Happy 4th Birthday Luca

Happy birthday Luca.

You're the best.

Dolezaleks on Bikes

Spiderman Cake

I don't bake. Never really have.

On occasion I'll make a batch of brownies from the box,

whip up some rice crispy treats or

slice the store bough cookie dough.

I love to cook, could spend all day making meatballs,

lasagna or soup but the way I cook doesn't require

recipes or measuring cups.

Apparently measuring is sort of important when you bake...

I am absolutely amazed by those who can bake and by the

patience and artistry of those who design lovely things like

Luca's Superman birthday cake.

Missy, you rock.

The cake was a hit. It looked fabulous and was delicious too!

I'm pretty sure Luca kept dunking his finger into the

blue frosting, lick and repeat.

Superhero Party

When your mom works every other weekend

your birthday party isn't always ON your birthday.

When you're turning four, I don't think you care

when the party lands... as long as there are

friends, pizza, cake and ice cream.

Dustin was giving Luca a hug and made some comment

about how he was getting too big too quickly...

Luca said to him, "Four isn't a big number,

I'll still be little for awhile".

Yes you will sweet boy.

Love you birthday boy.

Face Painting

Our friends Shira and JP were wonderful to do

face painting and temporary tattooing at the party.

After all the kids left Luca realized that he had not

had his face painted. He wanted it NOW and

how can you say no to the birthday boy, even when

it's way past his bedtime.

He was stoked...

Decided what he wanted and stepped up...

and didn't like the feel of it one bit.

and that was it for one tired four year old.

Bedtime, costume and all.

Luke Duke

my boy...almost four years old.

Bean Bag

I had bought Superhero fabric to make

Luca some new pillowcases but instead

cranked out a bunch of bean bags for the kids to play with.

I guess I got in the flow because before I knew it

Ava had counted 19 bean bags!

If anyone has ideas of games too play with

19 bean bags I'm open to suggestions :)

Sister Smile

a little smirk at her brother.

I didn't even suggest nap time,

both boys put themselves to sleep.

It's possible that they got the idea from this

dozing mama on the other side of the couch.

Sassy Sufyan

Sufyan came to hang out today while his mama got a root canal.

with camera in hand he wouldn't look at me,

even with silly faces and bribery.

his lashes are lovely though, don't you think?

not sure what's up with Mother Nature

but we're really digging 70 degree days in March.

Happy Spring.

Milwaukee Wandering

Several weeks ago we went to Milwaukee to

visit Jake and Kate,

guess I forgot to post these pictures.

The weather was awesome,

we wandered the neighborhood,

chilled by the river, played at the park and

caught up with an old friend.

Margaritas and Mexican food at Corazon and

ended with a chill evening of scrabble and Euchre.

friend Kevin meeting us by the river.

enjoying a sunny patch

boys with PBRs

i like PBR too

graffiti jungle gym

smiling sunset kind of glow

Good times.

Thanks Jake and Kate.

air in the tires, dust wiped clean

ready to roll

i don't know if birds like to live in pretty painted ceramic houses

but it makes me really happy to see sunshine and

lovely bird houses hanging from the trees.

let the backyard transformation begin!

For the Birds

Playing by Their Own Rules

Never Ending Laundry

In a recent chat with my friend Stacy she made a comment

asking how do I manage work and kids and blog and making my

house look so "kick ass". Well, Stacy...I'll tell you,

it's been a rough week.

Most of my blog pictures do not show the 6 loads of laundry

strewn down the basement stairs, the out of control kids rooms,

the pilesof mail and bills. Top that off with a sleep deprived mama

working 72 hours this week in a sweatpants and scrubs only attire,

feeding her kids chicken nuggets in front of two hours

of after school cartoons in order to have a few alone moments to

check email and maybe pop a bottle of wine.

Don't judge.

Secret to success my mama friends... one day at a time.

Check out this article I saw on a friend's facebook post. Love it.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kara-gebhart-uhl/mom-judgments_b_1319775.html