So Proud

I have so many reasons to be proud as a mother. 

Here are my reasons today:

Caleb's first time to go in potty!

Faith finished Cubbie book #1!

Jake finished Sparks Book #1!

Yay!

My Little Project!

I found these napkins on a super bargain, at one of my favorite local boutiques. 

I thought they were so fresh and summery!

I wanted to transform them into pillow covers for my front porch...

Faith wanted a cape.

Can you see how windy it was?

Faith said, "I'm blowing away in my cape!"

I noticed one of her stuffed animals was missing later and it was reported that it "Blew away to the Smoky Mountains."

Here is the actual end-result...I love it.

Six napkins = 3 throw pillows for my porch!

What Makes Her Smile?

Can you guess why Faith is giddy with excitement?

We heard the music from blocks away.

And Faith has been saving a dollar since her birthday in January, specifically for the Ice Cream Truck.

A strawberry popsicle for a pink-loving girl.

I added to her stash

(the ice cream truck doesn't offer anything for $1).

But she proudly ordered and paid herself.

This big girl enjoyed the very sweet reward.

Then could not stop smiling.

Warmth

It's been 10-15 degrees warmer here than it usually is this time of year.  So when Jake & Faith asked to put on swimsuits and run through the sprinkler - I agreed.

There was a little hesitancy...

But lots of fun!

I think every mother appreciates the joys of outside fun.

I enjoy this time of year where the nights are still cool and jackets are needed in the morning, but the afternoons are balmy!

Friendships & Hospitality

This has been a very busy, exhausting week for me.  Because of work schedules, I've been on my own each evening this week and so the housework and routine cleaning have fallen behind. 

Faith has become extremely social and I want to encourage her to enjoy having friends over.  So we have invited some sweet little ones over for playtime and have made several batches of cupcakes!

Faith & Emma making cupcakes.

Enjoying the 'fruits' of their labor!

Emma's brothers came, too!

Our neighbor, friend and car-pool companion - Sydnie!

Faith seems to idolize this "older" girlfriend.

More cupcakes (this time in the Easy Bake Oven).

Even though it really isn't always convenient, I so want my children to be comfortable having their friends at our home...I want them to be confident asking to have friends over.

We all have so much fun, I'm always glad I did!

Speaking of the carpool...

Can you see Jake holding a daffodil out the sunroof?

That was for me.

I love the days W brings him home from school and I can meet him with a big smile, bigger hug and yummy snacks.  What a great little man I have!

Soccer Girl

Last Monday was frigid and we had to bundle up for soccer.

But this week was warm and perfect for an evening outdoors.

Faith is quite competitive,

Even aggressive, I might say.

And sweet Jake literally cheered her on every moment, including kisses at the goal.

Resurrection Day!

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.

I feel like such a 'Mother Hen' in this photo - Love it!

It was such a nice day, we stopped for pictures after church.

The Easter Egg Hunt!