Taylor Elizabeth Brock

I have a new niece!  Congratulations Robbie and Tricia!  Taylor Elizabeth Brock born May 23, 6 lbs 13 ounces.  She is cute as can be and just absolutely perfect.  And I'm dying to hold her and kiss those little cheeks!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above James 1:17

Oreo Pops

Ella turns 8

She LOVES birthdays!  This is how she woke up.  With a huge smile, dancing all around the house, singing "it's my birthday" and ready to eat her birthday pancakes.

Off to school.  Still smiling.

We made these for her to take to her class.

They turned out so cute.  And sprinkl-ey!

After school Abby and I took Ella to Orange Leaf.  I love how excited Abby was to show her around, since she is the "Orange Leaf expert."  She's been there....once!  And you get 4 oz. free on your birthday.  

 

Samples.

 

Samples.

And even more (brownie batter and coffee swirl)

samples.

Then there were toppings.  And this was only the beginning of the toppings!

Finally a decision.  

Did I mention

she did not stop

smiling the whole day!

I asked her what she thought of Orange Leaf and this was her response!

Later in the afternoon we had a few friends over for a little party.

Waiting for cake...and presents!

She wanted cupcakes.

With sprinkles.

And she wanted everyone to decorate their own.

Then there were presents!

We sang her Happy Birthday while she conducted

and made a wish (that Taylor would be born on her birthday).  She told me this morning she could tell me her wish since it didn't come true.

She blew out her candles.

And now she's 8!

Happy Mother's Day!

and this one, especially for MY mom!

Painting my chandelier

I could only find a couple "before" pictures of my chandelier in it original condition.

This one where you can see it's reflection in the mirror.  Very standard.

Very traditional. 

It basically looked like this.  Including the "flame" shaped bulbs.

First I took the chandelier out of the ceiling

and took a few pictures, so I could remember how to put it back together.  It really was not that hard.

Plus I had convinced Janella to help me.  Or to blame if something went wrong :) 

And yes, the yellow can of paint on the table was an option.  So was turquoise.

But I decided on white.  And I really, really like it.  A lot!

I also updated the bulbs to small circle bulbs.

Oh! I can't forget the pictures on the wall.  I got the frames for my birthday.  But just recently hung them and took the close-up pictures of our kids.  The pictures are huge!  12x12 from Costco.  The frames are 20x20 from Ikea.

 And the Rhododendrons on my table? From this bush at the corner of our home.

 So what do you think?  I'm in love!



The North Wind

Last week Ella starred in a little play in her classroom.  She was The North Wind in Aesop's Fable, The North Wind and the Sun.  Each child made their own costume and painted their own props.

And I must say in my unbiased opinion she was the star of the show :)

 

Seriously, at least the most excited!  I loved the story about the Sun the Wind and the Cloak.  And of course
little miss North Wind was my favorite

 

In other news, I've started a new project.

And I'm finished.  Pictures soon  :)