practice, practice, practice

You practiced for months each time the birthday song was sung and you succeeded!

  After the birthday song was sung, you successfully blew out your candles.

You looked up at us all, so proud.  We were amazed at the strength of air that came from your little diaphragm.  We never really practiced on real candles, just pretend candles on our fingers.  Way to go, birthday girl!

can it really be?

you can roll your little cars around for hours

you love the challenge of a puzzle now

you are not a bit shy and enjoy greeting people with a southern "Hiiiiii"

your Raffi is most important and you dutifully take care of him

you enjoy taking care of your babies

you, most often, think you are five

nothing holds you back

you still put everything in your mouth and particularly enjoy eating the tips off any kid of coloring device
you love to feed the boys treats
your hair is still wildly curly on some days and on others, it seems a bit more straight
short hair suits your vibrant little personality and wild ways
i pull your hair over to the side with a little barrette or bow, just like I did with your sister
you are daring and extremely independent now
you are affectionate with those you love

happiest birthday wishes to you, sweet girl 

popsicles

Our ice-cream-man seems to have disappeared this summer.  My girl still remembers the sweet treats he brings in his truck and often talks about the next time he will arrive.  The other day, my girl grabbed her "ice-cream money jar" and we walked up to the corner store.  We found the exact popsicle we normally get from the ice-cream truck for a fraction of the price.  This turned into a great learning experience for my girl when she only had to pay 75 cents at the register rather than the $2.00 she normally pays when the ice-cream truck pulls up.  We happily headed home and shared a little sweet treat on a hot summer morning.  She is already planning a return trip with her savings.

all in good time

I fretted that you wouldn't ever take the plunge.  I worried that I pushed too much.  I worried that I had crushed your little swimming spirit.

You trusted a new teacher.  You set aside your fears.  You enjoyed being somewhere familiar.  You didn't want to get out of the pool.  You begged to go back.

You took the plunge toward endless swimming fun and we are so proud.

Momma note: A wise family member always tells me, "she will do all things when SHE is ready."  "Don't push her."  Boy, is this true.

the 4th

Have a most-happy fourth of July!

a new scent

Little hearts and minds see beyond the label that reads "shampoo" and instead they see a beautifully decorated bottle, just the right size for perfume.  Thank you for the new bottle of  "waterproof perfume," dear girl.

simple summer: tomato basil salad

During the summer, I love quick, easy and healthy meals.  When I find something I like, I eat it a lot.  This simple salad is a summer staple at our dinner table.  It is so fresh and tasty.  Even my picky little eaters eat it.  The ingredients are few and it is super quick to make.

Ingredients:
Cucumber -- peeled
Grape or cheery tomatoes -- halved
Red wine vinegar
Olive oil
Basil -- shredded
Sea salt
Pepper

Add the chopped cucumbers and tomatoes to a bowl.  Douse with olive oil and vinegar.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Top with basil.