her funny hat

This morning she timidly said that she didn't want to wear her favorite hat because her good friend had made fun of it last week.  My heart sunk because I cringe when the negative influence of others impedes on the hearts of my kids.  We sat together and decided that wouldn't be a good reason not to wear the hat she loves so much from her grandmother.  Instead, we discussed what she could say if others thought it was appropriate to make fun of her hat.  We talked about being different and that is what makes us all wonderful and special.  After a few encouraging words, she reached for her hat and the smile that beamed from her face was so bright.  

As I watched her walk off with her bright red Nordic hat on, I couldn't help but be so proud of her for choosing to be herself no matter what others think or say...and that is a big task for a kindergartner.

hair dresser

There they sit on the back patio with a sheet clothes-pinned around the younger one.  The big one is the hair dresser with a squirt bottle of water that she enjoys squirting far too much.  The younger one sits in a relaxed state as she surrenders to her hair dresser's suggestions about how her hair should look.  After all, she is getting ready for her wedding.  When I asked who she was marrying, she proudly stated, "Daddy!"

little folded bits of paper

Little folded bits of paper games charm her beyond words these days.

FAT Tuesday

Happy Fat Tuesday!

There's nothing like some homemade and little-kid-decorated cupcakes to mark the occasion!

Enjoy your Mardi Gras celebrations no matter how big or small they may be -- treat yourself to one last night of richer eating before Lent begins tomorrow.

Happy hearts

Wishing you lots of happiness today from our big boy!

Happiness is...

A box of valentines from your preschool buddies... 

A special treat at school...

A bottle of bubbles on a warm winter day...

A sleeping child in my lap on the long flight home...

A hot cup of coffee and ginger biscuits by the window...

Little notes from my middle girl about planning a date...

Playing at sunset with your sister...

A round of putt-putt...

Visiting with the pilot and checking out the cockpit of a "big" plane...