Alli's Ariel Party

Alli had been asking for an Ariel birthday party for months before her 4th birthday. Thankfully, she never changed her mind so mommy got to planning and we pulled off a pretty fun party fit for a princess...As most of you know, I insist on making my kid's birthday cakes. I really enjoy the creativity of it and learning new baking and decorating tips, but I would enjoy it a LOT more if I wasn't trying to accomplish it with 2 little "helpers" who can't seem to stay out of the kitchen.

Let's just say cake making day is rather stressful and is starting to make me think that it's not worth it. Especially since it coincides with house cleaning day being that we have always had the party at our house. One of these things may have to go next time (I'm thinking it will be a location change- not sure if I'm ready to throw in the baker's hat yet).

Alli enjoyed showing me exactly where she wanted each starfish, seashell and Flounder icing decoration. She was really excited about the whole thing!

We rented a princess castle bounce house and it was a big hit- not only with the kids. Daddy and Mr Travis have a few bumps and bruises to prove it. Somebody forgot to tell them they are in their 30's now.
Alli striking her best mermaid pose. Unfortunately, bounce houses make for some blurry pictures.

Alli was so excited to have so many of her friends come to her party. You could tell she really felt special.

Even 2 of her best friends from mother's day out were able to make it!

Alli showing off the princess wands she decorated.

Helping TJ decorate his crown.

Cake time!!!
Yummy!

Jake and TJ decided it was more fun to tear the streamers down than to walk through them. Those boys are T-R-O-U-B-L-E

A new personalized Belle nightgown- super cool!

And she really likes her new dollhouse and so do all the princess Barbies who now have a place to live!

After all the festivities were over and the kids were resting, Dwaine and I were laying in bed and I glanced up at some pictures on the wall of Alli when she was about 15mos old and I started to cry. Where have these 4 years gone and why is it all so fuzzy in my memory? I want so desperately to hold on to these times and yet they keep racing past. I jokingly tell the kids they can't get any older and to stay just like they are knowing that tomorrow they will learn a new word or phrase, grow a little taller, speak a little clearer, get tiny freckles on her nose, those curls will become straighter...

So, Dwaine did his best to help me recall some memorable moments of them at younger ages. It was hard, but eventually I could see it in my head. I don't want all of my memories to come from a picture or a video. I want to see it in my head and it upsets me when I can't.

I want to truly soak in every moment, enjoy these precious children as they are right now, and remember all the fun times we've shared as a family knowing that there will be many more to come.

Thank you God for this amazing experience known as motherhood. It truly is a blessing!

The Dement Family Christmas

After celebrating Christmas day here at home and after Dwaine recovered from his little stomach bug, we went to celebrate with the extended Dement family. We had it at Dwaine's brother's house this year and it was so much fun. They recently moved into a farm house on 10 acres after completely renovating it. They have baby chicks, goats, cats, dogs, an ATV, hay bales for jumping on, a "man cave" barn, and a beautiful inviting house (something for everyone).

Lyndee (15) and Meg (13) took Alli and TJ for a ride (a very slow safe ride) on the ATV right when we got there. Alli absolutely LOVED hanging out with her fun older cousins. They were so awesome with the kids.

Jumping hay bales- something I truly enjoyed watching the kids do 'cause I can remember doing this as a kid on my Nana's land and thinking it was so much fun. So of course I joined in a little too- never too old!

I just love these action photos.

Left to Right: Alli, Meg, Me, TJ, Lyndee, Aunt Christie and Grandma


A quick picnic style snack. The girls had told Alli that they would take her for a picnic, but then decided it wasn't such a good idea when it became so windy. She instantly teared up and got all upset- she really had her heart set on it.

In a very tearful whining voice she said "But we can take a big glassable (her word for breakable) bowl." I didn't quite understand how that was going to help the situation until she explained that she would set the big heavy bowl on the blanket. Wow- her newly developed reasoning and problem solving skills always catch me by surprise. Lyndee and Meg didn't like seeing her so upset, so they packed up some snacks for a quick picnic- so sweet. And they didn't even need that big glassable bowl after all.

A really cute pic of Lyndee loving on TJ.


Showing off their cool new towels!

We took a quick drive down to the beach to look at the water and let TJ see some boats at the marina.

Some cute candid shots. Teenagers are so much fun.

This one cracks me up!!!

Dwaine with his brothers Lonnie and Roger trying to pose with TJ who was being less than cooperative.

Thanks Roger and Christie for being AMAZING hosts and for all the delicious food. And thanks to Lyndee and Meg for being so wonderful with the kids! Y'all are so awesome. Lonnie- it was great to see you and ofcourse Grandma and Pop too. We love you all very much!

Christmas Morning

We were so excited about this Christmas knowing that both kids were old enough to understand what was going on and anticipate the arrival of Christmas morning. TJ was the first to wake up asking "Did Santa Claus come? Did you open your presents, Daddy?" I guess he was worried we started without him. This is what the kids saw when they came into the living room...Unfortunately for Daddy, Christmas is a little difficult to recall. With the exception of about 30 minutes when he crawled out of bed onto the couch to watch the kids open their presents, he spent all day in bed suffering from a nasty little stomach bug...

Poor Daddy

Alli was very excited to see that Santa was able to bring the princess bike that she so desperately wanted. He hadn't run out of them after all! She says she was a little bit worried.

TJ looking so cool on his new "Christmas bike" as he calls it. Unfortunately this is one of the only
times he has been on it. When he discovered that his short little legs can't make it go as fast as the Strawberry Shortcake tricycle which he propels Fred Flintstone style with one leg, he ditched the new bike. After all, now that Alli has her beloved princess bike, the tricycle is all his.

Chili making sure there are no treats left in his stocking.

And, Alli trying out Chili's new bed with him.

Out on the driveway later that morning taking the new rides (well ride) for a spin. TJ already back on the tricycle refusing to wear his new helmet even after telling him that the flames help him to go super fast. He wasn't buying it.