Bonnie's Baby Shower

I've had a wonderful time for the past month and a half helping my mom plan my sister Bonnie's baby shower. We celebrated it this past weekend and it really turned out beautiful. It was so nice to see all the people that love and support Bonnie! Baby Blaine is so blessed. I have to admit, this project has been a breakthrough moment for me. Most people know that growing up I was quite the tomboy. If it weren't for my mom, I would have been in by boots and overalls with my brother everyday. I played sports and was super active. I can honestly say if it weren't for my sisters being beauticians, I would not only not know how to do my make up or hair, but my nails would have never been painted. Well actually, they still only get painted when I go visit them because they cant hardly bare to look at my unpainted grown out nails. I say all that to say, since I got married over three and a half years ago I have slowly become domesticated starting out with cooking (just because I love to eat) and slowly into more craftier projects such as sewing, decorating, planning, etc. I cant say that I am completely there yet, but I'm working on my girly side a little everyday. Just in case I might be lucky enough some day to have a little girl and God forbid, I just might have to paint her toenails. So here is a glimpse at Bonnie's shower: Here is an overview picture of our back patio. Jessica was in charge of the flower arrangements

This is just tissue paper. Super easy to make Pom Poms!

This raspberry limeade punch was absolutely delish! And super pretty to serve. Recipe by Ree Drummond Pioneer Women.

The Clothesline banner was easy and a cute way to display Blaine's name and sweet baby outfits.

The brunch was so YUMMY! With the help of Aunt Brenda's Steak Wraps and salmon spread, and Grandma's fruit jello and my mom and I's fruit and cheese tray and chicken salad croissants. Makes me hungary even thinking about it. It really looked beautiful on the table.

The desserts were made by Joslynn DeHoog. My mom just bought these cake and cupcake holders at home goods. Aren't they darling?

Party Savors by Mikin McClanahan.

We had such a fun time! Love my family!!

If you want to see all the pictures from the shower check out my facebook! For those of you who didn't believe me about being a tomboy. Well this picture says it all.

Mama Gene... Part 1

For those of you who do not know. My sisters and I have recently came up with a new name for my mother. Well not exactly new, we have been calling her this for quite some time, but we decided it would officially be her "grandma name". You all know she is way to young looking, beautiful and honestly just to much of a unique person to be called just plain old Grandma. So we call her Mama Gene, or Gina, or G, or whatever seems to slip out at the moment. Now I know this post is well overdue, do to the fact that my mothers birthday was well over a week ago and she is probably someone I could write something new about just about everyday. But I will have you know, she has been working my little toosh off and she knows what for, so I will just leave it at that. Let me start out by saying, I know without a shadow of a doubt that this brief compilation of thoughts will barely skim the surface of things that I want, need, and have to say about my mother. But I have to start somewhere right? Thats why its titled "Part 1". First and foremost I want to say a few things about my mother and the kind of person she is in general (this is the mushy part). Outside of being a wife and mother, my mom works at the Bakersfield pregnancy center. She has dedicated her time, passion and talents to so many young women for the past 10+ years (a wild guess). Honestly, I believe this says a lot about her heart and the true charity and love that she expresses on a daily basis to so many young women who are in need of an ear to listen, a helping hand, a mentor, a friend. I cant even grasp the amount of lives she has touched by her desire to serve. Compassion is actually a very accurate word to describe my mother. She has such a desire to serve other people. A true attribute of our Savior Jesus Christ. My mother, outside of her service for others, was and still is, foremost a wife and a mother. This is her true passion and love. She has made many sacrifices over the years. From volleyball games, car races, to wedding planner. She has done it all, to say the least. I'm sure my mom had her moments of struggles over the years. She stood strong as the keeper of our home, as the matriarch of our family. She has held our family together at times when it seemed like each member was holding on by a thread. Her fervent prayers, steadfast love and devotion to her family has proven itself time and time again as our family reaps the blessings of her planted seeds. Now obviously I could go on and on about my dear mama and I honestly don't believe there is ever going to be a time where a feel like I have expressed my full love and gratitude towards my mother. But here is one thing I do know. My mother always tried her hardest, put God first, loved as Christ loved, and loved each of us despite our circumstance. She is my example, and if I try just a little bit every day to be like her, I know I will be better for it! Wow.. that felt good. I've needed to say all of that for quite sometime. Now.. despite my mother being all of those fabulous things that I mentioned above. Can I just say.... YOUR STILL OCD MOM.. there is no denying it. One thing my mom definitely is, is a perfectionist. Growing up the towels had to be facing a certain way when we put them in the cabinet (no one ever saw those towels but us). Outside oleander bushes were trimmed to perfection along with washed windows and no streaks on any surface EVER. But one thing is true. We all know how to work and she knows how to make things turn out just as they should be....perfect!! Ok mama..don't you be mad at me. But you know I tell it like it is and well honestly, deep down, we all kind of like it! Love you MOM

Isn't she just beautiful?