Kylie is now 5! (how did that happen?)

She wanted Daddy to make Potato-Leek Soup (so the real name is a long "V" - I am not going to try), his prize spaghetti, salad and garlic bread.




And for dessert - a bell-shaped cake with Belle on the top...okay, easy enough (can you name the bell I made?)




Ashlyn was so excited to sing "Happy Birthday to Kylie" and do so all day. She assisted with the candles, of course.



Spencer sat back and enjoyed the show (and, obviously, the spaghetti).

THIS makes my heart go 'pitter-patter'

What makes yours?

Olives, anyone?

What we do for fun when Mommy's gone

Confessions...again!

I guess I am on a confession roll.
But, this Carrot Cake is amazing! (I meant to share it, but it was WAY. TOO. GOOD.)
In advance, I apologize to anyone taking my classes....

Confessions

Warning: If you think I am perfect, please do not read any further, it will change your opinion of me.

I read a status update on a friend's Facebook page and it got me thinking. It read: "....loves that there are books in every room of my house that my kids have carried there because they will drop anything to read."

Did you catch that? She LOVES when books are everywhere in the house! Wow! That's good.

I am definitely too hard on my children. Because, I don't love when there are books (or other items) everywhere in my house. I feel like I am pushing them to clean up all. day. long. Honestly, where is the childhood fun in that? I am like a drill sergeant.

In fact, Kylie said to me once (not too long ago), "I don't do anything right, do I Mom?"

I was shocked. "Why do you say that?"

"Because I am always in trouble."

That is totally NOT true! I praise her all the time (so I thought.) about how good she did something - made her bed, loved on Spencer, shared with Ashlyn, spoke in a quiet tone, brushed her pearly whites, made a good decision, etc.

What an eye opener! Why do I get so frustrated with books on the floor? Dress-up clothes strewn throughout? A few drawings on the wall here and there? Aren't these just signs of children playing and enjoying life? They're life is not meant to be stressful now. Have responsibility? Sure. But, for heaven's sake - let them be kids! I wish I was more child-like and more carefree. They need this time to be them and develop their personalities. And have fun!

Just to let you know

Things have been going on around here. Lots of things, actually (unfortunately not too much in the job area)! And, our chip won't read in our computer, so I can't post any fun pictures. So, until my brain can reflect a bit without pictures to spark an idea, postings will probably be sparse. A few things though:

1. Spencer is so close to taking his first steps.

2. Kylie is learning how to read.

3. Ashlyn's 'mothering skills' are really shining with the baby we watch. It is fun to watch.

4. I am going to a training this weekend - alone. I am scared. Really. Travel 3 hours alone, stay 3 days without my husband or children. Travel 3 hours back alone. I have never been gone that long from them.

5. David is such a huge help around the house. I really want him to get more work, but, at the same time, I like him home. Guess I can't have it all.