Katherine Marie

Going out to eat is a big deal for our kiddos.  We don’t do it often; maybe a handful of times per year with all the little kids.  When we do it’s cause for celebration.  One of the things I love most about having these children in my world is they remind me that little things ARE A BIG DEAL.

 Playing checkers at Cracker Barrel Restaurant is a big deal.

Ordering french toast for dinner is a big deal.

 Being together is a big deal.

Graduating from preschool is a big deal!

This was her celebration dinner.

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This smile is a big deal!

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Outside the restaurant playing checkers.  (BIG DEAL!)

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Pink boots are a big deal.

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Playing a two-minute game of checkers with the graduate.  Big Deal!

Hope your days are filled with a billion big deals.

xoxoxox!

“We set boundaries for safety.

From Fear.

Because of habit.

Test them.

See why you drew them.

Push agaist them.  

Break through them.

Feel the exhilaration.”

Patrick Lindsay

I love Hallmark’s slogan,

“Life is a Special Occasion.”

Who needs a reason to celebrate with sparkling juice and chocolate chip cookies?!

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Our favorite games and toys are reason enough to celebrate!

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I adore his freckly nose and competitiveness!  He beat me at Goldilocks & the Three Bears and I beat him at Memory (which is a surprise because I the worst short-term memory ever!!)

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Dear God,

Thank you for your constant presence in my life.  

I see Your love in the eyes of my children.   I hear Your love in their laughter.  

Thank you for Your tender arms that hold us during celebrations

and sad times and all the times in between.

Love,

Me

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xoxoxoxox!

 

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xoxoxoxox!

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We just finished St. Patty’s Day lunch!  The kiddos laughed and munched and had an absolute ball.   We enjoyed these printable JOKE cards!

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Next we heading off for our annual TWO DOLLAR BILL DROP!  We started this tradition last year and it’s my favorite way to celebrate St. Patty’s Day with kindness in mind.  The leprechaun kids “drop” these around town for strangers to find.  Whoever finds a “shamrock” gets a two dollar bill with this note:

TWO for YOU! 

If you find this Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 

YES, it is real. 

YES, it is for you.  

ENJOY!   :)

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Hope your day is MARVELOUS!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

xoxoxoxo

In the blink of an eye we went from this…

and this…

to this…

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In a matter of days we went from 30 degrees to high 60s.

Spring is upon us.

I’m not ready to kiss my favorite season goodbye yet!!

I already miss

cozy winter gloves,

snow kissed cheeks,

hot cocoa in front of the fire (we only did that once this year)

and

our sweet days of cuddling and crafting inside while the snow swirls outside.

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I guess it’s time for new adventures!

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The above photo reminds me that I’m enjoying my highly “flawed” photographs more and morEthese days.  I think the imperfections of images like these speak to me in a way that my other images don’t.  I love the energy and craziness.  My life is chaotic and messy so that makes a lot of sense!  I also think I can appreciate the “flaws” more because, for the first time in my life, I’m feeling moments of being “comfortable in my own skin.”  These moments are still rare, but once in a while, I am able to stand with my head tall and my heart full of love and by the grace of God, really feel okay being me—the highly flawed, imperfect, loving me!

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Today marked our very first trip to the park in 2012.

 Frankie’s first trip to the park EVER!!

I’m getting used to taking photograph with a wee one in my arms again.

The crisp, sunny air felt so lovely.

I hope these sunny (or whatever season you are transitioning into) days bring you loads of happy smiles.

Much love to you!

xoxoxoxo!

“God loves each one of us as if there were only one of us.”

St. Augustine

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“Magic moments.  You’ve had them.  Chugging a bubbling soda after a hot day of outdoor work.  Holding a little child’s hand on a walk to the park or ice cream shop.

Every good and perfect moment like this is a gift to you from God.  Every one– even the ones that seem like happenstance or coincidence.  He sends these gifts to remind us all that He is still in control, and this His supply of love and kindness will never run dry.

These gifts also remind us to keep our eyes, minds, and hearts open for the blessings, large and small, that await us in the future.  

The next time God drops one of these blessings on your tongue, take time to savor it, enjoy it.”

God has a Plan B; page 89 (Scott Degelman and associates)

God’s gifts come in all sorts of shapes and sizes for me.  Silly mismatched socks that made me smile and art time around the kitchen table are treasures.  Precious gifts I don’t want to overlook.

I pray that I can fully open my eyes to the everyday gifts that fill my world.  I pray that I can give praise and thanks to the One who provides the reason for my smiles.

Blessings to you!

xoxoxoxo!

Frankie’s Thank Yous!

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xoxoxoxo!