My Mothers Day

This years Mother's Day was my best by far. Not because of the dollars spent and gifts received but because of the selfless thoughtfulness that went into it.

My morning started off with breakfast in bed. Some yummy food served up by the big kids and a tiny bit of help from their daddy.

Breakfast was followed by gifts. The kids were beyond excited to bring in what they had got me. The amount of joy they have while giving blesses me. They wanted so much to make their mama smile. That alone was enough but my hubby went above and beyond this year. I got a few things for the kitchen that I have been dying for. No, it was not a trap when I put them on my mothers day wish list. I am so excited to use it all.

And then my big gift, a day at Glen Ivy with a couple of friends. I knew it was coming but I could have died when I opened the envelope of gift cards. So so amazing.

As if all of that wasn't enough, gifts were followed by manis and pedis with my mom, sis in law and favorite little girl. After that Steven sent me off, with some gift cards that were collecting dust, to go get a facial. I came home relaxed and ready to relax some more. So that's what we did. Went outside to play and I got to just lounge in the sun. Ahhh heaven.

The night was finished off with a family tradition of girls night dinner.


All day, all I could think of was how we were celebrating me but I couldn't do it without the man who stands behind me.

I have a husband who supports us financially and spiritually daily. A husband who never hesitates to give a helping hand with rambunctious kids. Who will give up a day to take care of his children without a second thought. Someone so willing to serve me and honor me on my day.

How I got so lucky to be his wife and the mama of his children, I will never know. I am just glad that I get to be. I have the most amazing man at my side and the most beautiful children, who clearly take after their dad in the awesome department. 

The material gifts are fun. The gift of being his wife and our kiddos mommy is one I cherish.

I cannot wait to bless his socks off on Fathers Day.

WIWW Maternity Style

Dressing the bump has proved to be quite the challenge this time around. With Rhiannon and Talon the baby doll style tops were really in. No need to buy maternity. A belly band and regular old clothes were all that I needed.

Oh how I wish that style would come back. Just until baby boy arrives. Let me tell you, the high-low and peplum tops just don't work when you have a bump the size of a basketball.

Don't even get me started on maternity clothes either. Finding stuff that doesn't look granny-esque but won't break the bank is tough work, yo. So, I have settled for looking a little bit frumpy. Long tanks from Old Navy and Target have become my B.F.F's. when I need to look half way decent I just throw on a cardigan or blazer and wa-la, I'm ready to go.

Sporting the 28 week bump

 This past weekend though, I needed to dress up for my cousin's wedding and it was way too hot for a blazer. After searching high and low for an affordable dress that didn't age me 20 years, I got desperate and went to the plus size section at Target. Everything was huge on me. But one dress fit the bump...still huge up top though. Luckily, my genius husband was tagging along. He told me to pinch the straps and see how it looked. Sure enough taking about an inch and a half in the arms made for great fit. Took it home, sewed it up and I was ready to go.

A few accessories and I felt confident to leave the house again. I think I may have found a new dress purchase fix. Altering fashionable plus sized dresses may be the way to go. I'll just cut off the XL tags to help my self esteem. :)

Dress:Target
Belt: Forever 21
Boots: Milano Shoes
Necklace: Premier Designs Jewelry
Earrings: Made with Pick Your Plum supplies

Ariel's Grotto Girls

A few weeks ago a friend invited us to her little girls 5th birthday at Ariel's Grotto. I debated the cost of the restaurant vs. the fun I knew we had for quite a while 5 minutes. After our annual pass discount, our total would be coming up to over $60. I am cheap. The two things don't line up. But being a mommy that loves my daughter far more than money the decision seemed pretty simple. Rhiannon is obsessed with princesses and all things Disney really.

I told her right away what was going to happen. I think she died a little. She informed me that she wanted to wear the blue Ariel dress, not her princessy one but the "kiss de girl" dress as she says it. I bought a pattern from Sew Sweet Patterns, then altered and added to the pattern a bit to make a dress that made her swoon.

We brought Rhiannon's adorable friend a dress made from the same pattern. Not knowing the girly was obsessed with birds, Rhi chose what turned out to be the perfect fabric.

We got to Ariel's grotto and was immediately greeted by Ariel. Once seated we were brought a bread basket with butter, pesto and the most amazing seafood salad.

A few minutes later they brought out an antipasto tower. One tier of fruit and fruit jello. Another with prosciutto, delicious cheese and and olives, and a tossed salad with a yummy mango dressing.For the main course my girl got cheese seashells with grapes and I had tri-tip, mashed potatoes and grilled veggies. Delicious!

Then dessert. Oh the dessert. Fudge cakes. Cupcakes. Fresh fruit. Everything you can think of. It was amazing.

Through-out our entrees and desserts, numerous princesses came and seen the girls. The birthday girl and Rhiannon would smile and occasionally gasp as their favorites came out and chatted. They snapped pictures and had an amazing time.

Ariel's Grotto was just perfect. The girls had a magical lunch that I know neither of them will forget. All and all, worth every penny.

Shop Update

It's been a long time coming and a lot of requests waiting but the newest princess aprons have hit the shop.

We have four new aprons, with prices starting at $22.

Here they are. The newly released Pocahontas, Jasmine, Mulan and Belle.

Get them fast. I know we have quite a few people who have been patiently waiting their favorite.

Who is your favorite?

CLICK TO GO SHOP NOW!!!

Heaven is a Dance Floor

Our God is a party throwing God. He celebrates when we come to Him. He rejoices with us. Isn't that what worship really is? Us falling at the feet of Jesus in celebration of what He has done, what He has given us. He meets us in that place.

In the years since I have been saved I have often felt left out by those around me partying. By radically changing my life for Christ, I had left behind a lot... I thought.

 

As I walked into the Chris Tomlin concert, I was reminded that the life of partying wasn't taken from me. It was altered. It was made better.

Louie Giglio shared at the concert and spoke the words I was needing to hear. "Our God is a party throwing God. We, as Christians, have left the partying to the world but we have so much more to celebrate."


While hanging out with my husband and friends at the concert I realized that's what we were doing. Transparent Productions, a promotions agency who brings Christian artist all over the nation, threw a rager of a party and God met us there.

The music was phenomenal. Chris Tomlin is even better live than on the radio. The crowd was on fire. Laughing, dancing and having fun. This place was filled with worship. It was a party like no other I have ever seen.

 

Transparent Productions went above and beyond. They produced this concert, that not only filled the amphitheater with great music and a whole lot of fun but set up a place for us to meet with The Lord. To be reminded of His greatness and promises. I cannot wait for the next show. I cannot wait to see what God has in store, how He will use Transparent and their artists to move each of us.

I am so thankful for companies like Transparent Productions for giving us this place to worship. To party alongside each other, before our God. They have a few shows coming up too!


First, the Hillsong United Concert in Los Angeles on Friday June 7, 2013. It is at the Hollywood Bowl and starts at 8 PM. You can get some info and buy tickets here... I may have cried when I realized I couldn't make it to this one. I'll blame the preggo hormones but between you and me, I was just really upset to miss it.

I will however be attending FISH Fest on June 29, 2013, at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine California.  Go here to get your tickets and any info. Tickets go on sale today (May 3rd). Be sure to get 'em fast. Oh, and if you plan to go, let me know. I would love to meet you all in real life!!


Whether you are in So Cal or live far away, check out Transparent Productions. Find a show by you. You will NOT be disappointed. Pinky Promise.

 Get info on:

Their website 

Or Follow them on:

Twitter  | Facebook  | Instagram

Now go buy your tickets to FISH Fest! I want to see you there!


“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Transparent Productions but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #BurningLights   http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.”

80's Dance Party

A couple weeks ago we celebrated our little man's first birthday with an 80's dance party. I must say it was pretty rad.

The decor was of course centered around 80's pop culture. Cassettes, neon colors and flashy prints were everywhere. The cassette idea was found over at Practically Living. We simply bought old cassettes from a thrift store and hung them with fishing line. Pac Man covered our walls. And to set the mood for dancing we covered our lights with colored cello paper.

We themed our dessert table around 80's toys. Slinky's that acted as a mini backdrop. Rubix cubes and 80's themed chocolates covered the table. And can you just pause to take a look at that cake and candy. It was all done by my amazing friend Tasha over at Tasha-Ann's Sweet Treats.

All of the food was authentic Dominican Cuisine. I will be sharing recipes soon because seriously, you won't be able to live without it! YUM!!!!

Everything about the party was upbeat and fun. The biggest hit? Our 80's photo booth. I found the fabric at Ikea and made a backdrop. We threw together a few props and set up some lighting and a camera with remote for people to take their pictures. It was a blast.

Almost everyone came dressed in 80's attire and it was pretty awesome.

Our little man had an amazing time. I wish I could show you the pictures of him. Pure joy.

Strollers are Scary

I have a confession. One I am hesitant to admit.

I am scared of having baby number four. I don't hesitate to admit it because it is shameful but because I know so many women who would give anything to be pregnant. I do not mean to offend anyone or hurt anyone as I tease myself about my fear.

That being said. I am scared y'all! Not all the time. Mostly just today.

I had the initial shock fear when we found out we were expecting. This little dude was not planned. Don't take that as he was an accident. We look at it as a surprise little blessing. I have always wanted a big family. Always! I come from a big family and I love it. This just wasn't how we planned it. God is so funny :)

That shock and fear of having four kids four and under (while being called to do foster care) wore off pretty quickly. I grew excited of the idea of the two youngest being GULP 15 months apart. And then today happened.

We have been shopping around for strollers. The stroller I really want is this one:

Valco with Accessories

A Valco double stroller with a Joey seat for baby and a hitchhiker for my four year old. No big deal. Remove the attachments when they aren't needed. Add them back on as we get more foster kiddos. Bam. Handled.

Then I put it in a shopping cart. And holy cuss word!

So the shopping continued. And we quickly realized something more like a Foundations quad would be more in the budget. Great stroller, not my first pick but it's awesome with good reviews. I can deal with a 50-70lb (before kids seated) stroller. That's not the scary part.

Foundations

Want to know what's scary? Every one of those seats will be filled. Every. Single. One.

I (semi)-jokingly asked my friend Stefani, if she would raise one for me. I'd even give her one of the boys to counter-balance her 3 girls. She quickly reminded me that we were the crazies, not her. And I was snapped back to reality.

All y'all having 4 kids spread out over the years are the crazy ones not me. Within 5 years of eachother every one of my kids will be moving on out while yours are watching you age. Haha.

My future

But seriously, if I have to push this thing around, send me to the looney bin.