Flashback Friday: Usually Funny, Occasionally Freaky, Probably Self Deprecating . . . Always From The Past!

This patriotic Flashback Friday comes with a glimpse into the present, as I am including pictures of our family's Fourth of July celebrations this year.

Me and My little sister, Katie, visiting Nana & Poppy over the summer (home from Japan).

Quite decked out in patriotic garb 

(summer after 7th grade).

Our Family enjoyed the Fourth of July for two days this year.  On July 3rd, we enjoyed a Moe's dinner and then joined up with friends for fellowship and fireworks.  July 4th was spent at home--very low key (chillin' and eating). 

iPhone Eyes:  As seen on Instagram

Memorial Day Fun 2012

Memorial Day was sunny, warm, and fun.  

The girls played in the sprinkler, enjoyed some bubbles, and helped

 Mommy and Daddy wash the cars.

The evening was spent enjoying food and 

fellowship with the Scott family in their new home. 

Thanks Scott family!

By the time we arrived home, the fireflies were out and blinking bright.  So, naturally, we decided to steal their joy and capture them in glass jars for our entertainment-- thus depriving them of 

freedom and oxygen.

Actually, no fire flies were harmed in the process and all were set free in the morning.

Thank you to all of those who have served and continue to serve our great country faithfully and fearlessly! We are grateful beyond measure!

Cowgirl Birthday

Remember waaaaay back to February 19th . . . when our sweet Boo Bear, Madeline Grace, turned four years old??? I posted her 4 year old pictures and my traditional birthday letter; but, I never got around to sharing her birthday celebration with you.  So, I thought that  would be a great place to start my recap of life since Spring arrived.

Every birthday is special in our house-- I love to make a fuss over my hubby and kiddos (Not going to lie--I don't mind having a fuss made over me either).  But, "4" is especially special at our house, because it is the year our children get to have an "invite some friends" party .  We also give the girls a super special gift on their 4th birthday (another Brooks family tradition)-- their very own Bible. When asked what she would like to do for her special fourth birthday, our little Jesse lovin', boot wearin', lasso swingin' cowgirl asked for a "Cowgirl Bowling" party.  After all . . . . nothing says "cowgirl" like bowling!!!!

 Cowgirl boot and hat pancakes.

Special sign from mommy.

Opening her Bible. 

 

Thanking Daddy (what can I say . . . drama is in their DNA).

Daddy reads his special message to Madeline.

We enjoyed a leisurely birthday breakfast and Madeline opened family gifts before we put on our cowgirl wear and packed up the party wagon for an afternoon of bowling.  Madeline chose to have some of Mommy's special sugar cookies and some basic cupcakes rather  than a sheet cake.  So, with cookies, balloons, Toy Story cups and plates, and cowgirls in tow, we headed for the bowling alley.

Mommy's "couture" cowgirl boot cookies . . .  check!

 Ridiculously adorable cowgirls . . . . check!

 Super fussy baby, who is ready for a nap . . . . check! (zoom in, you can see the tears rolling down her face!)

Ahhh, that's a little better  (not the last break down though) . . .

How to party like a cowgirl!!!:

 Karis, Carly, Hannah, and Madeline.

 

 

We all had a wonderful time (and found out that we are only amazing bowlers when playing the Wii) and Madeline was incredibly grateful to Daddy and Mommy for her special day.  We were incredibly grateful to God for our super sweet cowgirl!

Christmas Dinner: A Birthday Party For A King

After a slow Christmas morning, we enjoyed some of our other family traditions, like making a birthday cake for Jesus (red velvet cup cakes this year) and a special dinner. We were also blessed to share Christmas dinner with my mom (Grammy) and our dear friend Joseph  as we celebrated the birth of the One True King.

Not so sure about her rocking horse.

Still not sure!

Now we're happy!

Getting Back Into The Blogging Groove & A Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Ok . . . I know I sort of disappeared for a couple of weeks.  My sister finally questioned me the other day, asking if I would ever blog again.  Here's the long and short of it.  We got home from our Thanksgiving travels and we were sick.  We are still sick . . . .it won't go away!!!  This happens to our family every season change and every time we travel.  We have sinus issues.  So, between everyone sneezing, snotting, running fevers, coughing, etc.  laundry, decorating for Christmas, shopping, sending out Christmas cards, attending Christmas functions, and getting back into our school routine, there has simply not been a moment to sit down and deal with 519 pictures or updating my blog. 

I thought I would ease back into the blog world today with a blog post about a gingerbread house decorating party that the girls and I attended.  We had so much fun visiting with friends and making our little graham cracker houses.  We are especially grateful to Miss Rebecca and little Evan for opening their home and hosting all of us.  What a fun tradition and what fun memories!

 

Click to enlarge.

Miss Rebecca and Evan oversee the fun.