Then we had a party

When babies turn 1 you have a party .... it's an unspoken rule that I tried to ignore. A couple weeks before Grace's birthday I had nothing planned, except a little family bbq, and was happy with that decision. All was good, until we went to our neighbors 1st b-day bash, and I realized I wasn't planning a party because it was a difficult task....but because I was being lazy. Our friends are easy, laid back and don't require a big production, so I put on my big girl panties and we threw our girl a party. Guess what? It was so much fun! 

Isn't that just how life goes sometimes? We drag our feet or "don't feel" like doing things {heaven forbid we actually have to interact with others} but once we are there, in the moment, we are so glad we got off our butts and made ourselves available. I'm the worst! I digress, it sometimes just feels like such work to get out of my yoga pants :)

Back to the FUN party - 

We had a pool party {without water}and the kids didn't mind one bit. There were lots of little ones and a few wild toddlers. We mixed in neighbors, play group friends, lots of community group folks and everyone mingled and kid wrangled together.....it was a beautiful thing. I grossly underestimated the number of deviled eggs my friends would consume {noted for next year} but I made up for it in the beer & cupcake department. 

And now.....overkill in the "pictures of sister eating a cupcake" department

hmm....I have an idea

genius!

Dear Birthday Girl

 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

Proverbs 31:25

It's amazing how the heart works. How it can feel so full when you get married.....and then you have a baby and it doubles in size. I trusted God would make room, again, in my heart for baby #2, but I just had no idea......no idea how this little lady would change me. I love her so differently.....like I have a million secrets to share with her and a million pains I want to shield her from. As a woman, I know what she's up against....this equally thrills me and terrifies me. Though the world will tell her that it's only the outside beauty that matters, I want her to know that her true worth & identity will be found in the outpouring of what's on the inside. That God created her soul to yearn for relationship.....and the only relationship that will fill that need is intimacy with her creator. I want her to know she is smart...that her thoughts & ideas have value. Above all, I want her to know that she will always be loved, wanted and cared for. 

Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Baby Girl .... you have my heart 

We celebrated her big day at the zoo and then enjoyed pink cupcakes.....she approved

Birthday Boy

My sweet man turned 33 on Sunday and the PNW gave him the best present of all......SUNSHINE!

Harrison and I are still struggling with getting back on west coast time, so it was an early start to the morning. I tried to make 5:30 am a little brighter with a delicious breakfast of cinnamon roll pancakes and bacon {I think the bacon worked}. After church and naps, we decided to take advantage of the great weather and go for a walk in Discovery Park. Since we did do a bit of exercise, I felt we earned fro yo and pizza to wrap up a great day.  Once the dude was asleep, Jody watched a movie......I, unfortunately, slept through the whole thing. It was a good day for me and I hope a special birthday for my hubby.

Proof that the sun does come out occasionally in the winter

The birthday boy and his mini me......seriously, they look so much alike

Since the last time I posted....

I turned 1 year older.

It was an amazing birthday.

My mom was here, brother, sister-in-law, niece....

& of course my honey and little dude.

I felt very loved.....I feel very loved

34 is going to be a good year!

Watch Me Grow

The 12 months of Harrison Dean.....what a love bug

Cinco de Mayo

aka my mom's day of birth.

She will be celebrating by mowing her yard and edging.

She's wild like that.

On a less sarcastic note....
This is what I wrote, this time last year, in my journal.
"Today is my mom's birthday. I hope that one day Harrison loves me as much as I love her."
I think that will be my hope again this year.

A celebratory weekend

We said HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my love this weekend.

It seems oddly appropriate that this is the only photo I took.
I had the best of intentions to document all the birthday love, but all good intentions went out the window with these sinful pastries.
Jody requested a relaxing weekend at home and I was happy to oblige.
We did get out of the house for a long walk in Seward Park, the weather was beautiful on Saturday, and a drive into the village.
I also made steak, green bean casserole and creamed corn.....it was delicious.
Sunday, Harrison woke up with a runny nose and congestion.
{I'm convinced the kids club at my gym is a cesspool of germs }
His cold gave us another excuse to lay low and snuggle on the couch.
I'm gonna miss this weekend......and those pastries.

Birthday Week

For those who don't know, this was officially my birthday week.......my 33rd birthday week!

Here's 10 things that made turning 33 BANANAS 

1. Beautiful flowers from my guys & in-laws
2. An evening out of the house to get my hair cut & colored
3.  Finding out I finally got placed in a new parent group.....our first get together is next week
4. A delicious peanut butter pie
5. Tagging along with my gal pal, Catherine, on a little shopping trip 

6. The delivery of my present.....a treadmill
7. & 8. My sweet baby boy taking naps without screaming and sleeping through the night
9.  Purchase of a new vehicle with 3rd row seats!!

10.  The addition of the newest Duvall.....Teddy ❤
I saved the best for last

Happy 1st Birthday Miss Annyson!

My little mini me.....I wish you the best 1st birthday EVER!
Please don't grow up too fast and lose those chunky thighs.
I love you to bits!

We love you Charlie!

1 years old today!
Happy Birthday to our little lady with the infectious smile.
Wishing you a day full of hugs, kisses and CAKE!

To My Sweet Mama....

Happy, Happy, Happiest of Birthdays!
I love you oh so very much and can't wait to hug you with my big ol' belly.
{You will have to share the chunky monkey while you are visiting}

Happy Birthday Jay!

The baby of our family turns 25 today.

♥HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! ♥

I love you bunches

31!

Happy Birthday to my love, best friend and baby daddy♥You are a child of God, his treasured possession. He created you in his own image. He chose the day for you to be born. He has a plan and purpose for your life. ♥
XOXO