FIVE

My sweet second born is five today. He woke up to balloons all over his bedroom floor (as is tradition in our family) and a new handmade Lightning McQueen birthday shirt. We visited the Farmer's Market, he had lunch just him and Papa, and now the two of them, along with Judah, are at the movie theater. The babies are sleeping and I'm getting the house ready for a small little party. I'll be back later tonight or tomorrow for a proper birthday post.

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Finley: 16 Months

Little Missy turned 16 months yesterday and I didn't even realize it until the end of the day. Poor fourth child of mine. I blame our busy, busy week. Tomorrow Samuel turns five, so I'll have a birthday post for him then.



For now, here's a few fun facts about my girl at 16 months + one day:
-She is now saying, or at least trying to say, pretty much anything we tell her to: tree, sock, hi papa, hi mama, hi baby, and others that I can't think of off the top of my head.

-She has learned to climb up on the dining room chairs, then up on the table. So much fun for me!

-She gets as many bumps and bruises as her brothers ever did. I was hoping it would be the opposite with a little girl.

-She's still the sweetest, cutest, most fun little girl!


Thanks for voting!

the iT list

Happy Friday!  I can't believe April is over... hopefully all this rain and storms are as well.

I am ready for some May flowers!

• lady M is celebrating her birthday... stop by and wish her a happy day and also check out her fun wardrobe inspiration for the big day!


• rose a la mode is sporting an adorable new floral dress... even on a chilly spring day she perfectly accessorizes it! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)


• mama loves papa hosts a simply adorable little blog party for your stylish little ones - stop by to play along or just 'oooh' and 'aaah.' (find mama loves papa on twitter!)


• meet virginia design layers gorgeous neutral pieces for an ethereal feel to this casual outfit.  These colors are so on trend right now too! (find meet virginia design on twitter!)


• a little dash of ash has a delicious looking smoothie recipe to share with us. I always love to see what others' smoothie concoctions are - this one looks yummy and healthy! (find a little dash of ash on twitter!)


• rebecca with an R is definitely beach ready in this gorgeous maxi dress and oversized hat - I am seriously loving this outfit! (find rebecca with an R on twitter!)


• sweetie pie style is looking gorgeous in this drapey feather printed dress - it's just her style! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)


• baby shopaholic had this super sweet little doll custom made for her daughter for Easter.  What a fun keepsake and toy for a little one, my daughter would love this!


• the capital barbie is giving away sassy shoe themed note cards on her blog this week - you must stop by and enter quickly! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)


• good tots features the artwork of modern pops - these bold graphic prints make for great nursery artwork!


• the stylish housewife sports a floppy sun hat and a chevron dress, quite possibly the most perfect summer combo ever. I am in love with this look! (find the stylish housewife on twitter!)


• good clean fun made these margarita flavored cupcakes for Easter - but I think they would be perfect for any summer day! Yum! (find good clean fun on twitter!)


• a spot of whimsy is sick of the rain... and quite frankly, aren't we all!?!? But rain never looked this good before... I promise! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)


• good life for less has a casual but chic outfit for Easter.  Check it out! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less - check out how you can be involved here!

Small Style #9

Welcome to the 9th Small Style!










On Judah: Shirt- Thrifted, originally from Target, Jeans- Old Navy, Shoes- Vans
On Samuel: Shirt- Thrifted, Jeans- ?, Shoes- Toms
On Silas: Shirt- Old Navy, Jeans- ?, Shoes- Converse
On Finley: Dress- Gap, Cardigan- Mine, Shoes- Pediped, Leggings- Target

We had such a fun Easter! I'll post more pictures of our actual activities this weekend, but today I just wanted to show you the kids' outfits. I have to admit, we had a perfect, lovely day, but I was a little disappointed with Finley's outfit. I was not expecting it to be chilly, so you can't see all the pretty detail on her dress (I'll just have to post it another time) and she didn't get the shoes I ordered in time. Oh well. In the grand scheme of things it's really not a big deal at all.

I hope you are all having a great week. I can't wait to see your cute kids!

You can link up right here:

I Like Coffee

Today I'm taking pictures for an upcoming "Day In the Life" post (and the last part of my Q&A), but I had to post this picture and give a little shout out to Dutch Bros, my favorite drive thru coffee shop. If you're local go visit them at the new location on The Esplanade (or your nearest location). I'm not affiliated with them or receiving any compensation, I just like the coffee and fill up entirely too many stamp cards.



Also....

Would you mind voting for me again? I'd love to be in the Top 25 at the end of the competition, it's such a fun way to promote my little blog. You can vote everyday until May 9th. Thank you so much!


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Silas is Three!!

Yesterday Silas turned THREE. The last few months have been a little rough. He's definitely in the independent, "me do it," can't make up his mind, growing up, but still little stage. I finally understand that this is normal and healthy, so I don't have to worry about him (like I did with the other boys).



I actually LOVE this age. All tantrums aside, it's so fun to watch a little baby turn into a little person. Silas can communicate his wants and needs (most of the time, hence the tantrums) and is just so much fun. He's such a special and important part of this family. I pray that as the third boy he never feels overlooked and never thinks that he was just another try for a girl (he most definitely wasn't, even if that's what some strangers imply).



My mother in law watched the other three for lunch, so Eric and I could take Silas out just the three of us. It was the first time that Eric and I have done something alone with Silas, at least since Finley has been born. It was so special and so much fun. We had a fun, relaxing birthday lunch. (At Sin of Cortez, one of our favorite local restaurants.)



Silas' birthday dinner was spent with our family, Eric's parents and grandma, and my grandparents. We had a little pizza party and it was just perfect for our little/big guy.









Silas, I adore you.

We're having a great week! Today was Silas' birthday, so we've been busy! See you tomorrow, friends.

Happy Easter!

I hope you are all having/going to have a lovely, lovely day with your families! We have a busy day planned, but it should be great. Church, good food, spending time with family, another egg hunt, and most of all celebrating that Jesus is risen.

Here's why I celebrate Easter:

G.O.S.P.E.L. from Humble Beast Records on Vimeo.

Introspection

Shirt- Forever 21, Cardigan- JC Penney's (I think, it's old), Jeans- Urban Outfitters, Heels- Target, Necklace- Made by me, Purse- Thrifted
I feel like I always have so much going on in my head. I'm such an introspective person. I want to share it with you, it's just hard to fit in a neat little blog post. You know what I'm saying?



At 28, married for almost eight years, and with four kids I feel like I should have most things figured out. But, I totally don't. After coming out of our difficult church experiences I feel like the last year has been about rediscovering who I am. Who I want to be and not who I feel like someone thinks I should be.

Are you introspective? Do you ever think about who you are, why you are who you are, and who you want to be?

I'm linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy.

Mini Fashionista

Finley is being featured today on Reachel's adorable blog, Cardigan Empire. She won this cute dress for being so stylish. I can't WAIT to dress her in it!

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the IT list

Happy Friday ladies... I hope you all have a fabulous Easter weekend, whatever it brings to you.  "Hop" on over to these fab blogs for plenty of spring inspiration!

• strong sense of style gives color blocking a try... it's so fun and easy!  And really? What feels more properly spring than pink and green together?


• a spot of whimsy has some fabulous eye-candy from the movie Water for Elephants.  Please tell me you have read this book... if not, do it stat, the movie opens this weekend and it looks to be amazing! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)


• thought and musing wears a simple and elegant maxi skirt for some wine tasting... a perfect outfit for what looked to be the perfect day!


• good clean fun shares her favorite childhood cupcake recipe... angel food cake with strawberry frosting.  These look SO good and definitely what childhood memories are made of! (find good clean fun on twitter!)


• the capital barbie finds some fun accessories with bold angles... this bracelet stood out as a favorite for me.  Pop on over and see her other finds! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)


• good tots rounds up maternity poolside looks for summer, including this adorable peach polka dotted maternity swimsuit!


• rose a la mode sports this fun yellow and white striped dress and seriously has me craving more stripes. Is that possible? (find rose a la mode on twitter!)


• a spoonful of dish reminds me that flowers never disappoint in the inspiration department. Just looking at them I can feel that summer is closer!


• a little dash of ash will brighten your day with some good old fashion gorgeous guys.  Good looks never get old (sigh). (find a little dash of ash on twitter!)


• lady m says what we are all thinking lately: we can't get enough of Zara.  Check out the inspiration and some of their (very interesting) backstory over at her blog!


• meet virginia design is sure to put some spring pep in your step with this fun mix of bold colors and florals.  This outfit just screams sunshine! (find meet virginia design on twitter!)


• mama loves papa's daughter is quite the fashion prodigy!  Just look at these adorable items she (or her mama, either/or) picked out for herself! (find mama loves papa on twitter!)


• rebecca with an r proves that blazers never, ever get old... at least in my book!  I just love the simple sophistication of this look! (find rebecca with an r on twitter!)


• good life for less is color crushing on purple + blue + white for spring. It's such a simple color combo - check out her looks! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the it list is produced each week by jill of good life for less... click here for information on how you can be involved!

Small Style #8

Welcome to Small Style #8! Thanks so much for joining in on the fun and checking out all of the cute kids. I'm pretty sure we all have the most adorable kids....ever.

Yesterday the kids and I went to a super fun little Easter Egg hunt. My friend works at a home for elderly people and they hosted the event. The residents dyed the eggs, then the kids found them. They also had face painting, stories, and a pizza lunch. The home was in a big, nice house and was so sweet and cheerful.




On Finley: Dress- Misha Lulu, Cardigan- was mine, Tights- Target, Shoes- Pediped (Girlfriend needs her new shoes to get here!)
(I saw Miss Ivy wearing Misha Lulu in her Small Style pictures this week, too!)


On Judah: T-shirt- Gap, Cardigan- Forever 21 Kids, Jeans- Levis


On Samuel: T-shirt- , Hoodie- Old Navy


On Silas: Shirt- Thrifted, originally from Old Navy, Hoodie and Jeans- Hand me down from big bros, originally from ???, Shoes- Converse

I saved the best pictures for last. Isn't Judah an adorable bunny?



These pictures crack me up so, so much. When Finley met Santa she was crying and trying to get out of his arm. With the (adorable, sweet) Easter bunny she just sat still with a scowl on her face. It was so funny!

In The Gazebo

Blouse- vintage, thrifted, Skirt and Shoes- Forever 21, Tights- Target
We took these pictures in the most random place ever. Can you guess where? Can you tell what type of place it is?

I've been wearing blouses almost every day (that I actually dress up). They are so versatile. I'm wearing one right now with a pair of jean shorts and Toms. I never used to be a blouse person, but I definitely am now! Do you wear blouses? How do you style them?

I'm linking up at The Pleated Poppy.
_____________________________

A little blog business:

Who's linking up tomorrow for Small Style? I would love to have you join us! Thank you so much to those of you for participating. I love looking at your pictures (and your blogs, in general) and really appreciate you making this so fun! I'm particularly excited for next week's Small Style because this week is Easter. Will you be using pictures of your little ones in their Sunday best? I think I will be!

As for the Circle of Moms Best Kids' Style Blogs (that's quite the mouthful), you can vote once a day until May 9th. Thank you so, so, so much for voting for us! You really are such great friends to me and I'm so thankful for you!

Easter Break and Green Giant Smoothie

This week is our Spring break! We'll still be doing a bit of school work, but I'm mostly looking forward to park trips, playdates, an Easter Egg Hunt, and hopefully getting the house all clean and organized.



I know I just posted about food yesterday and shared a recipe, but I have another for you. If you can even consider it a recipe. I've been making this smoothie for a few years after one of my friends posted it on facebook. It's a special treat for the kids and it makes me happy because it's filled with good stuff. You can pretty much throw anything in there and it still tastes great. I've added lots of different steamed veggies that we've had leftover from dinner the night before and the kids have no idea.



First, blend up the spinach with the coconut milk first. Blending the spinach before adding the fruit helps it to completely liquify and so there isn't any spinach chunks. Add your extra veggies here. No one will ever know.

Using coconut milk is a great way to sweeten the smoothie without adding sugar or juice.



Once that is completely blended you can add your frozen fruit. Add whatever fresh fruit you have on hand, too.



I, also, added a little regular milk to help thin it out. I added way too much frozen fruit, so the consistency was more like ice cream. It keeps it's green color if you don't add as much fruit as me.



Super easy and you your kids will love it!

Top Kids' Style

So, you might have already seen the Circle of Moms thing swirling around the WWW (does anyone still say World Wide Web?) the past few days. Well, I got am email saying that my blog (or Finley, most likely) was nominated for Top Kid's Style.

I'd love it if you'd vote for us/her!



(Just click the icon, then click the thumbs up on the page. Thanks!)

And, thanks to Jordan for telling me that we'd been nominated!

Slathered In Syrup

Thank you to Log Cabin for sponsoring my post about updated traditions in my household. To learn more about Log Cabin Syrups (which are all free of High Fructose Corn Syrup), breakfast for dinner, and other new ways to update traditions in your home, click here.I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.



I have a confession to make. Eric is the breakfast chef around here. Most days he gets up early with the kids (and lets me sleep in. Yes, he is a saint) and by the time I wake up they've already eaten breakfast. On the days I do make breakfast the kids usually get a choice of toast with peanut butter or toast with butter. I'm not a morning person.

One of the special highlights of spending the night at Eric's parents is the delicious breakfast that Grandpa always makes for the kids. Eric has carried on this weekend (and sometimes weekday) tradition in our house and always fill their bellies with things like pancakes and waffles and french toast.

When I am out for the evening Eric often makes the kids delicious meals of breakfast for dinner. There isn't many other meals that top something slathered in syrup for dinner. I get a night out, they get their favorite dinner, it's a win-win. Are you a breakfast-maker person?



Papa's French Toast Recipe
5 fresh eggs
2 cups of raw milk
2 Tablespoons of vanilla
2 Tablespoons of cinnamon
10 slices of bread
Coconut oil

1. Mix first four ingredients in large bowl.
2. Dip bread in the mix, then flip over to coat both sides well.
3. Melt coconut oil to coat pan. Cook bread in skillet on medium heat for about 4 minutes or until brown.
4. Flip and cook until other side is brown.
5. Serve with butter and syrup. YUM!