Happy Birthday Taylor Grace!

Tay Tay, you are nine years old!
How can that be??

Taylor Grace,
You bring us such joy each and every day.

You are such a big helper;
whether helping Daddy out in the shop,
or cleaning with Mama in the house,
you are always happy to lend a hand.

You like things neat and tidy,
and keep your room spick and span.

You LOVE animals.
From toting Luna around, to letting Diamond chase you,
and even getting the calves to eat from your hand,
you have such a calming way with our pets.

You always smell SO good, lol!
I know that's a funny thing to include in a birthday post,
but you have about a million different lotions and fragrance sprays,
and you always smell so delicious.

One of the things I love most right now is how much you enjoy being read to.
You couldn't sit still long enough for stories when you were tiny,
so it is such a joy to be able to snuggle and read together now.
And you love reading on your own as well.
You often have a book in your hand!

You are our bright ray of sunshine, Miss Tay,
and we can't wait to see what this year has in store for you!

Love you to the moon!

Tay's 8th Birthday
Tay's 7th Birthday
Tay's 6th Birthday
Tay's 5th Birthday
Tay's 4th Birthday
Tay's 3rd Birthday
Tay's 2nd Birthday
Tay's 1st Birthday
Birth

Keeping Busy . . . Indoors

Being cooped up *indoors* requires a little more creativity.

But ~ fear not ~ if you're dealing with less than stellar weather, there are still 

plenty of things to keep the kids occupied!

1. Cupcake Wars

One of our favorite places to be is the kitchen.

The girls love to bake, and create new recipes.

Everybody wins with Cupcake Wars:

Kids get to create.

There is healthy competition.

You get to eat cupcakes.

What more could you want, really?

2. BINGO or Board Games With Prizes {or without}

I try to pick up little prizes throughout the year,  

and put them away just for Game Nights.  

Play-Doh, glow sticks, bracelets, notebooks, etc. for the little girls;

and beauty items, stationery, cozy socks, etc. for the older ones.

BUT ~ Game Day is just as fun without prizes!

Some of our favorites are:

Yahtzee

Sorry

Apples to Apples

{And ANY Gamewright Games!}

3. Crafts

We do a LOT of crafting 'round here.

Sometimes I'll stock up on craft kits at Michaels or JoAnns.

But if you don't have anything like that at home, no worries.

If you have printer paper Q-tips, glue, and a pen, you're set with this springtime craft:

My younger girls have 326 million tiny stuffed animals.

If you're in the same boat, try making a "pet bed" for one of them.

Any small plastic container will work.

Cut out a slot in the front, and start decorating with Duck Tape

{or wrapping paper, printed scrapbook paper, etc.}

Sew a little, fluffy pillow, and voila!

4.  Puzzles

These things can take days to complete y'all.

If you have the patience for it, you've just taken care of the better half of your week!

5. Movie Night {or Day!}

Who remembers going to Blockbuster or Hollywood Video to pick out a movie rental?

Wasn't that the best thing ever??

I kind of miss those days, but I'm not gonna lie,

the ease of renting a movie now is pretty wonderful.

Gather up your favorite people, candy bars, and snuggly blankets,

pop some popcorn, and you're set.

Keeping Busy

I'm *kind of* an introvert, 

so staying home is definitely more of a reward than a punishment,

as far as I'm concerned. But not everyone in my house agrees, so I've been

compiling a list of things to do when cabin fever sets in.

Maybe you need some ideas too.

Share what you've been up to, so we can all add to our lists!

1. Take a Hike {or Bike!}

If the weather is nice {and it has been the last few days here in Oregon!},

one of our favorite things to do is take a nature walk.

We are blessed to live on 20 acres, and "right next door" to my parents ~

who also have 20 acres.  There is a lot to explore!

But whether you have acres of land, or live in a neighborhood, get outdoors 

and get some fresh air.  

Make a scavenger hunt list, and check off items as you see them.

2. Tie Dye or Paint on Clothing

This is a perfect sunny-day activity.

I purchased a fantastic Tie Dye Kit on Amazon

3. Take up a New Hobby . . .  or practice one you already love.

Tay got a new bow a few months ago, and has already improved so much!

4. Go For A Drive!

Stay close to home, or hit the road; and explore country you haven't before.

5. Whip Up Some Yummy Treats

Food makes me happy.  It brightens my day.

If you're the same, whip up a new drink or treat recipe to share with the fam.

A few to try:

Orange Creamsicle

{click for recipe}

Jello Treats

{click for recipe}

CandyBar Milkshakes

{Blend vanilla ice cream ~ or any kind ya like, 

with Oreo cookies, candy bars, and chocolate syrup.

Coat inside of a mug with chocolate and caramel syrups, add milkshake,

and top with whipped cream, cookies, and candy bars}

Your family will love you forever.  Pinky promise.

I'll be back with some indoor activities in case your weather is less than gorgeous.

Stay healthy, y'all ♥

Happy 15th Birthday, Makenna Nicole!!

Happy 15th Birthday, to my Kenners.

I remember the second I found out I was having another girl ~

I was so excited for Sis.

So excited to have two little girls.

Dance classes, and cookie baking, and girls movie nights ~

I could not wait.

And here we are, fifteen years later, you two are the best of friends.

And you are an awesome big sister to the two littles.

Fifteen years has flown right by.

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl.

You are beautiful, kind, and compassionate.

You are creative and intuitive.

I am learning {slowly, but surely} that no matter how hard I beg, plead, or nag, 

you are just not inclined to keep things tidy. Or to value organization.

But that's okay. 

Because you make us laugh every day and you help us

to see everything through a new lens.

Hope this year is the best yet!