My Big Girl is 10!

A week ago, we celebrated Cecelia's 10th birthday. I was overwhelmed by the realization that my big/little girl is growing up and out of childhood. She didn't even get any toys for presents. (She didn't ask for any either.) She had wanted to have a sleepover, but one of her friends wasn't able to spend the night and the other is allergic to our pets. The best alternative was THE BEACH! 

Rocky, Keliah, Cecelia, Carlo, Antonio and Luca

We drove out to Ft. Desoto park on the gulf coast and shared a picnic lunch with seagulls and had a great time swimming, exploring, and playing. Because of the long road trip and extended time on the beach (as evidenced by the pink shoulders of some of us), we had cake, ice cream and presents the next day.

Happy Birthday Cecelia!!!

I was touched when Keliah (8) wanted to pray for Cecelia to bless her birthday.
Sweet Cecelia, you may not always hear me say all I feel for you. I love you - you know that - but do you know how much I treasure and cherish you? You are the delight of my heart and everyday my respect for you and my pride in you grows. You are an amazing lover of the Lord, a girl who desires the things of God with your whole heart! I pray that you are continually blessed and amazed by the goodness of your Heavenly Father and that we as your family will always lift you up on your journey.

Keliah praying a blessing over Cecelia

The Teen Years

That's right, we've entered the teen years in our home. And, I gotta tell ya, it's not all bad. Sure, Antonio is now officially taller than I am and he has this cute shadow over his top lip, but he's also a really great kid! Not only is he willing to watch his little brothers and sisters while Nick & I take a coffee date, but he actually makes sure stuff is cleaned up and the dog is taken out. (I've gotten a few complaints about his bossiness, but I think that's okay considering he's the oldest.) We've really been blessed by our firstborn and he continues to bless others as well.
As heartbroken as I am to realize my little blond-haired angelic baby is growing up, I am also happy that he is becoming a man after God's heart.
We didn't have a big party, but Antonio did invite a friend over to spend the night for the first time. The two of them, Rocky, and Nick went and played a couple sessions of laser tag, we shared a meal, and pigged out on my creation of a S'More Cake. It was messy, gooey, and yummy + ice cream. Later, they played Wii and PS3 till about midnight and crashed out on couches in the living room. Church time came too early the next day. ;) 
Happy Birthday Antonio! You bring joy to my heart and love to my life. I expect your teen years to be amazing!

Another August Birthday(s)

Sophia with her new Scooby lunchbox (Holly & Hope in background)

 

 

I couldn't let 2 very important birthdays pass too far into history without acknowledging them here. On Aug. 16th my niece, Sophia, turned the big 5! She's almost too big for her britches but adorable, sweet, and endlessly funny. She had a Fancy Nancy birthday (like her big cousin Keliah) in the community garden where they live. So cool...and green! She also just started kindergarten on her actual birthday so she's having new adventures every day. (So is my sister who is struggling just a little bit with the schedule change - I love you!) Happy Birthday, Sophia, we are so proud of you & pray many blessings over you!
Also, last Saturday, the 21st was Holly's birthday; she's 30something which means I am 30somethingplus. Scary how the years just keep piling up. Anyway, happy birthday, Holly! We love you so much & want you to know how much we miss you. I pray God's peace over you and many blessings of abundance!

More Birthday Props! Rocky's 11th

It's a crazy busy month in August. Ryan "Rocky" James turned 11 on Aug. 9th. We had invitations created and given out about a week before the big day, however the party didn't really come together. 2 of his good friends moved THAT DAY, so we had them over to play hang out a few days earlier. The other friend he invited is a girl, and I think her parents are just not cool with her coming over for a boy's party. Not sure why, but we decided to do something else to make up for the disappointment. Since Rocky had decided on a Lego Beach Party as the theme, we thought it would be appropriate to go to Downtown Disney to the big Lego store. We got there kind of late in the day, but managed to cram in the maximum amount of fun (with Nick on crutches.) Then, after losing and finding Luca in the meandering Disney store, we came home for cake and presents.

Rocky, Luca, Carlo & Sabina greet the Lego family & dogs.

Non-edible Lego cake with Lego flies! Ew.

Keliah with Lego Woody

Sabina & Luca checking out the Lego water serpent.

Rocky creating a car (Luca watching) to race outside of Lego store

We shared the super mega sundae at Ghirardelli soda fountain. YUM

Rocky had a high-concept for his cake. He loves Legos and likes baking, so I provided the goodies, created the water/beach cake and he decorated with the Legos he'd picked out for this purpose. It came out really awesome & showed what a great, creative kid he is. I can still call him a kid for at least the next year, can't I?

Finishing touches by Rocky.

Make a wish! He looks so proud!

Only a small part of the Lego-heavy presents

Happy 11th, Rocky! I love you!

A Bit Late...Birthday Love!

On August 2nd, my son Carlo turned 6 years old! It was a big day because he "officially" doesn't have to take naps anymore. Enter quiet time... :) Anyway, we celebrated with a Woody Toy Story party as a family. I take a lot of joy in making birthdays special for each of my children. We baked a cake in the horseshoe cake pan that my aunt in Oklahoma handed down to me this summer; Carlo helped decorate by frosting most of the top himself. And at the telling of this birthday story, Carlo has misplaced about half of his gifts. I guess quiet time in his room doesn't lend to cleaning it. I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story:

Carlo unwrapping presents while the crew watches. (Hopefully w/o envy.)

His own chair (and Mickey pillow) for watching t.v. or reading in!

Decorated with Toy Story fruit snacks.

May all his wishes come true!

I love you, Carlo! Happy Birthday buddy.

Baby Picture Sunday- too funny!

Well, I don't know if Debi has decided not to do BPS anymore or if she's just taking a break. I know she's got her hands full. I just had to post this pic, though!

Sabina eating Rocky's birthday cake.

I just had to capture a picture of Sabina with her blue frosting mustache! It's too funny.
Last Monday was Rocky's 11th birthday and with everything else going on that day, we didn't have cake and presents till after 8:00! Sabina was already dressed for bed in her oversized T, but had fun with us as we celebrated Rocky. She's going to be 3 in October, so I may not be able to post current pics of her on "Baby" Picture Sunday much longer. I guess it's time to start scanning in those old pics of my big kids!
Blessings, Dixie

Birthday Girl!

 

My oldest daughter, Cecelia turned 9 on Sunday. She was a good sport about not having a big party this year. She'd wanted a Hannah Montana party, and I had some cute, fun ideas on that front, but it was not to be. Nick and I were extremely busy all weekend with OHOP's monthly Awaken the Bride conference. Nick led worship on Friday night, Saturday morning and Sunday morning (I sing on his team.) He also taught classes on Sat. afternoon and Sun. afternoon. It was a crazy time to think about poor Cecelia's birthday. She was thankful, though, that her birthday was on Sunday and glorified and worshiped God with excellence! Fortunately, Grandma always remembers to send birthday gifts early, so she had a gift to open first thing after church. (Thank you Grandma & Grandpa; you are awesome!) Her sister, Keliah, couldn't wait to give her gift of a pink Princess Disney hat, either. That evening, she and I got to go out (just the 2 of us!) to see Alice in Wonderland - sharing the tub of popcorn and large Cherry Coke for supper. We had fun together and planned to have our family cake party to celebrate on Monday evening.

After much speculation and looking at other guitar cakes online, I just made up my own ideas with what I had on hand to create her pink guitar cake. (Notice the C.C. initials!) Nothing too fancy, but perfect for our little gathering with 2 kinds of ice cream. The remains were breakfast this morning. Anyway, I'm so proud of my little girl, getting so grown up (but not too grown up.) She is truly a gift from God and I'm so humbled to be her mom.

The gifts from us were pretty simple this year. Books, a couple toys, candy and clothes. As you can see below, Sabina was certain that the cute puppy was hers!  Today, she even got to stretch that birthday joy for another day with the arrival of a package from my parents - Granny & Papa. Woo-hoo! I'm determined to enjoy letting her be a little girl for these next couple of years. I don't want her rushing in to growing up too fast. These years are precious. Besides, once you are grown up it lasts for the rest of your life! That's not so fun. Even though I try to impress a sense of responsibility and contribution upon all my children, I also want them to have lots of time to just be KIDS. This is the time for the games, books, songs, artwork, and dances that will truly make up the woman Cecelia will be. And, please God, help me be the mother that Cecelia needs.

6 Word Saturday

Happy Birthday, Antonio! I love you!

Thankful Thursday

Wow...you know, I have so much to be thankful for and I just don't spend enough time dwelling on that.

Today, I am thankful to be a part of an AMAZING worship with the Word set at OHOP on Thursday mornings. We sang out of Song of Solomon this morning, chapter 1, verses 2-4: "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth - For your love is better than wine. Because of the fragrance of your good ointments, Your name is ointment poured forth; Therefore the virgins love you. Draw me away! I will run after you. The King has brought me into his chambers. I wil be glad and rejoice in you. I will remember your love more than wine. Rightly do we love you." (slightly paraphrased) Oh, I am so in love with Jesus! I am so blessed to be a part of this set, led by the awesome and anointed Edwin Botero. Thank you!

I am also thankful that my mother-in-law is flying in today! She is a true intercessor and Woman of God. This is her first time traveling alone, so I am praying for a smooth trip for her & looking forward to her arrival. Thank you, God, for Connie!

Tomorrow is Antonio's 12th birthday, so I have to say a word about my firstborn. He astounds me. I am so thankful for this young man of God. He is (mostly) very helpful and eager to please. He blesses my heart. Thank you, God, for allowing me to be a part of Antonio's life, and for keeping him in the palm of Your hand.

The Fancy Nancy Birthday!

Yes, last Saturday (over a week ago) we had the long-awaited and sadly postponed Fancy Nancy birthday party to celebrate Keliah's 7th birthday.

Fancy Girls: Madi, Cecelia, Keliah, and Mia

We were so happy to have the lovely Madi and Mia join us in our finery. (See their wonderful Mom's blog here) We were very girly and silly for about half an hour until Antonio got out his huge Nerf gun and started a 30-minute-run-around-the-house-and-scream fiesta. Gotta love big brothers.

We had a fashion show, with the girls doing their best "Runway" strut.

Then, because the little ones were ready for treats, we sat down at the table to make our own candy necklaces (with cute kits I got at Target.)

That blended pretty seamlessly into the birthday candle blow-out, singing time. Everyone got to make their own "fancy" cupcake. I had frosted them all pink and set out edible decorations for them to choose from. We had sprinkles, princess toppings, chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, marachino cherries, colored sugar, pastel mints, as well as any candy left over when they finished their necklaces. Every cupcake was different, and they were all fancy!

I also served ice cream and sparkling apple juice. After this, Keliah opened presents and then the sugar rush kicked in! The squealing/screaming was pretty funny, especially when my ears throbbed with the noise. We managed to get them calm enough for me to read "Bonjour Butterfly" the Fancy Nancy book we got her as they sat beneath the pink gauze canopy put up especially for the party. That only managed to last a little bit longer than the pink crepe paper streamers Rocky festooned the rooms with. We were sad to say good-bye to our friends, promising to get together soon at the park, and sent them home with Fancy Nancy coloring sheets and new sparkle glue. I was a tiny bit glad to take off my fancy clothes and get comfortable, but was sad the girliness was over. I think I need more opportunities to get loverly.

Baby Picture Sunday - My Reason for Breathing is You

I am lucky to have many reasons to breathe.
Namely: Nick and Antonio (in silent contemplation of cupcake goodness.)


Rocky, sweet & funny





Cecelia with her cupcake art.





Keliah and her lovely, gappy smile.



Carlo in joy and passion.


Luca of hilarity.


And the "baby" Sabina who manages to pull off the whole frosting mustache and still be gorgeous.



All my babies. My cup runneth over.

The Birthday Not-Party

I got the last minute invitations out.
People actually R.S.V.P.'d. We were excited; I was a little nervous. I wasn't feeling great, but got up enough energy to clean up and make cupcakes. Nick came home from the children's watch alone. I had stayed home with the 3 youngest to ready the house and make sure the youngest ones got a nap before the party. Where were the 4 older kids, including the birthday girl? They went home with friends straight from the prayer watch for lunch and play. Cool.
Nick was tired and sore. He ate lunch and rested while I continued preparations.
An hour later, he said, "I think you need to cancel the party."
He really was sick. Not a fever, but sapped of all energy, achy, cough and chest congestion.
"Are you sure?" He moaned from the couch. I called the guests. We rescheduled for next Saturday.
I called Keliah to let her know so she wouldn't be too disappointed when she got home, and they got to play there a while longer. That night, we had cupcakes and ice cream anyway and she got to unwrap presents from us and her grandparents.
Keliah seems okay with it. I think she's excited to have cupcakes again next Saturday.
So, a little more waiting for those party pics.
In the meantime, I'll post some pictures from that trip to the beach that kept getting postponed.
From a month and a half ago!!!

Sabina creating sandcastles

Rocky making snowy SandAngels

Playing by the Shore

Keliah holding a tiny perfect pink shell

The Crew wading to the Gulf

Birthday rememberance...

Today is Keliah's 7th birthday. She is an amazing, fun, beautiful, talented girl. She has a sweet and sensitive heart and I pray that God continues His good work in her as she learns to listen to Him. It's hard to believe she's 7 already. She turned 3 the day we left Kansas City for Florida. It was a day of excitement and tears; a day of good-byes and dreams for the future. How could it have been 4 years ago?

So, Fancy Nancy party tomorrow afternoon. I'll try to post pictures because it should be cute and funny.

In the meantime, our fast has been temporarily interrupted for the birthday activities. You'll never guess the birthday meal I made today. Mac & cheese and bacon. Strange, I know. But, man, it was good. It was good to have cheese, and it was really good to eat meat. Bacon is good. Then, we had ice cream sandwiches since the party food is for tomorrow. It's so great to have a family time on the birthday and then celebration time with guests. I've slowly come to the conclusion that elementary aged kids don't care how cluttered your house is; they just want to have fun! I'm not going to get stressed out about how my house looks tomorrow; just focus on fun.

6 Word Saturday

My Epcot birthday date was INCREDIBLE!