Growing Our Family and Filling a hole

When my husband and I bought our first house we new we wanted a dog. We were blessed by this adorable brindle colored boxer at 2 months of age. Every time i go up and down my steps in our home I think of the day we moved into our home, he would follow me up the stairs and by the time he got to the top I was on my way back down. His little body was so tired by the end of move in day. He was our first baby and we loved him so much. When he was one I noticed he seemed a little sick so I took him to the vet, he was a happy up beat boxer (anyone who has or has had a boxer knows what that means). Pij did some test and said he probably has a cold, so we went back home. The next day she called me and asked is we were still in Ohio. I informed her that we had come back home then asked her why. So said please load Jango back up in the car and head back to them. So we did! When we got there they called us back and informed us that our bay had Kidney Disease. Our hearts sank, and tears came to everyones eyes. She said that he would probably live another 6 months if he is lucky. My husband and I couldn't see how this was possible, he is a one year old puppy. So we knew we would do anything and everything we could for him.

Our first baby was there to see our first born come home from the hospital, he stood guard over her and protected her as she grew. Then he was there the day we brought home our second born, again he stood guard and watch over him. He was the most loving protective dog, and we got an amazing 7 years with him. When my daughter was almost 3 and our son was 5 months old we had to say goodbye to our sweet Jango. The kidney disease had come back with a vengeance, and we knew how lucky we were to get 7 years with him. In october of 2011 we had spent our final moments with our first baby boy. 

Fast forward to 2 years and our daughter misses Jango so much, as do we. Moments of tears and loneliness comes over us. There is something about a big dog that makes you feel safe and full of joy. We have a cat, and a beagle pup who is 8 years old. I know our Pup misses Jango as well. Well after much time, thought and prayer we have found us back on the path of growing our family by 4 more paws. 

The dog search has proven to be difficult. We are looking to adopt from a  shelter. We want a pup that is not a puppy, a little trained and great with kids, dogs and cats. I have been looking every day for 3 weeks now to find the perfect dog for our family. We are on a wiring list for one dog that we are in love with. We went to go meet another dog that sadly didn't work out as planed. I know God has a plan and I know we will find the perfect pup to add to our family. It will take time and a lot of heart ache but we will get there. Keep an eye out for a picture of our new addition whenever he or she arrives!

Our last family photo with our baby boy Jango. 

Frozen party with a twist

I love to go big with birthdays. I fel that each birthday is a big deal and should be treated that way.  Our daughter turned 5 in February and for her birthday we took her to go see Shrek the musical, which she LOVED!
She was dreaming of a magical party geared around the popular movie Frozen. I wanted to make this magical dream come true.

Our beautiful cupcakes made by my best friend Amanda. She has been making the cupcakes/cakes for my kids birthdays for 3 years now. She such an amazing talent and a steady hand. I love how she creates masterpieces out of icing. My daughter was blown away by these beauties and so was I!

This is the winter land cupcake with with pearls and coconut on top 

Adorable Olaf If he wasn't so yummy I would say he is to cute to eat. =)

The center piece of the table. I went to Joan's and in their floral area I found these beautiful pieces. I just looked so elegant, and wintery. I was pleased with the way it turned out 

Edible Icicles are a must. Rock candy will never go out of style!

The desert table. I layer down a blue table cloth and covered it with a sparkly tulle to give more of a snow effect.

The drink station. I made a punch with blue punch, sierra mist and vanilla ice cream. The kids LOVED it! and of course melted snow (water) for all to enjoy

Snowman arms, frozen grapes, and jello squares as ice cubes were also a must

Snow balls: powdered donuts and marshmallows dipped in white chocolate and then dipped in white and blue sprinkles  

I think my little "Queen" was very happy with the end result! 

We played toss the snowball. The kids had to toss a "snowball" at "ice cubes" and knock them over. They also did a build an Olaf using this print off http://www.catchingupwithkate.com/free-disneys-frozen-olaf-printables/
I also printed off a big Olaf for our front door. Olaf is by far my favorite disney character ever =)

My signs where printed from http://pagingsupermom.com/2014/01/frozen-birthday-party-ideas
She does some beautiful work. I also cut Styrofoam balls in half as card holders.

Big thank you to my friend Amanda for making the cupcakes and my hubby for supporting my crazy obsession with birthday parties.
I love the move #frozen and I know many others agree. It is a very beautiful film with a great message. We watch it just about every day now that it is out on iTunes =)

Hope you enjoy the break down of our #frozen birthday party!