Reflections (My 1000 post. Not sure I've ever done 1000 of anything)

When I started my blog, in May of 2007, it was to stay connected with the friends and family I'd left behind in Louisiana.  I was so thankful they had blogs and I could keep up with my friends I was missing like crazy.  I was glad they could see what we were doing here in Nebraska as well.

The boys were 3 (Brennan) and 1 (Jackson) and Ethan wasn't even a thought in the back of my  mind ;)

I didn't know what would be of my blog, thinking it'd just be a place to share little stories and such.  I had no idea that it would help me make new "friends"...people I will probably never meet but who support me and encourage me to keep going.  I didn't know that I'd become addicted to following the stories of people near and far, both FIRL and those cyber buddies as well.

For a while I did blog review...free stuff, what's not to love, right?  But...I found I was not sharing stories about my family, I was not doing things I wanted to do, so slowly that went the way of the dinosaurs....thus no giveaways for hitting 1000 posts :)

Besides, we all know, most followers you gain from a giveaway aren't there through thick and thin...though I have made a few cyber friends from blogs I found via giveaways...and I'm not complaining about the things I have given away or won because of them.

Anyway, back to the blog.  I love my blog because it's a place to show off my kids achievements (I won't lie, I am a bit prideful when it comes to my 3 sons), complain about those hard days, and just voice thoughts floating around my head.  If I wrote as many posts as I think, "Oh, I should write about this" and start composing in my head, I'd be far beyond 1000 posts by now.

So...Happy Easter.  And thanks for hanging around...especially those of you who have been around since the beginning.

Did you know this is post 999 for me? Yep.

More on Ms. K's Zebra and polka dot cake...

I thought I should share a few pictures of the inspiration for the cake. Ms. K wore a zebra striped/hot pink/white polka dotted outfit made by (will fill in as soon as I know, lol).
Professional portrait by Photos by Liz. Find her on Facebook or at her website.
The cake topper was based on her invitation (seen below in a cell phone pic) and coordinated perfectly. Both of those were designed by Simply Said by Courtney. Her blog has more information.
The entire party was put together by Marcia, of Your Perfect Day Wedding Planning (who happens to also be Ms. K's mother).

The "K" was found at Hobby Lobby the day before the party in a chance encounter! I didn't know they had alphabet initials for cakes at that store! It was $3.99...I really want to get some of every letter (in case they quit carrying them) but that seems a bit obsessive, lol.

What A Cake! {Omaha Birthday Cake}

I was so excited to design this zebra stripe birthday cake.

It's loosely based on the birthday's dress and invitation. Hot pink polka dots with zebra stripe...what's not to ♥ ?

The invitation was designed by Simply Said. She also designed the topper image.  I used the Silhouette's print and cut feature to put it on the cake on a frosting sheet. (with edible ink)

Ms. K is one lucky girl!

A true gentleman

Jackson did the sweetest thing today.  It really just melted my heart and reminded me how much I love this boy.  As we were leaving the park, he ran ahead to the car.  Mia called out, "Mia's first!" (to get into the car, because her car seat is situated in such a way she needs to get in first) as she always does.  Most days, Jackson will respond with a snippy, "I KNOW MIA!" as he waits for her.  Today, though, was different.

Today I said, "Mia, of course he will wait for you.  Jackson is a gentleman after all."

Jack and his birthday cake that HE designed 100%.

It was just loud enough that Jackson heard me, too.  As we approached the car, Jackson opened the door and held it open for Mia.  He held out his arm to welcome her in, then used his arm to support her back as she climbed in.  Then, once she was in...HE BOWED.  I almost melted to a puddle at the sweetness of that moment.

His birthday cake:  White but dyed slimer green and teal blue.

Enjoying the birthday supper of HIS choice:  homemade fried chicken strips, peas, tator tots (b/c he does not like fries) and shells and cheese.

It just goes to show you...children are little sponges.  I have no idea where Jackson got the idea that this was a nice or gentlemanly thing to do (I don't believe they bow in Pokemon, lol), but he did it with perfection.
It also proves that positive reinforcement is an amazing tool sometimes.  How would the scene have unfolded if I had yelled to Jackson, "Jackson, you KNOW you wait for Mia!" or something along those lines?  Not nearly as sweetly or memorable as it did.

Growing Up, Even When I am trying not to let him...

Today is Jackson's FIFTH birthday.
Usually months before a party, I start dreaming of a theme, favors, decorations, etc. (Bren's 8th: MAN party Ethan's 3rd: probably super heros...not 100% yet)
This time I didn't. I could say it is because the craft fair got in the way, but that is not true, I'd have had time to do it all.
It's just that...even though Jackson is the MIDDLE child, meaning Brennan's done it all already (JACK starts school in AUGUST!) and Ethan is the LAST to do it. Doesn't the middle child get lost? But...I do not feel this is the case.
Here is the thing. Of all the boys, Jackson is the one I cherish as a young child the most. Does that even make sense? It's like we have a connection, and I fear as he gets older, maybe we will lose it? IDK.
SO...because I was feeling desperate and worried (how could Jack NOT have something awesome on the day of...would he realize it was lame compared to last years?), Jack and I went to the store. And he picked out balloons (lime green, baby blue, and silver...GREAT color combo!), party favors, and a drink (Root Beer). He decided his birthday dinner (GeeGah's famous fried chicken, fries, shells n cheese and peas). He picked the birthcake ice cream from the freezer section.  Oh, and his cake?  A green and blue SLIMER cake (Ghostbusters)...lucky for me he has a Slimer shirt, so I feel less guilty about not whipping up some sort of awesomeness in that department :)
I let him be a big kid. And he loved it and is SO EXCITED for his party tonight. Even though I didn't do anything fancy.
Sigh.
Even when I tried to avoid him growing up by ignoring the fact that his birthday was coming...he still grew up on me.  And me...I think I grew up a little, too.  (Cause, yeah, letting HIM pick that stuff out...HUGE deal.  Like, I am usually 100% in control of ALL aspects of birthdays, including themes that I convince birthday child will be "just perfect!" for them...though usually, I am right ;) )