Charlotte Smiles!

This was taken at a quiet moment after dinner last night, one of the few when our newest addition isn't screaming and fussing 6:00 pm on. I'm sure it's more of a sleepy/content related smile, but she's been busting out some real ones the past couple days for sure. What a pay off, to know she finally likes us! Around 1:13 is when it happens....

Drums

For all my friends out there with kids, this little website (Thanks Dave D.) has been a killer one for my three year old. Notice the button in the lower right hand corner that brings up the letters on the keyboard...Sam suddenly knew his alphabet stone cold, I give the credit partially to this. Ha.

http://www.kenbrashear.com/

Charlotte Grace meets Charlotte Grace

I need to take a video of these two together, it is absolutely precious to watch my grandparents with their newest great-grandchild. We named our daughter after this wonderful woman, whose laugh sounds like a bubbling brook, making those around her feel like brilliant comedians because she thinks everyone is adorably funny. She turns 83 in June and I am so blessed to have her sweet influence and faithful prayers covering me for my lifetime. Visits to "great grandma's house" are something to look forward to, with treats in the "surprise drawer" and a huge basement for running and jumping and playing with the pool balls. There is usually something delicious baking or cooking away in the oven, making the house smell cozy and warm.

I love that when we pull up in the driveway, odds are good that both precious grandparents are sitting in their chairs in the family room, not doing anything particular, and will welcome us in for a visit almost anytime.

Just so Great Grandpa doesn't feel left out, this occasion remains a highlight in my heart, what fun. We love you both!

It's War!

All the dino's came out to play one afternoon, I love how my son is so into organizing, lining up and sorting right now. It fits right along with my own obsessions. Wonder where he got it.

Artistry

It's been gorgeous out here the past two days, and is supposed to continue along that vein until Sunday, when it drops from 70 and sunny to 38 and snowing. Can't pull out the flip flops yet. Ahhh Illinois, I have such a love/hate relationship with you.

Anyways, we were out playing in the backyard after naps today when Sam calls me over to show me something that he "made." Carefully picking the red berries off our beleaguered viburnums along the fence, he put one in the center of each flower on a garden stone. So cute.

Sour Cream Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Bad picture, great cake, if I do say so myself. Got the recipe from one of those famous, trusted women who has the magical "Martha" touch, along with an amazing heart for others. Thank you Mary!

Sour Cream Cake

1 (18.25 oz) package white cake mix (I KNOW!!!! Never would have guessed eating this cake...don't judge.)
2 large eggs
1 (8 oz.) container sour cream
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Beat all ingredients on low speed in an electric mixer, 30 seconds or until moistened. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour batter into 2, well greased, 9 inch rounds. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-17 min or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 min.

Wrap layers in plastic and freeze 2 hours or up to 1 month, if desired.

At this point, I made a batch of Ina Garten's Lemon Curd and used that as filling between layers.

Cream Cheese Frosting
(Makes about 5 cups)
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup butter, softened
1 (2 lb) package powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
salt to taste

I'm sorry it took me so long to get you the recipe Katie P, great memories from that birthday party!