She's NINE!

I love celebrating other people's birthdays.  I think it's a wonderful day to show someone just how special they are.  For my kids, I like to spend the day celebrating their big day.  On May 9th, my first girlie turned NINE.  I will skip wondering where the time has gone and the emotions (but believe me, I have experienced a TON of them with this birthday - who am I kidding?  EVERY BIRTHDAY).  Instead, let's focus on what she awoke to on the morning of her birthday:

I like to mix it up.  Last year, we hung balloons throughout her room but this year, I made some simple tissue paper pom pom flowers and outlined the number 9 for her and suspended the number from the ceiling. 

Easy and inexpensive, it was a pop of color that she couldn't miss when she work up!  I attached a few more balloons at the bottom to make it a little more festive.  She loved it!

I also hung pink streamers on the inside of her door and purple on the outside along with a few more dangling balloons.  Next year, I plan to zig zag streamers across the doorway in an effort to keep her from ever leaving!  After all, next year my first baby turns TEN! 

But for now, we are just happy to say she's 9!  She had a wonderful day! 

Pineapple Coconut Angel Cake

Super easy and quite tasty!  I've seen this recipe around and thought I'd try it out, with a few modifications. 

 

Ingredients Needed:

• A box of quality angel food mix (I normally don't buy mixes but I figured I'd make an exception)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 whole pineapple, cut into chunks in juice (or use a can of pineapple in juice)
• 2 tablespoons coconut
• whipped cream and cherry for topping

 

Directions:

1. Combine entire box of angel food cake mix with pineapple, vanilla and coconut
 
2. Prepare a 9x9 baking pan with non stick spray
3. Pour batter in and bake for 35-40 minutes on 350 degrees or until toothpick comes clean
4. Allow to cool
5. Slice into squares
6. Top with whipped cream and a cherry!

This was an excellent recipe for my daughter to do on her own.  It was quick and easy but still allowed her to practice measurements and recipe reading.  Of course she felt very proud serving a dessert she made solo!

 

This would also make a nice and easy cake to serve up for Memorial Day weekend!  Linking up today at Townsend House!  Come share what you're eating!

It's Coming!

Such an important initiative! Check out Simply Healthy Family for more details!  Also, check out some other blogs that focus on kid's eating and healthy eating habits, here are two of my favorites!  Healthy Appetities & Weelcious!

 

Mother's Day....in review

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day this year!  Ours was quite sweet and I was able to spend it with my blessings!  The day was quiet and calm, lots of kisses and a grilled dinner completed our day.  I received wonderful gifts from my girls and handmade cards - could it get any better? I don't think it ever will!

 

First, a handmade heart made from Hershey kisses...

 A magnet from Miss Sydney

 that was wrapped in a new purse

 Finally, Sydney's gift was completed with a list of things all about Mom.  Apparentely, my favorite thing to do with Sydney is to "go on the treadmill".  Nice Mom!

But I do love what she says about "Why she loves her Mom". 

How was your Mother's Day?