11 years of ....

11 years ago I began an official journey with this handsome fella!  While the dating days had led me to know he was a keeper, a new chapter with our lives started on June 21,2003.  

As I prepared to write this post, I immediately thought of the saying "years of wedded bliss".  And I typed that into the heading line, then erased it. 

I don't know if tears over hair products in the security line of the airport would be considered bliss. Or if listening to "my visions" for parties, home decor or future plans is bliss. And is sofa shopping all day in a store that is 3 stories tall blissful? Probably not!  

Not everyday of the past 11 years has been blissful. I will never forget Bubba's Granny telling me at a wedding shower before we married "You don't have to always like him. But you'll always love him."  Words that were so true!!!  There have most certainly been days neither one of us liked each other.  But at the end of the storm, we always kept in sight that we loved each other. 

So blissful , while a beautiful word, is not the word I would use. But I would use these: 

Wedded Hysterics.  There have been plenty of moments of belly laughter together! Moments that still bring smiles to my face when I think back to them. Moments that are only funny to us and some that others still remark on! 

Wedded Chaos.  There has been and will continue to be days upon days upon days filled with moments of chaos. Somehow, the chaos settles and there is a calm patch that follows! 

Wedded Adventure.  Experiences make the best gifts and through that motto some incredible adventures - big and small have happened!! 

Wedded Dancing. The mood to dance is always just around the corner. Fast, slow, country, rap, Disney show tune-- we can rock a family dance concert!! 

Wedded Support.  While you never want to have them, bad days do arrive. Thankfully the bad times aren't so terrible with your wedded one beside you!! 

Wedded Teamwork.  The moments of "What is this all about ?" or "What are we going to do now?" are always ready to jump out at us! Knowing I have a partner to solve the confusion with makes life so much more calming! 

Wedded Encouragement. In the big events or the small events hearing from someone you love a word of encouragement can make all the difference. Knowing that this piece of the puzzle is in my marriage is a blessing and treasure! 

Maybe I should say Wedded Bliss. I am one lucky girl. I have so much in my marriage to be thankful for. My relationship with Bubs, a beautiful family, days filled with normalcy and days filled with chaos, and a lifetime together ahead if me to create more memories!! 

Thank you love for 11 incredible years of marriage! Your devotion, dedication and passion to me and our family is endless. 

With every part of my heart, I love you lots and lots! 

Birthday Baby… Part 2

Flamingos, leis, grass skirts, coconut tops, a hula girl and a limbo stick!  That just about sums up the request for Bess' Birthday!  The other important request was for her luau to take place at YaYa's house by the swimming pool!  And just like that, this momma whipped together a luau to not only celebrate Bess but welcome summer too!!!

I was so thankful Bess saw a picture earlier in the year of a luau!  This theme was SO MUCH FUN!  Perfect for the June Birthday Girl! 

Choosing a Birthday Cake is a HUGE deal to our family members!  We love to think about the cake and what it will look like!  This birthday was no exception!  And I must say, this Hula Girl cake was just about the cutest thing I could have ordered!  

Hibiscus Flower Cookies completed our sweet treats for this celebration!  Delish!! 

I am not exactly sure how to describe it but there is something sentimental and bittersweet about seeing my loves blow out their birthday candles.  While I love beyond words seeing them smile and feel so loved, I hate that time is speeding past me like a freight train!  

Bess was thrilled to blow out her candles.  In true Bailey Fashion, we may or may not have forgotten to pack a candle for this birthday girl!  But who needs to blow out a candle when you can blow out a lighter!?  Oops!! 

But a happy birthday girl is all that mattered and after a "lighter blow" she certainly was! 

Bess had been so excited to see all those who were coming to celebrate with her!  Cousins, friends and even grown ups enjoyed Bess' Birthday Luau! 

Bess the Luau Lady also requested swimming!  And just as soon as we could do her Birthday Serenade, the kiddos were ready to swim! 

Since no Luau is complete without a game of Limbo, that is exactly what we did!  Thanks to a quick download from ITunes, we had the limbo bar and the Limbo song… SUCCESS!  I wouldn't exactly say the rules of the game were followed by all but it was a good way to use up even more energy that these loves had!   

 

There were moments throughout this party where I am not sure who was having more fun, the kids or the adults!  

 

And while she isn't a "grown up" she sure wants to be!!!! 

The sun set on a gorgeous day full of friends and fun!  Bess turned 5 and even though I secretly wished it wouldn't happen, I love seeing her become her own person!  

To all those who helped us celebrate this special love, we thank you!  Bess is blessed beyond measure to have so many love her!  

Bessie, until the next throw down we have for you… we hope you have had a WONDERFUL birthday!  We love you Lots and Lots!  You are one special little love and every day with you is a blessing!  

Birthday Baby … Part 1

Dear Bessie Boo, 

I have a guilty conscious as your momma!  Yes, I should have posted these incredible birthday pictures sooner.  One day when you realize that I am a bit over a week late, hopefully you will understand that making memories on the beach was the reason this post is late!  Many apologies,

Your Very Sorry Momma 

  Bess' "real" birthday was celebrated as our family was together!  I love birthdays.  I love my babies birthday's EVEN MORE ! Bess' day began with a special birthday table and her request for a special breakfast …  QT muffins!  How sad is it that my child asked for gas station food for her birthday.  Granted it is pretty awesome gas station food but still!

 

After a delicious breakfast, the next big plan on Bess' Birthday Agenda was going to Lunch with her Mommy and Daddy.  She got to request the lunch location!  Her pick… The Country Club!  SInce it was her birthday she got to eat WHATEVER she wanted.  Now, I must say that out of all the delicious things you can eat at the Club, this wouldn't have been my pick but what a birthday girl wants, a birthday girl gets!!!   Bess was in the mood for a peanut butter and jelly, fruit and slaw!  Plus a coke on the side!!! 

We had plans to eat with my grandmother but a little change of scheduled shook that plan up a bit!  However, after a delicious chicken casserole, the birthday girl had requested Doughnuts!  

Again, what a birthday girl wants, a birthday girl gets! 

All was going well with our Doughnut Birthday Dessert until Ben, the insistent candle blower outer appeared!  Quick as a wink, the little rascal was up beside Bess.  Before I could grab the little squirt, he had committed the Big Bad Birthday Sin!  Yep, he blew out Birthday Girl's candles without being asked.  AND THIS WAS NOT GOOD!  

Thankfully, candles relight!  This time, while RahRah was holding Ben, Bess got the proper rights that her little birthday self deserved!  And all was right with the world! 

That evening as a family of 6 we celebrated our birthday girl!  Out of all the treats this little birthday gal got, her most favorite was her pink monkey she named June (after her birthday month!)  Her birthday request had been a stuffed animal.  Her daddy made the priceless discovery of the pink monkey that velcros to your body.  Having one just like it as a child, this gift was a little bit of her request and a bit of his sentimental spirit of his childhood days!   

 

The child was literally on cloud nine over her pink monkey June!  And today, if you try going to sleep without it, you better think twice!  Not happening!  June and Bunny Foo Foo are must for night time sleeps!  

 

As Wednesday, June 4th came to a close, we had one happy 5 year old!  Anxious about her Birthday Luau, Bess went to bed with a smile on her face! 

I , on the other hand, went to bed with 5 years of irreplaceable memories flooding my brain! 

I kept thinking back to the supper evening surprise of October 2010!  With a boy scout knocking on the door, attempting to sell popcorn while I was in the bathroom yelling for Bubba to get in her RIGHT NOW!  Never in a million years did we expect to be staring at a positive sign while also staring at twins that were 7 months old!  Still ranks as one of the BEST surprise blessings I have been given in my life!  

Bessie Boo, You are beyond a blessing.  You are a gift.  We love you so much and love each day with you!  Your smile is like no other.  Your eyes can melt you daddy and your little innocent request make me want to say yes to just about anything you ask!  You are loved by so many in this world!  Never forget that sweet baby!  I hope your 5th birthday was every bit as perfect as you imagined!  

Lots & Lots,  Momma