Sophie's 4th Birthday - A little Valentine

Sophie has the honor of being a February baby (she was close to being born on Valentine's). This year she had her first birthday party with friends. We themed it "A little Valentine".

The invite:

Created by Me

The Birthday girl:

Also created by Me

The Decor:

Inspired by Pinterest (with a little help from Etsy)

The food:

The Cake and Face Painting:

Courtesy of Baskin Robbins and Grammy

We had so much fun creating this birthday party and Sophie enjoyed it with all her girl friends (no boys were allowed, even Ray disappeared for a couple of hours).
I'm already thinking of a theme for Livie's 6th birthday party.

What I'm Loving Wednesday...

Finally! I'm back in the blogging world. It's been a while and I've missed it. I decided to jump back in with sharing what I love this Wednesday. P.S - I'm writing this post while sitting in my Masters class on 21st Century Learners. It's not the instructor. He is quite engaging. I just know if I don't do something I'm not going to make it until 7. So here it is: What I'm loving this Wednesday

I'm loving Valentine's Day. Sophie's 4 birthday falls around Valentine's day and this year we are having a Valentine's day themed party. I promised the hubby I would do it for a 100 dollars or less. More on that later.

I'm loving my sweet Sophie. On Friday we found out that she was severely allergic to tree nuts. We've had a fun weekend of label reading, epi pens, and lots of shots. She was a trooper. They poked her back over 20 times. All I could do was hold her tight while she wailed into my chest.

I'm loving the Utah Jazz. Yeah baby. So happy they haven't been the epic fail everyone predicted...so far. We usually go to at least 3 games a season. We've been spoiled with box seats and lower, lower bowl seats. Haven't made it yet but can't wait.

I'm loving my So Cal Ragnar team. The day is etching closer and closer. I can't wait. We are in the process of choosing a name. Here are our top 3:
- Run like a mother
- CHX doing TRX
- I still hate running.
What's your vote?

I'm loving the Hunger Games. The count down is on. 50 days to go. My favorite book was part 2. I'm a sucker for the love story and I thought book 2 told it best.

As always I'm loving my adorably sweet family.

My ballerinas...

I may be biased (just a little) but I do believe I have the most beautiful ballerinas. Here are Liv and Sophie at their Christmas recital.

Last year when Sophie made it to the big stage she cried through the entire performance. Not tonight. She performed like the "ham" we know she is. Liv also did a wonderful job. This was her first dance recital. It's been so much fun watching her grow into a dancer.

Here are the girls with the family. We are so fortunate to have them so close. We appreciate all their love and support.

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays from our family to yours.

Giving Thanks

Day 4

Today I am thankful for Ray (the hubby). This morning we got into an argument. It was trivial, pointless, and a waste of our time as are many of our arguments. Ray and I are both stubborn people, neither of us like to consent. Ray is a snake (Chinese Zodiac sign) and his sign clearly states avoid the boar. While guess who is a boar? Yours truly. Lucky for me Ray's stubborn nature swayed his favor of the "boar". During our argument I of course stated all the things he does wrong and all the things that annoy me about him. I know, not the best wife. Then after things had cooled and I realized I was being completely irrational, I started to list all the things I appreciate and love about him. And as always the good out weighs the bad. Ray being the compassionate husband he is, forgave me for my outburst and nuttiness. We are still happily married and I am thankful to have him as my eternal companion.

Just a few things from my list -

When the girls were babies and in that not sleeping through the night stage - Ray was always the first to get out of bed and snuggle them. He rarely woke me unless they needed to feed. How lucky am I.

Ray is the cook in the family. I seldom cook.

Ray works 60-70 hour weeks. He never complains. He's never to tired to get up in the middle of the night if one of the girls need something. He's never to tired to give a bath, brush teeth, make a lunch or do some laundry. (FYI - I am not a horrible homemaker just a very busy teacher and student)

Ray loves his girls. All of us. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful man in our lives. I am thankful I get to call him mine.

Giving Thanks

Day 3 -
Today I'm giving thanks for Pinterest. Whoever came up with this idea is a genius. I once read a pin that went something like this (not an exact quote) - "Thank you pinterest for making me feel so crafty when all I've done is sit in front of my computer." Ha - how true are these words.

Pinterest definitely inspires me but will I ever become the crafty, baker, designer, person my boards elude to. Probably not but a girl can dream.

Here are some of my favorite pins this week...

So true. Why talk to a therapist. I have great conversations in my head while I'm running

Loving these Christmas ideas...

From my Sweeth Tooth board. Don't they look delish...

Someday I'll will do a DIY project.

Giving Thanks

Day 2 -
True to my word I'm posting another day of gratitude. My family and I have been at the hospital all night visiting Tai Po (Chinese for great-grandmother). Things don't look good and we wanted to say our goodbyes. My sweet girls who are 3 and 5 held Tai Po's hand and told her - I love you. I'm not quite sure how to explain what's happening. Any suggestions on how that conversation should go?

So this evening I am grateful for family. I am grateful for my strong and beautiful mother in-law and my cranky but very lovable father in-law.

I am thankful for all Ray's uncles, aunts, and cousins who have become my family too. I believe there is strength in numbers and I am grateful they have each other. I am grateful that my girls are surrounded by family who love and care for them. I am thankful to be a part of this family!