“Where’s Mom?”

I called my dad on Saturday morning looking for my Mom. She was running about 15 minutes late and this is not her style. So I called. My dad replied, “She’s been taking her time getting all dolled up and pretty!” Hearing those words made my heart leap for joy! I can’t express to you what my experiences have been watching my mom endure the past 9 or so months. Going from short hair, to shaved, to bald, no eyelashes, eyebrows, and now back to spikes! It has been one great adventure for her.

This past Saturday my four sisters and my mom went out to celebrate! We were celebrating life. We were celebrating being together and having another opportunity to share in the joy of living healthy. Our family has witnessed many miracles over the past few years. What a roller coaster it has been. But somehow that Saturday morning sitting in the spa chairs alongside with my mom and sisters it made it all seem worth it. Just a few months ago we didn't think that we had any future moments like this to be had. We were wrong!

I am brought to tears as I think of all the physical pain, emotional heartache, worry, fear and so many other feelings that my mom and dad have endured. I must admit, after my mom’s last surgery just one week ago, life seems better. Without sharing too many personal feelings, I just wanted to post a few pictures of the Perry girls celebrating the joy of life and love. I haven’t seen my mom look more radiant than she did that morning. She was late…because she was taking the time to feel beautiful. This was such a tender moment for me that I will never forget. It’s an amazing blessing we have to be woman, to be a daughter of our Heavenly Father. My mom shined. She has remained faithful and optimistic throughout it all. I know one of her reasons for staying so optimistic (without mentioning anything spiritual!) even when times were so difficult, it was because of my dad. He has been so loving, so kind, so gentle and understanding through all of her ups and downs. I have cherished the times when I was able to watch him not even hesitate or offer an unkind word to help her. He has stood by her side so willingly with a very upbeat attitude. What a gift I have been given, these two amazing, inspirational parents. Thanks.

(I can't figure out how to work this chair?? I need to get out more!)

Happy Birthday to Alayna!

Happy Birthday!!

Alright…by today (Sunday) I’m thinking the excitement and sugar high is slowly wearing off. But that has only been in the past few hours. I don’t know if it is just a mother’s sense, but I feel like she is older. She seems to have an extra bit of three year old attitude! Or maybe she has grown up and I am finally accepting the idea she isn’t my little one or two year old girl any more? Oh well, the future holds more birthdays and more growing. I figure I must start accepting it. In fact Alayna said to me, “Mom, you’ll be just a little sad, when I turn three…but you will cry and cry when Jakey turns one!” She has heard me say those exact words. I will be just a little sad for her to grow older, but I will cry and cry when my baby Jake turns one.
When Alayna woke up Friday morning I heard her go potty in the bathroom, and then she was silent. She usually comes bounding into my room, but nothing, nothing, nothing. Finally, I put my book down, and went to find her. She then quickly in an excited whisper said, “Mom, come see what I got! Come see what I see!” She was so excited to have one pink princess balloon floating in the air above her chair. She was thrilled to have a birthday banner and streamer, decorating the kitchen. It was worth late 1:00AM morning to prepare for her birthday. Her pure excitement was a complete joy to wake up too. She immediately was surrounded by her cousins singing and cheerfully hugging and kissing her, wishing her happy birthday! Within two minutes, she was dressed head to two in her Belle (Beauty and the Beast) costume. This is how she remained until bed!

The morning was filled with playing at the church while I enjoyed playing basketball. I told her it was a “friend party” at the church. She was excited just the same to spend time with them. When we returned home, she and Olivia helped me make some cupcakes for her princess castle cake. Around Noon, my parents, Grandma Lou and Papi picked up the birthday girl to go on their alone birthday date. Each grandchild looks forward to this special day with them. (This tradition starts at age 3…well, it was really supposed to be 4, but Alayna’s just extra special!!) While she was gone enjoying her extra special one on one time with Grandma Lou and Papi, I was able to clean house and make her special birthday cake! She had picked a princess castle. I searched on the internet for an idea, and I found a pretty simple one. I think it turned out a little better than I expected. Because I know my skills with frosting…not so hot!

A few hours later the entire family gang joined us for a simple pizza party, dessert, and presents. We were enjoying ourselves so much watching her open present after present. She really has the nicest grandparents. They were so exactly what she loved! Her top favorites were a darling princess purse, “I am a Child of God” pillowcase, sunglasses, a Dr. Seuss Horton elephant (She was SOOOOO excited to have a Horton Elephant!),and a great little tykes coup car. She was able to end the super fun filled night with having a sleepover with her cousins Kierra and Olivia. If I had to guess, it was a perfect day for our sweet little three-year-old.
Thanks to all of our family who helped us make her feel extra special! Not to mention all the darling girls who dressed the "Princess" party theme so well. We had Snow White, Aurora, Belle and a mini Snow White (Kennady), it was so cute!! I decided to share just the highlights of the day, and not share all that mushy stuff about how much I adore our little girl! I have saved that for her birthday letter…but she is a joy and a bright little spirit that blessing our home and family more than words express. We are so grateful for her smile and excited little spirit! We love you Alayna!!
Next day...This is our little girl decked out with her princess purse (that has yet to leave her arm, her sunglasses and her car...she said this to Jared, "Daddy, I'm going somewhere...okay, I have my purse and I'm leav'n, okay, Daddy!" I guess this will be her summer...in her car, going somewhere!

We have a birthday shout hurray!

Alayna turns three today! One year older and wiser too, Happy Birthday to YOU!

If you were wondering, she picked to have the theme of "Princesses" I'm going to attempt to make a Castle cake...Well, really Shandra is the brains of the operation...I'll keep you posted how it turns out!