Nerf Ambush

As you know, normally Ashley posts to our blog, but she is no longer capable. I was ambushed by my family when I arrived home from work today, but as you can see I was the only survivor.

It was a great attempt to catch me off guard, but they should have known from my experience I am always prepared and quite capable of handling any ambush, even, and especially from loved ones.

Good try Ashley and Elliana. Next time weigh your opponent before making any attempt to conquer them.

PS - Thanks for the fun surprise!

A very Mickey Birthday

For months before her third birthday, Elliana asked for one specific request. A Mickey Mouse Birthday party. Given my new addiction to crafts and blogs, I was more than happy to oblige with her request. And, given her excitement... I think the hard work was worth it.

Lucky for us, we had a trip to Walt Disney World earlier this year, and Grandma had made us all matching shirts and a dress for Elliana. I had to substitute my homemade shirt for a pre-made one given my big belly (7 months pregnant) no longer fits. So, the attire for the party was already decided and ready. :)

Our little family in our Mickey Mouse attire

Next, a homemade birthday banner, homemade pinata, paper lanterns, balloons and crepe paper.

My incredibly talented friend made Elliana's custom Mickey Mouse cake. Complete with edible iced ears. Just amazing!!

And I think Elliana had a good time. Just look at that smile!

Elliana beginning to knock at the pinata

Mommy, Elliana and my niece Sarah enjoying the festivities.

And so, was the work and preparation worth it? Absolutely...because we made our daughter's birthday truly magical.

Happy Birthday Elliana!

Today, my baby girl turned 3 years old. I find myself constantly awestruck in the girl she is becoming and how quickly the baby she was has gone. This past year, Elliana has grown by leaps and bounds.

But, perhaps better than words, allow this video of the past year to show the wonders and adventures that we experienced. Happy Birthday sweet girl, and know today and always how grateful I am to be your mom. We love you!

Camera-less

I am camera-less today. In our whirlwind weekend of activity, picture taking and fun, I accidentally left my camera at my Dad's house yesterday in a hurried attempt to get my daughter to nap at least once in the three day span. The nap attempt failed yesterday, but I am thrilled that my baby girl is napping today. And during nap time, I usually look through photos, clean off the camera and edit photos. And...given I am camera-less today, I am feeling a bit naked and not sure what to do with myself.

And so, I sit here in a quiet house, enjoying the quiet. Enjoying the glow of the Christmas tree and ignoring the pressure to find anything else to fill my time.

Gingerbread Party 2011

As a child, my mom made gingerbread houses every year for her first grade classroom. Although I could never confirm it, I like to think children secretly begged their parents to switch classrooms just so they could be a part of Mrs. Perkins gingerbread fun.

We began this morning making icing...the way any 3-year old would...messy.

Today, I hosted a gingerbread party of my own. With my precious daughter and a few of our friends. And Nana of course. What a special day it was for all of us, full of fun, friends and lots of sugar. Just the way we like it!

the houses assembled and ready for our guests

Our friends hard at work decorating...

and Elliana sneaking some candy along the way

Elliana showing off her finished house

Group shot minus Jay & Katie

And after all that sugar, we had to spend some time in our new bounce house to burn off some energy. Here, Adelyn is coming out of the house...

Elliana and Nana post party excitement or sugar high...whichever you prefer

And a picture of myself and Nana taken by Elliana...thus the large belly shot (~ 6 months pregnant).