Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Artistic Celebration


FIVE.  My little girl turned 5.  Yes, that means Kindergarten.  I have to say five is a blast.  Quite possibly my favorite year yet.  But then I'm pretty sure I said that about four.  And then the year before that, and well, I think you catch my drift.  Each year with this little sugar 'n spice girl of mine just grows sweeter.  Did I mention her party was back in August?  Why yes {hiding my face as a I blush} I am just getting around to blogging about it.

Some things I find special about this little girl of mine:
  • Loves to learn
  • Excited reader
  • Does math all day just for fun (so my child)
  • Carries sketch/writing adventure books everywhere she goes
  • Full of fun and creativity
  • Loves imaginative play
  • Thoughtful
  • Gives the sweetest hugs
  • Loves Jesus
  • Tender hearted
  • Spunky
  • Nature lover
  • Loves modeling for Aunt Debi
  • Loves going to church
  • Writes abundant sweet notes to Mommy
  • Creative dresser
  • Silly
  • Friendly
  • Brave
  • Always planning


For her birthday we had a small gathering of family.  Not all people are pictured here (we are still wading through some of the pictures), but here's a small glimpse into our special day celebrating this sweet girl of ours. 





Custom made artist smocks for our little artists.

Five of our six artists.

There were art style stations the kids cycled through.  Ivory could have spent hours at each station.




Art station for the adults.


We displayed the kids artwork as additional décor + inspiration.







African art work from Aunt Mel.

Sugar cookie decorating station...yes this was definitely a favorite.

Party favors: personal watercolor set, initialed artwork folder, strawberry lemonade cookies, smocks.

The biggest hit by far: splatter paint.  Each station had a little history of the style of art and some artists who are famous for this particular style.  Pollock is one of the more famous splatter/drip paint artists.

The kids were completely covered from head to toe in paint--and happy as can be, especially this one.

This was the first birthday party the Eby + Bennett cousins have spent together.  So grateful the Ebys made the long drive to celebrate with us.

A party isn't quite a party without great food.  Here's a little bit of the spread.



A party in the South also isn't quite complete without its sweet tea.

Individual seven layer Mexican dip.  Additionally we served taco salad, tex mex rice, and queso.

Small photo albums on the table for entertainment + nostalgia. The kids helped paint the doilies.

I surely missed Aunt Mel for this cake making experience, but following her tips (thanks for the book, Melissa!) I had the best cake experience so far (my first year not claiming the kids frosted it...).  Jason did a fabulous job making, per Ivory's request, pink vanilla homemade ice cream (Nana's recipe).

Ivory's birthday actually fell on my birthday.  I can't imagine a better way to spend my birthday.  Surrounded by so many of my favorite people doing what I love and celebrating my firstborn I was completely overwhelmed with feelings of joy and extreme blessing.

Watching your little girl grow so quickly makes you snuggle each child just a little tighter.

It won't be long and he will be reading and amazing me with his math skills as he claims, "Yep, I'm a genius!"  Oh, this girl of mine.


This day could never have happened without an amazing team of people pulling it off--thank you to the many who worked hard to make this day extra special.  Thank you to my sister for capturing the day with these gorgeous photos.  Here's the link to my pinterest board for resources + inspiration: Artistic Celebration.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Golden Thread

Read this quote today on one of my favorite blogs and loved it.

“Just as a little thread of gold, running through a fabric, brightens the whole garment, so women’s work at home, while only the doing of little things, is like the golden gleam of sunlight that runs through and brightens all the fabric of civilization." ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Simple Simon & Co.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Children's Sunday

This may be my favorite Sunday each year...especially now that my two are singing with the preschoolers.  Ivory sings her heart out and does the motions with great expression.  Micah does amazing...in practice.  Then, when the crowd comes he freezes.  And makes crazy facial expressions, and adorable, hilarious faces.  Love our church kids + their great leaders.

Korban was enthralled watching his siblings on stage. 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Passing Through

Grandma + Pa were heading to Arknasas and decided to stop in for a short visit on their way.  Of course, there was great rejoicing.  The squeals of delight when grandparents are coming to town are music to my ears. 

Grandma + Ivory love to read together.  Here they are reading Amelia Bedelia--Grandma's favorite.

Pa + Grandma love to spoil--all of us.  This trip was no exception!  A dollar store date, Pepper's for dinner + dollar bills hidden under pillows to name a few excitements.  (Mom's personal favorite--Pa fixed the internet!)  We all *love* Peppers.  The kids favorite: queso + chips.

After our little Mexican fiesta we enjoyed a visti to the local marina.

The weather = perfect.

Ivory wanted to be sure to revist all the places as seen in our family photo book (when Debi took our family pictures shortly after Korban's birth). So much to see.

Ivory is still very much Pa's girl.

Some of the people most precious to me. Oh so curious. Exploring.  Micah = full speed ahead. Ivory = slowly meandering taking in every tiny little flower, ladybug + scenic detail.  Pa is very patient.

Micah found a sharp piece of plastic, "I  need to keep it. It's my sword.  It for stabbing sharks."  All boy.  Love it.



My kids have the best dad.
Watching form a distance. Dockside.
Daddy's shoulders are where it's at.
Micah was *very* frightened when we first climbed the tower, but it's amazing what a little assurance + encouragement from daddy will do.

So grateful for these visits with my parents + the special time with our kids.  Blessed.