Three cheers for SPRING!

We've been loving this 60 degree weather we've been enjoying here in NY.  We decided to take advantage of it yesterday with some outside chalk.  Hazel has been so mesmorized everytime we go outside.  Poor thing probably doesn't even remember last summer or what it's like to spend more a few minutes outside.  During the winter, the extent of our outdoor time, consists of shuffling Maddie to and from school or taking short trips to the store.  I'm not much of a linger outside when it's cold, kind of girl, and she has certainly suffered because of it...so here she is taking it all in.

And enjoying getting a bit dirty. 

Not something i like to do either :)  Look at all of these things you're learning about me!

a bird?  a plane?

Modeling the new headband I made her, poor girl always has to be the model.

and more...

I think she's had enough at this point.

Just one more shot.  What a mean mom I am to keep snapping away...

Love this guy.  He makes the funniest faces...

Yummy fingernails...

Classsic one eye squint.

Sweet Maddie.

Playing with rocks and showing a little clevage...

A better look.  I told her to pull up her pants.  This is what happens when you don't listen {she'll love this 5 years from now}.

And today...St. Patty's Day!

Just took a few shots during dinner, messy faces and all, when I realized I hadn't taken one picture all day--

Showing off her new clippy.

Poor girl is plagued with cold sores, not a gift from me--but her dad. 

She will certainly thank him down the road, I'm sure.

And last but, not least...

Showing off his shamrock leftovers.

I'd say this weather is boosting everyones spirits. 

 Let's hope it's here to stay!

too cool.

Look who's too cool for school...

And oh so cute!

And walking....finally!!

I know, I've been an extremely horrible blogger lately.  You don't have to tell me. 

In my defense, we've had a bug going around our family...and I've got it right now.  Gross!

But, I'll try to do better, I promise.

A visitor in town...

So,  my bestest friend ever came to visit over the weekend.  We had a blast eating, talking, making clippies, watching movies, and going to a movie.  Our kids are pretty much the same ages and genders.  They played together so well, I don't think it could have gone better! 

happy {belated} valentine's day by the way!

And did I tell you she came bearing gifts??  The Project Prowler herself, came with this  beautiful jewelry board that matched my room perfectly!  I'd been drooling over the one she made for herself and posted on her blog and I guess I talked about it so much, that she got the hint and made one for me as well :)  Pretty smart on my part, if I do say so myself. 

No more tangled necklaces...and now I can see them!!  Genius!

A little GIVEaway!

I'm thrilled that my good friend, Kimmy, at The Project Prowler, is hosting a giveaway for my shop now through Friday.  What a great gift for the little girl in your life.  A great Easter basket filler or baby shower gift even!  Or just because...who says you need a reason to make your little girly look cute?

Another birthday?

This time I was the lucky one! I got to celebrate my 28th {yikes!} b-day earlier this week. I awoke to the smell of my favorite breakfast {Creme Brule French Toast...you've gotta try it, you won't be sorry}. Ben was out the door at 6am, but was kind enough to set my alarm, so breakfast wouldn't burn. We had a nice, quiet day at home. Ben arrived home with flowers, balloons, and chocolate (sounds like an early Valentine's Day?). Our plan was a dinner out with the fam. Right as the cake was coming out of the oven, and we were about to walk out the door for dinner, there was a knock at the door. Who could it be?? Why the best b-day gift ever...my friends had come to steal me away for dinner and a movie...they even came bearing gifts of flowers, balloons, and a card! Am I lucky or what? Not that dinner with the family isn't great...but there's nothing like a girl's night out! Ben was so sweet to stay home with the kids as we headed to the Cheesecake Factory, yum! We, ok "they" splurged and treated me to a wonderful meal. I even got a serenade from the waiters {how embarrassing!}. It came time for the bill and our waiter came over to tell us that the bill had already been paid! What?? We were all so shocked and puzzled! The whole meal?  The tip?  Yes, yes!  I mean this sort of thing only happens in the movies! The bill was $100 plus and some kind stranger paid it for us. Talk about generosity! We were just flabbergasted that a complete stranger would treat us "moms" to a meal. We were on cloud nine! We decided to all "pay it forward" at our next opportunity. We headed to see Leap Year, great chick flick by the way. What a perfect night. I'm still smiling! Thank you my dear friends, you are the BEST!!


Ands here are the kids and Ben singing to me the next night!

Sweet ONE.

Guess who turned 1 today?

That's right....it's our little Hazelnut!

Ohh, how fun!

"I'm ONE!!"

We had some friends over for some dinner and dessert.

Here comes the cake!

The funniest thing EVER!  She almost literally inhaled the cupcake!

{I mean look at those eyes, so focused...almost in a trance}

Don't you dare touch it!

{cupcake beard}

Present time!

What a fun day....SO hard to believe it's been a year!

Four words.

                 hair UP..... :)                       NEW teeth....... :(