Liv, my little tape dispenser, during our gift-wrapping afternoon.

Livia, chucking a snowball at her mother. See that white fuzz at the top? That’s the snowball. Did it hit me? No, the kid needs some work before becoming professional softball material.

This is my DPP alternate for the day. It was a hard choice, but the classic throwing-a-snowball pic won out.

Liv, checking out her new snow duds.

It’s ridiculously cold in Lincoln right now. I know my friends up in Minneapolis are laughing at me and shaking their heads, so yeah, it’s not as cold as it is up north. But still, it’s downright frigid. And there’s about an inch of snow on the ground. That’s one inch of snow that beckons and calls to my six-year-old, Play in me! Play in me!

And she does. Stomping in the snow, making snowballs, eating [dirty] snow off her pink fleece gloves, making snow angels until her nose and cheeks are frozen and red. Then she comes inside, stomping the powdery stuff off her shoes while sharing a crusty ball of snow with Shiloh. And, finally, it’s hot chocolate time.

Our glowing capitol building.

Batch number one of the best hot chocolate recipe ever? Done and done!

In the lobby at Berean Church, moments before the Before the Lamb concert started tonight.

Fabulous, fabulous show. Praise God for such talented musicians that bring light to this season of Christ’s birth.

I stood in the aisle at Target for goodness knows how long as I contemplated buying the plush white throw pillow. I had completed all important shopping and my brain wasn’t functioning very quickly anymore as I entered something of a Shopper’s Daze. The store lights, smells and dizzying colors had gotten to me and I debated and debated and debated the purchase of one throw pillow.

In the end, I bought it.

And I’ve found I have officially turned into my mother. “Don’t drool on this one!” I warned Livia right away. “Because I can just see you drinking something chocolate-y and then laying down on this pillow.” She cuddled into the fuzzy stripes and nuzzled her face in it. I took one look at her, and promptly gave her an old couch pillow. Just like my mom used to do. But somehow, despite my mom’s best efforts, I repeatedly napped—and drooled—on the good pillows.

Why we mamas purchase anything new is beyond me. And something white to boot? I’m blaming it on that shopping daze—and those alluring fuzzy white stripes.

It’s my birthday and I am blogging as a 33 year old woman who has had her fill of cake today. I planned my birthday celebrations around food (and family) and I declare this a very successful birthday indeed!

Lunch was spent at the Green Gateau in Lincoln because they have, hands-down, the best roasted red pepper soup I’ve ever put in my mouth. It is divine. Dessert, a slice of apricot torte, was a winner as well. But I went for the soup—and the company, my folks!—and left a happy birthday girl.

Dinner was centered around dessert. Tonight the fam met up with my mother and father-in-law at Granite City because the restaurant serves a chocolate cake that is out of this world. It’s got a million layers of chocolate cake and chocolate frosting, all set on a layer of whipped cream with—this is best part—a rich butter whiskey sauce you pour over the top. Oh goodness gracious. Happy birthday indeed.

Thanks to my sweet family for loving me so much they indulge my gastronomical whims. I love you guys!