Brea is FOUR!

Dear Brea,

I cannot believe how quickly the years have flown by. You are already four! I can still remember when I first laid eyes on you and I knew my world would never be the same. You are amazing! I love you to bits and you never stop finding ways to surprise me every day. I love your smile, the way you turn overheard phrases into your own, your impeccable use of the thumbs up sign, how creative you are in the pictures you draw, but mostly I love that I have in you someone who inspires me to be the best mother I can be. I will continue to share in the "girl times" you keep asking for and sneak kisses when you are asleep. You are my own special little one always.

I love you,

Mommy

A lovely birthday outfit compliments of Nana.

Our princess turned four this summer and we celebrated in style on the Oregon Coast. As per specific request, we had a day at the beach, a princess cake, and "saucy rice" (aka curry prawns on rice) for dinner. Isn't that what all four year-olds want?

Thinking up just the right wish.

See below for the difference between a two year old and a four year old:

A smile for some cake? Alright I'll try.

I said I'd try, wasn't that good enough?

I don't think I can hold it any longer!

Will someone please just give me some cake already?!

Brea was mighty spoiled for several days leading up to her birthday and beyond. She had a special "secret" she told me a few months ago about really wanting to go to a kid's museum. So we stopped in Seattle on our way home to accommodate the request. The kids had a lot of fun running and exploring. All in all, I would say our little girl loved her special day.

And now a salad break

We have a salad set given to us by Craig's parents. They love the salad set as do I. It is a lovely warm wood that rests easily in your hands.

Shortly after Craig and I were married, we paid a visit to his Auntie Margot and Uncle Jaime. They treated us to a splendid and extravagant weekend with the most delicious meal ever. Among the tasty delights was a simple salad which has been a staple for me when I make a tossed salad: green or red leaf lettuce, radish, cucumber, tomato, green onions and a dressing of 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp red wine vinegar. As you can see... the kids love it too. They love to be like their Daddy and eat the bits at the end out of the "big" bowl.

Stationery card

Spot The Snowflakes Christmas Card

Click here to browse Shutterfly Christmas card designs.

View the entire collection of cards.

I have been using shutterfly lately for a few projects here and there. They are offering a promo code if I showed off one of my projects so here is a preview of a Christmas card that some of you will be receiving this year.

Mr. Golden Sun - finally!

Summer is finally upon us! The glorious sun has made an appearance finally and I've had a week off before the call of summer school. We've been enjoying life at home, laying low and relaxing. Also, due to the fact that our little boy has been diaper-free for a week!!! Rhys is officially a big boy! Craig started it off much like he did for Brea and has been wonderful at keeping him on track. I have stayed at home to make it easier for him and me when the need arises. With the sun out though, we have had plenty to do. We moved our sunflowers outside, uncovered the sandbox, pulled out the outside toys and have pedaled around the neighbourhood. We've even had a fancy picnic outside in a tent. In other words, we are so happy the sunshine is here!

Sand fun!

Watching Daddy pressure wash.

Gee, this washing thing takes a while!

Hiding!

Rhys's version of hiding.

Gazing off yonder.

Showing off a stick.

Playing with our solar lights.

Are you done with the camera yet?

Artist series: Fancy Shoes

Brea is a prolific little artiste. On any given day you will see her at some point at a table drawing - wax crayons, pencil, pen, markers - she mixes and matches filling page after page. Craig and I have been the lucky recipients of many pieces of her art that we have proudly displayed on the walls of our classrooms and on our fridge at home. Though I keep meaning to develop a special wall for their creations.

Brea really started getting things in gear May 2011 with a series of artful suns. Then, she's progressed to more complex subjects like poodles, dinosaurs and the like. These past few days with being home more, I've had the chance to watch her as she worked and a few mornings ago, she created these masterpieces. Okay, so I may be a bit biased but I really think they are whimsical and sweet. For your viewing pleasure, the artist series aptly named "Fancy Shoes" - that's what she called it.

Presenting Brea...

Artist at work.

#1: Self-portrait with brother; #2: Self-portrait in backyard kicking a ball (notice the "pretties" in her hair)

#3: Watching ants in the yard

#4: Self and brother in green with fancy shoes

#5: Dancing in fancy shoes (my personal favourite)

I can't forget my other little artist in residence.

Showing off his work: "Purple and Blue"

A shower for my good friend

I love my good friend Jen. We've known each other since elementary school and I was so SO excited when I found out she was expecting. Well, her lovely daughter has arrived and I had the wonderful privilege of being co-host with Grandma Liz to celebrate her arrival. Jen's mom was amazing in preparing some of the most delicious food ever. I MC-ed, organized fun activities and together I believe it was a fantastic tea-time afternoon enjoyed by all.

Welcome to the World Baby Girl!

Here are some pictures from the party...

Lobby display

Some of the favours: picture magnets and chocolate cigars

Amazing savoury spread

Pan to the sweets!

Perfect pots of tea

Mama Jen and Baby C.

Daddy Rowan with doggy brother Pickles

Proud Grandma!

I was super excited to start a memory book for the wee babe. It featured pages where guests could write down their wishes and advice to baby.

The book featured a drawing by Brea on the cover - very close to likeness, I think ;o) I didn't snap a picture but wish I had.

I can't wait to get to know you sweet little girl and watch you grow!

Hugs and kisses,

Overheard conversations...

"No Rhys, no! Stop that!"
(pause, where Rhys obviously doesn't stop it)
"Rhys don't do that! It's making me angry!"
(pause, where Rhys makes her more angry)
"I'm very angry Rhys, I'm giving you three choices!"
"One: leave my room; two: put it back; three: you get a spank."
(pause where Rhys is answering)
"A spank?"
(pause, where she is weighing the pros and cons because she knows hitting is bad)
"Go to Daddy in the kitchen for a spank Rhys."