Sweetner World Tour 2019

We ditched the traditional birthday party and gifts this year with Haidyn for tickets to see Ariana Grande. Haidyn is absolutely obsessed with Ariana at the moment. We figured surprising her with tickets to see her would be amazing . Every cent we paid for these nose bleed tickets was worth it. I've never seen Haidyn scream so loud with joy in my life . The look on her eyes realizing that her musical idol is actually in the same venue as her and that she's singing her own songs with her was the icing on her imaginary birthday cake. She stayed up way past her bed time and toughed it out while we waited in every line imaginable.

We had Hootsee tag a long to see Ariana with us because obviously she loves Ariana just as much as Haidyn .  We made Ariana's concert a mini getaway from Reno hitting up the flee market, shopping and spending quality time with Uncle Josh. We scored hard at the flee market with fresh fruit!

 With Haidyn, growing older I'm now understanding that this will not be the last concert that we take her to and I can't wait to take her to more concerts! It's an amazing experience to get to go to. I'm grateful that she can go and tell all her friends that she saw her favorite Pop star. * She spent weeks telling everyone she went to see HER Ariana. * Haidyn isn't a rookie when it comes to concerts as this is her second big concert but we'll have to see who tops Ariana !

Big 5!

F I V E    Y E A R S   O L D!!!! I can't even believe that I'm typing that. I'm Jonah Hill meme screaming right now typing this.  I can't believe that my baby is five , playing all types of sports, has her own sassy personality and is going into Kindergarten this year. Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday I was documenting all the beautiful moments with her only in the womb. Unlike last year, where she was constantly reminding me that she ISN'T my baby anymore she's reminding me that she still is my baby just a little bigger. Reassuring me that she'll never change. I wish it was that easy.  Fear has kicked in a bit with her because so many big changes are coming her way, but her fear subsides when she realizes that all of her friends are going through the same thing. 

This kid is my everything. She's not only my wonderful daughter but my very best friend. We do everything together and oddly enough we never get sick of each other. It's cliche but the relationship I have with Haidyn is the one that I always wanted growing up with my own mom. I hope that never changes between us. Unlike most kids, she is perfectly fine tagging along with me wherever I may need to go as long as she can put her two cents in .  It wouldn't be our kid otherwise would it? She's loving all the traveling we get to do in our spare time, art , basketball , baking , doing her make up and working out. She's never satisfied with not doing something. She needs to be busy from the time she wakes up to the time she goes to sleep. Relaxing is difficult to comprehend in her book. :) Wonder where she gets all that from? But in all honesty this kid is a mirror image of her Uncle Jon growing up. The questions she asks, her interests , the way she does a lot of things at home and at school are all Jon. I've given up my "twin" title with Jon to Haidyn.

Five questions for Haidyn's fifth birthday. 

1. When is your birthday and what would you like as a present? APRIL 14 and a new helmet :D ( at this point she knows her birthday presents are a scooter and an Ariana Grande concert)

2. What do you want to be when you grow up? I just want to help people. 
 

3. Who are your best friends? Lena, Mazy , Hayes , Naomi

4. What is your favorite food ?chicken and rice

5. Who do you love to listen to? Blue hair Bille Eilish and Ariana

Five things I need Haidyn to remember at the moment. 

1. Keep asking those questions . We will always try to figure out the answers to your questions. We understand that you always want to know more. There is nothing wrong with that. ! I know that most days you'd much rather just KNOW the answer to your question but one day you will most of all the answers to your questions and we'll be asking you some questions. You're learning every time you ask a question even if it seems silly. We love that you're curious. 
2. People aren't always nice , but you have to be . This is something I know you struggle with because you want to be everyone's friend. Who doesn't? Sometimes people just don't want to be friends with you for a reason that we will ever know and that's okay. That's something that you'll have to live with , but just because someone doesn't want to be your friend doesn't mean that you will turn around and be mean to them. You will still be nice, interact and play with them as if they are your friends nothing changes. Being nice doesn't cost a thing  for you to do. I would much rather you be nice that a mean girl any day. 
3. You aren't everyone else. As a girl, there is always some other girl out there that looks cooler, better, prettier and etc . Just know that you are also cooler, better, prettier and etc. You don't need to change the way you are to fit in. You're amazing the way that you are  . I'm not just saying that as your Mama . You are amazing! People want to be like too so there is no need to change who you are and what you do just to fit  in. 
4. You'll win some and lose some. We understand that being an only child kinda seems like you get to do what you want and you ALWAYS win. Let's be real and honest for a second , you will not be always winning. You do not get to throw a fit because you didn't catch a ball a tee  ball or throw a perfect basket in basketball. We've put you in sports for you to understand that you will have to earn what you get. There is no crying in any sport and you need to work on being the best if you want to be the best. Just because you believe you should be getting every line drive or shooting every perfect basket doesn't mean you will. All we want is for you to do your best  and be a team player. 
5. Your laugh is contagious. You can make anyone feel better when they see you're laughing. There is something about your laugh that makes everyone around you feel like everything is going to be alright. That includes me! You're always laughing at life and making the very best of it.  

Happy birthday Anak! Mama, Daddy, Sass and Frankie love you so much so much always. 

TWENTY EIGHT

Twenty eight times around the sun for me! It seems insane to me that I’m THAT old when I don’t feel like it. I feel like I’m just getting started as if life is just getting better from here on out. Don’t get me wrong I still feel like the girl with a terrible haircut matching her little brother (thanks to my mom) but I feel like a stronger, smarter and more confident version of that girl. Does that make sense? 2018 has taught me so much but the best lesson it taught me was to love myself first.

I’m very much of a pushover and people pleaser but I’m slowly learning that it doesn’t do me any good if I continue to give and receive nothing in return.

 I learned this year that if it didn’t make me absolutely happy I would give it up. Whether that may be a workout routine ( cough cough running) , “friendship” , people in general and events that I was invited to and etc. Why should I waste my time in doing something that doesn’t make me truly happy? I want to benefit from everything I’m doing in life now and not just waste my time so that others are happy with me. I want to be happy with me! 

It’s hard to say no to everything especially since I’m continuing to live the “life of yes” . Finding the balance in life is what I continue to struggle with because I can’t say yes or no to everything in life.  I’m human and slowly learning to find that balance and maintain it. I can’t wait for another year to grow into the woman I know I am. My goals for twenty-eight is to work on me and to continue to grow through what I’m going through. I want to grow professionally, as a mother, as a wife, as a friend, as a sister and physically because who doesn’t want abs and a bigger booty?  I want to come out stronger, calmer and happier in 2019. I’m learning to stop and smell the roses because going full speed really did hurt me in 2018. I’m learning to bounce back from a L quicker because I don’t want to stay down.  

I cried at the end of my birthday day reflecting on how blessed I am in this life. My husband pulled out all the stops to ensure that I had the best birthday along with my wonderful family and a handful of great friends. I couldn’t do this life without them keeping me sane and cheering me on. Birthdays aren’t my thing because it’s always forgotten with it being at the end of the year and all, but the people that mattered the most to me made sure I wasn’t forgotten.

Gotta Catch Em All | Haidyn's 4th Birthday

Reno weather cooperated with us and allowed us to enjoy a beautiful day for our girl! This is the first time we actually got to celebrate Haidyn's birthday on her birthday and with her Uncle Jon! He hasn't been home to celebrate her birthday since she was born so this birthday was very special for everyone. We had a little gathering at our local park and invited all of our family to enjoy the day with. We aimed for a low key easy party and per usual our "easy" party turned out to be hectic. We knew something like that was going to happen, but we always aim for the best. This day also doubled as Haidyn's t ball game day. Poor girl was busy all day, but it was worth it for her as she got to spend an entire day at the park. The Pokemon themed birthday was completely Haidyn's idea because she's been obsessed with Pokemon . I swear that she's obsessed because she knows her Uncle Jon is obsessed.

We had pizza, chips, hot dogs, sausages  and cake! ( Why don't I buy this much pizza all the time?)  THIS CAKE and cookies is amazing!! I wanted to cry when I saw it. I'm already looking for every excuse to have a party and buy another cake. Link for her other amazing cakes is , here .This topped anything I would've ever imagined. It was a huge hit and I wish I still had some to devour. 

As busy as this day was , it was all worth it to see Haidyn light up with friends and family . I know that it won't be long for her to not want a big birthday party anymore , but right now I'm savoring this time that she can tell me what theme she wants for her birthday and what she wants to eat for it. How amazing is it that she chose Pokemon?!?! We're so thankful that Haidyn was surrounded with so many people that loved her. We had a blast and I'm glad that we got to share this day with all of you. Until next year! I can't wait for her new theme!

 

cake made by Rebecca Hock

Haidyn Turns 4!

I'm in disbelief that my girl is now 4! I am often reminded by my girl that she is indeed a BIG girl and no longer my baby. If she only knew, how wrong she is but for now I will give her the benefit of the doubt. With every passing day, I'm slowly realizing that though she may not look much like me her attitude is spot on to mine. There is definitely a power struggle between the both of us, but it would've been naive of me to assume that any of child of mine and Waymon's wouldn't be a shit from time to time.  Listening has gone out the window because of the fact that this little girl is too independent. She's learning everything her way or nothing at all. She surprises us every day as she introduces us to what she learned at school. She's fascinated by the world around her and questions everything and anything . She never settles for a simple answer because she craves to always know more.

Four questions for Haidyn's fourth birthday. 

1. When is your birthday and what would you like as a present? April 14! I want pokemon?

2. What do you want to be when you grow up? Puppy Doctor or a teacher!

3. Who are your best friends? Um Addi Parker

4. What is your favorite food ? STRAWBERRIES, blueberries anddddd fruit.

Four things I need Haidyn to remember at the moment. 

1. Your fashion sense is perf! I love that you have your own sense of style. I love that you put your own little two sense in what you're wearing and make it your own. You have your own vision of the perfect wardrobe and accessories. And who can't forget that you love your cowboy boots with just about everything you wear.

2. The fact that you're cooler than both of your parents at this age is not surprising to us, but it is definitely amazing to watch. Who else loves to sing , dance , play instruments and head bang all at the same time? You are the daredevil your Daddy always wanted by his side all while being my crazy partner in crime making sure I never give up. You look more and more like your Daddy everyday with your identical smiles and the fact that both of you love to prank Mama.

3. Your ability to turn every situation into a positive one is something you should never lose sight of.  You hate to see anyone sad or cry and the fact that you will stop dead in your tracks to ensure that no one is having a bad day is the sweetest thing . You will brighten their day by a compliment or just making them laugh. 

4. Keep dancing to your own beat. You feel what you feel and you're not afraid to let it show. You're not shy of letting your happiness show. Never let anyone in this lifetime or the next tell you that you shouldn't . Dance and sing until your heart is content and then dance a little more just because you can. You are different from anyone else and that's not a bad thing.

Happy Happy Birthday Anak ! Daddy, Mama, Ate Sass and Frankie love you so much!

Haidyn's Moana Birthday

This is the first birthday of her's that we got to celebrate in our home. It was such a relief not to worry about booking a place in advance for her day. Though our space is small that didn't stop us from celebrating Haidyn's birthday Moana style-her recent obsession. This is the first year that she actually got to choose the theme of her birthday.  Btw, finding Moana anything was not as easy as you would think. We decorated our home luau like and our buffet was equipped with all the fixings of her favorite Filipino breakfast foods. Because let's be real who doesn't love breakfast? Big hit of the day was definitely the fruit pizza  that doubled as her birthday cake. 

Haidyn loved getting dressed up as Moana . We knew that it would be inevitable that she would assume that she was indeed Moana and no longer respond to Haidyn. She was not shy at all to pose with you for a quick selfie if you asked her ;)  She surrounded herself with her Maui, Pua and Moana dolls all while we watching Moana for everyone that hadn't seen the movie yet. Of course, most of our family had watched it and had no problem watching it yet again with the birthday girl. 

We packed our tiny home with as many people as we could and in turn our home was filled with nothing but love and joy for our girl.  I'm still in disbelief that our girl is three. She's definitely no longer my baby girl as she loves to remind me daily now.  I'm sure that her birthday requests and themes will be get crazier as she grows older, but this birthday was my favorite yet.