Birthday Fun

For our birthday girl's 7th birthday, she really got to stretch out the fun. On birthday day, we started with a sprinkle donut and a candle (her request). We had made chocolate chip/M&M cookies to share at school, which she proudly shared with her friends and the school staff. She had to wait until after school to open her presents, though. She got just what she was hoping for- a pink Nintendo DS. Hard to believe she's outgrown her Leapster already.

Then, her dinner choice before church, Peter Piper Pizza. We all had fun with that one!

Then, a couple weeks later, we had her friend party. She chose a My Little Pony theme. With a huge invite list, and only half coming, we still had tons of people celebrating Beth's 7th birthday with us. She requested a bounce house in the back yard. We got lucky and found a pink/purple castle, then the company said they had a My Little Pony banner they could put on it too. With the trampoline and a table full of ponies and accessories providing more fun. The kids all had a great time and wore themselves out!

Then, after all the party friends went home, Grandma, Grandpa, cousins Emily and Gracie, Yaya and Popi stayed for dinner and more presents. Kevin grilled burgers for us. Then, Beth got to open MORE presents from family. That was really nice to get to visit with each other away from the craziness of the party. I look forward to making this a birthday tradition!

All in all, this birthday celebration was a success. She's already looking forward to the next one and making plans. I'm just looking forward to summer (4 weeks left of school)!

One Tough Cowboy- Wordless Wednesday

To my little girl

My sweet girl,

You are 7. Despite trying to keep this day from happening, here it is, just like you said. The closer your birthday got, the more I thought about the day you were born. I have looked at you in amazment that this once little bitty baby has turned into such a precious big girl, and it happened so fast. Seven years ago, you took your sweet time coming into the world, arriving early in the morning after a LONG labor. Must have been a sign of things to come. You take your time doing things and love getting up early in the morning.

I love seeing the new things in you, too.

Your art class has been such a fun experience for you. You've always loved drawing, but this class has opened you to trying to draw new things. I'm proud of you for trying new things. I know how nervous that makes you.

Your perspective on God is precious. We can talk about just about anything- how great something is, how big something is, how smart someone is, and you remind us that God is greater and smarter and bigger than anything. I love this stage and wish that I had that same childlike joy and awe again. Grownups forget that too easily. I enjoy our nighttime prayers, hearing what is on your heart. Lately, you pray for missions and people who need Jesus. I hope you always have a heart to share and help others share Jesus with the lost. Maybe that means one day you'll be a missionary.

I am so thankful that you are my daughter (Daddy's too). You are such a precious gift from God! Thank you for being such a good helper, wanting to be helpful and wanting to learn how to do things. Thank you for the sweet moments when you still act little, wanting to sit in my lap and snuggle with me. Thank you for being such a sweet sister to Jacob. Nothing warms my heart more than hearing the two of you playing nicely together.

I see so much of us in you. Of course, you look like Daddy. But, you have my long legs and my wavy hair. I see my love of learning and reading. I see Daddy's competitive side. I see my need for independence and alone time. I see Daddy's need for conversation when it's quiet. And yet, I still see you becoming your very own person. I look so forward to seeing how you will grow and change every year.

So, here's to another year of you looking forward to another birthday while I hope to hold it off as long as I can. I love you, my precious big girl. SO much.

Love, Mommy

I've been busy working on digital scrapbooking our last Disney World trip. I found this great group online- Mousescrappers. I get lots of ideas, complete challenges to earn more digital scrapbooking goodies, and generally find people like me who love Disney AND scrapbooking. If you've wondered about digital scrapbooking, take a moment to check it out tomorrow!

Click the pic to link to the website!

Timestamp 5:58pm- Wordless Wednesday

Zoo trip!

As usual, I've been crazy busy with life. But, this is spring break, and I'm enjoying lots of resting and quiet while the kiddos are having adventures at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Beth had a day off school, spring was hinting in the air, and off we went to the zoo. For Christmas, Yaya and Popi give us annual zoo passes, and we certainly use them. This is the first year for Jacob to be old enough for his own pass. He was sure proud to take his picture and hold his card! One of the best things about having zoo passes is that we don't feel like we have to see all the animals in one day. This trip, we started with the animals we didn't see last time- the amazing reptile house.

Beth LOVED being able to take her own camera and take pictures. She learned a little more about how to use her camera to take pictures for where she was- inside or outside. Surprisingly, when it came to the opportunity for petting a snake, she was interested, but Jacob sure was.

At the end of the exhibit about Texas animals, there's a fun wishing well. When you thrown in a penny, you hear a wild animal sound. I gave them each some pennies, then we tried to guess what animals they were.

Jacob was quite amused by the turkey gobble and wasn't crazy about the jaguar (did you know they live in Texas?).

It was a fun day for just the three of us. I look forward to many more zoo trips- some as a family, some just me and Jacob. We always find adventure and learn new things!

Signs of Spring (Wordless Wednesday)