise… it was just that!  [Read more…]

I’d Marry You All Over Again…

 

::  I’d Marry You All Over Again  ::

This week marks our 16 years together and 11 years of marriage {whoo hoo}! I wish I could tell you that we have some spectacular plans to celebrate… but that’s surely not the case {not with a recent move, four kids, and the beginning of our homeschool journey}! It’s sort of fitting, however. I feel like we’ve passed the initial excitement of being freshly married, the tumultuous first years of getting into a groove, and even the “seven year itch!” We’re settling into a cozy, quieter type of love. The kind where you feel safe with the other person, and supported no matter what crazy ideas you may have. The type of love where you’re secure in the feeling that the other person is in it for the long haul…truly through sickness and in health, good times and in bad… in joy, as well as in sorrow. The kind of love where you are content and happy just having a peaceful date night at home {as long as there’s a happy ending involved… whether it’s ice cream or the steamier kind}! It’s a wonderful type of love…. [Read more…]