So this is what 3 years old is like?

Kirstianna woke up this morning. First thing out of her mouth... "Mommy, am I still 3?"

She later asked if Joe Bubba can come play with this (as she point to her new ZhuZhu pet).
I say, "Yes he can play with your ZhuZhu pets."
Her response, "No, it's ZhuZhu PET...there is only one!"
Oh brother!

Kirstianna's Princess Party!

Well, apparently 3rd birthdays are a big deal...because this girl had a birthday weekend! Friday before the party she played at the park with Caleb and Jack and got to go to the candy store AND the toy store. Then went home, had lunch and played with Penny!

After a much needed nap...friends came over to Doe and Papa's to start the celebrating!

Princess Tianna cake thanks to Mimi!!

A good friend ALWAYS sticks by you! Penny and Kirstianna try not to peek at her surprise from Daddy and Mommy!

And she LOVES her princess bike. Saturday (actual b-day) started off right with Doe picking us up to go shopping...with a little stop for a donut first! Then Kirstianna went to Target (her favorite store), picked out some new shoes, ate lunch, rode the Choo-Choo train, ate a cookie, took a nap, rode her bike and ate at McDonald's for dinner! What a weekend...both my kids passed out quickly tonight!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Kirstianna "Monkey Doozle"-
I cannot believe 3 years has already gone by since you blessed our family with your beauty. Since the day you were born I have been in awe of you, and although it seems impossible, I love you more each day.
Being your Momma is such a wonderful blessing. You are such a strong, beautiful, creative, loving girl who is always wanting to learn new things. Not only do you want to learn new things...you want to perfect them! I love that you want me to play a song over and over until you know all the words. You delight in learning your Awana verses and get giddy when you show Mommy a craft you've made. You make your Mommy proud!
Your love of life is an inspiration and a reminder to always appreciate everything...no matter how insignificant it may seem. You truly have a huge heart! I love when you tell me something I did "makes your heart happy" or "I'm so proud of you" (even if you tell me that in the Target public restroom as I pee! I love hearing that Joe Bubba is your "best friend cousin", that "Micah-Man is perfect" and Bubba Doo is your "very handsome best boy"! You love your friends so much and look forward to every time you get to spend with them.
Times with you aren't always so easy! You are so loving, but you've also got a pretty ornery side to you ( not sure where that comes from!). But even when things are difficult with you...it's usually pretty entertaining. Examples: "You are the Mommy and I am the daughter that talks mean", "Fine! Then I'll never get to play toys again.", or my most recent favorite..." Well Mommy, sometimes life's not fair." Well said kid.
You are feisty, sarcastic and quite frankly you crack me up daily. You go straight from playing dolls and princesses to playing ninja and pirates...and I wouldn't have it any other way! You are one in a million! But whether you are cuddly, grumpy, sassy or happy...I LOVE YOU! In fact, as we say... " I love you to the moon and back!"
As our favorite book puts it...
"I am your parent; you are my child.
I am your quiet place; you are my wild.
I am your calm face; you are my giggle.
I am your wait; you are my wiggle.
I am your water wings; you are my deep.
I am your open arms; you are my running leap.
I am your dinner; you are my chocolate cake.
I am your bedtime; you are my wide awake.
I am your finish line; you are my race.
I am your praying hands; you are my saying grace.
I am your lullaby; you are my peekaboo.
I am your goodnight kiss; you are my I love you!"

Thank you for bringing something so special to our family. We wouldn't be the same without you and we love you more than you could possibly know! Happy 3rd Birthday Princess!!!
Love,
Your Mommy

Jesse and I celebrated our 7th anniversary on the 3rd! May is our crazy month....between an anniversary, Chels' b-day, mine, his and Kirstianna's. We also have something going almost every night during the week, a few little trips planned and Jesse has been working overtime as well. Like I said...May is a crazy month! So before I forget, just wanted to jot down a few lines for my hubby!
Jesse-
Thank you for your friendship and love over the past 7 years. You have blessed my life tremendously and I cannot picture life without you! You have blessed me with two amazing kids that I am so thankful for and you provide for us day in and day out.
Your commitment to be an amazing father astounds me and your love for all of us is something you should be proud of. Although you may think we take your hard work and love for granted sometimes (like when I nag about the trash etc. :) ) we really do appreciate you!
Thank you for loving me through the good times and bad, and for doing your best to make the bad times good! I love you so much!
-Your Wifey
P.S. Thank you Katie for graciously watching the kids so we could get some ice cream! We appreciate you so much!

Something to celebrate!

Today we celebrated Gramps & Granny's 50th Anniversary! While I was getting ready and decorating with my mom, I was thinking how amazing it is that my grandparents have made it 50 years together...and my parents are past 25. A few years ago we celebrated Papa and Damma's 50th as well. And I know that if he wasn't keeping God company than they would be headed for 60! I realized how blessed I am to have such wonderful examples in my life. Such amazing people who love each other and have stuck together through all of life's ups and downs.

In a world that views marriage vows as something to stick to as long as it fits your needs, it is so comforting to see so many in it for the long haul.

Gramps/Granny,Papa/Damma,Dad/Mom- You all have had such a huge impact in my life! Thanks for being there for me, for loving each other and being committed to each other...you all have showed me what marriage is. I love you guys!

P.S.
Our 7th Anniversary is in 2 days...and I look forward to the long road and memories to get to 50 years together!