Who's The Man?

Yes, Baby Drew turned ONE! When he woke up that morning, he seemed to know it was his special day. At his birthday party, he wanted one thing, and one thing only: a ball, given to him by his cousin Emily. He cried when we made him stop chasing the ball around yard for the candle blow. Drew is a man who enjoys simple things in life: a ball, wrapping paper, grass and frosting. He did however appreciate the one year movie his father created for him, pointing and laughing at the television screen. What are his accomplishments to date you might ask? Simply put, Drew is our sunshine; his sweetness overwhelms us and we feel so blessed. This last year has been delightful with his presence. Never have we had such an easy baby! Happy Birthday to our Baby Drew, we "LOVE YOU SO BAD" (Rosie)!

9 reasons to celebrate

Dear Lizzy D.,
So, you are pretty cool. I mean really, for a 9 year old, you have style (you are starting to choose all of your own outfits), class (you are #1 at manners), smarts (check you out with the mastering of your times tables), and a mean wii sword fighting swing. You now know more ballet moves than me and it showed in your role as Royal Page in Sleeping Beauty. Your sweetness and sensitivity to others is an example to me. I love your giggle, the silly side of you is showing up more and more these days, I hope it stays. You still love to hang with your family, but, have lots of friends. Yep, from how I see it, you have achieved coolness. Congratulations, my super cool 9 year old birthday girl.

Love,
Your Mom.

Six

SIX ways to celebrate:

6- Host a Holiday Baking Party with Friends, complete with Aprons and chefs hats.

5- Have a Beary Special Me week at School.

4- Host a Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party with Family.

3- Pick the fanciest American Girl Doll (Rebecca) to open on your Birthday.

2- Go out to lunch with both of your parents (and baby Drew).

1- Finally, after waiting 2 years, get your ears pierced, and shed NO tears!

Happy 6th Rosie, you darling little curly haired charmer. How we love you! But, next year, I think we need to limit the parties to one...maybe two, but defiantly not three!

Super Max

Back on November 18th, our very own Superman turned 4! He has proven to be super at many things, here are just a few:

Super treat sneaker

Super fast runner
Super smart

Super mischievous

Super preschool goer
Super toy hider

Super big brother
Super screamer

Super friendly

Super enthusiastic

Super LOUD voice

We celebrated our supermax by becoming a family of pirates for a superfun all boy birthday party. I continue to be amazed at Max's "Go Big or Go Home" attitude for life and have appreciated his outgoing, fun nature (most days). During his fourth year of life, he has made some serious life decisions; he wants to pursuit a cage fighting career, while playing in the NBA and trying his hand at the half pipe. He is fun to be around, most of the time, and we get our workout in trying to keep up with him. Of all of my little kiddos, he tries my patience the most, but, then says the sweetest things (example, he told Kelly: "Daddy, I love your wife") to make up for his strong will. Happy Birthday to the Max, thank you for teaching me how to mother a son, for all of your sweet kisses and for sharing your vivid imagination with me.

Great to Be 8, Part 2

I suppose we had a water themed birthday this year including a friend (and Nana, who really is a playmate) swim party, a mermaid cake and then a baptism. Hmmmmm, I didn't really plan it that way, but I'm liking the idea. I'm also liking the idea of the festivities being over and done with, so I can now put all of my focus on baby!

Her Own Fancy Way

As I was debating on how we should celebrate Rosie's birthday this year, Nana came up with the most fitting idea: A Posh Birthday Soiree (that's fancy for a fancy birthday party). Brilliant Nana. Simply Brilliant!

The young ladies were invited to come in their exquisite attire for an afternoon of pampering and primping (at the local Beauty School) and than back to the house for some ice cream parfaits. Writing and creating the invite was a highlight. We be-dazzled and feathered it to Rosie's approval. I'm starting to agree that Fancy really is "more funner".

The day of the Party was so fun, all the little ladies looked darling in their "fanciest dress my Mommy said I could wear". The beauty school was a huge success, their students did a fabulous job with the girls (and did you know it's only $7 for a facial? I will be returning!).

Rosie enjoyed it the most: the getting ready, the presents, the "fancy" hair and nails, the ice cream sundaes and all of our attention. In the words of Fancy Nancy herself, it was a "Splendiferous" birthday for a lady who has her own Fancy way of doing things. Happy Birthday Dearest Rosie, may you always stay true to your inner Fancy.

3 Times the Charm!

This now 3 year old has worked a boyish charm spell in our home. We love him. He brightens my day, I love being the recipient of his attention and adore seeing the world through his eyes. On his birthday I had the pleasure of spending the entire day with him "Just Mommy and Max, Not ZeZe (Lizzy), Not Ro Ro (Rosie), Not Daddy (Daddy)......no". What fun it was to follow him around the children's museum and play, Max style. He proved to be a great date, giving me lots of hand squeezes and an occasional kiss or five.

At 3, Max has developed a uniform of sorts (any kind of "hoop ball" or sports outfit, the top picture is his most favorite), enjoys playing outside (even when freezing cold) and loves to sing and play his drums (a "gift" from a cousin and Aunt/Uncle.....hmmmmmm.....). Happy Birthday to Max, our little boy, our charmer.

PS- I know, I know, it's been awhile (to say the least) but, I promise to catch this neglected blogg up........sooner than later........I hope!

7 Wonders

Lizzy kicked off her birthday festvities with some glow-in-the-dark bowling.




She was excited about her new bike, which took her hours to pick out.


My Grandfather Paul and Lizzy have always enjoyed a special bond.

It's a wonder to me that I have been a mother for 7 years. Elizabeth turned seven last week and we joyfully celebrated her birthday. Not knowing what to expect, I remember pondering on the thought of being a mother during the days before her birth. Happily I smile to myself and give thanks to Heaven for sending us our close to perfect oldest child.

Lizzy was born in California. My dear mother flew in for nearly 3 weeks to help with her first grandchild. She came a few days before my due date to assist with last minute preparations. In fact, we spent my early labor walking the mall, getting some last minute essentials (at Baby Gap of course). I had no appetite at dinner that night and became somewhat discouraged. I was having mild contractions off and on during the day but they didn't seem to be leading anywhere. After a warm bath, my wise mother told me to go to bed. I asked if she would be going to bed too and she informed me that she knew I was going to have the baby that night, so she would just stay up and wait for me. Well, she was right! Not soon after I fell asleep I was awaken by what child birth really feels like. My mom was right there, all knowing, and together the three of us drove to the hospital to meet our Elizabeth only 6 hours later.

We hadn't picked out a name for our daughter before she was born. Kelly had always loved the name Elizabeth (a family name) and I agreed that it was and still is arguably the most feminine, beautiful name for a little girl, girl, teenager and lady. It seemed to suit her instantly. Diane is my mother's name and both Kelly and I felt overwhelmingly that this should be her middle name. As we have gotten to know Lizzy more and more, we see why she was named after my mother. They are one in the same! The nick-name "Lizzy" came naturally after the name choice of Elizabeth as it has always been a favorite of mine. Our Lizzy has grown into her name quite nicely. Her femininity, grace, poise, sweetness, politeness and sensitivity pairs well with the name Elizabeth. Her curiosity, creativity and humor make her our "Lizzy D".

I marvel and wonder at the joy motherhood has brought me. Thank you Elizabeth for 7 wonder-filled years as our first born. We are so proud of you, we want so much for you, we learn so much from you, we love our darling Lizzy.

Making our Life Rosie!

Is it all in her name?

Is it not the name, but the lady she was named after?

Her nurturing spirit?

Her fun-loving personality-rarely a complaint?

O.K., how bout' the fact that she will eat ANYTHING?

Her sweet raspy voice?

Or her big blue eyes & chubby cheeks?

No, it has to be those blond curls!

Whatever the case maybe, ROSIE is a delight to both her Mother and anyone else that knows her. She casts her charm spell and suddenly I find myself willingly under her power.

Rosie celebrated her 4th birthday tonight with high holiday style. Friends and Family alike traveled long distances to create gingerbread houses and wish Rosie a Happy Happy Birthday.

As I read her well though-out cards and watched people greet her and want to spend time with her, the thought came over me once again: ROSIE IS SPECIAL, people gravitate to her. She has been blessed with a sweet nurturing spirit that naturally makes people love her and want to be near her.

"Rosie, you are such a sweet, curly haired Great Granddaughter, and we sure do love you very much" "Ba Ba" and Grandma Rosie

"You Make our lives "Rosie" and we are happy to have you as our Granddaughter". Grandma Sylvia

Well said, wise ones. Happy Birthday to my beloved Rosie. Now please stop growing, I can't bear the thought of not having you by my side, my little curly haired girl.

C E L E B R A T I O N!

When Max looked like this, I feared he would never be able to play like this:
Now we celebrate the fact that he is a very healthy, energetic, mischievous & SWEET
2 year old boy!

A boy who loves trains, so much, that my dear, dear Kelly created a completely edible train cake,just for him! Complete with Jr. Mints (just for Mommy right?). Max loved it and his ear to ear grin was thanks enough to Kel for a job very well done.

Delighted by his presents, Max lovingly thanked each person with a hug & a kiss.

One last shot at the cake.....sorry.....I'm just so proud of Kelly, I can't help it!

My heart is full with thankfulness to a loving Father in Heaven who heard my desperate prayers 2 years ago. I must continue to remind myself that Max's zeal and endless energy is exactly what I wanted and exactly what I got. I enjoy being his Mother for so many reasons. At times I feel overwhelmed by the amount of attention that Max demands; but relish in the love our boy has for his Mother. Tonight I celebrate answers to prayers, sweet little boy chatter, love of life, trains, cars, balls, hoops, running, jumping, swimming, swinging, laughing. Tonight, I celebrate our Son. Happy Birthday Max!!

Creativity at it's Best!

So, if any of you are in the market for some amazing, creative and fun gifts for a loved one who is turning 30, may I suggest the following:

A hand-made scrapbook full of 30 things you love about that person (with funny pictures that person wishes you didn't have).

A hot-stone massage!

A turning 30 survival kit full of things like: A 'signature scent', A more 'mature style', Calcium chews, etc.

A birthday poem, 30 mints, 30 hand-made cards, and a 30 mile away trip for a night out!

And, the gift that keeps on giving, 30 days of cute gifts representing things you love about that person. My favorite was a toss up between a darling mug and hot chocolate (my favorite morning treat) and a Jane Austin Classic DVD!

But, don't underestimate the power of words in a well thought out note, birthday card, e-mail or well, a blogg http://pbemett.blogspot.com/2008/05/big-30.html

I encourage you all to try one of these! I can no doubt guarantee complete success!

The Big 30!

Day 21

This cake is Heaven on Earth, truly!

In 21 minutes it will be official! 30!
What will the 30's bring?
A new perspective? Yes, I think so. I have already changed my mind about Mini-Vans.
Wisdom? Actually I feel like I am loosing Brain Cells......Mom can I borrow a Sudoku book?
Wealth? Here's hoping.....would anyone like to make an apt. with their neighborhood Podiatrist?
Wrinkles? Planning on them, but secretly hoping to inherit my Mother & Grandmothers beautiful skin.
More Babies? Wouldn't you all love to know!

One thing is for sure, I enter this new decade of my life knowing I have the world's most loving, kind and patient husband, 2 beautiful little girls, a darling baby boy, a fun & supportive extended family and the best of friends a gal could hope for. Thanks to all of you for making my birthday so special. I have felt an overwhelming feeling of love and appreciation from those whom I have expected it from and from those who I have not. For this I am grateful! So, I say BRING ON THE 30'S!

Day 3 & 4

Day 3:

WENT TO BED EARLY and actually got a good night's rest.....like over 8 hours!

Day 4:

Our family came over for Lizzy's Birthday. We had a wonderful time with all them! I relished in the moment of having both of my Grandma's sitting right next to me. Instead of cleaning up quickly and hustling around the house, I made a conscious effort to just sit and enjoy the company of our family. And, it must be said, I am totally living through Elizabeth Diane! She is the proud owner of a American Girl doll! The look of sheer delight on her face was enough to light up a room for days. Our supportive family jumped on the band wagon and bought her tons of clothes & accessories to compliment her new wardrobe. Kelly's Mom even made her doll (the Elizabeth Doll, naturally) a soccer uniform that matches Lizzy's. Our daughter loves her doll, and I can't wait to play with her too.....it's just so much fun having girls!

Birthday Par-Tea {Day 2}

A sweet friend once told me there is always something special about your oldest (http://storheimstory.blogspot.com/): your first baby, your first 2 YEAR OLD, your first Sunbeam, the first to go to School, etc. Not that they are your "favorite" but that everything with them is new.

I think she's right! Thankfully, our oldest has been such a joy! She's sweet, thoughtful, kind, witty, well mannered, bright & surprisingly obedient. She has made Kelly and I realize how fleeting this time of having young children is. I think we treasure our younger children more as we continually experience how quickly time flies with Elizabeth; yet can't help but be excited to see her grow-up and do new things.

And yet she still remains a fun "little" girl who enjoys being pampered and knows all about the fancier things in life like holding out your pinky when sipping,


Fancy Tea Treats & Fablous Hats!




So, no Snow White Dress this time, but, a tea party none the less! Lizzy wanted her shot at a birthday Tea after observing Rosie's success. I was more than happy to oblige. So happy in fact, that I most certainly am going to repeat what you see above tomorrow! There will be a Class Birthday combined Tea Party with her good friend Eden, who's birthday is May 3rd.

Elizabeth didn't want her other friends who aren't in her class to feel left out. What was a Mom to do? Well, with the help of my wonderful Mother, husband, Mother-in-law and friends, we are having two birthday tea parties. Luckily, the next one is at Eden's house (more pictures to come)!

As for Day 2: I enjoyed decorating my house, dressing up in my favorite "par-tea dress" and spending time with Lizzy on her special day!