Ryan turns SIX

This guy is SO FUN to celebrate and SO EASY.

 His first "friends" party, ever. And 3 weeks after his bday. Oh, the third child ;)

 We weren't the slightest bit surprised that he wanted a pottery party. 

Almost more girls than boys ;) This has never happened with his big brothers!

 The dessert isn't the highlight for him, so I kept it simple and easy! Blue is his favorite color.

 The guests were almost more excited than he was for him to open their gifts. Super cute. 

All are classmates from school.

 Girls make way better cards. Not that I didn't already know this ;)

He painted the puppy. The finger-painted plate was a gift from the store. 

Love these special memories.

I am certain he will always be small in my eyes. I suppose that's how you get stuck being the "baby" forever. I know technically he isn't anymore, but somethings just don't change in a momma's heart. I am ok with that and I am pretty sure he is too. He is my cuddling one, my creative one and MY biggest fan. My introverted/shy-self, learns so much from the way he loves and interacts with people, those he knows and makes known to him. His love of God is endearing and I look forward to all that God has in-store for him. Happy 6th Birthday, Ryan! We love you to the moon and back.

Owen Turns 11

Full of requests, this son of mine, does not shy away from making his desires known. He is an easy book to read. Muffins for breakfast, specific gift ideas for specific family members ;), cheese steaks for dinner, red velvet cupcakes for dessert, go-carts (over the weekend) with friends.

Plus a free round of putt-putt for everyone :)

He is officially registered for middle school and has signed up for band (hmm). It was fun going to a few open house events with him and discussing some bigger (than normal) subjects with him. He and I are both nervous about the larger campus with 3 cafeterias !?! He has had such a great experience in elementary school and we are thankful. We are so proud of all he has accomplished and look forward to his 5th grade "graduation."

He is growing up quickly. I am slowly growing accustomed to a later bedtime and more time away for social events. He loves being with others and staying busy which often butts heads with my introverted-self. We have signed him up for an overnight camp this summer with our church youth group. He doesn't seem the least bit nervous and is so excited. I am thankful for his confidence and try not to take his desire to be with others personally ;)

We loved celebrating this boy, Happy Birthday Owen!

Baby Shower

This past weekend my mom hosted (with help from my sister and I) a baby shower for her nephew's wife, Jessica. They are expecting their first, A GIRL, next month. The theme was Beatrix Potter  which was a welcome sight after our snowy winter.

 

The beautiful watercolor painting, above was made by Jessica's mother!

 

My mom (on the left) will be a Great Aunt for the 5th time and a 6th one soon following :) 

Kickin it Old School

This weekend, I scared myself and my family with 80's get-up. The pics don't do my eye make-up justice. It was scary in person ;) EJ and I attended a murder mystery (bday) party. We were Bobby Catcher and Cindy Sensational (boyfriend and girlfriend) at an 80s prom.

Some of the ladies did a much better job with the "prom" look, I was more like 80s Madonna. At least I have an excuse, I don't remember, I was in elementary school in the 80s ;)

 Doesn't EJ look like a Saved by the Bell character or NKOTB ? 

I've seen pics, he really did look like that in middle school.

The older 3 were there too, and thought we were all crazy. I was pretty nervous about the idea. Improve is not my cup of tea, but it really was fun! Turns out I was the murderer. Of course, with a name like Cindy Sensational, I had my suspensions.
Thanks again, McClures for watching Avery!

Orphan Sunday

Our church had a lot to celebrate this year and we did just that. In recent years we've tried to make Orphan Sunday an educational time for folks interested in orphan care. This year, for several reasons, we choice to PARTY. 

Our church has welcomed 3 new children home since last Orphan Sunday. One more is to be finalized in the next week and one more coming home very very soon!

That's 5 children who have a family to call their own. Praise the Lord!

Our church has also been very involved in fundraising, supporting and caring for these families and other families in our community.

As EJ and I know 1st hand, it takes a lot of people to complete 1 adoption. We have a lot to be thankful for.

This time last year, our dossier was being prepared for China. It was the beginning of the next big step. On Sunday, it was such a joy to see Avery WALKING around among lots and lots of children and adults who were with us each step of the way.

Halloween Party

This weekend, my parents threw quite a party. My Uncle and his wife and my 3 cousins' families were all in attendance. It's a rare treat when we can all be together and SO FUN!

Aunt Lissa, Uncle Alex and Tripp.

Mom and Dad made a little fun house in their unfinished attic.

Glow in the dark balloons, prizes hidden in spaghetti "worms,"

The mosh pit ;) and music for dancing.

My Uncle worked his charm and managed to win Avery over. Not everyone can hold that girl ;)

Second cousins and yummy party food

Most of the kids parents carved pumpkins.

 

Now if only Owen could decide on a costume idea. We are running out of time.

LOUD Boys and LEGOS

5 years ago today, I was one smitten mama! still am ;)

FIVE years later

 

The boy loves LEGOS!

Party Invitation

LEGO decor galore

Each friend built a LEGO race car to take home

 But not before racing them!

 EJ built this ramp. The  boys LOVED it.

 Wrong way, Ryan

The drizzling rain let up enough to do the pinata outside. Phew!

 G representing the ladies ;)

 Hmm. yikes! Thankfully second round ;)

 Happy Birthday Sweet boy!

 Love His faces :)

Love Him

I had a fun night out with my man this weekend. We went to a Valentine's Party. It was fun getting dressed up despite the frigid temperatures. Early that evening we took Owen and Mason to a college bball game. We raced home and changed and left my parents to put them to bed. Funny how quickly I can to get myself ready since becoming a mom.

Happy New Year!

it's 2012! My heart is full! what a blessing to start the new year with such incredible friends. Somebody pinch me.

A portion of the Cassada clan, and Young clan came to town Saturday afternoon. The dad's stayed back at our house and kept the kids busy. While the mom's got the dinner party set up at the Ayer's home. We have been together each new year since at least 2007 (we can't remember what happened before the blogs, ha!)

The dad's fed the kids dinner. Courtney and I got back in time for their toast and to get the kids ready for the babysitter.

The kid's party

 

EJ and I put a scripture verse (fortune) and smarties inside 7 balloons. At their pretend countdown the kids popped the balloons. I love how their eyes are all naturally shut at the anticipation of the pop. Then they toasted with sparkling grape juice.

We had 1 babysitter for 6 kids at our house. She was nervous. I was a bit nervous. It worked out fine. phew!

The adults all gathered for a gourmet dinner at the Ayer's home. After some frustration with restaurants and unavailable sitters (the Ayer's kids' were sleeping during our party) we chose to "stay in." We had such a blast I am not sure we'll ever go out on New Year's again. Thanks for hosting, Cary and Leah and for an amazing dinner!

LOTS of chatting and yummy appetizers. 

We each brought items to contribute, but Leah and Cary graciously took care of a large majority of the meal.

Leah made this fancy "salt bread" for the beef tenderloin.

You don't actually eat it, it's just for seasoning. The beef was amazing.

They converted their living room into a dinning room to accommodate our large group

salad, beef tenderloin, cheesy polenta, spinach and mushrooms, asparagus and rolls

 All the girls were taking pictures it was a bit ridiculous

We didn't eat dinner until close to 10! 

We sat and sat and sat. 

Real converstations without a noisy restaurant. 

I didn't have to cut food in bite size pieces for anyone or fill up cups of milk or wipe faces.

It was such a lovely envening. 7:30 a.m. came way too quickly ;)

I am amazed how these friendships are blossoming between our annual beach week and new years eve dates. We really need to secure a spring get together ;) Our families get along so well. Kids included. My family looks forward to their visits SO much. I love starting out the new year with these gals.

i love this man

2012, bring it on!