we're back

And this photo makes me smile... a whole lot. We had the most incredible Thanksgiving in the woods of North Carolina ~ full of amazing friends and family, homemade EVERYTHING, walks along the leaf-covered trails, fresh herbs from the garden, chopping wood (I even hacked a few!) and a bonfire with smores. Yes, it was like being back at camp and we loved every single minute of it. One day... just maybe one day our home will be surrounded by trees galore too. Wishes CAN come true!

the big 6!

My little guy turned 6 today, and yes, we survived the fort party with 14 kindergartners!:)

Birthdays are such a wonderful time to reflect on time passing, what was and what is yet to be... When I close my eyes, this is how I picture my Owen right here and now... snuggled up with his animals, climbing all over our house (including scaling the cabinet walls, seriously!), confidently riding his two-wheeler, explaining everything with his hands, drawing elaborate pictures ~ all with such detailed explanations, the sheer pride that lasted a few weeks when he scored his one & only goal in soccer (on a penalty kick), talking about how he wants to be an engineer, making sculptures, loving sushi, feisty, writing lots of stories & telling everyone it was his birthday today.

Happiest 6th Birthday to my sweet, spunky, creative & always keeps me on my toes not-so-little boy. My greatest wish for you on your special day is that you remain simply beautiful, perfect you. I love you more than you will ever know Owen!

almost the big 6

My Owen is turning 6 on Monday, and we're celebrating this weekend with 13 kindergartners at our small house. He wanted to have a 'build-a-fort' party so that's what we're doing ~ gathering boxes, tents, sheets & blankets to make this little boy's fantasy come to life. We are quite used to this activity, as our couch is rarely (okay... almost NEVER) in one piece because making forts out of our cushions is all my kids want to do! Who needs toys? The party is going to be just a wee bit nuts, so keep your fingers crossed we are all in one piece after Saturday! Oh and by the way, this is the birthday invite Owen designed himself. I love it.

the launch

I am quite thrilled (okay... giddy!) that the Makerie web site is launching today! It has been such a fantastic ride so far and I can't wait to share with you what it's all about. The Makerie is evolving all the time and I am incredibly excited to see how it all unfolds. I do promise you this ~ it will be full ~ SO FULL ~ of creative goodness. Please do come take a peek!

my favorite request of the day...

from my 4 year old... "Mom, it's so much fun to laugh. Can you please tickle me more?"

photo by my fabulous mom

compliments

I had to share this sweet story... I was at Whole Foods this evening with my two kiddos in tow. They ate dinner in the grocery cart while I did a bit of grocery shopping, which happens to be one of my favorite events. It really is. They are happy little clams eating and steering the wheels of the 'driving cart' while I get to happily shop for goodies and hang out with them at the same time. It seriously makes grocery shopping FUN, & I get to come to a clean house without having to cook or clean. Gotta love it! And what is it about Whole Foods anyway? I just love being in that grocery store full of yummy, healthy goodness. They are certainly doing something right!

So back to my story... as we were shopping, this woman was wearing a super cute cardigan so I complimented her and told her how much I liked it. Well little Mia must have been listening to me, and proceeded to compliment at least 4 more people during our grocery shopping expedition. 'I like your sparkly headband'... 'I like your necklace'... 'That's a nice shirt' & 'I love your sweatshirt' to a sweet man wearing a simple 'Cape Cod' sweatshirt. Well this man smiled a smile that came right out of his heart & said to me. 'That just made my day.' And it did. The simplest compliment made this man so very happy, and I couldn't tell Mia enough how proud she should be for making someone else feel so good. It made me feel so grateful and honored, once again, to call myself her mom.