Little House On The Prairie Birthday!

I'm This Saturday we hosted Charli Beth's 9th birthday party. She has been super ecstatic about her party since picking her theme. It was the perfect fit for her and the type of little girl she is. Her cowgirl lifestyle has stuck with her to be true and this year she was able to break into a pioneer style as well. 

She has always loved watching Little House on The Prairie, especially since having a teacher who spoke frequently of it. I love the fact that she would much rather watch this show rather than Liv & Maddie or whatever their names are...

This was the most easy party for me to plan as we practically had everything between my Mom and I. My entire family loves old ragged quilts and antiques. It's just something about old items that just bring out the simple things of life. Which is what Laura Ingalls Wilder was all about, right? 

It took me sometime to decide what activities or games that we would have. Then after realizing that nine year old girls, only want to invite girls it made me decision a lot easier. Over the last year I have been making our own jam and a few preserves. I'm not a professional at it by any means but it's easy and tasty, so I figured this would be a great task! 

I decided it was best to go ahead and have the strawberries sliced to save from any major malfunctions. We spilt up into groups to not have too many girls at each station, then we passed the berries around and let each girl take a turn in smashing. After the smashing was complete we stired the sugar and pectin together, then each girl was able to mix it all together. We let the combination sit while the girls finished up their other projects.

The next station was the sewing circle! This happened to be the most favorite of all. The girls worked so hard on their embroidery hearts! Charli's Meme taught them what to do and they turned out perfectly. 

We also made butter which was easy as pie and the girls loved it. Several of the irks asked to make extra to take home to their sisters. 

Before the party I asked on Facebook for any Moms to save their baby food jars for me. Luckily, I'm friends with several sweet ladies and had two grocery sacks full in no time. (Yes, I did boil, and soak the jars.) I found a recipe on Pinterest. Which called for Heavy whipping cream, 1 marble for each container and lots of shaking. It took around a solid three minutes of shaking for the butter to form. 

I made banana bread with chocolate chips and a loaf without as well. Each girl that wanted was able to try their butter right away. 

We also has a teepee up as the Indian Territory for the girls. My Mother in law purchased this a few years ago for the kids at a yard sale. They absolutely love it and comes in handy on rainy days. Inside of the Indian Territory I placed Indian beads for the girls to make necklaces in their spare time. I purchased the beads and the string for $1 each at Mighty Dollar (A.K.A the best store ever) 

I found this little note on Pinterest and thought it would be a sweet addition. 

Each girl has a lunch pail waiting for them with turkey on sourdough bread, an apple and popcorn balls. The cans were from my church and I put the holes in them one afternoon then threaded the twine through. They turned out too cute! I added muslin fabric inside to give it more of a Little House on The Prairie look. Just be careful to watch prices on muslin - go for the cheap and use the hobby lobby coupon!

After the girls ate Charli Beth blew out her candle and we served the girls cake on pie tins. Charli's Meme made the cake and it was requested to be strawberry, I must say that it was absolutely delicious! She's quiet the cake decorater as well! 

Pictures of children blowing out their candles are just so very priceless to me. 

Charli then sat down in a rocker and opened gifts with her friends. She is one blessed little girl. 

We wrapped up the party with the girls gathering their homemade treats in their lunch pails and heading off to play for the last few minutes. This party was so simple, yet so fun! Time flew by and I realized just how much fun her age is even though I wish she could stay itty bitty forever!

Here's a sneak peak at what Charli Beth received for her birthday...

We think she makes the perfect Laura Ingalls ;) 

Charli Beth turns NINE!

Monday April 6 was Charli Beth's big day that she has been counting down to since the first of January. The girl loves her birthday and we love celebrating them. It's simply amazing how quickly the days and mainly the years go by. It seems as if it were yesterday that I was carrying her on my hip, or even teaching her a new word.

She is such the little mother hen. The responsible child, and the biggest rule follow known to man kind. I can obviously only hope that this stays true during her teenage years. Of course, I'm praying over this constantly. But if not we will work through it, just like the little snaps of sassy attitude that comes along with age eight, nine and so forth. 

Luckily, we're on spring break this week so it seems we are able to celebrate in some way all week. For her birthday she asked for...chickens. Not much of a surprise though because the girl loves animals, and especially a cool farm animal.

So, we began researching and pinning everything there is to know about chickens. Then after major discussions with my in laws we were also wanting some, we decided that this is actually a (hopefully) grand idea. Since we sold Ranger, we have been looking for away for Charli Beth to take on more responsibility besides typical chores. This will be a wonderful way for her to work. Not only that but it may eventually turn into a profit for her.

She is still saving her money for the horse that she longs to have but we're taking baby steps this time for many reasons.

Today was such a blessing to see how hard she will work for something that she wants. We spent the day on the farm with Papaw and Meme preparing the coop. The girls should arrive this weekend sometime and Charli girl already has her calendar filled out with the next few days activities.

We are celebrating pioneer party style on Saturday and this should be a sweet time with our family and friends. To celebrate on her birthday we spent the afternoon with my parents, sister, brother in law and nephew. Charli truly enjoys her family and spending time with them is always her favorite. We ate pizza and she had cake. As simple and sweet as the night was, it was a true reminder of how precious my parents home is. Their home is where I brought home my tiny girl, and where we made our first million memories together. It's so surreal to think of how quickly time has went by and how much she has grown. This next year will hold many more memories and even trials that we will over come, it will be amazing to look back at how far she has come in one year from this moment.

Charli Beth,

I love you more than words can say. Your crocked little grin brightens my world each and every time you flash your pearly whites at me.. Except at 7 a.m. on a Saturday. You should've learned by now that I like to rest when the opportunity is there. Your wit and charm is simply amazing and the "people person" that you have turned into lately has simply astonished me from the shy girl that you once were. You have truly found your voice as a friend and leader.

I am over the moon proud of the Christian that you are. Although you may have not accepted theLord truly into your heart at this time in your heart, I know that moment is coming and it gives me so much hope. The discussions that you have with your friends, send chills down my spine and make your deal ole' Mother want to do better with being the light for Christ. You simple inspire me.

I love watching you and Bryar play except for the moments of cat fighting which has recently started coming up. Your love for him just pours from it all and it's the sweetest thing seeing how sincere you are with him. Sometimes just hearing you say, " Awww, your just too cute Bryar!" makes me want to pause my life in time, and just simply thank God for blessing me.

Even if you never knew this, I must thank you for being my light. You have inspired, loved, and just held my heart on my occasions. God truly knew what he was doing when he placed you in my arms on that Thursday morning. This year will be full of new adventures for you and I cannot wait to see just how gracefully you take the trails and turn them into testimonies, or how lovely you handle an awkward phase. I'm just ecstatic to be your "baby" and you will always be my favorite girl in the world.

-Mommy 

The Night Before Easter

It's 12:30 a.m. Easter morning and I just finished my duties for the night. I'm emotional as my oldest is turning nine in one day. ONE day and nine years has flashed before my eyes. I'm exhausted because I've been up since 5:00. I've been to a Mennonite auction, an Easter egg hunt and emotionally watched Kentucky get beat in the final four. Gut wrenching.

But you know what is even more gut wrenching? 

The fact that it's Easter morning and I've not even picked up my bible since Thursday church service. I've not had quiet time to worship and read. I've only prayed and probably even fell asleep while doing so. This holiday brings so much emotions into my heart as I am just now realizing how much the Lord gave up for us. How much he loves us, while we may not even know him. It's an amazing love. 

Before church started on Thursday Bryar was being a ninja in the aisles. Which really is very ordinary to us lately but I wanted to crawl under the pew and hide. I just knew someone was thinking "Look at that rowdy little Bryar. Why isn't his Mother doing something?" So I overly  apologized to the ones surrounding me. 

Then a lady replied,

"Don't be! Isn't it such a blessing that he is able to be himself, express himself and be happy?"

Bam. Face palm.

Of course it is. But my kid is suppose to be a perfect angel, right? Wrong. I mean sure his smile makes me smile, and sometimes I even tear up listening to his laugh. Although, I really had never thought about it this way. So I started off by telling her how correct she was and that Bryar just recently started being verbal. Yet, the ninja stage is wearing me out. The constant round house kicks, or "pow pow" are just about the last piece of straw that's holding my sanity together. Yet, she is right. We are blessed to have such capable children that have grown leaps. 

Church started and I continued to reflect. I thought to myself how amazing is it that God gives us these precious children of His to love and care for. He trusts us, He gives us grace, and He died for us. 

His love surrounds me. I pray that I shine is light, and his love in my family. That my mistakes won't always feel like failures. To love like he loves us. To forgive, like we have been forgiven.

I know my Lord has a plan waiting for me. But while I wait for this door to open, I will worship in the storm of parenting, marriage and life.

... And I will try my best to not cringe everytime my three year old gets a little cr cr crazyyyy. 

Spring Has Arrived

Although Kentucky has been showing us sneak peaks of Spring time for a few weeks I could jump and shout that the season has finally arrived. Do not get me wrong because I am a snow lover, but we have some exciting things coming this season. Then again, Mother Nature is being moody and giving us chilly weather this weekend. Even though I feel like throwing a toddler fit, I will accept that it could possible..maybe..very well be the last big cold spell.

Since the weather has been getting warmer, the kids have been absolutely loving it. We've been outside and just enjoying it all. Papaw has helped the kids make friends with the new calves. We've had a picnic, and hike. It's just been lovely to say the least.

Watching Cinderella with Charli Beth this month was literally one of my happiest moments. I was never into princesses as a child but Cinderella was just so magical. I believe Charli loved it just as much as I did, and the time with her was even more precious. 

Our local Chick-Fil-A and Younglove Adoorable designs hosted a painting party recently. I was able to meet some friends from church there and it was such a pleasant night "off" from Mommy-hood.  Aren't the door hangers totally ADOORable?! 

Bryar is literally growing up before my eyes. His speech is completely astounding and he talks non-stop at this point. I captured this on our way to the play ground. His bubble and duck tail were right on que, and I thought he looked so big! 

Spring arriving has brought many trails for Papaw on the farm. This photo was taken on a Sunday afternoon as he is explaining to Bryar how the pipes run safe to other areas in the barnyard. Sadly, that pipe had a leak, so he was in the middle of taking care of it. As always Bryar was taking it all in as he watched from behind.

With Spring arriving it means many wonderful things are happening for our family too! Charli's birthday is in exactly one week! Can you guess what she asked for? :) 

Valentine's Day 2015

We are almost a month out from Valentine's Day, so figured it's probably time to share our events! We typically do not go all roses and chocolates in our home. To me, flowers especially stinky roses are a waste and I'm really not even a chocolate fan... Yep, I said it. My husband did get me a card this year. Then he forgot about it in the floor board of my car until yesterday when i finally brought it in and told him to give it to me next year. Sheesh... Married life is so romantic ;) 

So our big excitements are Valentines boxes, the rodeo and class parties. 

Charli girl and I always have a blast making her box together. This year she made a plan and stuck to it. I tried something Pinterest worthy but she needed this pig. So "Hogs and Kisses" it was... 

It turned out pretty cute. But honestly all I could think about was how this is her last party of third grade! Where has time went this year? Oh, how it kills my Mommy heart 

She's honestly just pure sweetness and I love the days that reminds me of how she is still so young and my baby as well. 

Now this little firecracker on the other hand... He has my heart wrapped around his finger in a whole other way. He is silly and hilarious at awkward times yet so lovable and squishy at others. Many days I lay in bed and think how exhausted I am from chasing after him (and others) at preschool but honestly I wouldn't change it for the world. Bryar's personality is growing more and more by the day. We just really have to slow down this ninja role playing... Mama's getting old! 

We attended the Lonestar rodeo once again this year on Valentine's Day. This is our sixth year doing this and it's became quiet a tradition. Valentine's night Curtis and I romantically ordered steaks out, brought them home and watched Sons of Anarchy. Then right at bedtime Gunner man was sprayed by a skunk... 

So I locked myself in Bryar's room and slept in his bed. 

Romantic I tell you... 

Lastly, Charli Beth had to make a Mardi Gras character parade float. It's no surprise to me that she picked Little House on the Prarire. Thankfully, with all of the snow days we put it together in no time. It was a lot of fun exploring ways and working together. Minus her blister she recieved from the glue gun. :( Lesson learned. 

Charli's 9th birthday is coming up in less than a month! She is super excited after making this project!