1.  I’m in post party planning mayhem here…up to my eyeballs in laundry, shredded gift wrap, and I have eaten 7 cupcakes in the last 48 hours.   Someone may need to send in reinforcements.

2.  A few weeks ago Mr. P ditched us for 10 days for a overseas adventure including seeing the preparations for the Royal Horse Show in London and going on a South African safari.  Ok.  He didn’t really ditch us.  It was a business trip and there was a fair amount of “working” as well.  But would you be sore if your spouse was off taking these pictures while you were puking your brains out?  Yeah…thought so

3.  While he was gone I decided to party a bit myself (before I got too sick to think straight).  I called up a friend and asked her to come on over for some pizza and crafting (I know…we are two wild gals!)  I couldn’t leave the house with the kids in tow so we hunkered down and did the best we could to completely ignore the kids while we made ourselves wreaths.  Her sweet boy was literally begging to go home around 10pm…my kids had worn him out!  The kidlets kept themselves busy by playing dress up for hours. I took these pictures well after 9pm…oh, we are negligent mothers!

pretty pink princesses

gardeners

chefs {pardon the little one clearly needing a potty break}

Overeaters Anonymous (Jules not pictured as she had a wardrobe malfunction when her “fat” fell out of her nightgown)

4.  I’m thinking I may need just ONE more cupcake tonight.  I’m in love with buttercream.  It is a recent love affair.  I never knew that cupcakes could look and taste so divine until I discovered the art of homemade buttercream icing.  This is the recipe I used:

1 stick of softened butter, beat for about 30 seconds until creamy.
Add 3 cups of powdered sugar,
3 – 5 TBSP milk,
1/2 tsp vanilla.
Mix until consistency for spreading or piping.
If you want to make the buttercream chocolate, add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa.

5.  Baboo took these picture of the “girls club” at my niece’s graduation a few weeks ago.  The club used to consist of my girls and their favorite youngest cousin.  Now that the Peruvian Princess is home the group has grown (and evened out some).  I think she is fitting in just fine.

Maybe a little too well

6.  For some reason Sam starts to yodle EVERY night when we join hands to pray at dinner.

7.  He’s cute…but man does this kid keep me on my toes

8.  Miss Middle graduated from Kindergarten today.  I’ve always thought “those” moms who cried at “those” types of occassions were sissies.  Well join me up for the Crybaby Club because I was a teary mess.  Once her sweet teacher started that slideshow of all those chubby faces gone slim on the smart board I was a quivering mess.  We reviewed her portfolio and ate a few cookies and off she goes to first grade (and all day school).  The Brainiac has a half day of school tomorrow and then she is done as well.  SUMMER HERE WE COME!

First and last day of school – Kindergarten and 2nd Grade

{I should have included Super Sam in today’s picture…he has changed the most!}

9.  My sweet girly girls in a moment of best friendhood.

10.  Oh yeah…that’s more like it

HAPPY TUESDAY!!!!!!

I’ve been in full party planning mode around here this past week…getting ready to celebrate two special little guys’ birthdays!  Since our boys have birthdays just a few weeks apart, we decided we would just invite our family and a few friends over for one big night of fun.  I started brainstorming some “simple” themes (you all know I am a theme kind of gal) and decided on a VINTAGE CIRCUS theme.  I was SO excited.  When Sam woke up the next morning I shared all of my plans with him.  He was bubbling over with excitement too talking about the games, cotton candy, and cupcakes.  And then he stopped dead cold in his tracks and said, “hey Mommy…what’s a circus?”  Oooops.   We’ve actually never taken the kids to the circus (way too much humanity for me) but I didn’t realize he didn’t even know what they are!  But have no fear…we’ve been reading lots of book about them for the past few weeks and he is now well versed on the subject matter!

We started off the festivities with a fun little homemade invitation.  I sent these off to a local printer who would print just a few copies on cardstock for me!

card front:

card back:

My parents and The Librarian came to help with this shindig.  And it is a GOOD thing they came as reinforcements.  Because by the time they showed up on Saturday afternoon I was completely overwhelmed by the on and off again rainy weather.  I was just about to scrap the whole notion of games and prizes…oh how the kids would have been disappointed!  My Dad and Mr. P quick tidied up the garage and set up tables.  The Librarian’s hubby ran to Walmart for more tokens, tickets, and of course…fake teeth.   Our favorite babysitter across the street came over to do face painting.  And my nephews offered caricatures for all the kids!  We had a bean bag toss, a pinata, and of course…a PHOTO BOOTH!

It was such a fun night and I think the kids really enjoyed themselves!  Most of the party supplies came from Hobby Lobby (they have a great selection of circus themed party plates and decor) and Michaels (their $1 bins recently had vintage inspired treat bags, masks, and other goodies!)  I have a zillion images from the night…I’ll just share my top 50 or so

My two right hand women…they can organize a party in one hour flat!

We kept the menu simple carnival food…and all “grab and go” – hot dogs, chips in bags, fruit cups, and soda in bottles.

neighbor buddies

a little Mimi bonding time

one of the birthday boys who had an early date with the face painter!

Lots of goodies on the cake table:  cupcakes with homemade buttercream icing, popcorn, cotton candy, peanuts in the shell, animal crackers, and circus peanuts.  It’s not a party if you don’t leave sick

His favorite game.

Big sister helping with the games!

The first birthday party experience for the Peruvian Princess.  It’s safe to say she LOVES PARTIES!!

Friends in the photo booth.

Caught in the act

A new little buddy for Daniel…can’t wait for these two to grow up together!

She’s gonna need some serious dental work

I LOVE my family   Seriously…they were the only “adults” brave enough to try out the photo booth!

Baby “Z” spotting her lost love.

A boy with a bat…and he knows how to use it!

The loot.

The dive for the loot.

All the kiddos (minus the babies).

Fun little details:  paper straws in pop bottles, a birthday hat on a chubby boy, hand drawn masterpieces, junk food, and lots of sugar.

Singing to the birthday boys {Danny was completely weirded out and Sam was utterly embarrassed – good times by all!}

The betrothed couple {Danny is shell shocked from the announcement}

Special friends.

I love parties.  Every year I say I’m going to keep things SUPER simple and then I just can’t help myself.  I didn’t do any wild crafts or cook any elaborate meals…but the little details are just SO fun.  This was a PERFECT reason to share with our friends our excitement over having our son HOME with his brother in time for his birthday!  We are truly so blessed!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY BOYS!

School class pictures came home in backpacks last week.

She might be smart…but she definitely got a few of my bad genes.  As if my OWN PROBLEMS with the “tilting head” aren’t enough…I have perpetuated them in my offspring.  Not to mention the gene seems to have mutated and now includes straying feet that refuse to stand together.

This can’t be good   My Mom is always telling me that she is a “Mini Me”.  I guess I better brace myself…I always was “an original”.

Through this exercise I’ve come to realize a couple of vital things about me and my wardrobe.  First.  I am a sucker for navy blue, grey, and yellow.  And stripes.  Stripes will get me every time.  And dots too.  Maybe I was born to be a sailor?  Second.  I really really like to be comfortable.  I would really love to be one of “those” moms who can pull off the jeans and heels but it just ain’t gonna happen around here.   And I think it would be fun to work in corporate America for  just a week so I could see what it was like to actually “dress up” for a few days.  But in all honesty…I really dig my gig here as mommy so I’m good with the slouchy jeans and tees.  Embrace it, people…

Day 1

coral blouses – Loft

white tank – Walmart

boyfriend jeans – GAP

studded ballet flats – Old Navy

Necklace – not sure…probably Walmart or Target….from the depths of my jewelry rack

Day 2

polka dot tank – Old Navy

cardi – GAP

jeans – thrifted

ballet flats – Old Navy

necklace – thrifted

Day 3

tuxedo  bib tee – J Crew

bermudas – Target

blinged out sandals – Old Navy

sunglasses – Target…can’t believe these haven’t made an appearance yet as they are almost always on my head!

Day 4

stripey studded tank – Forever 21

cardi – GAP (can you tell this one is a favorite?)

shorts – GAP

sandals – DSW

necklace – made by The Librarian

{On Sam:  polo from Old Navy and shorts from Gymboree}  He was seriously lovin’ the camera

Day 5

sequin tank – GAP

cardi – Old Navy

boyfriend crops – New York

gladiators – DSW

bronze earrings – Target

{On Danny:  blow fish tee from Old Navy and hand me down shorts from an unknown origin}

I didn’t take any pictures over the weekend although I did actually “dress up” both days.  I will just tell you that Saturday I wore a yellow top and grey capris  and Sunday I wore a mustard skirt, white tank, and grew cardi.  See what I mean?  I’m a girl obsessed! So next week’s goal will be to branch out.  Red anyone?

Last week we survived round one of the spring birthdays.  Mr. P got stuck in Chicago on his way back from his travels so we postponed our little home celebration until Friday.  We had so much to do that night so we kept it simple and low key…just like our little mellow man!

Here are my 10 recommendations for a quick and easy birthday celebration.

1.  Start the party off right with handmade toilet paper tube presents.

2.  Pose the baby in front of his loot and try to get him not to look like a deer in headlights.

3.  Tell him to “Go ahead and rip into them!”….generally followed by a “Say what??”

4.  Convince the baby that he really wants to open that smaller package first.   It’s not like I made him start with the card.

5.  Give up on the opening aspect of the party and just show him the adorable lion toy.

6.  Ensure he loves his new stuffie by insisting he kiss it.

7.  Pose the baby with the new lion toy and take a picture.  {You will want to send this to the gracious Etsy store owner who lovingly created this for you!}

8.  Let the baby finally open the Big Kahuna.

9.   Sing “Happy Birthday” as quickly as possible while your 2 year old screams and throws himself on the floor in a fit of jealousy.  Don’t worry….the baby won’t even notice. {he’s used to it}

10.  Watch your one year old who doesn’t eat solid yet “eat” his cupcake….or smoosh it…or whatever.  You know…for posterity.

Call it a night, throw everyone in the tub, and lights out!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY again to our sweet boy!

{The stuffed lion came from Mitter’s Critters Etsy shop and is quite possibly the cutest – and well made – stuffed animal in the Universe.  There are many adorable animals just waiting for a new home in her shop!}

One year old.

A year ago there was a mother in Africa who was scared and likely alone.  She was about to deliver a baby.  Maybe she wanted desperately to provide for him…maybe she knew she had to do something drastic in order to give him hope and a future.  We will never know.  But after she delivered him he was brought to a nearby hospital where he would be found and cared for quickly.  I can’t imagine the anguish of delivering this beautiful baby boy and fearing for his life.  I know she knew it was his only hope and all aspects of his story point to that.  But God had an ultimate plan for my son that no one could carry out but Him.  Before Daniel was ever born, God had a family chosen for him.  And it wasn’t a Muslim family deep in the heart of Jimma…it was a Christian family in Kansas who would teach him of the INCREDIBLE love and provision of God.  Daniel now has an earthly father who loves him as only Dads can love their son.  But he also has a heavenly Father who provides a love so strong and secure that no amount of hurt could make it waiver.  God has shown His hand in Daniel’s life so powerfully already…and we are so excited to see what HE has in store for him!

Danny is SO full of life.  And our lives as so full by having him as our son.  He has overcome tremendous obstacles to reach this milestone and yet here he is…our sweet little boy!  I think he just might be the most beautiful baby I have ever laid my eyes on (or at least one of the top four!)  His sweet smile lights up the room…although he might make you work for it.  He is relaxed and content…and nearly always happy.  He loves to wave to people passing by and say “hi!”  When he is especially proud of himself he claps and yells “YEAH!”  And when he wants to snuggle he will willingly lean in to plant a smooch right on your lips.  He’s learning peek-a-boo, “SO BIG”, and a myriad of other games.  He is a champion sitter.  No crawling, scootching, or movement of any type here.  That would be TOO much work!  He is happy to just watch the world go by from wherever he is perched.  He ADORES his bottle and can often be found talking to it.  If you interrupt…BEWARE…you will get the serious evil eye!   He is sleeping through the night (most of the time) and eating three meals a day.  He still prefers to be spoon fed but is branching out into a few new table foods.  Did I mention he loves his bottle?  Oh yeah…he LOVES his bottle!  He is dangerously close to saying “Anna” (to my great dismay as he has yet to say “Mama”) and will call for “Dada” too.  He is the baby with a thousand expressions.  He is quite possibly the sweetest little man ever!

Just {a few} pictures of him from our little birthday photo shoot.

Happy Birthday Danny Boy.  We are so proud to call you our son!

Ok…it’s slim pickins’ this week for What I Wore Wednesday.  Because what I wore most of the week was flannel pants, college tees, and purple fuzzy socks).  I tried to actually “get dressed” a few days but my attempts were rather pathetic.   And I actually thought it would be funny to just go ahead with the photo op in my lounge wear…but I never actually rolled off of the couch and really did that.  So I will have to leave it to your imagination.  Just know…it wasn’t pretty.

Day 1

Not starting out too terrible.  I knew I was sick but I had antibiotics in hand and was overly optimistic

striped sweater – Francesca’s

grey tank – Old Navy

skinnies – New York

sandals – Target

necklace – The Vintage Pearl

{On Sam:  polo from TCP, jeans from GAP, weird face for the camera probably comes from my side of the family}

Day 2

It went downhill fast from here.  I was feeling pretty proud that I got dressed.  Although a white tee and jeans hardly counts.  But if you could see the rest of the days you would think this was formal attire!

henley – Old Navy

jeans – Miss Me (a hundred years old)

shoes – who needs shoes?

{On Sam: spaceship tee from Old Navy, jeans from GAP}

Day 3

{insert four days here of mind numbing sweats}

This was today…I tried.  As you can see from my face…I wasn’t really feeling it.

striped sweater – Old Navy

white tank – Walmart

jeans – thrifted

necklace – thrifted (hey…I was trying!)

grey studded flats – Old Navy

{On Sam: cycle tee from GAP, jeans from GAP…crazy morning hair!}

That’s it folks.  The GOOD NEWS is my hubby JUST walked in the door and now I am off to bed.  I am OFFICIALLY off duty for a few hours.  Hopefully next week I’ll have more energy for WIWW!

Birthday post coming tomorrow….

1.  Disclaimer:  I have no pictures to share with this post tonight because we have had a no good. horrible. very bad week.  OK…maybe I am being a bit dramatic.  But it has definitely been one of THOSE weeks.

2.  My husband has been out of the country for 9 days.  He’s on his way home RIGHT now (OH, PRAISE THE LORD!)  The day he left I was feeling crummy so I went to the doctor early in the morning.  My hunch was right that I had a sinus infection.  I stayed on the antibiotic for 6 days without feeling a lot of relief.  Then Sunday evening I came down with the stomach flu.  NOT PRETTY.  Fortunately it was fairly short lived but by yesterday I knew something else was wrong.  I was back at the doctor’s office this morning with another infection.  SO NOT COOL.  I think 3 seperate illnesses in 9 days has pushed me near my breaking point!

3.  At one point this afternoon during complete and utter exhaustion I rolled over on the couch and told my kindergartener “wake me up at 2:30″.  And lo and behold….she did!  {which was a good thing since I had to pick Sam up from preschool!}

4.  A few nights ago I found a pair of soccer socks in the garbage can in the kitchen.  We had a good laugh about that one.  Crazy thing is…I found another pair tonight??

5.  Today while Sam was carrying his toy motorcycle around the house he exclaimed “I’m gonna ride this FAST like on my i pad!!”  Talk about technology savvy tots.  Should that frighten me?  Or should I be proud?

6.  Someone is having a birthday tomorrow {separate post coming about that!} and I’m not sure whether to feel happy or sad.  He’s getting SO BIG and we are just SO THANKFUL that we get to be his parents.  I think it is time to make a video of some of his latest tricks!

7.  I am working on some party plans for the boys’ birthday this year.  We are combining them as they are just a couple of weeks apart.  Think “VINTAGE CIRCUS”.  I am trying VERY hard not to get carried away.  I LOVE parties and love planning all the little details.  But I really just want to enjoy their time and not be stressed about it.  Have you found Pinterest?  Check out some of their ridiculously amazing CIRCUS IDEAS!

8.  I will post my WIWW tomorrow a planned.  But I’m warning you…there will be few pictures this week.  It’s been a conglomeration of pajama pants and old VBS t-shirts.  Not exactly post worthy.  But I did get in a few days before “The Week of a Thousand Sicknesses” started.  And I’ll try to actually get dressed tomorrow!

9.  We are getting all new siding, a new roof, and six new windows done in the coming weeks after the big hail storm a few months ago.  Anyone have siding they just LOVE?  We had vinyl but this is my chance to completely change the look of the house and I am intimidated by all of the choices.  I definitely want to go darker (we have a light beige now…SO boring!)  I’m thinking either a brownish/grey, white trim, and our current red door.  OR charcoal grey, lighter grey (on the peaks with shake style siding), white trim, and a mustard door.  I would definitely like to mix up the types of trim, add stonework, or add some other details.  I think the house has potential to be so charming…but right now it is falling flat…any thoughts?

10.  Tomorrow is another day…and for that I am VERY thankful.  Hoping it brings HEALTH and some serious Daddy bonding time (so this Mama can get a BREAK!)

HAPPY TUESDAY!

I absolutely love having boys.  There is something magical about their world.  They are most definitely born with a love for wheels, building, and being in motion.  It can’t just be environmental.  We have a house full of pink…and yet these two play completely different than the girls.  Everything crashes, gets thrown, or breaks in their hands!

So here’s our little architectural engineer.  He doesn’t quite have the “building” part down but he can slobber on them like the best of them.

Attack of the falling tower.

Laying on all those blocks can’t be comfy but he doesn’t seem to mind.

Couldn’t resist the aerial shot.  He’s so stinkin cute

While I was busy snapping shots of Daniel I looked over and Sam was immersed in his Thomas the Train video.   Clutched in his hand was his beloved Percy (his favorite this week).  He was just smiling away watching and acting out the story line.  I hope he stays this little forever.

His buddy Percy.

It amazes me that a simple story line and animation can win a little boys heart to so completely.  Why didn’t I come up with the whole “Thomas the Train” idea…genius I tell ya!

Friends forever {or at least until he picks a new favorite next week}.

Did I mention I love having little boys?

Thanks to all the fun comments from everyone on the MAY GIVEAWAY.  I am having lots of fun putting these together…I hope you are enjoying them too!  I already have the JUNE GIVEAWAY planned in my head…it’s gonna be GOOOOD!

OK…on with the winner.  But first.  A few of the Cooper kids want to (once more) show you their excitement about GIVING STUFF AWAY!  Can I get a WOOHOOTY??  (wow.  those are some moves.)  I think this pic is even better than the one I posted earlier!

And the winner is…..

CHRISTI UCHEREK!!!!!!!!!!!

Shoot me an email with your mailing address so I can get your goodies on their way to their new home!