Growing up.

I love this boy with all of my heart. 

And in just one short day, he'll be back in school, walking the halls as a first grader, and to be completely honest? 

I don't like it. 

I know parents are supposed to be happy for their kids as they grow and mature and move on in life, but it is a hard thing for me to do. I don't want to send him back. Not yet. Summer's not over for me and I want him here with me and his sister each day enjoying these beautiful moments with us. 

I always have heard of parents jumping for joy when the song and business of Back to School starts, but I will never be one of them. I can promise that.

Because really...this summer was epic. 

Maybe not in the sense of the word "epic" that most people would think about, but for me it surely was. 

This was the first summer that Magdalen was talking like a big girl.

The first summer that Maddox was reading.

The first summer that both of them could swim by themselves in the pool without me. 

The first summer that they really rode bicycles together.

The first summer that they slept in a bit and woke up excited to play together before coming to us.

The first summer that Maddox fearlessly started mountain biking with Chad. And was a natural!

The second summer of him playing ball.

(Even on the days when he would finally hit the ball after the 25th pitch, he never gave up. He never acted stressed. He just gave it his cheerful, happy all and always wore a smile. While my heart was silently breaking on the sidelines for him. )

I could go on about how amazing it was, but you get the idea. It was a Big Kid Summer.

So, this Maddox....my eldest....my boy.....

He has always had my heart and he always will. 

He truly is a joy to parent and love and watch mature.

He loves his sister with a fierceness and it was a beautiful thing to watch them become best friends again over the summer and truly enjoy so much time just the two of them. They made up so many games and ideas together and I wish I could bottle that up and live in it forever. 

But of course that is unrealistic. And on the other side of the being-sad-coin is the pride and thankfulness I feel in watching him grow. 

He is such a gentleman.

And creative.

And patient.

And persevering.

And an intelligent little guy.

He was my reading buddy all summer and he probably knocked out 25 real chapter books all by himself since Kindergarten ended. I was impressed at what a little bookworm he became in such a short amount of time. 

More proof that he's growing and it's never going to stop.

So......Thursday morning we'll wake up, do the first day of school rush, take the obligatory front porch photo with his baby sister and off we'll go to drop him off for another wonderful year at his school. (Where I force my tears behind my smile, because let's get real....what really kills me is watching him and Magdalen hug and say goodbye to each other. It's torture! )

And I'll embrace the school year once again, like a good mama letting her baby fly.....while secretly wishing for the next summer to hurry, hurry, hurry and get here. ; )

Where I'm Going With This

Yes, yes, YES! I love this printable that I found last night and wanted to share. You can find a free link to print it out for yourself (also with a yellow background option) at Lady Bird Lane. Or you can click on the artwork above and it will take you to her post about it.

In the last few years, I haven't been in the position to help a fellow mom that often. Mainly because of being on my own with my own kids all week long and sometimes barely surviving and being the one that needed a helping hand. But things are getting easier and easier as the months go by with my sweet kids and as they get older and I'm surviving much easier. : ) It's been a long road for multiple reasons and I hope to share more about that soon. : )

Then after finding this artwork that I want to make myself read every single morning, I came to write this post and share it with you. And BAM!

New Blogger format, huh? I like it! I think I just might love it.
I just now saw it for the first time and while clicking around, I found my stats overview page.

And then I just stared at the numbers like an idiot when I saw what they were. Because, guess what? People read my blog!

I was amazed. Honestly. If you haven't figured it out already, I love to write. And in addition to that love of writing (and taking photos of my life), I was hoping to use this as a springboard for whatever creative business it is that I hope to create for myself and my family. I have many ideas in mind and have tested out a few in my own time. But the beginning for me is knowing if people are even going to come read what I write in the first place, because it will go hand-in-hand with what I create.

The numbers it gave me were even more hilarious to me because I don't even think that my friends read this blog. Ha! They never really mention anything to me when I write things, so I assume they don't read it. So, who are these people that are reading? I would venture to say that Pinterest has a lot to do with it. (I was already testing that theory out. It's just fun to finally get the results.)

I posted a few photos from Magdalen's 2nd birthday party last year and apparently it was a hit. I have gotten more notifications from Pinterest in the last few months about "repins" on those photos than I had in the past year.

So when I checked the stats today?

Her Vintage Cowgirl 2nd birthday party post has received....

OVER 1200 HITS. : )

(Thank you, Pinterest. I might end up going somewhere with this whole idea if I'm patient.)

Thank you, to all of you who read this blog. Truly. I know that to a "big" blogger that is nothing in the grand scheme of posting stats. But to me, that's huge.

I know that some of my friends and family think it's strange that I post on here about my life because they think things should be private, etc. I don't feel that way anymore. It used to make me nervous that strangers were reading about me, but hey! I'm reading about them, too. I realized that it wasn't a huge deal so I don't worry about it anymore. I have met so many amazing people from the blogging and crafting world that I would have never known had I not had this little space on the internet that's all my own.

I plan to be even more real on here in the future. I have so many thoughts swirling in my mind, and some of them are hard thoughts. Things that maybe I'm nervous to write about or mention. Things that might hurt feelings in an indirect way and completely unintentionally. But...also things that I want to write about or share. And I feel that it's okay. Because it's about me and my feelings, as I carefully sort through them.

But for now, like I said....thank you. : )

9 Things Before Nine{AM}

Yes, I realize it's not Monday morning.

Ha!

But if you knew how my morning went yesterday, then you would understand. It was so bad that I let myself eat a Reese's Sonic Blast for lunch and then Sweet Cece's as my after-kids-are-in-bed-evening-snack. I am going to pretend today is the first day of the work/school week and start over.

 At least it makes me feel better. 

1. Speaking of mornings...I loathe Daylight Savings Time. I am not a morning person and every year at this time, I wish that we still lived in Phoenix where we never had to change our clocks. Oh, the things I have taken for granted at times! 

2. Both kids had their well checkups yesterday and they passed with perfect results. Not a tear was shed, although both had to have their blood drawn from their finger. Brave little souls. ; ) I was pleased to hear the doctor say that Magdalen's speech seemed fine and also proud of my little girl for actually speaking to the doc and answering each question. She said she counts like a 4 year old and I was surprised after all the underlying questions we've had about her speech. *sigh of relief*

3. Chad took the day off yesterday for various reasons (unheard of in this job!) and Maddox was so excited that his daddy got to come see him play soccer for the first time yesterday. It completely made his day. : )

4. We had a really great weekend, starting out with Maddox singing at both church services with his Kindergarten class on Sabbath. They were too adorable in their little formal school uniforms. 

5. We also had a lovely dinner party at home that night with the hilarious Melissa and her husband, Tony, and another musician friend of Chad's, Jason, and his wife, Juliana, who I met for the first time that night! Melissa made some amazing veggie sliders and salad to go with the other items we had for the meal. We played the game Scruples afterward (yes, like old people) and it was truly a relaxing, fun night with new and old friends. 

6. I am EXCITED ABOUT SUMMER!! I realize it's a few months away, but it's already warm outside and Maddox is starting to really complain about not having any time to play when he wakes up each morning. I am going to make this an epic summer with lots of friend time, play time, and also down time for him before he hits 1st grade in the fall. 

7. In the past month, I believe I have moved our furniture from room to room at least 3 or 4 times. I can't help myself. 

8. Oh...we went to Zanie's comedy club on Sunday night for a surprise birthday party for our friend, Nathan. He was completely surprised and then we went back to his house for cake. His wife, Steph, had made The Pioneer Woman's chocolate sheet cake (except Steph made it gluten free) and it was delish! First time I've had this famous recipe and was excited because I've been wanting to try it for awhile now.  : )

9. Also, excited about a play date with friends this afternoon after school. The weather is perfect. And Maddox is excited to see his girl, Ava. ; ) Well, one of his girls. That's her below. 

Ava and Maddox (age 5 here) one year ago having a picnic outside with their then-2-yr-old baby sisters. Cuties!

Five Years From Now....

I'll miss these simple, everyday, taken-for-granted things.

Learning-to-read notes to & from Kindergarten friends.

My sweet girl's little rain boots that she wants to wear every single season right now.

Maddox's sweet school projects that make me chuckle. : )

On any given day that you see me, I'm probably sporting a sticker or two on each hand. Magdalen brings them to me each morning when I'm getting ready and gives me my daily sticker. Her idea. ; ) Sometimes she'll even bring them to my bedroom before I wake up and I'll feel her sticking one on my hand while I'm half asleep. What a memory I'll treasure forever. :) 

Mini chairs. 

Little adorable sleeping angels that I can still carry in my arms.

 It's so hard for me to believe how soon all of this will be just a memory. 

Which is why I write.

And photograph.

And share stories. 

It's all for me. And them.

Luff You.

Today

11:46 a.m.

Monday morning

Snuggling on the sofa, the only two people in the house. 

For the very first time. Ever. Magdalen just said these words to me as she threw her body in my lap. 

"I luff you, Mama!"

: ) 

I have waited for this moment for 3 long years. 

And it was just as sweet as I had expected. 

(I love you, too, baby girl. 

I love you more than you'll ever know. )

When I ask her if she knows how much I love her, she says "Yas!!!!" 

When I ask her how much that is, she says "Biiiiig much, Mama" and throws her hands in the air. 

I have somehow given birth to one of the cuddliest, most loving, caring and expressive children on the planet. 

I think God knew I needed her and she's teaching me so much. 

(And if you think I didn't stop and grab my phone and take these photos right when she said it, you know, to help etch this moment in my brain forever....well, then you're wrong. Because I totally did.)

9 Things Before Nine{AM}

Hmmm...so much to talk about from this past week. I'll stick to my tidy list for this morning and post some fun things later in separate posts. : )

1. Yesterday, we attended our very first Pine Car Derby at Maddox's school and even though it was 6 hours long, we had a great time! Watching his face light up as he watched his car succeed was so fun for us and even more priceless was how he accepted the cheering and trophy. He is his father. Humble, yet quietly confident. Love you, baby boy.


2. Chad finished reading The Hunger Games last night and when I came to bed, I saw it on my night table where he left it for me and my turn with it. I'm excited to start this series! Is anyone else reading it or read it already? I've heard it's really great.

3. Magdalen is talking a LOT. It has amazed me. Apparently, it has impressed Maddox because this morning at breakfast, as his sister was jabbering away, he looked at me and said "Maggie is really talking all the time now, isn't she?" with a huge grin on his face. He's so proud of her. : )

4. We ate lunch with my dear friend Ashlie and her family on Saturday after a long time of not seeing them. Every single time that happens, it makes me chuckle inside. Ashlie and I spend the entire time talking as fast as we can and jumping from topic to topic because we can't catch up fast enough. She's one of those  amazing friends who gets me and we can always pick up where we were last time. I think I have a post on that whole idea coming soon.

5. We are thankfully safe from any storms we had this past week, although we did hide out in our storm shelter for a little bit. Unfortunately, my hometown was hit hard again less than a year after the original tornado destruction. Please keep all of the people affected in your prayers.

6. Chad and I woke up yesterday morning to the sound of our babies playing together in the hallway and in their bedrooms back and forth. Laughing and giggling and teamwork. A most beautiful sound. We have finally made it! ; )

7. My dad won this amazing award recently at a big event. He won the Man of the Year Award at CASBA (Cookie and Snack Bakers Association) Conference in Orlando last month. It is a huge honor and he was totally surprised, which is a hard thing to do with my dad. ; ) This group has been around since 1970 and Dad has been a part of it for 10 years. I'm proud of him and the hard work he does and the success he has achieved in his own business. Way to go, DAD! (Thanks to my stepmom, Donna, for the photo.)


8. I have been asked to do a guest post by one of my favorite bloggers. I am pretty excited about it and obviously, will share the link after I submit it and she publishes it. A cool post on something she has written is coming soon here, as well. 


9. I'm thinking today on all the posts I need to catch up on. Some randomness, some deep thoughts that were triggered from attending Blissdom, and some PARTIES!!! I have slacked on posting some of the parties I've done or have co-planned. So many great ideas and photos to share. I'm thinking of doing a week of party posts. How does that sound? ; )


Happy Monday!

I Will Survive

If you know me well, then you know I don't like the winter season.

It's just cold. 

Too. Freezing. Cold. 

I'm a summertime girl and could live in a bathing suit,

all oiled up,

book in hand,

lying on a float in the pool

on the hottest days here....

for the rest of my life. No lie.

BUT....

yesterday it started snowing and when I finally raised my weary head after the 3rd time hitting snooze on my alarm clock, I went to check my cell phone and Maddox's teacher had texted me this:

"No school today."

In my head, I suddenly broke into The Hallelujah Chorus.

And I can handle that. : )

You know why?

Pardon me, as I share two important (horrible quality) cell phone photos from after school yesterday.

Reason #1 that we will survive the next few months:

Oh yes. He reads now. Chapter books! Alone!

He just discovered The Magic Treehouse Series two nights ago with me and he wants to read them all the time now. He literally asks if he can read them when he wakes up, before bed, after school. He is so excited about finishing each chapter and moving onto the next. 

I am giddy with excitement that I might have a fellow bookworm in this house! : )

And for the more active member of our home....Reason #2:

Baby got a brand new bike.

Yes! And she loves it! So does Brother.

(I just realized that she's wearing one of her new aprons in the above photo. Aunt Heather - she loves it! She received 2 for her birthday, which was great because she didn't have one yet, and both of them were given to her by two different Heathers. They are so adorable and she wears both. Ha!)

Back to the bike. This is so fantastic actually....the trike is a Trek Trikester/Trekster and it has real wheels.

We found this used locally, but in perfect condition. Normally retails for over $200, but my thrifty self found it for $75. SCORE! The awesome thing is that our downstairs has an entire "track" for them to ride on the hardwood floors. 

If you've been here, you know....if you haven't, here's how it works. : )

You start in the kitchen, then speed through the long hall to the foyer (as shown above),

then make a sharp right through the dining room, continue through the butler's pantry into the kitchen.

Another sharp right take you THROUGH the kitchen and back around to where you started. 

You're pretty much going in a large circle around our stair case and closet, 

and

IT

IS

AWESOME.

Maddox loves it and speeds so fast that he tips over. 

After seeing them do this today (or riding together since there are "running boards" on the back for another person to stand or kneel on and hang on tight to the driving/pedaling sibling) I realize that we will make it through this winter. 

In addition to the above new additions to our lives, our house organization is undergoing some changes that will also aid in wintertime boredom. I pray.

As they grow, I constantly need to rearrange areas in our home to suit our growing needs and the main one right now is our sunroom. My current focus and plan is to turn it into a craft/art/homework room for children and have enough space for everyone who comes over to play. These changes are very quickly spilling over into the other areas of our home and I'm very excited about moving out of the stage of having all of my rooms so baby & toddler friendly!! : ) I have big kids now!

I picked up some used children's furniture for an absolute steal today and will refinish it when warmer weather arrives. But for now it is usable. I'm hoping to share photos soon as I get after-holiday life back under control. Until then....

In the Quiet....

Here's my girl. 

She just turned three.

And although she is not quite as wild as she was a year ago....

this sweet babe just doesn't stop.

But she has a love that is never-ending, a spirit that is unstoppable,

and a zest for life that reminds me of who I once was. 

This is her in the Quiet of life 

and I just want to hold her forever like this. 

(Not gonna happen, right?)

You'll be hearing a lot more from me here in this space. 

At least, that's the plan in this new year. 

I'm a bit slow moving....it's just the way I am about things, 

but I'm excited about 2012 and I have so much to say!

Stay tuned. ; )

Summer is for Slowing Down

Magdalen, 2.5 years old

I have had a great couple of weeks of NOTHING to do but swim, hang out, relax, take naps, and just really enjoy my summer days with the kids.

I am teaching myself (again) how to say "no" to things that are not required and "yes" to things just because they sound fun.

Let me rephrase that. My children are teaching me. ; )

Yesterday, I had tons of things I could have been doing. But instead, I let my two kids and a friend use my furniture as toys (unheard of for me....we respect our hard-earned purchases), ride through the mud puddles on bikes IN the rain (even though the mud spray all the way down Maddox's back was fierce), and the kids were not required to take baths after it all (gasp!)

Last night, Maddox told me the best part of his day was riding his bike in the rain.

Simple things.

Say yes to summer!

Letter To Daddy on Father's Day

Dear Daddy,

We love it when it's Father's Day and I love it when we give you presents!

And I love you Daddy, because you take me to new restaurants sometimes. I love you when you let me play on your phone.

I love you Daddy, because you build me Lego tracks and other train tracks, too.

Thank you Daddy, for letting me play raquetball with you and go swimming.

I love you, Daddy, because you play board games with me.

Love you,

Maddox (5 years old)

Dada!

Dadadadadada. *smooch* (As she holds up 2 fingers trying to say I Love You in Sign Language.)

Love, Magdalen (2.5 years old)

Dear Chad,

Thank you for these two. Thank you for being a partner in making them the amazing people they are. I couldn't do it without your stability, your hard work, your patience (with me and them), and your love.

We love you. They cooperated so well in taking these sweet photos when I told them it was a surprise for Daddy.

Happy Father's Day!

Love, Amanda

{their feet - the "surprise" we all tried to hide from you yesterday}

{processing on this photo I'm not loving, but I wanted to make sure their feet popped out!}

{Gift from Magdalen - print of this photo for your studio coming soon!}

To my own Father, William....

Thank you for being the best father I could have ever asked for. Thank you for always being there for me and still trying to take care of me and my family whenever you feel the need. : ) Having kids now myself, I realize that I will always think of my kids as my babies. 

Thank you for loving our children so much. They love their Papa Will soooo very much also!

The photos of Maddox and Magdalen above will be your gift this year. I hope you enjoy their sweet faces in these. I know I am! 

Love you so much,

Amanda

Happy Father's Day to all the other amazing dads out there that I have the pleasure of knowing today!

Sweetest Homemade Birthday Gift

Oh, that Chad.

He did it again. ; )

My sweet husband is not one to bring me flowers all the time, or buy me gifts (he lets me stay home with the kids, that's gift enough), and he's not a big talker. 

BUT....

when he decides to do something special for me, it is truly extra special for me, specifically, and I know he puts his heart into the things he chooses. 

I turned 33 almost two weeks ago and on the morning of my birthday, I was awakened by the sounds of "Happy Birthday, Mommy!" as the kids and Chad piled into our room. Maddox was carrying a mini cake plate and there under the glass domed lid was my favorite breakfast food: blueberry muffins!! It was very sweet and thoughtful and I was thankful that my Mom was able to be there for awhile that day, too!

Chad had to work after that and I spent a lazy day with the kids when Mom headed home. It wasn't my ideal birthday, but who can complain? We had so much going on that week and the weeks following that I think I was happy to just relax a bit. (I have so much fun stuff to share from the recent weeks, but that will come soon.)

So, on the weekend of my birthday, I had plans. (BIG plans like....being in a music video! Post on that coming soon, as well.) We had no plans for celebrating my birthday that weekend though, which is rare for me since I will usually plan my own party. But, while I was gone & busy with my fun weekend with people other than my family, Chad and the kids came up with this masterpiece. 

I will tell you right now that when the first few notes of the song started along with my babies' faces, I immediately teared up and the tears just started pouring. I was able to look past the hilarious bow placement in Maggie's hair and the fact that Chad let her wear those pajamas all day long (have I told you how much I can't stand character clothing?) because this was real life. It is a real life movie, made just for me. I wouldn't trade it for any material gift. It is the sweetest thing I've seen in a long time and was just the gift that this Mama needed. 

I am a lucky girl. 

And my kids are lucky to have a dad like Chad, with his his sense of humor and his love for these kids and myself. 

I hope you enjoy! 

(Pssst. If you're reading in an email, you will have to actually open up my blog to watch the link and you don't want to miss the best music video ever. Everyone - when you click the "Play" button, immediately hit it again to pause the video. Give it some time to load and then watch it so it doesn't jump around. Trust me. There's an entire message you'll want to see.) Thanks!

On another note, I am remembering a dear best friend today that lost her life too early, many years ago. I have a post planned for that with some fond memories, but I couldn't do two sad ones in a row on here, so I'm breaking it up with this happy little post instead. :)

A Mother's Retreat

I will start out by saying this: Thank you, Chad, for giving me this time alone...for silence and my own thoughts and just plain old rest. 

I've already told him "Thank you" multiple times, but I thought I'd say it again. :)

The past 2 weeks have been awful at home and I was on the edge of meltdown. Between Maddox trying to be a parent to his sister and Magdalen climbing everything, destroying everything, and thinking she's already 12 years old...I was at the end of my rope. Part of that has been due to Chad's schedule. He normally works more than the average person, but the last little bit has meant seeing him very few hours at home, and most of those have been while I was sleeping. I think it's funny when I say he works late and people say "Oh...wow. Does he get home around 8 or 9 at night?" Ummmmmmm, no. That would be EARLY for him. People have no clue. 

I'm not complaining here. Don't think that. I'm very happy for his job and that he loves his work and thankful that he's willing to work so hard while I am able to be with the kids all the time. But I'm not going to lie, it makes for a tough job for me at home. 

So..........Chad gifted me with 24 hours to retreat from our home. He told me Thursday night after I had texted him an SOS saying I didn't think I could do it anymore. Less than 24 hours later, I was GONE. Haha! At first I didn't even know what to do as I was planning. Where was I supposed to sleep?? Then I remembered our points we save on our credit card. FREE hotel room. Yippee! I first thought I would stay downtown in the Leow's Hotel or something similar, but then you add in valet charges, wi-fi charges, and more tipping, it adds up. I just wanted some rest. :) So, I chose a 3-star hotel in my same little town which includes free parking, free wi-fi, and no tipping. Much better for a silent retreat.

Here's how my 24 hour gift went:

1. I first went to Hobby Lobby to return some party items I no longer needed. 

2. I then went to Barnes & Noble and looked at books for probably 2 hours. (That's not very long for me in a book store.) 

3. While there, I had dinner. Spinach and artichoke pesto quiche and a lemon-raspberry tart. See photo below. Definitely recommend! I couldn't believe I was eating this deliciousness at a book store! (All pics taken with my phone, by the way.)

4. I walked over to Gap Outlet, Francesca's Collections, and then hopped in the car to go to the hotel. But first....a second dinner. ; ) I had to stop by Dairy Queen and get my beloved Oreo Blizzard. I did buy a banana and a side salad there just to balance out the goodness with the badness. I enjoyed it in my silent hotel room. Aaaaaaah.

5. I looked through the books I had purchased for each child for Easter morning. For Maddox, I bought The First Easter: The story of why we celebrate Easter and for Magdalen, My Big Little Golden Book about God. I feel like I had this book as a child, but I can't quite tell yet. I'll have to ask my parents. 

The pictures in this book are so special to me. I grew up reading many, many Golden Books and all the little children are drawn the same. I still remember their dimpled knees, round faces, and always a haircut with bangs. It's funny the things that stay with you from childhood. The picture below reminds me of Maddox and Magdalen. 

6. I read excerpts of books, prayed off and on for parental wisdom, and then rested for the night. 

7. This morning, I stayed in bed until the last minute and went down for the free breakfast. I brought my food back, ate in silence while I read my magazine and just enjoyed the quiet. 

8. I read some more. Since my time away was mostly during the Sabbath hours, I didn't watch any TV, which truly did make this a silent retreat. One thing that has surprised even myself while being a parent, is the roots I keep going back to. The picture below shows a page out of a book that I brought with me. I know a lot of people would be surprised, but with the trouble I've been having at home I suddenly felt as if I might find some insight in this little book, along with lots of prayer. 

The Adventist Home by Ellen G. White. I grew up seeing this little book sitting on our shelves at home, but never paid attention to it. Back in those days, I was too young and then as I grew I thought old E. G. White was a stuffy little lady that didn't know how to have any fun. And I can't judge her. I haven't read enough of her stuff to know really! I was just going on what we were being told in church school and the parts that were being picked out to share with us as students. (For the record, I do believe she was a writer inspired by God. I just got turned off by the people who tend to quote her more than they even can quote the Bible. Seriously. The Bible is The Word and E. G. White is just another person saying "Hey! God is right. Here's what I have to say, but go read His Word first.")

So then I prayed last night and then this morning I was flipping through the book on my bed and I randomly opened it up to the chapter titled....

Influence of Mother. 

Yep. That's where I landed. Jesus heard my prayers and the prayers of my husband, and my mother, and all my Bible study girls who knew I was having trouble. 

My trouble has been my impatience, my yelling, my dark & cloudy disposition towards my children because they are getting in MY way. I knew this was my problem, not theirs. They just don't make it any easier on me. I knew I needed some insight onto something out there. And here's the passage that God knew I needed today, so I could reflect on it before I headed back to my family. The subtitle of this portion of the chapter is called....

The Wholesome Influence of a PATIENT MOTHER. 

I know. Crazy, huh? Oh God in Heaven, how I needed this. Read the first 2 paragraphs and see what I mean. The whole chapter has such solid, sound advice on my job in my life right now. Wow. I honestly can't wait to read more!

The words that really made me realize what was happening with my own children and me were these: 

"She almost forgets herself time and again, but a silent prayer to her pitying Redeemer calms her nerves, and she is enabled to hold the reins of self-control with quiet dignity. She speaks with calm voice, but it has cost her an effort to restrain harsh words and subdue angry feelings which, if expressed, would have destroyed her influence, which it would have taken time to regain."

WHOA. I'm now realizing that it's possible that my children are losing respect for me because I'm not respecting them with patience like I should. And I know my shortcomings. They are there and I'm the first person to realize it. 

I realize that Yes! I need time for myself, but even more so I need to not be impatient with them when they are messing up MY plans for myself. They are my job. They are my loves. They are what God has entrusted me to take care of and I need to honor that. Everything else should be put aside as I make them feel like wonderful beings that I always love no matter what. Because they are.....and I do. 

This morning, after I had my 30 minute long, hot shower (unheard of at home. ha!) I somehow came across this video. It was a performance from last night and I clicked on it because of the title. I love a good old Christian song from my childhood, and this is one of those. 

Something about this song just moves me every time I hear it, but add Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill doing harmony and playing that guitar and I'm just a sobbing mess. 

So, there I was sitting on my hotel bed with tears streaming from my eyes as I listened to this. It was a beautiful ending to my Mother's Retreat. I hope you enjoy this performance as much as I did! : )

How Great Thou Art

Happy Sabbath and Happy Easter Weekend! I'm excited to be heading home to my family. : )

Magdalen's 2 Year Birthday Party {Vintage Cowgirl}

I'm so happy to finally be posting the photos from Miss Magdalen's party!!! : ) Wheeeeee!

I knew I would finish going through every last one eventually, but wow...there were so many good ones it was hard to narrow it down for this post. I'll most likely post more on my FB page, especially the really good ones of Maggie's friends. I tried to keep this post specifically about her and the theme. Oh...and my friends, since these things would never happen without them letting their little ones join us. ; )

I combined a lot of these into collages, just because it seems to make the scrolling through a bit easier. Even a photo-lover like myself can get tired of photo after photo after photo....

Having said that, I'm ready to share!

Maggie and her Daddy were all ready to greet guests as they arrived at the door. She knew it was her party, since she saw the huge banner on the wall when she woke up that morning. I could tell she was extremely excited, but not quite sure what to do as people arrived. But trust me...as she saw each familiar face and little friends come through the door, she quickly warmed up to the party idea. ; ) (A bit like her mother, maybe?)

The inspiration for her party came simply. I am nuts about party planning as it is, so I'm constantly perusing party sites online. (Constantly. Even when I'm not planning a party.) One of my favorites over the past year or two has been The Tomkat Studio. The lady behind this amazing printable shop is Kim and she is running a totally fabulous business. I love printables when needed. They are easy for me to work with and the girls that work for/with her were WONDERFUL. I have so many future party ideas up my sleeves for these kiddos, just because of the inspiration from Kim's company! Remember how I'm a procrastinator? Well, I forgot to check the lead time on ordering my personalized printables and when I went to order, there was no time to receive them before the party. I contacted the ladies there and they were so amazing. They worked quickly and did a rush-rush order for me. I was pleasantly surprised! : ) A lot of companies would have just said "Sorry!" You can see Magdalen's invite here.

The Chicken Salad & Peanut Butter with Jelly signs on the wooden sandwich crates below were some of the printables from the Vintage Cowgirl collection. Perfection. I wanted NO bandana print anywhere in this decorating scheme and with this I was able to pull it off.

I used my 2-tiered fruit basket as a veggie & dip holder with a tag saying "FEED" clipped on. 

Weeks in advance, I purchased 2 boxes of clementines at the grocery store and saved the wooden crates they sold them in for the sandwiches we served. Perfect size! I just lined them each with an old soft flannel piece of fabric for the vintage cowgirl look.

I don't enjoy using paper dishes, plastic silverware, or paper cups at parties. Sometimes I have no choice, as in Maddox's party which you'll see photos of soon, but I try to reuse as much as possible. So, even though it's a 2 year old party, they had real plates. I chose my set of worn in, off-white, grooved dishes for them to use. They are pretty sturdy and worked perfectly. 

We served Izze Clementine & Black Cherry flavored sodas and IBC Root Beers. 

One of my favorite purchases was the little cow creamer I used to hold a flower on the table. It is truly a vintage piece I purchased from Alice's Looking Glass on Etsy for about $5. You can see it in the middle picture above. I will always save that for Magdalen. 

My girl is not a shy little lady. Here she is hamming it up for the camera as our neighbor, Les, was clicking away. I totally cracked up when I saw the series of photos this one was in of her eating her apple. She just kept getting closer and closer to the lens. Poker face is what I call her. ; )

Another wonderful idea I snagged off the internet was the "Cowgirl Cookie" favors from Bakerella. Love her!! I used her cake pops for Maggie's 1st party last year and also Maddox's party this year in February. You can't go wrong. Um...unless you don't prepare and you actually do it wrong.

Above, I caught Miss Maggie stealing a Cowgirl Cookie that I had already made off the dessert table. She paused for half a second when she saw me looking, but then kept on walking as if "whatever". It's her party...she can eat if she wants to. ; )

The Cowgirl Cookie favors with pink M&Ms were a huge hit! And they were so stinking adorable all lined up with the twine and cute pink striped fabric on top. The tags on each jar were a free printable from Bakerella herself. Perfect!

I haven't had a store-bought cake at a birthday party since Maddox's 3rd birthday party. Magdalen was 4 weeks old, so I gave myself a break that year. I love a homemade cake! And I love the simplicity of the flavors and the look. I have been known to make a crazy cake or two for a party, but this year was not the case. 

I knew I wanted a cake bunting on top since I first started planning this party, but I didn't have the cake in mind until I saw the little wooden girl holding the Birthday Girl sign. As soon as I found that and purchased it, I knew what I wanted. I made my own bunting with paper, instead of fabric. I was in a hurry and had the correct prints on paper. 

I wanted a 3 layer small cake with a light, moist fruity texture and white or light icing. My friend, Amanda Reeves, came through for me. : ) She gave me the recipe for Pineapple-Orange Delight Cake and it was SO GOOD. And perfect for what I wanted. I love how the cake turned out. Exactly what I had envisioned for my baby girl. 

Maddox is precious with Sister. He was just as excited about her birthday as I was! He helped me carry the cake to her for blowing out her candles and stood by her side the entire time. And when I said "Maddox, would you like to start the Happy Birthday song?" he didn't miss a beat. He led that song like a little pro. He was so proud of her and it melted my heart. Here he is leading out in song....and then helping her with one last faraway puff so she thought that she had blown her candles all by herself. Sweet, sweet brother and sister!

Now don't go thinking that I came up with all of these ideas by myself. 

I didn't. I just love to execute them and then put my own spin on the rest of the details. Plus, I have no time with 4 solid weekends of Christmas guests right before this poor child's party. I do what I can. 

The banner I used for Maggie, I bought from Vistaprint. I had never gotten a banner from them before, but I was honestly impressed with the quality! It was vinyl, not photo paper, and she can have this forever. It reads - WANTED for crimes including: mischievous grins, wild child antics, & sneakiest sister. I got this idea and styled it after the one in THIS post. I just changed the words to match Maggie-girl specifically. I took the picture the day after she turned two, in our backyard. 

My partner in crime for major party overhaul is Rebecca Larson. She and I can get a little out of hand with all the details, but we LOVE it. She never thinks I'm crazy and she knows she can always call me with her outrageous ideas and I will love them. It is so nice to be close to someone I've known for the majority of my life. No explaining pasts is needed. She is one of the most caring people I've ever known and I'm so thankful to call her one of my best friends, and that my kids can call her kids the same. 

Mom has been there for almost every single party, up until the wee hours of the morning the night before, helping me with my crazy ideas. It's the last minute way that I work and thrive that makes her roll her eyes, but she loves these kids so much she never says No. ; ) Thanks, Mom!!!!!

As I said earlier, these parties would not be what I imagined without the friends that show up. I have been so blessed to become a part of such a wonderful group of girls here in my life. We are lucky to all have children that are best buddies with either Maddox or Maggie or BOTH. We have become so close while doing Bible study meetings together each week, Sabbath School classes together, and playgroups together. I would not have such a full life today without all of these ladies who are constantly encouraging me as a mother and wife. 

From Left to Right: Gissela Kroll, Jessica Korzyniowski, Rebekah Davis, (Gissela), (Jessica), Ashlie Wright, Rebecca Larson, me, Anne Andrus (my wonderful neighbor & friend)

I had to include this photo of Jessica. She was so carefully perched on the edge of the windowsill in our sunroom where the party was held...and she's like 6 or 7 months pregnant here. It is such a great photo, and perfect example of her contagious smile & laughter as she totes around Baby #2, that I had to share it. 

I let Maddox invite his die-hard friend and neighbor, Lillybeth, to Maggie's party. I have a feeling she'll be a re-occurring character through his life. They've been buddies since they were under 2 years old and they fight like cats & dogs, but they love each other dearly. They are definitely fixtures in each other's lives, almost like siblings. I love this set of them together so much, it makes me laugh out loud! Haha! Their personalities are totally shining through here. 

My not-so-baby-girl, Magdalen Leigh.

Maggie really came through at this party with the expressions and hamming it up. I was totally shocked. She usually has such a solemn face and won't let others know what she's thinking, but she was a riot at the party. Here she is checking out her personalized "I'm 2" shirt with her initials on it from Heather Jamieson, trying on the adorable knit hat and scarf that Rebekah Davis made her, doing a surprise face at the book that came with it, and then licking the pretend wooden ice cream that Anne Andrus gave her. I was cracking up at her! She was LOVING the attention and I had never seen her like that before. 

Chad and I gave her a first American Girl Bitty Baby for her birthday that day. We had it all set up with a pram stroller, clothes, and a diaper bag. She took to it immediately and I was so excited! We have changed many, many pretend diapers since then. ; )

Showing Papaw Steve how to tuck the baby in the stroller. She was so proud of that baby!

All the 2 year olds and Maddox. If only you could have seen the song and dance routine in Portuguese that Gissela was putting on for them just to try and get this shot. I was dying! And, oh...we have it on video. Hahaha!!

After the party, Maggie was playing Ring Around the Rosie with Lillybeth and Macey. I snuck into the living room and took a few photos, not expecting to get anything good. And I ended up with one of my favorite shots of the day. I'm excited to (someday when I get around to it) blowing this up onto a canvas for her bedroom. 

My perfect, little, silly, prankster, mischievous girl. Growing too fast, as usual. 

(If you're wondering about Maggie's shirt for the party, I bought it from Oh Fiddlesticks! on Etsy.com. On the front is a Cow picture + a vintage Girl picture. Get it? Cow + Girl. On the back, which you saw in the earlier photo, it actually says Cowgirl. I love this t-shirt and have purchased another style of t-shirt from them for Maddox. He has the Bowtie/Moustache t-shirt that they make and loves it! Highly recommend! Skirt from Children's Place. Black cowgirl boots from Target.)

Stay tuned for photos from Maddox's 5th Birthday Party later this week!