2nd Quarter Birthdays

Like habit...we're well into 3rd Quarter, and I'm just getting around to posting the 2nd quarter birthday girl's pics!!!!! I realize it has been a bit chaotic around here, and trying to get the time to do a blog post is becoming a thing of the past especially when I'm allergic to blogging during the summer!

Let's see...Enjoy the last few weeks of summer as they past right on by....or sit down to blog...hmmmmmmm

But I do want to make note that her birthday this year was a memorable party in more ways than one...

I had just finished the final touches on the paint on the pump house {see in the background...but a separate post with before and after pics is to come!} just hours before the party started...it had been my "to tackle while the hubby is away" project leading up to her birthday...and he waltzed in about 10 am that morning. Crazy!?!

This year we were in an "off" year for a big all-out friends celebration...so this one was just the family and a few neighbors.

The theme ended up being pretty patriotic...red, white and blue & s'mores!! Easy and appropriate leading up to the 4th ~ and very handy as I had decorations on hand already. You have to simplify when dad's been out of town all week.

Well, this girl is just growing up right before our eyes!!! I thought I would look back on her last 5 yrs of birthdays...just for fun...and after posting them, and seeing her fancy birthdays...I don't feel so bad, even with last minute scrambles in some...or being homeless during year 7 ;). All that to say...it certainly isn't about the party or the even the celebration and how wonderful things seem to flow some years. It's truly a gift that God allows for her to be with us each new day. This reflection had me looking back at how blessed we are to have her here with us for over 10 years now. Some nights rocking her as a baby, since she was my first {I certainly didn't find the time to worry as much with the rest} I worried about SIDS...then she got past that age...and then I would worry about her toddling & falling down the stairs, or losing a permanent tooth...etc etc. Now I find myself praying more for her choice of friends and influence, or decisions, and certainly more about her eternal security more than anything else. She is a wonderful young lady {who just happens to definitely act "10" at times!!!!!} but we still love her, and she is maturing into someone driven, and competitive, full of energy, and spunk, a budding pianist and seamstress, she likes to ride her bike, run, swim, she's an excellent reader, and playing a competitive board game or card game is her wish list each night. We love her to bits, and really couldn't imagine doing life without our "J", "J-babe", "baby-doll"...Jalen Marie!

 Age 5 - ...remembering her last birthday celebrated with Uncle Mitch

 Age 6 - The Circus Cake

The Hawaiian Luau Cake

The S'mores Cake...at Bear Lake

The Ice Cream Cool Whip Cake

Age 10 - Smore's {again} Cupcakes

Wow! I could've never guessed 5 yrs ago heading into Kindergarten all the things that would transpire in her lifetime over the next 5 years...let alone how she would grow and develop and become a beautiful little lady. We're so proud of her, and this mama is praying for another 5 years (because she will time lapse when she's 15 for about 5 years....she can't get any older than that!!!!!) for another amazing time of growth that begins her foundation for her high school years with good friends and great experiences, and a solid faith.

Birthday Pics from the day that was beautiful weather, good company, and lots of laughs:

Yup! A weenie roast is what she wanted, authentic and over the campfire and all!

The cousins actually {all younger} thought it was pretty cool!

Lovin' some trampoline time

J can't get enough of her cousin Leo

So simple s'mores cupcakes..."Can all birthday requests be this simple?" - Mom

First lets get this party started...with a little sprinkler action!

And last but not least...the girls brought out their secret stash of water balloons they'd been saving.

The water balloon fight was a win-win, and even the littlest one-year old cousins 

knew how to hold their own by the time the night was over! I couldn't tell who was having more fun

...the kids with the water balloons, or the parents and grandparents watching it all?  ;)

Happy Birthday! Aunt Chels loves you so much!

Yum! You know how to make a good s'more.

 Grandma Cheryl loves you too!

Your birthday was lots of fun...and you were a great guest of honor, prompted to thank those that came all on your own. We like those manners. Now...about getting along with your siblings...ack!