It's the fiary, cowgirl, rock star's birthday!!!

The initial blow.

The power blow.

Today is my sweet baby girl's 4th birthday. Wow, those four years just zipped right by! Z has been such a blessing. I don't think any of us can imagine what life would be without her. She has definitely added a needed element to our family. Z is creative and imaginative. She loves music and dancing. She's insanely smart and super funny. She keeps us on our toes because we never know what to expect from her or who we're going to see...one day, a garden fairy, the next day a cowgirl, and the following day, a rock star. For lunch today, we celebrated with leftover cupcakes and trick candles (hehe)...note the power blow for that one candle that just kept relighting. It was too funny. Lesson of the day: Treasure every moment...because they pass sooooo quickly.

Go Brasil!!!!!!

The Big Fairy Party!!!

I absolutely love this picture...it's just perfect. Today, we celebrated Z's 4th birthday with the much anticipated fairy birthday party. It was so much fun! This was Z's first friend party, so she was extra excited. Six little girls including Z were transformed into beautiful garden fairies in our "Fairy Changing Room" complete with pink wings (Z's were a special rainbow color), jeweled necklaces, flower rings, and a light dusting of glittery pixie dust. They were sooooo cute waiting for their turn. They then created fairy wands, decorated flower pots, and planted their own flowers. Z chose strawberry cupcakes this year (no surprise since they're pink :), so we served those with fresh strawberries on the side, and pink lemonade. Z loved every minute and I loved it that she loved it! (Oh, by the way...J wanted no part of a pink fairy party. "Yuck" was his opinion. He served his big brother role well by trying to make Z's friends laugh with one silly face after another and then by scaring them all until he got a little lecture about harassing the girls. Much to J's relief, one of the girls brought her big brother, so the two boys secluded themselves in the little man-cave until they heard the word "cake." It's amazing how fast those two reappeared.) Afterwards, our kids even got to have special time with Mammy Sue and Papa Fred, who drove in just for the occasion. This was extra special for Z. All in all....it was great day! I'm so in love with my little girl. I can't believe she'll be 4 years old this week. Lesson of the day: I wish someone could teach me a lesson today in stopping time. The last 4 years just flew by!

250 and counting

I've been meaning to blog this picture just because it's interesting. If you ever needed to know what 250+ cookies look like here it is. I think I put on about 5lbs that day. I was a cooking machine. Lesson of the day: Abide the rule of not eating raw cookie dough...not because of the eggs but because your waistline and stomach will appreciate it.

Dinner and a Show

I wish I could show you the video that went with this picture. It's way too funny. Z was pretending to be a chef. She came downstairs with a pen and a piece of paper. She told us what she was serving and then took orders on her paper. This would be cute all by itself but the kicker was she danced the entire time. It was hilarious. When she wasn't talking she would hum/sing a little song to dance to. I don't know where she gets this stuff. Part of the time she'd even put the pen behind her ear like she was a waitress in a old diner. She's so funny. Lesson of the day: Dancing waitresses and Chefs=Fun

Moms have Bragging Rights

J made his very first presentation for his Challenge/GT class this morning, complete with a powerpoint. It was very impressive. Dr. J did an excellent job sharing his knowledge on the digestive system and the germs that affect it. I'm so proud of him. He's such a smart boy! Lesson of the day: J can now help me with my sorry powerpoints.

Mani and Pedi for Two

Z had a very special treat this weekend in celebration of breaking a habit she has struggled with for quite awhile. Since she went an entire week without chewing on her fingernails or skin on her fingers, she got to have a professional manicure and pedicure. I wish I had my camera while we were in the nail salon. She was too cute and boy did all the ladies make over her (customers and employees alike). I think she felt like a movie star. Z nails chose sparkly purple with flowers painted on her nails. It was nice to enjoy a little pampering with my favorite little girl. Lesson of the Day: Sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution. I didn't think it work but our pediatrician said put up a sticker chart, check her nails 3 times a day, and promise her something she would love at the end and she'll stop biting. Even though he swore that it worked with many patients, I was sceptical but he was right...worked like a charm!!!  Update:  I spoke to soon by the end of the following week, every bit of polish was gone and the nails were chewed off to the quick. ARGGGGGG!