have I mentioned the crazy!?!

My world is absolute insanity right now!  And I am longing for these "boring" and quiet Oklahoma days again...

Did you know many {mainly Hispanic} 15 year old girls celebrate what is know as a Quinceanera?  They are celebrating becoming a young woman.  This stuff is like a mini wedding, as far as expense goes.  And dresses, and standing parties....

{typical quinceanera dress}

I've stood in many a quinceanera in my days.  I am from San Antonio, Texas, afterall. 

Well, my friends....I am currently planning my soon-to-be FIVE year old daughter a mini CINCO year-agh party!!!!  Get it?  Yeah, it is over the top and completely breaking me.

But, you should all know at this point....I'd do just about anything for my baby girl!  I mean, just look at that face!!!! 

6 months then.  Almost FIVE years old now.  **sniff sniff*

Pray for me.  It is on Saturday.  I will post all details next week.  It should be a rootin' tootin' good ole time ya'll!!!! 

The {Pre-K} Graduate

Graduation is only a concept. In real life every day you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you'll make a difference.

~ Arie Pencovici

{Well looky here!  There you are, baby girl!  A Graduate.}

My dearest Layla baby,

Yesterday you embarked on the beginning of what I hope is an incredible educational journey.  We celebrated you yesterday!  All that you have accomplished and learned since beginning at this wonderful Day Care Learning Center more than four years ago.  It seems as if only yesterday I was leaving you as a tiny baby to return to work.  That was a very hard day for me. 

And look at you now, kiddo!?! 

Every caregiver/teacher you had throughout your duration at this school, loved you as if you were apart of their family.  And you were!  That place is like family to us and seeing all of that coming to a close is hard for momma.  But I know they have provided you with knowledge and early life lessons that will make Kindergarten a breeze for you.  For all the love and tenderness they gave to you when I couldn't...I am forever grateful. 

Mommy and daddy are so very proud of you.  We look forward to your future with great expectations!  We love you with all that we are. 

Love,
Momma

p.s. As distinguished as you were at your Graduation Ceremony....it tickled me to no end to have you end the day like this...

At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities.

~ Jean Houston

the busy-birthday-photographer blogger/slacker!

So I have sooooo much stuff that I haven't posted because I have been so busy with shooting birthday parties and going out of town.  But today I am doing a fast-up-to-speed post about it all.  No, I won't be including all the fabulous details I want, but there will be reminders of everything we have been up to. 

I hope you enjoy this warped speed post!

And this is the overall theme.  BIRTHDAYS.  BIRTHDAYS.  and more BIRTHDAYS!!!

I left off promising more pics from my sweet nieces 2nd bday party...so here are some to tickle your fancy, I hope!

ADDI MAE'S 2ND BIRTHDAY - STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

EMIA'S 4TH BIRTHDAY - COSTUME BALL PARTY

{the happy HAPPY birthday girl!}

{with a fabulous Castle Cake to boot!}

MICHAEL'S 5TH SUPER HERO BIRTHDAY PARTY

{the birthday boy!}

{my super girl, rockin' on...}

{birthday boys lil' sister!}

{getting her play on...}

{his momma made his cake...I think I should hire her this summer!}

Speaking of summertime...I think we will be joining them frequently!  Oh yeah...

JACQUELYN'S 5TH BIRTHDAY - BARBIE PAJAMA PARTY

This was over the top and completely out of this world!!!  So fantastic and fun.  The party started with "Barbie" - the real life one - doing the girls "make up." 

{the sweet Barbie Birthday Girl!!!}

{just a portion of the fabulous party set up}

{dreamy...and oh so lovely!}

{Barbie Make Up}

RILEY'S 2ND BIRTHDAY - MONKEY JOE'S

{the sweet birthday girl}

KENDAHL'S 5TH BIRTHDAY - PUMP IT UP!

To be continued.....for San Antonio Birthday Parties.  To say I am all partied out....is a HUGE understatement.  Whew...

Feb Photos Continued....

Where I left off...

Day 15 - phone

This series is pretty intriguing.  Hard to follow at times, but very interesting....

Day 16 - something new

A new Barbie!!!!  Among many other things from our sweet Summer and Kelcee.  Tons of clothes and a really cute fairy costume.  Layla was in heaven.  Thank you ladies.  You rock!

Day 17 - time

{Time Flies and I did not get a picture on this day.  So this will do.}

Day 18 - drink

Mommy mimosas at a Barbie Pajama Party...okay!

Day 19 - something you hate {to do}

Now before you all go cursing me.  I love babies!!!!  And I adore this lil one.  However...this is NOT so much of something I hate to do versus, something I hate.  {and I teach Layla NOT to hate, fyi, so I am not a fan of this prompt anyway.}  But I hate that I cannot give Layla the baby sister she so desperately wants.  A stretch?  Yes.  But it is my photo for Day 19, none the less.

Day 20 - handwriting

Yep.  That's how I write.  Interesting....no!?!

Day 21 - a fave photo of you

Again, this is not so much of my favorite...(hello humid hair and super slick skin!} but I am doing a play on pics, if you will.  We were at Clay's, and I wanted a pic with the purdy peacock.  So there!

Day 22 - where you work

You have seen it before.  But, here is a different view.  Nice, huh?  Manic much???? 

p.s. This is getting old, afterall.  Hmpft!  I think I'm done.  Peace out!  22 days is longer than I thought I'd last, so I am pleased. 

Continue on...

I like this...

Welcome to February!!!! 

{via}

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Happy Birthday Addison Mae!!!  Two precious years ago today my sweet niece joined the party of life.  I wish you all happiness and sparkles today and always Miss Addie Mae.

{1st year birthday photo shoot}

I cannot wait to get my grubby lil paws all over you this weekend for your birthday party!!!  And of course your 2nd year birthday photo shoot.  Hope you are ready.

:::::

And because I always, always want to take part in one of these monthly photo challenges....but always, always feel like they are just too much.  I think I am aiming to complete the below challenge for February.  Some are kinda difficult, this one seems plausible.

{via}

So without further adieu here is my view today.....don't get jealous!

{Day 1 - your view today}

2 for 2 - for Nella and all the EXTRA special kiddos!!!!

Click here to donate to a wonderful, amazing, fabulous cause! 

And now a few words from Nella's mommy, the uber talented and highly hilarious and beautiful Kelle Hampton.

::::

This year, we are launching the 2 for 2 Fund--hoping to raise $200,000 by the time Nella turns two. We're more than half way there, thanks to you.  A little more than $75,000 to go.  Every dollar given to the 2 for 2 Fund supports the NDSS whose mission is to to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.  Things are changing in our society, but it's only because people are working hard to change stereotypes, to recognize abilities and to tear down walls of discrimination.

I come to you as a mama.

What does any mom want for her child?  Hope.  Hope for a successful future, happiness, the opportunity to fulfill dreams.

I don't want anyone to ever tell me that my child's dreams are limited because of an extra chromosome.

And so I'm asking you for something. For Nella. For our family. For all these beautiful capable children and their families and thousands of others.

Whatever you can give. A whole 'lotta $5 and $10 donations went a long way last year. We can do it again.

::::

Again....please click here to learn more and to donate {I just did and I am flat broke!}...even if you think it is not much...it is significant!!!!!

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{Nella with mommy, Kelle Hampton}