Ruby Turns 8!

Ruby had her 8th birthday & I can hardly believe we've had 8 years with this amazing girl! She is so fun & sweet & silly & good. It's been such a joy watching Ruby grow & this is my favorite age with her so far. As always, she could hardly contain her excitement with all the birthday celebrations. She loves all of our birthday traditions so much & really appreciates & notices all the little details, which makes celebrating her really fun. Happy Birthday, Ruby - you truly are a little gem! We love you!!!

Such a Ruby face - what I would give for even a fraction of her energy. 

She requested an oreo ice cream cake this year. 

Birthday party at the American Girl store! This was the most darling party - they all brought their dolls & had their hair styled, played games, did crafts, ate cake, & had a blast. 

And a few things I want you to remember: 

1. Face your fears. My favorite Eleanor Roosevelt quote is, "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do."

2. Learn to cook & do it regularly. Good food is powerful - it brings people together, it provides fond memories, & cooking is a way of giving love to those around you. 

3. Be happy for other people's success. It's the remedy to jealousy & will serve you well throughout your life. 

Back to School

The kids started school last week - Ruby is in 2nd grade & Noah is now a kindergartner! Noah has been counting down the days until school starts - every day he would ask me, "How many more sleeps till I get to go?" & would be so disappointed that he couldn't go that day. Ruby was nervous but was super brave - I feel for her. New things always make me nervous too & I remember school definitely being one of them. But they both had great days & came home smiling & bubbling over with excitement. I feel like I get way more information out of them now because they're both competing to tell me first about the details of their day. I hope it lasts! I'm grateful these two have each other & get to run into each other throughout their days. They told me they always run up & hug each other which makes me smile just thinking about. 

And just like that, life seems to have completely changed in an instant. They're getting big & they're needing a little less of me & they're happy. And it turns out I'm really happy, too. Each season is a good one, & this one is no exception.