The Girl is 5!!

Where is the time going???  My baby girl is 5 today!!

Sweetie Pie

My Pretty Girl

The boy cheesin'!

Singing, "I'm five years old..."

We had a good time.  The birthday brownie was delicious with ice cream!!!

Princess Birthday Party

This was our first "official" birthday party. I have to say that I'm quite pleased about my decorating skills! I stayed up all Sat night getting everything together so the morning of the party would go smoothly! I'm exhausted now. But Jaya had a wonderful time! Friends came to celebrate with us. She took lots of photos with her new camera, too!

She's 7!!!

Yes! Today my firstborn baby is seven years old today. I can't believe it. I spent last night thinking about my pregnancy--all the excitement, anticipation and anxiety surrounding it. I've spent almost everyday with her--such a blessing! She is now officially a 'big girl,' no longer a baby. It's bitter sweet!

I love her so very much!!!

Happy Birthday baby!!!

The Boy is Three!!

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!!
Happy Birthday, my sweet boy!
Happy Birthday to you!!

It seems like just yesterday I was carrying him home from the hospital.
I can not tell you how much I LOVE this child (just like I can't put into words how I adore and love his sisters!!)!!!

It is our family tradition that the birthday girl/boy not only gets to select the kind of cake and decorations, but also gets to assist in making/baking it. As you can see, he did an awesome job (notice how neatly he did things!).

"Let God Bless You!"

Today is my birthday.
My little sweeties sang all the versions of 'Happy Birthday' they know over and over as I lay in bed early this morning.
It was precious.
During one of them, my four year old launches into the "how old are you" verse.
She gave me time to sing my part and finished up by singing,
"Let God bless you, let God bless you, let God bless you, let God bless you!"
My soon-to-be seven year old said, "No, it's may God bless you."

As they left my bed I began to think perhaps it should be 'let' instead of 'may.'
I mean, we're used to hearing and saying 'may' but that seems to
leave it up to some hope in the future.
And then I thought, "do I really let God bless me?"
He desires to. Do I let him?

So, for my next year of my life I'm going to purposely let God bless me!
And be thankful for however that comes.
(thank you for that, Kari! Out of the mouth of babes!)

85 Years of Life

My beautiful paternal grandmother celebrated 85 years of life today.

I'm so thankful not only to have been able to be with her
but to have my children here with her too.
We took our handmade cards and sang to her.
It was a nice evening.

Happy Birthday Mama!
We love you so very much!
Thank you for all that you've given to our family
and everything you will continue to give.

she's 4!!!

my sweetie, with the sparkle in your eyes, is 4 today! i cannot believe that she's growing up this fast.



our tradition for birthdays is for the birthday child to select, bake & decorate her/his cake/cupcakes. this year kari has chosen chocolate cake with strawberry icing. not a bad combo! lol! she also decided upon (with the help of mommy) cupcakes instead of a cake.



she got several packages from family and enjoyed her day tremendously!!!



happy birthday baby!