happiness.

The house has been buzzing with happiness this morning. Daddy is coming home today. It was the first thing Slade said this morning upon waking. We are all very anxious (and happy) to be together as a family. The weather is suppose to be beautiful this weekend too... sunny, highs in the 70's and 80"s. Absolutely perfect!

unexpected inspiration.

I love finding a little unexpected inspiration.

A simple cup of tea at Caribou Coffee.... it gave me a moment to reflect, think... and smile.

monday morning musings.

The weekend went by quickly. Partly sunny, partly cloudy. Not the Spring weather I had been anticipating. However we kept very busy preparing for our week ahead. So, this morning I am musing about the weekend and my to do's for the week. Here are just a few things:

Easter pictures taken. I had to bribe my kids by telling them we would get ice cream at Brusters afterwards. And we did. Now I must finish making our Easter cards.

A trip to IKEA. Finally bought a frame for the Bedtime Bus Roll poster. I will hang it this week.

A small Easter treat for all of the kids teachers are packaged and ready to go. You may see it here.

Slade lost his very first tooth and the tooth fairy came. How much is a tooth worth these days anyway?

I have 3 Easter egg hunts and 2 class parties to attend this week. Still working on the favors for Elle's class. I will post it soon.

We will dye Easter eggs on Thursday. This is my favorite technique.

I still have to plan the menu for our Friday pizza night get together with friends. However, I do know I will be making this cake.

And most importantly, my husband comes home in just 3 days... still counting and anxiously waiting!!

warm, cheerful weekend.

I'm waiting for Spring to really arrive. It has been so gray, damp and cool lately. It is hard to believe it is really Spring. I'm anxiously awaiting for sunny days that bring warmth, the cheerful kind of weather.

However, I came across this site today and instantly felt a sense of joy. I am loving these fabulous handmade fabric flowers by emersonmade. If you haven't seen the site, then please check it out, as the photos are absolutely wonderful too!

I am obsessing over everything here.
I'm having a very hard time choosing what I'd like to buy.

So, as I continue to obsess over these amazing flowers, I hope that you have a very happy weekend. Hopefully it will be sunny, warm and cheerful for you too!!

photos via emersonmade

my little photographer.

Sia's photograph of me heading to the register

Slade stayed home sick again today. It's not often that we have time together, just the two of us. So, we stopped at a local coffeehouse after we dropped the girls off at school for a snack. We had an hour before I had to be back at the preschool to help out and then there was an ice cream social for all of us to attend.

Needless to say, since my children were in such a good mood, I decided to stop by one of the downtown boutiques on our way home. The spring dresses were all so gorgeous, I couldn't help but to buy a couple and some gifts too! As I was in the dressing room, Sia took my camera out and began snapping pictures of the store... so funny, like she was a little photographer. She definitely has found a love for the camera and taking pictures at the age of 3.

when they are sick.

not feeling well, Slade & Sia sleeping side by side

My children have been sick lately... I've been nurturing and hugging more than ever and soaking in all of the love too. I'm reminding myself this won't last forever. It won't be forever that my children climb onto my lap and bury their heads into my heart for comfort. It won't be forever that I can sleep with them at night just to be assured that they are okay because I know they are right by my side. It won't be forever that I can hold them tightly in the doctor's office with each prick and prod. It won't be forever that it takes pleading and sometimes bribes to take their temperature or even a dose of medicine. I have been reminded of these simple moments these days. Reminded to take it all in and to always remember them.

So despite the cries and moans in their moments of illness, it won't be forever that they will need me in this way. However, it will be forever that I will always love and comfort them in any way that I possibly can. That is forever.

art and mexican food.

Tonight St. Michael's Preschool held their First Annual Art Show displaying artwork created by the students. I thought it was such a fabulous idea to showcase young creativity, while raising money for the school. All of the teachers did such an amazing job planning and organizing the event.

These are the items that Sia and Elle had on display. Don't you just love the yarn bowl made by Elle? It now proudly sits on my (re-organized) bookcase.


After the Art Show, we celebrated their great works of art at La Parilla, our favorite little Mexican restaurant. We noshed on chips & salsa, tacos, quesadillas and enchiladas.

liberty of london.

Have you seen all the wonderful Liberty of London merchandise that has hit Target stores? And... in almost every department too!

I spotted this Liberty of London dress, along with Liberty of London bathing suits, rompers and shorts in the toddlers department today. I must have been a little late though, because there wasn't much of a selection left. But, I did manage to buy a couple of dresses for the girls in their sizes. I absolutely adore them. I truly love a good find!