Five.

You know that moment when you meet your baby for the first time and you've been waiting to meet them your entire life so you're surprised you don't recognize them right away and you try to take it all in so that you never forget this perfect little bundle and memorize everything? The way they smell, the way their body feels warm against yours, their little nose and eyes and fingers and toes and spiky little fine hair. Baby, sweet baby. They grow and there are so many firsts you can't get back and so many lasts you can't even count or keep track when the last 'last thing' was or the next first thing is coming and so every fiber of your being screams at you to keep holding them close and keep taking it all in forever and never let them go. So you do that, but also at the same time your heart screams let them go! Let them fly and soar and accomplish more than you ever dreamed of. So you do that, too.

And one day that little baby becomes this brilliant, inventive, curious, strong, brave and fierce little girl who is actually five years old and some sort of shining beacon of everything that is wonderful and beautiful in the entire world.

That moment. This kid. Happy new years. Happy birthday!

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you,

And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts, 

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, 

which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, 

but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children

as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, 

and He bends you with His might 

that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;

For even as He loves the arrow that flies, 

so He loves also the bow that is stable.

A Brightly Living Holiday Tradition!

2016

Complete with a look through Christmas past

2012

2013

2014

2015

A Forest Friend Celebration!

"Your head is a living forest full of songbirds."

Four is such a special, magical age to be! This year we celebrated Bee's fourth birthday with a wonderful party in the Forest. We chose the Tree Hill Nature Center in Jacksonville, Florida. We fell in love with Tree Hill after Bee's very first field trip was held here by our local homeschool co op. They do such a wonderful job of instilling a love for knowledge and sense of conversation in little ones and if you ever get the chance to visit you absolutely should!

Some details! This was such a fun party to put together. I made the signs using this clipart package from seaquint design on etsy. I was also able to put together an e-invitation with this package to fit the theme. 

For snacks we had a trail mix bar with various toppings, vegetables, apples, and berries. We decorated the table with these great woodland creatures that were actually holiday ornaments we bought after Christmas for 75% off! They were all just under $2.00. Bonus of having a birthday in January, I suppose! We stopped at the grocery store and picked up an inexpensive flower bouquet on the way to the party, as well. We separated the boquet so we could spread the flowers over the table rather than just having one arrangement. Of course, what's a party without a cake? 

I was so proud of how this cake turned out. Can we talk about these gorgeous gumpaste succulents from Layer Cake Shop on etsy? They arrived in the mail in perfect condition and I stored them in a cabinet until I was ready to add them to the cake. I used scrapbook paper and bear stickers to make the banner for the cake, and wilton fondant to make the other animals. For the grassy topper, I followed this sugar cookie tutorial and was surprised by how easy it was and how great the moss looks! 

 

After cake, we all went on a scavenger hunt with the favors which included the scavenger hunt, a small bag, a pencil and an eraser. They were a big hit!

 

The amazing team at Tree Hill also hosted an animal encounter for the kids with a snake and a possum. This woman has really instilled an interest and respect for snakes in Bee and I am very excited to explore that with her! 

Lastly, we got to explore the walking trails and museum at Tree Hill! They have goats, chickens, snakes, a possum, and even a touch tank! I cannot think Tree Hill enough for the day we had and the memories they gave us. 

Merry Christmas!

2012                         2013                         2014

"A dog will teach you unconditional love. If you can have that in your life, things won't be too bad."

Happy Holidays!

put up your little arms

and i'll give them all to you to hold

every finger shall have its ring

and there won't be a single place dark or unhappy 

Happy Halloween!

It's no secret that Halloween is a very favorite holiday here at Brightly Living! I have always enjoyed Halloween, but having a child to share it with makes it extra special!

Trick or Treating each year in the Historic Springfield neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida has become our annual tradition! This was our third year and we never get tired of seeing the community come alive with decorations, music, and trick or treaters! 

Bee had an amazing time with old and new friends and of course scored plenty of candy and other goodies! This year she chose her own costume, Strawberry Shortcake! Her father and I joined in the fun and went as custard and pupcake.

This costume was one of the more intricate pieces I've made, so I am very excited to share it will everyone! I am planning to post a tutorial soon as well, so stay tuned!