LOVE.

The Little Girls and I received these beauties yesterday from Tim. And you know those little girls had tears in their eyes and kept saying how sweet and handsome it was of their Daddy to send us all flowers. It was the most romantic gift.

 Happy Valentines Day.

Afternoon Delight.

Jenny and I planned a little Valentines Party for The Little Girls and The Little Boys. She made these sweet little fondant cakes and perfect kid-friendly snacks. We made valentines, though the kids were more interested in playing together instead of sitting still and completing a creative project. I just adore this precious cousin time. The Three J's (Jared, Jenny, Jackson) are expecting a baby boy in June, I can't wait to meet him!

 

Proud Mama.

She's so little but has such big ideas. I just can't help myself, my pride cup runneth over. Every time she sits at the easel, I wait with excited anticipation to see what she comes up with next. And because I am going all out with my bragging, I didn't spell any of these words for her, she either sounded the words out or looked in one of her books for just the right spelling. She is reading!

 106 days into the school year and she is reading.

Oh and one more thing...She got an award at school from the Positive Action Committee. And because as a parent I always  wonder/worry if my child is behaving when out of my view/care, I felt reassured and couldn't have been more proud of her.

Perfect Timing.

A box of stickers fell on the floor this morning, it had been teetering on the sofa arm rather precariously waiting for the perfect blend of slight breeze and gravity to send it's contents scattering to the floor. Two Little Girls stepped over the mess multiple times and this busy Mama finally found time to gather up the pieces. Curiously I found this card stuck/fit perfectly in the bottom of the sticker box. My Mom sent this to me my Freshman year in college. I remember the rainy day it came to my dorm mailbox, I had just returned to campus after work. My Mom's timing was perfect, I hated my job and was struggling to keep up with my studies between classes and supporting myself. I was homesick and her words nurtured and reassured me. I carried the Hug book with me for weeks, it was my hope touchstone and a surrogate way to be with my Mom. This card is my surrogate hope touchstone today, her words picking up my pieces and are as relevant today as they were 16 years ago.

  

67.

Grandpa Dan had a birthday yesterday.

 I made a Lemon Meringue Pie for him (a tradition my Mom started many years ago), and we had a little tea party at the Ranch.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Mexican Chocolate Biscotti.

 

I'm having a hard time keeping the cookie jar full of these (the third batch this week is in the oven now!).

At 57 calories a piece, you would too. 

Recipe here.

The Fox And The Goo.

 

The Goo has this "thing" for foxes. His lovey fox (Sly Guy) he chose himself at 5 months old. I put it in his stroller as a way to keep him happy while in a toy store in Fort Bragg. When I thought he was through with it I tried to take it from his chubby hands but he held fast and firm to Sly Guy's floppy arm and gave me a sideways glance perfected only by his Dad, I knew then he was not going to be parted with this soft fuzzy. So now Sly Guy sleeps on the right side of Goo's bassinet while his blankie rests to the left or over his face. 

I wanted some artwork for Goo's nursery, he got this one for Christmas.
 

I don't know how she knew...I'm guessing her girls told her...but last Saturday I got this in the mail from Sharon The Great. For Grady's room, it's perfect.