How To Catch A Butterfly: Part II

{such a happy butterfly!}





{Keira was still fluttering all over the place after her party. I love my girl.}

{I love my Sunshine ♥}

So Keira's Birthday theme was butterflies (obviously). My cake actually turned out better than I thought it would. I don't eat or make cakes often, but I just had to attempt making this for her party. I had found some cute butterfly cupcakes, but I did those for her party last year. So I decided this would be a fun challenge and good practice. I used yellow confetti cake. Then I used the Wilton Buttercream icing (the cake pan is also Wilton brand). My mom and I thought it was lame because the picture shows the frosting a lot more stiff, so the texture from the star shape tip gives a more defined look. But it didn't look the same at all, quite opposite, it was more light and airy, not like the picture at all. But the frosting was delicious, it tasted like whip cream. And it's not that nasty kind of sweet like most frosting. Anyhow, it was the first time I ever did a texture type frosting on a cake. I wish the colors were more vibrant, but I think it turned out quite well.

{These were the birthday favors. A ring pop, bubbles, party blower, a funny straw (since Keira's crazy about straws lately) and starbursts.}

I decided that a 2 year old could care less about games! she just wants to run around and explore. So that's what we did, we celebrated at a park. My family and a couple of Keira's little friends her age came, Carson and Chloe. (Ugh, I didn't have a chance to get pictures of them together, they were all over the place, haha.) Anyhow sadly, it was very, very windy. And we had to put everything away after we had the cake. But I forgot to put the balloons in the car. And the cute buttefly balloon flew off and got stuck in a tree! ~Fiddlesticks!~ at least I got a picture of it...haha! {I had wanted to get her a butterfly shaped balloon, which they were supposed to have had one ordered for me in time, but they didn't! oh well, I guess I'll just go back and get her that one sometime for fun.}

Keira had a fun filled day, she did her first Easter Egghunt in the morning and then later had her party. Unfortunately Taylor had to work, but he got an adorable pink camou outfit for her from his favorite place of course, Cabella's. I love to see what kind of stuff he picks out. She got a purse, book, a sprinkler and water shoes from Grandma Murphy and a Leap Frop alphabet learning toy from her other Grammy. A giftcard and some adorable dresses from her little friends. From her aunts/cousins she got a ball and an apron that we'll get to decorate. And I gave her some books, a Special Agent Oso toy and the cutest peek-a-boo baby doll. Even though I didn't have to entertain or do games for the party, I was so pooped at the end of the day. But it was lots of fun. I love my girl more than anything. She brings so much joy and beauty into our lives. I'm so grateful for her smiles, her giggles, her hugs and simply, for just who she is. My one and only Keira Brooklyn.

{mommy and daddy love you so much! xoxo}

How To Catch A Butterfly

Two years have fluttered by since my sweet Keira emerged from her cocoon. Ever since she was a babe, I've kept begging her over and over,"Please don't grow, I want you to stay just like this!" and "Just stay little!" I think every mom dreads, yet anticipates their baby to grow. But also we can't wait to see them reach every milestone. I've wanted to write a poem about wanting her to stay little. Then I stumbled onto this children's book coincidentally that summed it up SO perfectly called, "If I Could Keep You Little," in which the perfect truth lies in this excerpt: "If I could keep you little, I'd hold you close to me. But then I'd miss you growing into who you're meant to be."It's a beautiful thing to watch her personality bloom. Her calm independent spirit, eye color, pouty big lips and tall genes are all from her daddy! (yep, I may end up being the shorty in the family, haha!) Her wavy locks, almond eyes, button nose and relentless energy are from moi! And she's indeed a social butterfly! She's always waving hi to people at the store or at the park. Currently Keira is still crazy about rocks, water, balls, and as always trying on every pair of shoes in the house (oh, I can't forget necklaces, glasses and bracelets!) She loves nursery at church and doesn't even care when I leave! Thankfully, her sleeping pattern is changing again and she's finally made it through the full 3 hour block recently! 11 o'clock church has been super tough! She doesn't sit through Sacrament meeting very long still, but we'll get there! She's a typical toddler! Keira is like a butterfly...she is hard to catch! But just like a butterfly, once you catch her or when she sits still, ya can't help but marvel at her vibrant spirit and beauty. Then smother her with kisses! (her cheeks are so fun to kiss!) Children are like butterflies, they are unique, special and beautiful in their own way. Being a mom let's me be the child at heart that I am more often and have the excuse to be the professional dork that I am! I love it. Well, a couple weeks ago, I saw some sneak peeks of what could be some 'Terrible Two' qualities. Uh-oh. When I have to take away something she can't play with or she gets frustrated, she runs away while making a funny choppy whine with each little stomp and then she plops down facing away and pouts. It's soo cute and funny, (I hope I can get it on camera!) But then she easily perks up when I distract her with something else fun or interesting. Luckily she hasn't gotten into any mischief (so far), unlike I did at her age! (It helps that I've hidden any possible trouble making items!) She still gets bored or awnry when we go shopping. But luckily she's not screaming and causing a scene!
Anyhow, even though she's not a 'baby' anymore, I can't stop calling her that, she'll always be my baby. We love our Krazy girl!
Happy 2nd Birthday Sweets!

Break your fav eyeshadow or compact?

No Problemo!

I heard this nifty trick a few months ago and forgot to post this great trick! It's music to every makeup artists lil' ears!

How To: Fix a Broken Eye Shadow/ Compact

A light that is endless...

Is it just me, or do you feel helpless or hopeless as the world seems to be falling apart around us? Ever since the earthquake in Haiti, New Zealand and now the earthquake tsunami in Japan, I have felt so much heartache for those that are grieving and have lost loved ones. I can't even contemplate what it would be like to suddenly have everything you call home, just gone in seconds. Your home, your possessions, your family, and perhaps your very own life.

I have been pondering many scriptures in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. And as I studied Mosiah, when King Benjamin is preaching and counseling his people. I imagined I was sitting there with my family listening and believing every word as if I were there. His words still ring with great heed and haste to change ourselves and be born of God, to become His people. To sacrifice all the things that may keep us from staying on the right course that will lead us back to our Heavenly Father.

While I read my scriptures, many times I will pause and just stare at the thick ancient book. I caress the pages and I am always humbled, to have the blessing of holding these sacred journals in my hands and to read from those that did give heed to the Lord. They did as the Lord commanded and fervently kept the records of their people, knowing that it would stir us up always in remembrance of who we are and that we must continually prepare to meet God. I was so excited to listen to the Prophet and the Apostles speak for General Conference this past weekend. Their knowledge and great testimonies enlightened and astounded my testimony. Again reconfirming that I know without a shadow of doubt that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ is what saves us continually and gets us through the trials of life. It brings hope, light and perspective to everything. I think about those that have recently suffered or whose lives have been taken because of natural disasters and wars. I am grateful for the knowledge that Jesus Christ not only atoned for every sin, but that He conquered and broke the bands of death. The gift of the resurrection is given to everyone. It is hard to grasp the idea that it will happen, but it is amazing and real.

I just want to share what I last read from the scriptures, I just love it. These scriptures are a beautiful knowledge to know and have faith in. Especially for those that have suffered lately.

"And now if Christ had not come into the world, speaking of things to come as though they had already come, there could have been no redemption. And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection. But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ. He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." ~Mosiah 16:6-9 (In the Book Of Mormon)

It's hard to carry on a normal life when there are those around us and far away that are suffering. But we can pray and fast for them. We can be comforted by the light and grace of Christ and live for Him. There will always be sad things occurring in the world, but there are always beautiful things happening at the same time. And the Lord will always cast out any darkness and fear that threatens to destroy hope. Because He loves us and has experienced every type of pain we can experience in mortality. And those pains are taken away through faith in Him and obedience to Him.