Happy Birthday Princess Tamara

Happy Birthday Princess Tamara

Princess Party of course. There are a few days in a girl's life when she can get away with being a Princess in public. The most obvious is probably her wedding day. Then there's the sweet 16 party or Debutant Ball. And of course her 4th Birthday Party. :o)

Since Tamara was named after King Tamara of Georgia I thought it was only natural to celebrate her Royal roots. King Tamara was actually a woman. Her dad the king declared her a king as he realized the King title would command more respect from neighboring kingdoms. She was I believe the only female king in history. Anyway.. King Tamara was an amazingly, brilliant ruler who fought off numerous enemies over her life time. She also banished her 1st husband for lack of performance, remarried and produced two ares to the throne. She brought literacy to Georgia and if I'm not mistaken Christianity? A busy lady filled with compassion, great leadership skills, intelligence and bravery. Just the kind of princess we all hope to raise.

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Tuesday before her Birthday.

Cupcake day at school. Tamara had a wonderful time at her pre-school party.

Here she is about to eat breakfast.

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Wednesday was her official Birthday.

Tamara blows out her Birthday candle sitting on her pancakes.

Make a wish!

A stack of gifts for her to open after breakfast.

Lily can't wait.

Daddy shows Tamara her Birthday gifts. Tamara seems a little unsure at first.

She wanted to open the large one first but we explained she had to open the smaller ones first.

Video below.. Tamara opens her BIG gift.

A new home for Barbie.


How much fun would this have been when we were kids?


Barbie has to go potty... yeah.. really she does. ;o)

After dinner.. it's cake time.

How old are you now?

Tamara cuts the cake with her baby fork.

Oh... YUM

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A peak inside the dining room. Getting ready for Sunday's BIG Bash.

Tamara's dress arrived from Hong Kong in less then a week?

Her Tiara took almost 2 weeks from Colorado?

Go figure..lol

Our princess loves it.

When the guests started to arrive Tamara and I were upstairs putting the finishing touches on our Royal outfits. Every time the door bell rang.. Tamara would run to the balcony and wave, throw kisses and yell "HI". Just like a real little princess.

Let the games begin... Lisa and Denise chat

Cousin Katie came dressed in costume... that's the spirit!

Princess Tamara beaming

Princess Katie and Princess Tamara

Princes Joseph and Zachary

Wardrobe malfunction in the kitchen.

Princess Morgan shows off her star power

Cousin Amanda and Tamara playing

Love this picture. Amanda my God Daughter with my Daughter.

Too cute!

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Playing "Pin the Tiara on the Princess"

Cousin Nicky takes a turn.

Prince Braydon nails it.

Tamara takes another turn

Tamara watching

Prince Joseph checks out the doll house

The adults enjoying some appetizers

Princess Amanda gets a lesson in chopping.

King Sime & King Nado discuss world affairs while Queen Radmila keeps them in line. ;o)

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The cake... the cake.

"Let them eat cake!" That is what a Queen says isn't it?

I tried to have a black jewel encrusted shirt made that said simply that.

"Let them eat cake"

I thought it might be a humorous.. casual comfy way to dress like a ROYAL.

I thought I found someone on eBay that could / would do it but at the last minute she backed out. Grrrr........

Anyway... this is Princess Tamara's 4th Birthday cake. It took the Queen Mommy about 6-8 hrs to complete. Not counting bake time and sanity break time.
It's been a while since I made one of these. So I forgot a few minor details that really matter like house temperature. Yeah... hind sight being what it is I remembered why I never liked to do these in the summer. So everyone put on an extra layer and Mommy dropped the heat about 5 degrees.

The top tier.. complete with pearl tiara.. actually a crown.

Whip cream frosting in vanilla and strawberry. Inside of crown was filled with pink butter cream roses.

Tier 2 Strawberry whip cream frosting, strawberry moose filling.

Butter cream roses.

Tier 3

Whip cream icing in strawberry and vanilla.

Chocolate moose filling.

Yum... add a cute face and.....

WaLa

A cake fit for a Princess

Tamara gets ready to blow out the candles.

She's been practicing since Daddy's Birthday.

Make a Wish baby girl.

Yay.. she got them all.

Like a true four year old she had to do it..lol

Grandma feeds Tamara some Birthday cake. Although Tamara is capable of feeding herself when Grandma or Baba is around she takes advantage.

Zach, Tamara and Morgan playing together separately.

Time for the Princess Castle pinata.

I had two choices. The first was to let the kids swing a bat in our house?

Yeah... like that's going to happen.

The 2nd was to get a PULL pianta.

I'd rather have them pull my strings then push my buttons. ;o)

Ready?

One.. Two... Two and a half ... Two and three quarters...

I sound like my mother don't I?

Three

Tamara of course wants to see where all the candy came from and figure out how it works.

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Time to open Gifts

At this point Tamara was getting a bit tired. No nap for our little Princess.

Every so often... Tamara would stop. Look up say Hi and wave. Everyone who was watching her thought she was just the cutest thing and they all said Hi and waved back. This went on for about a half hour. Lesson to be learned here. While everyone thought that Tamara was entertaining... waving saying Hi.. It did not compare to the view that Tamara and I had of some 30+ people humoring her by doing the same. Next year I keep a video camera by my side.

Too funny to miss.
Cousins Katie and Amanda helped while Mommy trys to keep track of cards.

Someone said something?

Thank You Everyone

Tamara throws a kiss

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Soft serve cupcakes were a big hit with the kids.

Princess Castle Pianta

Balloons every where

The Foyer

One Party Favor left for the Princess

Adult party favors.

A princess photo magnet for the frig. Pink M&M & Priness mints for the trip home.

The Roses

The Dining Room Royal Buffet

I made two Birthday Banners...

This one was in the Dining room. It featured photos of Tamara through the last year.

More Roses

Details... details

Banner #2

Family room mantle

Some people use guest books..

when you're 4 you get a Tiara signiture pillow for your room.

Remember Barbie?

How glamourous she looked that first day?

Well.. this is how Barbie looked after everyone went home.

Balloons

Sign at the top of the stairs on baby gate.

Worked like a charm.. like Bruce said we should have gotten a baby gate there years ago.

more balloons

Looking down in the foyer

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So the party is over... I'm no longer the proud mother of a 3 year old.. sniff.. sniff.

They grow up so fast don't they?

The party was a great success. Tamara had a blast as did everyone who attended.

Unfortunately we had to keep the guest list shorter then usual on this one. It's amazing how your house shrinks when you have to entertain children.

We are still planning / hoping to have a Spring celebration for Gotcha Day 2009 which will hopefully coninside with a Christening... Yeah .. really ... I know it's about time right?

Anyway... that should have a much more extensive guest list. So all those who live locally can get to meet our little Princess in person.

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I'd like to Thank all those who sent Birthday wishes via blog messages, Face Book post, email and snail mail.

Your thoughtfulness means a great deal to Tamara and her Mommy & Daddy.

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Tamara & Zachary

Tamara & Zachary...

The new kids on the block.

Before I post Tamara's Birthday party which I know you're all waiting for... me too ;o). I thought I'd share some really cute photos of Tamara and her little buddy Zach who is her classmate, neighbor and very good friend.

These were taken a few weeks ago at Zachary's house.

A play date for the kids and adults.

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Tamara & Zach.. snacking

My buddy

Too cute no?

videos.. motion no sound on these.
Tamara, Zach and Ash running around.

Tamara cleaning Zach up... too funny watch her expressions.

OK... The next time you see me I'll be wearing a tiara. ;o)

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Oh.. Cup Cake

Oh cup cake

I'm not one for making cupcakes usually.. well at least not until we got Tamara.

I always felt that if you were going to go through the hassle of making batter and frosting.. it should be a cake. The mess left behind is after all pretty much the same. Well almost..ok not really but it is messy.

Below are a few pictures of the fruits of my labor today. I tried to use store bought frosting which was a huge mistake when it came to making flowers. So much for time savers?

Cup cakes for her preschool celebration Tuesday.

I'm going to attempt transporting them in their rack. I figure it can't be much harder then a wedding cake? right?

Tamara loves her cupcake tower and is very excited about taking them to school for her friends.

If this was a wedding I was planning this week.. I guess this cake would qualify as the grooms cake compared to what we'll attempt to make for her actual party on Sunday. I whipped up a 9" chocolate cake for Wednesday, fresh strawberries and whipped cream icing. Should be Yummy.

Tamara helps fill her Princess Castle Pinata with goodies.

Tired and grumpy.. she doesn't want to eat her supper.

Yup it's official she's a real 3 / 4 year old.

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Well I have more to share but it will have to wait. It's going to be a pretty busy day here tomorrow so I need to finish up and try and catch a few hours of sleep.

More soon.

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The first time..

The first time ever I saw your face.

Today is one year to the day since we received that famous email that brought our family together. One year ago today we saw Tamara for the very first time.

I don't think I ever shared these particular photos before.

And my / our lives have never been the same since.

So while we prepare for her 4th Birthday. While Mommy ices dozens of cupcakes and prepares to bake two Birthday cakes I look back on that moment. That very special moment when I first looked into my daughters eyes and some how through the magic of the Internet she seemed to look back and right through me.

Tamara January 08

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Back to 2009

Tamara doing what she does all day... being cute.

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Tamara helps Mommy ice Daddy's Birthday cake. Yummy frosting. Yes I know shame on me for buying frosting ready made. Guess what I gave up on pie crust too. lol

Make a wish... Tamara and Daddy blow out his candles.


Tamara & Daddy were helping by putting away clean laundry. After several minutes of uncontrollable giggling I had to investigate.

Yup... Daddy was trying to empty the laundry basket.

Too cute!

OK... back to it. Tamara's pre-school Birthday party is tomorrow. Goodie bags are finished. Cup cakes are almost finished.

More Later!

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In her daughter's eyes

In her daughter's eyes... she is a hero

Happy Birthday Mom

Yes.. today is my Mother's Birthday. The woman who taught me how to love, nurture and guide my own daughter. The power of example. Hope she knew what she was doing.. cause I'm passing it on. ;o)

Actually when I think of my mother as a child I remember her always being available. I remember a hot breakfast every morning, a nutritious lunch and a family dinner when Dad came home at 5 pm. Sundays she prepared a rather large lunch which everyone always attended. If you were breathing.. you were there. No exceptions.. no excuses.

I remember always having a home made Birthday cake and an Easter bread braid which she stopped making for her kids once there were grandchildren? Hey Mom... Tamara would really like hers this year ;o).

Mom did all this while running her own little tailor / design studio.

Busy.. busy.. but never to busy to stop and watch, listen and hug when needed.

My mother was always my mother. She never tried to be my friend when I was a child growing up. She knew that raising a child was far too important to leave up to one of my friends. She was my mother. Someone who I could always count on to love, protect, advise and nurture me. Now that we're all older and wiser. Now that I too am a mother I realize the importance of her lessons. Now that I'm all gown up I realize my Mother is my Mother but now she is also my friend.

Happy Birthday Mom.

We Love You! You too Tata ;o)

Mom & I

a very long time ago

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Before we turn out the lights...

Before we turn out the lights...

I thought I'd post a video of our outdoor lights this year. It hard to believe the holidays have come and gone. The trees are packed and back in the attic. The animated critters that were scattered for Tamara's enjoyment are taking a very long nap until Santa comes again. Not an easy thing to explain to a pre-schooler but I think she gets it?

So it's been a busy year so far. Daddy's Birthday was last week. We had a quiet dinner at home. Tamara and I made him a Birthday Cake... which I must say was excellent. Really... no kidding.. it was THAT good.

The weather in NJ has been less then cooperative. Annoying actually. Just enough snow to keep us from doing / going where we want.. when we want. I complain quietly as I know many of you live in areas that have been crippled by mass amounts of snow, ice and rain. I hope you're all OK. I only mention our weather because it has put a crimp in our daily routine. Cancelled appointments and pre-school. Delayed errands, interfered with naps and play dates. Oh how I miss the warmer weather. Think Spring! Think Spring!

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I only have a few minutes now.. days after I last wrote on this particular post. A few minutes before I have to run back to preschool and pick Tamara up. Today is her First Show and Tell. She took her Elmo Alive with her. He sings, dances and tells jokes. I thought and she agreed that it was the right Christmas gift to bring.. so Elmo could do most of the talking for her. She's progressing speech wise. We got "I love you" out of her last week as well as "I'll help" but she's a very stubborn little thing. She'll only speak on her terms. Grrr. We're thinking we may have to do some speech therapy soon? Perhaps a professional boost?

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OK... much more to come. We're all doing great just very busy and chilly. Who was in charge of the heat in the North East? Hey... turn it up please. ;o)

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Oh yeah... 99% of the Christmas Cards are now out. Yeah I know... I'm bad. :o(

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