Happy Hearts

birthday fun...

My big girl had a birthday this month.  I had such fun planning a perfect little party for her.  Of course, I'd love to have a wonderful backyard party for her at home but with the unexpected weather January can bring, I decided on an indoor party at a local gymnastics gym.  I had lots of fun stamping "3" on little tags to decorate.  I was inspired to do this from a friend who creates lovely cards and decorations with stamps.  I usually create these types of decorations on the computer and then print them but I really enjoyed using stamps this time.  My unexpected love for stamps is growing ever so slowly.

Anyway, back to the party, I think it was a fantastic success.  My girl enjoyed the free time with her friends to run and play...unstructured (which is KEY for toddlers and preschoolers).  This was her first party with friends.   We wait until 3 to have a party with friends.  1st and 2nd birthdays are done at home with close family.  Needless to say, my girl definitely wants a party again next year!  Every morning she asks, "Is it my birthday today?"

I can't believe 3 years have crept by so quick.  How does that happen?  So many phases have come and gone and now I am the mother of a preschooler.  I feel so lucky to be a mother to a wonderful, smart, kind-hearted little girl.  She is perfect!  "My cup runneth over" with love for that girl.

Sittin' Tall

My sweet babe is now sitting up by herself.  The pure and simple joys of being 6 months old are utterly
charming!

knitted perfection

Mom never ceases to amaze me with her creativity and style.  This lovely little hat was knitted for my first-born but was never worn.  Alas, my second-born is getting some cozy use out of it.  Perfect for the cold winter.  

favorite gift...

So, my sweet girl enjoyed all the holiday festivities around here. But she especially enjoyed this gift. Somehow, I thought we had passed up this stage. I was overjoyed to see that my big girl still loves the simple things and modern-day materialism hasn't corrupted her imaginary world. Ahh, the joys of childhood.

What was your favorite "gift?"

san souci: French word meaning without worry

san souci:  French word meaning without worry

As I sat toying with the idea of even starting a blog, I tried to  think of a name that was unique and meaningful.  I recalled people, places and experiences to come up with a name...

When I was 20, I had the lucky experience of travelling to Berlin, Germany to study abroad with a small group of fellow students.  We were treated like royalty by our hosts/hosting agency and enjoyed fine food, fantastic tours, opera, trips to the nearby countryside, etc.  This was all in an effort to educate a small group of college students studying German about the customs and education of Germans.  It was a spectacular opportunity.  Nevertheless, one afternoon we arrived at the most beautiful palace in Potsdam.  It was the summer palace and retreat of King Friedrich II.  He named it Sansoucci -- a place where he could stay without worry.  Here he enjoyed his favorite summertime hobbies and never worried about the formalities of being royalty.  The gorgeous palace sits atop a lovely terraced vineyard.

What could be better that a life without worry, endless summers and beautiful vistas greeting your every glance?  So, with that short bit of history, I have decided to name my blog san souci -- a palace of my favorite things without worry.