Super Party

So, I admit it… I am not a huge fan of Birthday parties.  They stress me out.  Then we have my husband--- who loves a great birthday party.  He convinces me, I pull it off, and am always so glad we did it!   Before we left NC we had great birthday parties for Charlotte and Carson…. Charlotte’s 4th birthday party was a HUGE memory maker.   But being the realistic one, I know we can’t do “wow" parties” every year for 4 kids. 

Our first year here in DC we just did small family celebrations. 

So this year for Carson’s 5th Bday, I told him we could do an all out big fun party…and He picked a Super Hero Theme.

Now I am not into super crafty things, but didn’t want to just buy store bought superhero décor (he doesn’t really even know all the superheros that well)

But, I did find some great free printables on Pinterest.

 

Decorations were simple, and snacks were too!  We did an afternoon party, so didn’t do lunch, just snack and cake.

We had Power Punch! And all the Super Heroes made their own Super Snack bag to take home!

And then the cake--- mommy isn’t the best baker, but I was pretty proud of the cake.  From Dying icing to rolling out fondant, it was super fun to make, and Carson Loved it!

We had 12 little super heros (and our 2 little princesses). 
Just a note to all you moms--- if you have a birthday party on a weekend, chances are a handful of guests can’t come.  If you do it on a school day afternoon, be prepared that ALL of them will probably be able to come.  And ALL of them did.

 

It’s a good thing we love all of them…. they were the wildest dozen ever!  We made super hero masks…

Then made our way to a near by community center to undergo Super Hero Training.  We had an obstacle course, and training activities that they had to do to earn stickers that would eventually get them the Candy Loot.

But then to our surprise--- a VILLAIN came in to STEAL the candy!  Good thing we had just trained our superheroes.   They secured the Villain and rescued the candy.  Whooo!   It was a close one.

It was so much fun!  The boys all had a blast, the food and décor were not that expensive, and the fun and momentum of the day made for some great memories!  I am thrilled Carson got a super fun Super Hero Party!  He sure is my little superhero!

Stay tuned to see how we did an even simpler party (yet still super cute) for Helen! 

Welcome to the MOB!

Yes, I am in the MOB. 

The Moms of Boys Society that is!  Though being a mom of a boy certainly does feel like I am in the Mob on many days.     
      
I am joining in today on the first annual Boy Mom Blog Hop. 
If you are visiting from the MOB Blog Hop, welcome to Little Llamas!  I would love for you to stay a while and check out my blog and my rowdy herd of Little Llamas! 

Little Llamas is all about life with our family.  We talk all sorts of things from parenting, to products, faith and devotional thoughts, an occasional how-to.  Sometimes silly with a dose of much needed mommy humor, and often serious…hoping to encourage and challenge my fellow laborers in motherhood. 

Some posts that you might find interesting are:

• Potty Training Boot Camp
• Fruit of the Spirit in Parenting Series
• Life With Little People Series
• Sunday Surfing
• You sure have your hands full
• Real Housewives

If you love what you are reading, I invite you follow me on Facebook and Subscribe to read Little Llamas through a blog feed so you never miss out on any Little Llama adventures!

And now on to all that Boy talk---
Meet my Little Wild Bull, Carson. 


Oh, how I love him.  And oh, how he gives me a run for my money. 

Always on the go…and never a dull moment with this sweet boy.

   

(please note, he has the same shirt on in all 3 pictures and I am pretty sure these were on 3 different days… can you say favorite shirt??)

This little man keeps us laughing with knock knock jokes, tricks, and all around silliness 24/7.  Unable to say his “R’s” at the ripe old age of 4 1/2,  he sometimes sounds like a Bostonian.  I will miss his R-less accent as he gets older.



   

He is a great brother to his 2 sisters, Charlotte and Helen and we constantly are working with him on his role as a brother to love and protect his sisters. 



He has taught me much.  He is proof that children are little sponges… he is truly amazing at scripture memory and grasps concepts in the Bible very quickly.  I see the importance of my role as his mother in shaping his heart and leading him in the way he should go.

Some of Carson’s Favorite books --
                      

Long Story Short is a great family devotional that Carson has really enjoyed.  I am constantly shocked at the concepts he is learning and remembering.  The Christopher Churchmouse Series are great stories that teach Biblical principles and character qualities.  You have to buy these used (I think) but they are great stories for teachable moments.  They are also a great step into longer stories for little ones--- not quite a chapter book, but fewer pictures.  We have really enjoyed these treasures! 

Thanks for joining me and the MOB Society
for this Boy Mom Blog Hop!

This site has been such an encouragement to me, and I encourage any Moms of Boys to subscribe and soak in all the wisdom from our fellow Moms of Boys.  I have even done a guest post over there and look forward to doing more in the future. 

“They will be called Oaks of Righteousness…
a Planting of the Lord for the Display of
His Splendor.” 
                                                            Isaiah 61:3b

None of us really know what we are doing raising these wild boys.  But what we do know, is God’s word.  It is planted deep in us, and I long to plant it deep in the heart my son (and daughters too!)  It is my prayer that as I mother this sweet boy… even with the multitude of mistakes I will make… that these seeds planted will grow to produce an Oak of Righteousness. 

Batter up!

Yep.  It’s official.  We are Yankees fans.   
Fans of the best little Tee Ball team on the Hill.

This little Yankee will be up to Bat Saturday morning,
and we can’t wait to cheer him on!

We just hope he runs for the bases this time and not for the ball!

Oh, the Birthday Boy!

Carson had a great time turning 4. 
I took down the streamers and balloons from the Birthday Fairy yesterday, and he groaned “But it’s still my BIRTHDAY” 



Sorry Buddy— but it’s over.  Birthday Fairy will return next year.
The Birthday festivities began last weekend when the Grandparents came in town and Grandmommie made Diego cupcakes… and we ate one every night all week long.

We had round 1 of presents last week…
Then the birthday boy got his special Daddy-Kid time Birthday date!

He was surprised by a trip to the TOP of the
Washington Monument.
Charlotte got to do this when she turned 5…
and it was Carson’s turn this time. 

He had a great time, but David and I laughed later that the kids get more excited about the “idea” of doing something sometimes than actually doing it. 

I think Carson loved the attention and Special Daddy time,
but wasn’t terribly impressed by the Big Stone tower on the Mall.
Though it still remains his “very favorite monument”, and we will remind him when he is older of this great experience

In lieu of a party we did a special family outing to
the one, the only…

Chuck-E-Cheese’s

 

Where kids are in heaven, and Parents leave wondering
“what were we thinking?”
The kids had a blast though… and it was a great way to celebrate!

   

And then we got home to Carson’s last present… a Guitar. 
He has been wanting a big boy guitar (not a baby one)
I wasn’t quite ready to give him an acoustic one with strings…
So I landed on a toy electric guitar that actually plays
a bearable tune.  And boy is he loving it.

Happy Birthday Buddy!
We love the 4 year old you!

Knock on the door, Someone’s turning 4!

Weren’t we just here…

Soaking in all your sweetness.
(yes, my babies were all born with dark hair and tan skin)
You were our surprise baby… and God knew exactly what he was doing when He gave YOU to us!

Oh what fun you were at 1!
Little Did I know, it had all just begun…
Once you started walking at 10 months,
the world was your playground.

 

Wild and crazy at 2,
“Go, go, go” described you.

Big Time Three,
Giving me a run for my money.

Wait, there’s more…
Cause today you are 4!

Happy 4th Birthday Carson!

We love you and are so excited to celebrate YOU today!  You are a fun, wild little boy who loves to run and climb.  And can turn anything into a bat, sword, or gun.   You love to get your “wiggles out” and are always looking for something to do.   You are smart…really smart. You memorize a ton of verses, ask great questions, and love solving problems.  You love to cook with mommy, and love to eat.   You are definitely an athlete.   You are a great (most of the time) brother to your sisters.  

And best of all, you still love your mommy, and still love my cuddles and kisses…which makes me super happy.  You love to say “kiss me a lot of times” (in your boston accent) and I kiss you until you giggle.     

We love who God has made you to be,
and are so thankful for you today!  Happy Birthday Buddy!

Where the Wild Thing is

Oh Carson-man, he is one crazy kid.

I thought I would share with you a little rhyme I often whisper to him at bedtime…just as he starts to melt into a sweet little boy and gives me mommy cuddles and hugs my neck (though sometimes a little too tight)

~~~~~

I love you when you’re Happy

I love you when you’re Sad

 

I love you when you’re Good…



And even when you’re Bad.
I even still Love when you’re really really Mad.

I’m always gonna love you… Cause You are my little Boy
I love you, yes I love you, and you bring me so much Joy.

~~~~

Sometimes after a hard day with my wild man, I just need to be reminded that he’s just a little boy… and I need to remind him that his Mama is always going to Love him.

~~~~

 

I have enjoyed reading the book
Wild Things by Stephen James and
David Thomas.  It has been great encouragement on raising boys.

 

 

 

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