Kiahna's SWEEEEET 4 yr Birthday

Kiahna turned 4 yrs old today. It's hard to believe that time is really going by that fast. It's now been 3 1/2 yrs since I have left the career world in order to stay home.

Kiahna has been looking forward to her birthday for a LONG time now. Over the past few months she has developed a special love for cupcakes. I don't really know how they became so special to her, but they have. Therefore, we set out this year to do a cupcake theme for her birthday.

I woke up Kiahna early this morning so that she could get ready for her pictures. I had originally planned to take her to a park, but it was raining--I took her to Crystal Bridge instead. She really enjoyed the one-on-one attention from me. She also felt so grown up because she got to have her pictures taken ALL BY HERSELF!!!

As soon as we were done with the pictures, we headed straight for Incredible Pizza in Tulsa, OK. My mom and my sister Betsy (along with Taya, Gwyneth, and Baby Henry!) were meeting us there. TJ and the rest of our kids were about 30 minutes behind us. They were out getting the last minute things for Kiahna's birthday celebration.

Kiahna has had this birthday planned in her mind for almost 6 months now. She wanted a cupcake-pinata-SURPRISE party. Last year it was a Diego-Princess party. She definitely picks UNIQUE themes!!!

Kiahna was excited to see her COUSINS again!!! After every one made the restroom rounds from the long trip, we found a place to sit, and we ATE!!!

After clearing the table, we gathered everyone together... and on the count of 3, we all shouted "SURPRISE!!!!" Kiahna was so happy that we had to do it again. Next, she opened up her gifts. She loved the cupcake machine and cooking stuff from her cousins. Nana and Papa spoiled her with cupcake batters, frostings, and decorations...AND to top it off, she got a shirt with a cupcake on it (Thanks, Lisa!!!). Kiahna has been saying "SWEEEEEEET!!!!" a lot lately, so this shirt was perfect for her! She had to wear it right away.

Niah put a lot of effort into a doll blanket and scarves --one for Kiahna and one for her doll. I made her the matching mittens and hat along with a large blanket. I also made her Strawberry Shortcake potholders, an apron, and a baby-wearing wrap. Aliya bought her sister a new doll and doll clothes. Isaiah and Daddy bought Kiahna some new princess shoes and a crown. Kiahna was very thankful and grateful!

After Kiahna opened up her gifts, all the kids opened up their "pinata" bags. They all enjoyed their own treats!

No birthday party is complete without the candles and the song! Notice that Kiahna is "wearing" her baby in the baby wrap I made her! She really was too cute!

We spent the remainder of the time riding the rides and playing the games. They had a GREAT time! I think Kiahna had the birthday celebration that she had been dreaming about! Kiahna is looking forward to her NEXT birthday already, and Aliya is now saying her birthday is next--NOT Kiahna's!!! WE LOVE YOU, KIAHNA!!! You're growing up to be SWEETER and SWEETER every day!!!

Isaiah--8 Months Old

Isaiah turned 8 months old today. He did not want to cooperate for his pictures, and he certainly did not want to pose. At first I didn't think I was going to get even one, so I was glad to walk away with five.

At 8 months old, Isaiah definitely has his own mind. He knows what he wants, and he is now finding ways to get it. He still adores his big sisters, and of course they still give him lots of attention. Their world evolves around where he is and what he is doing.

Isaiah KNOWS his family now! When daddy comes home, Isaiah kicks his legs and squeals until Daddy picks him up. When Daddy's around, I am not that important until Isaiah gets hungry--then he starts looking for me. Aliya and Kiahna know how to make him laugh, and Niah taught him a few dance moves.

Last week he got his second haircut. This time was even better than the first. He looks really grown up if we spike his hair up on the top. TJ prefers to have his hair in the "normal" mode, so that is how we fixed it for his pictures today.

Isaiah has not cut any teeth yet, but it probably won't be much longer. He has given up the army crawl for the REAL thing now, and he can pull himself up to a standing position without any problems. He walks around the edges of the furniture. Sometimes I can see that he is considering taking a step, but then he reconsiders...for now!!! We love you, Isaiah! Keep being a cutie!

THIS is Learning !!!

One of the biggest benefits of homeschooling is the opportunity to learn by doing FUN things! Kiahna's assignment was to arrange the number decals in order from 1 to 10. Not only did she have fun, but the fish and Jordan enjoyed it, too!!!

The second benefit of homeschooling, is that you have an instant fan club and cheer leading squad to help you complete your assignment(s). Aliya and Isaiah both helped out in this department.

The third benefit of homeschooling is not having an official dress code that the kids have to abide by. They are free to wear what THEY think looks nice! We save the "matching" requirement for when we go out in public...sometimes!!!