{This Moment} A Valentine For Emma

{This Moment} - A Soule Mama Friday ritual. A single  photo - no words- capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you are inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments section for all to find and see. We wish you a wonderful weekend! xo

Birthday Party Preparations

Today has been a wonderfully mellow day spent at home preparing for Emma's birthday and party on Saturday. It's hard to believe that she turns seven this Saturday. These years have just sped by, each one faster than the one before it. Glitter play-dough was made and tested, bags were decorated and filled and now all that's left to do is to bake the cake that the four of us will enjoy before gathering later that day to celebrate with her friends. It seems that she loved the cake we made last year so much that she's chosen it as her birthday cake again this year (and none of us mind at all)! xo

Morning, Noon And Night

Morning, noon and night...three little peeks into our day today. 

Morning, 9:45am.

Noon, 1:45pm. 

Night, 7:00pm. 

If you would like to play along leave your link in the comments section so I may stop by for a visit. xo

Pancakes For Dinner

Tonight, as is our tradition on Shrove Tuesday, we had pancakes for supper. We used this super yummy pancake recipe from the Pioneer Woman though we added blueberries to it. They were so good! Next year, I think we may try the thin pancakes that are traditionally eaten in the UK on Pancake Day! They sound absolutely delicious! xo

This Morning

Days like today where it's wicked cold out just call for morning lessons to be held upstairs where it's toasty warm! xo

A Snowy Sunday

And so another week begins with another snow storm. This one brought a fair amount with it, though not nearly as much as the first blizzard of the year just a few weeks ago. My love of snow still isn't waning, however. The ice dams leaking into the house and the bitter cold temps I could do without, but the snow I still adore. 

This morning before everyone was up I read this love letter to snow. And while there are parts that don't apply to us (we don't live *in* Boston and we don't have kids who go to school) I did love how beautifully it articulated why it is that I love snow. The arrival of snow always brings with it a magical kind of peace. People slow down, spend time with those who they share a home with and (hopefully) lend a helping hand to their neighbors. It's as if the world returns to a simpler time instead of one that is full of people rushing about from place to place barely noticing one another.

Yes, I know that there are many people who are done with snow. I know there are people longing for the sun and green grass and all that comes with any season other than winter. We'll surely welcome the spring and each season as it arrives (as we always do), though I dare say that we are in for one quite a mud season this year. Dave would be fine if not every morning started with clearing the driveway, and as a home care physical therapist who spends copious amounts of time in his car, he would be happy if the temperatures were not so gosh darn wicked cold. All in all though we are a family who loves winter and I think it's mainly because it's just another excuse to do what we love most- just be together. xo

Happy Valentine's Day!

We wish all of you a very happy Valentine's Day today! May your day be one full of love! xo

And many thanks to our sweet friend Kim for once again making such sweet gnomes for us. They truly are a treasured part of our celebrations. Thank you so much, dear friend! They are just perfect! xo