an impromptu slumber party happened the other night – a first at our home. the girls started in the same bed, giggled way to much, had to separate beds, finally fell asleep at 11pm with ryan sitting on the floor as a watchdog {policing the no talking rule we had to lay down} little birds asleep – finally at rest. of course they ended up in the same bed again by morning light. the first of many sleepovers i am sure.

while their dad was away skiing, the girls got lots of quality time with their grandmother and aunt. My sister in law brought sprinkles cupcakes – yum!

we had a fantastic time and lots of mini photo sessions

more photos to come…….

what a special day!

my babies birthdays are very low key

when I had my first baby, I threw a big party when she turned one – i found myself stressed by the planning and entertaining and on her birthday i just remember her being tossed around from person to person.

i’ve never done that again.

there is no invite, no crazy decorations

usually cupcakes and ice cream + family {whoever can attend}

the girls really focus on one another and they have a sense of calmness and excitement all at the same time

quality time and love is spent

and that to me is most memorable!

a party of 6 adults and 3 little girls was special and perfect and SHE felt so loved

Happy 2yr birthday precious little darling!

{don’t get me wrong – i love a good party and i admire mothers who throw great ones, i just get stressed and loose focus – so i keep it simple}

{correction: admittedly, i don’t LOVE parties – being a naturally introverted person i like to stay home but i do enjoy them on occasion}

]]> http://www.smalltownlovin.com/?feed=rss2&p=2327 1 http://www.smalltownlovin.com/?p=2319 http://www.smalltownlovin.com/?p=2319#comments Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:31:12 +0000 small town lovin http://www.smalltownlovin.com/?p=2319
you look up and suddenly they are a little older

happy birthday darling daughter

you bring so much joy into this home

on a dark day this year, i thought i might loose you

may i never take for granted a single day of your life

your smile is contagious and your hugs melt every heart

you live each moment with all the energy you have

i hope you do this for the rest of your life

i love you fiercly

 & today i am remembering your birth ~ click here

yesterday the hubs took off work and lucy, ryan and I went to Dallas

we went to eat sushi {my fav} and was trying to explain to lucy the type of restaurant we were going to – we settled on calling it a “ne hao kia lan restaurant” {only if you have kids will you understand this from the chinese cartoon on nick” well it worked and she totally got it

she loved using the chopsticks!

we met up with ryans parents to see Riverdance – so amazing and so relaxing. The music is similar to what you would hear when receiving a massage. The pan flute was totally making me sleepy. The dancers were amazing and highly recommend the show. Lucy loved the irish princess dancers {everyone is a princess in her world}

she fell asleep on a short ride to an early dinner

to make things easy again – we said we were eating at a “dora restaurant” – we don’t dine out much can you tell

china, ireland and mexico all in one day! my baby girl was such a big girl and it was sweet to have a day just the 3 of us

i missed the little chickens at home

one little chicken turns 2 tomorrow – hard to believe it!

]]> http://www.smalltownlovin.com/?feed=rss2&p=2306 1 http://www.smalltownlovin.com/?p=2301 http://www.smalltownlovin.com/?p=2301#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:08:37 +0000 small town lovin http://www.smalltownlovin.com/?p=2301

{oldie but goodie photo}

i often struggle with contentment – i look ahead, remember when and often loose focus on today. i was reading this morning and came across this and had to share

in any aspect of life – from parenting to blog growth, from marriage to book writing – another goal always lies ahead. There’s always another dream to strive for. And that’s good and right. We invite beauty into our lives by living with dreams.

but often we don’t realize that the now we currently live in represents dreams of yesterday fulfilled.

how many of us hoped for the day we could become mothers? yet does that hope seem as thrilling when our two year old screams for hours in the middle of the night?

last night little people interrupted my sleep three times: two potty accidents and one nightmare. As my groggy eyes slowly opened this morning, my first intentional thought was a phrase my husband Steve and i say often – “it doesn’t get any better than this”

because right now, THIS MOMEMT, is my only guarantee

So today, in spite of life’s hardships, pain, or disappointments, make a decision. Make it for your children and your husband, but most of all for yourself.

WANT WHAT YOU HAVE

{Copyright Jamie Martin}

You can fin the ebook mindset for moms here