8 is great

May 25, 2012

Dearest Clara,

I wanted to make your  8th birthday something special.  When I turned eight my mom had a tea party for me and I felt like a princess.  I loved my American Girl dolls so my mom made me a dress that matched one of theirs and I wore it to the party.  The dress was a little big on you this year, but we decided to carry on the tradition and have a dress-up tea party where all the guests bring their favorite doll or animal.

Of course you brought Samantha along.

For lunch we had Princess Pinwheels (cream cheese, spinach, craisins and turkey rolled in a tortilla and cut into slices), fruit skewers, raspberry lemonade, and a veggie tray of tomatoes, olives and sugar snap peas.

We used real china to serve your guests.  Jonas and Eli took everyone's orders and then brought their food to them at the table.

For the remainder of the party they spied on the girls.  They thought they were so sneaky and cool.

My cousin Hailie was the official manicure specialist and did all of the girl's nails.

The hit of the party was face painting.  There was always a line of anxious little girls.

Each girl got to choose either a butterfly, flower, or her initials.

Papa was the expert face painter.  He got dressed up for the event in slacks and a shirt and tie and then I squished him into this little tent.  He was such a good sport about it.  He must love you a lot.

I didn't have time to make the cake you requested so papa had to rush to the store at the last minute and buy one.  You were not happy about it, but got over it pretty quick thank goodness.  

I hope all your dreams come true my darling daughter.

Love, 

Mama

Nerf Gun Party

December 12, 2011

Dear Atticus,
You have a slight obsession.  With guns.  You love, love, love them!  I must admit it worries me slightly.  You're always pretending to shoot things.  Animals, people, cars, buildings, etc.  You and Nora started a strange little game where you shoot Christmas Lights as we drive by houses.  You make machine gun sound effects and then blast out every string of lights you see.  It's disturbing. You want to be a "Police Man" when you grow up so you can shoot the bad guys.  Again, disturbing.

After writing that last paragraph I realize I'm extremely lacking in judgement.  WHY would I encourage this behavior by allowing you to have a Nerf Gun theme birthday party?!  I'll tell you why, because you're just so darn cute when we walk past the Nerf aisle at the store.  Your eyes light up and you get really animated and excited.  You've been begging to have a Nerf Gun party and I can't resist your puppy dog eyes and your little two year old voice.

You didn't want a cake, you wanted donuts so I stacked em' up and called it good.

We played a few games like, "Shoot the Cans Down", "Pin the Dart on the Bullseye", and then we had a little Nerf Gun War.  For the party favors we bought everyone a miniature Nerf Gun and we had a war of everyman for himself.  Most of the adults got in on the action too and it was a lot of fun.

These were the guests:  Your cousins Ethan and Caleb, Anna and Joseph from preschool, Jacobi's family, and all your grandparents and Aunts and Uncles that live in town.

These were the gifts:  Basically it was Nerf Guns, Nerf Guns and more Nerf Guns.  We have quite the stock pile now.  You're totally stoked.

 

3 things I love about Atticus:

1.  You know exactly what you want.  There's no wavering and once you get an idea in your head you do what it takes to get er' done.

2.  Your adorable voice and big brown eyes.  Didn't I mention earlier that they're my downfall?

3.  Your curiosity.  You love to learn and explore and you're constantly getting into mischief, but I still love it.

Happy Birthday!!

Love, Mama

The Lion King

May 28, 2011

Dear Nora and Clara,
     WE decided to forgo the combined birthday party this year and instead we had a girls date to The Lion King.  I just couldn't pass up the deal of 3 tickets for the price of 1.  Our seats were amazing.  The costumes were amazing.  The performers were amazing.  The music was amazing.  We loved it all.

I think the reason I liked it so much is because it brought me back to my African roots.  I used to be obsessed with Africa and I wanted to go there so bad.  The place still fascinates me, but at this point I'm willing to go anywhere.

I think my obsession began when I was thirteen and I saw the movie, The Power of One.  Set in Africa, it's a powerful and moving story about one persons journey for justice and right.  That movie seriously changed me.  From there my obsession grew to include buying African inspired goods, making all my cards and stationary from ripped up National Geographics about Africa, and signing my letters; The African Princess.  Oh my.

When I was in Up With People the obsession took on a whole new meaning because there was an actual person from Africa in my cast.  His name was Mark Matunga and he's now a 2012 presidential candidate for Kenya.  How cool is that?!  We became friends and I was constantly asking him questions about Africa.  While in Europe, an opportunity arose to go to Africa with Mark and a small group of people to volunteer at orphanges.  I applied for a spot but didn't get it.  I was crushed.

On the last day of UWP my friend Una gave me a CD called, "Ladysmith Black Mambazo In Harmony" and another friend, Kristen gave me "The Power of One".  They knew me well.  Over the years my passion has dwindled, but I do still love it so.

Now back to the date:

We had a lovely time and I did so enjoy your compnay.  While we were at our play Papa took the boys on a little hike for some "bro time".  

When we got home we enjoyed cake.  Since Clara's favorite color is pink and Nora's is purple we did halfers.  Mmm, that's one fancy cake.

I decided to frost it with Rainbow Chip frosting and it reminded me of the time in college when I ate an entire container of that stuff by myself.  Sick.  No wonder I gained 20 lbs.

Love to you both, Mama

Clara Turns 7

May 27, 2011
Dear Clara,

     Today we celebrated YOU.

The day started off with the opening of presents.  The loot was hiking boots, a piggy bank, a headlamp, china for Molly and Samantha, chairs for Molly and Samantha and bangles.

For Breakfast you chose to have Chocolate Chip Silly Face Pancakes.

You had field day at school today and then I took you and Nora to McDonalds for a Birthday lunch date.

When you went back to school you gave the students in your class (all 40 of them) a goody bag.  Your teacher gave you a stamp activity set.

When school got out we hit the road for New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment.

Happy Birthday my Clarasita!

What I love about Clara:
* Kind Hearted
* Sensitive
* your Dimple
* Stubborn (without this trait I don't think you would have survived when you were a baby)
* Eager to Choose the Right

All my love, Mama

Nora turns 5

May 24, 2011 9:50pm

Dear Nora,
     Today we celebrated your life, the day you were born.  It was a good day.

When you awoke you had your breakfast request of pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream.

Breakfast was followed by opening gifts.  The loot was hiking boots,  a baby stroller, a head lamp, flip flops, a piggy bank and earrings.

That's right, my little sweetie has finally stopped sucking her thumb so Papa had planned on taking you to get yours ears pierced tonight, but Papa found out he had to go to work at Walgreens as soon as he got off of work at the hospital.  No fun for anyone.

Instead of a party this year I'm taking you and Clara somewhere special.  

What I love about Nora:
* Tenacious
* Best giggle
* Beautiful hair
* Zest for life
* Confident

It's official, we love our Sonora.  Best Wishes on a new year, Mama