The Rest of January

We finished off the month with fun sibling crafting

 Thingy-ma-jig-os

 messy play

 being silly

 and science fair projects!

Madeline's Birthday

Madeline's birthday was a wonderfully fun day!  So much happiness makes any day good.  She opened some gifts and then we went off to the Dutch Bakery for breakfast.  Yummy yum!

The day was filled with family and fun.  She is growing up.  She got makeup and clothes and a sewing machine for her birthday!  And she couldn't be more thrilled.

 And just look at her new Sunday outfit.  12 going on 16.  Eek!

Love you girlie, forever!

Madeline's Birthday Cake

I had a marvelous time making Madeline's birthday cake this year.  Chocolate and Strawberry Checkerboard Cake!  

Chocolate frosting and Strawberry frosting

 She likes it!

And inside is checkerboard chocolate and strawberry cakes with strawberry frosting and chocolate ganache layers of filling.

 I was so pleased it worked out so well!  So fun to make.  SO fun to eat!

Happy Birthday Madeline

To my most beautiful daughter, inside and out - Happy 12th Birthday!

You have always brought us so much joy!  You have always given joy to others.

 And now you are so grown up and incredibly talented in so many ways.  Piano, creating things, sewing and babysitting.  You make life beautiful just by touching it.

 I so love your goodness.  Your love for all things right and true.

  I'm so grateful to have a daughter, and I'm especially grateful that it's YOU!

My SISTER!!

It was a short trip for Raelynn, but it was glorious!  We had a few days together and I loved every minute.  Pretty much all we did was eat amazing food, go shopping, watch our favorite shows together, and talk into the night.  It was so so fun.  Perfect if only it had been longer.  A special thanks to Mom for making this trip happen.  Yay!

We had a ton of fun making eclairs 

 soooo yummy

 We also went to Birch Door, Avenue Bread, Mallards Ice Cream, and Edaleens.  And the Dutch Bakery...and Birch Door again...

While wandering boutiques we came across this pillow, and we both loved it.  If it hadn't been $50! I would have taken it home with me.  That's a little extreme if you ask me for a pillow.  But oh, how I love it.

Having Raelynn in town was the best few days.  I love my sister so much.  I don't know how people make it through life without a sister.  Sigh...and I've got the best one!

Whatcomics and Snow

The older kids had their artwork selected to be displayed at Whatcomics again this year:

And then it started snowing and I knew school would be cancelled and so...let the baking begin!

My first attempt at a panettone wasn't quite right, but still tasty.  I need a warmer kitchen perhaps...

 But the cinnamon rolls were perfect goodness.  YUM!

 The kids braved the freezing temps to play in the snow.

 Five days of school cancelled!

 It's getting a little crazy around here...

 Keeping busy with paint projects.

 Keeping warm with soup

 Snack party by Mom, since we can't go anywhere!

And yummy Mimi muffins.

Such fun time with Bapa and Mimi, even though we were snowed in most of the time.  We were all just so grateful it didn't snow until after we went to the temple!  What a blessing!

I Love to See the Temple

Madeline was so completely thrilled to finally have her time come to be able to enter the house of the Lord.  She was just glowing!

 Both sets of grandparents, her parents and big brother.  I really was the best!

It was an incredible sacred morning.  And it just seemed like she was home to me.  She wishes she could go every week.  I wish she could go at least every month.  It will never be enough.  And I hope it always feels that way, even when it's often!

Fun Fun Fun

Cooper lost a tooth!

 And Mimi and Bapa came to town.  Hooray!  Mommmmm! xoxo

 Let the playing begin!

 and the treat eating...

 and the over eating delicious food in general...Birch Door, you have the best breakfast.