Sunday, May 22, 2011

Arabella's PINKALICIOUS 3rd Birthday Party

Today, Arabella has her Pinkalicious birthday party with her friends! She had been so excited all week for her party. Every morning when she would wake up, she would as if her friends were coming to her house for her party. And each morning, we would have to tell her "Not until Sunday". She would seem a little disappointed but quickly get over it. But when Creston, Ava, Amy and Big Creston arrived on Friday evening from Toronto, she knew her party was getting closer. And last night when I put her to bed, you could tell she was getting excited about it! I was up at 5:30 this morning, preparing the food and frosting her cake and when she came down stairs, she came running into the kitchen to see what I was doing for her party. It was too adorable.




One of her favorite books is Pinkalicious. We decided to do that as her theme since it is very cute - pink, pink and more pink - perfect for Arabella. I think she loves pink as much as Pinkalicious does. I could have gone crazy with pink food, but in the end decided on on a few pink food items and easy finger foods and pink lemonade. I decorated using as much pink as possible and I found beautiful pink Gerbera daisy's, they were perfect. In keeping with the pink theme, we also asked people to wear pink. It was great, Gigi wore pink crocs, the girls had on pink dresses, and the dad's and boy's wore pink shirts!

We started the party by reading the Pinkalicious story and then did a fun craft where the kids put stickers on crowns like what Pinkalicious wears. We had a great lunch and then played pin the cherry on the cupcake and we had a pinata which was a hit with the kids. It was a pull string pinata so there was so whacking it with a stick - didn't want anyone to get knocked out!

Storytime!Listening so well to the story of Pinkalicious.

Yum - pink lemonade.

Candy!

Pin the cherry on the cupcake!

Before we knew it, it was time for cake! I made the Pinkalicious cupcake from the book, with one minor difference, it wasn't pink! OK - it wasn't minor, but I don't think the kids noticed.


Arabella was so excited when I brought out her cake and it was adorable to hear all the kids singing to her. We had to relight the candle 3 times so they could all help her blow it out!



After the cake, Arabella couldn't wait to open her presents. All of her friends helped her and it was so much fun. There was paper and cards flying every which way and it was so good to see sharing going on.
Hugs from Christina!




It is amazing how quickly the party goes when you put some much time and preparation into it. I know that Arabella had a great time and was so excited to share the day with her friends. Thank you to everyone who came and shared in Arabella's PINKALICIOUS 3rd Birthday!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Happy 3rd Birthday Arabella

It is amazing how quickly time passes by. In the blink of an eye, my little bean has gone from this:


To this:


God has blessed me with you Arabella and I am so thankful for you. You teach me something new each day. You are so smart and caring and loving. And you will always be my little bean. Happy Birthday beautiful girl. Mommy loves you way, way more than you know.

Friday, May 20, 2011

When The Rain Stopped

We have had rain for almost the past week. It has to stop sometime right?!?!? (I am keeping my fingers crossed for nice weather this weekend since it is Arabella's birthday.) When the rain stopped on evening, it was funny how quickly you heard a symphony of lawnmowers start, including ours. Jay cut the grass and Arabella followed behind pushing one of her ride-on toys from when she was younger. It was so cute to see her wanting to help.



When they were done, they had some fun playing on the creeper in the driveway. For some reason, she loves to be pushed on it! She just giggles and giggles, it is too sweet!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Thursday's Thoughts

Hearing: The trains and the night traffic on the 20. I love having the windows open and the rhythm is soothing and comforting.

Tasting: Green plums and fresh olive bread from Adonis.

Seeing: Sunshine after all the rain! It is such a welcome sight - now it better say sunny and dry for the weekend. Please Mother Nature give us lots of warm sun!

Smelling: The first fresh cut grass of the season.

Feeling: Happy and sad about Arabella's upcoming 3rd Birthday this weekend. I am happy to see what a beautiful, caring little girl she is turning into, but sad that she is no longer my little baby - where have the past 3 years gone?

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Highway Robbery

I am still in shock over what I paid for 2 chicken breasts at the store today:

Yes, that is correct, $9.84 before taxes, not even organic, just free from hormones and supplements, and it wasn't even a pound! Thank goodness, I don't eat meat. I sure hope Jay and Arabella enjoyed it!

Arabella's Amazement

Isn't it beautiful:


I love the peach, pink, yellow and green. The sparkle in the petals and the ruffle around the edge is so young looking and vibrant - just like Arabella!

Dori and Ronnie cultivate and breed day lilies and this one was yet to be named. So they named it after Arabella. There is still paperwork that needs to be complete before it is set in stone, but one day, you may see this one at your local garden center.

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

More Florida Sunshine

Our time spent in Jacksonville was prety low key. We stayed with Dori and Ronnie and Arabella loved it. Aside from having a new yard to run around in and explore, there was also the pool! As soon as she saw it, she had to put on her bathing suit -I honestly think we were only at Dori's for 5 minutes and she was in the pool!


After some pool time, Arabella had a blast checking out all the day lilies and even helped pull the weeds from the beds. She even helped pollinate the flowers - she loved it!



Arabella had fun looking for and chasing lizards around the backyard. When she would find one, she would try and touch it, but as soon as she would get close, they would run off. I am sure next time she will get one!


And even after chasing lizards and working in the yard, Arabella wanted more pool time. She is my little water baby!

And when she wasn't in the pool, she was just lounging around outside and havng snuggle time with Auntie Dori!


We both a great time with Auntie Dori and Ronnie. I enjoyed being able to spend time with Dori and just catch up with each other. It had been way too long and I am thankful for being able to spend time with her. Thank you so much Dori and Ronnie for letting us stay with you guys. Arabella had a blast and I did too...hopefully we will be back soon!

Happy Mother's Day

I know this is a little late, but Happy Mother's Day Mom! Thank you for your support, guidance and love that you have always given to me and that you now give to Arabella. I am so thankful that we were able to spend such a beautiful day with you. We love you!

Goodbye Orlando, Hello Jacksonville

On Saturday morning, I drove Jay to the airport before heading back to the hotel to pack up the car for the drive up to Jacksonville with Mom. But before we could check-out, we need to take care of a few things:

Arabella needed to try out the whirlpool bath tub. She and he mermaid Barbie loved it - and it was a good distraction so I was able to finish packing.

She also had to go for a ride on the luggage cart with Teddy!

And then we took a few more quick pictures, we hit the road and before we knew it, we were in Jacksonville!



Along the way we did see a pretty funny sight - as mom was passing a pick-up truck we couldn't help but laugh out loud at how they had the load tied down:


Yup, you are seeing that right - duct tape! We laughed so hard we cried!