Arrrr… Jayden is 4!

I LOVE planning parties! Especially for people who are going to remember them! LOL! Kid’s parties have got to be my favorite to plan because it takes me back to being a kid myself. The themes, the games, the candy and fun; planning kids birthdays are my number one! hehe… can you tell I just love it!?! 

So this year Jayden wanted pirates. Pirates seem to be the big thing this year, don’t they? I think pirates are cool, but I was not a fan of the whole skull and bones thing… so I had to figure something out to keep that from being the focus. So thanks to some friends on facebook along with the ah-ma-zing-ness of PINTEREST, I’m pretty sure I made a pretty great pirate party for my wonderful little man.

I decided this year we were going to make our own invites because making pirate-like “treasure maps invites” would be so much FUN to do! So I printed them out, cut them up, sanded them down and took a candle to these bad boys and this is how they turned out. I was pretty happy with the end result.

The next major thing to decide was the cake! Since cake decorating is my thing and I LOVE doing it, this had to be good. I saw a lot of ideas but ended up really wanting to do a pirate ship. How cool?! A 3D pirate ship?! 

It would be a challenge but I knew I could do it! I did recruit my good friend Kristin to come over and work on it with me… however working with 4 kids running around isn’t easy so we just got it built and dirty-iced (crumb iced) before she had to go. This cake took me longer than most of my other cakes, but it was totally worth it. My husband said… “Best cake you’ve done yet, hon!” I was pretty thrilled at the way it turned out!!

Last Saturday, October 8th we had Jayden’s 4th birthday party. We held it at my parent’s church so that we would have enough room. (Our house is SO not big enough for things like this.) I painted some old wood that my wood-working father-in-law let me borrow and made signs and decorated the church basement the best I could. Made a dress-up area so all the kids would look like pirates when they got there and made a photo booth so I could get a picture of all the kids dressed up. Set up an awesome kids table just for all the young lads and lasses who would be attending so they could all sit together. 

I wanted to make this party an experience… not just an event. When kids came in they would go to the dress-up area to get all pirated-out and then get their picture taken. After everyone arrived we started games. (1) Pin the treasure on the map (2) Cannonball Pop (3) Treasure hunt to find their goody bags (4) Piñata - to add more candy to their already huge treasure chest full of candy! Kids DREAM! The kids seemed to have a wonderful time. If not… I knew Jayden was having a blast and that’s all that really matters, right?!

Then we went in to get some refreshments and cake. The food was simple because the cake was the big focal point. Plus… this cake was HUGE and it had to be eaten!!! So we sang happy birthday to the birthday boy and dug in. Despite the fact that the fondant melted onto the cake, it turned out pretty well. People seemed to like it and I came home with less than half a cake, so Yay to that!

All in all it was a fantastic birthday! I had fun planning it and people seemed to really enjoy it.  AND... that cake was freaking epic (well at least for an amateur cake decorator)! Thanks to my SIL who got the amazing pictures, because God knows this wouldn’t have been documented if I was the one taking all the pictures!! She did awesome, right?!  Thanks for doing that, babe!  

NOTE: If you have any questions about the party on what I did or how I did them, please let me know!  I didn't want to go into too much because I didn't want to bore anyone, but if you are interested in knowing what was done I would be happy to go over it... maybe in a blog post or something?! ;)

Jayden Attila

Yesterday my baby (not so baby anymore) turned 4! 

 (I didn’t get a chance to write yesterday because I was away for the weekend and then… I didn’t want to be at the computer writing when I should be spending time with him on his actual birthday. So please forgive the lateness on this)

I can remember every detail of his birth like it was yesterday! Haha, but I won’t bore you with the gritty details in this post. If you really want to hear them you can just go read them here if you so wish to. 

We had a birthday party for him last week, which I will catch up on on later this week for all that ARE interested in knowing how that went and what I did.  However, I wanted to do my special post that I do each year for him first.  

To My Son...

Jayden Attila, 

My heart is so full when I think of the past four years. Your heart is so pure and so kind; a true gentleman even at the age of 4. You are a servant who loves to be a help. My heart skips a beat when you cheerfully ask to help with something I’m doing. You are so intelligent and your excitement for learning excites me! Your love for the Lord brings me to my knees, because YOU have taught me what it means to come to the Father like a child.

You, my son, are teaching me more than I feel I will ever be able to teach you at times. You love me unconditionally even on days I screw up royally, always reminding me how much you’ve forgiven my short comings and how much you love me by taking your little hands to my cheeks and getting me eye level with you and saying “You are a good mommy.” A mommy needs that, and your spirit knows exactly how to communicate that to me.

You are teaching me patience daily (which at times feels more like a battle). You are teaching me to lighten up and just have fun; which seeing how these past four years have flown by it's pretty important. You are teaching me to be kind and to be slow to anger. You are teaching me what the heart of a child is and how I need to come with that heart more often. Most important, you are teaching and growing me to be a better mommy.

I may fail you here and there at times, but know this… I promise to always love you and support your hopes and dreams. I promise to love you through the good times and bad and never judge you through your mistakes because I know we ALL make them! I promise to be your biggest fan and cheer you on in whatever you choose to do. I promise to raise you in knowing how wonderful the heavenly Father’s love, grace and mercy are for all of us. I promise to be the best mom I can be for you and your siblings.

God heard my cry for you even before you were born. You were and always will be a blessing to me and your father. You are a joy and a precious gift and I can not imagine life without you these past four years. I pray for you daily and pray for the man you will one day become. I pray for the life you will lead and the work you will do for the Lord. I pray for the woman that will one day steal your heart and for the marriage you will honor all the days of your life. I pray for the father I know you’ll one day be and the incredible influence you will be in their life. I pray for your destiny and your legacy and pray that God will always be the center of that.

Your life has just begun and God has great things in store for you. I know that one day you will be a wonderful and mighty man of God who will put his footprint into this world and make a difference for good. I see your strength and love for people; I see what God is already doing in your heart. I’m so honored that God chose me to raise you. I’m so proud of the little man I see growing in front of me daily and I’m so excited to see who you will become.

You are blessed!

Love,
Mommy
xoxoxoxox

First Day of School

My little man had his first day of preschool yesterday. So sad how quickly he is growing up, it was just yesterday I was bringing him home from the hospital. But even between the reminiscing and tears there is also a lot of excitement for what the future is going to hold for this amazing little boy.

As I was looking back at my blog to see what I wrote about last year I realized that I never wrote anything about him going to preschool for the FIRST time! MOMMY Fail! So let me just catch you up. Jayden started preschool last year at the church that Jesse and I grew up in. My mom was even a board member when the preschool first opened. I KNEW that when I had kids I would want to send my children to this preschool. And after last year, I’m so glad I did. He had wonderful teachers, has a great class and LOVES school. All summer long we would pass the church and he would ask “Mommy, is my school back yet?” He just could not wait to get back in the classroom.

Last year, Jayden wasn’t thrilled as he walked into his first time ever classroom. He didn’t know what to make of it and didn’t understand why mommy would be leaving him there. Of course he warmed up to it quickly and started to be very comfortable there with no hesitation when I dropped him off.

 However this year? On his first day? Shy Jayden was just no where to be seen! He didn’t look back even once, not even to say "bye" or "see ya later mom!" Walked his way in there like he owned the place; saw friends from last year and did his thing.

Oh my baby is SOOOO not a baby anymore. MY baby is now big boy who loves to be his own person, socialize and learn. He is energetic and fun and loves to help. When I went to pick him up his teacher told me that he has matured so much over the summer. She told me how polite and helpful he was. Saying “Yes ma’am” and always saying his “please and thank you's” She said a group of them were having such a silly time and by mistake they all bumped heads and Jayden cut his lip. She was so proud of how they all apologized to Jayden and how quickly Jayden forgave them. Let me just say, she wasn’t the only proud one in the room after hearing that.

I have a feeling this year is going to be a good year for Jayden.

Anyone else have kids starting school this year? How are you handling it?

Secrets That Mommies Don’t Want to Tell

Have you ever found yourself in a sticky spot with your kids? Have you ever been embarrassed about what your child has done in public? Have you ever had an incident that was so shocking that you think to yourself “how could I ever let anyone know that something like this happen in my home”? Maybe even vowed to never tell anyone about it, ever!? 

Well, that’s me…me… me…and me. 

We tend to have LOTS of mishaps around our home. Many of them are just silly things that happen and I can laugh them right off, because (as you all know) boys will be boys. But there has been a few instances that have made me just hang my head in shame or disbelief. 

I have made that vow a few times. God forbid, if people started judging me about how I’m raising my kids… my little world would be in pieces. I can’t let anyone know that I trip sometimes. I can’t let them see me when I’m down. What would people think?!

Well, to be honest I’m tired of living my life afraid of what people might think of me as a mom. I know I’m not alone. I know there are a few moms’ out there that have had their share of “Oh my word, my kid did what?!” So today, I am going to break my vow and let you in on something only a few people know. This was one of my first major “mishaps” as a mom and I am most certain that there are still many more to come since I am so very imperfect. 

We had just brought Ian home from the hospital. He was eleven days old. Those first few days we were trying to get our little family adjusted to all the change that had just happened. We thought Jayden was taking it very well. He was so sweet with Ian. Honestly, it was too good to be true. The only thing that was a little more difficult than normal was the nighttime routine. Jayden didn’t understand why Ian got to sleep next to mommy and he had to go sleep in his bed. 

I had finally gotten Ian down and put him in the Moses basket next to my bed. My husband had finished up with Jayden and he was lying quietly in his bed. Normally… that meant he would be asleep in 3 minutes or less. Since we had both the kiddos down we decided to jump in the shower for a few minutes to just wipe off the crazy, hectic day. We even kept the bathroom door open to hear for Jayden, just in case he decided to be a wild child. 

Before we knew it, Ian was screaming bloody murder. I thought he had just woken up and needed to be fed. I swiftly dried off. As I exited the bathroom I saw Jayden whip pass me, bee-line it to his room. We had not heard his squeaky door open.  When did he get so good at getting out of his bedroom? I quickly rushed into my room to see what the matter was. Jesse picked up Jayden and brought him to our room and started to ask Jayden what he was doing. Jayden picked up the bottle and said he wanted to feed him. Ian was still screaming, this didn’t sound like a hungry cry. Something still wasn’t right. 

As I was trying to console my little newborn, I started to look more closely. As I brought him into the light I noticed a liquid on his eyes. My heart almost stopped! I yelled to Jesse, “Jayden put nail polish on Ian’s EYES!!!!” Yes, Jayden had found my clear nail polish (Which was well hidden, but obviously not well enough), opened it and painted his little brothers eyes shut. What would give him the idea to paint on his brothers eyes!?!?! What was my child thinking?!?!

Needless to say I FREAKED! My baby’s eyes were stinging. He was in pain! I was afraid he was going to be blind. I pretty much lost it. Not to mention the fact that I was completely hormonal and could not keep myself calm because of all the post pregnancy hormones flowing through my body. 

Luckily, I have an amazing husband that kept incredibly calm. He quickly took Ian to the bathroom and started to flush his eye out with saline. Ian started to calm down, but I was still afraid. I wanted to take Ian to the ER right away, but Jesse did not want me driving so he got him together and went on his way.

Jayden knew he had done something wrong. He knew I was seriously upset. But before I could explain to him what he had done wrong, I needed to compose myself and get calm. I was so angry with Jayden. The anger was so intense. I know he didn’t understand what he had done. I had to call my mom. I needed to talk it out. 

My dad came down and sat with Jayden as I cooled off. My thoughts were finally coming together. I was getting a grip. I sat down and ask my dad “Why would he paint Ian’s eyes? I just don’t understand. I don’t even paint my own nails anymore.” My dad then looked at me and said “Does Jayden watch you put on makeup?” I said “Every day, why?” He then said “Do you put stuff on your eyes?” It clicked! I could understand what might have been going through Jayden head at the time. My dad then left and I sat with Jayden. I apologized for yelling and explained to him that what he did hurt Ian and that mommy was just upset. He kept telling me “sorry, mommy.” I knew he understood. 

Before Jesse got home I started to Googled “nail polish in eyes” and believe it or not, it happens more than you think! I stumbled onto this great article and the first thing it says is “DON’T FREAK OUT.” I wish I had found this before I sent my husband and son to the hospital. It made me feel a little less crazy though. Things began to look better. When Jesse came home he told me that Ian was fine and the doctor said “Good job, Dad. You did everything right,” then sent him on his way. Weeks later we got a bill for $795. That was the most expensive pat on the back I had ever seen. We are still disputing the charge. 

This was something I wanted to keep locked away forever. I felt like a terrible mom. People are going to think I was so irresponsible by leaving my newborn baby alone. Or worse, that people would think that I left open nail polish bottles everywhere so my kid can do whatever he wants with it. Well, if people think that then good for them. Yes, there are things I need to be more careful about but I did think that both my kids were sleeping. I also didn’t realize that Jayden knew where my nail polish was. Yes, I should have put it higher up but none of this doesn’t makes me a bad mom. It just helps me learn about who my kids are and how I can better parent them. I think one day this will be something we all laugh about. 

Has anything crazy like this ever happened in your family? How did you handle it? Has there been a mishap in your home that you would never tell anyone about? If so, welcome to the club! 

Have a great week, girlies!

Toy Story Birthday

This weekend my little guy turned three! His birthday was on Saturday, but we had his party on Sunday. Saturday was very laid back. We went to soccer and had lunch with daddy. He was still not convinced it was his birthday. He kept telling me “No, it’s not my birthday… my birthday is coming up”! That evening we had hot dogs for dinner (because that’s what he wanted on his birthday) and then we gave him a gift from mommy and daddy. We sang happy birthday and let him blow out a candle. He was thrilled to do that. Here are some pictures …


Yesterday, we had a fantastic Toy Story themed birthday party. I was hoping for more kids to come, but oh well, what you are going to do? I had spent weeks planning this event. It was fun… challenging… exciting! I wanted it to be perfect from the games to the crafts to the cake! Everything! I may have gone overboard a little… but I had a blast doing it. I honestly can think of a better way to describe how it was then to just show you… so here are a few pictures from the party!

Yes... I MADE THIS cake!

Silent Sunday

Little Man is 3!

My “oldest” baby is turning 3 today. Where has the time gone? It was just yesterday that I was in labor with him. I can remember every detail like it all just happened. I can even remember his smell as a baby. I do miss that smell. I’m continually amazed at how fast he’s growing. My little bundle of joy is still a joy, but now he has a crazy, rambunctious mind of his own. Where, oh, where did the time go…

Dear Jayden,

YOU ARE LOVED! I am so honored that God chose me to be your mommy. I am humbled that God saw fit for ME to help raise you into the man you will one day become. I am blessed to have such an amazing little man in my life. My life would be incomplete without you in it.

Though you are still small, yet you do things very big. Your personality, much like your daddy, is carefree and spontaneous. Your laughter is contagious and you always know how to get your mommy and daddy rolling on the floor. Your desire to say hello to everyone you see with a big smile and a wave warms my heart. Your imagination excites me, and I love our time at the park. Your spirit is pure and your joy is abundant, you always have a way of brightening my day.

I’ll never be perfect
My patience may run thin
I may not always keep my cool
Or be here when you get in

I may not have it figured out
Or have the right words to say
I may stumble at times
Or get off track along the way

But know this my son
You are precious to me
I love you with all my heart
I hope that you can see

I’ve been given a gift
To nurture and love
I’ll always do my best
Because you’re my gift from above

Love Mommy.

Silent Sunday

Welcome Back To Blogging

I'm so sorry I haven't written in a while. I have gotten so many personal emails asking how I'm doing especially since I haven't blogged in almost 4 weeks; so I thought it was only right of me to let you know I'm still alive and kicking!

I have been seriously adjusting to becoming a mommy of two and healing from this C-section. I'm completely and madly in love with little Ian, but completely and utterly exhausted. I guess that should be expected!

There is so much I want to write about and I have started writing them; I'm also still working on Ian's birth story. So hopefully you'll be seeing a lot more of me. Until then, I'll just leave you with a few pictures of my new little addition and some really cute "brother" shots!

Silent Sunday

Jayden loves his Buzz!

He looks so smart!
He took mommy's glasses...

Silent Sunday

Cousins