This afternoon we had a fast and fierce afternoon shower.  After the rain stopped the boys opened the front door.  My natural inclination would be to come up with tons of reasons why they shouldn't get all wet, muddy, and dirty, but this quote popped into my head. 

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." — Anonymous.

The big boys looked at me and I gave them the nod to go for it.  I love the days when I just tell them yes.  They will only be young, wild, and free for such a short period of time.  Get out there and have fun!

The big boys tried so hard to hold baby brother back.

 Umm, yeah, not a chance.

The joys of being the 3rd boy!

Jazz Fest

This past weekend we took our tribe to Jazz fest.

This was the first fest for the boys. 

Yeah you rite.

You may be thinking

woman done lost her mind?

Perhaps, but it was worth a shot!

We went out enjoyed some music, shared the love of the crowd, had some eats, and had a lovely afternoon.  

We were there from 2:00-5:30 which was just perfect.

Here is to the first of many family outings to the Jazz Fest!

Roman's 3rd birthday (weekend extravaganza)

Birthdays are so important around this house. 

We celebrate life and we celebrate each other.

I have started a few birthday traditions that the boys look forward to.

I love the months of anticipation that lead up to their special day.

I always want them to know how very special they are to me, to our family, and to this world.

They are each so loved...

On the eve of 3 I decorated and set out the beloved red place mat.

I am always giddy with excitement decorating the night before because I know the squeals of delight that a simple balloon and streamer will bring.

Roman woke up to a new kitchen.

This boy is such a chef at heart!

My boys then made pancakes.

A Saturday morning favorite around here!  

The birthday boy "skurring" up the pancake batter.

As our tradition goes birthday breakfast is always accompanied with candles and the birthday song.

Oh how I adore this precious face and smile...

That afternoon we set out to enjoy the music at Jazz Fest.

Good times were had by all!

Once home we enjoyed cupcakes.

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday dear Roman...

Happy birthday to you!

Dream BIG my baby!

The next morning after church we set out to make the birthday boys dream come true.

We enjoyed brunch at The Irish House.

After brunch the boys were given a real life kitchen tour.

Thanks Chef Matt and staff for being so awesome to my boy!

Following brunch we headed over to the children's museum.

This is Roman's favorite place to hang in the whole entire world!

This is your heaven.

You LOVE to cook in this kitchen and I love to watch you do it!

We had the most wonderful weekend celebrating Roman and rolling in "3."

Looking forward to an amazing year!

Roman {3}

Dear Roman,

My sweet, loving, beautiful, smart, witty, sensitive, fiery, timid, and compassionate 3 year old boy.  I will never be able to put into words how much I love you.  You bring so much joy to my life.  I look at you and I see me.  Oh my goodness.  The idea of that really excites and scares me!

Once you entered our lives 3 years ago I began to really enjoy being a mother.   With you I threw out the "rule books" and parented from my gut.  Oh how that was such a freeing feeling.  Thanks for being patient with me as we figure out this here life together.

You are such a sensitive soul.  You often wear your heart on your sleeve and shy away from any sort of attention.  Your sensitive and compassionate spirit will take you very far in life.  Stay sweet my baby.

You have so much love for others.  I am amazed to watch you both with your big and your baby brother.  You compliment each of them so perfectly.  I love to watch the bond that each of you has as brothers grow.  Root deep my boys.  You are the best friends that you will ever have.

"3" is one of those ages that comes with many challenges.  Intentional defiance sets in, boundaries are tested and limits are pushed.  This year is sure to come with many highs and lows.  We will both grow through this.  Always know that, "you are a good boy and will do great things in this world..."

"3"... bring it on!

All my love,
Mommy  

Little Chef Party~ Roman's 3rd birthday

Roman loves to help me in the kitchen.

When he gets "big" he wants to be a cooker at Chick-a-lay. (Chick-fil-a)

This boy is ALL about cooking!

A little chef party was the perfect way to celebrate our birthday boy!

I love this theme and had so much fun dreaming up the details.

We were blessed with great friends and perfect weather for an outdoor party.

Roman was so excited and rushed out to welcome every single guest to his "cooker" party.

The smile on his face was amazing.

His smile is what makes all of the hard work worth it.  

I love that boy...

Chef Roman and his "cooker party" 

Roman waiting at the door for his guests to arrive.

Momma cake- 4 tier Bavarian cream filled goodness.

I love the details.

Cake pops by Cristina.

The kitchen staff

First thing on the menu:

decorate chef hats

Next up:

kids made personal pepperoni pizzas

Next up:

fruit kabobs

(this activity kept them very quiet. I will do this with my boys again)

Little sweeties

My favorite boys in the whole entire world!

Beautiful Baby Bear

Next up:

Cupcake making lesson by Momma.

Sugar topped with sugar!

Tio!

 Now for the main event.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday dear Roman....

Happy birthday to you!

 Make a wish and dream BIG my baby...

This smile.

This smile right here is why I do it all.

This smile is worth every penny and every second of my time.

I adore these smiles...

Roman and Big Poppa. 

Griff is sweet on this girl.

 Once our guests left and we straightened up we opened gifts.

Singing cards are awesome.

They work well together. They allow each other to help with opening their gifts.
This happened for both Roman and Griffin's birthday.
This makes me happy.

Roman and his new BBQ pit from MiMi and Pop.

Roman's party was a success.

I judge success by the smiles on my kids faces.

Thanks to Satch, MiMi, and Pop for all of the 

love, time, and support that is involved in putting a party together.

They say it takes a village...

"They" may be right.