Thomas’ 8th birthday was “the best day ever” completely decked out in homemade minecraft goodness.

When it was time to blow out the candles, Thomas was cool and relaxed (this week’s “life photo” theme), thinking, “Oh yeah, I’ve got this.”

He even posed for some silly cake mining shots:

After chowing down on food that was strictly the shape of blocks (thanks, grandma for making the requested meatcubes!), it was time for presents.

That is where the unexpected (this week’s “portrait photo” theme) came along…

He lost it completely, I’ve never seen his face light up at a gift like that before. “You got me this??”

Happy Birthday, my big man. Not so tiny anymore. <3

It was a week of firsts around here, all three kids got new beds!

Well, I suppose more accurately Molly got a new bed and the boys got theirs bunked.

Molly was quite happy about it.

And, even though I had to sneak up on him in his top bunk to get a picture…

I got a smile of approval from Thomas too.

I always find it funny how our natural progression of our week always fits the PTM themes. Even this week.

We did a little off-roading of our own during the race on Friday. Thom in the car, and Molly out of it. She climbed to the top of this huge rock, sat down, and declared herself winner of the race. (This weeks portrait theme was copycat/it’s a sign)

The life theme for week 14 is “What home means to me.” And even though we are traveling and away from home we always bring home with us. A couple nights ago, Molly fell asleep on our bed while we were getting ready to settle in for the night. Marcus must have caught a glimpse of her and thought he needed to join in. As he snuggled himself under her arm and drifted off to sleepy land, I chuckled, knowing I had my photo. <3

If you couldn’t tell already, spring time is the time for Birthdays in my home. First comes Marcus’ then Thom’s followed by Molly’s and rounding out with Thomas’. This week was Thom’s turn. His birthday was this past Thursday. The kids love parties, so we use birthdays to really do it up.

Thomas even learned how to play “Happy Birthday” on the piano and played along {which was quite appropriate, considering this week’s life photo theme just happened to be play} while we brought out the cake.

Which means that since Friday, it’s Molly’s birthday prep time. Which also means that I’ve been sewing. She wanted a doll this year for her present.





Which is also coincidentally perfect for this week’s portrait photo theme of anticipation.

She is so excited about her new doll that she hardly will put her down long enough for me to finish her, as evidenced by her having to hold her last night, sans her matching knitted dress. Oh yeah, remember that rainbow dress that I’m making for Molly? Her doll is getting one too.

Better get back to it! T-minus 6 days until her birthday party!

Modeling Pictures coming up…

This week, we’re in the process of painting Thomas’ room… which involves painting over the animals… that we painted over 8 years ago… when I was pregnant with him.

It was an emotional day for me, but Thomas was so excited that I decided to let it all go and live in the moment. The theme for the life photo was “This Makes Me Wish I Could Freeze Time”. 3/52/Life – Painting his own story.

Marcus was an easy capture in my portrait theme this week; “Dream”. Love those little piggies of his.
3/52/Portrait – Little Piggies.

I never meant to hurt you.
I never meant to make you cry. So, tonight, I’m cleaning out my closet.

Made some from scratch cookies in Molly’s easy bake oven.

They came out awesome.

Recieved some homemade trail mix from a friend. Equally as awesome.

The kids prepared a special dinner for Thom and I. Ultimately the most awesome.

{and shh. Thom made some awesome pasta vodka as well. http://thomkingston.com/2013/01/14/wheres-smell-o-vision-when-you-need-it/ }

If I had one word to sum up today, it would have to be yum. {and coincidentally? Awesome.}

Marcus was feeling better today. He had a full night’s rest and was up and at ‘em bright and early. He came downstairs in his “summaman” pj’s to find me taping the hallway. Immediately, he ran and got a dry brush, climbed up onto the ladder and exclaimed, “Mommy! I pain 10!”

It seemed like there was a reoccurring theme going on today. Poor Marcus was not feeling well so he was extra huggie, mixed with quiet moments where I snuck to prime and paint.

It looked either like this:

Or this:

Thankfully, it was also mixed with bouts of this:

Resulting in this: