Memorial Day Festivities back at the Nest: Part II

It was pretty tough to top Saturday's big event, but I think we did!  

Sunday, we celebrated Kalliope Jude throughout the morning, who was Baptized by her Papa David, guest Pastor at Alamo Heights Methodist Church.  She was beautiful and absolutely beaming!  Papa David, who had baptized her 3 older siblings, used oil from their Daddy's family olive groves in Greece which was used way back in Ava's baptism, and then Leo's and then Maximus's and now Kalliope's.  It was such a special service, celebrating on Pentecost, we felt the definite presence of the Lord and Holy Spirit throughout the entire service.  

It was perfect.  

So thankful for each of our four and the people they are already turning into.  Looking forward to seeing all that they do as they grow each year.  Thankful I get to be fully present in each of their lives.  

Makes me so happy just being their Mommy :)

Her fan club, Yia Yia, Ava, Papou, Leo and Avia,and then Maximus on the opposite end of the pew.

Immediately following the beautiful service--we headed back to the house to host a BIG cookout with family and family friends, honoring Kalliope and MAXIMUS who is NOW 3 Years Old!!!

John grilled souvlaki, (shish-kebabs) while my mama friends helped prepare the Tzatziki Sauce--my favorite Greek side ;), a huge Greek Salad, and of course, Iced Tea.  Homemade potato salad and egg salad sandwiches, from Jenn--a family favorite!  

Chocolate cupcakes for the birthday boy and guests and a Delicious assortment of Pies from the Bird Bakery, made for a GREAT feast and Celebration!

Our Maximus is known for his mad skills in Messy, so we accommodated with water balloons--thanks to Avia filling, lots of running around in the back yard and of course, A Pinata--Maximus is a pro at the one handed Pinata bashing ;)

Our Leo, 4 1/2, was such a superstar host this weekend, genuinely happy for each of his siblings celebrations and joyful.  Made me so proud :)

The ultimate Host:  Mr. Rigby

This hug happening behind me is a favorite of mine :)

It was such a joyous day shared with many of our loves, so thankful for all who shared in our moments of joy and celebrations.  Special thanks to each of our Grandparents who came in to celebrate with us for the entire weekend, and all the help from my mother especially.  It was more of a celebration having her there beside me to help hostess. Little joys that are never taken for granted when such distance is between us.  And to my father for 4 beautiful, unique, very personal Baptisms.  Such treasured memories.   

Thanks Dad.  

THE coolest joy of having such a huge celebratory Memorial Day weekend:  A fabulous kick off to Summer!  Here's to a great one :)

Wishing you a summer full of Warmth, Love, and Happiness~

JOB,  

Grace

Memorial Day Festivities back at the Nest: Part I

We had such a wonderful weekend full of celebrations and family and friends and love!  It was fantastic!

The weekend started off with birthday celebrations with schoolmates and 

of course cupcakes!  

 These were from the Bird Bakery, 

a fresh new favorite place of mine to frequent, 

conveniently located right down the street from our Nest!

Ava with Leo, such cute sibs surrounded by a class full of friends :)

Maximus with big bro, Leo, serenading the ladies of course, such a cool 3 year old ;)

And the festivities have begun! 

Saturday morning Ava and I hostessed her 2 grandmothers and twelve 6 year old's to a Girls ONLY Shoe La La Tea Party-with a last minute adjustment adding in The Muppets-a new household obsession!

It was a fabulous party, full of shoe and headband decorating, friendship bracelet making and nail polish!  We had the girliest most delicious cake we could find - Again compliments to the Bird Bakery :) With Miss Piggy making a grand appearance on top.  And then rounded out the party like all good South Texans, bashing in a Pinata!

My two Memorial Day Weekend Birthday Peeps :)

Avia and Yia Yia--Ava's lovely grandmothers :)

A hodgepodge of candles--it's hard to remember everything!

The guests patiently awaiting their turn at the pinata

We actually have a permanent hook attached to our tree for Pinatas-we seem to have quite a few throughout the year ...

After such a Party, what could top that???? Dinner at Pappasito's--

to celebrate with just Fam :)  

This might have been my favorite moment of the day ...

Uncle Taunton :)

Classic Maximus, celebrating his last night as a 2 year old :)

Papou and Papa David with Leo :)

AND that was just Saturday!!

Little Bird Give Away!!

We're featured as the spotlight giveaway on our FAB designer's blog this week!!! 

CHECK IT OUT AND ENTER!!!

http://tinytwistcreative.com/2012/05/little-bird-vintage-designs-giveaway/

AS a way to keep the celebration going and going, ALL GECKO items are free shipping this week!!

Joyfully Optomistic Bird, or J.O.B.~

 

Just Grace:

I am a mother of now 4 beautiful Little Birds who are constantly inspiring me. My 6 year old, the original inspiration of Little Bird, is an aspiring Artist or social worker or professional play date, she's pretty cool. My 4 1/2 year old plans on being a cowboy (or cowgirl at times, depending on the color boots he's wearing at the moment) but can and will be anything he sets his mind to.  My 3 year old is definitely going to be a lover, or maybe even President of the United States and my now, 16 mos old, Kalliope Jude is our go getter, and has a spunky determination to be big and do everything her older sibs can do.  She is a perfect fourth and completely makes our Nest!

My soul mate, best friend and biggest fan is my husband. He was once asked at the beginning of our relationship, "How can you stand her voice??" (It's been said I sound like a Japanese Rat...) His response, "What's wrong with her voice?" I've loved him ever since :) My biggest fear is losing him, he makes me, me.

My humongous fault (or one of): Using "We" instead of "I"--much to my mother's dismay especially. I am very aware that everything happens with a team--whether direct or indirectly. I could not have accomplished any of my successes if it were not for someone else who helped in some way--big or small. I suppose I use "We" just to ensure credit is given where due at all times.

No man is an Island.

I am a lover of Kid-less weekend's away with the one you love, although I've never taken one ...

I'm a firm believer and supporter of Mommies! I think that we are all Superhero's and demonstrate our heroic powers day in and day out. I'm so proud and honored to be apart of the motherhood group :)

Our goal here at Little Bird's is to spread warmth, love and happiness - and we are doing just that, one bird at a time.

Little Bird is passionate about mommies and mommy friendships. Little Bird Vintage Designs was created when a long distant move separated 2--Anastacia and Grace, original designers and owners, back in 2007.

USA constructed, based in Texas.

We strive to offer as much natural, organic sweatshop labor free material as possible in Little Bird production, from our organic T collection to our organic cotton quilt batting used with each bird.

Each blanket is hand painted and lovingly created, uniquely designed with care. And our Direct To Garment Print tees use eco safe inks that do not peel, they are 100% safe to produce and wear.

Little Birds has a passion for encouraging Love and support to those in need.  Check out our Buy Love, Give Love 2012 Campaign!

I personally hope you love us!  Join our flock and become a part of our story.

Flock to us at The Chirp to stay in flight with us! http://littlebirdvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/

Mama Bird GIVE AWAY!!!

Mother's Day always makes me smile :)  

This is my first in 6 years where I am not expecting, and on the verge of exploding, or nursing an infant, still adapting to our new member.  It's also the first Mother's Day where I'm not counting on John to make me feel special and loved ... SAD, but sometimes mommies only get this one day, and sometimes not even this one day to feel totally appreciated.  Not me,  AND not this year.   I'm back and comfortable in my own body without anyone else laying claim to it, and happily the mother of a very full flock of beautiful, loving, KIND, thoughtful, creative, inspiring, totally unique fledglings.  With a Husband that's able to be a pretty much full time Daddy alongside of me now, and realizes the importance of each of the roles we play together parenting this crew.  I get mother's day joy a lot throughout the year, and for that I am very, very thankful :)  

Mother's Day last year, after church we had a picnic lunch, Kalliope spit up all over her outfit--naked here, with LB Lovie, though ;)  Ava, Leo and Maximus SOOOO sweaty--Me too, probably :)  Another favorite captured moment!

I LOVE being the Mama!  

 My favorite Mother's Day Memory:  Mother's day of 2010, our last in Corpus Christi where we completed John's residency.  John, of course, was working that weekend, a resident's life, and I, at a loss for just exactly how to get through the morning with 3 kiddo's 3 and under, decided to take them to get donuts and to the car wash!  A novelty, I thought, they would love both the sugary breakfast and the entire car washing experience ... WRONG.  Maximus, 11 mos at the time, SCREAMED the entire time we were stuck in the drive through car wash, and I couldn't look back to help because I needed to look ahead and be attentive to the signals telling me when to go and when to brake and when to exit.  I knew he was safe, just probably scared of the loud sounds and dark ... WRONG again!  As we existed, I promptly pulled off to the side and turned back to see just what all the commotion was, there I saw him, soaked!  His window was cracked and water poured in on him throughout the wash:(  

I was so sad for him and for me as a mommy (a definite low point) and then sad for his 2 year old and 3 year old siblings behind him that they couldn't tell me his window was down. They were oblivious. Now, 2 years later, all dry, I can laugh about it and chalk it up to a memory :)  Thankful I have it actually, it's kind of funny.  

GIVE AWAY!!!!

Little Bird Tote in either Bird, Lion, Octopus or Gecko--Your choice :)

What's your favorite Mother's Day memory??  Comment or Facebook me and I'll put each name into a drawing for a Free Little Bird Tote to be drawn on 

Mother's Day 2012, May 13th.  

Happy Mother's Day to all my Mama Birds out there, and especial to My mother and Mother-In-Law, I wish you each a day full of Celebration, Love, warmth and Joy!

Love, 

JOB,

Grace

making a difference, starting with me

We've had a full morning here at the Nest, an early business call--check, kids off to school routine--check, Rigby, our beloved 1st born, off to the groomers for his Late Spring cut--check, emails out--check, orders ready to be shipped--check, second cup of coffee and breakfast being devoured between words ;)--check!  

One of my new favorite requests of 3 of my 4 in the am on the way to school--listening to Micheal Jackson's "Man In the Mirror", I've convinced them it's our theme song ;)

 What's your family Theme Song??

 Sewing new Little Bird Sports and Lovies today!  Trying to decide on a staple color to feature our Signature Ava Bird upon ... Any suggestions?

Wishing you lots of warm fuzzy feelings today!

JOB,

grace