Lily's 8th Art Themed Birthday Party

We celebrated Lily's eight birthday with an art-themed party this year.  We decided on three different crafts to do, I prepped the supplies before hand, and on the day of it was easy to just dive in and enjoy the day with all the girls. It helped that we had several older girls there to help the younger ones!

First, the girls made lip gloss. I don't think I took any pictures of the finished products, but it was very simple and easy. I ordered small containers on Amazon, bought a tub of petroleum jelly (Target brand) and several packets of unsweetened Kool-Aid mix. They used craft sticks to mix the contents together on a paper plate, and then transferred the lip gloss into the containers.

The second craft was a rainbow mosaic. I cut out rainbow shapes from a cardboard box I bought from Home Depot for $1.68. Then I used spray paint to make them all gold. It was a color I had in the garage from a project I never did, lol.  While at Home Depot, I took the opportunity to grab several handfuls of paint samples from the paint department. I cut those up and used them for the mosaic tiles. Finally, the girls dotted and slathered glue on the cardboard and stuck the cardstock paint swatches in place. We added a little glitter to glam them up and voila!

The third and final craft was a painting we did using various acrylic paints.  I found a cute template online that I printed and transferred onto a thin piece of plywood. Mike bought a piece from Home Depot that he said was around $12. I used his jigsaw and cut it into 12 equal pieces, then rounded and sanded the edges. Then I drilled two small holes into the tops of each piece and once the painting was complete we uses hemp to make a hanger. They did so great and even Cary made a masterpiece that's currently hanging by her bed!

Of course the trusty Oreo cupcake had to make its annual appearance for Lily's party. She wanted a pull-apart cake this year and I was all about it because that made the dispensing very easy. Overall, it was a great party.

There was lots of swimming and eating and enjoying this life that God has given us. Every year, I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate these beautiful girls that God has given me and Mike to steward. What a gift!

Lily Turns EIGHT

 Wow, it's hard to believe that the girl who made me a mama is now EIGHT years old! 

Lily, 

You are such a treasure! From creating art and stories, to putting on shows and organizing ideas, to reading books and watching Bates with the gals, to making pancakes, muffins, cupcakes and cookies (without my assistance), to swimming and diving in the ocean... it is a true joy to watch you grow and learn. You are such a helpful big sister, daughter and friend! You genuinely love and care for others, and I'm thankful for your joyful attitude when Daddy or I ask you to do a task/chore. 

Your knowledge and love of scripture has increased with each year, and I pray that God would keep you on the straight and narrow for His glory. I pray the Holy Spirit would continually work in your heart to bring that knowledge of Him in alignment with your actions, words, attitude and heart desires.

One of your best friends just moved away yesterday and though I know you're sad, you're handling it like a champ! I'm looking forward to learning alongside you this coming year in third grade as we begin our homeschool journey together. Watching you in second grade at public school was so neat. You never had to be reminded to do your homework, and I was surprised at how fast you and Emma fell into a routine. Your teacher had nothing but positive things to say about your work ethic and concern for others as well as your academic performance. All glory be to God! 

I remember clearly all those moments as an infant when we couldn't calm you down or get you to stop screaming. All I could do was cry because that wasn't how I pictured motherhood. It was HARD. Boy am I thankful you outgrew that stage!

Happiest of birthdays, my love.  Can't wait to celebrate with your friends next week!

Love, 

Mommy

 

A New Normal

My three little monkeys are finding the most adorable joy in climbing up the family step stool to flip onto the couch.  This Saturday morning, Pandora is playing in the background, and rather than my usual frustration with the shouting and sisterly banter, my heart is bursting with joy that I'm here in this place.  What a gift it is to see my one and a half year old play with her big sisters.  We're turning a proverbial corner and I can see it happening right before my eyes.  No more babies (at least for now) are lying in Rock-n-Plays or sitting up in Bumbos. There are no baby gyms or walkers or Jumperoos hiding out in the corners of our living space.  Just a one, three, and five year old playing "family" together in this moment with a card board "Ninja Blender" box I just received from Amazon. I think this is the first time I've taken note of this.  I'm glad I did because it all happens so fast.

In exactly one week, my first born baby girl starts a new chapter in her life.  She starts kindergarten.  It's a new chapter for her, but it's also a new chapter for me--one that is bitter-sweet. 

Lily is FIVE!

This post is about a month late, but I want to remember her fifteen years from now just how she is, even if that's 5 years, 1 month, 1 week and 5 days old... :)

We knew all along that we'd be on our long summer trip for her birthday this year, but it still seemed weird not celebrating our girl in the backyard with a pool party.  From Daniel Tiger (1) to Curious George (2) to Doc McStuffins (3) and finally Sheriff Callie (4), it was strange not to have a themed party this year.  I missed it actually... I love her summer parties.

Instead, we celebrated her 5th birthday with Grandma, Auntie Suzu, Uncle Jeff, Ruby and Winston at The Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky!  We woke up at an Airbnb in Louisville, dined at her favorite breakfast spot--Denny's--and headed to the Ark.  We got there a little after noon when it opened and enjoyed their buffet.  Afterward, we toured the exhibits and headed to the newly opened outdoor playground.  Everyone had a great time, and I think it was very memorable birthday!  Later that evening, we headed to Indianapolis to meet some cousins' cousins, blow out some candle and catch some Zzzzzzz's. It was a lovely day :)

To My Dear Five-Year-Old Lily,

You are so inquisitive.  You remember things that seem strange for a five year old to remember, like friends who moved away over two years ago, or Grandpa John Santa throwing a baby doll off the roof of grandma's house and hearing jingle bells in their chimney when you were two.  You really impress me.

I have no doubt in my mind that you'll do great things in your lifetime!  You'll likely be smarter than me by the time you're in high school, though I'm sure you'll think so looooooong before that.  You love to learn:  how things work, processes, routines, and equations--a lover of logic. You are your father's daughter, and I love that about you!

You are very thoughtful.  You are always thinking of others, always making artwork or picking flowers for friends and family members.  You are a planner and a rule follower.  You like to know what to expect next and you want to know the acceptable boundaries that go along with whatever situation you find yourself in.  I think it makes you feel comfortable to know as much information as possible, and it also drives me bonkers! 

You know your alphabet, all of your sounds and can sound out some three letter words when you're in the mood.  You're really good with directions and remember states well. 

You finished AWANA Cubbies this year and are excited to start SPARKS and kindergarten in just a few weeks! You tried your hand at ballet and gymnastics this year and loved both! You're also a great swimmer :)

You're a wonderful helper in the kitchen with mommy and and hard working with daddy in the garage.  You know your kitchen gadgets and the difference between a sledge hammer and rubber mallet.  We love teaching you things and watching you learn every single day!  You are a wonderful big sister and enjoy playing with both of your little sisters.

You have a sweet love for Jesus and His Word.  You want to share his love with those who don't know Him.  We hope and pray that God will use your simple and genuine faith this year at school as you start kindergarten.  Let his light shine through you as you love those around you, sweet one. Happy 5th Birthday! 

Mark 12:30-31  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Weekly Update #4

June 4th - June 10th, 2016

This week was yet another whirlwind of fun and crazy.  We started off last weekend with a few parties.  Things didn't seem to slow down though.  We just kept picking up speed...

My annual MOMS Club banquet was held at Kamakana Swim Club on June 4th this year.  Mike watched the girls for me.  Yay for daddy!  I had the opportunity to help set up and serve the moms of our club at this event.  I'll write more about MOMS Club in a later post, but wanted to mention it and show the highlights of the evening.  

This night was a chance to celebrate motherhood and friendships made -- post babies -- this past year.

• We honored the volunteers and coordinators that serve around 90 families on Leeward Oahu 
• We ate delicious food  
• We mingled and visited with friends 
• We gave away 60+ prizes donated by wonderful individuals and companies across the island
• We raised almost $3,400 for three charities our members voted on
  
  Finally, to cap off the night, we passed the baton of leadership as we welcomed the new board for the 2016-2017 term.  I had the pleasure of serving as treasurer with these beautiful mamas, and I can honestly say that I truly enjoyed the responsibility and service!    

On Sunday, I dragged myself out of bed to finish the cupcakes for Lily's party after church.  Mostly, it was a party for me and Mike.  A few of Lily's friends just happened to be there too.  As you can see, I had a lot of fun with the decor and food.  We went with a Curious George theme as she's very into the show these days.  Overall, it was a lot of fun and we enjoyed a beautiful day of pool basketball, jump time, cupcakes, and toys!!  But most importantly it was a day spent with great friends. 

After the big weekend, the weekdays seemed mundane.  However, we still managed to play at the park with friends.

Enjoyed a neighborhood water day that ended in Lily's first epic water balloon fight.  

Lounged around the house.

Played at the beach.

And hosted Surf Club (it's a real thing y'all).

And last but not least, I was spoiled this week with not one, but TWO girls' nights IN with great friends on both Wednesday and Friday!  Thanks Mike ;)  Here's from Wed...

Same place next week.  A hui hou.