Category: Musings on Life and Beauty

My littlest one is one year old today.


It is a bittersweet feeling.  I’ve never had one this age and not been looking forward to the next baby at the same time.


I’ve been looking back at photos of her from the past year, marveling at how she’s grown.


My heart is a bit sad to be passing this milestone so soon, and yet…


I am full of gratitude.  Gratitude for her, for the wonder of having her in our family.


My heart is also full of thanks and praise for my Heavenly Father, who has blessed us with her, and has given us enough to make it this far.


The days have been long but the year has flown by.  There is much I haven’t accomplished, but I can say this:


I have loved her.  Our whole family has held her, snuggled with her, marveled at her, enjoyed her every day.


She and I have spent countless moments, just the two of us, looking into one another’s eyes, smiling, snuggling, whispering.  Today my heart sings with joy that I had the sense to treasure those moments.  To treasure her.  My heart is at peace.


Happy Birthday little one!

Love, Jennifer

At our house we eat a lot of oatmeal.  It’s good for you and inexpensive, too.

Thanks to my husband’s example, we often add a spoonful of peanut butter to the oatmeal in addition to a spoonful of brown sugar.

On this particular morning, I asked my two year old if she wanted both peanut butter and sugar.


“Just soogar” was the reply.

To clarify that her decision was just for that day and not a general statement, she added:

“But Mom, I am otay wif peanut butter.
“I am dood wif peanut butter.”


And I thought, “You’re two years old!  Where did a line like that come from?”

She scrunched up her face and smiled at me.
As for me, I’m dood with how cute she is.

Hopeful Homemaker

We had a birthday at our house this week.  A beautiful little girl turned 6.


At her request, the day started with breakfast in bed.  The family gathered to her room for our morning scripture study, pledge of allegiance, and family prayer.


A party with her friends…




complete with a decorate your own cupcake finish.


Of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without a few gifts, dinner of your choice, and some candles to blow out.  (At her request, just a bowl of ice cream with candles in it, no cake.)


To finish off the day, we got out our measuring board to see how much she’s grown in 6 months.


It was a great day for a wonderful girl.  I can’t believe she’s six.
Happy Birthday cutie!

Jennifer