2017 Family Pics

 Family pictures.  I've been holding on to these for over a month because I didn't want to ruin the surprise of my Christmas card.  I'd never thought about it really, but last year my brother made a very pointed comment about how difficult it is to get excited about a Christmas card with pictures he'd seen splashed all over Facebook and Instagram.  I thought he was being totally annoying.  I love Christmas cards, even if they are pictures I've seen a million times before but I took it to heart so I've saved these ones.  I did post one of the kid's ones on Instagram so my father in law knew I had them and begged me to send him one.  I finally did so now Mr. Squish will finally be on the grandkids wall.  He is only 15 months old.  It isn't my in-laws fault though.  Last years pictures were such a fiasco that I still get mad talking about so they didn't get much play. 

This years pictures I'm much more pleased with.  I benefited from last years lessons.  I had two outfits for each kid to choose from (four for Gigi).  So they all picked what they wanted.  The negative on that is all my older kids picked blue shirts and there was less pink and teal then I'd intended but at least everyone was happy.  I'm very pleased with all the shots.  Excuse me my motherhood but my children are beautiful.  The only bum deal, I don't love the photographer. This was my second time doing photos with her.  She took some of a cake smash for Mr. Squish and she just never does a good job of putting me at ease.  I miss Jessica.  It is nice when you love the person taking your picture.  Then you can one have fun, and two when things go to pot, like they always do when you are taking pics you know they will understand, and you trusted them to squeak out amazing.  Thanks a lot Jess for giving me such high expectations :)  I miss you!

Spring Is Finally Here

I can't be the only person on the planet who is happy for spring, but I wanted to add in my two cents....THANK GOODNESS!  Seriously though.  We've lived in the Midwest for 11 winters.  This was my least favorite by FAR!  But now the snow if finally melted and the sun is out longer.  Our grass is starting to green up and the kids are spending a lot more time outside.  I am loving it!  Here is just a whole bunch of pictures of the girls playing on our swing set.  There are a lot of Peach.  It is hard not to want to take her picture because face is so expressive, she is just fun to watch.  There are even a couple of Peach holding onto a new worm friend.  The girl is a friend to all bugs so far.  There are also a couple of Gigi reading to Peach.  That is one of my favorite things about the kids learning to read, when they share that joy with their younger siblings.  Love it!

St. Patrick's Day

So I mentioned before that we don't really do characters for holidays but I do like to do a little something to celebrate the holiday.  My parents were always like that.  When I was a kid we'd always get a rose and a tiny box of chocolates from our parents on Valentine's Day.  It always made me feel special and I told my husband even before we had kids that traditions were part of what makes families great and I hold to that!  I love our traditions.  I love our Fancy Family Valentine's Day Dinner.  I love our Birthday Cake  Anniversary.  I love our Saturday Easter. I love reading a story before bed.  I love our Sunday walks in the summer.  I love our movie and game nights.  I love our Dance Dance parties.  Traditions are the things you do over and over that join you as a team.  They make you feel special and while not all efforts are equal or even need to be equal I think some effort goes a long way in building a happy family.

I like to do a little something on St. Patrick's Day.  I don't dye the whole house green or play a lot of tricks but I do try to make sure the kids are wearing green before I send them out of the house and I think it is fun to give them a little treat on the table.  This year Captain E requested a licorice rainbow I first did after finding it pinned two years ago.  I bag of rainbow licorice and a bag of Rolos and I was set.  Two years ago I bought cute bags.  This year I stuck them in ziplocks I already had.  There was enough candy to make five.  The kids loved it.  Cheetah ate every piece of candy she had on the spot, even throwing her Rolos in her breakfast cereal...um, yum?  Peach ate most of her candy.  Captain E, Gigi, and Dr. J took theirs to school to enjoy at lunch.  We also painted our nails green and had crock pot corned beef and cabbage for dinner.  That is one of Gigi's favorite meals but it is so salty I try and limit it to just once a year.  

Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
Wash 5-8 potatoes and cut into wedges.  Throw into crock pot with a bag of baby carrots.  Add 1 cup of water.  Put corned beef on top.  Cook on high for 8 hours. One hour before serving stir in some cabbage leaves.  Enjoy.