One is FUN!

As I mentioned, Sabrina turned one last month and I threw her a Lalaloopsy themed party. For those of you that know me well, know that I LOVE Lalaloopsy. In fact, it is bordering on an obsession. This wouldn't be a problem if they were not so darn cute (and if Brook wasn't an enabler- but seriously every time we walk into a store and I see a cute Lalaloopsy he makes me put it in the cart). Anyway, I spent about a month planning this party. I wanted everything to be perfect- the food, the activities, and the decorations. This meant spending more time than I already do on Pinterest and getting amazing ideas for the party.

First thing I did was make an adorable wreath for my door (which is still hanging there to this day). I love the idea of having something special on the front porch, but balloons just are not my thing. I like people to know there is a party without screaming "HEY HERE IS THE PARTY!" The wreath turned out great and I got a lot of compliments on it (and it has also inspired me to make some for other major holidays).

Next, I had to figure out what to serve as far as food. Luckily for me a lot of the Lalaloopsy dolls have food names already; Peanut Big Top, Toffee Cocoa Cuddles, Mango Tiki Wiki... You get the idea. The food was pretty easy I just had to think of all of the yummy food that I could make that matched the names. Then I made adorable little food labels to go with everything and then I was set... Well almost.

My next challenge came in the form of cake pops. I love the look of cake pops and decided that is what I was going to do instead of cake for Bean's party. After reading what I thought was plenty of blogs, I got online and ordered a cake pop pan to make things easier (which I am sure it did). After baking all of the little cake balls it was time to frost them. I thought this step would be easy peasy... I mean I read all the blogs after all, right? WRONG! This was not easy and in fact I never did end up getting them frosted. Instead I took the candy coating and a piping bag and piped stripes onto the cake pops. I thought they looked horrible, but everyone said they were good (Thank you to all my friends for protecting my ego) . So if there is anyone out there who would like to teach me the right way to frost these little buggers I would still love to learn (I still have the pan and all).

After all was said and done though it was a great day. Bean loved having all of the attention on her and loved opening up all of her presents. She got spoiled, just as every princess should on their first birthday. I think the thing she loved most of all was the special attention that her big brother gave her that day. Every time he saw her he would say "Happy Birthday" in his most enthusiastic preschooler voice, and give her a big hug and kiss. This mommy wants to believe that this was his way of showing his sister how much he loves her, but deep down I have a sneaking suspicion it was all so he could get on her good side so she wouldn't put up too much of a fuss when he wanted to "share" all of her new toys. Oh well, it was adorable and I had a blast watching them get along for a day.

I can not believe Bean has been mine for a year. This year has gone by so fast! She is really turning into the cutest little girl, and I have a feeling that the next few years are going to be a major adventure for us, but I can't wait!

So Here's the Deal...

Hello my loyal reader (hi Mom!)... Sorry I have taken quite the hiatus from the blogging world, but in my defense (again) life has been more than a little bit crazy the last few months. First off, I was in school. One more class down, and all of my time from January to April was taken up with reading, writing, and taking care of kids. I know I am not the only full time mom who is also a part time student, but I just have to say that it is one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. My house did not get cleaned for months and I feel like I am now finally getting caught up with everything. Spring cleaning around here is in full swing- just in time for summer.

In much more interesting news both of my kids are now older. Sabrina turned one in April and I had so much fun throwing her a big Lalaloopsy birthday party. I feel that this momentous occasion should have a post of its own, so look for that later. Here is a little picture of the birthday princess to keep you happy until then.

(By the way... a special thank you to Aunt Mim for the AWESOME tutu)

Ben also had his birthday yesterday, and let me say I can not believe how fast these last four years have gone by. He has gone from a little baby to a big boy that loves superheroes and being just like his dad (which it is honestly insane how much he is just like his dad). His favorite present came in the form of a Spiderman webshooter (also) from his aunt Mim that shoots water. My house is now constantly soaked, but I am so glad he is having fun. He loves learning and can not wait to go to preschool in the fall (something that I am still trying to cope with). I don't know when he grew up, but it feels like I blinked and he was all of the sudden a kid.

Ben also got to play indoor soccer this year, which when you are three means standing around looking adorable, standing in the goal doing nothing, and most of all aimlessly wandering around the "field".

My babies are growing up so fast, and there are definitely days that I wish I could slow down time and make them stay little forever. On the other hand, I am so excited for the adventure ahead... They can grow up, but only a little.