Birthday Party Fun

Yesterday we had a day full of birthday party fun . . . it started with the decorating (check out the tissue paper flowers!!)

And then it was time to welcome the guests . . . seven beautiful girls in all . . . to enjoy a relaxing spa!

They were treated to satin hands, bubbly foot soaks, lotion leg massages, hair dos, finger and toe nail painting and sparkly makeup applications. (Thank you SOO much to Auntie Missy, Grandma, and Mama Luna for all your help as Spa Concierges for the day!!)

The end result was seven relaxed, pampered, happy little girls with only one thing missing . . .

A SECOND GRADE DANCE PARTY!!!

(After all the squealing and screaming I was reminded once again why we are not even close to having a slumber party!!!)

We shifted gears and two hours later, had a family taco night with all the aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmas and grandpas. We had a wonderful time laughing, talking and enjoying some yummy comida (thanks dad for all your help chopping and cooking!) We moved on to gifts and Hannah was beyond blessed by the generosity of her family . . .

Namies sent two adorable helium balloons to decorate the occasion, Uncle Ryan and Aunt Bonnie wrote Hannah a sweet and silly poem and included some money for a fun adventure or purchase later (her eyes lit up as she said $20 bucks Mom - I think it was the biggest bill she's ever held in her hand - let alone got to keep!), Grandma and Papa gave her a coupon book full of activities to participate in when she goes for a five day special birthday sleep over complete with a haircut, lunch at her favorite restaurant, a sewing project, a shopping trip and much much more, and Grandma and Grandpa gave her a new swing set . . . it hasn't arrived in the mail yet so they gave her this picture of which she studied for quite a while before realizing what it really meant and then responded with a huge grin and lots of excitement. I don't think a little girl could have a more amazing network of family surrounding her with more love than anyone could ever ask for.

We ended the evening with pie and ice cream to celebrate Hannah's birthday, Aunt Bonnie's birthday (which was actually yesterday - thanks for spending it with us Aunt Bonnie!), Father's Day, and Grandma Merry and Grandpa Gerry's 45th wedding anniversary - so much to celebrate! The girls became the waitresses and took their job very seriously (Uncle Ben even tipped them each with a dollar which brought about more surprise and excited jumping in the kitchen!!)

It was a fabulous day for a fabulous girl . . . and the girls were so tired from all the fun and excitement, I think they both fell asleep in 2.5 seconds . . . Happy Birthday little bug. . .

Book Review

I just finished reading "Hope is Contagious" by Dr. Ken Hutcherson and it was incredible. This man is amazing. A retired NFL player turned dynamic preacher here in Redmond, Washington, he's an outspoken advocate for everything from adoption to marriage between a man and a woman who has received much flak for his "pull no punches" way of speaking the biblical truth.

In the introduction, he explains why he wrote this book . . . "We are all too familiar with whining. We see it all the time, usually from people who appear to have everything they've ever wanted. Nothing contagious about that . . they see a rainbow and they complain about the rain. . . but think of all the people who've inspired you. I'm pretty sure they weren't the ones complaining about the weather or the economy or the Democrats or the Republicans. I don't know about you, but the people I like to hang out with are the ones who have been knocked off their horse and yet find a way to laugh about it." My friend Jamie would say, "Holla . . ."

This book is incredibly inspiring and has lots of great advice and things to think about . . . pg. 132 - "Fear causes you to endure, while hope gives you the courage to live your life to the fullest." But he doesn't mince words and flat calls you and your attitude out . . . and isn't afraid to boldly give the truth - that Jesus is the strength and the source of salvation and change in your life.

It's a quick read but has so many shining moments and quotes, I re-read more than a few sections just to soak it all in. I'd recommend this book over and over again. Hope is contagious . . . how are you going to choose to start your day?

A Very HAPPY Day

Eight years ago, at exactly 5pm, God blessed us with Hannah Grace. She was born a month early and weighed a mighty four pounds . . . she is now an incredibly intelligent, thoughtful, silly, tender hearted, amazing little girl quickly turning into a young lady right before our eyes. We spent the day today celebrating her . . .

We took an idea from a good friend and secretly decorated the back of her door while she slept last night so she woke up to a surprise . . . she ran into my room and said, "Mom, did you make that flower? Can you make them again for next year?" (cute but can we get through celebratin this year first though?!)

She picked a beautiful dress to wear today and her nicest sandals . . . I asked if she was sure she wanted to dress so fancy as she wouldn't be able to play as much at recess to which she answered, "Mom, it's my birthday." (I think that my first "duh Mom")

In the afternoon, Haley and I brought in balloons which we tied to her chair while she was at recess and donuts to serve when they came back in. She later told me in the car, "Lots of kids bring cupcakes but no one in the whole world has ever had balloons on their chairs!!"

We picked her up from school and without telling her where we were going, surprised her by watching Mr. Poppers Penguins at the movie theater (we just finished reading the book together) . . . she was thrilled and laughed soooo hard at some of the silly parts it made me giggle in my seat! (Mommy review - it brings up issues like divorce and death and has a few 'oh my g*d' that I could have done without but overall is a very sweet story with some great funny family friendly parts and a great message. It wasn't much like the book although definitely had some similarities but don't miss out on reading this story aloud!!)

We gave Hannah a few choices for dinner and she picked Chinese food and wanted to order egg rolls and pot stickers and sweet and sour chicken . . . yum!

We ended the evening at home opening presents . . . I couldn't tell who was more excited - the gift opener or the gift giver. Haley was literally jumping up and down on the couch with excitement . . . she picked out a purple caboodle (remember those things? come on - fess up - you had one and you know it!!) and filled it with beautiful and carefully chosen makeup (the color of the eye shadow she picked is called 'punk funk' . . . I know she'll look back on this someday and laugh!!)

We tucked her in with sweet kisses and prayers . . . she said she was so happy it was her birthday and it was filled with so many surprises!! And more fun to come tomorrow with a friend party and a family dinner.

Happy Birthday little girl!! Thanks for making me a mommy and enriching my life so much in the last eight years I hardly remember what I did before you . . . you never cease to amaze me . . . God has such a big plan for your life and I'm so thankful to be in the front row watching your journey unfold!!

First Ever Daybook

(Ok - my dearest friend Sarah does these all the time on her blog . . . www.amongstlovelythings.com and I have meant to try one for ages . . . here goes nothing . . .)

Outside my window . . . 
clouds and looming rain . . . not great for the anticipation of summer or shiny moral boost but wonderful for our growing vegetables (we just might grow something this year besides weeds!!)

I am thankful . . .
for a husband who put's his daughter's second grade field trip over a day at work . . . and has a job that gives him the ability to take a day off . . . 


I am thinking about . . .
how much fun I have had with this blogging . . . thanks Sarah for introducing me to a new way to journal for the family, use my creative juices in something bigger than folding laundry and a super fun way to update family and friends on our daily life


Learning all the time . . .
that I can't control the actions, attitudes or choices of anyone else but me . . . 


From the kitchen . . .
there are dishes and mess everywhere from a protein full egg scramble and frantic lunch packing for the big field trip . . . I know they will still be there in a minute . . . or an hour . . . or a day . . .


I am creating . . .
adorable tissue paper flowers - super cheap and super cute birthday decorations (pictures to come later)


I am working on . . .
saying yes to playing things with the girls that I don't necessarily want to play (like doll house) because I'm realizing more everyday just how short this time is and how (all to soon) they won't want me to play dolls with them - and they won't want to play with them at all . . . plus, nothing is sweeter than the way their eyes light up when I say yes


I am going . . .
to sit on my comfy couch after a day of errands and appointments and a family dinner at friends house . . . nothing is better than my feet in their slippers on the couch after a long day


I am hoping . . .
to continue on this path to health and wellness . . . it's been such a blessing to feel so good so quickly 


I am reading . . .
God's word everyday . . . I haven't missed a day since the beginning of February in my "One a Day" bible . . . it's amazing what it does to my spirit and my attitude when I'm immersed in the truth and the light and the hope of God's incredible words and plans . . . also reading "Hope is Contagious" by Kenneth Hutcherson (a very inspiring book!) . . . and also reading "Summer of Glorious Madness" by Christy Yorke (always have to have a fiction book going to break up reality . . . not far enough along to recommend or not but enjoying the distraction)

I am praying . . .
for babies . . . for some just newly born and working through jaundice . . . for some on their way VERY soon . . . for some newly forming and growing in sweet bellies (no - NOT mine - just wanted to clarify . . .)


I am hearing . . .
the shower running upstairs as the girls are washing off an afternoon and evening full of running in the park with friends . . . it's so nice to be friends with families of sweet older girls who adopt your little ones and run and play and pretend and keep them busy so you can actually have five minutes of adult conversation


Around the house . . .
I have a million little jobs to do . . . sort the papers on the counter . . . put away the laundry stacked on our table . . . pick up the little toys that creep out of every crevice and find their way into the middle of the living room . . . 


One of my favorite things . . .
sleepy five year olds with a warm hug and sleepy smile in the morning . . . and sleepy kiddos at the end of a love day who can't wait for their hugs and kisses . . .


A few plans for the rest of the week . . .
birthday excitement . . . Hannah is turning 8 on Friday and we have some surprises in store for our special little princess!!


Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you . . .

A fun day on Camano Island with the second graders - even holding a LIVE crab!!

 

Six Weeks In . . .

I have officially completed six weeks of the healthy eating plan and I am feeling great. I have more energy, I have successfully tapered steroids quicker than ever before (still have a ways to go but lower is always better) and I am happier . . . sounds crazy but it is so empowering having some sort of control over this body that I have had absolutely no control over.

This weekend was the first official weigh and measure . . . let me preface by saying that losing weight is an important goal in this process but the most important for me has been improvements in my health and I don't need to step on a scale to tell that it's working.

That being said, I've lost 20 pounds and just under 25 inches!!!!! I absolutely can not believe it. I didn't set a number in my head so I wouldn't be disappointed . . . but I thought 10 would have been great, 5 would have been realistic . . . never imagining in my wildest dreams that after only six weeks, I'd have already lost 20 pounds!!!!! And in such a healthy way - no crazy diet, no starving, no non-sense . . . just no sugar or carbs (except brown rice and brown rice cakes), staying within a set amount of calories faithfully each day, writing down all the food I eat and making healthy choices all throughout the day. I couldn't be more excited and motivated to continue this journey down the path of increased wellness.

A Special First

Today (in the glorious sunshine) Hannah had her first piano recital. She has been taking lessons all year from Grandma Merry (who has been teaching piano as a profession for the last 40 years) and has become quite the little musician. She was excited (and a bit nervous at first) to participate today along with 8 other piano students ranging in age and years of lessons.

Before we left Hannah said, "Mom, I'm a bit nervous." So I asked, "What are you feeling nervous about?" To which she replied, "Well, I'm afraid they might not like my song and that I might mess up." I said, "What do you think about that?" And she answered, "Well, I'm sure they'll like my song and I'm sure I'll mess up." I asked, "Why do you think you'll mess up?" And she replied (in logic you can't argue with), "Mom, nothings a guarantee." Man I love this kid!

She looked beautiful, walked to the piano with poise and determination and didn't miss a single note. She turned with a huge grin and bowed to the applause of a room full of parents, grandparents, and friends. She also had the opportunity to play a duet with her sweet cousin Becky who has also been taking lessons this year. They did amazingly well and the dynamic between the two was very sweet.

It was so incredible watching this little girl who almost exactly 8 years ago (in 14 days!!) was born a month premature - a tiny 4 lb little bug - blossom into a little lady with beauty and grace beyond her years. It felt like such a "growing up" experience. I am in awe of this process of watching these little gifts we are blessed with continue to grow each day more independent and more incredible . . . and yet so sweet and tender and wonderful to hold in my arms at night and tell her just how proud I am to be her momma.

A Day in the Sun

Summer is finally here!!! HOORAY!! The sun stayed out all the day . . . and with just the right amount of breeze, it was to good to be true and necessary to stay out in it as long as possible . . .

While I pruned some of the neglected roses and hydrangas, Haley found herself a handful of snails . . .

She named them all . . . Shelly, Speedy, Cutey, Yucky, and Betty No Shell. And they participated in a wide range of activities from races to climbing contests and finally a tour of their new home complete with leaves and grass and dirt "cause they like it that way, Mom."

We then pulled out the washable finger paint and started the fence mural for the season . . .

We've let the kids paint on the fence every summer since we moved here . . . the first year, we thought it'd spray right off and we needed to stain it anyway . . . we learned, it doesn't spray off at all and what's the point of staining a fence when you have little kids who have way to much fun painting a fence each year? The time will come when these little bugs are ready to fly out of the nest and I'll stain the fence with tears in my eyes that no one wants to mess it up any more . . . in the meantime, paint away!!

And finally, the girls ran around the yard blowing bubbles . . .

It was hours of fun . . . no deadline, no errands, no plans . . . just fun . . . these are the little things that make being a stay-at-home mom the greatest job in the world! The girls are currently in the shower in an attempt to wash off the snail slime, "washable" finger paint and bubble soap . . . I've cut up a fresh mango and an apple with a pitcher of lemonade waiting to celebrate the first official looking day of summer.

The days are so long sometimes . . . and life can get bogged down with all the necessary tasks of laundry, dishes, cooking, bills, errands, phone calls, organizing, planning . . . and sometimes life can be a breath of fresh air . . . the blessing of an ordinary day.