Carlyland

I have a faithful reader who reminded me that I have yet to post about Miss Carly's birthday party (Hi Corri!). Fact of the matter is, I have plenty of things to post. I've been taking photos to help remind me what I've had on my mind these days. Unfortunately, I've been too cold to remember to actually blog! Our heater is currently turned off (blog post about this later). But the good thing is, it will be fixed come Monday and I am warm enough now to post about my baby's 3rd birthday! Yes folks, my baby's 3...Yikes!

Come along on the sweetest of all adventures. Enjoy the magical landscape as you see where the rainbow path leads you. You never know what places you'll end up along the way!





The friendly Carlyland Tree welcomes you as you start your journey along the colorful rainbow path. You are now all gingerbread girls and boys. Keep a lookout for your gingerbread friends as you travel throughout Carlyland!





First you'll enter into the Lollipop Woods. Here you'll find Lolly, happily dancing about with her magical Lollipop wand. A few lollipops and butterfly gummies are a perfect way to start your trip through Carlyland!



Just past the Lollipop Woods, You'll enter the Peppermint Forest. Imagine red and white peppermint sticks as tall as trees. But who would live in such a minty place? Mr. Mint, the tall, tall, woodsman. He'll be happy to clear the path for you, as you travel along But don't forget to gather some minty treats as you continue your journey through Carlyland.



The Chocolate Swamp is next on the rainbow path and where you'll find everyon's goopy, gooey friend, Gloppy. Don't be scared when gloppy greets you, just give him a big wave and smile and you'll make his day. Oh, and don't forget to dip a marshmallow into his swamp. Yum!



Your magical journey has taken you to the Candy Castle, home of the one and only Queen Carly, the ruler of this wonderful enchanted land. Please stay awhile. Enjoy some colorful candy, cake, or cupcakes! You're always welcome in Carlyland!



Carly's birthday party was a hit with all her 3 year old friends! All the kids enjoyed playing a lifesize version of Candyland, stopping at a few different Candyland hotspots along the way. Each area was filled with Candy for the kids taking. Loot bags were provided at the beginning of their journey. All kids had full bags at the end of the party and I had candy to spare.

Adults chatted:



Kids enjoyed candy along the path:





and Carly especially enjoyed opening up her presents:









I really enjoyed the awesome cake that Katie, our children's babysitter made. It was full of detail and she did an awesome job on it. She also made cupcakes with homemade frosting.















Carly even closed her eyes and made a wish before blowing out the candles!





I feel like I spent an exorbitant amount of time planning this party and it was over in a snap. The cost for this party was well under what I would normally spend on one thanks to after Christmas sales and rebates. Each child left with a bag full of candy and their very own Candyland game.



All in all, a fun filled hour and a half well worth the time it took to plan! Happy Birthday to my Carly Fox!

Happy Birthday to ???

This is how I spent the majority of my birthday:



What an amazing experience it was to help my sister through her labor and delivery of a beautiful baby boy!

It all started around 1pm. I got a phone call from my sister. I knew she was calling to wish me happy birthday.

Me: "Hello"
Sarah: "Hey...Happy Birthday! My water just broke"
Me: "What??? Are you serious?"
Sarah: "Ya, all over my office at work"
Me: "No way...No way...NO WAY!!! Seriously?"
Sarah: "Ya, what do I do"...

She then preceded to the hospital where she would stay for the next 4 days.



Sarah wanted to hold out on the epidural because she knew that it would slow her labor down and she wanted her son to be born on my birthday. We waited and waited and waited in hopes that this would be, but alas, the pain became unbearable and the epidural was given, and little Anthony decided not to share his birthday with me.

As people visited during labor, they guessed at how much the baby would weigh. Little Anthony Isaac wasn't supposed to be born this early. He was actually due Feb. 6th so we knew he was going to be kind of small. I guessed 6lbs even. Mikey (Anthony's daddy) guessed 6lbs. 5oz. and he was dead on. Anthony wasn't so small after all. I think we will all wonder how much he would have weighed if he had stayed in the womb til' he was supposed to. 1o pounds is what Sarah would have wanted and she would have welcomed it calling him her little UFC fighter.

I made a prediction that the baby would be born at 3am...and I was really close. 3:03am, my little brother Jared who assisted in the delivery put that sweet little Anthony on my sisters belly.









Because Anthony was considered a premie, they had to stay in "Hotel Kaiser" for 3 extra days and I was there every day just itching to hold this little man! I love him already! He is so precious and we are going to have a special bond!



I got a phone call from my older brother after Anthony was born and his voice messaged said this:

"Hey lil sister, it's Jason...I just wanted to give you a call and say that I hear you were just a rock and roll allstar last night with Sarah and Mikey and little Anthony. I just wanted to call and say that i love you very much. I'm really glad you are my sister and I think that it's just awesome you were her coach or whatever you want to call it, so thank you for being you. I love you and tell you family I said the same. Bye."

How awesome is that phone call? I didn't think that I did anything special, but someone did and told my brother...it made me feel good inside hearing that message. The whole experience made me feel good. So Happy birthday to me and Happy birthday to my newest nephew little

Anthony Issac
January 14, 2011
3:03am
6lbs. 5oz.
18.5 inches

Girl Time!

The girls and I went to the salon to get our pamper on! Even Carly joined in the action. We had a blast and it was worth every penny. Girl time is so fun!













I love Pedicures!

Happy Birthday!

3 years ago, I awoke early in the morning preparing for the arrival of a baby who was due on Christmas Day the year before and 8 days late.


I had not expected this child to be late for two reasons. 1. Since this child was baby#4 my doctor told me early on in my pregnancy that she would induce me so that I could be home for Christmas and 2. The 3 previous children had come all before their due dates, so I just assumed this one would also. Unfortunately, this baby didn't want to be born on time and my doctor decided to go on vacation the week I should have been induced.

So, 3 years ago, I woke up knowing that I would meet my little "renter" in the next few hours.



My quickest and probably easiest labor would be saved for my last. Only four hours from the time pitocin was started til' she was screaming in my arms and she really didn't stop screaming for another nine months especially when she was put in water..the bath, pool, etc.









I was the only one delivering in the hospital that day so I was catered to and when I wanted something, I got it right away. The nurse started my pitocin shortly after 7:30am and the doctor came in, broke my water, and told me that we would have a baby by noon.

At 11:41am, Carly Fox Durling was born. A sweet little addition to complete our family.



We've enjoyed the spunky little girl God has given to us

Today she's 3 years old!



Even though she has an awesome party planned in a few weeks, we gathered together to celebrate with cake and ice cream today. Dad made the cake, he looked like a professional with his "chef attire" on





oh yes, and I guess mad cake making skilzz calls for a nap without undressing from chef attire.



Happy Birthday to you...you live in a zoo...



Making a wish:



Blowing out the candles:





Happy 3rd birthday Carly Fox! We love you!

Happy New Year!

We didn't do anything special this year. Carly fell asleep at 7:30pm only to wake up at 10pm and decided she would stay up until 2am and even then, I had to be the "mean" mommy and make her go to bed! BUT she was able to go outside in the rain in her underwear and bang pots and pans...so maybe I'm not so mean...just neglecting maybe???

Ethan didn't quite make it. He snuck off to his room, climbed in bed, and quietly fell asleep without telling anyone he was going to do it. Since there's so many kids running around the house anyway, we didn't notice, until it was time to go and bang those pots and pans.

Patrick decided to make a party of it. He had all the fixing and even put Diet Pepsi on ice in a bowl on the table. Thought it was pretty funny seeing he and I would be the only ones drinking it.

Raya, Malia, and Patrick played Monopoly until I had to yell from the bedroom for them to go to bed and I hung out in my bedroom with the door shut working on stuff and watching a new show that I'm now addicted to...Psych. But I made it outside to watch everyone outside celebrate the new year )There's proof...Patrick got it on video).

I'm excited for what this new year brings. I have yet to make any goals. I don't usually do that, but I think I might do a few goals this year and kick some serious butt in accomplishing them! I should probably get started on it before I forget.

Happy 2011!