Birthday Party for a 13 Year Old

You might know that I love birthdays. I like making the day special for the guest of honor, including a cake, decorations and a special dinner. Due to some planning conflicts, we finally had a family gathering to celebrate my newest teenager with as much family that could make it. She loves Harry Potter stuff. She's read all the books at least twice and some three or more times. Her bedroom walls are lined with posters and a calendar. The works. So, that meant that the party was simply going to have to be HP themed. Looking on Pinterest, there were oodles of fancy cakes that were well beyond my level of cake making. I did find one that I replicated as best I could.

 Yellow and red for the Gryffindor colors.

 I think it turned out well.

 Some of her collection...

 A cape that I had sewn, the scarf was knitted by Grandma and Joshua bought her the Horcrux.

 A sign that she painted.

Time to enjoy the cake!

Eleven Years Ago...

This little boy joined our little family of two.  Entering this world at 8 pounds, 2 ounces, he has changed our lives forever.  

 

A ray of sunshine and smiles at 8 months old.

A year old already!

Growing up so fast...

And now...

Like any other parent, I've asked myself, "where have all those years gone?"  It still seems like such a short time ago that I held his soft pudgy body close to me and breathed in his *baby* smell.  He was a good baby.  His mild mannerisms still are a big part of who he is today and I know that trait will hold him in good standing as he continues to grow up.  

Joshua loves to be outside, wear shorts, eat pizza and ice cream, ride his bike (even to the mail box only three houses down), hang out with his sisters and friends, and eat breakfast.  He doesn't sleep in and finds little use for school work.  I keep hoping that will change someday.  He loves to read The Hardy Boys, watch Little House on the Prairie, and be with his family.  

I look forward to what this year has in store for him and can't wait to see God work in his life!

Happy Birthday Arianna!

On May 4, 2004, we welcomed Arianna Joy into our lives.  She was 7 lbs, 10 ounces and 19 inches tall.  I can't believe how the years have gone by and how *grown up* she's getting to be.  She has an easy going personality that is full of life and love.  Here are some of the things that make up who she is:

• She is as girly girl as they get.
• She loves pink and purple.
• She loves to wear dresses... the frillier the better.
• She loves to change her clothes during the day (many times)
• She loves Barbies.
• She is able to start and take a shower without any help from me.
• She is my Tim Horton's buddy.
• She knows how to read and write.
• She can swim like a fish.
• She can ride a two wheeler with ease.
• She adores her siblings, each in their own way.
• She is an early riser like her mom.
• She is ours.  Unique, special, loved.

 Happy 6th Birthday Arianna!  

I hope this year is a great one for you.  I look forward to sharing and celebrating this day with you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH!

On Monday, June 22, Sarah turned one! I can't believe how the year has flown by. Here's some pictures of how we celebrated the day!


She loved being sung to!


Not too sure about this cake business...

My dad giving her a small taste of the cake.

Starting to get into it.

YUM! She ended up having a great time with it. She actually made very little mess other than some icing on her face.