findings

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Now that spring is finally here I'm so ready to pack away the warm weather clothes and set out on some adventures. 

I picked up {this} handy little roller ball a few weeks ago and it's a perfect spring scent. I also love how it fits easily into my handbag.

{This} is the best new thing I've made for dinner in a while. I grilled the chicken on a cast iron grill pan but as soon as it warms up I can't wait to make them all the time on the outdoor grill. The avocado cream sauce is to die for! 

I can't wait to watch {this} movie this weekend. 

I picked up a floral kimono at {The Rack} this week. It's officially part of of my Spring/Summer uniform. 

Our new favorite house {candle} **Thanks for the recommendation Melissa! 

I may give {this} a try..... I've heard good things. Let it be known though up front I'm the least coordinated person on the planet so I'm sure my family is in for a good laugh.

While I wait in what seems like a never-ending line at the library for The Goldfinch I decided to re-read {this} book. I first picked it up when it was published in 2005 and really enjoyed it. It's different this time around now that I've been watching Carol on RHONY for a couple of seasons. It sort of puts a fresh spin on it. 

Hope you all have a beautiful weekend 

a very hungry grayman party

On Friday we had a little lunch time party for Gray. Our Friday play date regulars (Hi Nicole, Oliver and Josie!) and Grandma and Aunt Emily and Aunt Kady came over to celebrate. Continuing on with his Very Hungry Caterpillar obsession we had the local bakery create a cake he couldn't get enough of. His face was priceless when he saw it. By the end of the day he was so tuckered out he collapsed right into his cozy bed and fell fast asleep. It was a great birthday! 

We took the kids to the Children's Museum today so they could see their favorite dinosaur exhibit and we got to briefly see some friends (Hi Melissa, Jonah & Maren!) Tomorrow we've got one last hurrah for Gray planned with Nicks side of the family. This little guy is so lucky and loved! 

gray is two

My darling boy what can I say? You're just the bee's knees. Your balance of tenderheartedness mixed with rough and tumble all-boy make for the sweetest combination. We've so enjoyed the privilege of watching you mark another whole year of milestones. Just this week we put the toddler rail on your bed- no more crib and today you decided was the day you would start walking down the stairs instead of scooting.

Your favorite thing in the world is your raccoon buddy Rocky. Your favorite book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. You always ask for your red hat before leaving the house and marching outside. You give THE best hugs a momma could ever dream of and make the funniest faces sometimes when you eat. You love to play in the sink, methodically filling cups and dumping them out over and over again. You (usually) love it when "Oocee" plays with you and you get a kick out of Huckleberry the cat whenever he's around.

You are the one of the biggest blessings and you are loved in amounts that are immeasurable. We can't wait to see what this year has in store for you as you continue to grow and flourish. I love you so much my handsome prince!

Mommy
xoxo

so long february

The sun seemed especially bright this morning as it poured through the windows almost like February was waving us a sweet goodbye. This winter has been long no doubt about it and the coming days don't seem to be at all forgiving. I'm still on the fence though about minding or not. Just when I feel I'm at my wits end with cabin fever something happens and I'm drawn right back in to the coziness. 

Lucy and I have done so much baking and cooking. She loves to help and ask questions. She's also been glued to my side while I work on other projects like sewing and knitting. I gave her her first quasi lesson on the sewing machine. Mostly just showing her what all of the buttons do and explaining how the bobbin and the needle work together to make a stitch. We've also been doing a ton of reading during the day too. Both kids have their favorites that they like me to read over and over. While I was out this week I picked up a pretty copy of The Secret Garden. Lucy has walked around all day with her antique skeleton key around her neck searching for her own garden. 

So while you may have been bitterly cold and snowy February, I thank you for all the slowing down you made us do. See you again next time.

lucy's party

Today we celebrated Lucy's 4th birthday with her little friends and family. She requested her colors be pink and yellow and that the lady from Peewinkles come to do her puppet workshop. Her wishes were granted. It was a fun filled morning with lot's of yummy food, good people and of course puppet making. I don't think I'll ever tire of an ole' fashion homemade birthday party. It just doesn't get any better than having all the sweet littles and their giggles under our roof all at once. 

four

My sweet Lucy it has taken me a few weeks to write this post. You see I've noticed something. About a month before your birthday each year I get sad. I find myself trying to hold on tightly to your current age. Its funny the way children are so excited to celebrate a birthday but us parents seem to mourn them- at least for a bit. Then I'm reminded of all the amazing milestones the previous year has brought you and I take comfort in knowing that the next year will surely bring even more.

Every morning you love it when I spritz your hair with rose water while I brush it out. You take comfort in having a dab of lavender oil on your tiny wrists at bed time. You pine all week for the cinnamon rolls on Saturday mornings. Right now if asked you tell us you're favorite colors are pink and yellow. Lately you've taken a fast liking to playing with Gray- Daddy and I love to listen to the two of you make each other laugh. Coco is still your favorite doll and you still have her firmly planted under your arm when I check on you every night after you've fallen asleep. You stay up late flipping through your books and singing songs to yourself for hours until you wear yourself out. You like the idea of learning to read and are eager to do your little school lessons every day. You love all things Wizard of Oz and to have dance parties whenever possible.

You asked for records, a pink yoga mat, curvy board and Frozen "Elsa" Doll for your birthday this year. You were thrilled when all your wishes and more were fulfilled today.  You told us over and over today "this was the best birthday ever!" You are the bright shining star of a little girl I always dreamed of. You make us so proud every day with your love and kindness. I can't wait to see what the next year holds!

I love your Lucy- to the moon and back!

learning something new

One of my New Years resolutions was to learn to bake a boule. I'm happy to report that I promptly got started on that one. After trying a couple different recipes I decided I personally like {this} one best. The only difference is I use an electric mixer with a dough hook attachment but the rest of the ingredients and methods are the same. There's something really relaxing about the whole process for me. I wake up early to mix up the dough, it rises on the counter all day. This afternoon after I formed it into a ball and I was waiting the last half hour before putting it in the oven I just sat in the quiet house and had some tea- the kids were still napping. Then of course the most rewarding moment is when it's finished baking and you lift the lid off to reveal something truly beautiful!  

I was pleasantly surprised at how simple it was to do and I've been baking them once or twice a week. They go great with soup and you haven't lived until you've sliced into one of these babies fresh out of the oven, the amazing aroma wafting through the air. We prefer ours with a big ol' smattering of butter and sometimes some strawberry preserves too.  

cabin fever preventer

So we don't risk going completely stir crazy this winter I've been trying to come up with a fun new activity for the kids to do nearly every day. Last week I set up no-mess finger painting on the floor. It's super easy just squirt a few different paint colors in a large ziploc bag (and glitter too if you have some!) and make sure it's tightly closed and there's no trapped air. Place a piece of white paper on the floor and lay the bag of paint on top then use masking tape to secure it down. That's it! 

Both kids loved it, Lucy and I talked about color mixing on hers for a while and then she danced on top of it, then she mixed some more. We've tried it the past by taping the bag to a window instead of the floor and that was fun too.