the hair cut :(

While waiting for Josh and I to load Ben/Rowan, get Scout water, grab cell phones etc.  Noah decided to give Clara a hair cut in the car.  I would love to say I played it cool but I was devastated. I cried.  The week had already been a challenging one so this just was icing on the cake. I had also just trimmed her hair less then a week ago and it was the beautiful, all one length, early Nicole Kidman, soft curl, mane. We drove directly to Cookie Cutters where they squeezed us right in. I thought for sure we would be losing all the length for a short boy cut, but they just cut about 3 in of length and layered throughout.  If she doesn't have a clip in, it has a bit of mullet look, but not bad considering.  Clara loved the experience (I don't think she even minded Noah's cut too much).  She keeps asking if she can go back to get her hair cut.  My favorite comment later in the night was from Clara, "wasn't the girl from cookie cutters so talented?" and yes, she was!

**a silver lining---brushing and doing her hair has more of a fun experience then traumatic one.

planet of the...

President's weekend we were lucky to host Kris, Justin, Diana, and Ella.  The kids had so much fun together.  I wish I got more (err, any) pictures of our buddies.  I always enjoy visiting with Kris and prying her on all her Mommy wisdom.  These pictures were taken at an outing at the Hansen Planetarium in SLC.

ol' man winter...

finally came to play.  We went sledding as a family on Presidents day and few other times recently.  It's actually been fun to have a little snow. Aunt Liz knitted that darling hat for Rowan, it fits Ben as well, and he looked so darling for taking Noah to the bus stop I couldn't resist sharing.

row row

•  She twinkles. While watching a show, reading a story, running, dancing she is twinkling.
•  Her whole face lights up when she smiles. 
•  I love how much enjoyment she takes in the little things...a silly fishy balloon stuck on the ceiling, being chased, thrown on the bed, taking a bath, have a story read, getting a treat.  
• She LOVES daddy.  She tries sneaking down to him in the basement home office.  I've caught her lying on the stairs waiting for him to come home.  Sometimes, she even calls him "buddy".  Buddy's love and adoration is mutual and the two our often found sneaking treats, cuddling to stories together!
• I have this panging in my heart several times a day  when she says "down baby, down baby".  She has had to share a little of her precious baby time with brother Ben.  I wish I could hold each of my children as much as they wanted. 
• She loves dresses, dressing up, caring for her dolls, bears, esp. taking them on stroller rides,  watching tangled, library trips, swinging, climbing up on anything precarious or dangerous, nursery, her aunts, singing and dancing!
• She doesn't love loud noise, jetted tubs, horn beeps, blenders, new people, having her teeth brushed.

Happy 2nd Birthday my sweet girl.  I love, love, love you!

my funny valentine

 

Well, first my littlest cupid.

No, your eyes are not deceiving you that is a whole lb. of Scotch mallow from See's.  Josh has been taking note these last eight years, it's  the piece I look for if ever See's chocolates are offered.  Nearly as good as a true Love's kiss...don't worry he got one for this sweet present.  We started a new tradition of getting take out and eating as a family using china, tablecloth, and candles.  It made something so simple seem special.   Valentines, your climbing up the list holidays.  I like feelin' and sharin' the love. 

girls room

I need a daytime shot to really show how cute it is.

Yet another project in progress that I didn't get a true before picture of.  I was going for a light blue backdrop to pinks and a vintage feel.  We wandered a little from my vision due to some awesome finds.  It was kismet walking into Pottery Barn Kids and finding the last two twin quilts and shams same kind/ different colors on sale with an extra 20% off that day so I went for it. The bookself and beds were also super sale finds at downeast.   I have a few projects from pinterest that I haven't finished and I think we will be adding a reading chair,  some crown molding at some point as well.  No rush Rowan is still happy in the nursery and I love to keep my babies in a crib for as long as possible.

bonus room redo

Ta-dah!  Love our new map from Ikea

post painting, pre set up

I can't believe I didn't shoot before and after pictures because there is a b-i-g difference.  Our bonus room/play room is still in the process but so far so good.  I feared the paint at first but now I love it.  We wanted something to make it not look like a cave and it has definitely lightened it with the light grey.  I am pulling from my teacher background and wanting more designated areas for play.  The space itself is quite large (800sq. ft) so lots of room to work with.  SO far, there is a reading nook, train area, dramatic play (kitchen) area, art/crafts table, and music. I know the amount of stuff seems a little much, I blame it on teaching k-1 for 7 years, and my husband the yard sale enthusiast ;).

Reading Nook

craft area

play area

So there will be more to add soon I hope...stage, etc :)  I know it looks like a run a day care (I guess with 4 kids 6 and under I pretty much do).