Little Mermaid Birthday Party

Ella Turned 4 and naturally we had a birthday party with over 30 kids all younger than 3rd grade and a real life mermaid. I didn't do any planning for this party seeing as we have another family of 6 living with us (true story), and didn't take the time to figure it out. James lined up the princess to come, and I literally text people to come over the day before. The day before the party I loaded up half of the kids and let Ella and Brezlyn (one of the little girl's living with us) come up with what they wanted for the party. I think it turned out pretty adorable!

The cupcakes turned out perfect! They required so little work as well!

I made these clams with vanilla wafers and the leftover frosting from the cake.

Per Ella's request I had fruit, always fruit.

These are freezable "ice cubes" I found at Wal Mart. Perfect touch for our blue punch!

Ariel is one of James' former students (which made us feel super old!). Her voice was amazing and she was absolutely awesome with the kids. Simply adorable to watch the girls interact with her!

I bribed Josiah to ask her if she had a boyfriend, apparently she's already married to a prince. The boys all acted hilariously uncomfortable. There was even some punching of each other over the glances she gave them.

Of course I went overboard (see what I did there??) and bought this second hand Barbie Princess extravaganza for her gift. The awesome thing about it is that this was just over 1/2 of what was included and I am hoarding the rest until Christmas. She's not spoiled at all....

Just look at her....I mean good grief......I love her.

Happy Birthday sweetie.

Dear Ella

Dear Ella,

We just celebrated your third birthday. It is cliche when I say it, but it truly feels like last week that we brought you home from the hospital. I cannot fathom how quickly these past few years have gone by. It brings a tear to my eye thinking I only have fifteen more of these with you, I want to savor every moment I have with you.

There is something about you, girl. You brighten our home in such a special way. Each moment you walk down the stairs with your crazy hair, and that pink blankie you light up the room. You wake up with a smile on your face, begging for snuggles. How can we resist you?

You are sweet, dainty, and girly; everything I have ever hoped my daughter would be. You are also stubborn, so very strong willed. You will fight for what you want for such a long time (which can really wear a momma out). I know that God gave you a fighter's spirit. You do not like to be alone, you love to be surrounded by people. You set up tea parties and insist the boys use their manners while you serve them. You check for fairies in the fairy garden, play with your princesses, babies, and books. You sing, and dance and give us a show. You giggle and squirm when we tickle you. You also tackle and wrestle your brothers and dribble a basketball.

You are deathly afraid of worms, turtles, and the chick-fil-a cow (which is adorable). You are so incredibly sassy when not getting your way. You and Micah have such a unique relationship. He adores you and you, him. You two can fight like cats and dogs, then work it out within seconds. Josiah will usually give you whatever you ask of him, I do believe he's a bit smitten as well.

What I most love about you is how you have such a nurturing spirit. You have mothered Caleb nearly as much as I have. You feed him, coddle him and watch his every move. When he cries you rush to him trying to soothe him. You find him copious amounts of toys to keep him entertained. The same way you love him, he loves you too. You rush to his side as he whimpers and the moment he sees you he smiles. He watches you all day, and will nearly break his neck to follow your every move. You are an amazing sister.

You have such a kind and gentle spirit. I am so amazed at how God gave you such a spirit of gentleness. You are so enchanting. We have been so blessed to have you in our family. We pray that your bright spirit continues to light up the rest of the world. We love you, adore you and cannot wait to see what God has in store for you. Girl, you are something special. Thanks be to God for letting me be your mommy!

Love,
Your Mommy

No Maintenance Fairy Garden

Ella and I had so much fun making this fairy garden the other day. In normal "Bethany" manner I decided one morning that we were going to make one, we packed up and took a trip to Hobby Lobby and picked out our supplies. It was so much fun and I think every little girl needs one!

Here's what you'll need to make your own.

Large Pot (some people just pick an old stump or the base of a big tree)

Potting Soil

Faux Plants (we used succulents we found in the clearance section and they were $1 each)

  

Decor Moss

Doll Furniture (find a ton at Hobby Lobby!)

I found this unfinished fence and stained it to match the well.

Small, Flat Stones

Faux Flowers

Imagination

Step 1: Fill your pot with the soil.
Step 2: Choose your layout.
Step 3: Add a large rock and cover with soil for an added "hill".
Step 4: Get to work!

This was so incredibly easy to put together. Literally Ella did it! She chose where she wanted the succulents, and flowers and I just took charge of placing the moss where is needed to go. I just ripped pieces off and placed them where they belonged.

I love that it looks so real and yet, it is totally fake. Every aspect of this garden is faux and will take no maintenance!

Life

Not a lot of words to go along with this post.

Just a photo. 

A perfect summary of what life looks/feels like right now.

Haha…I laugh every time at Micah's face.

That boy….

Dear Ella

Dear Ella,

I can't even begin to tell you what you have done to our family. We made sense before you came along. It was loud, silly, dirty, and crazy. When you joined our family all of that still existed only with a lot more sparkle.

You have brought me so much joy! I love your sweet little voice. It's delicate and high pitch. Just perfect. I love your love for boots, shoes, and necklaces. That makes my heart leap for joy. I love when you wake up you ask for: #1 Food #2 Boys (your brothers). I love the crush you have on your father (even though I get a smidge jealous). Daddy is the best to you.
I love that you are girly, flirty, and sassy. I adore dressing you up and watching your face light up to go show the boys what you are wearing.

You have more personality in you than any two year old should. 

When asked "What ya doing Ella?" You will respond "Just being 'tute' (cute)". 

You sure know how to melt a heart. You are so smart. Smarter than I would have ever imagined. You speak in complete sentences, that nearly everybody can understand. You light up a room and draw attention like no body else. You are living up to your life verse so very well.

Matthew 5:14,16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;…“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

You are truly the light of our home. But with that comes a lot of spark. You are so energetic, you never stop moving and can't bear to be in a car. I have yet to read a book in it's entirety to you. No movie, song, book, or game will keep  you still. This makes road trip super fun with you. You are sassy. oh, so sassy. Because of your "smarts" you have become quite aware of the spell you have cast, and you know how to get at our weak spots. It is truly hard to say "no" to you but we do all right. You have us wrapped, and we're ok with that. 

You are a gift, a true gift. We cherish you, we love you, we adore you. I thank God for giving me a girl. I want to raise you right; to love Jesus, have true self-worth, and selfless character. Girl, you are going to move mountains. I couldn't be more ecstatic to be your mommy.

Smooches,

Mommy 

Tantrum

Look at this girl.
She perfect.

Until she throws a tantrum.

Then… she's still adorable.

Here's the thing about Miss Ella... she's smart. Her capacity to comprehend and understand what we're telling her is unbelievable for her age. She's not even two years old and understands and repeats nearly everything we say.

She knows how to manipulate us cross her arms to look "upset". She knows to use a napkin when she eats. She knows how to tug at our (and her brothers) heartstrings to get what she wants.

My favorite is when she comes up to us and says "I'll hold ya!" when she wants to be held.
It's adorable.

But those little tantrums…oh girl…you're going to be a handful!

So, this is what it's like to have a girl.
….We are so in for it….