Fit For A Princess!

How does a Princess celebrate her third birthday?

With a princess tea party of course! I had so much fun planning this party, it was a little scary. So much fun that is that I did order my own Snow White dress! What else was I to wear? Rosie was so delighted when Snow White herself came waltzing down the stairs to host the party.

What does a Princess dine on at her tea party?

PB&J's, cut out in a star

Carrot sticks

Grapes

Gold Fish Crackers

Doughnut holes

Pink Lemonade

Cupcakes

What Kind of Cake does a princess wish for on her Birthday?

A Castle Cake of Course (made by her Royal Cake Maker...Daddy)

Who had more fun, Snow White or Rosie?

That is still up for debate, but I will tell you that Snow White had a harder time changing from her costume than Cinderella,Snow White 2, wedding dress Ariel, Cinderella again, (Rosie Changed her princess dress about four times during the party).
What was the Best Part of Rosie's 3rd Birthday?
Rosie putting her arms around my neck and saying "Thank you Mommy, Thank you!"

and calling my Sister my "Lady in Waiting" and my Mom "A Wench".

Oh Come all Ye Faithful

This year our ward jumped on the band wagon and participated in "A NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM" for our Christmas party. Take it from me, it was A TON of work, stress, and made for many sleepless nights. But, it was so AWESOME. I loved walking into the cultural hall that night and felt transformed into a different time and place. There was something magical about the evening, a special spirit different than any other church party I have attended. Our family dressed up in costume (as all of the ward was encouraged to do) and the girls thought it was so fun. They looked so cute in their little head dresses. Each family was given gold coins to barter with in different shops for their dinner. Families sat by each other on blankets on the floor. It felt like a big indoor picnic. We had the most perfect Mary and Joseph, as "Mary" sang Breath of Heaven (Amy Grant) it was so touching. I found myself wiping tears away from my cheeks, completely caught up in the whole experience. For a brief moment, I let my mind wander back to what it must have been like to be Mary. She had so much faith; to think of having a baby in a barn! The song is all about Mary asking for help with the task she was given to be the Savior's mother. Having the blessing of being a mother, I have a new appreciation and respect for Mary. Looking around I could see I wasn't the only one moved by the program. Lizzy sang with her primary class and was simply darling. Leading up to this one night, I did not have the Christmas spirit, I was so stressed about pulling this evening off. I felt jealous of others who were shopping and decking their halls while I was frantically planning a party. Looking back I realize that helping with this party was the best thing I could have done to get myself and my family into the "true" Christmas spirit. Lizzy especially seemed to eat the whole thing up and I could tell understood a little more about the events surrounding Jesus's birth. I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who knew exactly what I needed to keep a Christ-centered Christmas this year. Now for the SHOPPING!

"Sing Us A Song,

you're the piano man, sing us a song tonight." AND HE DID!!

Just got home from seeing Billy in concert for the first time, but hopefully not the last. LOVED IT. LOVED HIM. It was such a blast. A big THANKS to Ann for inviting me to a night I won't soon forget.

Updates

Thanksgiving was so fun with the Mann Clann!

We are all so thankful for the very best Nana ever! One that isn't above getting down and dirty on the floor with Barbies, Trucks, Little People or Lizzy/Rosie's Hair Salon (sometimes even Mommy has to draw the line in that Hair Shop)

It Finally snowed enough for Rose to have a yummy afternoon snack!

And, Lizzy is old enough to pull Rosie around in the snow, and thrilled about it!

She is such a great big sister.

Sadly, I was called a "Lady" twice this weekend. When did that happen?

A 1-derful Birthday

Max's First Costume.
And is name shall be MAX (10 pounds 2 ounces)

A scary week spent in the NICU, one day following his birth,
he has come so far!

A Pumpkin Cake, which he loved!

Max is one! I can't believe it. He is such a blessing in our lives, we can't imagine life without our little boy. The timing of his birth could not be more fitting; especially reflecting on his first week of life:

We are thankful for the health and strength he now has. We are thankful for the darling smile he so freely shares. We are thankful for his enthusiasm for life. We are thankful for his adventurous side. We are thankful for his patience with his Sisters. We are thankful for MAX! Happy Birthday Max, our sweet baby boy.

Right On Track

OH, WHAT DO YOU DO IN THE AUTUMN TIME WHEN YOU ARE ON FALL BREAK?

DO YOU PLAY IN THE LEAVES?

TAKE A TRIP TO 'BOISEES'?




OR FEED A HUNGRY 'GOAT GUY'?

IS THAT WHAT YOU DO? SO DO I!!

I wasn't sure how I felt about year round school. It was different than what I did as a girl, therefore I had my doubts. Tonight marks the end of a 3 week fall break that was truly so much FUN!! Making the most of our time, we set off for some Fall adventures. We kicked off the break with a road trip to Boise (see past post), went to the farm, attended many Halloween parties, took walks almost daily, went to the park, met friends for lunch, discovered the Children's Museum, watched afternoon movies with popcorn (Sound of Music being the favorite), had sleepovers with Nana (on school nights) and just hung out and relished a less hectic schedule. Now, I must admit there were times that I was missing school for Lizzy. But, for the most part I loved the time to be able to enjoy autumn time without the worry of homework and napping around carpool. Now, as a wise friend once said: "All Good Things Must Come to An End", so back to school she goes and I will start dreaming up some new adventures for our next "off track" time together.

There's No Place Like Home

This year marked the first year we stayed home for Halloween. In years past, we have traveled around the valley seeing family members and friends. Finally this year we said: IF YOU WANT TO SEE US, COME TO US. It worked beautifully. Our kids had a blast trick-or-treating in our own neighborhood and we had equally as much fun decorating our house and passing out candy. I felt a sense of belonging that I have only felt when we have stayed home and started our own traditions. We love our family and are so happy they came and saw us (and had a yummy dinner as a bonus), but for this one time, we felt like we had it all! It was only fitting that our costumes were themed around the Wizard of Oz because....there is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!