Brother and a half.

Most people don't know that I have two brothers. Both go by the name Samuel. One is my whole brother, the other is my half.

I grew up with my whole brother Sam. I've known him since the day he was born. He is 20 now. When my Dad passed he left behind his girlfriend Diana who was about 5 months pregnant with my half brother. Who she named Rudolfo Samuel De Leon, who is now 13 and goes by Sammy.

I did not grow up with my half brother. I do however try my best to keep in touch with him. After all my sister, my brother and I are the closest thing to our Dad that he will ever know. We're pieces of my Father, we're not only his flesh and blood but we knew him. He held us, we know his voice, we know his smile, he left an impression on us.

If life makes up the pieces to who we are as a puzzle. My sister, brother and I are pieces of my Dad. Pieces my half brother Sammy could use to make up a part of his life's puzzle.

He really appreciates getting to know any part of our Dad's family. I love getting to know him. I hope I'm always able to be a part of his life. It was really good to see him after so long, and re-learn once again that he is a really cool kid.

From Left to Right: Me, Sammy my Half Brother, Sam JR.

Superbly Celebrated

Back in the day you were considered majorly blessed if you had yourself some sons. Seriously? Did they not know that girls rock too! I'm so thankful for my baby girl. Blessed am I to have Paris Marie.

Today Paris had herself a birthday party! This year's theme was a mix of different things Paris likes, the top three being: Princesses, Ballet and GOD!! She begged for a sleep over but she's only gonna be 5 and we leave for Cali in the morning, so she settled for a pajama party! I spent extra time on details. I love details and now that Paris can actually enjoy and appreciate them, I took the time to put a little extra effort into decorating and such.

We had a candle lit dinner: spaghetti and salad with a homemade birthday cake for dessert.

After we met in the living room at the "Story Time Station" for a reading of "Gigi God's Little Princess: The Purple Ponies". This was a book about how God created each of us uniquely with different yet special gifts. SO very perfect for 5 year old little girls.

We opened presents, made ourselves some friendship bracelets then headed to the front porch "Beauty Salon" for some manicures.

When we finished up our manicures, the girls got to go star catching for their party favors, they each took home three unique, sparkly beautiful stars to take home and hang over their bed.

Finally for those who got to stay out late we watched "Barbie's 12 Dancing Princesses" I'm not super fond of Barbie movies but this one incorporated 2 of Paris' favorite things and went long without theme, AND it was actually pretty good.

The party was great, it flowed well we did everything we had planned and the girls all did awesome!! Paris had a blast, it was memorable for her and she says she loved it!That's all the matters to me.

She is sunshine and completely wonderful to me she deserves to be superbly celebrated!