Leila's Princess Party

This was Leila's first ever kiddie birthday party. She used to have adults as visitors and never her own party. Last year she was going through a stage of not wanting to age or grow up. But this year was different, she couldn't stop talking about her upcoming birthday party. She wanted to wear a costume, she wants a princess themed party, she wants everything PINK and only wanted girls as visitors. She only has five girl classmates so I decided to have her party at home. I figured having only five visitors won't be that difficult. Well, it wasn't until I decided to stress myself with the preparation, menu and the birthday cake!

Barbie cake

vanilla and choco cake

Two days before the party, I decided to make Leila's cake. She is fond of watching those Betty Crocker Youtube videos and I already forgot how many times she asked me to make a cake. Her reaction was priceless when I told her I was going to make her cake, even more priceless after I finished the cake.

Because I am used to preparing real dishes, making those dainty party food fit for princesses are so not my line. Honestly, I had to google ideas. I planned on having a fruit tray with a strawberry yogurt dip, strawberry and yogurt pretzels, strawberry cream cheese sandwiches and pink juice. My hubby kept contradicting and was very vocal in saying "Is that all?" I probably finalized my menu only the day before adding spaghetti, hotdogs, jello with yogurt, wafer sticks, crackers, granola and cheese. Yes! Menu was revamped at the last minute :P

We had one game (Pin the Tiara), one craft (Wand Decorating) and they were free to play whatever. Leila had a blast and claimed that this was her best birthday ever. It really touched my heart since Leila is the easiest to please, she has simple wants and desires except she is into Littlest Pet Shop toys these days. She can't wait for her Christmas, her next birthday, etc. It's all she can talk about. What I would do to be a kid again :D

Happy 5th Birthday baby girl! We love you so much! 'Til your next birthday party, Mommy has already picked out your next birthday cake :-*

Leila's 4th Birthday

for the birthday girl

My daughter just turned 4. She didn't want a party the week before her birthday but days before, she started mentioning about having a birthday party with a few of her friends in school. That's how she drove me crazy during that time. I mean I couldn't possibly organize a birthday party given a limited time so I just brought red velvet cupcakes in school and she gave away loot bags to her classmates. She was so happy when we picked her up from school, it's as if she had a birthday party as well or maybe it was because of the birthday crown she was wearing. They make their own birthday crowns at the start of the school year making those birthday crowns more special.

Anyway, instead of eating out (that was our original plan) we opted to cook at home and invite a handful of our friends instead. It stressed me out a bit because I only had a couple of hours to prepare and we ended up inviting almost all of our friends. I just kept crossing my fingers and hoping that the food will be enough.

Never again will I throw an unplanned party! Or maybe I just need to loosen up a bit, LOL. And besides everything went well except that I couldn't sleep afterwards due to over fatigue. Remind me not to do that on my birthday. I would rather have a relaxing massage on my special day (keeping my fingers crossed again!)

Happy Birthday Leila! We love you very much ♥

Triple Celebration

January, I think, is my favorite month. Aside from being the first month of a whole new year, it is also my birth month and also Lance's, not to mention that our wedding anniversary falls on this month too. Lance turned 6 while I turned 32 and our marriage is on it's 7th year!!!

We had a triple celebration of sorts for our friends. It took me two days to complete all the cooking. Much as I'd love to cook, it was too much hard work but I guess it was all worth it since the visitors liked the food. The difficult part wasn't even the cooking but thinking of what to cook and assessing if they're enough. I don't think I've ever slaved that much and cooked so much in my entire life!!!

Made me think too, is nursing really my profession or is it catering? LOL!

Thank--FULL!

A recap of the past week:

October 31, the kids had their first trick or treat experience. They had so much fun and couldn't get over how much fun Halloween was. After Halloween, almost all the treats were 50% off not to mention discounts on the costumes and decorations as well. I guess there goes the trick? or is that the treat?

November 1, we got our most awaited and important document!!! Yahooo!

November 3, it's Leila's 3rd birthday!!! It was also Lance's special day in school so Lei spent the afternoon in school playing, playing and playing! I bought cupcakes, hot dogs and marshmallows. Her party wasn't until Friday so we just had to greet her until Friday.

November 5, PARTY DAY!!! It was Lei's 3rd birthday party and Baby Rain's 1st month. I cooked spaghetti, BBQ, fried chicken, crispy pata, inihaw na bangus. There was also kare-kare, dinuguan, papaitan, shanghai and pancit prepared by Milet and Arni. There were 3 kinds of cakes, cassava and brownies. Great party even without alcohol!

November 6, we woke up late around 11am, ate some leftovers and decided to go to Calgary to visit the Lego store. Lance was so excited since he is crazy about Lego Star Wars. Sensing that this trip was for Lance, Lei said, "Happy Birthday Kuya!" He just picked out a couple of Lego Star Wars characters and a key chain for Daddy.

Ended the week by putting up the Christmas tree and wrapping presents. After the Halloween and birthday, now they can't wait for Christmas!