Happy Birthday Punkin!!

Today is my lil' Punkin's Birthday. She's 5! FIVE!! Where have the last five years gone??? I realize most kids her age have started kindergarten, and she won't get to start until next year. She's certainly ready for that - I'm not. This day came waaaaaay too fast. I'm amazed at how much she's grown up in the last year. Sure we still have the morning meltdowns and she can lose it in the drop of a hat if she hasn't slept well, but all in all she's a pretty great little girl. She has shown great maturity when dealing with her little sister as well too. She has become more patient with her and they play great together. It's not to say that they don't have their moments, but they have decreased as of late. I feel so blessed to have such a sweet, soft-hearted little girl as my daughter. Not to mention, beautiful. I just love her and am so happy that I get to be her mother.
Because she was turning five it was time for her first friend party. We held it at the local bowling alley, brought in Pizza, Cake and Ice Cream. She invited her cousins and some of the friends from daycare. It was pretty fun, we had 8 kids total - 4 sets of sisters all very close in age. I can't say that a friend party will happen all that often because it's quite a bit of planning, but it was totally worth it.
This year Punkin chose the Hippie Chick party theme. I have to say that it was totally my favorite. I made a daisy shaped cake, I know, not nearly as cool as the princess cake from last year, but still fun. I had the my girls in outfits that fit the theme. None in pictures of course, but they involved pink tu-tu's. I made the cutest little party favor bags out of plain ol' lunch bags, some inexpensive pre-cut paper flower pieces, and jute. I made flower clips for each of the girls and included a little rice crispy treat, glow bracelet, pencil, and flower shaped sunglasses.
Sunday we had my family over for the rest of the cake and ice cream and to do her presents. Today after we got off work we took her to Olive Garden for her Birthday dinner and Farr's Fresh for ice cream after. This morning I actually called the radio station for the Birthday Shout Outs and they played a recording of me announcing her Birthday while I was doing her hair. She thought that was pretty cool. We also sent a pinata to daycare for her to share with all of her daycare friends. All in all she had a pretty eventful Birthday. I'm going to have my mom take pictures while they are at Build a Bear and share those later.

August

So here we are, halfway through the month of August and it's my first post. August is notoriously our busiest month. We have the majority of our immediate families birthdays in this month but we have the addition of family coming in from out of town, Dallas' sobriety birthday, and the annual campvention. I guess the birthdays don't really need a lot of explaining. But our visitors are Dallas' Grandma Mary and his Aunt Patty, whom I've never met. I am lucky enough to have most of the week off while they are here so we've planned to do some fun outings with them. Friday we went to the Jack Johnson concert with our in laws. We LOVE him. We also really like his opening acts too. G. Love has been a favorite of mine since high school. It was so good to get out on a date. We don't go out very often and I miss it. We definitely need to get out more often. Yesterday we went up to the Valley Camp for the annual Campvention/Fund Raiser. This is where Dallas spent two months getting himself "right". It was fun, they had activities for the kids, music entertainment, and several other things. The best thing by far was Dallas receiving his one year chip. It was the first time our kids were able to see this, because usually the meetings are after bed time. I realize that a 5 year old and a 2 year old probably don't fully understand what all of this means, but I thought it would be good for them to see where dad goes 3-4 nights a week and how important it is for him. He received his chip from his sponsor and he said a few words about how he got where he is now. The importance of that is so that the other members who are there who may not have much time in can see that it can be done and that it's worth it. And when you have your almost five year old there and at the end of his little speech she claps and yells, "yay daddy", it's priceless. In addition to the birthday's my sister-in-law wanted to throw him a surprise party for his accomplishments. That has been a feat in itself. I've never planned a surprise party ever and it's been a little stressful. We'll be going to that tonight so I'll let you know how that goes.

I've also been sewing my little heart out and have the curtains done for our pop-up. I just have to finish the valance and we are good to go in the decor department. We have found a couple of other storage solutions that we'll hopefully implement before our next trip. I also had the cushions reupholstered and I'm so thrilled with the result. I can't wait to pop of the trailer and put everything back in there and start enjoying the fruits of my labor.

Here are some recent photos.

What!!!

So the day is finally here. I've dreaded this for years. I remember when I was a kid and I thought my mom was old at 30. She's now fifty and doesn't seem old at all. In fact it's almost as if she's gotten younger. I think it's true that teenagers and seniors (not that she's a senior by any means) are very similar in personality. They don't really have a care in the world. I actually made that discovery as a teenager camping with my Grandparents and their camping group full of seniors. They were like big kids and we had a blast, until our parents showed up. You know, the responsible adults, the kill joys. And here I am, the almost middle aged, cranky, hard working, unappreciated parent, just barely figuring out what my life is supposed to be, kill joy. But in all honesty, it might not be so bad. In a way, I've been thirty for ten years. That happens when you get married at 19. I don't have any regrets, never really did anything to regret. I learned a lot through my twenties that some may only begin to learn in their thirties. I might actually come to accept that my body doesn't have to look like it did when I got married, I have had children you know. I'm beginning to not care what brand of jeans I'm wearing as much as I care if they fit the right way. I've decided that I don't have to exercise to lose weight as much as I should exercise to stay healthy. I'm not too proud to shop at the DI for something unique to add to my home if it saves money. Coupons are my best friend. I still really love my 9 year old Mustang even if it's not the latest and greatest. I KNOW that my family IS everything to me. I guess my point is this, I've matured to a point where my maturity isn't something I'm trying to be, but what I've become. I've come a long way in the last ten years, so 40 - Bring IT!

Happy Birthday Peanut!

Today is Peanuts 2nd Birthday. I can't believe that two years have gone by so fast. She was the one that completed our family. She was the last piece of the puzzle. This little girl is the spitting image of me, but a little devil like her dad. She has the sweetest personality and makes the funniest faces. She's always happy to see anyone who looks her way. She loves her big sister and mimics her every move. I can see many years of unpredictability and adventure with this one. She has been a little light in my life and another reason for me to get up every morning, both literally and figuratively.
We celebrated her birthday with family on Saturday and had a wonderful time. She had a little ladybug party. It was so nice to have all of my family in the same room enjoying the time spent together. Peanut may never remember that day but I will cherish that Birthday and everyone to come.

Happy Birthday Punkin!

I had to share some fun photos and video of Punkins birthday party! And the first bike wreck.

It's my Birthday...........

And I'll cry if I want too. That I did, only briefly. I'll be honest, it's not been the best Birthday ever, but I actually look forward to my 30th next year after the day I've had.

Happy Birthday Dallas

Today is my husbands "30 something" birthday. We went to my parents house where we had dinner with my Grandma, my brother and his girlfriend, and of course my parents. It was a nice quiet time that we really enjoyed. If only the snow hadn't been falling. Happy Birthday Dallas, here's to many more.

What a Happy Birthday it was.

Peanut had such a wonderful birthday. All of our family came to celebrate with us and we had a great time.

Happy Birthday Peanut!

I can't believe your one. This year has flown by. You have given our family so much joy and are such a great addition. When you smile your whole face lights up. Your giggle is my favorite sound. We couldn't have asked for a better little sister for our Punkin. My most favorite thing about you is your tiny stature, you remind me of a little pixie. You brown eyes and brown hair tie you to me, your grandpa, and your great grandmother that you've never met. Your a little spitfire and quite the daredevil, never afraid of anything including the stairs. I look forward to so many more birthdays with you and watching you grow into something even more special.
Love, Mom

What a Great Day!

Punkins Birthday was so much fun. We had lots of family come to celebrate with us. It was a beautiful day so we were able to enjoy her birthday outside. She made out like a bandit and was spoiled as usual. Now Dallas and I have more motivation to get the playroom put together, because the toys are taking over. Not because she has too many, they are all just big, as you'll see. Punkin and Dad saying "I'm Three".
Laughing at her singing card from Uncle Blake and Aunt Devin.

The "huge" Princess Tent from Grandma and Grandpa.
She loves her new easel from Mommy and Daddy. Another Big Toy.

The Care Bear Cake.
Her new vacuum from Great Grandma B.
The Princess Tent taking up half her room. It's so big her kitchen fit inside of it. It will be moving to the playroom when it's ready. And her chair fits on the "porch". It is really cute.
I just had to share this cheesy Peanut smile. Can you see her first ponytail?

Thanks to everyone who was able to come and share the big # 3 with us!!

Happy Birthday Punkin!!

It's hard to believe that my little girl is growing up so fast. You have truly been a joy and at times a pain. I wouldn't trade motherhood for anything. As you may or may not know it took a long time for us to get pregnant with you with no explanation. I just chalk it up to God wanting us to be more prepared. And I answer that with, you can never be fully prepared. A year and a half after we made the big decision I was in disbelief when that little stick told us yes, so I took three more just in case. You were such a wonderful baby, I felt guilty that we had it so good. Your Daddy loves that you look like him and your such a daddy's girl. We absolutely adore your big blue eyes and gorgeous red curly hair. You're smart and funny. I know in the past when you had just turned two, I felt like we had missed a whole year because all of the sudden you were speaking so well, knew all of your colors and were becoming very fluent in you ABC's. Now here we are a year later and just yesterday you were writing your name. You continue to amaze me with your big words, like this morning when you told me that you wanted to stay in your PJ's because they are "comforble" and then told me I had crazy hair and that yours was "beauiful" and "cute". You are such a great big sister, as I sit and write you are playing with your "baby Peanut" in the most precious way. I know that these days won't last but I'll certainly enjoy them while I can. Punkin I don't even remember life before you, you've added such a joy that it's hard to describe. I miss you when I'm at work and if I'm away from you on the weekends. I know I should enjoy moments spent alone, but I sometimes feel like you've grown up a little more when I'm gone. Keep your happy spirit and we look forward to watching you grow. Happy 3rd Birthday sweetheart, you are loved more than you'll ever know.
Love, Mommy and Daddy