Unbelievably we're already three weeks into the second quarter of 2014. Along with each week's day to day madness, my mind has been spinning with spring events, a sixth birthday party extravaganza (despite my best efforts at having a not-so-extravaganza), and all things new house. I can think of few better things on this peaceful Easter afternoon, as I've slipped out during nap time, than to stop and reflect on all the good things that life has offered.
Please enjoy my reflections of The Sweetest Things of 2014, Q1,

1. Post-Holiday Purging...despite our best efforts at not spoiling or over-gifting during the holidays, our house was busting at its seams with stuff in the days that followed the Christmas season. A key difference in girl toys and boy toys, I've observed, is that a single boy toy tends to be just that: a single toy. Whereas, a single girl toy, say, a pony, consists of umpteen various pieces. {EXAMPLE: There's the pony. And then there's pony's pet bunny. The pony's food bowl. Her three apples. Her six hair bows. Her brush. Her saddle. Her comb. Her four slippers...} Therefore, the addition of a 'single' toy can, in fact, mean the addition of about twenty new items to our home.  So, as the trees and the stockings and the lights came down, I began the post-holiday purge. My first stop was our art closet where I tossed dried up markers and broken crayons and ripped coloring books and half done craft projects. 
   
   Another casualty?
   These 357 containers of Play-doh. Each one a lovely shade of brown.
   I moved on to the playroom where I collected bags of previously loved stuffed animals and tired-of toys. 
   
   Wrighty seemed a little freaked out by the pscyo 
   cleaning-like-a-mad-woman frenzy going on around her.
   Carter and Murphy were willing participants in the purge and understood that it's nice to pass on our toys to other children who aren't as fortunate as we are. 
   
   Some fruits of my labor all ready to donate.
   Once all my major purging was done, I moved on to do some serious deep cleaning as well. One thing that got a lot of attention were the girls' car seats. As embarrassing as it is to admit, I'd never actually cleaned these babies so thoroughly. But, when I singlehandedly transformed them from this...
   
   
   G-ross.
   to this...
   
   Looked brand new!
   I was as giddy as a little girl.
   Fewer things make me happier or give me a greater sense of accomplishment than this type of 'manual' labor. I've done a decent job since January of keeping the clutter under control and am now in the midst of a major pre-move spring-clean. 
2. Snow Days...winter in Charlotte this year has been, well, winter-y. I didn't realize how quickly I'd become accustomed to snow after living five years in Denver,  or how quickly I'd forgotten how snow is handled in the south. Life pretty much comes to a screeching halt at the first signs of any of the the white stuff. The first round of wintery weather that shut down schools looked like this.
   
   Even though there was more grass visible than snow, 
   the girls were still insistent on venturing out for a sledding adventure.
   The snow days that resulted from this 'storm' left me frazzled and itching for the kids to get back into their routine. Then, a couple weeks later, when a more serious storm was being forecasted, I decided to go into it ready.
   

   

    Snow day activities and meals. Check.

   As I was driving to pick up the big girls from their early dismissals on the Tuesday that would be the last day they'd attend school that week, my mom called and asked if Baby Wright would like to come and get snowed in at her house. Let's just say she didn't have to twist my arm for a YES! What a treat for the big girls and me! This generous offer left me even more excited about the days that laid ahead - especially the sledding. Sure enough, this second storm did produce a more legitimate punch.
   

   

   A beauty to behold.

   

   Spoiled my girls with room service for breakfast.

   

   Sweet snow bunnies.

   

   Nothing better than a bubble bath to warm up.

   I really did enjoy those days of being 'trapped' in the house with the girls. They played well together both inside and out, and I took a more relaxed approach to cooking without my little destructo at my ankles. We sipped hot cocoa - Mommy's with a splash a Smirnoff Marshmallow (YUM-MY) - and made Valentine's for their classmates. 

   

   Carter took her work quite seriously.

   

   Murphy was happy to pass the labor off to Mom.

   Throughout the week, we kept an air mattress inflated on the living room floor. The girls loved getting cozy to watch movies (Do you wanna build a snowman...) and snuggle. 

   

   BFFs.

   I would have NEVER thought that an unexpected week off from school would have been one of my favorite times of the year thus far, but it truly created some of the most special memories to date.
3. Mornings with the Munchkin...four mornings week, from 9:00-1:00, it's just my Wrighty and me, doing our thing. Much of that time is filled with household chores and laundry and errands, but I've been mindful to be sure to set aside time just for us. As she's my number three, I'm so SO aware of how quickly this time will pass, and I truly want to soak it all in. I try to drop whatever I'm doing anytime she tugs on my leg with a board book in hand.
   
   
   
   Books are kind of her thing.
   

   

   She loves them.

   

   A lot.

   (And, her face is always dirty because she does not, however, love spoons.)

   

   Also? Making messes from items that are not toys.

   That's her other thing.

   Over the past few months, I've spent many mornings sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor reading book after book to my sweet baby girl realizing that one day sooner than I'd like she won't want to snuggle with her mommy so much. Some mornings we venture out for breakfast dates together.

   

   My favorite chocolate croissant-sharing bear.

   

   She's just about the goofiest thing I've ever encountered, 

   and her toothy grin gets me every time. 

   

   Looking way too big.

   Once Murphy gets home followed by Carter a couple hours later, the whole dynamic of the house changes, and that's ok. But those mornings that just she and I share, those are ours. Those I treasure.
4. Carter's Character...these past few months have shown glimpses into the heart of my biggest girl that have made my heart smile. Big. She's continued to be a the best helper I could ask for whether it be with small household chores or with looking out for her little sisters. She's quick to run and offer hugs and love if either of them gets hurt or just needs attention, and no one can make her giggle the way that Murphy can.
   
   Sister tickles.
   

   

   The kid's a hugger.
   She has a soft spot for those who are hurting and was even upset by scenes of bullying in The Lego Movie. She's got a determined spirit that has lead her to mastery of both in and out of the classroom activities. She decided that my staying during her gymnastics class is a distraction and asked me to leave and only return when class is over. I love the maturity in her decision making - especially since all the moms stay, and she's the youngest gymnast in the class.
   

   

   Scrappy lil climber.

   Reached the tip-top in no time.
   

   

   Post-class candy store trip.

   My favorite example of the peek into my Pookie's character though has to be the incident of the underpants and the school bus. One afternoon after she got home from school, she told me that she needed to tell me something. It took her awhile to get it out, but she finally told me that she'd shown her underpants to some other girls on the school bus. She told me that three other girls did it, too, which I verified by having her describe their underpants. (Hey, at least she wasn't the only one.) I told her I was so proud of her for telling me the truth and that I'd like her to write three sentences about why she shouldn't do this again. Here is what she wrote.
   

   

   For those who don't speak kindergarten, it says:

   It is privacy. It's not funny. We're not supposed to.

   I'm sorry!!!

   I was so, so proud of her for telling me something that I would have never found out about any other way. She's always quick to tell me if she's done something naughty in the classroom, but in that case, there's a chance that the teacher could let me know. That's not the case with the bus. I loved that she told me and that she was then able to think through the reasons she should not repeat the behavior. 

   

   Carter Cottontail.

   She greets every day with enthusiasm and anxious anticipation, and for that I am grateful beyond words. She is my inspiration. 
5. The Pop Princess...while Carter lulls herself to sleep at night by singing praise songs at the top of her lungs, Murphy prefers to sing along to top 40 pop. From Pharrell's Happy and Get Lucky {which she sings 'Get Yucky'} to Rihanna's Monster, she knows them all, and she loves belting them out. She doesn't seem to recognize that there's a time and place for this music, though, as recently upon picking her up from her class at church, her observation was, 'Well, our teacher got her hair cut, and we didn't sing Wrecking Ball...' Good, Murphy, let's try to keep church a twerk-free zone. In February, I got Murphy's haircut into a precious little bob which everyone complimented and adored. 
   
   Everyone, that is, except Murphy.
   She was so distraught about her hair being cut short and not being 'princessy' that she resorted to wearing a wig. 
   
   'I'll wear this till my hair grows yonger.'
   
   She actually wore this wig to school.
   I don't know how or why, but Miss Murphy cares very much about appearance and has her own idea of what she thinks looks good. One week this may be three headbands worn at one time; the next it may be a princess dress with rain boots. 
   
   For many days, it was nearly every bracelet I own.
   She doesn't really play as typical children do but finds her greatest joy in putting random items into bags and carrying them around. 
   
   Also? 
   Perusing a Nordstom catalog while watching Frozen totally makes her afternoon.
   She puts on lipstick before going to bed and prefers sleeping with shoes on than without. And, lest it seem she is completely lacking depth, I should add that she is the most loving, affectionate child imaginable. She can seldom make in through a meal without needing to stand up and give me a hug and a kiss. 
   
   New partnering in crime.
   I know that she loves those who she loves (and they are few) with all her being. She loves deliberately, and she loves deeply.
   
   And so concludes The Sweetest Things of the First Quarter of 2014. I had an additional item which would have explored a bit of the grown up world Lindsay and I have been living. But I could not possibly end this list with a #6. So, I'll just tease with a picture and a title.
   
   Day Dreaming...
   

What's Cooking, Sunshine?

Spring! Something about the sun shining and the birds chirping is good for my soul. Though I've been struggling a bit with the dark mornings, the switch to daylight savings time has been such a nice change. Yesterday afternoon we met friends at the park and played until almost 6:00, and as I'm typing, the back door wide open and the big girls are squealing (sometimes from laughter sometimes not) in the backyard. I don't think I even realized I'd been in a missing-the-sunshine blah until I took a look back on the past two weeks. Sure there were a few high point here and there,

Like getting to know these two True Detectives.

(Added low point? Saying goodbye to them all too soon on Sunday night.)

What I realized is that I'd spent days just wandering - around the house, in the kitchen, through Trader Joe's, up and down Target's aisles - yet accomplishing little to nothing. An obvious area in which I had been slacking was cooking; I just couldn't seem to get organized enough to get it done.

{Again, I've been wandering, mentally and physically.}

I am a recipe follower to my core and am in awe of those who just throw things together to create wonderfully delicious dishes. Since I am not one of those 'throw it together' cooks, I most always have to go to the grocery store before cooking and prefer to have a detailed grocery list in hand. I have a couple friends who are used to getting texts or calls from me asking, 'What's cooking at your house tonight?' as I'm always in need of inspiration in my meal planning. 
Because I have greeted this week - granted it's only Tuesday -  with more purpose and planning, I thought I'd share our family's menu for those seeking inspiration of their own.
Monday - lime chicken soft tacos with sour cream and avocado, refried black beans, freshly made salsa, and ice cold Coronas. Yum.
Tuesday - Greek style penne pasta with broccoli, slivered toasted almonds, and feta. I love a one dish meal!
Wednesday - Black bean pie. My mama's coming to town and this one is per her request! I always serve it with Sister Shubert's rolls.
Thursday - slower cooker lasagna with ricotta and spinach. This will be the first time I've tried this one, but from the sounds of it, I'm not sure it can go wrong.
I'm not a food blogger. Not even close. If I were, this would be filled with directions and step-by-step photos showcasing the delicious recipes. I do have one shot of a tasty brunch item I whipped up for myself this morning.

Even this simple number was inspired from a recipe. 

I'm hoping my wandering days are (mostly) over, and that all the sunshine will continue to be nature's motivator. And, for full disclosure, my typical weekday breakfast looks a little more like this...

Sad, but true. 

Favorite Things, Lately

My very first real post on the ol' bloggity blog (following the 'I've got a blog now' post) was a list of some of my Favorite Things. I went on to make my Favorite Things list a quarterly feature on these Salad Days for the next couple of years.  These days time for blogging isn't as readily available, and my excitement over discovering new things worthy to share has dwindled as well. Rather than writing a quarterly list comprised of things that I did like but did not necessarily LOVE-love, I decided to keep a running list going.
Of course, once I decided I was ready to write a post, I discovered that my Darling Littlest Dumpling deleted the list - along with all the notes off of my iPhone notepad.  Grrr… Memory served, though, and I do have a list of fabulous things to share.

My Favorite Things, 2013ish...

1. Best. Sheets. Ever. {ever}... I've been mad over these sheets for the past five years, and I'm not sure how they have not made an appearance on a previous favorite things list. After giving birth to my first child, I was having frequent, painful episodes that were classified (wrongly) as back spasms. As a result, my doctor suggested I get twice weekly massages (which, of course, did nothing to relieve the pain from the gall stones I was actually passing...). While the massages didn't feel too great at the time (I was in way too much pain to enjoy them!), I did notice that the sheets on the massage table were freakishly comfy. My massage therapist told me that they were, appropriately, called Comphy Sheets and could not be purchased in stores but were available at the spa where she worked. I was surprised at their moderate price (good sheets can be quite expensive) and picked up a set for our bed. Since then, I've found a quality online retailer and bought sets for our guest bed and Carter's bed. I cannot recall a single house guest who has not commented on our cozy Comphy sheets, and more then one person has gone on to buy a set after sleeping on ours. Comphy Sheets
2. Clean Well Hand Sanitizer... look, I'm just gonna say it: kids. Are. GROSS. They lick things (all sorts of things!) and put there fingers in all sorts of orifices and then straight from those orifices into other orifices. They'll eat a sticky gummy bear straight off the car floorboard or pick up a random fabric doll from a drainage ditch at the park. Couple all this disgustingness with general societal germs and then throw in baby diapering germs, and my world can be a pretty icky place. Unfortunately, the big girls have yet to master the art of a good, thorough hand-washing, and soap and hot water is not always readily available. I've always been turned off by traditional hand-sanitizers because of their heavy alcohol content, so I couldn't wait to give this brand a try when I saw small, spray bottles at Target. I was immediately sold on the light scent and the lack skin drying properties. I now order the foaming pump versions from Amazon and keep them all over the house and in my car. One pump lasts a good four months and is simple for the girls to use, even on the go. Clean Well Hand Sanitizer
3. Tan Towels...while visiting with a friend last spring, I glanced down and noticed that my 'tan' was wearing off and looking streaky. I said something along the lines of, 'Don't mind my striped legs,' and she asked if I'd used a lotion or tan towels to achieve my fake glow. I was using Loreal Sublime Glow lotion at the time but was always on the lookout for a better option.  She began telling me about the ease of using tan towels (no drying time, easy to apply, no streaking, etc...), and I couldn't wait to give them a try. While searching for the perfect tan-in-a-packet, I tried out several brands ranging from those sold at high-end department stores to drugstore brands. I decided that Loreal Sublime Bronze were the winners for me, and they actually provide a much richer color than brands that are double the cost. I love the natural, sun kissed glow they produce and even prefer their results  to those of  a professional airbrushed tan. As soon as the temperatures start rising and my sandals and sundresses start calling, I'll once again be making them a part of my 'beauty' routine (you know, along with showering every two to three days and occasionally removing my makeup before falling into bed.) Tan Towels
4. Scout Bags...once I was all (fake) tanned up and pool ready last summer, I quickly came to a realization. Pool supplies for a family of five require a large bag, a very large bag. The beach towels alone take up a lot of room not to mention the goggles, sunscreen, dive-sticks, drinks, snacks, pool toys, and changes of clothes. On a quest to find a bag that was both large and stylish as well as water proof, I discovered the Scout bags. They come in lots of styles and sizes and have fun patterns for mixing and matching, and, of course, no Southern pool bag is complete without the addition a family monogram. Scout Bags
5. From Mama's Table to Mine…when the hubby changed jobs last fall and was again home during the work week, I quickly re-acclimated myself to cooking family dinners. I thought a new cookbook would be a fun and inspiring way to get back into the kitchen groove. Having always been a fan of Paula Deen, though not so much a fan of all the BUTTER (and other less-than-healthy ingredients) that often go along with her recipes, I decided to give her son, Bobby's, cookbook a try. This book is like a CD that you can listen to from the first track to the last without skipping a single song. I have made many recipes and each one has been a winner. I've noticed that Bobby adds unexpected ingredients that add a pop of flavor rather than fat. Lemon zest is added to chicken noodle soup, fresh rosemary to shepherd's pie, and dijon mustard to cheeseburger casserole. Not His Mama's Meals
6. Tupperware Quick Chef Chopper…since the last time I'd cooked dinners on a regular basis I had one child and I now have three children, I also found myself looking for ways to make cooking easier. This meant strategic meal planning, prepping during nap time, and taking advantage of crockpot recipes. My biggest time saver in the kitchen, though, comes thanks to my new favorite gadget. I actually purchased this little helper way back in June of 2012, but I didn't open it prior to our move and completely forgot about it once we got settled in Charlotte. I, literally, just took it out of the box in October! I've used several choppers over the years, and this one is by far the best; it's quick, easy, and really gets the job done. I use it to chop everything from onions to olives to thick, raw carrots.  I immediately thought that every kitchen needed a Quick Chef Chopper and ordered two more to give as Christmas gifts. Now,  you go buy one from my friend, Corinda! Tupperware Chopper
7. Trader Joe's…go ahead. Call me late for the party. In my defense, we did not have a TJ's in Denver, and because of its location and parking situation, our local one here in Charlotte seemed difficult to access. But, access it, I have, and my goodness!, I don't know how I lived without it! On my first trip, I was blown away by the incredible prices, especially on dairy and produce. I love that it's small in size and the choices are limited: do I really need seven different brands of canned black beans from which to choose? I also find it so convenient that fruits like pears, kiwi, and plums are pre-bagged.  TJ's is now my 'regular' grocery store, and Wrighty and I typically take our first trip of the week on Monday mornings after the big kids are off to school. I love trying any new, seasonal items but also stick to my go-tos each week: cookie butter (crunchy) for my Murph, cereal bars, pretzel bread, organic dairy products, shelled and ready to eat edamame, frozen gnocchi with gorgonzola, fish sticks, rosemary and raisin crackers, and havarti with dill.  I hate that it took me so long to discover the TJ's greatness, but I am certainly making up for lost time. TJ's
8. Prinstagram...about a year ago, a young friend (I'm talking teenager, young) convinced me to join Instagram. Already a FaceBook user, I wasn't really interested in adding to my social media repertoire, but I gave in to her peer pressure and quickly discovered that I actually preferred IG to FB (no ads, no silly political and social rants, lots of cool pics...). The 4x4 square photos reminded me of some picture albums from my childhood, and I wanted to find a way to print out some my IG pics. After a google search, I found the coolest website that prints both great quality 4x4 prints but also photo stickers (which I use daily to decorate the girls' lunch boxes) matted/framed pics, photo cards, and more.
   
   4x4 prints on heavy card stock with white borders - 
   displayed in the kitchen above the girls' art work.
   
   Crazy over this frame of images of Wright.
   $60 total (frame, mat, AND pics!)
   I've been so happy with my my Printstagram purchases and the customer service has been outstanding. It's about time to place another order... Printstagram
9. Target Cartwheel...the one thing that I love even more than discovering a new, favorite THING, is discovering a new way to save money on things. I'd seen a little something about Cartwheel on a friend's FaceBook but was automatically skeptical about it. Let me just cut to the chase: if you shop at Target (who doesn't?) and have a smartphone (who doesn't?), you need to download this app. Today. I'm now saving money on almost every item I buy and just love feeling like I have my own special sales. Cartwheel App

It took me an entire year to narrow down my Favorite Things into a blog-worthy list. 

Trust me. This is some good sh** stuff. 

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

After an especially busy and productive morning, I could feel the witching hours of the afternoon draaaaaggggging by. When I realized it wasn't yet 4:00 and nap time was already over, I knew we needed a field trip. So, in true Lewellen Mommy fashion, we headed to the park library science museum jumpy place SouthPark Mall. I lured the girls out the door with the promise of a treat and imagined I'd run an errand or two and head back home.

The short car ride to the mall was filled with the girls blasting the Frozen soundtrack and taking turns playing the roles of Elsa and Anna in each song. Once we arrived at our destination, Carter made a beeline for the ice-cream shop (a scoop of cookie dough on a chocolate dipped waffle cone was her treat of choice), and Murph, Wrighty Pie, and I decided on our favorite cookies. M&M for Murphy, two chocolate chip cookies with icing in the middle for me - hey, go big or go home, right? - and Wright trusted our judgment and went for a sugar cookie with glitter sprinkles.

Sole pic of baby girl from our adventure.

{Uh, Mom, next time we head out on one of your trips,

could you please change me out of my jammers? Geez...}

Carter, may I have a yick?

Sure, MurMur.

These two were the epitome of BFFs all afternoon.

I said a lick, not the whole thing!

Once we'd devoured our treats, and ruined any chance of either little girlie eating any dinner, the girls begged to go throw pennies in the fountain. Since we were just killing time anyway, I agreed, but I had to make them work for it. I asked each of them to tell me their version of MLK's legacy. Carter actually gave serious oration and informed me that she was 'giving a speech in Washington, DC.' Murphy's rendition involved several interesting dance moves. 

Droppin' Coin and Makin' wishes.

Once we were all out of pennies (plus one nickel a piece), we started walking back towards the exit, but not before the girls took some time to browse a kiosk that caught their eyes. 

Scoping out the phone cases.

Ya know, for the phones they'll get in ten years...

Carter continued talking about the cases for the rest of the evening, even planning how she'll go about saving up for one. We tried suggesting she may first want to get a phone, but she did not find that idea intriguing. Right next to the phone case shop on kiosk row was a hair curling-styling-thing. As we passed, or attempted to pass rather, the worker scooped Carter up and said, 'You're going to be my model!' Now, in normal circumstances, were a stranger even touch my child, I would likely become a tad upset. The squeal of delight that came from Carter's mouth as the stranger pulled out my girl's braids and got to curling, told me to just let this one go. 

Middle of the mall mane treatment.

I want curls, too! Right, Carter?

(Murphy adds 'Right, Carter?' to the end of many statements to her big sis.)

Precious. Beyond. Words.

Despite both girls' enthusiastic responses to their new dos, I did manage to escape the kiosk without making a purchase. 

Looking grown.

It wasn't long before another kiosk grabbed their attention.

Browsing the Angel Dear lovies.

Just in case Lambie or Mousey or Hippo needs a companion.

I then asked them if they'd mind accompanying me into the only store I had actually hoped to run-in during our trip: SEPHORA. My hands were full during our time in the store, managing the stroller and trying to find what I needed, so I wasn't able to snap any pics. Hear me, though, these girls are girly. Girly, girly, girly. They garnered a whole lot of attention with their fancy curls and darling demeanor, and I rewarded their good behavior (not breaking or touching anything) with the application of a yipschtick of their choosing before we left. These two were in heaven. Heaven. 

As we left Sephora, I had no intention of making any more stops before heading home. Of course, I had no idea that another enthusiastic kiosk worker would insist on decorating the girls' nails with nail stamps.

A bow, a flower, a mermaid, a kitty cat, and dots adorned Carter's nails. 

While Murphy was getting a couple fingers stamped (the worker became a little less enthused when she found out Mama wouldn't be making a purchase), Carter wandered to the kiosk next door for some additional adorning. 

Murphy was thrilled at the chance to don a tiara, too.

At this point, we really really did need to go. The girlies skipped out of the mall together chattering on and on about this being the best day of their lives. 'Well, maybe not as great as Christmas...' Carter reconsidered. I had no clue that my stir-craziness combined with a selfish desire for a fountain Mr. Pibb and a sweet treat would lead to such a fun afternoon for these cutie pies. 

Also? On days like these 

 I LOVE being a mom to a whole gaggle o' girls, 

and I really wish I had a sister.

The Sweetest Things, Q4

January 6, 2014: how that's possible, I don't even know. Life just keeps moving, faster and faster it seems. The more years that come the more quickly they seem to go.  Though my time available for blogging has been virtually non-existent these past few months, I simply must take the time to reflect on all the glories (truly. Glories.) that filled our lives during the final months of 2013.
The Most Sweet Things I can recall from the final quarter of 2013…

1. Heart Wide Open…the first thing on my list this quarter is a little hard to articulate. In fact, I think this may be one of those things that you can't really understand unless you've felt its opposite. For example, can you really know what it feels like to be hot if you've never been cold? To be full if you've never been hungry? To be happy if you've never been sad? Over the past few months, I have felt the obvious existence of an open heart in my life. I'm not sure exactly how I got into this place, but I have been especially open to wise words from others, lessons from life's events, and evidences of God in the day to day. I only became truly aware of this as I scrolled through the notepad on my phone in preparing to write this blog. In the midst of all my kid-quotes and grocery lists, I found several scripture references and quotes. Here are a few that really made an impact: God doesn't waste a hurt. If you bring yesterday into today, your tomorrows will suck. Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours. You can pray or you can worry, but don't do both.
   
    You can't look at the manger without seeing a shadow of the cross.
   One morning while driving Carter to school, I had an experience that may best explain this phenomenon. We were listening Christmas music on the radio, and the song Mary, Did You Know?, which happens to be one of my favorite Christmas songs, started playing. I was singing along - terribly off key and out of tune, no doubt - when I caught Carter's eyes in the rearview mirror, and I realized I wasn't just singing familiar words; I was singing the beliefs from the core of my soul.
   

   

   Even at the time, the moment felt poignant. 

   I actually snapped a picture of her eyes as seen through mine.

   My eyes welled with tears as I thought as never before of the meaning behind the words of the song: a girl, a teenage girl, carried the Son of God in her womb, gave birth to Him in a stable, and that precious child grew up and changed the course of all humanity. These ideas are the tenants are my faith, all that matters to me in my spiritual life was wrapped up in those lyrics. I was looking my baby girl as the words 'Did you know that your baby boy was heaven's perfect lamb?' played, and I thought of Mary as a mother and of myself as a mother. In that moment, I prayed for Carter and each of my children, for their hearts to be pliable and open. In their own way, on their own time, I prayed that each of them will feel and know the love of Christ. I'm not sure what brought about this period of such openness, but I am certain that its coinciding with the holiday season added meaning and purpose to it all. 
2. Mobile Mayhem…in October our Itty Bitty broke into the single digits, and with this milestone in age came a burst of personality. Though she weighed in at a whopping 16.1 pounds at her one year check-up, she's developed an ability to be a big presence in a room.
   
   Twins. 
   Only one Itty Bitty Boo required a chocolate kiss to pose
    Though her actual verbal communication has been limited so far (hi, bye, Carter, sock, tree, light, and two are the only words I can recall for sure), she has had no problem making sure we all know just what she does and does not want. She is especially vocal when she wants what anyone else happens to be eating. Poor Carter has been bullied out of more than one Z-bar in the backseat of the car.
   
   Here she is enjoying MY bag of delicious Snappers.
   {I conceded after her leg pulling/shrieking combo got the best of me.} 
   She has a crawling speed like I've never seen and can often be spotted scurrying into a 'no-no' zone (i.e. the bathroom). If a competition existed for toilet paper unrolling, she'd surely beat any puppy! She also enjoys pulling out every item from my bathroom cabinets (tampons are her favorite find) as well as the pantry (where pasta is her item of choice).
   
   
   Fifth box of past she emptied on a given day.
She also enjoys scampering up the stairs at an equally fast-pace. What cracks me up, though, is that she waits to be sure I'm watching/coming after her before she does it; as if it's not fun unless she gets caught. She's recently incorporated walking into her mobility repertoire, and I actually captured a photo of some of those first steps as she took them while visiting our Grandma Margie.


Watching her itty bitty body toddling E.T.-style 
is just about the most adorable thing I've ever seen. 
Wrighty Pie has been such a perfect completion to our family and each month day  moment spent with her feels like a gift to us; she provides a calm, sweet presence that we didn't even realize we were missing.
3. Dissecting the Murph…it's been no secret that Murphy in the Middle came onto the scene three years ago with her own objectives and her own unique ways of meeting them. I think of my relationship with Murphy and my understanding of her as developing. I'm not sure how else to explain it other than I'm still just figuring her out. Though these past few months have not been without challenge - Yes, I was that woman who had to ask for our dinner to go and carry my child kicking and screaming out of a restaurant. Yes, I did have my little Princess stand alone outside of a restaurant on a sidewalk uptown because she could not control her behavior inside - the 98% of Murph that is utter joy has made life delightful.
   
   Lovely little lady - lipstick in hand.
   She's become quick to voice all that her three year old eyes observe. 'That Daddy has an earring! That's silly; girls wear earrings! I'm gonna catch him in my butterfly net.' directed towards a fellow diner. 'He has brown hands,' was her simple observation directed at an African American lifeguard who was putting a wristband on her; I love how there's no judgement in a child's observation of race! Upon seeing me direct every ounce of my crazy at Carter for the state of her room, Murph put her little hands on her hips, and said, 'Mommy, why you are being so ridicleus?!' I WAS being ridiculous and just needed a wise little soul to tell me so! As we're slowing peeling back the layers of my Murph, what I'm seeing more than anything is that her heart is as fragile as they come. In the midst of an all out tantrum, she'll suddenly exclaim, 'I want to hug you!', run for me, and hold on for dear life.
   
   In the midst of a doozy. A doozy in public.
   I'm still puzzled as to what sets her off (since it can be, literally, nothing), but I am slowly learning a few tricks for helping her to deescalate. I've been praying for patience (these tantrums are FIERCE) to offer her a bear hug and a big cuddle rather than stern words or harsh consequences. She was in a mood in the car on a recent Sunday, and she told me that her heart was sad. When I asked how I could help make her heart happy, she said, 'I need to hear Wrecking Ball.' You read that correctly; she asked to hear the song associated with the video of Miley Cyrus swinging naked on a wrecking ball. So, Lindsay pulled it up on my phone (audio only, obviously) and her frown really did turn upside down. See? this one is puzzling. And challenging.
   
   And exhilerating.
   {Gleeful and giddy singing about her 'boyfriend' Zachary.}
   I love getting to know her and learning how I can be the exact Mommy she needs.
4. Kindred Spirits…guess I might as well stay on the topic of the girlies and talk about the biggest.  Unlike Murphy, I've always felt an easy connection to Carter. She's been pretty easy to read: she's a people pleaser to her core, a rule follower, and she wants her Mama (and any adult, really) to be proud of her. Now this does't mean she doesn't have a wild streak; she's as active as they come.
   
   Garage door dangling.
   During these last few months, though, I've begun to observe something in her that's just made me down-right giddy: great big-ole glimpses of ME! (What can I say? I guess I really love myself!) All her life, I've heard how she looks just like her daddy - the eyes say it all - and she's so like him in her love of the outdoors and nature and creating things and producing art. The older she gets, though, she's becoming more of a hybrid of us both.
   
   I'm starting to see a blend.
   She gets a little thrill out of organizing things and will spend countless hours getting things set up just-so in her room or the playroom. One evening, she came downstairs after her bedtime and found me cleaning out the pantry and art closet. A smile spread across her face and she said, 'It's like you're organizing the whole world!' She notices the little things, too, and commented on how clean my car was after I'd had it washed. Her favorite activity these days in playing school.
   
   Her classroom . Complete with card-board smart-board.
   It's upside down here, but it reads, 'Do you know what science is?'
   Murphy is her favorite (and. most-often, only) pupil and she tends to have high expectations of her. As I listen to them from the other room, it is like reliving my own childhood (and feeling sorry for my own 'pupils'!) She uncovered a new hobby when she took her first acting class this fall. After the final class, her teacher pulled Lindsay and I aside to describe what she'd observed 'real talent' and encouraged us to pursue more opportunities as long as Carter continues to show interest. My chest puffed up a bit as I knew exactly where she got this talent: I've always thought I could have surely been a Hollywood star. 
   
   Never know what's next with this one.
   Upon observing a fellow five year old male (whose identity will remain concealed to protect the innocent) going tinkle and then preparing to get into the bath, she stood, mouth open wide, one hand on her hip, the other free for gesturing, and said, 'You don't show that, that … stuff (insert hand gesturing towards privates) to women!' I nearly died at 1) the entire scene 2) the gesturing 3) the indignation 4) her choice of the word 'stuff' and 5) her referring to herself as a woman. She. Is. Me. 
5. Traditions…fewer things make my heart happier than the familiar feeling of holiday traditions, and one of my favorite things about my husband is that he puts a great deal of value in tradition and wants to be a part of things. Traveling to Tulsa for Thanksgiving is our tradition on any year in which we do not have a newborn :) I can't think of anything more fun than celebrating a holiday with delicious food and family galore!
   
   Just look at that crew! 
   And, of course, Carter and Murphy headed up the kids' table.
   The lake cabin was bursting at the brim, full of love and laughter and little ones. Following the actual day of Thanksgiving, we enjoyed visiting with Pops, Misha, Aunt Kiki, and the Hatch family in Tulsa. We exchanged gifts during our visit and took the girls to see the Utica Santa (another tradition of our young family!) Our trip was just the thing to get our holiday season off to a joyous start. On the Sunday after we returned to Charlotte, per tradition, we decked our halls and decorated our tree. Again, I just love that I have a  husband who enjoys being right in the thick of all this festivity. December 1 marked the annual return of our dear elf, Dolly. The girls woke up each morning throughout the month eager to see where Dolly would be and what she may be up to. 
   
   Christmas magic. 
   {Dolly had a partner in crime when her cousin Buddy paid us a visit.}
   Our first official Christmas outing came when we joined our Schmidly cousins for our second annual lunch and Santa meeting. 
   
   Not gonna lie,
   dressing up little girls at Christmas time makes me all kinds of happy! 
   Since I'd gotten my shopping and wrapping done early this year, I felt relaxed as we continued through December's activities.
   
   We made time for the Southpark Tree lighting,
   the Bear Orchestra, and a tour of Gingerbread Lane at Ballantyne.
   The girls both participated in holiday programs at school and brought home fun homemade ornaments and cards. Our favorite cousins paid us an impromptu visit on the weekend before Christmas, and we loved sharing the season with them!
   
   Sunday morning church service = another opportunity at donning festive attire.
   I've discovered that I actually love Christmas Eve even more than Christmas Day, and this year was no exception. As we did last year, we had lunch with the Schmidly family and were happy to be joined by Uncle Charles and Aunt Suzie, and we attended a Christmas Eve service at church.
   
   
   Love this shot of our little fam at lunch.
   
   The girls made a quick wardrobe change between lunch and church.
   Loved that my parents joined us this year!
   Lindsay subtly indicated that he'd like to see a return of 2012's beef tenderloin on our Christmas Day menu, so I suppose we now have a new tradition of the meat variety as well. Having grown up in a small family where things always seemed to change, I love making memories and laying traditions for our family. 
   
   
   Now, a week into the New Year and only two remnants of the holiday season remain:
   
   Christmas Card season is the best.
   A visible reminder that we love and are loved.
   
   And these. I'm not not quite ready to take them down.
   2013 was a challenging year for our family in many ways, but in reflection, I can't help but recognize all the blessings and little joys. And now, we look towards the new year with eager anticipation of all that life has in store. Can't help but wonder what The Sweetest Things, 2014, Q4, will reveal!