Birthday Fun

Little Miss Lainey is one very blessed girl. She had more than one birthday celebration and I must apologize for the obscene amount of pictures I am about to post : )

The theme for her party with her school friends was Tangled (of course.) Lainey adores this movie and begged for a Rapunzel cake. Since the movie is fairly new, I had to get a little creative but I was really pleased with how it turned out.

Jamie cut the pieces of the tower out of styrofoam and I glued the river rocks, flowers and other things to decorate it. Needless to say, the tower wasn't edible!

The best part about making the birthday cakes at home is listening to Lainey tell me that her cake was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Makes a momma feel good!

Aunt Kimberlee, Maddie, Isaiah, and Arial made the trip.

Mawny, Papa, and Coop enjoying the bouncy houses.

Sliding

Lainey, and her sweet friend Karly sliding on their tummies

Mommy joining in on the fun

There were several bouncy houses to choose from, but the slides were the hot spot!

I love this picture because it is completely my dad. He had a great time jumping with the kiddos for a while then found a somewhat quiet place with his paper : )

Some of my good friends from church that came with their little ones

Jamie isn't so sure about this one...remember a few posts ago I mentioned a little boy that Lainey thinks she is going to marry? Yep, it's him. Future son-in-law?

Our big 4 year old blowing out her candles

Our attempt at a group picture

Switching gears now... the weekend before Lainey's bday, we traveled to Excelsior Springs to celebrate Lainey and Silas' birthdays. We had such a nice time with Papa and Nana and the rest of the family. We are blessed to be apart of such a great family.

Silas and his amazing Buzz Lightyear cake that his momma made. Way to go Crystal!

Getting some snuggle time with Nana

Silas and Jamie trying out the new stomp rocket

Present time!

Double the candles

Lainey's birthday dinner with the family

Sprinkles!

Having a great time being together

Oh Glorious Day!

What a special Easter we've had. There is something wonderful about teaching Lainey the story of the cross and the resurrection that has given it new life to me again. I am so thankful for a fresh understanding of what my Savior did for me. Thank you Jesus for the sacrifice you made for me while I was still a sinner.

This morning in church we sang one of my favorite songs. In Christ Alone. Here are some of my favorite lyrics

"There in the ground, His body lay

light of the world by darkness slain.

Then bursting forth in glorious day (imagine the music building here)

up from the grave He rose again!

And as He stands in victory, sin's curse has lost it's grip on me

for I am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ."

This song makes me want to jump up and down every time I sing it. I am so grateful for my Savior. Happy Resurrection Sunday!

Goofy, but sweet smiles after church today My loves. Pretend my eyes are open in this one : )

Lovin on their daddy

One blessed momma

Birthday Girl

Dear Lainey,

What a gift you are to your daddy and I. I am daily amazed at your sweet and spunky personality. You are quite a little comedian and make us laugh so much. You have your fiesty moments and you have moments when you are full of compassion for others. You are fiercely loyal to your family and friends from preschool. By the way, you were made for school. You LOVE your little routine and come home and tell your daddy and I about each detail of your school day and schedule. You are eager to please your teachers and have excelled in your learning this year. One of your favorite activities is writing your letters in your little notebook. I love it when I hear, "Mommy come look! I wrote my first, middle, and last name!"

Your daddy and I adore hearing you pray. You pray the sweetest prayers that just melt our hearts. You pray for each of your cousins and grandparents. You thank God for rainbows, grass, flowers, and anything else outside that you noticed that day. Today, while I was driving down the road, I told you about the conference that your daddy was teaching at. I suggested we pray for him and you bowed your head and asked God to help him be a good teacher. Just precious to hear your little heart for the Lord. I love watching God draw your heart toward Him.

You are so girly sometimes and this momma can't get enough of it. We paint our nails and play with each other's hair. You love filling your purse up with whatever you can find and take it with you most places. You love dresses and shoes and fairytales. You talk about your wedding on a daily basis. Mostly you say you will marry your daddy but there is this little boy in your Sunday school class that you have started talking about. It's so funny to listen as you describe your wedding flowers. At last count the bouquets have 10 different colors of roses. You only want roses. I love listening to you dream. Trust me baby girl, your wedding will be an amazing day...I promise! But for now, I am loving every minute I get to be a part of your little world. So don't grow up too fast ok!

Like I always say, you are my favorite girl in the whole wide world.

Happy 4th birthday sweetie!

Birthday celebration with her class and awesome teachers, Ms. Eve and Ms. Chelsea

Birthday date with mommy and daddy. We are looking forward to your friend party coming up next weekend!

We went to see the movie Hop. So cute.

Your new swing set, the highlight of your life right now : )

Cooper (almost 10 months old) enjoying his new swing

A special thanks to daddy who spent hours putting this thing together! You are the best!