Story Cubes

I recently read about Rory's Story Cubes and couldn't wait to buy a set for Marin. She has a crazy, fun imagination and this game has provided many hours of fun for all of us! Nine cubes. 54 images. To play, simply roll the cubes and begin with "Once upon a time..."

Balloon Birthday Surprise {Marin's 5th Birthday}

Shhhhhhh.....

Steven and I had so much fun hiding 20 balloons in Marin's room last night. We weren't sure what her reaction would be. We crossed our fingers hoping it didn't FREAK her out. What a relief to see this smiling face!

We selected 16 photos of Marin and people she loves from the past five years and taped them to the end of each balloon. So hard to choose from so many good memories! Below is a shot of Marin and her Paw Paw Benny at her first birthday party in 2008. And another of Marin meeting her cousins Julia and Jonathan for the first time in 2007.

We all gathered in her room and talked about all of the fun times we've had since she was born and pulled our her memory box that has photo albums from each of her birthdays and various memorabilia (new born outfits, first drawings, ballet shoes etc.).

You can't tell from the pictures, but poor Marin was diagnosed with walking pneumonia two days ago, so we had to cancel her Mermaid Swimming party. It was important to me that we think of other ways to make this days special. So after the balloon surprise, she opened a gift from us and we had chocolate chip pancakes.

After our morning, filled with a variety of celebratory events, hit a lull, Marin turned and said, “I think it’s time for a party!”

I laughed and said, “well, I think we’ve enjoyed all the ingredients of a birthday party” and I began to list them counting each item on my fingers. “Balloons, a present, special food, and singing."

She paused in thought and then said: “We need more ingredients!”

“Oh yeah,” I said, “like what?”

Wiggling her index finger she grinned and said: “Family.”

She's right. Celebrating life just feels better when you share the celebration with extended family. I'm so glad she recognizes that.

Marin's Mermaid Birthday {The Invitation}

Above is the Invitation design for Marin's upcoming Mermaid Birthday party. The girls and I created clothespin mermaids to use as party favors and decorations at the party. When I read the fairy tale "The Little Mermaid" to Marin, she insists that I incorporate her name. So in her mind the story is "Marin the Mermaid." Can you believe that she's turning FIVE! Oh, and wearing the blue necklace for pictures was her idea. She told me it was "mermaidish." (tee hee hee). Below are the shots that didn't make the cut but I still love them. 

Clothespin Mermaids

In anticipation of Marin's upcoming birthday, the girls and I created these clothespin mermaids. The original idea was to send a mermaid to each of Marin's friends inviting them to her party. But we just couldn't part with them yet and we decided a photo of Marin holding the dolls could be just as fun.

Marin was very involved in creating the dolls and did the painting on their bodies and wound the yarn for making their hair. Adalyn "assisted" her by painting a page of mermaid tails (grin).

To create the tails I cut glitter foam using this template.

Coralee's First Tooth

Hello tiny, white baby teeth. June 22, 2012.

Father's Day 2012

These two little girls were giddy on Sunday evening. Oh who am I kidding? All THREE of us were excited. Keeping a secret is SO HARD but they WE did it! We all hid behind the upright bass (standing proudly in its new custom made wooden stand) whispering and giggling, just waiting for Steven to come in the door.

We displayed their fingerprint, music note cards and pictures along the fretboard of the bass. Steven's new position has kept him in Beaumont more than we wish, so this Father's Day it was important for me to tell him how much he is missed when he's away and what joy he brings.

Steven, It’s like music when…

I think of the first pregnancy test results with Marin.

You recognize my efforts as a mother.

The girls run to you screaming “DADDY” because you’re home.

I hear Adalyn say “I wuv oo too Daddy.”

I’m reminded how tender you were to me during each of the girl’s birth.

I hear you reading “The Train to Timbuctoo” complete with sound effects

You tenderly kiss the girls

You take time to answer Marin’s incessant questions.

I hear you softly snoring and look over to see Coralee snuggled up to your chest.

You bring happiness to our home and such love with your faithful commitment to our family. I’m blessed to have you as a partner and am grateful to you for the music.

Krystina

Lemon & Lime Wedding {Save the Date}

I've had so many wedding invitation projects lately. It's fun to work with these unique couples to create a feel for their big day. Above is a save the date design for lemon and lime themed summer wedding. The photo is one from the engagement shoot I did with them in April. I loved the pose and was so sad when those yellow wild flowers stopped blooming. Now, it's just blooming HOT. Below are a few shots from their session. Aren't they sweet?