Cupcakes & Presents

I think I'm still in shock that I am the mother of a 4-year old. Where did the past 4 years go? It seems like he was just born but he's 4--how can that be? Jackson is the sweetest, most caring and fun boy and I am so thankful that he's mine. Some days I feel like I haven't accomplished anything and I tuck this little guy in the bed and he says, "Mommy, I love you" and I forget about the dishes, laundry and floors and just snuggle with him. He is one of my greatest accomplishments and I can't believe he's already 4!

We decided to have a family celebration on his birthday with cupcakes and presents. He was VERY excited, mostly to have us sing "Happy Birthday" and to see if he had gotten turntables (not the old-timey type of turntables you're thinking--you'll see below).

Here he is while we're singing "Happy Birthday". Can you tell he's pretty exited! He laughed at Macklin the entire song because of this..... I think Macklin got "Happy" out of his mouth and then decided it was time to eat his cupcake. And, by eat I mean devour--he couldn't stop eating it, not even to play!

Jackson got Thomas DVD's, dinosaur eggs, a Thomas the Train Peez set, a tackle box and fishing gear, beginner golf clubs and yes, a turntable. It was a fun birthday celebration and the cupcakes were good--just ask Mackie! Happy 4th Birthday Jackson!

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Birthday Adventure

On a whim yesterday, we decided it would be a fun birthday adventure to spend some time at the Birmingham Railroad Park. We have heard so many great things about this new city asset but had been for a visit. Crazy, I know, since our boys would live in a train if given the choice. Both boys were beyond EXCITED, as you'll see in the pictures. "TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN!" Macklin couldn't stop yelling at the trains and Jackson begged to get on one and blow its whistle. It wasn't easy explaining that we were not allowed to get on board--thank goodness for the separation fence or they would have taken off! Pure amazement! Can you tell Jackson is trying to convince us that he can get on that train and blow its whistle? He continuously told us that we could catch it if we just tried and that he would ask the conductor for permission to come aboard. He's quiet persistent! Both of them would have stayed all night.... and just stared at the trains as they rolled in and out of the park. They LOVED it! I am quiet certain we will be adding the Railroad Park to our weekly rotation of places to visit. It was fun to watch them in all their excitement.

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Finally Four

The first thing out of Jackson's mouth this morning was, "Mommy, am I finally 4?" He was so happy when I told him yes and happy birthday! This boy is good as gold, precious I tell you! We are doing goodies and presents after school today because trust me, trying to get him in the car for school on a normal morning is hard enough--add trains, movies, toys and other goodies to that mix and we'd never get out the door! It's amazing to see how much he has changed in the last four years! He is awesome little boy and I could just eat him up like candy!
 
Happy 4th Birthday Precious Jackson!

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Weekend Roundup

With two birthday's and two parties in the month of March, it gets quiet crazy at our house with all the planning, projects, and purchasing. Needless to say, I feel pretty good about our progress (thanks to my mom for keeping me on track)! We had a productive weekend and started our birthday celebrating a little early. Saturday morning, we took Jackson to Edgar's for a birthday breakfast with mommy & daddy. We told him he could order whatever he wanted so he opted for a shark cookie, bacon and orange juice. Doesn't sound appetizing to me but he was in heaven (and I wasn't fast enough to get a picture before he started eating his cookie)!

After birthday breakfast, we went grocery shopping and headed back home for some baking and a craft project. I discovered a fun project for recycling broken crayons and since we haven't put it to use yet, I thought it would be a nice item to include in the boys goody bags to give at their parties. I promise to share the full instructions in another post but here's the short version: 1. Peel and cut crayons into pea-size pieces [having a fuzzy headed, super-cute, smiley helper is an added bonus!] 2. Place tin cookie cutters of your choice on a baking sheet (line it with parchment paper first!) and fill with the crayon pieces. Bake at 175 for 15-30 minutes. 3. Let cool in freezer for 2-4 minutes, pop out and enjoy! We had fun making these crayons and the boys think they are awesome. As with any project, we made a few modifications to the instructions along the way which made it easier for us (parchment paper above is one of those modifications). Full instructions to follow soon, I promise! We got some really pretty strawberries at the grocery store and decided to make a strawberry cake. Check out how pretty it turned out. And, since I'm dieting so that hopefully I will feel comfortable at the beach in a swimsuit and not a mu-mu this year, I only had a very small piece! Here's to the start of a fabulously fun birthday week!

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Trails of Africa

Friday afternoon was one of the VIP Preview's of the newest exhibit at our local zoo called the "Trails of Africa". We have watched the progression of construction for this wonderful exhibit and couldn't wait to finally get to explore it. And, since we practically live at the zoo these days (ha, our house is included in that description), we decided to attend the afternoon preview event in order to beat the anticipated weekend crowds. We told the boys we would pick them up extra early from school for a family field trip and they were beyond excited!

These pictures are from the main section of the new exhibit. The really awesome elephant statue greets you as you make your way to the elephant compound. Jackson and Macklin wanted to ride it and hear it roar. Although it didn't make any noise, it did provide a nice water misting from its trunk which they thought was FABULOUS! It was difficult to get a good picture of Bulwagi because he was being feed by a zookeeper while all us onlookers checked him out. He appeared comfortable and happy despite his missing tusk which we found out he lost when we was only four years old. Calli, the other elephant already on-site, did not make an appearance because he's in quarantine to be sure he is still healthy after his travels to his new home--we can't wait to meet him too!

Let's discuss the snakes! Jackson has become quiet mesmerized by snakes here lately and has even asked if he could have one. Umm, NO! On one of our earlier zoo trips he did talk his Gramie into a snake from the gift shop that scares the life out of me every time I see it at our house! Both of the boys couldn't wait to get their fingers on this boa-constrictor (I think, or maybe it was a python--I can't remember and couldn't back away from it fast enough!!!) which was right outside the Safari Cafe.

Next on our exhibit tour we encountered this beautiful African Wild Cat, a special African species of bird I can't recall, and the Giraffes and Ostrich zone. What I do recall is that Jackson and Macklin wanted to touch EVERYTHING! Yes, even this beautiful wild cat which we had to explain to him that it was not a cat like the neighbors have next door--this one would put him/us in his food chain--so not good! He was a bit taken back by our response but still wanted to get closer and pet the kitty!

And of course, no trip to the zoo is complete unless we ride the train! We got away with one ride and one ringing of the bell!

Our family of four--not the best picture but it's a picture of all of us and that is rare. We really enjoyed our preview of the Trails of Africa!

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Spring: Hues of Pink

I must admit that I am a bit on the fence when it comes to pink. The thing I really do like about shades of pink is how from one hue, pink can be soft and relaxing and in another hue it can become bold and energizing. While that's true with many colors, pink just seems to have some quality the other colors don't have--I haven't quiet put my finger on it but I think it's because I've been ignoring pink for way too long. Why, you ask, would I ignore pink? I think the thing that bothers me, personally, about pink is that it tends to be a bit overused. Because it feel into my overused category, I've steered clear of pink in most of my color choices. I have a tendency to lean more toward colors rarely thought of--the unexpected. However, recently I've seen some designs that are making me rethink my pink--check these out:

photo courtesy designer Sarah Richardson

Sarah Richardson is one of my favorite designers. Her simplistic, yet unexpected uses of the color pink give a fresh, new look to this girl's bedroom. The bold, floral fabric is feminine but not too sweet--genius!

photo courtesy Rate My Space

The polka-dot pillow provided the inspiration ECinNC used to design the focal wall in her daughter's bedroom. The pairing of the pink polka-dots with the and apple green damask fabric is complementary while the white provides a grounding for all the pops of color. Fresh and bold!

photo courtesy designer Erinn Valencich

Using spring tulips and roses in the same shade of pink provide a hint of the change in season. And, the mirrored stacked tables are pretty de-lish too!!!

photo courtesy designer David Bromstad

I'M IN LOVE! Now, this space and all its pink have my heart fluttering! Designer David Bromstad, another of my favorites, brilliantly harmonized deep burgundy, yellow and touches of pink in this open floor plan space. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! So, with my new appreciation for pink and its many hues, I think I may incorporate it into a space this spring. Bring on the pink!!

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Bright Sunshiny Day

That's what I'm wishing for--a bright, sunshiny day because all this rain needs to go away! Here's wishing you're having better weather and that you have a Happy Hump Day! Pin It