The faces of Lila

 

My lovely daughter loves the camera!  Sometimes I never know what pictures I will find!

Lila's Birthday

 

Lila had a wonderful birthday - two weekends worth!  On her birthday weekend we went shopping in Boston, got cupcakes at a cupcake shop, and went swimming at an indoor waterpark!  Fun for all!  The next weekend we had cake at home.  It was a chocolate caramel cake with a peace sign on top.  If you can't tell, she really likes peace signs.  It's part of her "style."  She brings joy to our family!

First Sleepover Treats

Mini cakes made with vanilla sandwich cookies, frosting, sprinkles, and coconut.

 

Lila had her first sleepover.  She had been dreaming of ideas for at least a month.  She picked a movie to watch, games to play, and treats to make.  Here are a couple of her mini treats.  She found the ideas from American Girl books and magazines.  Yes, they were all sweet - just like Lila.

Sunny-side up eggs made with melted white chocolate chips and yellow m&m's.

Hot White Chocolate Caramel!

Linked with: Works for Me Wednesday, Raising Homemakers, Miscellany Monday, The Better Mom, Beauty in His Grip, Gratituesday, Mindful Mothering, Mop it Up Monday, Mama Moments Mondays, Mommy Link-up!, Women Living Well, Hip Homeschool Hop, Thankful Thursday, Winsome Wednesday, Courtship Connection, and Gratituesday, Titus 2sdays, Teach Me Tuesdays.

Big Breakfasts with Mom

We're starting/continuing something new this year:  Big Breakfasts with Mom.  I have found it hard to do meaningful family devotions the last couple of years because of the age spread of my kids, our bedtime schedule, and the needs of each of the kids.  Nightime used to be a time I could spend with each of the kids, but with Cody and his finicky sleeping I haven't been able to spend that connecting time with the kids as much as I would like to one-on-one.

So, last month I decided to try Big Breakfasts with Mom.  Once a week I will take out one of the kids for an early breakfast and devotion time.  I tried it last month, and it was great!  Especially for Lila! ( I will probably do it more often with her since I get less one-on-one time with her during the day since she has an early bedtime.)

In December, Lila and I went to a local bakery for bagels and muffins.  We brought along a prayer journal we had been going through which includes scriptures and topics to pray about and room to write prayers.  I have been writing for Lila as she shares her prayers.  It's been great to hear what is on her heart and then give it to God in prayer.

Mara and I are doing a spiritual gifts inventory together as we see who God has created her to be and how she can use her gifts as she grows up to be the lady God designed her to be.  I am doing the inventory with her, so it has been fun to see our similarities and differeneces.

Kyle and I are just discussing his future plans and giving them to God in prayer.

I am very excited to see how the Lord can use this time.

Linked with: Works for Me Wednesday, Raising Homemakers, Miscellany Monday, The Better Mom, Beauty in His Grip, Gratituesday, Mindful Mothering, Mop it Up Monday, Mama Moments Mondays,  Mommy Link-up!, Women Living Well, Hip Homeschool Hop, Thankful Thursday, Winsome Wednesday, Courtship Connection, and Gratituesday, Only a Breath, Titus 2sdays, Teach Me Tuesdays.

Halloween Pics

What's Lila up to?

Decorating a butterfly shirt after we let our butterflies go!

 Lila is always up to something.  She has been doing lots of arts and crafts, scootering, starting clubs, writing books, cooking in the kitchen ...

Smelling flowers - see all the pollen on her nose.

Playing games.

Playing tennis.

Fiesta Cody & Here I Go Lila

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

February Fun Lila's 6!

Lila had her sixth birthday at the beginning of the month. It was a much anticipated birthday. Unfortunately she got a fever the day of her party. But we just had her party last weekend-she had a wonderful time! She brings us so much joy and laughter!