Generous Spirit!

My friend, Michelle, was wearing this beautiful scarf at her last visit to our home. I loved it as soon as I saw it and told her (a few times) how lovely it was. Later that evening (once everyone had gone home), I was shocked to find her scarf hanging on my bedroom door! She'd left it for me!!!

I used to love the scarf because of its design!

Now it's my favorite because it reminds me of a Generous Spirit.

Birthday Blues!

We started the weekend with high fevers...

So, we were obligated to cancel Graci's first ever birthday party.

Poor thing has been coughing, sneezing & basically spending her weekend rather lethargic in Mommy or Daddy's arms. She has truly been miserable. But, after her nap this afternoon, it seemed she may have turned a corner. So, we decided to attempt a party... just the 4 of us! CC & I had already made cupcakes and Ben had a meal planned. So, the party was on!

She wasn't too sure about her cake, but eventually sampled!

After a bath, she opened her gifts. The first was finger puppets! Still unsure.

She didn't understand the "opening" portion of gifts, but there was a large improvement from Christmas as she didn't eat any of the paper! Wahoo! She hit the above gift like a drum and found it most entertaining! So, fun was still had as we fought of "Bugs". Everyone was to bed early tonight, so I hope that we all sleep well. Turning ONE is exhausting!

One Year Ago...

...our family of three became a family of FOUR!

I remember being a bit emotional at 6:40 AM when we dropped CoCo off on our way to the hospital. How was this little addition going to change the dynamics of the threesome I had grown to cherish? I worried how it would affect our two year old. Would she understand that I didn't love her less with my attentions elsewhere? And how did this "love" thing work anyway? Could I possibly have enough love to share with a new baby?

I was grieving! Grieving?? Simply absurd, right?! I don't know. But, the truth is I felt the loss of what had been and the fear of what would be.

Well, my fearful thoughts were wasted time (like they usually are).

I don't know how it works or even how to explain it. However, I've never had to share or divi up the love I have for my hubby or my first born child. Somehow, there is just more love... abundantly more. Thank you, Graci for blessing us! Your smiles, hugs, chatter and goofy faces fill our world to overflowing!

Missing Oma!

She's only been gone 3 days and we are feeling her absence. :(

Thanks for all your love and care Oma!

You are missed!

Birthday Surprises!

Saturday night, my hubby had a birthday surprise and took me out to one of my very favorite restaurants in Seattle! Kabul! So Tasty!

Sunday morning, we woke up to the mouth watering aroma of

ORANGE ROLLS!

(thanks, Oma)

For dinner, Ben grilled some fish along with a mango pineapple salsa that was AMAZING!

For dessert, we consumed my favorite Black Bottom Cupcakes!

AND CoCo and Ben surprised us all with a homemade Tropical Ice Cream!

Mmm, it was a birthday my thighs are sure to remember! :)

70 Degrees!

Finally!

We hit the 70's for the first time this spring!

The sun was divine!

Oma & Graci checking out the views!

A little sunny contemplation!

Hawaii Get Away!

Ben's company treated us with a trip to Maui...

just the two of us (and about 50 other employees & their wives).

I guess what I'm trying to say is we left the kiddos at home!

Above, Ben comes in from a morning of paddle boarding.

Below, I enjoy my favorite Hawaiian treat!

SHAVED ICE!

Meanwhile at home...

Much fun was had by all!

Happy Mother's Day!

(front view of my Mother's Day card)

ELEVEN Months!

Exploring!

Walking, with a mouth full of teeth!

Chasing down her sister!

Creatively figuring out things in her own way!

Currently, I'm so enjoying how LOVING & AFFECTIONATE Graci is! She gives extra tight squeezes & slobbery wet kisses! She's thrilled to be picked up and will usually reward you with a big hug! It's catchy, you know... all that affection makes for a pretty loving home!