I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy . . .

". . .Down in my Heart!" My birthday celebration couldn't have been better beginning on Friday with a wonderful 1 hour and a half massage at Belleza Salon that Howie had given me a gift certificate for. It was Heaven! On Saturday, the girls and Howie surprised me with birthday cupcakes and a gift certificate to my favorite place to shop, Southern Market! We had lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant, Don Gallo, and then had a wonderful night out with our friends Kristen and Pete at the Melting Pot in the Old City. It was a fabulous day and I certainly feel loved with all of the birthday wishes from friends and family, thoughtful gifts, and flowers from my sweet Daddy. I definitely have the joy down in my heart!

Yummy birthday cupcakes!
Making a wish before breakfast!

Birthday lunch at Don Gallo

Out with the Pearsons at The Melting Pot

Hilarious that we actually had coordinated outfits without consulting each other! We had such a great time out by ourselves!

And the Celebrations Continue . . .

We continued celebrating Emma-Caroline's Birthday last week with a visit from Nana, cupcakes for friends at preschool, dinner to EC's favorite restaurant Wasabi, a trip to see the circus, and loads of gifts. Emma-Caroline has truly celebrated turning 5! Enjoy the pics from all the festivities.

Birthday Girl!

Emma-Caroline helped make and decorate her class cupcakes.

She was so proud of her baking skills!

Birthday morning, Emma-Caroline picked out the fabric combo for her special "5" shirt.

She loves pink!

Opening birthday gifts from Mommy, Daddy, and Sophie!

A special surprise! Rebecca, her first historical American Girl Doll.

Emma-Caroline picked Rebecca out because she looks the most like her.

At school they made a special 5th Birthday crown for EC to wear.

Having Nana to help celebrate made the day even more special!

For dinner we went to Wasabi, Emma-Caroline's favorite restaurant.

The birthday girl, Sophie and their daddy

Singing happy birthday!

The circus! Emma-Caroline received this adorable tee shirt as a gift from her friend Mary Caroline. It was perfect for our night at the circus!

Nana and girls

EC in her wizard circus hat. It came with the cotton candy.

The National Anthem

The elephants were so cool!

A late night snack. We had forgotten the five candle so we had to light it and sing happy birthday before going to bed. It was a great day of celebrating our sweet Emma-Caroline!

Happy 5th Birthday Emma-Caroline!

Today is our sweet girl Emma-Caroline's 5th birthday. It's really hard for me to believe that 5 years ago at 10:45 pm my precious baby girl arrived and forever changed my life for the better
From the moment I heard Emma-Caroline's first cry, I knew she was going to be a head strong little girl, but I also knew that she was going to bring much joy to our lives.

Emma-Caroline is an amazing, curious, caring, fun-loving, and strong-willed little person. She loves all animals and cares deeply for her family and friends.

She is a budding little artist, enjoys helping me cook and watching me sew, and loves to play outside.

We are so blessed to have this precious beautiful child to call our own. I am amazed and honored daily that God chose us to give her to.

Happy 5th birthday Emma-Caroline! We love you "to the moon and back!"

Thanks to our good friend Sarah Harper for the AMAZING pics she took at Emma-Caroline's 5th birthday party. Check out her new site at http://www.picsbysarahjane.blogspot.com/

Celebrating Emma-Caroline!

Emma-Caroline's 5th birthday will be one week from yesterday on March 3rd. We had an early celebration with Mimi and G-Daddy at American Girl Doll Place in Atlanta yesterday. Mimi and G-Daddy are in Atlanta for a conference and since it is such a short drive from Knoxville, we drove down to see them and have some early birthday fun. The food was awesome and we all had a wonderful time!

Waiting to eat at the Bistro
Getting Ready to Order

Mimi, G-Daddy and the girls

So excited to open presents!

Giving her dolly a drink.

Singing Happy Birthday!

Making a wish!

Birthday delight!

MMMMMMMM!

Have you Seen My . . . Cell Phone?

Missing Cell Phone

Color: Black, LG Flip phone, Nothing Fancy

Last Seen: Friday, February 19 at 4:00pm

Last Heard: See Above

Last time this happened to me: When my now almost 5 year old was a 2 year old.

Coincidence: I have a two year old in the house again!

Reward: Not so much, but I sure would love to find it!

Advice: Don't ask your darling hubby or sweet children to help you find it!

Putting On the Dog!

Today is our special hound Lucy's birthday. She is 14 years old! I have had her since my college days and use to carry her in my backpack to classes. She is quite the dignified pooch and is very special to all of us. Happy Birthday Miss Lucy! We love you very much!

Happy Early Valentine's Day!

We'd like to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day! May it be filled with many "I love you's", hugs and kisses!