Monday, April 19, 2010

Spring in the Front Yard

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything--William ShakespeareThe day the Lord created hope was probably the same day He created Spring --Bern WilliamsEvery spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment. --Ellis Peters

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Gone Country

For Miranda's birthday, we had a "Farm Theme" party. After it was over, I just kept thinking, "that was so much fun." I think all the kids really loved it, too...I posted a ton of pictures because I had two fabulous photograhpers (Jeremy's aunt Dede and my cousin Corie) share their pictures with me and they all turned out so great. I have been planning on doing the farm party theme (how could I resist with Mark and Merilynn's beautiful setting and pet chickens and goats?) for about six months so it gave me plenty of time to look for ideas and snatch up farm-related items whenever I saw a good deal.

We had tractor rides, horse rides, gathered eggs from the chickens, fed the goats/chickens, 4-wheeler rides, face painting, presents and a game for the kids, lunch/cupcakes/ice-cream, and stick horse races. Although I had been planning this for a long time, you would think I would have had it all ready well in advance--but I was still up late and (very late) some nights last week getting it all ready. The biggest problem is the cake, which mostly has to be done the day before, but also the stick horses. I didn't discover a tutorial for them until the week before the party. They are made out of a sock, yarn, buttons, felt, and a large dowel. I instantly fell in love with them, and I'm so glad I sacrificed sleep for them--they were so cute and such a fun party favor. There were a few times I didn't think I would have time, but thanks to Holli and my mom, I was able to finish them the day before the party!

The only bad part of the party was when Miranda got thrown off the horse (it got startled). She landed on her elbows/back, but was okay. Jeremy even talked her into getting back on, and she was so brave, she did! Here is a picture after she was thrown off. She only had a scrape on one elbow and a light bruise. We're really lucky--next time we'll be sure to get helmets!
I should probably label all the pictures below, but I really need to get some work done tonight. So I'll just end with a good 'ol "Yee-Haw"!













Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Birthday Countdown

For the past month, Miranda has been so excited that her birthday is "next", so every day, she would ask if it was her birthday yet. So, I decided to make a paper chain with her to help give her some perspective. She loves tearing off a link each night but she's super excited for the three at the top that are after her birthday, counting down three days until her party!
She's having a farm theme party this year. I thought it would be fun for her to let her cousins share a little of the excitement of gathering eggs at her Grandparent's house. Miranda gets to feed the chickens and goats and gather the chicken eggs every week when we go to there. Anyway, in preparation for the party, I bought some little plastic farm animals for the kids but wanted to make them "more fun". So, I cut out some green, brown, and blue pieces of felt for grass, gardens, a pond, and some good old mud. I've made little 'troughs' for the animals to eat and drink from, too. But the best are the red barns. Merilynn designed them and helped me sew them--she is SO talented and they turned out far better than I had imagined. Here's a sneak peak:

This is after they're sewn, but before paint.

Waiting for the paint to dry. Merilynn also had some farm print flannel she was going to make Bradley some pajamas with, but when Miranda saw it, she fell in love with it. So, Merilynn and I spent a chunk of the weekend designing (and her sewing) a nightgown that wouldn't look too masculine or pioneer-ish despite the brown colors and tractors. It turned out cute, but most importantly she feels beautiful in it and loves it. I'm glad she doesn't need pink tutus and bows to feel like a princess! Lastly, for Miranda's actual birthday (not her party) she wanted a cake of course. Knowing I had a lot to do for her party and my work this week, I carefully to her, "yes, I'll make cupcakes" to which she quickly responded, "No! I don't want muffins! I want CAAAKE!" Luckily for my time schedule, I had a perfect 9" round cake in the freezer already with a crumb coat on it. After thawing and tinting store-bought frosting (cream cheese flavor of course) a pretty pink--ta da! A pink cake she was so excited about eating that she started to 'bless it' while I was trying to take pictures of her and the cake! I love that girl! Happy birthday, sweetie!