Jon's birthday was Friday so we made some cupcakes and sang him happy birthday...B tries to blow out his candles but was unsuccessful!

Yesterday was a fantastic day. J only had to work a couple of hours so we got to have an unexpected family day! I had Jon in the morning so it was a quiet morning. I got some homework done and before I knew it J was home. The girls and J went shopping for a birthday gift for Jon while I went to have my hair done. Bella picked out a really cool Batman car that runs over barrels. Jon loved it. He enjoyed having a toy that was not pink to play with at our house.

Its amazing how good it feels to have a fresh new hair cut and color. Its so satisfying and relaxing. I haven't had any me time in a very long time. It was so rejuvenating! J picked me up after kidnapping our Jiggy so we could all have a family dinner. It was nice to reconnect with everyone. We have all been so busy that it has been a really long time since we have all done anything together. It was a dinner full of laughs, smiles and yummy food. I love the Olive Garden!

We had the neighbors over this morning to make cookies and homemade play dough. We made the fall version. After coloring it orange (pinkish orange), I added vanilla, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. We had fun using our five senses to feel, touch, see, and smell it. It smelled really good but I didn't think it would be a good idea to taste it. I love homemade play dough. Its inexpensive and I don't have to worry about the kids mixing up the colors. If anyone would like the recipe let me know :0)

little rider

Here are some pics of my little cowgirl. Her baby sister is following in her footsteps ;)

My little Cowgirl!

B was in the QCGC horse competition this weekend. She has been riding for some time now. She is so confident on a horse. She is my little Cowgirl. This weekend she actually trotted instead of walking! This was a huge step for her. She is the youngest competitor in the whole club. She was so excited to place second. She was hoping for second because the ribbon was pink lol! Every time we take her to a lesson or show she ends the day with "Mommy I sure do wish I had a horse" and then gives me those big brown puppy dog eyes.

So next month the competition is on October 31st. All of the riders are dressing in costumes with their horses. I was thinking B could be a mermaid and the horse could be the Ocean. Do you have any cute ideas?

Birthday Fun!

So summertime is Birthday season for us. My littlest princess's birthday is in June and J and B's birthdays are both in August. I have so much fun planning super cute themed birthday parties for my little girls.

This year "S" had a teddy bear picnic. It came out so cute. I put out lots of fake trees and fake grass and little picnic tables with red and white table cloths. I also filled goodie bags for the kids with bear themed treats (teddy grahms, bear fruitsnacks...ect.) We feasted on picnic food like watermelon and "ants on a log" It was so fun!

B's party was luau themed....I got really lucky because B's Auntie Jiggy already had all of the decorations we needed. "B" loved her hula girl pinata but was devastated when we all started to bash her with a stick. It was so sad! We played a fun fishing game with all of the kids and danced to the Lilo and Stich soundtrack. A friend of ours made B an awesome cake that looked like a beach. My sister and I also made a cake that looked like a hula girl, It came out AMAZING!

Here are some pictures of us from last year...I am feeling a bit reminiscent ;0)

Nothing means more to me than family, I miss mine so much. When we decided to move to Arizona it was so new and exciting. We have loved living here. J and I were newlyweds and only 20 when we moved here and now we have become a family of four. We have grown and changed in major ways since we moved here and I have loved every moment of it. The only drawback is that we are so far away from our family.

We get to see them every other month or so but it just doesn't seem right. I never pictured raising my children so far away from their grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. I also never thought Id be arguing with J about who's family we'd be staying with for Christmas. Id really like for once, to be able to open presents on Christmas morning in my own home, without missing our extended family Christmas.

The life we have made here will be beyond difficult to part from. The friends we have made will last a life time. I don't know if we will ever have better friends or neighbors. They have become our family away from our family. My children have grown so attached to the people in our lives. We love them dearly.

It looks like change is headed our way. Its scary and hard to feel secure when your not sure if your doing the right thing for your family. But I truly believe that we are being pointed in a new direction. I have found comfort in this verse: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeramiah 29:11