Ribbon Chandelier

So I've recently been introduced to the world of Pinterest. It is a website that lets you catalog things you love. I've been getting TONS of ideas for home decor, and kids craft projects and lots of Do-It-Yourself things for the house!

There is another website I follow (younghouselove.com) where Sherry, one of the owners of the site has issued a challenge to actually make something that we've found on Pinterest. If you want to see what she did, you can click here, and the other friends/bloggers that are doing it with her here, here & here.

This weekend I made a Ribbon chandelier and for M's room with pink, blue, and green ribbon and she LOVES it! I must admit, I'm a little jealous.. but it'd probably be overkill to have one hanging in every bedroom, so I'll just keep hunting for a great idea to makeover the light fixture in the master bedroom.

Sherry at younghouselove.com is who I actually got this project idea from, and she hung hers to cover a bare bulb in her daughters large closet. I decided to leave the current light fixture, because removing it shows that the fixture was up before the painters actually painted the whole house - and I didn't feel like mess with white, tan and pink rings around the light. I used a 14 inch metal hoop (found in the 'dream catcher' supplies at Hobby Lobby) and hot glued the different ribbons to it. I put 3 hooks in the ceiling around the light and wham-o. instant cuteness!


Oh, and I realize that I never posted pictures of M's big birthday room makeover, but I don't have those pictures, so it'll have to wait. :)

I must admit I'm REALLY loving Pinterest and all the amazing ideas I'm finding! I'll probably be posting more projects as I get them done.

Does anyone else have any great DIY craft ideas for me? Art for the guestroom/office? That's where my head is at currently. And how to decorate my mantle for autumn- on the cheap.

Twenty Ways to Make a good Marriage Great

This came from a member of the LDS church, but I think it has very good points for everyone- no matter your religious beliefs. Nothing bad would come from incorporating these things into our relationships - Only good! So, why not try?

By Richard W. Linford

1. Night and Morning Prayer … to say thanks, to ask for help in your marriage and family, to worship together.

2. A Weekly Planning Meeting … to discuss the calendar, talk over needs and problems, decide priorities and next steps. (Write decisions in a journal, including goals and discussion topics, and reasons for each.)

3. A Daily Phone Call or Personal Conversation … to say “I love you,” to touch base, to discuss the day, to show you care.

4. A Weekly Date … to a favorite park, a concert, the library, the gym; or staying home for a candlelight dinner, a game, or a mutual hobby.

5. Patience Regardless … of missed meals, tardiness, forgotten favors, a thoughtless remark, impatience.

6. Daily Service … helping with house or yard work, mending a piece of clothing, taking a turn with the sick baby, fixing a favorite meal. (Write it down. Do it!)

7. A Budget … to tie down income and expenses, help set financial goals, and give you control over your finances.

8. Listening … not only to what is said, but also to what is meant.

9. Regular Attendance … at church—and where possible—the temple.

10. Daily Scripture Reading … to learn the gospel, to receive inspiration for yourself and your marriage, to become more like Jesus.

11. Working Together … caring for a garden, painting a bedroom, washing the car, scrubbing floors, building a piece of furniture, writing a poem together, team teaching a class.

12. Forgiving Each Other … always learning from each other, trying a different way, being the first to make peace.

13. Courtesies … like saying please and thank you, not interrupting or belittling, not doing all the talking, continuing the niceties of courtship.

14. Soft and Kind Words … of tenderness, compassion, empathy.

15. Learning Together by … reading to each other, discussing ideas, taking a class.

16. Respecting … opinions, ideas, privacy.

17. Supporting Your Spouse’s … Church callings and righteous goals.

18. Caring for Your Spouse’s Family by … enjoying their company, praying for them, serving them, overlooking differences.

19. Occasional Gifts … such as a note, a needed item—but mostly gifts of time and self.

20. Loving with All Your Heart. “Thou shalt love thy wife [thy husband] with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her [him] and none else.” (D&C 42:22.)

Richard W. Linford, father of eight children and an operational auditor, is bishop of the East Millcreek Utah 11th Ward.

I just think that this list could do so much good on marriages and relationships we we all stop being so selfish, and really try to do these things with our spouse, for our spouse, and for the good of our families! What peace it could bring to our homes!
I really hope someone out there will read this and try incorporating at least one idea into their everyday life. I know I will be!

Hi, My name is...

Hi, my name is Jamie, and I'm addicted to food.

I know it's a weird thing to write a blog post about.

But I need to.

I need to show someone I love that they aren't the only person who suffers with addiction. I need this person to know that some of us also know how hard it is Every Single Moment to keep ourselves in control. I want them to know that I honestly believe we can overcome these addictions easier by sticking together, by checking in with each other, and having someone to help hold us accountable for our actions. We have to be honest with ourselves and others 100% of the time. No hiding. No cover ups. Keep it out in the open. Don't do anything that you'd be ashamed of telling your spouse. Or your mother. Or your best friend. Or a complete stranger.

Yesterday I ate 5 or 6 cookies. When no one was around to see me do it. And I feel like crud about it. But I'm telling you now. And I'm promising that I want to be better. I want to stop hiding while I eat. I want to be able to sit right in front of my children and not be ashamed of what I've eaten that day. Because I don't want them to be like me. I want them to be healthy. I want them to eat healthy food AND have healthy eating habits.

I honestly think some people just have an addictive streak. I'm no scientist, or doctor. I haven't done any research. But I think many of us are born with the ability to easily become addicted. And it just depends on what we have in our lives. I don't drink or smoke. But if I did - I'd probably become addicted. I don't do much exercise- but many years ago when i did - I started to become addicted to it. At this point it my life, I have food. And it is what I spend a majority of my time thinking about, or wanting.

I think we can all help each other if we stop hiding. Stop pretending nothings wrong. Stop thinking we are the only one in the world, or in our social circles, or in our family with this problem. With an addiction.

So I'm asking for a favor. Will you tell me what your addicted to and work with me to change? I mean really, honestly, for life - change?

Food? Drugs? Alcohol? Shopping? Computer? Exercise? Games? Porn? Tanning? Reading?

Some addictions don't seem as bad as others. Right now, I'm kinda wishing it was exercise I was addicted to. But any addiction can be unhealthy if left unchecked. When you neglect people/parts of your life because of an addiction - I think something's wrong. And we need to get it under control.

Please help me. Help me show this person that they aren't alone in this recovery process. I want to change myself. And I want this person to change too. Before something happens to their life that they can't fix. Please help me.

*If you're worried about legal ramifications of posting your name with your addiction fee free to do it anonymously.

A run for my money!

You know those child safety locks they make for cupboard doors? Well the last few days have proven to me quite how important those locks are.
On Friday, Gordon got into a craft cupboard in our kitchen, and shattered a large glass jar on the floor. I was sitting about 5 ft away from him and didn't stop him in time... He was covered in glass so i grabbed him and headed for the tub, while yelling to Madi to follow me because the kitchen wasn't safe. I got Gordon all rinsed off (without ANY cuts!) and Madi came in and showed me a tiny spot of blood on the top of her foot. She hadn't followed me, but had gone straight to the glass and WALKED through IT! As i put Gordon in the playpen I heard the CAT walking through the glass too!! So I had to grab her and rinse off tons of glass from her little paws too! (Oh she wasn't to thrilled to be in the water.) I locked the cat in my bedroom and rinsed Madi off too. She had one tiny cut on the top of her foot, from one of the larger pieces of glass that her foot went under, while walking through it.
All three of them were screaming from the corners of the house that I banished them to while I swept, and cleaned, and vacuumed, and swept some more.
What a nightmare!

That was Friday.

On Saturday evening while I was getting ready for a temple trip (standing at my bathroom vanity) Gordon got into the cupboard under my sink, found a large watch battery (about the size of a nickle) and Swallowed it! I was standing right next to him, Talking to him, I never saw him with the battery! (And WHAT was it don't in that cupboard?!?)
I had taken something else out of his hand from the cupboard and was taking him out of the room when I saw the empty battery package on the floor and he was gagging a little bit.
The biggest problem was that I didn't know if there had been a battery in the package before he got to it.
We didn't do anything about it right away.. he was acting normal and I had convinced myself that the package had been empty... But I couldn't stop worrying.
This morning I took him to the ER and had an x-ray done.


And there's his battery! It's laying sideways, so you can't see that it's a round, nickle size watch battery. But there it is!
Luckily the Doctor says it seems to be 'moving through' just fine and we should see it again in the next 24 hours.. We just need to watch him closely, and make sure he doesn't show any signs of it getting stuck. If he does we'll have to rush back in for more x-rays (or do the same if it's not out within the week) and have it removed surgically.

So, the moral of these two "bad mommy" stories? Don't procrastinate putting on safety locks!!!! Even if your 1st child never seemed to be interested in cupboards.. you don't want to find out the hard way that the 2nd child IS interested.

The first Birthday photo

Sorry for the poor quality photo, but just giving you a sneak peak (from my phone's camera) of the cute little Birthday boy!!
(and yes, he really did keep that hat on for almost an hour!)

It's Been a year?!

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY little G!!
I can't believe it's already been a year! I know that sounds really cliche, but I swear - that was the fastest year ever! Peanuts first year didn't even go this fast, wow!

Today started out pretty mellow, with normal "at home routine" except that the Birthday boy actually tried to sleep in! His big sissy came down to my room this morning about 7:30a and when I asked her to go upstairs to get dressed, "and do it quietly because your brother is still sleeping", she must have heard me say "go wake up your brother because he is still sleeping." Ha! She ran upstairs and burst into his room yelling! AH! I don't know why, but at least he was a good sport about it.
Anyway, after picking Sissy up from school, we took a ride on the local carousal! They both loved it, but I think the birthday boy was still a little sleepy - he spent the whole ride quietly clingy to the pole of the giraffe he was sitting on. We also bought him a suit so he has some pretty nice threads for church now!
After a yummy lunch and an imaginary nap (not sure why he didn't sleep - he usually does so well) we had some friends come over for playtime and cupcakes!
His reaction to his cupcake was totally unexpected! Especially for how much he Loves to put Everything into his mouth before even looking at it! He was very interested in it while we sang Happy Birthday to him, and immediately grabbed a handful of "frosting" aka whipped cream(less sugar). He then tried to wipe it off his hand... he picked it up, looked at it, but didn't seem to like the big mess it was making. I even tried to feed him a bite and he shook his head "no" at me! I had to shove my whipped cream cover finger in his mouth to show him that yes, it was yummy! He wanted me to feed it to him because of the mess it made when he touched it. It was pretty cute! I did get a video of all this, but I'm not sure how to upload it. I'll also get the photos uploaded to show his cute messy face! :)
We had a great time, and are So glad that Jena and her kids came over to spend the evening with us! Now only if daddy could have been here! Maybe we'll have a redo-party with him later... :)


Oh, and I wanted to post some things I love about My little Man...
I love the way I'm guaranteed snuggles every time I get him out of bed, or lay his blankie across my shoulder when holding him, even if it's only for 2 seconds.
I love the way he points at everything he likes, especially when he hears his sissy's voice but can't see her - he points to where the sound came from.
I love when he uses his sign for "all done".
I love when he folds his arms over and over again, even if he refuses to do it when we are actually praying.
I love his way-to-shaggy, but way-to-cute hair!
I love that he never gets tired of peek-a-boo.
I love that he has discovered his "cheese" face and scrunches up his nose when he makes it.
I love his dimple on his cheek.
I love his bright blue eyes.
I love that he tries to share his paci with me.
I love to watch him, watch birds. They are one of the most fascinating things in the world to him.
I love how much he loves baths! It's the best time of day, and he crawls straight to the tub any chance he gets.
I love that when he's tired, or just lovey he grabs my hand and rests his head in it... even when it means I have to push the shopping cart around the store with one hand while he 'loves' the other one.
I love that he has taught his sissy that life really isn't to busy for snuggles, and I get them from both kids daily.
okay.. I really could go on and on and on.. but i think you all probably get the idea. I LOVE MY LITTLE MAN!! I really can't believe how happy he makes me! Happy Birthday Bubba!

a little FYI for the Friends and Fam

Some of you may have noticed that I've been using a lot of nicknames, or nonspecific names in my blog posts lately. Just an fyi, we've decided to no longer use the kiddos names on the blog when it is open to the public to view. This may seem odd to those of you who just get all the posts in email form, but We feel a little better this way.
Oh and if you are seeing the blog, and you notice the "birthday tickers" on the right side of our page... Our little Girl has been nicknamed Ladybug Girl, from one of her favorite books, and her little brother has become Lyle the Crocodile, from another beloved book.
I know this is random, but sometimes - we can be a bit paranoid. I also know it isn't fool proof, but it's a start. :)

Happy Birthday Peanut!!

We had a fun, but mellow Birthday today for our little peanut! I can't believe she is already 3 years old!
Just a quick run down of her special day:

She got a new birthday dress and "Birthday Girl!" button to wear all day, and was Very excited about it!
She was able to take carrot cake cupcakes ( her fav) to school today to share with all of her friends, and had a ton of fun playing Birthday games and being sung to!
She got to stay up with mommy during her brothers naptime, watch her favorite movie(Cinderella) AND eat popcorn!
She got to pick what we ate for dinner, two nights in a row. last night she picked pancakes, tonight she wanted a cheeseburger and apples from McDonald's... which I was a little worried about, but I think she just remembered that it means dinner comes with a toy.
After brother went to bed, mommy and daddy sung to her and she blew the candles out on her cupcake/birthday cake. Which she then did 3 more times, "just because".
At the end of the day was her "big reveal" of her new bedroom, and a few extra gifts that mommy just had to give :) For anyone who doesn't know, we painted her walls pink (very pink), bought her a bed frame, & new bedding (she picked out a few months ago & then forgot about it) and we put a desk in her room that had her presents on it... I have more plans for the decor, but ran out of time for her birthday. It'll come eventually...
We all LOVE her new bedroom, especially the bedding! Brother and Kitty tested it out while she was at school to make sure it was all right and up to par. :)

Oh, and the present she liked the most? It is actually the Only thing she asked for, all by herself, no prompting, and completely out of the blue... a Stethoscope. Instead of getting a plastic toy, we got a inexpensive, but Real one and she LOVES IT!! She kept listening to our heartbeats, taking turns between "who wants to be next" as she put it, and between each turn, she would flip the stethoscope around the back of her neck like doctors do. She even tried to listen to the kitties heartbeat but kitty was purring to loud to hear it :)

Now, I had great plans to show off all kinds of cute photos from the day, but alas, we are having problems with the memory card that was used.... I'm Extremely Sad to think I might not get any of these photos back.. but We're still working on it! I'll post them the minute I can get it to work... Or if nothing else, i have a couple poor quality snaps from my cell phone camera I can try to load later. :)

Weekly Photo Project

I found this photo project at younghouselove.com They are a couple who have a sweet little girl, just a week older than my Little Pumpkin, and they blog about their adventures of DIY home improvements. I didn't read about the project until Gordon was already 14 weeks old, but I started him that day, and have gotten a photo (almost) every week since then.

What I'm doing is taking a picture of Little Mister every week, on the day of the week that he was born, in a plain white onesie, then Photoshopping the week number onto his shirt. So every Wednesday afternoon, you can find me on a ladder, screeching and squealing, and looking crazy - trying to get my Little Man to hold still long enough for me to flash a few new pics of him... but I think I end up with more pictures of him crawling away, than I do of him lying on his back. But we try. :)

Oh and one other problem that I've had with the project -that the DIYers over at younghouselove.com do great at- is that I haven't been using the same onesie every week - so you can't see it slowly getting tighter as the weeks go by. But I'm hoping that I can get it all organized and start using the same one consistently from now on.
Well, I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!
Here's to hoping I can upload them all in the right order! :)

Conflicted

I know normally I write fun updates and things, but this time i write because I'm a little more confused than I thought I would be. about Santa.
We've taught Madi that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ and that is what we should be focusing on, especially this time of year. We are teaching her that we need to focus on giving and helping other people... but we get lost when it comes to Santa. I most certainly won't tell her " there is no Santa" or "Santa isn't real", but I also don't want to just blindly tell her that a man that she's never met comes into our house at night and leaves her presents - if shes a good girl.
This has come up because lots of people that we've chated with over the past few weeks have just outright asked Madi if she's excited for Santa to come, what she asked him to bring her, and if she has gone to see him. All of this Santa talk has confused her, because we hadn't talked to her about him yet. I fumbled when she questioned me about it, and John told her that Santa is a nice story. he didn't expound - just that he's a story.
I never thought I'd have this problem. To me, if you're Christian, you would obviously teach that Christmas is about Christ. But where does that leave Santa? We're trying to figure out how to make Santa part of the spirit of Christmas, and giving, and that he's a symbol of Christmas ... but I don't think it's working out the right way. Even in writing this out, I'm confused...
I'm not asking for everyone who reads this to tell me what to do, I'm just wondering if you've faced this question in your parenting, or how you have decided/dealt with this puzzle? And then I also hope that those who do offer advice, or are in contact with our children will respect that in the end, we will TRY to do what we feel is right for our little family.
I feel like I'm floundering and hope that someone out there will be willing to share what has worked, or hasn't worked for them.
Thanks you guys!

My Little Santa

Because of Gordon's newest sleeping arrangements I don't currently have internet on my Photoshop computer, so I can't show all my photos I've been working on. This is one that I just had to share though. I guess this can be a little sneak peak of what I've been up to lately with my new studio lights.
This makes me laugh out loud every time I see his "denture-less" face. (at least that's what it makes me think of.)

Studio Lights!

I just thought I'd share a fun little tidbit and let you all know that I (finally) have studio lights! It's been a long time coming and I sometimes wondered if i was really going to get here, but I did it! (took me long enough, I graduated 4 years ago!)
They aren't the exact lights I was dreaming for, but they are the same brand that I know and trust, just one step down the ladder from what I originally wanted. And I still love them!
So there you have it, I'm one step closer to my dream of being a photographer with a REAL studio, and not just another basement- joe-photo. (though my degree in photography should have put me above that status before now)
It feels like Christmas, and I just thought I'd share some of my happiness with you! So, who wants their photo taken?! :)

Madi's Interview

While Madi and I were eating lunch yesterday and talking about the preschool class she just finished, I decided to interview her and find out some of her favorites. :) She gave me more straight forward answers than i thought she would, but had some fun moments too. :-) I hope you enjoy this half as much as I did.

“What’s your favorite Animal?”

“Um, Elephant! Elephants say Woooo! And Baby Elephants cry for their mamas.”

“What’s your favorite Color?”

“Blue”

“What’s your favorite Shape?”

“Circle” (as she motions a circle with her finger)

“What’s your favorite Book?”

“Dinosaurs go to School”

“What’s your favorite Song?”

“Brightly Beams”

“What’s your favorite Food?”

“Yogurt, cereal, rolls” (she answered with whatever the most recent food she ate was)

“What’s your favorite Dinner?”

“Pizza!” ….. “Say what’s your favorite Napkin.”

“Okay, what’s your favorite napkin?”

“um, it’s kinda white.” …….. “Do this!” (makes surprise face)

“Is that your favorite face?”

“yea”

“What’s your favorite Number?”

“1”

“What’s your favorite Letter?”

“D!”

“Can you tell me a word that starts with D?”

“Elephant! ... no, elephant starts with E.. … Dinosaur!”

“What’s your favorite Toy?”

“Mermaid, and Belle, and their dresses”

“What’s your favorite Place?”

“Preschool”

“What things do you learn at preschool?”

Um, how things grow, dinosaurs roar, shapes, the earth is home to me and you…”

“Where do you like to go?”

“to Grandma and Grandpa”

“What’s your favorite Treat?”

“M&M’s!”

“What’s your favorite Show?”

“WordWorld”

“What are your favorite Shoes?”

“Black and pink, with lights”

“What are your favorite Clothes?”

“Jackets. Pink, green, and purple jacket” … “Say ‘what’s my favorite’”

“Okay, what’s your favorite?”

“windows. I like light.”

“What’s your favorite Holiday?”

“umm…. Fireworks. Fireworks are really loud. There were fireworks at the beach and I was eating a snack and watching Wall-e with Joshy and Buttercup was eating my snack.”

“What do you like to do outside?”

“Run around and kick my soccer ball.” …”Say ‘what’s my favorite’ again”

“Okay, what’s your favorite?”

“Um, Mommy and Daddy!!”

I thought that was an excellent way to end her interview, don't you? I love this girl so much and I'm so happy to have this. I'd like to interview her every year or so and see how her answers change as she grows.
What a sweatheart!

articles I just have to share

I know I have a lot of events that I need to blog about, but I just have to share these links first. I first saw this when my sis posted a link to it on facebook.
The article "the disease called perfection" hit me really hard. I don't know why, maybe because he hit the nail on the head for me ( or at least that's how I've been feeling the last few days).
Even as i write this and share these with you, I'm worried about it not being socially acceptable for me to do so, but i think that's just the problem.
I know the articles are long, but if you get the chance, please please please read them.
His follow up post " The cure for Perfection" is also very helpful and profound.
And the last (unrelated to the first two) is " You just broke your child. Congratulations." It is written to Dads, but is really for any parent or anyone who has contact with Children.
Even if you don't have time now, I pray that you can all take the time soon to read these blog posts.

Thanks for putting up with my neurosis on this one, but i do feel strongly about all of these points he has talked about.
I hope you'll leave me comments on wheat you think about these articles, and if you also feel we all need a little more "Real" in our lives.

What a gift!

I know I've been a total slacker about posting anything on my blog and I'm sorry. I thought i'd just give you a little teaser photo and say "yes, we are still here. We are alive. "
Gordon has been very colicky, but still sweet. Madi is my sweet sweet two year old who talks back, but is still so cute she almost gets away with it sometimes. almost. I love my kiddos! We are here, and I PROMISE whenever i can, I will post a little more. :)

By the way, we had an Excellent trip to Oregon that was 6weeks long, and didn't have our camera the whole time. John had taken it to England. While we were in Oregon he went to England, twice; and in two days he leaves for Ghana Africa. yay. :(

Love you all!

Pictures

I know it's been FOREVER since we've posted anything, especially considering we have two CUTE kids that should be plastered all over our blog. But being away from my own computer and my precious Photoshop has really put a damper on my updating.
For those who don't know, The kids and I have been in Oregon since June 16th. John had a long business trip to England and I didn't want to spend all that time alone. We were supposed to go home July 13th, but on the 12th John was told he was going BACK to England, so we are staying until July 27th. It will be a 6 week trip. Exactly half of Gordon's life will be spent in Oregon. CRAZY!
We don't have our camera with us, so I'm doing my best to get copies of what others take. Here are just a few teasers for know. And know that it's giving me a complex to not touch any of these with a photo editor.

Madi at her cousin Izzy's birthday party.

Grandma with Gordon, and cousin Harley.

Gordon!!

Announcement

I realize it's been 2 1/2 weeks since our little man was born, and that should be ample time to update the blog, but the time really is flying by. I promise more pictures will be coming soon, lots of snapshots and things, but for now - here is Gordon's baby announcement I made. The pictures were taken when he was 4 days old. : ) Isn't he soo handsome?!

We just love this little man so much! He is super cute, and very sleepy. He still kind of has his days and nights mixed up... which is exhausting, of coarse - but we're all adjusting fairly well. Madi had a cold the first week he was born, so she didn't get to be around him too much, but she's better now and just LOVES her baby brother. We haven't really had any jealousy issues yet, but she does tell us " I'm a baby - hold me" a bit more than before.

I've got to admit I didn't understand how I could love someone new as much as I love Madi. I knew someway, it would work out but i honestly thought Madi would always be my favorite... We had two years uninterrupted with her, and she's my perfect little girl. I was nervous about a boy, and just didn't think it'd be the same. But it is... I love this little guy SO much - it's crazy. It actually took me by surprise. :) Madi is my perfect little angel daughter, and Gordon really is my perfect, sweet little man. :)

Pregnancy

This being my last day in this pregnancy, I decided I should finally buckle down and take those maternity pictures I've been wanting to do. Thanks to my sister, Becca We were able to get these fun shots with Madi and her baby brother before he makes his debut tomorrow. :)

This last one is to show our support for "little brother". Becca painted all of our toes blue for his arrival! :) We're having so much fun together!
Thank You Becca!

CARTER'S

I have to share this great clothing with everyone! I've owned and seen a few things from carter's brand, but I'd never been to the real store until today... I'M IN LOVE!!
In an early post i mentioned that it was difficult to find cute boys clothes - well now I HAVE!! I loved everything in their store and just had to share some of the cute little things I've found.
They (of coarse) have LOADS of cute girl stuff too, but I'm trying to stay focused on little boy right now :)
But the first picture, I really do have to show you an adorable little girl set, then I'll do the boys ones, promise. :)

isn't that the cutest strawberry hat you've ever seen?!
Okay, now to cute boy stuff... :)

I'm just happy to find cute boy clothes and now I know there is a store just right up the freeway from us! :) I'm excited about it, but I'm sure John's wallet is already groaning... :)

Birthday Photos!

Snuggling Daddy before her carousal ride

Riding the giraffe with Daddy

Riding the Zebra with Mommy

(Madi's photography)

Taking a look around Build-a-Bear

Snuggling her bear before stuffing it

Helping to stuff her bear

Kissing the heart and making a wish

Getting her Bear dressed

Filling out the birth certificate and picking a name

Taking a peek at her bear

All packed up and ready to take her home with us

Coloring at the restaurant

Daddy playing with her food

laughing with daddy over dessert

It's so fun to sit in a big girl chair!

Opening presents

smiling with her toys

The gifts she got (plus several former toys jumping in the picture)

Happy Birthday Ice Cream!

Cheese!

Digging in before Mama changes her mind

She loves it!

Hope you enjoy the photos! We had a blast on her Birthday and I really think she did too! Sorry the pictures aren't with the original post, but if you need more details, you can go back and read about the day. :)