- Harper's #8! -

 

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If time could just stand still now, THAT.WOULD.BE.GREAT!!! Still having trouble today wrapping my mind around how our first baby is EIGHT... But, as it turns out, eight is pretty great!  The day before her real birthday, Harper enjoyed a lazy morning playing with her sisters...

 ...and then it was time for her party with all the cousins!  I barely have any photos from the party, but rest assured there was plenty of playing to be had!

When the bakery didn't have quite the cake she was imagining, we left the icing to them and created this little "sewing scene" with the Cricut!

 

Happy birthday, happy birthday to youuuu! 

 

 

 

When we made it home and showered and got the two little sisters to bed, Harper and Daddy busted out a few of her new gifts!

Then! Monday was THE REAL "big day," and even though I had to leave before work before anyone else in the house was out of bed, there were still a few birthday surprises to be found! ;) :)

Harper picked Dunkaroos to pass out to her classmates for her birthday treat, and the treats kept coming as she was picked up after school by Grammy [and this was arranged via FaceTime the moment she found out her "real birthday" was on a Monday and she'd have to go to school on her special day. Overheard from the bedroom: "Grammy, can you pick me up in carline on my birthday? Because Mommy and Daddy work all the time, and I don't want to go to aftercare..."]. They hit up the We Rock the Spectrum gym for a few hours while Brian and I finished working and then we headed out to Mexican dinner to celebrate some more!

But! That's not all! There were cupcakes from The Cup waiting in the mailbox when we got home [thanks, Wagahoffs!!!]...

...and a few presents from Mom, Dad, Scarlett and Juliette still to open!  Harper scored a pen for her iPad that she has been wanting for a while!

Happy 8th birthday, beautiful! We hope you had the very best weekend/birthday and have a feeling this is going to be your best year yet!

BIRTHDAY VIDEO HERE 

xoxo

- Egg-stra FUN! -

I get a little giddy feeling when I add "we luv us sum truh-dishhh-en" as one of my blog post hashtags, because it's soooo true! Ain't no secret that I absolutely love a good tradition, and painting Easter eggs at Pottery Hollow is one of my annual faves!  Inspired by our next-door neighbor several years back, we have yet to miss a single Easter season, and this year we went on my birthday.

 

 

 

From this...

...to that...

...I am absolutely loving the egg display on my dining room table that is growing quickly! <3

- Piano Contest -

This talented girl earned the highest possible rating/score at piano contest for her [memorized!] solo of "Come See the Parade!"  Keep playing, Harper, and your soul will soar! #proudmama #pianofam #musicisanoutburstofthesoul

 

- THIRTY-FOUR -

If this isn't like one step away from over-the-hill, I don't even know what is... BUT! I'd age at twice pace if it meant being spoiled in this fashion twice as often!!!  Desk decor and donuts and cookies and a made-from-scratch strawberry shortcake birthday cake from my coworkers.....#ZOMG...

 ...followed by being off on my real birthday and spoiled by my momma and family with home-cooked dinner and some sort of delectable vanilla/brown sugar icing birthday cake?! 

If this is 34, I'LL TAKE IT!!! 

 

Thank you so much to my coworkers, family, and friends near/far who sent birthday wishes in every shape and size imaginable! I am blessed to be loved by you!!!



 

- Lucky Lasses -

This momma has ALL. THE. SHAMROCK. EYE. EMOJIS. in all of Ireland...

 

...for her little trio of pinch proof leprechaun babies!!! 

Lesssss'go, you lucky lasses!  It's time to shamrock and ROLL!

Happy St. Paddy's Day; I love this holiday so much!

 

- First Reconciliation -

This sweet girl celebrated her First Reconciliation today [March 5, 2023]!  WTG, Harper Cecilia!  She has grown so much in her faith during second grade, and we are absolutely thrilled with her love for Jesus and interest in always learning more about the Catholic faith.  She chose Fr. Rob as her confessor [our parish priest for a year or two a few years ago!].

After the sacrament, she got this necklace as a gift from us [from one of my favorite Catholic sellers on Etsy!]...

...and then found a gift bag on the porch that the Deakos family left with a butterfly necklace and some clips with the nicest card!  So grateful to have great, faithful friends that help and encourage us along the way and recognize the "milestone days" as we strive to bring our kids up in the faith!

Congratulations, Harper!!! You are a beautiful, beloved [and forgiven!] daughter of God. May the Lord bless you and may His mercy give you peace!

- Snippity Snaps -

Anyone else's camera roll being taken over by kids' Snapchats??!? Kids these days.......... #sendhelp

Harper: "Mommmm, can I get my own Snapchat???"
Me:  "No."

 :-*