Guess Who Has a New Blog Design

{If you receive this in email format, please click HERE to see this post in my newly designed blog!}

Once upon a time I started this little blog to document all the fun, crazy, memorable, emotional and silly times that me and my little family experienced.  A way for, not only my husband and I, but also my girls to one day be able to look back and see all our pictures, in one place, with their mommy’s thoughts transformed into typed words accompanying them.

A simple happy way to remember the special things we did as a family.
My virtual scrapbook.

However, Haus of Girls has turned into so much more than that.
Because of this blog, I have met many people, moms, just like myself, who love sharing their journeys, hopes, dreams, ideas and crafty creations. 

The world of blogging has also introduced me to the amazingly talented Marina, owner and sole designer of Penny Lane Designs.

{You can also visit her fabulous blog that I just adore.}

I have known of Marina because of her fantastic custom blog design work that I have seen on some of my friend’s blogs, but when she recently commented on my “Why My Kids Sleep” post I actually got the chance to chat with her for the first time.  
I asked her if she would be willing to help me spice up Haus of Girls, and when she emailed me back saying she would, I screamed out loud!

Working with her has been such a wonderful experience.  She made my crazy, eclectic, weirdo ideas come to life.  She took the time to listen and understand me, creating a custom design just for me, that I love more than words can express.  

So if you are like I was,  attempting to teach yourself as you go, designing your own blog, but not really having a clue what to do, then you should probably contact Marina asap.  Tell her Marta sent you!  ;)  

She helped me transform my horribly articulated ideas and mere visions into a reality creating a fun, new, beautiful space for my memories that I will always be so proud to have people visit.  
I know she would love to do this for you as well!

So, what are you waiting for?  Head over HERE now to see her work and start brainstorming what she can design for you!

Twins Rule

 

{1984}

Happy 29th Birthday to my favorite twin sisters Adie and Haley.
I bet you can’t guess which is which?

{2010}

Thank you for being my best friends and biggest supporters for the past 29 years.

*Head over HERE to see my sister Haley’s sweet post.

Five

 

Today Sophie is five.

1825 days old.

Not that I’m counting. 

{My favorite picture of all time… Sophie just 16 days old.  Mia loved her more than anything.}

We love you so much Sophia Grace.
Stay loving, caring and compassionate forever and ever.

Tomorrow She’ll Be 4 No More {and a winner!}

 

Today we are celebrating Sophie’s final day as a four year old. 

Don’t even get me started because there have already been a few tears shed by Steve and I.

Enhanced by the fact that yesterday I decided to scroll through a few hundred photos to select my favorites for our bare stairwell wall.
I saw little tiny baby Sophie, one year old Sophie, two year old Sophie, three year old Sophie and four year old Sophie. 

The final product.

And the cause of an increase in tears shed as another year has come and gone for one of our girls.

This morning we did our “last day at that age” annual photos shoot  (click here to see all the others!) and twirls…

I just love this girl.

Do you know what else I love?
Picking a winner from last week’s post to win a set of my Backpack Nook Initial Wall Decals!

Is it you?
If so, email me your requested initials!

Chalk, Cows, Baking, Party Prep & Initials

 

The past seven days or so…..

Sophie actually got to play outside thanks to some warm weather.  When I picked her up we found her special sidewalk chalk design.

{I love her backwards p’s so much. }

On that same warm day, we spotted several “plane tracks” as we played out front.  Sophie loved the “Jesus cross” that two made after crossing paths. 

We stopped to check in on some of our favorite neighbors after dropping Sophie off at school.
Mooooo!

With my sinus infection blazing full steam ahead, I still mustered up the energy to make some yummy Sour Cream Sugar Cookies, among many other goodies. 
{AKA stress baking.  When in pain… bake! }

Gracie assisted in her cute apron that Aunt Haley made her, as well as Mia and Sophie, for Christmas.  

{She may or may not have hoarded some kitchen utensils in the stellar front pockets.}

 

 

 

 

We have been prepping for Sophie’s upcoming birthday celebration…

I bet you can’t guess how old she will be on Friday! :)

But maybe you can guess the theme?

And finally, did you enter to win your very own set of backpack nook initials yet?

I am picking a winner tomorrow!
Go now!

Flashback Friday- Halloween 1981

Here is one of my favorite pictures from the past.  Me, at age two, posing with my dad in October 1981.
Look how excited I am to be dressed up like a ballerina for Halloween!

*Probably because I knew that this would be the one and only day in my life that I could pretend that I was actually a decent dancer!  ;)

And just for fun, which of my girls do you think looks most like me at the same age? I love hearing what others think…

Here is a closer shot of silly me.

Mini Mia

Little Sophie (in the beginning phase of her stress induced hair loss!)

And Gracie Lou.

Who do you think is my clone?