sugar rush...

For those of you who don't check out the other pages of my blog, here are some cakes I've made recently.  I'm pretty happy with the way they turned out.  I'm no professional, but I'm getting better! :)

My Little Pony Carousel cake for my co-worker's daughter's 3rd birthday.  I had a little damage in transit but I was able to repair it fairly well, and if the 3 year old's squeals were any indication...she loved it! :)

Brianna's 7th birthday cake.  I need to work a bit on my drawing skills, but not too bad for having moved the day before and whipping this up the morning of the party!

i shall now reveal what has been consuming my life...

Our new home...I'm in love...and happy...but very very tired.  :)  Enjoy the pics of our new home...we have a little way to go...but we've got a good start!

the one where i pretend i didn't just abandon my blog for a month...

My dear pretty (and handsome) readers, I promise I haven't forgotten about you...life has been sort of...hectic.  What with moving and starting school and visitors we've had just a little bit going on.  I've been meaning to post some house pictures, but just realized I haven't taken any and can't now because the kids are sleeping and my kitchen is a mess...so you'll just have to wait patiently for those.  Maybe by this weekend I'll have that done...after I get a couple of projects done for Bryce's room.  But for now, here is an update. 

We are moved and have a good deal unpacked.  That isn't to say we don't still have a lot left to unpack...because we do...A LOT.  But, we've done without most of the stuff for the last year and a half, so really...how important can it be? We are settling into a routine and the kids love it here.  They spend their nights playing with the kids in the neighborhood riding bikes, running laughing...things kids are supposed to do.  I bet most weeknights our TV doesn't get turned on...I LOVE it.  I love that the kids are playing outside (and begging to go out most times) and I even love that we have kids in and out of our house almost every night.  This place truly feels like home.  My heart is happy.  And now that we are on the other side (and are living to tell about it), it was so totally worth every sleepless night, every fight, every tear, every penny...I have never felt so much that we are exactly where we are supposed to be.  That isn't to say everything has been sunshine and roses, but the good far outweighs the bad and I am thankful and feel very blessed.

Brianna started 1st grade last Monday.  She seems to be happy although she doesn't tell us much about school.  Can't get the kid to stop talking most of the time but get one word answers when you ask her about her day.  Go figure!  Here is her obligatory 1st day of school picture.

Bryce started preschool today.  He was so excited and had a great day.  So great in fact he fell asleep about 2 minutes after Bob picked him up and slept for 2 1/2 hours.  He apparently didn't sleep at nap time and no nap and full day preschool will take a lot out of a kid.

I just got back from a walk so it is time  for this girl to take a shower and head to bed.  I'll be back soon with a tour of the house...I promise!

to my sweet girl on her seventh birthday...

Dear Brianna,
Well, I'm a little late on this, but I still have a bit of time before your birthday is over, so here goes nothing.  I've had such a hard time writing this birthday post, I've written and rewritten it dozens of times, I just cannot seem to find the right words to tell you what is in my heart.  How do you explain how your heart is so full and happy seeing the independent strong young lady your baby girl is becoming all the while your heart is breaking because the more independent and strong you get, the less you need me.  I look at you and I am amazed...amazed at the person you've become and the wonderful things I know will come for you.  I wish so much I could help you avoid heartache and pain...believe me I've made some mistakes that I would love to help you avoid, BUT I know in my heart you are so much like me that even if I tell you the answers and give you advice to help you avoid the hurt and heartache, you will still have to go off on your own, just to make sure I'm telling you the truth.  Sort of like telling someone something is hot and they inevitably have to touch it just to make sure it really is hot.  As much as it may frustrate me that you have to take the hard road to figure it out on your own, it also makes me immensely proud that you want to pave your own way and not take the easy way out...that you want to lead and not always follow.  The day you were born you took a piece of my heart with you...everything you feel...I feel.  Your hurt is my hurt, your joy is my joy, your tears are mine.  I hope life always brings you more laughter than tears and joy than hurt, but during the times of hurt and tears...always remember the hard times always make the good that much sweeter.  You are my life, my love and will always be my baby girl.

This quote always makes me think of you and your brother...

"No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you.  After all, you're the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside."

Happy seventh birthday my sweet Brianna, I love you more than you can possibly know.

Love always,
mama