Happy Easter!

Hunt #1: Saturday evening at Mimi and Pepaw's house.








24 plastic eggs... $1

1 pack of starburst to fill eggs...$2

2 "specialty" eggs...$7





Mastering the the tricks of the trade (such as knowledge that the Easter Bunny favors laying eggs in the tall grass) ....Priceless


Hunt #2: Easter Sunday at the Farm
Nearly 3 dozen hard-boiled farm-fresh eggs (some hand-dyed courtesy of Uncle Grant!)

*Now, before you start screaming that it's sacrilege that Norah isn't hunting eggs in her Easter dress, allow me to explain. We were supposed to have family photos made in our Easter clothes, but then Norah developed a nasty case of pink eye...so, we had to postpone them until she's better. Therefore, I decided to have her change out of said dress after church, so it will still be fresh and new for the pictures. (which I do plan to post at a later date)


Most of the eggs were broken by the time the hunt was over (Note to self: teach Norah the finer points of handling hard boiled vs. plastic eggs before next Easter)










When you're the only eligible grandchild hunting eggs, you can afford the luxury of stopping to smell the roses...or blow the dandelions--whatever the case may be










She kept repeating, "Open it? Open it?" so finally Daddy complied. She took a huge mouthful...and promptly spit it into the grass. I guess it was a good thing she didn't get her first taste of egg until the hunt was almost over, otherwise she might have lost her motivation.





We had a wonderful, memorable Easter in Robinson County.
(Granted, our Easter pastels included a less-than-attractive shade of "pink eye", which Norah is still getting over, but we made the best of things and she still had a great time)

I've decided that 2 years of age is when the real "fun" of egg hunting emerges. N had a BLAST looking for eggs (and proclaiming, "I found one!" with each new discovery). I love that she is still young and innocent enough to enjoy the thrill of the hunt, without much regard for what is inside the eggs (or what they taste like).

I look forward to the day when she truly understands that the significance of Easter is so much greater than bunnies and eggs. (We've already begun reading about that together in her children's Bible...but I know it will be a while before she can grasp the gravity of Jesus' sacrifice)

From the Mouthes of Babes...

N: Oh, no!
A: What is it?
N: Eli SPILLED!

(Norah's reaction to Eli's post-sneeze leaky nose this morning.)

Twinkle Toes and Mister Happy

I got a pedicure (Thanks, Paige!) yesterday and my little, observant daughter noticed my fancy feet the instant I walked in the door. Norah BEGGED me to paint her toenails too, and I thought it would be fun, so we gave it a go . We settled on a VERY pale shade of pink, but you'd think I'd put diamond studs on her toes for the way she beams with pride and points at them every few minutes reminding me "they're so pretty, momma!". (She's also told me "Thank you" about 75 times and counting) I know you can't really see her nails in the photo, but I think you can see how proud she is (and excited to show them off)!


She's quite the budding conver- sationalist, my daughter. We have good chats throughout our days together, and she remembers EVERYTHING. Seriously, everything. What amazes me most is the fact that she can hear something going on in the background and then three weeks later say something about it. It's a good accountability tool for Jason and me--we have to be on our guard all the time, whether we think she's listening or not.

And then there's "Mister Happy". That's Norah's nickname for Eli when he's awake. And it's a pretty accurate assessment. E is a joy, and he has the most captivating expressions I've ever seen on a three-month-old. He makes great eye contact and raises his little eyebrows as if he's telling a funny joke and waiting for your reaction to the punch line.

Happy Friday!

It's been a great day. GORGEOUS outside. (I think the high was 84...which is still crazy when you think that just last Friday we woke up to snow) Spent some time talking with my little buddy...








Sweet girl took a good nap...











And I got my cake orders for the week out of the way. Next on our agenda-- a family walk to our neighborhood park so Norah can "stomp on the bridge" and scour the grounds for squirrels (there are always tons, and she's getting quite proficient at spotting them, even high up in the trees!)

Momma's Got a Brand New Do

Well...what's done is done. It in no way resembles the photos I gave the stylist for color or cut...but it's growing on me.

I have to ease into even the smallest changes, and it appears our daughter may have inherited that personality trait from me. When I returned home from the salon, Norah enthusiastically ran to me, only to pull away with a look of shock, horror, and disbelief. (I could totally relate) She didn't know what to think. For all of her life I've had long, brown hair.


Seriously, I wish I had a picture of her face to show you--but then again, I'm glad I don't, because it broke my heart. I am, at least, pleased to report that she has since told me "made the hair beautiful"; which is Norah-speak for her seal of approval. (And for the record, Jason has given his as well)

The Babysitter

I don't think Norah's quite ready for me to leave her home alone with Eli, but she sure does a great job entertaining him! I am so thankful that she looks at Eli as her "little buddy", and not competition or her "annoying little brother" (at least not yet).



N showed E how to make the overhead toys jingle. And he watched her, soaking in all the new playtime strategies she had to offer.


And Mommy got not one...











not two...













but three cakes finished!

You Can Stand Under My Um-ber-ella

Rainy days and Mondays might get the Carpenters down, but I know of at least one Robinson who gets a big kick out of them.

Norah always looks forward to Monday mornings because it's our standing grocery shopping day--rain or shine. (We always go with my mom, which is a HUGE blessing!) It was pouring this morning, but we still suited up (even Eli had a little rain hat) and made the trek to Wal-mart.

It was a great opportunity to review Norah's recent Bible school lessons on Noah and the ark. Last week she brought home an umbrella craft from Bible Hour (to remind her that it rained for 40 days and nights), so she was elated to use the "real deal" this morning. I had to laugh because she kept calling it her "rain-brella".

Our conversation while getting ready to go out this morning went as follows...
A: Norah, it's Monday--guess we're we're going to go?
N: CHINA!!?
A: Ummmm...no. But we are going to Walmart.