Birthdays ; recent and really not so recent...

Our happy little dude turned two on the first of January.

Since he's a Chinese Southerner, it only seemed appropriate that his birthday cake be a red velvet.  This is my grandmother's recipe, and my first attempt at it.  I was nervous to try it out, because this is one of those childhood memories that is very vivid in my mind.  I remember hers being so moist and luscious, I never expected to be able to replicate it in the least.  It was EXACTLY as I remembered and I was so glad to carry on the tradition of it.  And I know many of you are not fans of red dye #40, so know that Wilton carries a "Christmas Red" that is red of a different number.  But, for once a year, caution to the wind eh? 

I love this look Simon is giving Sara- it's like 

"Hey girl, I 'm two, I think I can rip a package without help now.. really!"

 Madeline celebrating her 6th birthday at home with sweet little girls

The labor behind the cupcake.  Don't let the height fool you, they are quite accomplished.  

End of year

Hi folks, yes, you three.....thanks to the wonder of e-subscriptions...

I thought I'd update those of you in blog land on what has happened, oh, since September....

Appointments, appointments, appointments... Simon has had weekly teaching appointments, alongside of some PT, Speech therapy, and a quickie surgery to make him "special" biblically.  Madeline is loving kindergarten and Sara has her first BFF and hallelujah!  the feeling is mutual.

We've nicknamed the girls the "puppies", they are always curled up together.  

Sweet Henry, our original puppy, is dealing with what we think is a second round of skin cancer. You find these things out when you have a vet for a friend.  I've preferred to pretend everything is okay, but we've had him for 10 years now, and such is life. He has been AMAZING with all of our kids and I love him dearly. 

Our fall break weekend consisted of a amazing stay in Flat Rock, NC at the foot of this unbelievable apple orchard.  We downed 3 dozen apple cider doughnuts and felt no guilt.  Madeline thought this sign was the coolest and insisted on having a photo op. 

Talley ho!  

My sweet, like-minded, "tornado in the kitchen" aunt spent a solid 10 hours in the kitchen with me to process about 3 bushels of apples into sauce.  We ended up with 24 quart jars that I am unashamedly rationing.  I love my stainless steel countertops.  

Madeline lost her first tooth at school- "a lot of blood, mama, a lot of blood" 

Halloween- Nancy Drew, Dorothy, and the Bee

All of my kids have been the bee, generations of friends before us have been the bee, and now the bee has been passed down the line to new friends. Simon did not like the bee. 

Elves in the kitchen, clearly having too much fun.  Holly Jolly, get to work slackers! 

The men in my life; oh, they make me swoon.  

The girls wanted to be burritos and I used Simon as a very effective toothpick.  No real bites were taken.  

So there you have it, our last quarter in pictures, and I hope to blog more regularly in the new year.  I have aspirations of doing at least a monthly family update, and to share a few of my putterings around the house, books worth reading, and tips worth sharing.  Hold me accountable, okay? 

Sweet Sara September

  I love three year old birthdays.  

For a month straight, "Blueberries" was the only word in response to "What do you want for your birthday?" 

Precious answer, terrible to wrap.  Thank heavens for Etsy and some friends with great book ideas.    

Blueberry hand pies for the girl who doesn't like sweets.  

The other love in this girl's life is the movie "Wizard of Oz", so my family bought her these peg dolls from Etsy.  You must visit this seller, she is FANTASTIC to work with! 

 I'm talking individually painted polka dots, people!!  

Her "something to read" was this book from the 1950's "The blueberry pie elf"  about an elf who is invisible to people but tries to get noticed by doing good deeds around the house.  His hope is that they will bake another blueberry pie as a reward.  Lovely illustrations.  

Blueberry note card art from a seller on Etsy.  

Our Sara is a little tenderheart.  She noticed her first football game this season being played on TV. After a tackle, she sucked in a huge breath and said "Are you okay orange?"  You will often find her holding Simon's hand as they walk around together.  He will reach for her and just giggle.