::  Strawberries and sprinkles. Everything must have sprinkles ::

::  Sequins, glitter, and anything sparkly … sparkles make everything pretty ::

:: Pink. Everything matches pink. Everything ::

::  Her BFF. Best friends make everything more fun! Everything ::

::  Special. A five year old is the most popular person in the house on her birthday ::

She tells me the other day, “Mama, your heart and my heart … they’re together.”

She’s right. But what a profound statement for a 5 year old to be able to identify that the love she feels is a heart connection! We have a unique bond … it’s precious … and I don’t take it for granted. She’s a gift straight from the hand of God as all children are, but she fills a space in my heart that I didn’t know needed to be filled. She’s got a beautiful heart to go with that beautiful red hair and sparkly blue eyes.

She’s so cute with her babies. A wonderful mama who is so gentle and responsive to her babies needs. I love listening in on her family life! She has a wonderful and funny imagination.

She’s extremely self sufficient. If I don’t respond quickly enough she’s quick to find her own way, sometimes a little too creatively. Like the other day when I found her standing on top of her little blue chair which was stacked on top of a kitchen chair so she could reach a snack in the pantry. It looked like something right out of a Dr. Seuss book. Totally freaked me out!

She’s a free spirit. Something I love love love about her. It resonates deeply with me and I often find my heart well up with pleasure, joy, and gratitude when I see her living in the moment soaking it all in. She has a wonderful zest for life.

She skips everywhere, even holding my hand and trying to walk through the parking lot … she’s skipping and often singing some little diddy – it’s quite annoying actually but I can’t bring myself to ask her to stop … she’s just being happy!

She wears leotards and tutus almost daily – dancing to any tune . I have classical music on most days and will often find her twirling about. She feels the music. I love watching her.

Last night she asked me, “I feel like my heart is still connected to yours. Is your heart connected to mine too?” Forever princess. My heart is connected to yours forever. Happy Birthday sweet girl! You are loved!!

{side note:: all photos are instagram photos via my phone … clearly I need to get my regular camera out again! The phone is just so easy and I love the artsiness and creative challenge of instagram! }

6 years and counting. Every January the sisters and mom go to Michigan City in January – after the holiday rush – just when we need a little pick-me-up and something to look forward to. We were reminiscing about the last several years. We’ve had tears and laughter, nursing babies are allowed but other than that – there are no children allowed. period. The weekend is totally sacred. We plan ahead, we make arrangements, we make it happen.

I basically lay on the couch and snooze, feeling by body rest, feeling the physical exhaustion of motherhood and life drain from me. The draining usually makes me even more tired before I start feeling rested. The one time I venture out all weekend is usually for a winter walk in the crisp cool air. Sometimes we’ll head to the local antique shop but this year … we were just too busy … resting.

I was so happy to have a clear day … I just love chasing the sun. It’s my favorite thing … the low winter sun is so golden … it’s a different kind of beautiful from the summer sun.

It’s funny. We are a normal family, Us sisters don’t always see eye to eye. I am the oldest of four kids. We have a brother who’s wife joins us because … well … she’s our sister! We are so so different, with different life experiences that we bring to the table affecting our perspective on different issues. Many years someone has gone home feeling misunderstood, last year we did personality tests that gave us deep insights into how we tick and why we respond to each other the way we do. It was so insightful … Year after year we gather, never knowing if it’s going to result in some big drama or something else. This year was the first year I think we experienced a breath of fresh air. We’re knowing each other as best we can.We’re accepting each other the best we know how. We’ll never get it perfect, but I think we’re accepting that rather than expecting more. There’s an understanding that hasn’t been there before. (Personally … I think part of that is because they all finally had kids!) And there has been a definite softening toward each other, I think.

So, it’s a tradition that I expect will continue with our own daughters. Girl bonding. A time to pull away and and just be.

I’ve learned that we’re all different in our wirings …  which means no one is wrong … just different.

I’ve learned how to rest. really rest.

I’ve learned (am learning) how to listen.

It’s just a little kodak waterproof point and shoot but …  needless to say … I can’t wait for summer! It’s so great to play!!

Be blessed this weekend!

Thank you for an amazing year – Merry Christmas from our family to yours!!

xoxo

Positive attitudes … minimal arguing … I’m convinced that having a plan and an outlet for the energy makes all the difference.