FIVE

It's hard to believe that my baby boy is five years old.  It's hard to fathom that I have been a mother for five years.  There have been days that have crawled...but really- time has just flown.  It's completely unfair.  :)

Jude has caught on, this year, to his mom's crazy party planning.  He requested (months ago) to have a Super Mario Party.  Jude has recently been introduced to the Wii and a few different games (like Mario Party 8 and Mario Kart)... and he is OBSESSSSSSED with Mario and Bowser!  As a matter of fact... him and his sisters often have MK races in the playroom using their little chairs as karts!  Oh my!  So... this year... momma threw Jude a Mario Party.  And... I've got to admit... I'm pretty impressed with myself.  Everything came together pretty wonderfully.  And....although I know I could have done it even bigger and better with more time...and money...and perhaps a bigger house- I'm just so glad that my boy had a great time!  :)

We had the party at our house this year... It was the first time for many to see our backyard!  ;)  Derrick was leading worship this weekend- so momma got things ready bit by bit until the day of the party- when I woke up early to get everything set up!  It was a super windy day...which- one one hand was nice b/c it's the beginning of summer in AZ....but I had streamers and other hanging decorations that flapped around like crazy!  I literally put the streamers up about 20 times...and even busted out with the staple gun!  But... I thought everything ended up looking really good... I had my streamers...and of course- my banner... some clouds...some balloons that looked like Star Power... coins...Piranha Plants... Question Blocks and Boo!

Part of when I started planning the party revolved around the date.  We had Jude's party on Cinco de Mayo... which... let me tell you- I've celebrated NEVER.  ;)  But Derrick made the observation that Jude would be turning FIVE and the party is on the fifth...and we should call it Cinco de Jude!  Done.  Boom.  Well... unfortunately this threw a lil kink for me... bc I had planned on serving spaghetti for dinner (Mario's favorite)... but with Cinco de Mayo being a Mexican holiday... I didn't know WHAT to do!  So... eventually... I decided to fuse Mexican food w/ Italian food for an explosion of deliciousness in your mouth!  ;)

Spaghetti Tacos and Mexican Stuffed Shells

Princess Peach Emme

Her LOVES her Papa

VERY upset that she can't have more candy!

Love and Crosby

 This party was also the first time we've had a pinata at our party (another nod to Cinco de Mayo?)... let me just say... comedy.  Sheer and utter comedy.  I was so stressed that a kid was going to get knocked out!  Some of these kids were craycray!  They all did a pretty good job damaging a corner of the pinata (which was shaped like a Star Power)... but eventually- Derrick just dumped the candy out for all the sugar crazed party-ers!  We learned something we always knew about Jude... homeboy is SUPER competitive... or if nothing else- he hates NOT being the winner!  A boy thing?  Perhaps his age?  I dunno- I think it has something to do w/ who his momma is!  ;)

Before

Whoa.  Serious business!

Don't mess with THIS guy!

Cutie!

Nice form!

His face makes me laugh so hard!  (Reminds me of when he was hungry as a baby)

Seriously... it was so fun watching those kids...but even more fun watching them loot the candy!  It was like every man for themselves!  Good thing I made those hats!  They were perfect for holding the candy!!!

Cupcakes and Cookies time!!!

Delicious cookies!!!

Curious cousins

How can you resist this face????

Such a fun party... so blessed by all the people who came!  Jude had a blast- which is the most important.  If nothing else...the party sure was colorful!!!  :D

Jude,
You are such a smart boy... I love how you love people- you are anyone and everyone's best friend.  You are such a good big brother- even though you fight with your sisters... and you protect them wonderfully.  I'm so proud of how hard I see you working on making good choices... I'm proud of your honesty... I love you so much, buddy... you changed my world 5 years ago... but I couldn't imagine what life would be like without you!

Happy Birthday, my love.
-Momma