Cienna's Skating Party

Last Saturday we celebrated Cienna's 8th birthday with an ice skating party. It was....interesting. First off, only Cienna, AJ, and one other little girl had ever tried ice skating before. Most of the guests were eager to lace up their skates and get on the ice, that is until they actually got on the ice. Several were immobilized with fear, gripping the side of the rink with sheer terror in their eyes. Others awkwardly attempted to let go of the side and looked like Bambi trying to stand for the first time.
Besides being a bit scary for some, it was also COLD. I know what you are thinking....it's an ice rink dummy! I guess as I was planning all the food and logistics it did not cross my mind that it would be that cold! But we managed somehow to still have fun and when we left Cienna shouted "this was my best birthday party ever!" Mission accomplished!

The Invitations

The Cake

Make A Wish!

The Loot!

The Guests / Best Friends A Girl Could Ask For!

We are so happy that your birthday party was everything that you wished it would be! And many more....

Turning 8

8 years ago today we were blessed with a sweet baby girl that we named Cienna Elise. At 8lbs 10oz, I have to admit the thought crossed my mind that you would have your father's physique and that as a result you may have to live with us forever. Now here we are 8 years later and all that crosses my mind is how I never want you to leave. Where has the time gone? How is it that you are now 8 years old? Why can't I turn back time? Until you are a parent you will never know what a catch 22 this is for me. How it pains me to see you grow up in what seems like the blink of an eye...yet all I want in life is to watch you grow up and be happy and find your way. We can't have it both ways. It is the painful part of parenthood. The joy and the sorrow in celebrating each and every birthday with a child that you love more than yourself.

But enough about me and my emotions! For you, today was a fantastic day! You turned 8! You were showered with love and (maybe) too many gifts and the amount of text messages and e-mails that came through for you (on my phone) was astonishing. If you ever feel unloved or just plain ordinary ask me how many adults with busy lives and kids of their own remembered your birthday and you will understand how truly special you are!

At 8 Years Old You Love:

Gymnastics
Horseback Riding
Skiing
The TV Shows "Austin & Ally" , "American Idol" , and "Project Runway"
Drawing
American Girl Doll Everything
Reading Chapter Books
School
Dancing
Playing "Monopoly" and "Life"
Going To The Mall
Spending The Night At Your Grandparents Houses
You Still Love Your "B" And Told Me The Other Day That You Will Go To College With It
Clothes
Your Best Friends Are Payton, Mikayla and Amelie
Your Favorite Color Is White
You Want To Be A Ballet Teacher In New York City When You Grow Up
You Are Smart, Caring, Kind And Want To Do It All! You Are Everything That I Hoped You Would Be And More! Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

YOLO 2015

You Only Live Once. The older I get the more that this phrase rings true as I navigate through a new year. Although it's cliche, I like to make resolutions as it inspires me to take the time to actually think about how I would like to improve who I am. I made three resolutions in 2014, 2 of which I was able to sustain throughout the year. I believe that quitting Facebook both helped and hindered me. I spent less time involving myself in the lives of acquaintances, many of whom only post an update when some sort of drama or negative experience has happened to them. That will just bring you down. I also spent less time following the lives of people whom I knew in high school but do not know now and that in turn gave me more time to spend with the people who surround me and improve those relationships. The second was to read 1 book per month. I rediscovered my love of reading and felt like I re-entered the land of the living since becoming a full time mom. Books have brought me lots of joy in 2014.

In 2015, I would like to continue my personal growth. This year I want to focus on my health and wellness. I want to cook more and eat out less. I want to get back in the gym on a regular schedule. I want to stretch everyday and drink more water. My ultimate resolution is to run a 5K in October at the Duke City Marathon. And now facing a long MCL recovery, achieving this goal will be that much sweeter.

My second resolution is to call my mom every Sunday morning. As a little girl, I always remember the phone ringing in our house on Sunday and listening to my mom talk to her mom for about 30 minutes. Since I moved out on my own 14 years ago we have never had a set day / time that we catch up, and many times we have gone far too long without talking. It is easy to get caught up in the craziness that is life, but I am aware that everyday we live we are one day closer to it being our last. And I want to invest at least 30 minutes a week to my mom and getting to know her even better.

My last resolution is to read at least 13 books this year. I currently have 5 books on my nightstand ready for action!

Though they may seem small, these resolutions mean big things for me. You only live once. Say yes to things more than you say no. The opportunity may not present itself again. Don't worry, be happy. For happy girls are the prettiest and bookworms have more fun!