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+a portrait of each of my children every week for 2014+


Nora-girl: she calls it "kiting" and I don't want to correct her.  We spent a few hours at our local park on Saturday and she spent majority of the time flying her kite and wanting to make friends with fellow kite-flyers.

Cord: She is such a fan of swinging, the entire time she yells "Higher!" and giggles. I snapped this with my iPhone, and IGed it, because i can't get enough of her joyful smile!

Pip: She is letting me do her hair now!! I am in full swing with "fountains" and "piggie-tails". And since starting piggie-tails for her, my older girls want them too!

Happy Monday everyone!! 

Our weekend was filled with house projects, 

family time out and about, and some wonderful meals.

I feel pretty blessed that I get to spend my days 

with these cool girls and their wonderful daddy!

How was your weekend? What are you thankful for today? 

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+A portrait of each of my children every week for 2014+

Sonora: she absolutely loves all things soccer right now, her first practice was last night. It was so fun seeing her run, work hard, make new friends, and cheer on her teammates. What she lacks in aggression she more than makes up for in her enthusiasm. 

Cordelia: "Mama, I so happy because I so warm!" Found out this week, with all the Oklahoma wind, this one loathes having wind blow in her face/ears/hair. She stopped, panicking in the parking lot the other day because the wind was so biting and fierce. 

Penelope: This girl does absolutely anything to see you laugh, and once you start she repeats it over and over again until you stop laughing or ignore her. Lately, she puts things on her head and whips it around searching you for some sign of amusement, then she fat chuckles. It doesn't take too long for me to give in and laugh right along with her.

things I dig...

Valentine's Day: I have never ever made a huge deal about Valentine's Day, but with kids, holidays are so much more fun. Today, we broke out the watercolors and made paintings to cut into our hearts to give as Valentine's, and some heart sugar cookie's with raspberry frosting is in our near future. I am also giddy about planning a small surprise for my best friend, because I totally dig his chili.

new clearance sweatshirt from Target: (the black one, not the camo) After seeing it, waiting for it to go on sale, and then finding it on clearance last week, I have worn it almost everyday since…

new do: I love it!!! after a winter full of side braids and knotted hair from all my cold-weather gear, it feels so great to have a simple yet fun cut. Also, it is still long enough to fit into a pony, and stubby ponies are awesome…or am I the only one who thinks that?

clothespin print displays: Target's dollar bin right now has these giant arrow clothespins, 2 for a buck. I simply attach a command wall strip and Voila, cute wall art display.

oatmeal butterscotch chip cookies: it's still freezing, so over the weekend I whipped up a batch of cookies mostly because I wanted to turn on the oven. and these totally hit the spot.

Oatmeal Butterscotch Chip Cookies

adapted from my mom's chocolate chip cookie recipe

makes about 24 cookies

2 sticks softened butter (1 cup)

3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 white sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups flour
1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. fine sea salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

2/3 cup old fashioned oats

(I used quick oats for this recipe, because that is all i had)

6 oz. butterscotch chips

Preheat oven to 375* and grease a cookie sheet, or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together butter and sugars.
Next blend in eggs and vanilla.
In a separate bowl mix oats, flour, cinnamon, 
baking soda, baking powder and salt.
slowly add to wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly before adding more.
Stir in butterscotch chips.
drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes.

Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or some hot cocoa!

Also, these cookies are best warm, 
so you should probably eat at least 4 right away!

 What are the things you dig? What are your favorite cookies?

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+a portrait of each of my kids every week for 2014+

*this week I did a theme of favorite toys/playthings right now

NG: chips her puppy, once was mine, it's so fun to share!
Cord: birthday treasure box, it holds all things little, sparkly, and precious to her.

Pip: this old balloon has provided many minutes of fun for her, and tons of laughs for me.

I hope your Monday is full of joy!

little cordie is 3

Hi little 3 year old,

I can't believe it, you made it!!

After 3 years of crazy illnesses,

weird bites, odd rashes,

and horrible head bonks,

you are still here!

And we could not be more thrilled.

All joking aside, your dad and I are some of the most blessed parents on the planet.

You are hilarious, so fearless, and headstrong.
You love to sing, play and joke.
You, our 2nd daughter,
are a beautiful child.
So often, while watching you play and interact,
I am wowed by your marble-like, sapphire eyes
so focused on figuring out how to make those blocks do what you want.
You purse your lips too while you work,
and those same lips can produce the biggest pout I have ever seen.

You love all things Superman still,
and I like that.
You are also fond of the snowman from Frozen, Olaf,
and lately have asked to watch "The Croods" every day since it came on Netflix.
You made your own cake this year, chocolate bear-shaped cake,
with white frosting, blue sprinkles and Superman on top.
It was delicious!
You are a great and intentional helper.
You try to always look for ways to help me,
and I find it inspiring and challenging!

As I sit here this morning, just 5 days after your birthday,
watching the gorgeous snowfall,
I reminisce about the day you were born.

February 1st, 2011
during the huge blizzard.
You were by far my easiest delivery and 
were simply the sweetest,
quietest little infant.
You had the most delicate features,
surrounding these two searching eyes.
Your hands and feet were a little purple,
so I warmed you up by laying your new baby self on my skin.
The way you looked at me, I felt like I had known you for so long already.
You are my favorite snow day gift.
As we left the delivery room,
I remember being wheeled down the hall,
windows on each side,
watching fat fluffy snowflakes cascade down all around me.
I was in a snowglobe, and for someone who adores watching snowfall,
it added to the specialness of the day you were born.

I hope you always stay brave, headstrong, and curious.
God has given us you, this special girl,
and I hope to help you grow to know Him, love Him and serve Him.

Dear girl, your daddy and I love you times a billion!

XOXO,
Mama

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+a portrait for each of my kids every week for 2014+

NoraGirl: "get well soon" balloon makes all the difference.

Cord: watching her programs.

Pip: I miss my baby, but I am quite fond of my toddler girl.