Time for Tea

We set up a tea party for Alexandra's fourth birthday party. I have been collecting things for this party for a couple of years because I had planned on it for Isabelle's fifth. But she met Elijah in Kindergarten and declared that boys couldn't come to tea parties so she wanted a pony party instead. So, Alexandra reaped the benefits. My friend's husband even constructed a maypole for me. I was thinking a stick in the ground, but it is a fully working maypole with tethers and rings and everything. A lovely addition to our tea party.


The teapot cake turned out especially cute I thought. The girls were served by our hostesses flower cupcakes, eclairs and cream puffs. We had flower shaped tea sandwiches and apple juice tea.



The table had an array of vintage tea cup and saucer sets. Each girl was given a hat, a purse, and gloves. Later each on got a tea pot necklace.

They played put the teacup on the saucer, throw the tea bag in the giant teacup, lost my hankie, musical chairs and an array of tea party games. They decorated paper fans and sugar cookies.

And don't forget the tea. They were so cute with their little hats and gloves, holding their pinkies and klinking their cups together.

The maypole was definitely a fabulous addition to the party. Thanks Holly & Jack! The girls looked straight out of picture as they pranced around the pole in their Easter dresses. They really were adorable.

Happy Birthday Alexandra! You had a perfect little tea party for our perfect little 4 year old. You are so sweet and kind to your sister and brother. I love that you just say what you are feeling, when you are happy, when you are sad. You always show such love to everyone. I love your little scratchy voice, your cute little mad face. You are such an angel. Happy birthday sweet pea!


Alexandra's big present from Nani, Papa, Mom and Dad was a play house. She is in it all day long. She calls it her club house. It is equipped with sidewalk chalk, a picnic set, and decorated with curtains and flowers. Everything a little girl could want.

Happy Birhday Allie

My Alexandra turned four! She has been my baby for so long, it is sometimes surprising to see what a little girl she has turned into. When I picked her up to move her to her bed the other night, she just looked so long. I love that she still lets me baby her. She is insistent on cuddle time and I think the neck holding thing may never end, which is fine with me. She is like her sister in so many ways, but so different too. She loves being a girl, dressing up, makeup, singing, dancing, her dolls. But she is just a little more wild than Izzie. She has a little naughty streak that shines through. You really have to love her for it. She is so smart, and independent. She makes the perfect playmate. If Izzie wants the pink one, Alexandra enthusiastically says she wants whatever color is left. Izzie usually gets pink. More often than not she is the boy in the song, the prince in during make-believe. I heard that doesn't last, but as for now she is completely content. She is so unselfish and loving. She is patient beyond words. She will run errands with us, sitting in the car all day and not a peep. I love that she sings at the top of her lungs, out of tune and kind of screechy, but having a blast. She is the first to tell you that she loves you. Usually a series of confessions with hugs and wet kisses (on the lips) ending with "I love you thiiiis much" and "I love you to reeses pieces". She is so good with Oliver, although she is quite sad that she is not big enough to carry him around yet. She is so athletic and energetic. She is always so fun to be around. She says the funniest things all the time. I really have to start writing them down. I love my little four year old. I wish I could freeze them all in all of their adorable stages. It goes way too fast. Happy Birthday Allie!

I've been dreaming....

The girls got Disney's "Enchanted" which is an adorable movie about a Giselle who is looking for her Prince Charming. Isabelle got the huge white dress and we dolled up another wedding dress for Alexandra. So, I have had 2 Giselles around the house the last couple of days.

The singing is almost as adorable as the sweeping hand motions and high voice that the girls have been prancing around the house with. Although I hve to say "the Happy Little Working song" has made clean up time a lot more effective.


Little Allie fell asleep during her third viewing that day. Trying to become a princess is hard work.

Hoppin' Down the Bunny Trail

The Easter bunny came to our house during our very early 8 am church, so we wouldn't be late looking through Easter baskets. And we decorated way too many eggs, so the girls baskets were overflowing. I love Easter, and the warm weather was a welcome change from the freezing Pittsburgh Easters. I have to say Arizona winters are fantastic! The girls & Oliver had a fun Easter.

Cousins

Mike, Stephanie and their boys, Andrew, Nate, Will, and James came for a last minute weekend visit so mom could see all her grandbabies and the cousins could play.

Of course Izzie and Nate were like glue the second they got here. Those two have always had a special little bond-tey are 2 peas in a pod. Andrew is so grown up now, reading Harry Potter and sitting at the adult table. Alie and Bill took a day to warm up, but then they were outside at the table laughing, joking, and playing so cute together. Baby James is so big and so so happy. He is the happiest baby I've seen, he is so adorable. I can't wait for Oliver and him to be big enough to play together.

It was so fun to have everyone here. Mike, Stef, Jon, Mom, Ben, and I had a great time too. We had a fun barbeque, and a trip to build-a-bear. Nani treated them all to a new friend. Thanks Nani! It was a fun weekend, we can't wait to move closer.

Nani & Papa

My mom and Dad came for a "just because" visit. They both came for the weekend and my mom stayed for an extra week. It was so fun. There was no rush, no agenda. Although my mom did all the laundry and kept the house tidy the whole time she was here. Thanks mom! I was so glad my dad could come. He is always working so hard, I was glad to steal him for a couple days.

Plus I had to show off my baby who had already changed since the last time they saw him. My mom and I had a blast shopping, and playing with the kids. I actually felt like a real person again. It was so fun. I am going to try them to retire by us in Arizona or California so we can be closer. Plus Utah is too cold. Thanks for coming mom and dad it was so so fun!

Learning Photoshop

I finished my first Photoshop project attempt. I was pretty proud of my self, so, here it is.

I also got inspiration from my friend Brooke and made magnents (150 to be exact) for the favor for the Relief Society Birthday dinner. I was feeling very ambitious this month.

Ben

It is Ben's birthday today. So, I thought I would rave about him for a minute. I am so proud of him. He came straight out of school into being the only dentist in a practice. He jumped in with both feet and is doing such a great job. He flew all of the country between work, visiting us in Utah and interviews. He got into USC for a pediatric residency and he starts in June. This is an amazing program and he will be such a great pediatric dentist. He is so good with kids. He is such a hard worker and a perfectionist at his job. And he comes home after a hard day and is willing and ready to help at home. He cooks, he cleans, he does laundry, bathes kids, and all with a great attitude. I am so lucky to have him. He is such an amazing man and my best friend. We are going on ten years and I love him more than I can express. I love you babe. Happy birthday!

Sweet Thunder

Jon bought Isabelle a bike. Not just any bike, but "Sweet Thunder". This may not mean much to you. But, you see, I had a "Sweet Thunder" huffy bike when I was Izzie's age. It was the best bike ever! Izzie wasn't quite as excited as I was. At first I thought she didn't want it because it was used, so we sat down for a talk. It soon became apparent that she was just scared to ride a big bike without training wheels.


Ben and Jon both worked with her and in one day, she got it. She now loves her "Sweet Thunder" bike and rides like a pro. Thanks Uncle Jon! Now we just have to work on stopping.

3 months...already

We had Oliver's 3 month pictures taken. They turned out pretty cute, although he laughed and smiled only off camera. The lady kept saying " aww boo" and it scared him half to death. But cute pics none the less.

Oliver's Room

I finally got Oliver's room somewhat together. I thought it turned out pretty cute. I went with a retro vintage look. He even got his first sock monkey.

It is really fun decorating for a boy. I also made burp rags to match is very boy blankets and quilts, most with a retro feel. Thanks Mom! Everything is so cute in blues and oranges and greens. A big change from the abundance of pink in the other rooms. I will post my burp rags and quilts I'm working on when they are done as well as my mom's quilts and blankets. Now when I actually finish them remains to be seen.

Fab-u-lous!

Isabelle is Sharpay mixed with Gabriella from High School Musical at age 6. It is the funniest thing to watch Izzie and Allie drive down the sidewalk in the pink convertible. The first time she took it out Izzie almost went off edge of the sidewalk. She turned around, giggled, and said in her best valley girl voice, "Oops, sorry I wasn't paying attention". My mind fast forwarded 1o years--scary. I have to say she has become a pretty good driver. Three point turns are easy now. It is priceless to hear them scream, "Woo-hoo" as they take off and Allie's hands fly up in the air. They wave to all of the neighbors and kids as we drive down the walking trails to the park where they make an appearance before heading back.

Izzie told Allie not to tell her how to drive. She said, "Siit back, relax, listen to some music." and then turned on the barbie rave music on the car radio. Hmm, is she listening to Daddy in the car? Although, I taught Allie a few bad habits in the car. I honked a friendly honk to tell someone to go at a green and she threw her hands up in the air and exasperated said, "Gees, come on!" I really should watch that. Anyway, they have a blast in their pink mustang. And I have a small glimpse of them in high school. Which is so cute and so scary at the same time.

Thanks Mom!

I am back in Arizona and I left without leaving a note for my mom so this is it:

Mom,
Thank you so much for all of your help. I don't know how I would've done it without you. Thank you for watching my girls and taking such good care of them. Thank you for figuring out outfits, doing hair, taking Izzie to school, picking up, doing homework. Thank you for doing endless laundry and cleaning. Thank you for waking up at 12 and 3 and 5 when you heard the baby cry. Thank you for talking, encouraging, and uplifting. Thank you for taking care of sick girls, all 3 of us. Thank you for making the holidays so wonderful. Thank you for the customized breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Thank you for all of the amazing quilts and blankets. Thank you for cuddling my girls. Thank you for being such an amazing mother, grandmother, and friend. I love you so much and I appreciate you more than you will ever know. I love you.

Peace, Joy, and Love

Here is our Christmas card birth announcement we sent out this year. Again by Jess Bishop. They turned out so pretty with a pearl finish.

2 am

This is Oliver at 2 am. He was so awake and being so cute I had to take pictures. I just wanted to take a moment to talk about that sweet time around 2 or 3 am. That is when my babies would wake up to eat. All three of my kids always wake up very happy. You can still wake them up from a dead sleep and they will smile and talk and then go back to bed. Oliver does the same thing. I love those moments in the middle of night when no one else is up, I have had some rest, and the house is still. During those moments I feel like I really get to know my baby. My heart is very full as he smiles and coos. I love the way babies look when they nurse. And although you can't capture that moment on camera, it is a little picture in my head. I just don't think there is anyting sweeter. That image is just a little acorn, to save for later.

Introducing...

...Isabelle, Alexandra and Oliver Karren


I thought I should spend one entry to introduce the kids on my blog, now that I am officially blogging. Plus I needed to show off my new pictures taken by my new favorite photographer in Utah, Jess Bishop (byjess.com).

Isabelle



Isabelle Elaine just turned six the beginning of November. She is such an a amazing little girl. She is so genuine and sweet to everyone she meets. She is a born leader. It is so adorable how quickly she makes friends and she naturally just leads her little friends. She is always so quick to include everyone. Isabelle has always been so talented. She has the most amazing voice with an incredible ability with her pitch and tone. She also has an uncanny ability to memorize anything and everything. She was one of the youngest to be accepted to the piano program at Carnegie Mellon. It is a very good program. The director was so impressed with her musical ability. I'm sure one day she will do something with her talent. But for now I will enjoy the gorgeous voice singing in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Her dancing, singing, conversation, and cuddling just brightens up the house. She really is like a little ray of sunshine. Isabelle is such a strong little spirit. She amazes me everyday and I feel so humble to be her mother.

Alexandra



Alexandra Grace is three years old. She is such a little cuddle bug. I have to admit I will miss when she grows out of holding necks. I have really started to love her affectionate little idiosyncrasies. She sucks her little lip and rubs her hand all around your neck. She loves to cuddle, especially in the morning. She is so funny too. She loves to make jokes and laughs out loud at herself. She loves her sister and her new little brother. Isabelle is her little role model. But Allie is a little more irreverent, and you can't help but love her for it. She loves to get a little messy, but still in her dress-up dress complete with accessories. She reminds me a lot of myself as a little girl. This year has been so fun with her. She misses her sister at school, but we have been able to have a lot of one on one time and I loved it. She is so accommodating and easy going. I told her that I didn't want her to be big, I wanted her to be my little baby. She thought for a second, looked introspective and then sweetly said, "I can be a baby." She is such a sweet little girl.

Oliver



Oliver Benjamin is 1 month old. Already I feel so lucky to have such a pure little spirit in my care. He is such a good little baby. He only cries when he is hungry, but watch out if you don't get it to him right away. That is the only time you see his little temper. He is so mellow compared to the girls. He has been such a little trooper through his difficult entrance into this world. His little spirit is so strong. I love him so much already. It is amazing how quickly they become a part of your heart.