Happy 7th, girlie!

Just kissed my 6 year old girlie g'night for the last time. 
Tomorrow, she turns 7!
7 prayers for you, my girl.

Just as you elicit great laughter in our home, I pray that you would laugh at the days to come knowing that God has gone before you into each one, comes behind you and has His mighty hand of grace upon you every step that you take. 

May you walk out all your days in the uniqueness of who God has made you to be, always confident of what God's Word says about you in Psalm 139, that you are fearfully and wonderfully made!

May you not have to kiss too many (just one? A momma can pray!) frogs before you find your prince.

May both the injustices of this world  and the mercies of God cause your hair to stand on end.

And, may you work hard for the causes of Christ, the advancement of His gospel and the fame of His name.

May you live your life fearless, ready to jump into any endeavor, give up anything of this world and run hard after anything God puts in your heart to do for Him, knowing HE's got your back. 

May you enjoy the intimacy of a relationship with Jesus through prayer and the fervent study of His Word. May your days begin and end and be filled, chatting it up with your Heavenly Father who loves you more and better than I or Papi or anyone on this beloved earth ever could.

And, we do love you, baby girl, B girl, Bell, Bella, Isabela Claire Almengor!

Bella's 5th birthday dress up tea party

My girlie had the unfortunate timing of being born during the busiest season of the year in my husband's work. He's an accountant; she was born Feb.12, 2007. So, this has meant that while the boys have enjoyed thought out, themed, eventful birthday celebrations, she has had the more traditional, simple celebrations with just our families, cake, icecream, and dinner at home, not that there's anything wrong with that. at all.

But, for Bella's fifth birthday, I decided I wanted to put forth some extra effort and throw a theme party that would include some of her favorite peeps. Asking Bella what kind of party she wanted, she immediately and confidently replied, "a dress up tea party." So, I did what every other mother in America would do and consulted Pinterest.

I found some really fun ideas there, pinned them all to my board entitled, "Bella's dress up tea party" and went to work. If you are not utilizing Pinterest yet, what's your problem? Just kidding. :) I have found it a wonderful online tool to hold all the creative and practical ideas I come upon surfing the world wide web. And, while like so many others will confess, I have lost hours of my life (usually late at night) surfing pinterest, I have also implimented a number of the items I've pinned. So, it's not a complete waste of time.

Here are some pictures from Bella's dress up tea party. You can click on the photo, and it will take you to my picasa web album where you can view a slideshow of her party pictures. Enjoy. And then go on Pinterest.com and follow all my boards. ;-)

2012-02 Bella's tea party

Happy 4th Birthday to my girlie

I was smitten from the moment I saw her.

After a long labor and 2 hours of pushing, my first and only girlie made her entrance into our world with just one final thrust from my body.

Beautiful but not breathing as she should, Bella remained in a special care nursery for a couple days until she was flown to Hopkins' NICU where she puzzled her doctors and enamored her nurses. She appeared a giant in that NICU amidst all the preemies. No preemie, Bella was born 4 days past her due date and 2 days before Valentine's Day at 8 lbs. 5 oz.~

She came in the inconvenience of Lawrence's busy season and a rather big snow/ice storm.

But, she was a dream come true, and we willingly embrace all the inconveniences this little gift from God has since brought us.

Fierce independence likely served her that first week of life when she fought for breath and life. I must remember that when that same independence stands to drive its wedge between her and me. When filled with faith, I pray her independence will serve her in whatever God may call her to face, that it will drive her to persevere in hardships and challenges, that it will cause her to not give up when others throw in the towel, that it will win for her many mountain top experiences in this life for her good and God's glory.

From 2010_10 Fall fun

Determined silliness. The girl loves to laugh, and she's got a great one. Mouth opens big when she has been delighted with life. Rather than feeling tortured when tickled, she LOVES it and nearly begs for more. "Squeeze me hard, mom" she'll say to me and then giggle long and hard when I do.

Basketballs, Barnie, shoes, swimming suits, purses, 'footie pajamas', dresses, 'footie tights', treats, pizza, pasta and princesses are a few of her favorite things.

From Father's Day, 2009

Born with natural rhythm, Bella is nearly compelled to move her body whenever she hears a beat of any kind. She loves to dance and wear her leotard and tutu.

From Christmas 2008

She adores when Grandma paints her nails, and there's a special twinkle in her eye when she sees her Abuelo.

From Bella's First Birthday Party

My sweet Bella girl, your name means beautiful. I pray you will grow into a beautiful woman on the inside as much as you already are on the outside. Just as you wooed my heart from the moment I met you, I pray God will woo your heart and that you would know Him as your greatest treasure, better than fashion, food, friends or fun. He is worth loving with all your heart, soul, mind and strength for He has loved you with an everlasting love.

Love you, baby girl!