celebrations

April 2, 2012

Tallula turns two

And so, we celebrated. With cupcakes and sprinkles, of course. Poppy did the honor of blowing out the candles, in the birthday girl's absence. And then, it was cupcake time. I took this sugar-induced moment to ask everyone to share their thoughts on their newest sister, just days before she will become an official member of our family. Poppy: Uh. Lula. (nodding. and eating.) Vivienne: Ummm.... I don't know. I think she's cute. Shepherd: I'm going to help Tallula with some stuff... what she needs. And I'm going to share my cars … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: celebrations, Tallula

February 27, 2012

Sunday Snapshot: {girls’ weekend}

On Friday, the girls and I headed down to A-town to visit Victoria. And to celebrate, once again, her recent college graduation. Can one celebrate such an achievement too much? I think not. We hunkered down at my mom's house and spent the afternoon shopping and cooking. And then eating. All Victoria's favorites. Girly food, of course. But there was more fun in store. A little music. Make that a lot of music. And then some sister time. The girls positively adore their biggest sister. And I think she … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: celebrations, Isabelle, Poppy, Sophie, Sunday Snapshot, Victoria, Vivienne

February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine’s Day.

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

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Posted Under: celebrations

February 12, 2012

Sunday Snapshot: {growing up}

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...]

15 Comments
Posted Under: celebrations, Jude, Sunday Snapshot

January 27, 2012

Chinese New Year: the wrap up

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 peanuts, 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...]

22 Comments
Posted Under: celebrations, China, Poppy, Vivienne

January 24, 2012

the boys’ turn

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...]

8 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, celebrations, China, Jude, Shepherd

January 23, 2012

Gong Xi Fa Cai

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...]

29 Comments
Posted Under: adoption, celebrations, China, Isabelle, Sophie

January 21, 2012

Sunday Snapshot: {Sophie turns 8}

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...]

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Posted Under: celebrations, Sophie, Sunday Snapshot

January 8, 2012

Sunday Snapshot: {the graduate}

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...]

32 Comments
Posted Under: celebrations, Sunday Snapshot, Victoria

January 5, 2012

seventeen

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...]

18 Comments
Posted Under: celebrations, Zach