Giggle Flowers

I cannot believe my very first nephew is about to be FIVE!?!? HOW is that even possible? Is there a time warp that starts immediately upon the addition of the first tiny human?? If so has anyone figured a way to get out of the warp and slow time back down?? Please do share!

William is a beacon of light and resilience and reminds those all around him to never ever give up. Joy can be found every day. Life is beautiful, you just have to stop and listen to it the way your heart hears it. I know no one else who lives each day as fully as William. From every ladybug, stick, leaf, rock, and moon phase, William has a smile for them all. 

Today is a perfect example to how sweet and appreciative William is. My sister's homeschool lesson plan for William included this special KiwiCo kit William got for Christmas. 

William got to learn about all the different parts of a flower while building his very own bouquet! 

He got to pick out the stems, the leaves, the petals and everything!

And best of all, William loved it so much that each flower was made with a giggle 

And another

Until he had a whole bunch of giggle flowers that ended in hiccups

Making them the happiest flowers on earth

Flowers from William equals pure happiness and joy straight from the heart!

Thank you William!

We will cherish your giggle flowers forever!

Always,

Amelia

Leo the Good Boy

Leo's PAWrent sent us a really awesome PUPdate.

He said Leo is doing great.  He knows how to sit, shake, lay down, and come.  He is doing much better at teething and is a very good listener.  Leo is a super social puppy and loves having family and friends over to visit. He is now 18lbs and still growing. He is doing great with his housebreaking.  He goes into his crate with a happy wagging tail and always rings the bell by the door whenever he needs to go outside to potty. 

Leo is just one PAWsome doodle puppy!

Thanks for the PUPdate Leo

What a good boy you are!!!

We are so very proud of you!

Always,

Amelia

Happy Birthday Abigail!

 Cue the confetti and the cake, it's Abigail's birthday!!!! 

To my very first and bestest friend....I feel so lucky to have you in my life

From going from matching Christmas sweaters

To matching in motherhood 

Making memories with you is one of my favorite things

From the best sister to one of the best Aunts ever

I couldn't ask for a better forever friend to ride through life with

Happy Birthday to the person who wears THE MOST hats I have ever met. You are the strongest Mama, Sister, Friend, Neighbor, USMC Captain (honorably discharged and thankfully returned home to us!), Advocate, Teacher, Student, Therapist, Artist, Chef, and Chief Holiday Cheer Spreader - both Spooky and Christmas seasons!-. You do it all and you do it with your entire heart. Those you touch are incredibly lucky to be in your bubble of caring. Your friendship is an honor I will carry forever in my heart (Just like Mulan's red scroll, If you KNOW you know hahaha).

We love you so much Abigail!!!
Happy Birthday!

Can't wait to recreate this memory and eat ice cream and cake tonight to celebrate!

Love Always,

Your FAVORITE Sister,

Amelia

Next Generation of Love

 I KNOW I am biased, but there is something extra special about a Yesteryear Acres doggie. Whether it be all our hard work caring for our sweet tail-wagging devoted buddies or the love we pour into them, there is just nothing like the love of a Y Acres companion. I loved the way I grew up surrounded by furry love and learning to care for creatures big and small. I had the BEST heartwarming full circle moment when Hazel said, "Mommy? Can Colton come over today and help us make doggie treats? I think they really need a snack."

That moment was priceless. I know that no matter what, the love we have for our animals has already been passed on to the next generation <3 (I'm not tearing up, it's the sun in my eyes!)

So I installed our extra car seat and set off to pick up Colton for some four-legged baking!

First we had to prep our baking area and go over all our ingredients and tools

Plus pick out the cookie cutters for treat shapes

"Mimi is this one a rectangle?" Yes Colton! You are so smart!!

After some Mama/Auntie Mimi magic, it was time to roll out the treat dough

Teamwork makes the...

Treats work!

Time to press in our shapes!

Colton wanted a fish for Hank

And (despite my best efforts in hiding our Christmas cookie cutters...) Hazel picked out an Angel for Ernie "Mommy, Ernie wants wings!"

And PRESS

PAWfection

First round of cookie shapes in! Treats for big and small paws

Made with 100% love

Once our trays were in the oven, or waiting for their turn to bake, we made a little detour to the playroom. Even chefs need downtime after all!

First tray done and ready to serve!

Oh doggiesssss! Who wants a treat?!

Fresh baked snacks for everyone!

Now maybe THAT is the key factor to a Yesteryear Acres kind of love ;)

Love given right into the tummy!

The next generation of love is here and the doggies say it tastes delicious <3

Always,

Amelia

What's Your Favorite Delicacy

 We got the funniest PUPdate from Astro the wonder dog! 

His lovely humans said, "Astro has a very discriminating taste in food. He loves duck and lobster!"

And I am STILL laughing over this!

Please show us your doodle doggie's favorite 'delicacies'!

I can't wait to see these Pupdates! :)

Thank you Astro for the belly laughs!

Always,

Amelia

Sourdough Sunday Part 2

 Thank you all for entertaining my newfound sourdough adventure/hobby! I am beyond excited that some of you are already on your starter journey as well, Hello friends!!

I have some recipes to try in our inbox, but in a late night chaotic rush to feed everyone... May I present to you.... Sourdough Discard Waffles!  

I decided to use my discard because I knew I was too rushed for time to overthink it. I was just making waffles.. with a little flair

In my batter bowl I have: 2 eggs from our friends farm, 1/2 cup of sourdough discard, 1.5 cups of flour, 1tsp baking powder, 1/2tsp baking soda, 1/2tsp salt, 2T sugar, 2T melted butter, vanilla measured with my heart, and plain kefir with a splash of milk- poured into the bowl and mixed until the consistency was right. 

Then mix mix mix as the waffle iron heats up

And ready for action!

My first discard use!! (I am always afraid to overfill the waffle iron and I rarely get all 4 waffles to be square)

They are baking to a nice golden color with a little bit of crisp!

I feel like a professional waffle stacker... ORDER UP!

Belgian Sourdough Waffle Night... Good with fruit

OR

With sweet potatoes - Thatcher was a BIG fan. He ate a whole waffle square!!!

Or more traditionally maple syrup! (Berries must be saved for toddler gremlins!)

Chewy and crispy, 10/10 fancy waffles! 

I wouldn't know they were sourdough adjacent, BUT they were so very good! We had 3 clean plates <3 

Now I am ready to dive deep into the sourdough abyss

Who's with me!?!

Happy Sourdough Sunday Part 2!

Always,

Amelia

Caturday Kisses

 Sheba's sweet kittens have changed so much in a week! From little eyes barely open to their markings coming in and starting to toddle about. These little Devon Rex kittens are growing growing growing!

Why hello there!

Don't you just have the cutest faces?!

So cute you just want to

Lean your face in and ask, "Who needs a kiss!?"

*SMOOOOOCH*

Helloooo? Would you like a tiny little

Toddler kiss? *Muaaah*

And one for you and you and you and you and you!

Tiny Caturday kisses for everyone!

Always,

Amelia