Almost Past the Birthday Hurdle

We have celebrated two out of the three birthdays that happen this time of year. Aries' had a sprinkle party and invited classmates to help crack open a pinata. That was the only thing she asked for this year. A giant pinata filled with candy. 

Damien's party was more low key. Must be this new age of 11. A simple chocolate cake with chocolate frosting - no balloons, no decorations - just no fuss. He had a separate sleepover party with a friend that happened to fall on a giant snow storm here. But one friend was still able to make it, we braved the snow and went out for Hibachi, played video games, and laughed way too long into the night.

One last birthday boy to go. Which in our house marks the beginning of spring. The birds are starting to chirp, the lake at the park is starting to crack, and we are starting to see more light at the end of our days. This seems to be the most dreariest of winters. Every other day there is snow, which is magical when it falls as long as you have no plans to go anywhere. I can't wait to feel that spring motivation! It's almost here ...that last birthday.. that last hurdle....the last push to spring. 

The Heart of Summer

We are in the heart of summer, where heat waves roll off the pavement and it's a three shower day just to stay cool. With a long holiday weekend I took advantage of my time. There was some flea market shopping, playing in a blow up pool, a new kitten (Topaz), and long walks around the neighborhood. Thorn has taken to every stick he can find, often trying to drag them home. The kids spend their days as the underwear gang. eating cherries by the bowl full. 

My birthday was yesterday and we celebrated in the most simplest way. My mom brought over a cake, which I'm thankful for, as it is too hot to bake anything right now. I got a dining room table, a present to myself - now I just need to go on the hunt for some fun mix matched chairs. 

Finally the heat wave seems to be breaking, thunderstorms are rolling in. Maybe it will actually feel cool enough to pick up a needle and thread.
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The Weekend

There was a very belated birthday party for Odyn. He picked out the cake himself. A lovely marble with chocolate frosting in the middle and cream cheese on top. I let him lick the beaters and scrap the bowl. That after all is one of the best parts of mom making your cake.

The next day we had parent teacher conferences. Aries and Damien are both doing above grade level and are loved by their teachers. So we decided we would take them to the Connecticut Humane Society adoption center to see if there were any perfect black kitties. We visited with a couple cats but none were all black. To my whole families surprise, and my own, there was one little kit cat that seemed perfect for the family. Mostly he stretched out his fur ball body and rolled over for his belly to be rubbed - he even tolerated Odyn's excitement. 

So with a yes from me, we adopted him into our home. On the ride home we named him Onyx Thyme. He is still exploring the house, prefers the stairs, and is feeling like a member of the family already. 

Double Digits

Damien. I can't believe he turned 10 yesterday! I know dear hubby is feeling the same mixed feelings - so proud of who he is becoming with a wee bit of sadness that it's happening so fast. His actual party won't be for a little bit. Mostly because he wants a friend to sleep over and we are in the middle of house projects, that won't be done in time anyways. That was wishful thinking on my part. 

So last night, while everyone was picking out candy, roses, and cards for their sweethearts I was getting an ice cream cake. A small little surprise for the birthday boy. The smile was worth every penny.

Today we are celebrating Valentine's day, with small little tokens. I left out some candy and small presents for the kids this morning, and dear hubby got me roses and chocolates. It's the small things that really sometimes mean the most. 

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Her 6th Birthday

I can't believe she is 6! From the most serious baby to a little girl who can't stop smiling and singing. She is still all hair and legs. Her birthday was a simple Snow White theme, with black and white silhouettes. I made the invitations that you had to read in a mirror, they said "Who is the fairest birthday girl of all? Lips as red as berries and full of silly tricks, the fair maiden Aries this chill winter day is six. Please join us this enchanted day Jan 27th at 2pm - At the castle on the hill"

There was a different plan for the cake, one with a bunny and woodland friends, but that one just wasn't coming out the way it was planned. So with birthday girls approval we changed it up to more of a black and white cake with Polka dot and striped candles. Blowing out the candles she made a wish - one I hope comes true. As long as it doesn't involve growing up any faster than she already is.

Dear Husband

Dear Husband,
It's been 11 years since we first celebrated your birthday together! Just so you know, it doesn't feel that long ago. While eating a piece of the most delicious homemade chocolate cake ever, baked by yours truly, you said you were so glad you married me. I'm not sure if it was the chocolate cake talking, but I'm really happy you married me too. I know birthdays are not that much fun now that we are starting to see grey hair but I must tell you the grey is making you look very distinguished.
I love you! Happy Birthday!
Love,
Your Amazing Wife.

Happy Things To End The Week With

 Getting my new business cards in the mail and they look even better in person.

Finishing up a lovely little baby shower package for a dear friend.

Amazing birthday gifts in the mail. 

These birch tree candle holders are from my vintage soul sister.

I know just the place to put them in the new house.

Hope everyone else has happy things to end this week with ♥

30

 Today I turned 30. We had our home inspection, everything we expected from a 112 year old house. Hopefully soon I will be sharing pictures, before & afters, and funny tales of home improvements.
After that we went out for a lovely birthday dinner. Aries used her menu and restaurant crayons to make me a birthday card. Hubby offered to bake a birthday cake for me, but since I am usually the baker in the family, we opted for an ice cream cake. Aries and Odyn debated on what flowers to get me - pleading each others cases to Rob to pick the ones they wanted. A strawberry colored bouquet won ♥.
I don't feel old but I do feel very lucky and fortunate, which is the best birthday wish I could ask for.

Today we are playing outside in our striped socks and red polka dotted dress.

Yesterday we released star balloons into the sky..

ate spiderweb (Spiderman) cake..

and sang happy birthday to the little man of the house.

This weekend we had rough nights full of tossing and turning, bad dreams, and a sick child in the bed.

But today, we are enjoying the weather.

Turning 3

Today is Odyn's 3rd birthday!! We are waiting a little while to have his party because he has some pretty big changes happening and we didn't want to overwhelm him. Plus having all kids birthdays in a row with only a couple weeks apart (trust me not planned) is overwhelming for the parents and guests.

Odyn's big change is that he also started preschool today. As you can tell from his face he is ecstatic about it. In fact that is all he talked about last night, this morning, and for most of the day. He's in the afternoon class so when he saw Damien and Aries get on the bus this morning, He was shouting "Wait for me!" trying to unbuckle himself from the car seat. It took some mighty convincing on our parts to explain to him that he would indeed be going to school today, just not right at that moment. 

So for a birthday big boy going to school for the first time we took him to get his very first backpack. As you can see he clearly picked this one out all by himself. Soon he will ride the bus for the first time - Damien will be there just in case but I don't think he will have any problems. After all that was the one thing about school he wanted to do most.

Happy 3rd Birthday my sweet Odyn!