Find Your Happiness

A little over a month ago, I won a 24x32 Hello Canvas by entering this quarterly top 5 favorite photos post  on Sarah Halstead's link up . I debated for weeks which photo to use: wedding or family picture, one of my scenic photos, or just a photo of Nathaniel by himself. In the end, I obviously picked my favorite wedding photo. I really wanted to use one of our family pictures but I figured I probably should wait to have one done into a canvas when we are done having children/our family is complete. We originally planned on hanging the canvas in our bedroom but it was just so huge and pretty! So now, it is currently being showcased at our entry door. I also love the little pop of blue color from the table. We have discussed painting it a yellow-shade but I think for now, we are satisfied with it. And since I took this photo a couple weeks ago, I have added our photo books next to the flower.

4 layer 8-inch "white" cake with vanilla frosting and sprinkles For my birthday, I decided to make an ombre cake using my favorite color: purple. I didn't execute it very well because (1) I forgot to make a fifth layer in just white to really accentuate the ombre and (2) I didn't divide the batter very well because I was too lazy to take the extra step and use my food scale and actually evenly divide the batter instead of eyeballing it (and the scale is already sitting on my kitchen counter!). But it was delicious and it was fun to see the children's reaction to see a "purple" cake as my husband cut the first slice. I hope to have a chance to make an ombre cake again really soon.

I was on the computer when I looked down and found Nathaniel reading under the table. He was reading one of Dada's favorite books when he was growing up: Where The Wild Things Are. "Oh please don't go--we'll eat you up-we love you so!"

My Mom and Nathan's quick visit to our humble abode ended last Sunday so I took the opportunity to take a few photos of Nathaniel and his Lola while they were cuddling together for the last time for a long while. I still tear up when I look at these photos but I know my mom will appreciate seeing these right away. I really, really wished they were able to stay longer and I could not wait until we can all come up to visit to see the rest of the family, too.

My mom and Nathan's short visit is quickly coming to an end :( They are leaving tomorrow morning and just thinking about it makes me all emotional and tear up. I know Nathaniel will not be the only one sobbing hysterically tomorrow. Just one of the downsides of being a military family :( Prayers will definitely be appreciated. Nathaniel hasn't been away from my Mom and Nathan other than for naps and bedtime. He always, always  wants them nearby. And just to show you how much attached Nathaniel is to his Lola, he's asking for her (as I type this!) as soon as he woke up. Not for me or Dada like he normally does. He's calling Lola. "Lola? Do you hear me? Lola, open the door!"

Yesterday was my twenty-seventh birthday. And what makes this birthday even sweeter is my Mommy and Nathan are in town visiting! They arrived here last night and I completely surprised Nathaniel. I did not tell him his Lola is coming! Having them here is exactly what my heart needs. God continues to bless us and I am so, so grateful. Now, I just wish the rest of our family can be here, too.

Yesterday was Nathaniel's first day to the Mother's Day Out program. Everyday for the past week, he has been begging to go to school. He did cry for a while but I think it's because the other children were crying. He was already playing when he saw us leaving so we had to give him another hug and reassured him we'll be back. And according to his teacher, he was completely fine after a few minutes and didn't cry for the rest of the time. Hubby and I had a breakfast date and ran a lot  of errands. But as you can tell by the timestamp, we picked Nathaniel up a few minutes early :) Nathaniel was so sweaty from playing outside and was very excited to see us. But he was obviously enjoying himself because he did not want to leave! And this morning when he woke up, he asked if he can go to school.

3 layer 8-inch dark chocolate cake with vanilla frosting It has been a while since I decorated a cake using icing and my cake pipes. I haven't had a reason lately so when a friend asked if I could bake a cake for her daughter's baptismal celebration, I quickly dusted my cake supplies. I took inspiration from this Pinterest pin , which has been on my board for over a year. (Here's another photo .) I have been using fondant for the last few cakes I've made and so I had forgotten how fun decorating with icing can be. I am still undecided about my birthday cake but I'm sure it will be frosted with icing :) If you want to learn how to do this ruffle technique, here is a tutorial  on YouTube. I wanted more ruffles so I chose to make mine smaller.

Last week, Nathaniel painted his first canvas, which we designed as a remembrance for his late baby brother/sister, Elijah Damaris . The words are the title to my favorite church song but also a great description of how we feel about the miscarriage. Our God is in control. His plans are always greater than our earthly plans. And although we do not fully understand His reasoning for taking the baby, it is well with our soul. Hubby placed the vinyl on the canvas and I chose the colors. When doing this type of craft with a toddler, it is best to stick with just two colors. Because otherwise, it will just be a big brown mess :) I chose blue and green because it not only matched our guest bedroom, but it also has this calming effect that goes perfectly with the words. (The orchid and bromeliad plants are from my brother-in-law's family in California. They adopted and welcomed us as part of their family while we were stationed in Monterey. We are very blessed to ha