a stack of strawberry pancakes and a cookie cake

She began her big day with a stack of her favorite homemade strawberry-cakes.  Her little sister proudly stuck candles and heart-picks on the top for fun birthday decor.  My big girl always acts a little shy but inside, I know she is bursting with happiness.  Today was her day!

Celebrating 8 years with strawberry-cakes and later-on, a cookie cake were tops on the list of things to do.  She enjoyed arranging a flower bouquet, attending a stage play with her sweet Aunt and a roaring good big family dinner.

We were delighted to see you so happy today!  You are such a kind and considerate soul.  Happiest birthday wishes to our 8 year-old!

What is the best thing about being eight?
I am bigger and I can do more...you know, like open up the mailbox by myself

What is your favorite food?
French fries

What is your favorite healthy food?
bananas, strawberries, tomatoes and yogurt

What is your favorite outdoor activity?
swing and play in the playhouse

What is your favorite indoor activity?
play teacher and color

What do you want to be when you grow up?
a mom

What is your favorite topic of study in school?
math, because I like to go to PACE math

What is your favorite color?
blue, purple, yellow and green

Where would you like to go on a vacation?
Minnesota to see my family and pick up rocks on the beach

What is your favorite thing to do with your sisters?
play teacher and goof around and make mom and dad crazy

It's that time of year...

Yes, a trunk full of cookies, means it is Girl Scout Cookie time!  Find a Girl Scout and get some before the end of February.

little mouse around our house

This little mouse migrates around our house.  Some nights he is here resting peacefully.  Other nights his little matchbox bed is hiding a heap of rocks so eager sister hands don't find them.  Sometimes, he is tucked into bed with his owner and occasionally, he is completely hidden away for months at a time while he hibernates from play.  I was happy to find him perched here in our entryway this morning.

Fiery winter sky

The beautiful winter sky can change dramatically with passing clouds at sunset.  This evening we were all struck by the "fire in the sky," as my middle one observed on the drive home.  Watching and observing the sky through all the seasons is one of my favorite past-times.  We love to see how the sky can make the same scene change so drastically from day to day.  

Enjoy watching the winter sky where you are!

birthday goodies

Amongst the birthday madness that happens in our family from December 25 to January 18, simple handwritten messages taped around the kitchen this morning from my middle girl {days after my birthday} make me smile.  Yes, these are the best birthday wishes. 

the last of Christmas

Today was the twelfth and final day of Christmas.  We waited until after dinner to dismantle the cozy tree that lit up the living room for the past 6 weeks.  

Carefully, we took down the ornaments, garland and lights as we drank hot cocoa.  There were even a few arguments about who could remove which ornament from the tree.  The kids moaned and the little one cried when Daddy drug the tree outside for trash pick up in the morning.  It was a lovely Christmas season and we are all sad to see it leave.  These are the little moments I want to remember about this year...

The littlest sister began arranging the figures of the nativity in cozy places and in interesting formations, just like her sisters did at this age.

She proudly hung her homemade clothespin glittered star on top of the tree.  We left our expertly woven birchbark star in the attic this year in favor of a wonderfully whimsical handmade touch to our Christmas decor.

They participated as sheep and a narrator in the annual Christmas pageant at church.  The biggest sister also played "Jingle Bells" on the piano in perfect time that Sunday.  The littlest sister sang loudly, "Ha-way-wu-ya," (Hallelujah).  The middle sister was carefully watching all the little sheep as they roamed here and there during the performance.

Their beautiful little drawings and imperfect writing adorned the wrapping of all my packages this year.

We used hand-sewn yo-yos to decorate the tree along with lots of handmade ornaments, snowballs and dala horses from all the creative members of our family.  It was cozy and familiar using only handmade accouterments this year.

They were all excited to see Santa this year.  The youngest didn't even shed a tear when her Momma plopped her in his lap for the annual photo.  The middle sister did lots of talking while the oldest carefully observed the jolly old elf.

Her hair was long enough for a beautiful new hairdo for Christmas Eve.

They were thrilled to pour a tall glass of Coke for Santa.  

In her note, she asked him to leave her a sip.

They carefully wrote their separate notes to Santa on Christmas Eve.  The oldest sister proudly left gifts for Mr. and Mrs. Claus that she bought and wrapped herself.

She took her time to sound out all the words she wanted to write.  Those words wrapped around the entire envelope and intertwined with a myriad of  little drawings.

They excitedly helped each other discover the recipients of the gifts left under the tree.

She spent lots of time gazing at the tree, "my Christmas tree," as she loudly stated.

She performed where the real ballerinas dance and enjoyed watching all the ballerinas warm up through the window.

They searched for the trees with mistletoe so they could stop for a sweet sisterly smooch.

The ornaments on the lower half of the tree are hung at the very tip of the pine bough and tug down at the limbs.  Each day they seem to migrate to different spots as both #2 and #3 rearrange their favorites in a captivated dreamy daze.

She was delighted to be surprised by a homemade ice cream cake for an early birthday celebration.

She enjoyed her sister's pinata contents that fell to the ground after being hit by all the cousins.

They were overjoyed to find a mystery.

The winter morning sun never fails to shed such pure light.

Together with their cousins, they found new ways to help around the house.

They skated around the tile floors with their new woolen elf booties. 

They were quieted by the fire and some Christmas carols played on the guitar.

She played all morning with a new set of wood blocks.

They were excited to give.

Most of all it was nice to have them all together, wound up tight in play, imaginary fun, quarrels, their big pup and the magic of the season.