Happy Birthday Nana!

This post is dedicated to my mom who turned a happy 50 something on April 23rd. With the whole family down with the flu, I'm a bit late with posting. But hey, better late than never.

Some of you know my mom as Cora or Auntie Cora or Nanette but to us she's simply Nana. My mom has got to be one of the most gracious women I know. With having to raise 3 children on her own, she did her best to give us a loving home the only way she knew how.

Even though all her children are grown up and have families of their own, she hasn't stopped her outpouring of love. I don't think a mother ever will. My mother is an example of a woman who loves her family and gives all of herself for them.

One quick fact about my mom, she's a neat freak! She likes things simple and uncomplicated. She told me once, "Take 10 seconds to put that away instead of 10 minutes trying to clear the pile of clutter you're going to make". That stuck with me. Another quick fact, my mom is so very helpful. She'll come to my house and start clearing out the dishwasher or start folding laundry just to give a helping hand. She understands the difficulties of raising little ones and offers her help whenever she can. One more quick fact, she understands the preciousness of time and does not waste it, not one bit. When she's got places to go, she'll map out the shortest distance from point A to point B so that she doesn't waste gas and time. Gotta love my mom!

Growing up my mom and I didn't have the best relationship. But as the years have gone by my mom has become one of my best friends. I love spending time with her. Even if its just a quick trip to Wal-mart. She's an inspiration to me and I will love her forever! Happy Birthday Nana!

1...2...3...THEY'RE OUT!!

photo courtesy of Real Simple

Yes family and friends, the flu bug bit us again! I'd have to say, we've been sick every month this year. ALB, ALW, MJ and I all have the flu. Surprisingly CL isn't showing signs...yet. With so many people out with the flu, the best thing to do is just to stay home and rest. OK, I'm officially keeping this family under quarantine until we get better! Please pray for us...

Praise You in the Storm

I hope this song encourages you to lift your eyes unto the Lord during the storms in your life.

"...Thus says the Lord...Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine." (Isaiah 43:1)

"I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121: 1-2)

Happy Bird-day Cady!

(L) Cady, (R) MJ

Today is my niece's 3rd birthday! Cady, short for Cadynce, is my brothers second out of three daughters. Her Grams threw her a surprise birthday party at her house and invited all her cousins. She was so surprised when she walked in. And who was the first one to give her a hug? Her "bwess fwen" of course. MJ walked right up to her gave her a big hug and said, "Happy Bird-day Cayee" (she can't say Cady yet). The room was filled with ballons, toys, food, desserts and Dora Cupcakes. I'll post the pictures of these cupcakes later.

Cady is such a beautiful little girl. With her adorable smile and oh so cute dimples there's no doubt that she'll be breaking some hearts. We love you Cady!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Avatars

I was contemplating whether or not to add our pictures to the sidebar. I almost didn't but I just couldn't resist putting their cute faces on my blog. So yesterday, the kiddos and I spent a good chunk of the evening making avatars. CDE is a fun little website that allows you to make "paper dolls" online. The children had so much fun picking characters then dressing them. Here are their renditions of themselves, me and Daddy:

ALW

CL

MJ (although this was CL's original)

Daddy

Me

OK, don't tell the kids but the last one was my rendition :)

Again?

Yes, I did it again. I changed my template. Although the pink daisy was really pretty, there was something going on with the fonts that bugged me a bit. The words kept overlapping the boxes. I don't know why it just did.

It's ok because I was able to find this really cute one on Gisele Jaquenod's website. Supercute, huh?

Happy Birthday Princess!

This weekend our little Princess turned 5! Can you believe it? She's grown up so much, especially in the area of nurturing. She's so willing to take her little sister by her side and show her how to put their toys away, fold their laundry, color and so many other things. I love the way she's so sweet to everyone she meets. With her big brown eyes filled with joy, she'll just walk up to you and give you a big hug! What a blessing she is to us!

So this year she decided she wanted a Disney Princess Tea Party. It was perfect for her, she's so sweet and girly. Our Princess started to plan her party over a month ago. It was the beginning of March and she says, "Mommy, it'll be my birthday soon, we need to start planning now. So here's a list of what I want at my party...". Hmm..wonder where she gets that from? Funny thing is, she can't write yet so her list were just pictures. She had balloons, cake, presents and some stick figures drawn. I asked her, "Who's that honey?" she said, "They're servants Mommy. I want servants at my party." I chuckled and said, "I think you mean servers, love. Not servants." "Oh yeah, I forgot". Needless to say, we didn't have any "servants" but we did have a group of gals so willing to help us that day. Thank you Nana, Star, Chanette, Gena & Cindy!

The festivities started as the Princesses would arrive. They were brought over to the craft area where they made their very own crowns.

When all the guests were there, we headed over to the backyard where the table was set for tea.

After lunch, we headed back inside where our special guest, Snow White (a.k.a. Cindy) lead the games.










After the games , each princess took a picture with Snow White to put in the frames they made during craft time.

When it was time to blow out the candle, each guest was greeted with a Chocolate Cupcake topped with Sprinkle's Strawberry Frosting and sprinkles.

photo courtesy of Jean

The adults endulged themselves with Coconut Cupcakes topped with super yummy 7 minute frosting and toasted shredded coconut...yummmm.

photo courtesy of marthastewart.com

During cake time, Snow White read a couple of Disney stories to the girls. Then it was time to open the gifts. After that, free play until their parents came and picked them up. It was such a memorable day!

For more photos click here.

To be perfectly honest, I don't know who had more fun, me or Our Princess!