A New Name!

I know we told everyone in the world that Yue Lan's name was going to be Elizabeth Jane. 

But that was, like, months ago!  And we got tired of that name.  So, we have been tossing names around for the past few months. 

I have always like Hazel; Eric has always thought it sounded like a witch's name.

Until yesterday.

We finally had to make a decision - a name was needed for her immigration paperwork.

What would it be? 

I asked Eric what we should put down and he casually responded "Hazel."

"What?"  I shrieked.  "Why?  You hate that name!"

"It's been growing on me over the past few months.  I like it now."

"Are you sure?"  I asked suspiciously.  "I don't want you to just give in and accept a name you hate."

"No, really I like it.  I want it to be Hazel."

"Ok, then"  I replied and filled in the paper work before he could change his mind;)

So, our newest daughter's official name is Hazel Yue Lan Sharp! 

A Perfect Prom

I can't believe that Hannah is going to her Junior Prom!

Her gorgeous dress was a Titanic era inspiration and made her stand out as the Belle of the Ball!

She and her date, Fabian, looked darling!  Of course, I could be biased...

CHRISTMAS

HAVE A  MERRY,

MERRY,

CHRISTMAS!

New Picture of Yue Lan!

What a great Christmas gift!

Snowflakes

My seminary class made over a hundred paper snowflakes for an activity we had at church.  I loved them so much I salvaged a few to use in my own decorating.  They are amazingly intricate and beautiful - just like their creators.  I love all of them as much as I love all of my students!

A Hootin' Good Time

I can't believe my little Lilly is 7 years old!

To help her celebrate, we decided to have "Late Owl" late-over party (for those of you who don't know, that's a slumber party with an 11:00pm curfew).  First we decide to have a purple and hot pink color scheme when I discovered some really cute owl cards and decor at Target's dollar spot...for 75% off!  Yep, that means I payed a quarter for her invites and a few other accessories.  All that was  needed was a little embellishing and we were good to go!

I just needed to add the wiggly eyes, jewel, moon, and inscription for a super cute invite!

It's hard to believe, but each of those owls cost only $.25!

The rest of the decorations were a mix of what we already had and a few bought items.  And the effect was beautiful!

Each party guest was asked to come decked out in her favorite PJ's.  They were also asked to bring a pillow because it was a "slumber party" after all!

Activities included making owl shrink-a-dink zipper pulls, making and baking personal pizzas, dancing in the dark with only glow stick jewelry to light the way, and, of course, a chick flick : The Lizzie McGuire Movie. 

But my favorite part of the party was the appearance of some really cute little friends!  Each girl got to take home a custom made one-of-a-kind stuffed owl as her newest buddy!

These owls were definitely a labor of love.  I decided to make them THE DAY BEFORE THE PARTY and couldn't have done it without the help of a great friend: Lauren.  She is a student from my seminary class who happens to be home schooled and offered to come help me cut, sew, stuff, and sew some more!  Little did we know the basement would take on the form of a sweat shop and we would be hunched over the table for 2 days!!!  But the results and the smiles were worth it!

Halloween