Happy, happy birthday, Darlin'

{Please excuse my background. It's a work in progress and I can only do a little at a time!}

Olivia turned four over the weekend like a magic. As usual, we had a pool party for her at our neighborhood pool. Why I love this arrangement:

1. I don't have to clean my house before or after the party.
2. I don't have to plan games or try to corral a bunch of energy in human form into some other kind of organized play.

This year, Olivia asked for a Strawberry Shortcake birthday party. I don't go all-out with my themes because I think it's a waste of my energy and resources. Why would I spend money on a whole bunch of character-specific decorations and disposable ware that I will never use again? (Though I do admire a good themed party that I don't have to coordinate). But, what I do go all-out on (or try to anyway) is the cake. Everything else is just a loose interpretation.

This year's cake and spread:

Orange Blossom decided to not cooperate between the house and the pool, but whatever. Heat makes everyone cranky. And it was so hot and humid, that within an hour of being set up outside my cake frosting (and fondant) started to melt. But that didn't change the taste one bit. Aubrey told me it's probably the best chocolate cake I've ever made. (Thank you so much, Pillsbury pudding-in-the-mix!)

The other food included Little Debbie strawberry shortcake rolls, strawberry stems (Twizzlers), strawberry puffs (strawberry marshmallows), garden sticks (pretzels), Starbursts and strawberry lemonade.

Needless to say, Olivia had a blast and so did her friends. I never heard so much laughing and splashing.

I'm so blessed to be Olivia's mom. There was a time when I thought that would be impossible (scientifically it probably shouldn't have happened). Both of my kids are truly miracles to me and that makes their birthdays super special. There are few days in the year when my heart is as bursting and overflowing with joy and thanksgiving as it is on their birthdays, when I remember what it was like to see a promise and a miracle come to pass.

Happy Birthday, my Liva-Love!