how can it be?

September 12, 2010 

September 14, 2011

"...no little girl can stop her world to wait for me..." {Natalie Merchant}

ten years later...

as seen by six-year-old Miles during our 9-11 remembrance service at church. "Sorry about the buildings."

Milla Jean is one!

So my baby girl did it - she turned one! Without my permission, actually, but she went right ahead and did it anyway. How does this keep happening to me? My babies growing up? When thinking of Milla's party, the decisions went like this:

• {1} Make a peg-doll-Milla cake topper.
• {2} MUST make a ruffle cake.
• {3} Pink, pink, pink!

Am I ever thankful for the internet where all of my inspiration and how-to instructions come from. I was pretty intimidated by the ruffle icing, but just had to give it a shot, and you know what? It was so easy {and fun!}. If you are curious, find the peg doll tutorial here and a ruffle icing how-to video here.

And a shout out to super Anita, who took these lovely photos of the cake and decorations. No photoshopping here, folks, just talent. {I  did get a bit photoshop happy down there on the birthday girl pictures, but I just have so much fun with actions.} But that Anita, she just worked magic with these up here all by herself.



Of course I have to thank my mom for lots of help {lots!}... she made raspberry oatmeal bars, arranged flowers, and helped clean. {Thanks, Mom!}



And here is the precious birthday Milla Jean! She really wanted to grab hold of the candle or the flame or something, so aside from a little danger, she enjoyed us singing happy birthday. Well, she wasn't bothered by the actual danger, but by how I wouldn't let her get her little hands on that candle. We actually sang twice because her big bro Miles accidentally blew out her candle with the party blower thing. {What are those called?}



She needed a little help trying the actual cake and not just the icing. Some people like the icing. Some people like the cake. I like both, and I think she did, too!

The whole family at our {last} first birthday party. This picture will be hanging on my wall soon.

Happy birthday to my sweet Jeannie-girl! It's been a precious, too-fast, wonderful year of loving you, though I'm sure I've loved you forever. I'm so happy you've been given to us.