A Poem. Memorial Day 2011

The American Hero The American Hero always comes through To capture our hearts with a spirit so true Some proudly are soldiers who march in harm’s way Insuring our freedom, courageous they stay While others come forth as civilians so brave Determined in purpose, so steadfast to save We should always keep clear a place in our heart For each has a value beyond precious art Their duty to country will not be surpassed Please honor their courage, for some it’s their last We live in a world which can be hard to bear Thank God for these people, how greatly they care Do ponder new heroes and what they will face And pray for their safety no matter their place Our heritage brings out the best, we all know Our great book of heroes is destined to grow ©2003Roger J. Robicheau To all those who have served our country, put their life on the line for the sake of my freedom, and gave up everything in the name of serving our country... and to the spouses, mothers, and children who have given up the normalcy of every day life so that your loved one may fight for the sake of my freedom, THANK YOU!

So I'll Never Forget

Before I walked out of Sky's room tonight, I leaned over to give her one last kiss. She wrapped her arms around my neck and gave me a kiss on the cheek and said, I appreciate that God gave a loving mommy to me. It makes me love you a lot. I just appreciate you."

Sweet little moments like this make it all worth it. That my little 3 1/2-year-old could articulate her appreciation for her mommy like that just melted me. Lord, thank you for my sweet little girl!

Children's Books

“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” -Emilie Buchwald

Image: Read All About It!

Children's books. I just love them! I love the smell, I love the way they take you away to another world, I love the smile they lend to my daughter's face for a moment while I read to her. There's just something to be said about a well-written book with pretty illustrations that have the ability to captivate my three-year-old's attention; especially in this day in age. Since she's been born, I've been collecting these fantastic books for our growing family, and keeping mental notes of others that I'd like to get some time soon.

I thought I'd finally jot down some authors and their books that we love so much.

• Arnold Lobel.
  His characters are witty and so relatable. Easy to read, easy to understand. If you were ever a kid... you've probably enjoyed reading a book of his. ;) We like:
• Frog And Toad
• Owl At Home
• Mo Willems.
  You'd recognize him from his "Pigeon" books, but we adore the "Knuffle Bunny" books! Playful, relatable story lines captivate my daughter's attention. And mine, too. We like:
• Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
• Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case Of Mistaken Identity
• Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion
• Kevin Henkes.
  His illustrations are my favorite. I particularly love, love the colors he uses, when in fact he chooses to illustrate in color... You should check out his website.
• Little White Rabbit
• Old Bear
• A Good Day
• Kitten's First Full Moon (Sky's favorite)
• My Garden (This book is so dear. The colors are perfect and playful.)
• Owen
• Karma Wilson.
  WE LOVE all her "Bear" books! What a whimsical and catchy series. Our favorite book of hers is her very first "Bear" book...
• Bear Snores On
• Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler.
  Such a CLEVER SERIES! Okay you have to read these witty books. Whenever I finish reading these stories to Sky, I close the book with the thought, "Why didn't I think of that?!" Kudos to Alissa for discovering these!
• The Gruffalo
• The Gruffalo's Child 
• Robert McCloskey.
  These are books your mom grew up reading. I love how he takes the time to describe the details. 
• Blueberries For Sal (Sky loves this one.)
• One Morning in Maine

Oh dear, I could keep going on. I keep thinking of others even as I write this. Maybe there will be a sequel to this post...

Chicken Enchiladas With Green Salsa

This has been a favorite of mine since it came out in RealSimple's July 2008 issue. It's the perfect meal to eat on your back patio with a cold beer in your hand. Or if you're like me and you don't have a back patio and you hate beer... you can enjoy it inside, with milk. ;) If you're looking for a delicious new meal to try out this spring/ summer, try THIS!

Photo Credit: RealSimple

Notes:

• I like it better with freshly grated Jack cheese, and cooked fresh corn right off the cob.
• Green store-bought salsa tasted pretty yum when I didn't have time to make this one.

{obsessing over} tissue paper.

I've been mad about tissue paper crafts for some time now.

Image Via Wedding101 Blog

When I was a little girl, I used to collect tissue paper off the floor after birthday parties so I could make little flowers using the paper and pipe cleaners. So much fun, and so simple.

Even now, whenever I host a party, I always wind up making SOME tissue paper craft to use as elegant decor. It's just so easy, so completely feminine and girly. For Sky's first birthday party, I made these tissue paper pom-poms. They turned out beautifully. I loved them so much that I hung them up in my daughter's play room and gave the rest to my sisters.

Now I'm getting ready to host my bestie's baby shower in July, and I am excited to say that she is having a girl! Maybe I'll wind up making a flower garland as the center piece... or punch baby girl's name "Reagan" into tissue paper and adhere it onto candle votives, so her beautiful name will shine through... Ugh the possibilities.

.when you're sleeping, i miss you.

Crafts. Building forts. Meal planning. Changing diapers. Feeding the baby. Bathing both kids. Combing out stubborn tangles. Wiping butts. Cleaning the kitchen. Cooking meals. Cleaning the kitchen again. Reading books. Having dancy-dance parties. Preschool time. Laundry. Getting baby poop out of clothes. Finding hidden sippy cups.  And more crafts.

That was my day today. And it repeats on most weekdays. By the time the kids are in bed, I sigh a sigh of relief and subconsciously think about all the many things I want to get done while I have some alone time...

When it's about time to go upstairs for the night, I really start to miss them. I know it's crazy. I'm with them all day and on days like today, I would have paid big money to have a half an hour to myself. But I just have to tuck them in one last time. Just one more peek at them before I go to sleep myself.

You melt my heart, my Sweet Children. I am so thankful you are mine.