may 8th continued

Morgan didn't get a proper birthday party, but I sure did everything in my power to make her feel special. That evening we took her to Build-a-Bear so she could make her own special birthday bear. I didn't care if that thing cost me $50. She really wanted the hideous rainbow colored peace sign bear, but she settled for this pink cuddly bear. She took it over to the girl so it could be stuffed.

She pressed the pedal for the stuffing as hard as she could. Then I caught her rubbing the bear's heart under her chin. So stinkin' cute.

Then they headed to the cleaning station to give their animals a bath.

Morgan scrubbed and scrubbed her bear. Then when we were about to leave she had to go scrub her some more.

Meet Blossom Bear. There was a big book of names there and that was the best I could come up with. We've never been into naming our stuffed animals. That goes all the way back to Addison's favorite bunny, which was named Bunny. I hoped that Blossom would comfort Morgan and help her stay in her bed at night. That didn't work.

After we got home we had one last round of Happy Birthday and the cake from Sunday's lunch. It still tasted just as good.

For every serious picture I take of them I get about 10 that look like these. Silly girls.

Addison took this one of me and the birthday girl. I really feel like I no longer have babies, even toddlers. My girls are growing up.

I love this stage in their lives. They're learning new things and becoming their own person. Now if I could just get her to stay in her bed at night.

may 8th

Just like with all birthdays, Morgan woke up to streamers and balloons hanging from the fan in the living room. I wanted to do streamers in her doorway like Addison, but this child will not stay in her bed at night. I didn't want the memory of her birthday associated with being trapped in her room. Instead she got the living room. On the table underneath were several presents for her to open. This Barbie that Addison insisted I get for her.

Addison went to the book fair the day before her birthday and picked out this book. She was so happy and proud to give it to her. And that $20 is from my Aunt Karen. I wouldn't let her open the card until her actual birthday since I was lacking in presents. 

That afternoon Michael and I provided lunch to all the kids in her class. It was fun to sit down and eat with all of them. Michael was a hit and got a hug from all the boys. I realized that one way to get her to smile for pictures is to promise a silly face picture. Here you go.

Then it was time for cake, but instead we did donuts. Everyone does cake so I decided to mix it up a little. And who doesn't like a chocolate donut with sprinkles? The kids know that when the candles come out they have to put their hands in their lap. This is Morgan's shy face mixed with a little awe from the fire face.

Getting a little help with the candles from Daddy.

See? I told you the donuts were a hit. This sweet, silly girl. I love her more than I love donuts. And that's a lot.

One self portrait before heading back to work.  This girls sure does make me smile.

morgan's last minute party

Morgan's birthday is exactly three weeks after Addison's. It's also the same week as the TPC tournament and our big work party here at work. Oh, and don't forget Mother's Day. Needless to say, she really hasn't had a real party since her 1st birthday. Michael and I both had friends in town and plans to meet everyone for lunch the Sunday before her birthday. At the last minute I bought princess plates and a cake and we made it her birthday party. For the most part Morgan goes with the flow. She didn't mind one bit that there were only adults at her party. I still went out of my way to make this the best birthday lunch she ever had.

Addison made her a card. We also gave her a new Barbie to open.

When you're 4, all you really care about is the cake. We made sure to embarrass her by singing Happy Birthday.

The cake was really good too. Can't you tell?

I love this sweet girl. She's a such a happy kid. Now if I could just get her to stay in her bed at night.

mother's day

There is no better feeling than holding your child and seeing their face for the first time. Your heart fills with a special love and you're never the same again. I'm lucky enough to have experienced that feeling twice. Each was just as special and just as magical. I'm so blessed to be their mom. This was take after church. Morgan made those necklaces for me in Sunday school and Addison handed me a card with a Dove chocolate bar stapled inside. I also received other handmade goodies and two new necklaces that I've wanted for a long time.

I was going to be good and request a healthy lunch out somewhere, but that all flew out the window when Michael mentioned M Shack. Since it was my day, I feasted on a cheeseburger, sweet potato tots and vanilla milkshake. Totally worth the 5000 calories. If you haven't been to M Shack, come visit me and I'll take you. It's good stuff.

Over the Easter break I went through a bunch of old pictures at my mom's. I took a ton of them home with me to keep and to scan. They're still sitting on my dresser and I go through them every couple of days. All the memories and good times come flooding back and I smile from ear to ear. This is one of my favorite pictures in that stack. My mom.

Happy Mother's Day Mom! I love you more than you know.

the princesses

I learned that Disney lets you take coolers into the park. I was actually shocked at this. I figured it was another way for them to suck my wallet dry. We packed up PB&J, grapes and plenty of drinks for the day. We got the girls some chips to go with their sandwich and had a nice little picnic before heading to see the princesses.

If we didn't find the princesses before we left then I would be declared the worst mother ever. Lucky for me,  three of them are in one place. The girls eyes lit up when we walked in the room. It was like a dream come true. First they met Rapunzel and had her sign their autograph book.

Meeting Sleeping Beauty. Morgan was sad that Belle wasn't there, but they're all just as good in her eyes.

The last princess we met was Cinderella. Probably Addison's favorite, although she loves them all.

We decided to go to Ariel's grotto so the girls could meet her and get their booked signed. On the way, this happen. 

Needless to say, Morgan did not get to meet Ariel, but I took her book in to have it signed. It's probably best that she got the rest.

We had a very successful Disney trip. We learned a few things to do and not to do that will definitely help us out on the next one. The girls had a blast and I smiled all day. I love to experience new things with them.

Five minutes into our trip home and they were out.

I wasn't far behind them.

happy birthday morgan

My sweet baby girl turns 4 today. She's been given the royal birthday treatment so far today. At school she went for a ride in the birthday bike. A fun tradition they have.  

Then we had a Chick-fil-a birthday lunch to celebrate with all her school friends. I made crock pot mac 'n cheese which was also a hit.

I love this girl so much. Not a day goes by that we don't laugh at something silly she's done. She's so full of life.

Tonight we're taking her to Build-a-Bear for a birthday treat. She may not have had a formal birthday party with friends, but we sure do everything we can to make her feel special. I think she knows she is loved.