Time for Tea!

Pear had a delightful little tea party yesterday afternoon. I believe it was a success as she repeatedly told me throughout the evening, "it was fun having a tea party, mom." She also went into all of the details with Stephen when he got home from work and the first thing she told me as we sat at the table for breakfast this morning was, "that was a fun tea party!" We had a centerpiece of tissue paper lollipop flowers. For our tea party snacks we had madeleines, apples with cream cheese-caramel dip, grapes and cheese squares. The girls got to pick which type of tea they wanted and although I was hoping to let them be in charge of pouring and fixing up their tea, I became a little concerned that they might burn themselves so I poured the water and let them stir it and put the cream and sugar in. We played a game of "drop the coin in the tea-cup and played musical chairs. (I found out Pear isn't quite old enough for musical chairs as she was the first one without a chair and when I told her, she threw herself to the ground in tears as she didn't want to be out.) We continued to play a couple more rounds of musical chairs and then some duck-duck-goose. We had a houseful of laughter for a while as the girls played their games and made the cutest expressions as they were being chased, missed the chair and just played. Oh, and Jovie thought that she was one of the big girls, she had her spot at the table, picked out her special dress and was completely enthralled with the games. Unfortunately, I was busy with the festivities and didn't take very many pictures.

come rain or come shine

Many times, I find myself living for the next month, the next season of life, the time when all my i's are dotted and t's are crossed or the day that I will have the perfect life. How pointless is that? I can strive to live a more perfect life; I can work hard to obtain a bigger house with a nicer couch; our children will grow up and one day I won't be spending every waking hour tending to spilt milk and messy pants- but how unfulfilling, to always be living for the next season. Life is not perfect. There will always be things to strive for and work on in my individual life, my family as a whole and the earth as God's creation.

So, I say this as a little self reminder: Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Ephesians 5:15-20 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the midst of the storm when the milk's on the floor, the kitchen sink is leaking, and I can hardly stand- I choose to be happy and live my life to its fullest. And on that sunshiny day when the house is clean, my children are angels and I'm fully rested- I choose to be happy and live my life to its fullest.

jumbled letters...

and a name that fits. I think we've decided that our little guy is going to be Pike Henry. We like it. It fits with our unique taste for names and it's sticking.

my hobby...

I've always loved sewing, doing crafts and baking. Basically, being a "homemaker" is my hobby. I thoroughly enjoy it. But lately I've REALLY been enjoying sewing. My mom learned to sew from her mom and I learned to sew from my mom. As a girl I remember making dolls, dresses, skirts, pillows, quilts and other crafty objects. They may not have always turned out but I always had fun. I've been eying this pattern for a simple rag doll for a long time and decided they would make perfect Valentine's Day gifts for my girls. So, I made them. I enlarged the pattern to 215% rather than the 150% they recommend and I think they turned out perfect! I also added little pigtails and bows for their hair, just to make them a little more girly. Also, I embroidered the face rather than paint it. I actually almost hesitated giving them to the girls as I kind of want one! If you're looking for a fun, easy project- there you go! The girls absolutely love these dolls. They have taken them everywhere today giving them piggy-back rides or dragging them by the little rag doll arm. I am so glad they love their babies.

three years old

It seems like yesterday that I set my alarm clock for every 2 hours all through the night to feed my preterm 5 lb 13 oz Pear. She was so tiny that her little body couldn't fill a preemie sleeper. Yet three years has passed and that little 5 lb 13 oz girl is now nearly 28 lbs and looks like a little girl. We've had a wonderful three years and I can't wait for the next three and the many more after that.

Pear's favorite things to do:
Play dress-up
Read books
Play imaginary animals or princesses (she goes around pretending she's a pink cat or Princess Belle)
Help me bake in the kitchen

We had a very fun time celebrating her birthday. We started the day of with Minnie Mouse pancakes made by Stephen. Then we played with her new bike and Cinderella doll. Then, Stephen took her to get a fish from the pet shop and we came home with a Happy Meal for lunch. Nap time. When she woke it was nearly time for her party which included both of our families and made for a houseful. We played pin the tail on the donkey and had a pinata. Oh, and we can't forget about the cake. Pear requested a princess cake with purple frosting. Thus what we had, homemade of course. After the party we went to rent a movie, came home and had dinner. Then had a tea party with hot chocolate with her new miniature tea set and finally watched her movie. The day is just about up and I'm pooped! But, seeing Pear's face light up as she walked into the kitchen this morning made the hours I spent baking and decorating all worth it. Hearing her say, "It's fun having a birthday," makes me smile. And the fact that she has told me over and over again that I'm "the specialest mommy ever," makes me feel like the most special mommy ever. What a joy it is to be a mom and what joy Pear brings to my life!

a glimpse of spring...

"ducks..."

While at the park, we went to look at the ducks. The ducks had just been fed by another little girl there and they were very friendly. After watching and chasing the ducks some, they continued to follow us around. After a while I told the girls we should go back to the playground. Pear responded, "yeah, because the ducks might eat us." I said, "no, the ducks won't eat us!" Pear said, "right, they won't, because we're not food, we're princesses."

"silly dad..."

Pear packed her bag to go to mammy & pappy's house for the night. She went to show daddy all of the necessities she remembered to bring. "I've got my pink skirt (a frilly dress-up item with sequins), my Cinderella dress (another frilly dress-up item), my swimsuit and my jammies!" Stephen asked her if she needed any panties. She pulled up her dress and exclaimed, "silly dad, I already have some!"