A Sweet Celebration...Part One

First of all, I can't believe how quickly this past weekend flew by! I guess that's how it goes when you'd love nothing more than for the days to stretch on and on...

After weeks of planning and preparing, and days of candy making and wishing away rain, we celebrated Gracie's 2nd birthday. It all came together...beautifully. My house and backyard were temporarily taken over by 7 little boys and 4 precious girls, along with aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends, and it wouldn't have been the same without each and every one of them! These wonderful people traveled anywhere between 15 minutes to 4.5 hours to celebrate with us and I am so, so thankful that each of them are a part of my daughter's life, and have been since she was a tiny little thing.

I decided that this year I would put together a SWEET celebration for my little sweetie. We brought her Cupcake party to life with lots of yummy goodies, including cupcakes, of course! I had originally ordered a birthday banner and matching cupcake toppers online, but when they never arrived, and I couldn't contact the seller, I got creative and made both myself. I think it really worked out for the best, although getting a refund would really be the icing on the cake! I loved putting my own time and thought into these decorations for Gracie. As for the cupcakes, my husband thinks they are the best I've ever made (sometimes he really does know just what to say!). :)

The banner I made includes a newborn, 6 month, one year, 18 month, and two year old picture. It's still up on our mantle right now...It is amazing to follow along from beginning to end. She's changed so much!

Here are a few pictures of the other decorations and food table...

These were the party favors for the kids. :) There were a few extra surprises inside: an age appropriate toy or book and a candy coated pretzel with sprinkles!

I added a "Thank You" tag from Gracie! The boys had blue tags, the girls pink.

More pictures of the party, and of course, the Birthday Girl, are to come... :)

A Birthday Party...

I had to share at least one picture from today. :) More about her birthday party soon...I'm going to bed!

I just love this picture! She chose to wear her new skirt over the one she was wearing (notice the tag!) and wanted her ladybug wings on! Such a two year old... :)

Day 284...

I woke up this morning with no clue as to what Gracie and I would be doing today. I've been spending the past few nap times and evenings getting prepared for Gracie's birthday party, which will be this Saturday. I am trying so hard to make sure it will be an enjoyable event for everyone. The pressure I put on myself leaves me feeling a little stressed, and knowing that I still have a house to clean, decorations to put into place, cupcakes to bake, and other food items left to prepare is all part of that! I decided I would benefit from a morning out.

We met Ashley and Austin at the park for some girl talk and playtime for the little ones. We also had a mini photo session with Austin since he just turned 9 months old!

After an early lunch, Gracie and I headed home so that I could get a jump start on my "to-do" list during her nap. Once my mom came over to help out, things started moving along! I am so excited about celebrating Gracie's birthday, although I'm finding it hard to believe we're at this point again already...Tonight, while folding little shirts and tiny socks, I promised myself that once Saturday arrives I will stop worrying over every detail and enjoy every minute of the party! I feel so thankful that we'll have a house full of people who love my daughter. And really, what more could I want?

Day 283...

Gracie and I planted sunflowers a couple of months ago. She checks on them daily. :) The amazing thing is, they really seem to grow a little every day!

It's been such a sweet experience watching her nurture and love these flowers.

They are literally growing up right before her eyes...in the same way that she's growing and blooming right in front of mine.

I will nurture and love her with all of my heart and soul, in hopes that she will become the strong, beautiful, brilliant woman that already lies behind those baby eyes.

Day 282...And I Think to Myself...

...What a Wonderful World.

Day 281...Celebrating Mothers

Sunday...

Today was beautiful. I woke up this morning an hour and a half after our alarm was supposed to go off...That gave me exactly 30 minutes to get my family up and out the door for church. I felt my heart sink at first, I just didn't think it was possible, but we pulled it together and made it happen, with 9 minutes to spare. It was the perfect start to a perfect day. I had to smile as I hurried through the morning, it's part of what I've come to love about motherhood. Sometimes life happens, things don't go as planned, but it all comes together in the end. I still had time to get one of the best hugs ever from my baby girl, and an Iced Mocha on the way. :)

One of the things I love about our church is the way they treat Mother's Day. Appreciating mothers is the main topic and the whole service left me with a warm, happy feeling. It was also Baby Dedication day and I felt the tears start to well up in my eyes many times as I watched those precious babies on the stage with their parents. Seeing the mothers and fathers holding their children, wanting so much for their futures, yet living so happily in the here and now, was also a reminder of what I love about motherhood. We love and hope with all we have.

After church, Gracie and I picked up my mom for lunch. We met my sister and Austin, too! Gracie's gift to her Nana was a Mother's Day balloon that she chose. My child loves balloons and she was excited about presenting one to Nana. :) Lunch was wonderful, as was the time I got to spend with two of my favorite mothers!

Sunday evening, Sean and I took Gracie to play at our neighborhood playground. I loved watching my husband swing, slide, and act silly with our daughter. I'm so thankful for him and all that he does for us. Parenthood has most definitely brought us closer. I can be the mother that I want to be because of how he is as a father. He's dedicated, encouraging, and is truly my partner in all of this. He also does an excellent job at grilling food and prepared one of my favorites for dinner: Maple Glazed Pork Chops! Add a sweet potato to the side and that is the perfect Mother's Day meal for me! We ended the evening with a little Cherry Cheesecake and a movie. :)

I feel like I could go on and on about our day...I tried to slow it down, take it in. There were so many moments that warmed my heart and left a smile on my face. I'm so thankful for my mother and I feel so blessed to be a mother myself, and to watch my sister with her child...I think it's kind of tough to put into words, but the day was just beautiful.

Day 280...

Mother's Day...

I'm so excited about this special day! I will be spending the day with my beautiful daughter, the miracle that made me a mother. I will also be celebrating this day with my own mother. She has always been a source of guidance, strength, and unconditional love. Her laughter is contagious, as is her love for life. She is a spirited woman, and I hope to be like her as I raise my own children. My husband would tell you that I am already like her in so many ways. I love this compliment. :)

I will also be seeing my sister and her baby boy! This is Ashley's first Mother's Day, so it's extra special for her. I can already tell you that it will be a beautiful day. I will be surrounded by some of the most special women, and mothers, in my life!

To kick off this lovely weekend, I attended my sister-in-law's baby shower. She is expecting her baby boy in August, and I cannot wait to meet him! I thought it was very fitting to celebrate his upcoming arrival today. I remember my "pregnant" Mother's Day. I was 8 months along and practically sobbed through the entire church service and baby dedication! I held my belly the whole day and thanked God for the gift of motherhood. Tomorrow, I will be holding my daughter, and thanking God for the gift of motherhood.

Happy Mother's Day!