the second-hand garden

Earlier today, this was the extent of green on my front step.

This evening, my cute friend Jeni passed on some unwanted ceramic pots... to me!

I love the addition. Welcoming, times 3!

The plants were already in my garage,
waiting to be planted elsewhere, but were given a sudden, new location.
Thank you Jeni!


I heart pink geraniums!



On a completely different subject,
yet happening simultaneous to the planting came this little treasure of a sound bite.

Henry says,"Mom, I really, really need to go potty. Can I just do it out here?" Of course I said, "Absolutely not!" Hillary is giggling mightily.
And yes, he dressed himself.

This body language is priceless.

Thank you, Kodak moment.

winner!

Hillary received a surprise phone call after school the other day.

She is the lucky winner of the April drawing at Dr. Brown's office.

It's a really cool prize.....

It's an ipod!!!

She even got to choose the color!
Bright purple!
Hill and I were squealing with delight all the way home.


Hillary's first ipod was washed in her jean's pocket by her mommy. Rats!
Her replacement ipod was a first generation, pink ipod.
Cute cousin Megan passed it down to her.
Poor thing, at full charge, it would only last 3 songs.
Never a complaint was heard from Hillary about her old, uncool ipod.

Good things come to those who wait.

Congratulations Hillary!

fourteen

This was once upon a time.....

Really, it feels like yesterday.

This is today. Fourteen.

oh my goodness.

For her 14th birthday,
Maddi allowed me to experiment with her "take to junior high" cupcakes.
Personalized hostess cupcakes.
With cream-filled goodness

Joyous Maddi receives a stack of season tickets to all of the Real games. Woot!

Aunt Janene springs for the gorgeous Bakers cake.
Oh, for buttercream's sake!

This is the little ghetto cake that could.

Cheesy on the outside, tasty on the inside.

I have a long way to go before I can hold a candle to my mother's cake skills,

but Sweet Madji likes it anyway.

Little negotiates the blowing out of the candles.

Maddi is old enough now to share the fun.

Happy Birthday Magic!

We love you so much. You are our first treasure that came into our lives,

and we are lucky beyond measure to share your birthdays with you.

May you have many, many more!

Love,

Mom & Daddy