A letter to Little Dude B on his 2nd Birthday....

Dearest Little Dude "B",

Today at 6:27pm, I cried. You didn't know it, but as I kissed your sweet blond head, the tears welled up and rolled warm down my cheeks. Why? Because two years ago, at that exact moment, I held you in my arms for the first time and looked into those kind, honest eyes of yours and made the unspoken promise to hold your hand and your heart in mine, each and every day. But today, as you climbed your way on top of the cooler at your birthday party to get yourself a snack from the buffet table...all by yourself....I saw independence. I saw confidence. I saw growth. I saw all of the things that every parent wants for their child (even if it does make us a little sad). And, my dear, I was so very proud of you.

At two, you are still a bit oblivious to the finer points of Birthday parties. As you will learn as you get older, I get a little crazy over these events. Love it or hate it, I promise to make each birthday a day you won't forget. Today, I made the realization that throwing elaborate birthday parties is my own little way of distracting myself from the fact that no matter how hard I try to bonsai you and your sister, you just keep getting older. Sigh.... But whether or not you fully “got” how to open your gifts or master the party games today, I knew that you “knew” it was your special day. Your innocent face was simply radiating joy. You knew we were all here to celebrate you. You knew (I hope) just how very much you are loved. And that, is what birthdays are all about.

In the past year, you have grown so very much. Not just in dramatic physical changes that occur from age 1 to age 2, but in so many other ways as well. You are so very curious. There is no corner, no nook, no cranny that goes unexplored when you are around. And so smart...learning so much and so excited about your new found skills. You are speaking so well. There are no sweeter words than those you say to me as I put you to bed each night....”I love you mama....Night, Night.” Sweet simplicity. But I do believe that when I am old and gray, I will hear those words each night when I lay my head to rest and think about just how lucky I have been to have you as my son.

You received so many “boy” toys today....trucks, dinosaurs, trains, etc. And I love how much fun you have driving and banging and “rawring”...you know, the boy stuff. But I adore the way you run to me when I am caring for your sister who just got a boo-boo. You ask her if she is OK and don't leave her side until you know she is alright. You give kisses to your new stuffed dino from Nanny before you lay your own head down after a long and exhausting day. You show me once again that you have a heart of pure gold....and that will bring you many blessings in this life my love. I promise you that.

So, yes. I cried today at exactly 6:27pm as I kissed that sweet blond head of yours. And I probably will each and every year on August 3^rd. For that will always be the moment when your beautiful soul joined this little family of ours. The moment when I first met the tiny creature that will undoubtedly grow into a man strong in ability and strong in character.

But for now, you are two. Drive, crash, bang, and “rawr” all you can little man. Remember, I will be by your side, holding your hand and your heart in mine, each and every day.

I love you to the moon and back... infinity times.

XOXOXO,

Mommy

Parties on Purpose

I couldn't be more excited to kick off our "Working Girl Wednesday" blog series today by featuring a company owned by an amazing woman and mom that I have had the pleasure of meeting several times now through the small business community here in Phoenix! Her name is Jamila Watson and she the owns the INCREDIBLY fun business, Parties on Purpose (www.partiesonpurpose.com)

She inspires me....and I know she will inspire you too! Here is her story:

Tell us about your business:

"My business is called Parties On Purpose which is children's party and event planning company. We are a service for busy moms and dads that would like to plan an amazing party for their child but may not have the time or may need a little help. Each of our themed parties includes a fun activity that celebrates the birthday child's friendships and all of their guests get to participate! We also provide services for companies that plan family or kids events."

What did you do in your past life...before you launched your business?

"I worked as a Retail Manager and Area Manager for Estee Lauder, Mac Cosmetics and L'Occitane for a total of 15 years. While being a wife and raising 2 daughters, balancing my home life and work became more challenging especially since I was traveling so much. My heart and my head told me to do something a different. I have always had a love for children, so I opened an in home daycare. It was hard work but very fulfilling and best of all I could finally stay home with my kids. While running New Discoveries for almost 2 years, I became a Girl Scout leader and Worship Leader/ Dance Teacher for a Children's Ministry. Little did I know, all of these experiences lead me to my true passion...children's entertainment and planning."

What made you decide to take the leap into being a business owner?

"I have always wanted to be a business owner. Working in retail for many years and given the opportunity and the responsibility of running theses accounts really gave me a taste of how it is to run a business. When I opened my first MAC store in Philly, it was the best experience ever. Through the different stages of it's construction, ordering, organizing, hiring of staff and training, I just imaged opening my own store one day!"

What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"My greatest success truly is when I get feedback on how the birthday child and friends had such an amazing time or when parents are so happy and are less stressed during the celebration. Also, being able to provide services for such great organizations as Desert Ridge Marketplace, The Boys and Girls Club of greater Scottsdale, Windgate Ranch, Aviano, Fireside at Desert Ridge and many more."

How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"My biggest lesson has been "focus". In the beginning stages of building my business I was being pulled in many directions and doing everything and being everywhere. When I finally looked at my life and scaled back and had a razor like focus on my priorities...God, family, business, so many opportunities opened up for Parties On Purpose. If I had to give advice to someone starting a business it would be to set your "office hours", set your goals the day before, have a clean and organized office or work area and stay focused. It is amazing what one can achieve with a few hours of focused time, even if it's just 2 hours. Your hard work and dedication will surely pay off!"

What is next on the horizon for your business?

"We have many things in the works including partnering with more companies, adding more themes, hiring more staff and one little secret thing that we will start working on in 2013. More news to follow!"

Where can we find you when you are not being Super Business Owner Woman??

"When I am not being "Super Business Owner Woman", I am the mini van driver, cook, dish washer and homework helper...ha-ha! You can also find me hiking, watching Bravo, reading, dancing and singing!"
 

If we were to run into you at a cocktail party, what would be your "party trick"?

"Wow, wish I had a trick. Guess I'd be dancing, even at a cocktail party!"

When someone asks you to tell a joke, what is your "go-to" one-liner?

"No one would ask me that, I'm not very good...ha-ha! I am usually one of the funny ones in the group but not with jokes. Just with comments or stories. Maybe that will be one of my goals...to learn some one-liners!! Maybe they have a book in the library...One-liners for dummies!" 

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 18 year-old self? 

"After I gave myself a hug and a kiss, I would tell myself that you can do anything in life as long as you believe in yourself, set goals and stay focused. Continue to be true to yourself, have good character, help those in need and have faith in God always!"

 Inspired? Want to learn more about Parties on Purpose? Check out their website at www.partiesonpurpose.com