Happy Valentine’s Day.

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Hope yours was extra sweet. … [Read more...]

Sunday Snapshot: {growing up}

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My baby - that I first held in my arms when he was just 16 months old - is 6 now. And that called for a celebration. At his request, we had dinner at Chick-Fil-A. And a few presents. Then back home for the rest of the celebration. Jude chose a cookie cake, frosted in red. His new favorite color. The first time he has chosen a birthday dessert he actually planned on eating. And eat it, he did Then it was time for the big gift. The one he'd been hoping for. Asking for. Pleading for. A new bike. A new, big … [Read more...]

Chinese New Year: the wrap up

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Whew. All done. They might celebrate for two weeks in China, but I guess I just don't have that kind of stamina. We are wrapping up our festivities with just one. But, even on this last shoot with my two littlest buggers, we had a blast doing it. They had seen their bigger brothers and sisters getting dressed in their silks earlier in the week. And getting their pictures taken. And getting to play with their things from China. So when I came downstairs carrying their silks and their things from China, they knew. It was … [Read more...]

the boys’ turn

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Today our Chinese New Year festivities continued. It was the boys' turn. And, thankfully, the sun decided to show itself today. Not only that, but the temperatures were in the 60's. I'll take a day like that any day I can get it. Decked out in their new silks, the boys were ready to go. All they needed was some well placed spit to keep their hair from sticking up excessively. Ahhh. The joy of boys. And on this day, they were extra pumped to be wearing their Chinese outfits. They had a little extra "cha" in their Kung … [Read more...]

Gong Xi Fa Cai

CNYSophieIsabelle-12

Today is the start of Chinese New Year. And, around these parts, that means bringing out the Chinese silks. And celebrating our kids' Chinese heritage. I had every intention of trying to get everyone in their silks today. And pictures taken. But the sun just did not want to cooperate. Eventually, I just quit waiting and took the girls out on the porch for some pictures. That is, after dressing them in their new silks. And fixing their hair. And grabbing a few of their favorite things. And I'm so glad I did. We ended … [Read more...]

Sunday Snapshot: {Sophie turns 8}

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Her birthday list was made weeks ago. And posted on the refrigerator. Her pick of restaurants for her birthday meal was set, too. Birthday cake? Strawberry, please. All decided well before her big day. It's easy to make a type-A kid like this happy. And we did our very best to do just that. On this, her eighth birthday. She got the gifts that were starred on her list. And the dinner and dessert she requested. We added some light up balloons and glow wand. And some colorful bead necklaces and noisemakers. … [Read more...]

Sunday Snapshot: {the graduate}

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Can you believe it? I know I can't. My baby girl is now a college graduate. I mean, I can believe she graduated. I just can't believe she graduated, already. And, if you hadn't already guessed, I am so very, very proud of her. She's grown up so much in the last few years. Since she started college, she's had a few jobs. And a few roommates. And a few boyfriends. *Ahem* Through it all, she's managed to learn some very valuable lessons from the good. And the not-so-good. And blossom into a … [Read more...]

seventeen

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My first born boy turns 17 today. He was actually due near the end of December. But he decided he preferred to have his birthday in January. My only child that had to be induced - I did all sorts of crazy things trying to get him to make his entrance into the world a bit early. Things I'll never share. But he just didn't budge. Seriously, I cannot tell you how ready I was to hold him in my arms instead of carry him in my belly. Late pregnancy does not agree with me. His was the least painful loveliest of all my births, I must … [Read more...]

Sunday Snapshot: {Christmas in pictures}

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*********************************************************** If you're ready to link up this week with your Sunday (or Monday or Tuesday) Snapshot, just copy the code under the Snapshot button and paste it into the body of your post where you'd like the button to be displayed. Because it's Christmas, and lots of y'all are probably otherwise occupied, I'm going to leave the link open until Tuesday night. When you hit 'publish' it should show up just fine. Then add your link below. Wondering what the heck Sunday Snapshot is? Visit here for the … [Read more...]

from our house to yours

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