Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl!

Dear Leslie,

I'm so happy that you had such a nice start to being 15 yesterday! New friends at school showering you with love and cards and even a painting. Old friends calling and messaging and contacting you with more birthday love. Cards and checks in the mail from aunties who love you, too. A cool unusual camera that is right up your alley coming in the mail from Karen. Making your own cake with Mama after school. Finally - a Blythe doll to inspire the art. Dinner with Grandma and Grandpa - basking in their love and your position as the one and only girl in our world. Coming home to a funny sweet message on the answering machine from Sal and Mol.

I don't know how I got to be so lucky to be your Mama but I am grateful each and every day. It is amazing to see you transforming before my eyes from a sweet, shy, little nature girl into the truly lovely, self-confident, brave, artistic young woman that you are. Happy birthday, Girl.

Love you, Mama

homemade playdough rocks

Homemade playdough is so much cooler than it's store-bought counterpart. It's soft but not plastic-y. It smells nice (this batch smells like oranges!) thanks to organic oils. It is pleasing in it's natural color or with a bit of food color mixed in. I really missed homemade playdough. Good thing I have a new group of littles to make happy.

3 c. flour

1 1/2 c. salt

2 tbsp. cream of tartar

3 tbsp. oil

3 c. water

a few drops of essential oil (optional)

a few drops of food color (optional)

Mix ingredients well. Heat on medium burner stirring constantly until it thickens and pulls away from the pan. Knead for a few minutes. Store in air tight container.