Brave Beauty - Day 152

It is funny to me that since our daughters are so close in age (15 months apart) - they are both losing teeth at the same time! Granted, my oldest started first, but still, it seems like every week or so the tooth fairy has to work overtime! Because she got a head start, Katie is a lot braver about it. In fact, she has been doing the last several ones all on her own! She is always so proud of herself for accomplishing it herself! This one that she is holding is one that she had to have a crown put on at age 3...long story short, don't give your kids fruit leather (even 100% fruit) everyday after their nap. Turns out it is almost as bad for your teeth as candy! But we have learned, and although she chipped her two front adult teeth on a trampoline (another thing best to avoid it turns out!) - she has NO fillings in any of her permanent teeth! Makes me so happy! And so proud of my beautiful and quickly growing up daughter!

“Beauty is a radiance that originates from within and comes from inner security and strong character.”   Jane Seymour

Dreams of Driving - Day 151

I think it is pretty obvious - but I just adore my daughters! Last Sunday we were running some random errands, and my husband had one he went in on alone while the girls and I waited in the car. My youngest crawled up in to the front seat with me, put her hands on the wheel and said, "Actually...I think I COULD drive this thing!" - then turned and gave me this adorable smile. Thank goodness I had my phone in hand in time to snap this picture! I love it - but oh dear...look out world! Amy driving? Not sure if the world is ready for that. But I also realize that she will be 8 this year - and that happened in the blink of an eye...as I'm sure the arrival of driving lessons will. In the meantime - I plan to enjoy every minute of her childhood!

“She is my joy and heart’s delight.”    Rober Wever

Treasuring every moment - Day 150

As we pack up our house in preparation for our move, and work on fixing it up so it looks as nice as possible, it is amazing for me to realize how fast the time has flown! There are certain things that if feels like we just did yesterday, and then we find a receipt, or read the date on the lid of a can of paint and realize it has already been 5 or 6 years - sometimes more! And I had no idea just how many pictures of our daughters we had up on the wall throughout the house...until we have been taking them down and putting them in boxes...many many boxes! Just a reminder to be grateful for each moment - they really do fly by faster than you realize...

“Welcome every morning with a smile. Look at the new day as another special gift from your Creator, another golden opportunity to complete what you were unable to finish yesterday. Be a self-starter. Let your first hour set the theme of success and positive action that is certain to echo through your entire day. Today will never happen again. Don’t waste it with a false start or no start at all. You were not born to fail.”  Unknown

Sacrifice - Day 149

Today is Memorial Day - and the most poignant memorial to our armed forces I have ever been to was at Pearl Harbor when we went to Hawaii. This picture was taken on the Arizona Memorial - and I found myself overwhelmed with emotion for people I had never known who had given their lives for my country. I can only imagine how those who knew them must feel. So today - I am grateful for the sacrifice that so many before made, and so many are now making to defend and protect this land that I live. May I never take it for granted in any way...

“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.”    Lee Greenwood

Birthday cards from my kids - Day 148

Yesterday was my birthday - something that seems to happen every year whether we want it to or not! One thing that I have grown to love about my birthday, as my kids get older, is that they are more excited about it than I am! They count down the days (and remind me how old I am getting...) and can't wait to get up and wish me happy birthday. This year, they worked hard to make special cards for me, then hid them until yesterday morning so I wouldn't spot them! The morning started with my oldest daughter Katie (who is a morning person) coming downstairs singing the entire Happy Birthday song to me, and presenting me with her card. About a half hour later, my youngest daughter Amy (who is NOT a morning person) came stumbling downstairs looking rather disheveled - and cuddled up on my lap until she woke up more. Then she remembered what day it was, and ran to get her card for me to. The funny thing is? I think those cards are my most treasured birthday gift of all! 

 “Every gift which is given, even though it be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection.”    Pindar

Apple Blossoms - Day 147

One more blossom I have to share! I know I have shared pictures of nearly every variety - but I truly think spring is my favorite season for this reason! Anyway - these apple blossoms are on one of our trees in our yard. The enjoyment of them is a little stranger this time, because I realize that we most likely will not be here when the fruit they are there to create is ready to eat. But I am thankful that they will be there nonetheless - and that someone will enjoy their sweetness!

“The apple blossom exists to create fruit; when that comes, the petal falls.”     Kabir

Yellow - Day 146

We never completely tilled our garden under last year, so my kale plant is still alive and well. In fact - I have never had my kale get taller than me and break out in yellow blooms like this year!!! Still - I love that happy, yellow, bright spot in the yard. There is something about the color yellow that just makes me happy - I think because it looks like sunshine, even on a rainy day!

“How wonderful yellow is. It stands for the sun.”   Vincent Van Gogh