Happy Birthday -Mademoiselle please stop growing up!!

Happy Birthday Mademoiselle S!!!!
today . . . . December 11


Happy Birthday Mr. Q
November 29!

Happy Birthday to my two cold weather babies!!!! I still remember how fun it was to have a little red bow and Christmas outfits for Madam S when she was born. I can't believe she is now 15 years old. And I can't believe how beautiful she is - especially on the inside. Really!! I love being with her. I still miss her when she goes to school. Last week she was sick and I let her stay home. It was so fun to hang out with her alone that morning. She makes me laugh tons ( always has these funny random facts) and I love that she doesn't take herself too seriously, she can embrace her goofy side as well as be perfectly poised - she is both soft and girly as well as strong and athletic. A perfect blend!!

I will always know how long I have lived where we are now, by the birthdays of these two. We moved here when I was exactly 8 months pregs with Mr. Q. We drove in and went straight to the hospital - I started going into labor from the long drive. Luckily he waited one more month to come, so I had time to settle into our new life. What a gorgeous baby he was!!!Madam S was just turning 5 and we started the long hard task of getting her into a good preschool. And here, it is quite an art and education for those who know!!! I was quickly told by a new neighbor to put my brand new baby on the waiting list at the preschool - wow!!! Now he is big and so grownup-- but I still feel like he is my baby boy and hugging him is the best - he gives good hugs.

Also, these two are my faux twins. I have two set of faux twins. That means that they look alike, act similar, born around the same time of year but are years apart in age---and a funny split of equal characteristics of the notorious B and me. Mr. Q and Madam S are the dark, intimidating ones - always content and happy, full to the brim of German stubbornness but quiet, solid, loyal and loving souls ----who love goofy fun, laughter and a dash of mischief. Then we have the lighter versions Mr. C and little Miss T. sunny and spirited these other faux twins are very magnetic and energetic, with so much empathy and sensitivity to those around them. Quick to remember the lines of movies, songs or just something they heard in the air....quick witted and always happy!! who also want to be laughing or just causing a little titch of trouble!!

Anyway,
Mr. Q turned 10 last week and Madam S turned 15. Growing up so fast. But becoming everything I had hoped they could. Good people. I love them and admire them. I am amazed that I have been so blessed.
The only thing that kind of jinks, is that they have to share their birthdays with a lot of the holiday festivities. The cost of the presents seems so much more expensive - just purely because we have so much more to buy for Christmas. But I hope we have made their days special anyway.

I guess as long as they don't have to do their chores for the day---they are happy enough.

Other plants in my life HO HO HO!!

Of course.... during the winter, I can't do much for my Hydrangea plant, but hope it doesn't die from the weather. I know that Hydrangeas can do just fine in the cold weather, but it depends on how sheltered the location is. I didn't really think about that when I put it in. I may be moving it in the spring anyway.... so I just hope it is ok where it is until then. I put a pile of leaves around the base and that should give it a little bit of insulation.

I do have some other plants in my life, one of which has always been my most favorite. That is my Boston Fern. Seriously, I love this plant. It is a little old fashioned ---but so beautiful!!! I have had two of these in my life. The first one lasted about 8 years and I left it with my neighbor in California when we moved to Utah. Then for a few years, I could not find the right kind. Alot of ferns I would see here, where I live - would say they were a boston, but they never looked right. The palms did not arch the way I liked and the leaves looked curly. Then one day, I saw one at a random grocery store!!! And so I have had it for about 5 years now.

It is very tolerant of neglect, which is why it has done so well. It does not need too much water and always looks great.

More recently I aquired some great cyprus topiaries, which have quickly become new favorites!!! They were left over from a neighborhood gift boutique I did just after Thanksgiving. I love how clean and geometric they look. I am excited about them ... we shall see if I can keep them looking healthy!!

Finally, the TREE !!! We put up our Christmas tree!! And I can't ever kill it - yes it's fake!! The best kind!!