Now, You're Invited...

It seems you guessed it! Hope could barely contain her excitement for the postponed "ZOO PAWTY!" this past weekend. What a blessing to see her really "get it" this year and to gather a community together for celebration. (Not to mention, I could get a real kick out of planning children's parties- on quite a budget, even- maybe one of these days?) :)

We learned, created/made messes, and had ourselves a big time leading up to the weekend. Then when three certain aunties pulled into the drive, we thought she (oh heck, all of us!) just might burst. We couldn't have done it without them!

Hard as it was we didn't explode, though, and the next day all the little party animals joined us. We played the games made mostly from things around our house, dressed up in masks, and "ate like the animals" including the pictured below trees for giraffes (thanks Grandpa and Grandma for providing for the food!). Of all the things we did, Hope could hardly wait for one part in particular-- "I want to give my fwiends their pwizes!" (A playlist of Jeremiah was a Bullfrog, Crocodile Rock, Jungle Boogie, Rockin' Robin, etc. courtesy of DJ Auntie Mawcie-- thanks, friend!) With that came an end to what we hoped was a fun time for all.

Without further adieu, here are some snapshots of our walk on the wild side:












We'll never forget Hope's excitement over everyone arriving and the snack treats, the compassionate way she helped one of her friends when he got upset, the prancing around in her giraffe mask, shouts of "I don't yike that! It's vewy, vewy dawk!" when blindfolded to pin the trunk, all the hugs and laughs, and the generosity of those who brought two canned goods for a local food pantry-- one for each year of Hope's life.

But we'll especially never forget the shy, almost honored look on Hope's face when the entire room of people sang her Happy Birthday. When they finished she looked at me and quietly asked, "Again?"

Thanks to all of you who could be with us and obliged that little request.

Happy birthday, our big girl. Your heart, your creative spirit, your ability to make us laugh and sing and dance continues to amaze us. May God watch over you and help you grow in this new year of your life... just be sure to slow down the time every chance you get, okay?

To Be Continued...

You could say this girl is typically pretty passionate about animals.

(And perhaps about that messy BBQ dinner, but that's another post for another time.) :)

Watching her interact with them, especially dogs, makes us think she just might have a special touch. After all, with a furry friend like Tucker, she can handle pretty much anything right?

This is why we have been working (playing?) hard all week long.

Check back later on for more details...

In the meantime, hope you have an awesome weekend!

Moments with Maddie- Month Seven

Another month... we'll let the pictures do the talking since we're short on time here. Seven pictures for seven months of our Maddie girl. As you can tell, we're getting more and more personality all the time. :)

As a quick PS... no, PR (Praise Report)... a day short of M's four month milestone, my mouth pain was corrected by a major root canal. Now a day short of M's seven month one, I found out that the remaining bit of tooth encased in my lower lip is mysteriously (read: miraculously) GONE. This means I probably do NOT need mouth surgery, after all!

How thankful we are for your thoughts and prayers!

Be My's...

"my's" is hope-speak for "mine"... have a special day to one and all!

...On a Dime!

Valentine's Day is Saturday?

Maybe you all already knew this? I'm beginning to believe our home is in some sort of time warp. Ah well, better late than never! Especially since we'll be away from the blog for the next several days, I thought I'd use precious napping moments to get this out now. You see; I do love you all! :)

Now, we did get around to putting out some decorations a few weeks ago and to making a few valentines today. We're never ones to spend much moolah on this holiday (although last year Joe big time surprised me with a prenatal massage at this very me, Victorian inspired spa- my sciatic nerve and I were thrilled!) So, no big sum of money needed for anything below; just a little bit of time and elbow grease. Maybe you can leave here with an idea or two?

Scrapbook paper. Cheap, easy, versatile, and available in so many choices! I framed some of this cute, vintage looking paper (60 cents for a big sheet at the Hobby Lobby) and used the rest for a heart garland. In fact, I have a couple of frames that I leave blank so I can do 'em up for all the different holidays.


Stickers, candles, and candy. A whole sheet of these letters were about a buck on clearance. I just spelled out our name among candlelight and sugar. If that doesn't say, " I love you family," I'm not sure what does. Just be careful that your centerpiece is carefully monitored, especially if your home is known to have little taste testers running around.


Homemade Valentines. Besides for a few free picture cards I printed off from here, we also got veggie with it using this easy to follow project idea. We just need to finish the eyes and arms... maybe the scary tornado warnings we've had this morning will hold off so we can make our deliveries??!!


A little something-something for dinner. The day after Valentine's Day is the six year anniversary of when we got engaged! One year I snuck home early from work and recreated the meal and ambiance we had on that special night. Other years I might try something else new, but I typically fit in some of our favorites too. The below meal from last year is lots easier than it may look. Bake some chicken breasts, rubbed with olive oil and Italian seasoning, in the oven at 350 degrees for about 30-40 minutes. Once cooked through, cover the chicken breasts with prepared/homemade marinara sauce and a slice of cheese-- put under the broiler until golden brown and serve over brown rice or couscous. Pair with steamed green beans as well as homemade mashed potatoes (boil potatoes until soft, fork mash with skins on, and mix with butter, garlic and/or chives, milk added gradually, salt, and pepper until they're at the taste and consistency you like). But even if it ends up being mac and cheese--I say light a candle, turn on soft music, and say some sweet nothings to somebody you love. (Or save your pennies and go out this year... that's what we're gonna do!)
Any ideas up your last-minute sleeve? You know I'd love to hear them!

Yesterday's Hat

I never knew cleaning out closets would require a box of tissues, especially just because I found a little hat.

A little hat, but a lot of memories.

From one tiny head to the next...

My heart can scarcely contain either one, much less them both!