Another greeting by Smilebox

I am convinced...

...a puppy and a piano make a house a home!

Eden's Carnival

Almost two months have passed since Eden's 6th Birthday Celebration. This post falls into the "better late than never" recap of Eden's happy day...

We pulled out all the stops for a backyard Carnival fit for a bearded lady! With a couple of months of build up, Eden was super excited when the day finally arrived. She loved having all of her family in town, watching the party come together, and then celebrating with her friends. It was such a happy occasion!



So, my little piece of paradise is now 6-years old. She has lost teeth, learned to tie her shoes, can ride her bike with one hand, has started to read, has a smile that lights up a room and is still full of all the spunk and spirit that she brought with her into this world. Basically, I love every little thing about her. Even though a part of mommy will always think of you like this:


I hope you know how very proud I am of the little lady you are growing up to be! I couldn't imagine a more perfect you. Mommy loves you...to Pluto and back.
_______________________________________________________

P.S. There is absolutely no way I can post about Eden's party without including the following:

I can't even begin to express how grateful I am to my family for pitching in to help gets things set up on the big day! Even Mom's encounter with a golf ball size spider didn't stop her from lending a helping hand. They all did such an amazing job with the decorations, frosting the cake, blowing up over 300 balloons, helping with the games, taking pictures, etc. I am one blessed girl to have such an amazing support system. From the very bottom of my heart...Thank you, Thank you!

Simple

It's really the most simple things in life that can bring the most joy. These little chalky creations are where I found my treasure today. Simple and Sweet.

My Levi

Sometimes an ordinary picture stops me in my tracks. This is one of them. Levi is telling me in this picture, "This is a ghost." Pointing at the white blob on his pumpkin.

There was a very good chance that I wouldn't remember in 15 years what he was telling me when I snapped this photo, but now I will. These little freeze frames are beyond precious to me. If I can't keep him little, at least I can save a little moment in time like this...when I just love him so much it makes my heart almost hurt.

I just love you, Levi...and your ghost, too!

The Sweetest

Eden made a bee line from the bus to the house after school today. She always beats us home, because Levi likes to take in all the scenery. He can be one pokey-joe!

When Levi and I finally made it to the house, I found this on the front door.

I really don't think it can get any sweeter than that. An amazing tiny treasure.

The Letter "I"

Today's Tiny Treasure is brought to you by the letter "I".

Eden practiced writing the Letter I in Kindergarten today. She then had to complete a sentence that began with "I...

Her sentence: "I like going to church."

My sentence: "I like that Eden likes this."

Paper Puppets

My sweet Eden came up with these all by herself today and I think they are the cutest! My very favorite part are their red lips! Oh, how I love her creative little brain.

We had an action-packed weekend! Eden's birthday posts coming soon. All I can say is that I am one blessed lady. My family is absolutely A-mazing!

Stronger Hugs

Today's Tiny Treasure: Last night when Scott was hugging Levi for night night; Levi told him, "I can do a stronger hug". Then proceeded to squeeze Scott with all of his might. It was precious.

I think the world could learn bunches from my little man. We could all use some stronger hugs.

Thank God for Weebles!

Today's Tiny Treasure: About a month ago my brother and sister-in-law returned a toy we had shared with their kiddos when Eden and Levi out grew it. We packed it up, brought it home and I put it out in the garage. It was always a favorite toy of ours, so I tucked it away in the hope that my grandbabies, many years from now, would play with the old treasure.

Levi caught glimpse of the somewhat hidden Weeble Village this afternoon and asked if he could bring it in! "Absolutely!", I said - with memories of one-year-old Eden dancing to the happy Weeble music racing through my mind.

He brought it in, set it up and soon recruited his sister to join him! They made up little stories, had the weebles carrying on crazy bathroom related conversations, put the weebles in a long line to ride the weeble plane, had a crazy game of weeble bowling in the kitchen, and maintained the slide and moving sidewalks when the village had a "break down". Literally two hours of play on a toy I thought they had out grown!

My heart swelled. The simple joy of knowing that they are still so young and innocent. They are still my babies. It was such a happy moment for me. I am so grateful for my kids, for the love they share and for the fun they have when they play. Thank you, God for Weebles!

A New Chapter

I have been putting off this post for some strange reason. I guess I'm a little anxious about what tomorrow holds.

It is the beginning of a new chapter for our family. Mommy is going back to work.

I have a whole mix of emotions about our decision.

Part of me is excited to have something outside of the home again. It will allow me to use all of the skills I learned prior to being a mommy, contribute to our family finances and get in some serious "adult" time.

The other (bigger) part of me is worried I won't be able to balance being the kind of mom I want to be with the responsibilities I'll have to work. I hate that when they fall and get hurt, I might not be there to pick them up and tell them everything will be ok. I hate that I may not notice a new freckle right away or be there to answer the 100 "why" questions they will ask throughout the day! I guess I just hate that I will miss out on some of the tiny treasures that make being a mom so amazing - simply because I won't be with my kids as much.

I know in the long run this is a good decision for our family. As much as I would love to stop it - they are growing up and becoming less dependent on me. I'm actually really proud of that fact. 9 times out of 10 my kids enter a new situation with confidence and even excitement. I think this enthusiasm for life speaks volumes about how Scott and I have raised them up to this point. I know they are ready for this new chapter.

But, all of those affirmations don't change the fact that I will miss my babies.

Eden and Levi, I promise I will always be your mommy first. No amount of work outside of the home will ever compare (even for a second) to the joy I find in being your mommy. You are my greatest work and I thank God everyday for blessing me with your sweet little lives.

Mommy loves you to Pluto and back...

Belly Laughs

I totally stole this idea from the very talented Joy Harmon Prouty! When I saw it on her blog I tucked it away in my, "Things I Must Do With The Kids" file. Today it was dusted off and put to use. To check out the original work by Joy, click here.

This was a very quick activity, but the giggles and smiles it created are sure to last a lifetime!


Sheesh, I just love these little bellies!

Fly Girls

A late afternoon discussion on the Amelia Earhart Mystery prompted a quick trip to the library to study up on this amazing aviator. Eden is fascinated with Amelia and keeps asking if we can go visit the "California Ocean" so she can search for her plane and her pilot goggles. Stay tuned for a possible Amelia look-alike this Halloween!


Today's Tiny Treasure: Levi insisted on wearing shoes that didn't match into the library. He thought it was hilarious!

Toadally

Just found this little guy in the backyard. Eden had him cornered and in a bucket before he knew what hit him. That girl is not afraid of anything. Should be enough to occupy a good part of the afternoon. Happy kids. Not so happy toad.

161

That is Levi's favorite number. Don't ask me why or how he came up with it. I think he just likes the sound of it. Some of the extremely cute ways he manages to fit this number into conversation:

Me: "Levi, what did you dream about last night?"
Levi: "A jet flying 161 feet over our house."

Eden: "How much longer until we get to the beach?"
Levi: "161"

Levi: "I will be 161 when I get big."

I'm sure more super cute examples will be coming, so I'll continue this post in 161 minutes...

My Sunshine

Today's Tiny Treasure: Tonight when I was putting Eden to bed, she rolled over during the second verse of You Are My Sunshine and sang with me. When we sang, "I dreamed I held you in my arms", she wrapped her little arm around me and gave me a squeeze. I had one of those heart stopping moments when I wondered if I could ever love anything more than that precious second.

You really have made my sunshine today, sweet Eden!

Levi-isms

Speaking of Levi - I thought I would share a couple of super cute Levi-isms that Scott and I have been enjoying lately.

Drinkie - Used when Levi is thirsty. For example, "Mommy, I'm drinkie."
Speeder - Something or someone is fast. For example, "Mommy, I'm speeder than a cheetah."

Typically I require proper English from my kiddos. But in these instances, I just can't bring myself to correct him. It's just too darn cute. Sorta like him, I guess...

Levi's Bowling Bash!

I've been meaning to add a note about Levi's family birthday celebration for about a week now. I hate that I put it off, because I'm sure there were some tiny little moments from that day that I loved and now can't seem to get back in my head.

One thing is for sure. The boy wanted to bowl! From the second I asked him how he wanted to celebrate his birthday, he had his mind made up. "BOWLING!" In fact, just about every 30 minutes from the time he woke up to the time we hit the lanes, he would ask, "Is it time to go bowling, yet?"

He had left over cake from his Little Gym party for breakfast, P. Terry's for dinner and bowling for dessert! He was a happy, happy boy. Here are a few pictures from our fun day celebrating my little man!

Scenes From Our Day

Cuddles and coffee on the back porch with Eden.


Lollipop flower paintings after breakfast.


Brushing up on our ABC's.


Playing with the snow we saved from our last snow storm.


Setting up our "art show" on the mantel.


Too many tiny treasures to pick just one.

Today's Tiny Treasure

Sharing a Swing...

and a Slice...

with my Son.

Bliss!

The Poop Holder

The kids were out collecting rollie pollies in the backyard before school this morning. I opened the door to tell them it was time to leave, and here is the conversation I was met with:

Levi: "Mommy, I'm the poop holder."
Me: "What?" Praying I misunderstood him.
Levi: "Eden's the rollie pollie catcher and I'm the poop holder."
Me: "What?" Still trying to process what I'm hearing.
Eden: "Rollie pollie's eat poop." (A little tidbit my husband had shared with them earlier in the morning.)
Me: "Levi, where did you get the poop?" (A little background: our sweet dog went up to doggie heaven a couple months ago and we have been poop free for a while now.)
Eden: "From the old hole Zen used to dig in." (Scott would put poop in the hole to get her to stop digging...it didn't really stop the digging, but apparently the hole did aid in the poop preservation.)
Me: "Levi, please tell me you didn't pick up the poop with your hands."
Levi: No response, but his eyes said it all.
Me: "Both of you, go wash your hands."

Never thought I would post a tiny treasure with a poop theme, but it was too good not to share. I love my little poop holder and his rollie pollie catching sister!

My Levi

My sweet Levi is 4! I know it's cliche, but it truly seems like just yesterday I had him wrapped up in a sling back in California. Where does the time go - and why does it go so quickly? Here are a few tiny treasures from the past few days of celebrating his special day:

We had his party at Little Gym and at several points in the party, the instructors would ask everyone to say the "magic words", HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEVI! The grin on his face and his little side ways glance stole my heart every. single. time.

On his birthday it took some convincing that he was actually 4. He thought that 4 year olds loose their teeth. And, since he didn't "loose tooth" he couldn't possibly be 4. Finally, big sister was able to get through and he proudly announced he was in fact 4. This morning as he walked into preschool, he quickly explained that he hasn't lost a tooth, but he still is 4.

His first order of business as a 4 year old, "I'm not going to suck my thumb anymore. 4 years olds (he actually adds the extra s), don't suck their thumbs." Two hours later he was sitting on the bed, holding dot, sucking his thumb. He explained, "Well, sometimes 4 years olds suck their thumbs."

His second order of business, moving to a booster seat. Really, both of my kids are out of car seats? How did that happen?

Family party recap coming up...

Today's Tiny Treasures

Dancing in the aisle to the sample CD's at Target, breaking out the Slip 'N Slide for an afternoon of fun and reading Christmas stories for bedtime in April. I live a charmed life.

It's Raining, It's Pouring.

Big plans to go camping this weekend. Mother Nature had other plans. So we had to improvise! Our new camping spot, a little place we like to call "the living room."

Today's Tiny Treasure: The discovery of indoor s'mores. Just as yummy, gooey and sticky as the original with the added bonus of watching a marshmallow puff up in the microwave. To a 5 and 3 year old, this is an extremely exciting process! If it were up to them, we'd still be in there blowing up marshmallows!

Sunshine Girl and Jet Boy

Just got back from a loooong walk with Sunshine Girl and Jet Boy. In case your curious, their super powers are as follows:

Sunshine Girl can reach all the way up to the sun and around the Universe. She can also touch God.

Jet Boy can fly on anything.

It's a little chilly and rainy this morning, so my tiny super heroes are warming up in the kitchen with a cup of cocoa. I'm sure they will tell you that today's tiny treasure is the giant marshmallows they got to put in their hot chocolate!

By the way, Eden isn't mad in the picture below. That's "just the face that Super Heroes make."

Yesterday

Yesterday's Tiny Treasure: I love finding little treasures like this around the house. I'm not sure why all these little vehicles were lined up, but it just makes my heart happy. I can only imagine the storyline that was playing in my little boy's head. Sweet innocence with sound effects thrown in, I'm sure...

Feet Push

Today's Tiny Treasure: The "Feet Push". In my opinion it is the best way to push your kids on the swing. When you push them from the front, you can see their smiles! My kids kick their feet up to me and yell, "Feet Push". With the occasional "underdog" thrown in - I am the World's Best Mom. Well, at least for about 20 minutes. Pure joy and giggles all around!

Just Perfect

Today was just that. Perfect.

We started with a ride down to the park (Eden on her 2-wheel bike, Levi on his plasma car and Mommy running along beside them). We played the "boat" game where they both took turns being the caller. Mommy never got a turn to be caller, so I think I made at least 40 trips to the "back of the boat"! It was so cute to hear Levi stumble over the words a bit, "Attention on deck."

After collecting rolly pollies and heading into "the woods" to explore for a bit, we made our way home to meet a friend for lunch. After lunch we went to Little Gym and then to a old, old park that still had a merry-go-round! Unheard of today - where builders are more worried about liability that making a kid so dizzy they can't stand up straight! Eden was cracking up as she went round and round. It was precious.


The kids and I have 100 little conversations throughout the day where I think to myself, "Oh, I totally need to write that down." But, when evening comes and I have a chance to sit down at the computer, they always seem to escape me. Although I don't remember exactly what we talked about - I do remember that we laughed today. We laughed a bunch! It was simply: Perfect.

Today's Tiny Treasures: Scott had to work a little late tonight. He called on his way home from work - after the kids were already in bed - to say good-night. Levi was already asleep, but when I walked into Eden's room she was just at the edge of sleep. Her eyes were getting heavy and she was snuggled up with her head on her stuffed dolphin. Something about it was so sweet. It just made my heart happy. She perked up to talk with her daddy. Their conversation was precious. She can't wait until Good Friday - when Daddy will get off work early. "It's always fun" when that happens. Oh, how I love my sweet, sweet Eden.

Quotable

I came across this quote tonight and loved it enough to want to "write" it down here:

The fundamental mission of motherhood now is the same as it always was: To nurture, protect and instruct children; to create a home environment that enables them to learn and grow; to help them develop a heart for God and his purposes; and to send them out into the world prepared to live both fully and meaningfully.

I hope I can accomplish this mission.

Today's Tiny Treasure: Levi dressed himself this morning. I thought it was brave of me to suggest that he do so...since we were actually going to leave the house and go into public! He did not disappoint! Down the stairs he came with white socks pulled up to just under his knees, his John Deer cowboy boots on, awful gray gym shorts with a navy blue stripe on the side and a brown shirt. It took every little piece of me not to suggest a new outfit or walk over and bunch down his socks a bit! Looking back on it now - it's absolutely precious. I wonder what he'll pick out tomorrow.

Top O' The Mornin'

We had our typical start to St. Patty's day: Green omelets, shamrock toast and green milk. This year Eden fully understands the consequences for not wearing green. I don't think she was out of bed 10 minutes before getting herself dressed and was happily dishing out pinches to all of us still in our jammies! The kids ate breakfast next to their leprechaun gold and we are all hoping the luck of the Irish shines down on us today! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Good-bye Zen Buddha

Seems like I just wrote a similar post about our Zephie. Makes me wonder if dogs who grow up together have the same special bond that people who have been married for years and years have. They say if one spouse dies, the other typically follows within in year. They die of a broken heart disguised as something else.

About two weeks ago Zen started to act a bit under the weather and just like that, she's gone. Stupid, stinking, Leukemia. It certainly makes me realize how quickly you can lose something you love and how we shouldn't take even one second for granted.

This morning we spent 2 hours saying our good-byes. Lots of hugs and cuddles and whispers of "good dog" to our sweet Zen. I hope she understood how much we loved her and how hard it was to say good-bye. Above all, I hope there is a doggie heaven and that she is there now. I hope she and Zephie had an amazing reuinion today. I hope they wrestled, chased each other and then took a long, happy nap side by side.

Zen had such a sweet spirit. Smarter than she let on and always ready to make you feel loved. I will never forget the day we adopted her from the pound. Pushing every inch of herself against the door of her cage - to get as much physical contact as possible. Her irrational fear of new pillows and balloons still stumps me and make we wonder what happened to her before she came to live with us. I hope above hope that we gave her a good and happy life.

We spent some time this morning telling stories about our crazy Zen. How she chased bunnies till her feet were sore. How she ate the book we got in her so called obedience class. And, how she would break out of the backyard any chance she got to roam the neighborhood in California. It was hard to see her leave us. She and I shared a kindred spirit. I thank God for sharing her with us. She will always have a piece of my heart.

Good-bye my sweet Zen. Sleep well, girl.