March is here. You know, it has never been one of my favorite months. The worst of winter is over and spring is on the horizon, but it's not here yet. It's kind of like hitting the doldrums, or the last few miles of a marathon, or maybe just getting stuck in the mud (literally or figuratively).
Some people might find themselves getting more depressed in March than they got in January or February! Don't give up the fight now. We are almost there! Just three weeks until we can celebrate the first day of spring! So put on your mud boots and rain gear and brave the lion's roar.
I can't overemphasize the importance of looking for the little blessings in life, especially when days are gray and dismal. Keep your eyes open for: crocuses blooming, robins chirping, green appearing on the roadside, perennials popping up, the grass beginning to green. Be thankful for: good books to read, delicious food, hot drinks, news from friends, St. Patrick's day to celebrate, music, the presence of a loved one.
Don't miss the fun of the current season. There are no snowmen to be made, so you just might have to settle for mud pies!
Children sure love to make mud pies. The dirt is nice and soft and in abundance at this time of year and it's a treat to get outside and do something creative. Try not to think about all the muddy clothes, the trails of dirt on the floors, or the mess on the patio. If you can't bear the thought, then maybe set aside one day to allow this messy pleasure and then say no on the other days.
Look at these birds, making the most of the treat left for them on the table. More and more birds should be appearing now that the weather is warming up. Keep your eyes open and notice when you see a new kind of bird. Birds are such happy creatures and can bring smiles to our faces.
Winter will be over and we'll soon forget these long weeks. Just don't let yourself miss the special moments we have today and tomorrow by wishing too fervently for a different month.
Oh, and if your children need a little more inspiration, you could check out this book by Marjorie Winslow titled "Mud Pies and Other Recipes". I could not resist it when I found it at a library book sale.
Note: this post contains affiliate links.
Last Saturday I drove far away to pick it up and would you believe, after three different arrangement attempts, we fit that hutch in our Toyota Sienna! 
I can't resist blue and yellow together, even though I'm leaning more towards gray and pink this year. Aren't colors such a wonderful gift to us?!!!
Marissa made a gluten-free flower cake to celebrate and of course we had tea too. She also made the most amazing gluten-free cake pops. Far too irresistible.
While we were all together we began the process of making our presence known.
And of course kept drinking tea....... even Marissa enjoyed ice tea just to be in the spirit of everything.
We hope you will enjoy looking through all our creations!
One year we made green milk (and the food coloring spurted all over the floor -- what a mess!). The kids are asking for it again.
Eat some good, Irish food, or something green, like asparagus. Check out The Cooks Next Door for these great recipes:
Making cookies is always fun.........
And of course reading up on history and telling your kids the real story behind St. Patrick's Day. Oh, and Pinterest will be sure to provide plenty of great, green ideas. :)
Finally, I have posted the recipe for my favorite gluten free bread over on my recipe website.
She said "YES!"
A little while later Craig pulled up in front of a party room downtown and Emily saw us all waving in the window.
I think she was just a little bit surprised!
Congratulations Emily and Craig!!!!!!!
We are all so happy and excited!
Even the children.
Craig planned the entire event and thought of so many lovely details, including this quote he purchased for Emily.
Christina was the mastermind behind pulling this party off. She made sure everything went perfect!
The room was so beautifully decorated with flowers, signs, lights, and pompom garlands.
I was responsible for the cupcakes: all gluten free!
These champagne cupcakes are AMAZING! You can find the recipe here. The chocolate cupcakes were also seriously delicious. I used this recipe for the cupcakes and then made a chocolate cream cheese buttercream for the icing. (I did not put a filling in the cupcakes.)
Aren't these cucumber sandwiches beautiful! Craig's mom brought those.
And Emily's soon-to-be sister-in-law provided these delectables.
The table was so pretty!
Christina made these scrumptious roast beef sandwiches.
The recipes will have to be shared someday......
There was champagne for celebrating.
And the room was filled with happy conversation for the whole evening.
The kids had fun with their sparkling juice.
Photos and candles added much to the festivity.
And there were toasts to the happy couple.
Mom could not be happier.
Well, neither could Craig or Emily.
Michael and JK are going to initiate Craig into the brotherhood.
There were phonecalls from friends far away. (oh, and a ring too!)
The children really enjoyed the evening.
We are all very excited and we are looking forward to the years ahead.
Children sure love to make mud pies. The dirt is nice and soft and in abundance at this time of year and it's a treat to get outside and do something creative. Try not to think about all the muddy clothes, the trails of dirt on the floors, or the mess on the patio. If you can't bear the thought, then maybe set aside one day to allow this messy pleasure and then say no on the other days. 
Winter will be over and we'll soon forget these long weeks. Just don't let yourself miss the special moments we have today and tomorrow by wishing too fervently for a different month.