Things Pondered, Part 8

It is hard to believe that I became a mom EIGHT years ago today. I can't imagine life without Evelyn.. I don't remember much of life before her..haha.. and I am looking forward to much MORE life with her!

She woke up pretty excited that is was FINALLY her birthday... she had to wait a whole year for it, you know! HA!

We made her a sign with balloons as well.

Opening her brother's gift to her...

So... Evelyn got one of these from her Aunt Kristin last Christmas and she LOVED it. About 3 months ago the loom snapped in half and she was SO sad. Matthew spotted one while we were shopping a while back and knew he HAD to get that for his sister. He is thoughtful like that. Needless to say she was pretty excited and thankful!

She had absolutely NO clue what this was...

.. and was SO excited to see that it was a guitar!!

We start lessons in January and she is so thrilled.. she can't wait to learn to play!

Birthday cinnamon rolls...of course!

Gosh she is a beauty!

We celebrated with her favorite meal, jumbalaya and cornbread, and followed with ice cream sundaes with a candle on top for the birthday girl!

Evelyn Joy... the years seem to be passing quicker and quicker... and you are growing up before our eyes. We are so thankful God gave you to us eight years ago. You are full of life, full of creativity, full of joy. We pray that you continue to grow in confidence in who God made you to be, continue to grow in character and in humility, and to continue to be the best that you can be. We are so proud of who you are and are excited to see what this year has for you! We love you, baby girl!!

".. and Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

Matthew's Christmas Program

One of the perks of having your child in a Christain preschool is that there is actually a Christmas program! We were so excited to see Matthew singing with his class. He seemed a bit nervous about the whole thing, but whenever we practiced the songs, he knew them 100%, so I just prayed he would above all have fun!

My handsome boy.. growing up before my eyes...

Matthew and his sweet friend Maleah

Laura, Maleah's mom, and I. We go way back.. friends before our babies were born. So thankful our kids are in the same class. We both were NOT feeling well.. a bit hot mess between the two of us.. but we managed to pull it together and looked pretty good if I do say so myself! Love her!

He did SO good.. smiled and sang all the songs. So proud of my boy!

All 3 of the 4's classes together. They really did a great job. We really love Matthew's school! It was a nice way to get into the Christmas spirit!

Spontaneous Christmas Lights Fun

Doug was working late tonight and the kids were SUPER stir crazy. So I decided to do something crazy and after dinner we headed to the main city park to see the big lighted tree and walk thru the lights in the park. We have talked about doing this for years... and this was the year to just do it!
Oh, my... did we have such a fun time! Enjoy our photo diary from the evening!

They ran and ran and ran... it was fantastic! We had fun playing tag, too!

We sure missed having Doug there with us, but it was a super fun spontaneous trip. And bonus.. the kids were asleep within MOMENTS of hitting their pillows!! Mom for the WIN!

Let it Go! Evelyn;s Birthday Party!

It was a Frozen themed birthday party for Evelyn this year, as she along with millions of others have fallen in love with the movie since it was released late last year. She is an Elsa fan, so it was more of an Elsa party, but a Frozen theme nonetheless. It was a super fun day and she had a wonderful time being celebrated!

Testing out Elsa's throne!

Oh daddy......

My big girl....

Doug did a great job decoration the kitchen area... he is so helpful when we do parties!

I am so thankful I get to be her mom...

...his too!

Guests arriving... Evelyn is blessed with such great friends!

Piled on the bed...

Craft time! The girls made snow globes and had fun chatting

So..  earlier this summer we were at the farmer's market and there were girls there dressed up as princesses. Turns out these two high schoolers started their own business and do parties dressed up as princesses, singing and doing different sorts of activities at very reasonable prices. I hired Elliana to come as Elsa.. and she was AMAZING and a huge hit.. totally worth the money!

This girl can SING!

Not sure if she was mid song or just in awe of what she was witnessing! HA!

All the guests....

Alexis

Elle

Regan

Juliet

Lillian

Tenaya

Hannah

Ellie

Heidi

Cassandra

Helena

...and my sweet boy!

The whole gang..

Evelyn getting a special card from Elsa

Group hug! They were sad to see Elsa go!

Evelyn was blessed with MANY thoughtful gifts!

Cake time!

Eating again... I had peppermint oreos.. they didn't last long!

A few of the girls stayed after and watched the Frozen movie while Doug and I cleaned up. It really was a fun party and I wasn't nearly as tired as I thought I would be when it was done. So thankful that Evelyn had such a special day and as she said, will remember it "forever"!