Siblings

I have always been told, your children will delight in playing together.  I have often wondered if this was just some crazy advice to get me to have more children or if there was some truth to it.  After what seems like an eternity, I have begun catching glimpses of some sweet sibling play interaction.  

It is the most wonderful thing and makes my heart sing.  I just know that these siblings will enjoy a lifetime of friendship.

St. Patrick

Did you know?

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.

St. Patrick's Day is always celebrated on March 17.

This holiday has been celebrated in Ireland since before 1600.

It began as a purely Christian holiday and had gradually become more of a secular holiday, celebrating Irish culture.

The shamrock is the official flower of Ireland.

In Chicago, they dye the Chicago river green:

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Many will drink some form of green beverage to celebrate the Irish:

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Some will enjoy the folksy sound of a bagpipe:

Many will take time to learn more about their Irish roots:

Others will find a new and stylish way to wear green:

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Many tiny lads and lasses will carefully sift through and fervently scour fields of clovers looking for one with 4-leaves:

 

What will you do to celebrate St. Patrick and the lovely country and customs of Ireland? 
Have you ever been to Ireland?

I will enjoy listening to some Irish tunes, dancing a jig, wearing green and teaching my little lasses about our Irish heritage.  It is always fun to know where your freckles, reddish tinted hair, fair skin and your Momma's maiden name come from.   Perhaps we will even happen upon a bagpipe, piping one of my favorite tunes!

"May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours. That stay with you all the year long." 

Irish Blessing

Busha

Can there be anything better than sitting in your 90-year-old great-grandmother's lap, barefoot, with your thumb in your mouth, reading your Momma's old Bernstein Bear book?  My big girl recently spent time with her Busha (Polish for Grandmother).  Stories read in the comfort of her gentle arms were a favorite part of the day.

I was never lucky enough to spend time with a great-grandparent.  I am so happy my kids will have special memories of a great-grandparent.  I admire the values, manners, stories and love she instills in my children.  What a wonderful influence for a budding preschooler.

Why didn't I think of that...

While reading one of the many parenting magazines that arrives in the postbox, I ran across a nifty little necklace.  It is a baby teether and necklace in one!  Each bead has little nubs on it to soothe a teething baby's gums.  I don't know about you, but my children would rather teethe on my accessories  (clothing, necklaces, fingers, etc.) rather than a cute little made-for-baby teething toy.  There is something about stuff that is attached to Momma.  I broke down and ordered one and am anxiously awaiting it's arrival.  What a wonderful idea.  At almost 8 months we are still tooth-less SO I am hoping we can get some good use out of it.

Pretty Paper...

This sweet friend gave my big girl some personalized stationary for her birthday. She even designed, took the photos and printed it herself.  It is all a part of her photography business.  The sweet stationary has been so incredibly useful for special thank you notes and such.  What a useful and creative gift for someone.   The colors are wonderfully chic and the polka-dots are a true classic.  I love, love, love it!  Of course, I cannot get enough of pretty papers and stationary.  Who doesn't love getting an old fashioned letter in the mail on some fancy stationary?

View

A view encompasses so many things: beauty, vastness, calm, amazement, fear and hope.  I hope your view today is spectacular...even if it is merely peering in at your sleeping babe all curled up with that favorite lovie --that may very well be the best view of all!

My boys

My faithful friends who love so dear,

Thank you for standing by as I gather myself, 

For being patient as I mother children,

For often foregoing our long evening walks to get the kids bathed,

For licking the cheeks of the giggly babe,

For posing for many a photo,

For playing chase with us,

For cleaning up the floor after a child's messy meal,

For the long strings of drool that fall from your jowls when a treat is near,
For your perky attitude and spry ways even when you can no longer hear,
For always waiting,
For loving each other,
and

For always loving me.

I promise we will run wild and free again soon.