Diana turns 7!

It does not seem that long ago, Nov 22, 2001. Phil and I stayed up late with my Dad and step mom playing Trivial Pursuit and enjoying my step moms delicious brownies. We did not get to bed till 2am which was the latest I had stayed up since I became pregnant. I just thought I was excited because in a few hours Thanksgiving would be in full swing.
Phil and I would be hosting for the first time that year. So much to do!
Having my water break in bed 30 minutes later was not on my list of things to do!
Diana continues to surprise us with her spunk and imagination and we feel blessed to be her parents.




I made a special dinner and the requested bundt cake for Diana's birthday.
Let me tell you, it is very difficult to frost a bundt cake but I did my best!
She is full of surprises!


A few weeks later we hosted a small party with the girls from Diana's class.

We played guess how many jelly beans. Autumn won the jar of jelly beans.



Opened presents.

Pizza of course!

You can't go wrong with pizza.

Pin the tail on the donkey.

Oh, and instead of cake Diana wanted sundaes because it was Sunday of course!


The lovely young lady on the left is Micaela, my neighbor. Also known as my mothers helper.
She is better then a box of Calgone. I adore her.

Happy Birthday my turkey baby.

Out of the mouths of my babes.

Yesterday,I was in the bedroom folding laundry and listening to the soothing sounds of kids fighting over a rock.
I hear Phil explaining to Diana that unlike the last stick of gum he can't split the rock in half.
They will simply have to take turns "playing" with the rock.

Diana "you can't cut this in half?"
Phil "No, I do not have a knife sharp enough to cut a rock in half".

Moments pass...

Diana "Well do you have a laser?"
Phil " Sorry I don't own a laser".
Diana "Aw man!".

Cooking with with kids

I love to cook and bake and I have always tried to include the kids in whatever meal I am preparing. Most times the kids help me prep the veggies, sort beans or stir the food cooking in the pot, Diana loves to set the table and pick a cd to listen to while we work. I usually have my little boom box blaring while I clean and cook. It helps make the time more enjoyable and I take frequent breaks to sing and dance. The kids love to help out and they seem to have a good time, I enjoy having them in the kitchen with me as well as the added help.

On this day, Gabe and I baked brownies for my organizers meeting that evening.


Welcome to Gabe's cooking show.


He looks so cute with his sister's apron on!

This is Gabe's favorite part, and with Diana at school there will be no sharing today!

Good job Gabe.

Baking is hard work!

On this day we made Banana Berry smoothies. Smoothies are a big hit in our house.


Slicing bananas with a plastic knife, notice how his hand is far away from the knife. Safety first!



Into the majic bullet.


In go the blueberries.


Some soy milk.


My secret ingredient. Just a teaspoon is enough. I take any chance I have to add a nutrition boost.
Ground flax seed is good too.


I love this thing, it's capabilities never cease to amaze me. Thank you Nana Stella!


Tasty stuff. I hope we made enough for Diana. :)