We recently held a baby shower for Alanna and Baby Clara. Oh, what fun we had together! Alanna chose the theme of the baby shower to be "A New Chapter is About to Begin". Each guest was asked to bring a book to help build Baby Clara's library. I loved the theme, and it was so fun to host!
A Bagal Bar was the main meal, along with many wonderful sides!
Alanna thrifted tea cups and filled them with candle wax as gifts for all attendees.
Love the backdrop for the party!
Alanna made Chocolate Gluten-Free cupcakes with cream cheese frosting - oh my, they were good!
This darling sign was bought as just a piece of paper, and Alanna glued it to a canvas and painted the border around the bottom - she is so talented :)
My arms and heart are full! This is sweet grandbaby, Danika, and soon my arms will be blessed with Baby Clara!
There is no feeling in the world like being a Gramma! It's precious beyond words!
Alanna got so many darling things - oh the delights for mommas and babies these days! I never cease to be amazed at all the wonderful inventions they have now that we never had with our children!
So many wonderful books she received for Baby Clara!
Guests enjoying the buffet of food.
We played Guess the Belly Size game - Alanna's best friend won with almost an exact measurement!
All those yummy guilt-free cupcakes {smiles}
A dear neighbor made a darling watermelon Baby Carriage Fruit Basket! Ryan made shishkabobs for the guys who came with their wives and hung around outside.
Another fun activity - we colored baby blocks for Baby Clara!
Our beautiful daughter-in-love
It was a wonderful day, special in every way for Alanna! We can't wait to meet Baby Clara in November!
I spent some time with our precious Danika this past week. She is 11 months old now! Her first birthday is next month! She loves the piano, so she and I spent some time playing together. Only... she thinks it's more fun to play with her feet than her hands! {smiles}
I had another birthday... yes my birthday is in September. It was in the middle of the week, so we waited to celebrate as a family on the weekend. But on my birthday, my dear friend Stacy invited me over for lunch on her deck. It was so special, and we enjoyed the fellowship together so much!
Dan and I enjoy a dinner out at a local restaurant, Sweet Lou's to celebrate my birthday. The food was delicious!
My dear stamping friends held a birthday party for me too! I just had so much fun celebrating my birthday :)
Here are the cards we made. We decided on a Christmas theme for our cards to get an early start on Christmas.
Alanna made homemade sourdough pizza to celebrate my birthday - it was so good!
She also made huckleberry cheesecake - my favorite!
Danika giving me the birthday present she (and her mom) made for me. Isn't it darling! It has her handprints on it. Danielle painted the background, and then dipped Danika's hands in paint. I will treasure it always!
Danika is taking steps everywhere now - but she is still walking only when it is more convenient to walk than crawl. She can crawl REALLY fast! She brings such joy to all our hearts! And we can't wait for her and Baby Clara to meet!
I was in the garden watering when this lovely butterfly stopped by for a visit with my marigolds. Isn't their coloring just gorgeous! It crawled all over the marigold. God's world is amazing, isn't it!
Can you believe it is already September? Our weather is staying quite hot here, and it doesn't feel like Fall at all, but we know the days are shortening, and soon enough, the leaves will begin changing and falling. I look forward to Fall every year, but we are hanging onto Summer while it lasts.
As we move from summer's heat to the breathtaking colors of Fall, I am purposely stopping to enjoy each and every moment that comes my way - from the little butterfly perched on the marigold, to the last hurrah of summer heat (high 90s) that we are having, to the cooler evenings, and later morning sunrises. God's creation keeps its schedule, whether we are ready or not!
With all of the difficult things happening in our world, it is easy to become discouraged. As I look into the face of my sweet granddaughter, and wonder what her world will be like as she grows up, all I can do is surrender it to the Lord, and ask that He protect her, Baby Clara, and all our precious children and grandchildren for their futures.
I am thankful I have hope in Jesus, for in spite of the darkness in the world around us, there is love, light, and beauty to be found. I pray for each of you, my readers and friends, and trust that the Lord will surround you with His peace in the midst of the troubles we all face.
I just made this video, and I pray that it will be a balm and a blessing to your soul - IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL.
The baby shower for Alanna and Clara looks like it was a lot of fun. Danika is such a little sweetheart. It's wonderful to be a grandma 💖 Belated birthday blessings for you. Happy Fall 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂
The baby shower was so much fun! All the ladies had such a good time. Danika was the star of the show for sure. I agree, it's wonderful being a grandma! Thank you for the birthday blessings!
The baby shower looks like it was such a wonderful time for everyone. I love the idea of bringing a book. You are so blessed to have your grandbabies close by. Your daughter-in-law sounds like a wonderful baker. How great that she shares with you all. Blessings and hugs, Betsy
What a wonderful time of celebration for your family, Marilyn! You are truly blessed. Thanks for sharing such a lovely, cheerful post. Happy Birthday my friend!
Happy Belated Birthday, Marilyn! I loved your photos from the baby shower, and I know that little Clara will be a beautiful blessing to you all just as Danika is. She is so precious! Yes, being a grandparent is an indescribably amazing experience. Blessings!
What a wonderful baby shower. So many creative ideas. I like the Bagel Bar, sounds really good. And those cupcakes! Now the baby will have a little collection of books to start out with. That was such a special thing to do at the shower. You know, Jess did this same thing with the tea cups at her baby shower. It's a lovely idea, cause who doesn't love a pretty tea cup? That's a sweet picture of you and Danika. She's getting so big, and I hope she learns to play the piano someday. Happy Birthday to you, Marilyn, and that huckleberry cheesecake looks incredibly scrumptious. Enjoy these September days. It's such a pleasant month, and it seems to be going by quickly. It's starting to feel like Fall here, with cool mornings and evenings. Oh, you're right, Marilyn, being a grandma just brings a smile to our hearts. I just spent some time with mine, and it was the best feeling. That butterfly and marigold is soooo pretty, and the colors remind me of Fall. Such a wonderful post today filled with all things good. : )
That baby shower looks and sounds so wonderful! How lucky that you'll soon have 2 ganddaughters to enjoy! We just had huckleberry for the first time last week on our trip to Glacier National park. They are yummy. It sounds like you had a wonderful birthday.
Oh, my friend. You have such rich moments happening in your life. Praise the Lord. Happy Birthday!!!!! And congratulations on your newest little one coming. The shower theme sounds so neat. I love the idea of starting a book collection. I hope you have a week filled with wonder!
What a wonderful shower and a sweet idea with the teacups. There is NOTHING in the world like being a grandmother. All the grands call me Nana except for my SweetCheeks who always calls me NANNEEE (Nanny)....Love it. Each one is so precious. Happy Birthday, Marilyn. You are blessed. xo Diana
Happiest birthday wishes sweet friend! The shower you held looked so fun. What a precious season of life. Enjoy every moment. Loved the photo of you sitting at the lake. Hugs from Virginia
Oh Marilyn!! Danika is getting so big already and I LOVE that she loves piano (I was a piano major for my undergrad degree). I also love that she's still crawling. I did a research paper in grad school for my Educational Physchology/Special Education Masters and did you know hte longer a baby crawls the better they tend to be with language and reading skills?? I was 26 when I learned that so always remembered it for when i finally had my babies and yup...both of my girls were developementally ahead in school on their language and reading skills. It's something about the motion and the brain and it's been proven to enhance a child's spatial skills, eye-hand coordination and core muscles. So let her crawl as long as she wants!! :)
COngrat on the almost arrival of another granddaughter. My parents were friends with a woman who was in her 70s when I was a little girl of 7 and her name was Clara. She was a pillar in our Free Methodist church that I grew up in and I loved being in her Sunday School class. My youngest daughter's name is Claire and I almost named her Clara! Clara is in heaven now of course but i remember her fondly as being one of the first people outside my dad and mom who told me about Jesus. OH! and I received the devotional book from you!! I"m so sorry I haven't had a chance to tell you yet. It's been a busy September so far. I'm saving the book for the first of the new year as I'm wrapping up another devotional book right now. I looked through it and LOVE it. Thanks again!!
Marilyn, I love this trend of gifting baby with a lovely library of books! Such a personal and delightful gift. May you enjoy these final days of summer . . .
What a sweet and well thought out Baby Shower for your newest granddaughter. I so enjoy a good shower/party theme! It also looks like you were celebrated well for your September birthday! This past week has been a tough one and an encouraging one in the midst, too. Jesus is our hope in life and death!
Happy Belated Birthday wishes to you. Hope your day was so very special. This looks like a fabulous and FUN baby shower.. Lots of great ideas such as the cups that were given out to the guest. and a bagel bar!! yum!! Being a grandparent is really something that is so difficult to describe. Blessing after blessing is what I receive form my 6 grands and my 3 great grands. Life is sure good and they make it so much fun.
What a lovely shower! Looked like ya'll had fun! Happy belated birthday, Marilyn! Though we've never met, your blog (and your comments) demonstrates the sweet person you are and I'm glad you had a blessed birthday and week. :) Such a beautiful butterfly! God is such an amazing Creator! I enjoyed reading your post; it helped cheer me up. :) Many blessings to you, Valentine
Precious friend Marilyn 🥰 Happy Birthday to you,I wish you many many more with loved ones ♥️🙏 By the grace of God your world seems to bloom with love , joy and happiness 🥹♥️🙏 It makes my heart feel melting with gratitude and joy 🥹🥰 Baby shower of your new granddaughter looks amazing and full of fun 🤗♥️ You have lovely DIL 🥰👌♥️ May she go through all the process peacefully and healthy 🙏♥️ Danika oh my she is such darling and cutest baby I ever saw 🥰 yes crawling age is so childish for a mom . I I n advance wish Danika darling a very lovely happy birthday 🥰♥️ May she find happiness and health in future 🙏 How sweet of your friend to celebrate your birthday on boat 🤗the view is gorgeous and tranquil 🥰👍 I love your faith and positivity dear friend , may God continue to shower His grace upon you and loved ones 🙏♥️♥️♥️
How fun to discover your site (via "The Love Your Creativity" link up). I enjoyed your "New Chapter" Baby Shower post - what a fabulous idea for a shower. I love all the creative touches. My blogging partner and friend, Laurie, and I also love being Grands... we each feel so blessed! I look forward to discovering more about your world!
What a wonderful baby shower for Alanna and baby Clara. The theme was certainly a beautiful one and all the food looked so tasty. Baby Danika is getting so big and I know how much you love being a grandma. What a fabulous birthday you had, my sweet friend. God bless you 😘
Aw, the baby shower looked amazing! And I am so thankful you had such a wonderful birthday! I know you love that sweet little grandbaby and the one on the way. God is so good! May He continue to rain down blessings on you and your family, dear friend!
Looks like you had an amazing time! My oldest son just got engaged this Summer so I have a bit to wait until I have grandbabies. Stopping in from Love Your Creativity party because I saw your featured post. Have a wonderful week!
Life is marvelous all around for you dear! Happy birthday month. I know you're blessed. I love that you know it and share those blessings with others. Hugs, Laura
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How very precious it is to have grandbabies! All the food looks wonderful! I hope you had a happy birthday! God bless you!
ReplyDeleteGrandbabies are such a precious joy, indeed! I had a good birthday, God's blessings abound! Much love to you dear friend!
DeleteThe baby shower for Alanna and Clara looks like it was a lot of fun. Danika is such a little sweetheart. It's wonderful to be a grandma 💖
ReplyDeleteBelated birthday blessings for you. Happy Fall 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂
The baby shower was so much fun! All the ladies had such a good time. Danika was the star of the show for sure. I agree, it's wonderful being a grandma! Thank you for the birthday blessings!
DeleteThe baby shower looks like it was such a wonderful time for everyone. I love the idea of bringing a book. You are so blessed to have your grandbabies close by. Your daughter-in-law sounds like a wonderful baker. How great that she shares with you all.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
Betsy
What a wonderful time of celebration for your family, Marilyn! You are truly blessed. Thanks for sharing such a lovely, cheerful post. Happy Birthday my friend!
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Birthday, Marilyn! I loved your photos from the baby shower, and I know that little Clara will be a beautiful blessing to you all just as Danika is. She is so precious! Yes, being a grandparent is an indescribably amazing experience. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful baby shower. So many creative ideas. I like the Bagel Bar, sounds really good. And those cupcakes! Now the baby will have a little collection of books to start out with. That was such a special thing to do at the shower. You know, Jess did this same thing with the tea cups at her baby shower. It's a lovely idea, cause who doesn't love a pretty tea cup? That's a sweet picture of you and Danika. She's getting so big, and I hope she learns to play the piano someday. Happy Birthday to you, Marilyn, and that huckleberry cheesecake looks incredibly scrumptious. Enjoy these September days. It's such a pleasant month, and it seems to be going by quickly. It's starting to feel like Fall here, with cool mornings and evenings. Oh, you're right, Marilyn, being a grandma just brings a smile to our hearts. I just spent some time with mine, and it was the best feeling. That butterfly and marigold is soooo pretty, and the colors remind me of Fall. Such a wonderful post today filled with all things good. : )
ReplyDelete~Sheri
That baby shower looks and sounds so wonderful! How lucky that you'll soon have 2 ganddaughters to enjoy! We just had huckleberry for the first time last week on our trip to Glacier National park. They are yummy. It sounds like you had a wonderful birthday.
ReplyDeleteOh, my friend. You have such rich moments happening in your life. Praise the Lord. Happy Birthday!!!!! And congratulations on your newest little one coming. The shower theme sounds so neat. I love the idea of starting a book collection. I hope you have a week filled with wonder!
ReplyDeleteThe video is beautiful. Thank you. All that food looked so good I wanted to lick the tablet screen!😆
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet baby shower. Love the idea of bagels. The cupcakes look yummy. Grand babies are so precious and fun. Happy Birthday dear Marilyn.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful shower and a sweet idea with the teacups. There is NOTHING in the world like being a grandmother. All the grands call me Nana except for my SweetCheeks who always calls me NANNEEE (Nanny)....Love it. Each one is so precious. Happy Birthday, Marilyn. You are blessed.
ReplyDeletexo Diana
Happiest birthday wishes sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteThe shower you held looked so fun. What a precious season of life. Enjoy every moment.
Loved the photo of you sitting at the lake.
Hugs from Virginia
Oh Marilyn!! Danika is getting so big already and I LOVE that she loves piano (I was a piano major for my undergrad degree). I also love that she's still crawling. I did a research paper in grad school for my Educational Physchology/Special Education Masters and did you know hte longer a baby crawls the better they tend to be with language and reading skills?? I was 26 when I learned that so always remembered it for when i finally had my babies and yup...both of my girls were developementally ahead in school on their language and reading skills. It's something about the motion and the brain and it's been proven to enhance a child's spatial skills, eye-hand coordination and core muscles. So let her crawl as long as she wants!! :)
ReplyDeleteCOngrat on the almost arrival of another granddaughter. My parents were friends with a woman who was in her 70s when I was a little girl of 7 and her name was Clara. She was a pillar in our Free Methodist church that I grew up in and I loved being in her Sunday School class. My youngest daughter's name is Claire and I almost named her Clara! Clara is in heaven now of course but i remember her fondly as being one of the first people outside my dad and mom who told me about Jesus.
OH! and I received the devotional book from you!! I"m so sorry I haven't had a chance to tell you yet. It's been a busy September so far. I'm saving the book for the first of the new year as I'm wrapping up another devotional book right now. I looked through it and LOVE it. Thanks again!!
Such a lovely post, so joyful and with a wonderful collection of photographs.
ReplyDeleteBelated happy birthday wishes too.
Have a wonderful September and enjoy the Autumn/Fall.
All the best Jan
https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/
Marilyn, I love this trend of gifting baby with a lovely library of books! Such a personal and delightful gift. May you enjoy these final days of summer . . .
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun party to celebrate the new grandbaby coming, so sweet you will have two very soon to play together and double the hugs. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet and well thought out Baby Shower for your newest granddaughter. I so enjoy a good shower/party theme! It also looks like you were celebrated well for your September birthday! This past week has been a tough one and an encouraging one in the midst, too. Jesus is our hope in life and death!
ReplyDeleteI love the baby shower. So much fun and excitement.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed all the photos.
Carla
Happy Belated Birthday wishes to you. Hope your day was so very special. This looks like a fabulous and FUN baby shower.. Lots of great ideas such as the cups that were given out to the guest. and a bagel bar!! yum!! Being a grandparent is really something that is so difficult to describe. Blessing after blessing is what I receive form my 6 grands and my 3 great grands. Life is sure good and they make it so much fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely shower! Looked like ya'll had fun!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday, Marilyn! Though we've never met, your blog (and your comments) demonstrates the sweet person you are and I'm glad you had a blessed birthday and week. :)
Such a beautiful butterfly! God is such an amazing Creator!
I enjoyed reading your post; it helped cheer me up. :)
Many blessings to you,
Valentine
Precious friend Marilyn 🥰
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you,I wish you many many more with loved ones ♥️🙏
By the grace of God your world seems to bloom with love , joy and happiness 🥹♥️🙏
It makes my heart feel melting with gratitude and joy 🥹🥰
Baby shower of your new granddaughter looks amazing and full of fun 🤗♥️
You have lovely DIL 🥰👌♥️
May she go through all the process peacefully and healthy 🙏♥️
Danika oh my she is such darling and cutest baby I ever saw 🥰 yes crawling age is so childish for a mom . I I n advance wish Danika darling a very lovely happy birthday 🥰♥️
May she find happiness and health in future 🙏
How sweet of your friend to celebrate your birthday on boat 🤗the view is gorgeous and tranquil 🥰👍
I love your faith and positivity dear friend , may God continue to shower His grace upon you and loved ones 🙏♥️♥️♥️
How fun to discover your site (via "The Love Your Creativity" link up). I enjoyed your "New Chapter" Baby Shower post - what a fabulous idea for a shower. I love all the creative touches. My blogging partner and friend, Laurie, and I also love being Grands... we each feel so blessed! I look forward to discovering more about your world!
ReplyDeleteOh.. and I forgot to add - Happy Birthday! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful baby shower for Alanna and baby Clara. The theme was certainly a beautiful one and all the food looked so tasty. Baby Danika is getting so big and I know how much you love being a grandma. What a fabulous birthday you had, my sweet friend. God bless you 😘
ReplyDeleteAw, the baby shower looked amazing! And I am so thankful you had such a wonderful birthday! I know you love that sweet little grandbaby and the one on the way. God is so good! May He continue to rain down blessings on you and your family, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteLooks like such a wonderful love filled celebration. Love the theme as well.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had an amazing time! My oldest son just got engaged this Summer so I have a bit to wait until I have grandbabies. Stopping in from Love Your Creativity party because I saw your featured post. Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteLife is marvelous all around for you dear! Happy birthday month. I know you're blessed. I love that you know it and share those blessings with others.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Laura