Living Room Football

For the past couple of months we have been tossing the football around the living room several times a week.  Well tonight, we had some more people to play with, so GAME ON!!

Preston, Noah and Jase vs. Shawn and Madison; Allyson was a neutral party.  They had a blast playing and there were many laughs and a huge plus: no one got hurt!! :)

It was nice to have them over and to have my house full of kids and they were so well-behaved.  Makes me look forward to mine getting a little older and our family getting a little bigger one day! ;)

HEB Bound & Lego City

I needed to run to HEB for a few things this afternoon, so I loaded up my list and shopping bags and the kids had to get their own bags as well.  Allyson took her purse and baby and Jase made a baggie of Lego's.

We get out to the car and open Jase's door and oh no...Jase's booster seat is still in Daddy's truck from last night.  So thankful that we still had an extra car seat in the garage.  When Jase saw it he said "oh no, that is for babies", but after I put it and he realized how comfy it was, he liked it!  He even told me that we could leave it in my car and he loved that he could sit "criss-cross applesauce" in it.  I'm so glad that he embraced the car seat and we avoided a melt down.

After we got home, we ate lunch then I laid Allyson down for a nap.  Jase assumed his position on the living room floor with his Lego's.  He just loves playing with them and building things...I love it!  No TV on, just my little guy at work!


Jase building his Lego City



Snack & Safari Day

After school this afternoon the kids wanted a snack.  I always lead with the healthy snacks first and if those aren't selected, then we move down the healthy food chain.  Today apples and peanut butter was the winner.  Earlier this Spring I started buying all natural peanut butter, which only contains peanuts and salt and I love it.  Shawn has been eating it for over a year and tried to convince me to try it, but I was always a JIF girl and wasn't giving it up.  As a family we are trying (trying is the key word) to eat healthier, which means less processed foods, so we switched over and boy I am glad that we did.  If you haven't tried it...you need to!

Back to the snack.  Jase was eating his apples and PB he told me he wanted something else.  I remembered we had a brownie or two left that my mom had sent home this past weekend.  I opened it up and two...I gave him the bigger one and I took the smaller one! :) Healthy eating...what?!?  Sheesh!  He is sitting at the table and says "Mom, you gotta try this, brownie with peanut butter, so good!"  Next thing you know he brings me a bite, so sweet.  I love apples and PB, but wow...brownies and PB...so good.  Tomorrow is a new day and I am getting back on track.

Today at Jase's school was Safari Day.  They were going on a safari to look for animals and were encouraged to dressed in camo, animal print or other safari attire.  I remembered he had an outfit that he wore to his 4th birthday party that would be perfect: Safari Expedition.  When I picked him up from school he was telling me all about the monkeys and chameleons he saw on the safari.  He absolutely loved it.

After church tonight I reminded him to tell Daddy about his safari and then he got his binoculars.  Jase was so excited!  Then Daddy told him after dinner he would get out his binoculars for Jase to look at.  You should have heard him, he was so giddy and it was so cute! 


Jase and Daddy scoping out the scene



My little Safari Man!

Nutella...yes please

Ok, so I have no idea where Shawn and I have been, but we have never tried Nutella before.  My MawMaw gave us some and we finally tried it today.  Super delicious.  On the jar it says a hazelnut flavor and I have always associated that with coffee and I do not like the taste of coffee, so I shy away from anything hazelnut flavored.

I am surprised how tasty it is and look forward to using it as a topping on toast or maybe even apples.  Allyson liked it as well!

Soccer Time

Another great game for the Stingrays! They kids played great and scored some goals.

I was texting with Shawn last night around 11 pm and he asked if we were going to the game. (Daddy is out west hunting, but returning home today.) I immediately felt sick to my stomach because I had completely forgotten about the game with everything else going on. I was so thankful it was a 10 am game and not at 9 am so the kids could sleep until 8 am. We all got baths this morning and we were on time...success! :)

My Hope is in You, Lord

This morning at 9:45 Shawn was getting ready to leave to go dove hunting for the weekend.  We gathered together for prayer time and prayed for safe traveling mercies for Daddy, Nana's health and Shannon's interview to go well. We gave hugs and kisses and he was out the door.

I tended to the kids and a few minutes later I looked down at my phone and I had 3 or 4 missed calls and a text...that is never a good feeling.  I called my sister back and she was crying and told me that Nana was taken to the emergency room this morning because she was having trouble breathing.  I immediately called my mom and she and my dad were on their way up to the hospital.  My mom told me that my Nana was unconscious when my Aunt Kathleen was with her a few minutes before.  This was at 10 am.  I got the kids dressed, packed a bag for the day, got around and we hit the road.

We left the house about 11:15 and my sister road with us.  We got to the hospital around 12:40 and I saw my Uncle Billy and asked him "is she still the same, how is she?"  He responded with "she passed away."  My mom didn't want to tell us since we would be driving, but she passed away around 10:45 am.  Tears began to flow.  I just didn't expect that at all.  I thought she'd pull through like she always does, but her poor body was done and she is now resting in peace with Jesus and Poppa. 

After a couple of hours we headed back to my Nana's house where we cooked fajitas and visited.  Whenever the Smith family gathers together you better bet there will always be something cookin' and it will be delicious and plenty of it!!  I hate that this occasion is what pulled us back together to see one another, but it was nice to talk and just be there for one another during this time.  Everyone is hurting and had their own special relationship with Nana.  While she was a feisty one, she was a loving one.  She always had time for her children, her grandchildren and even her great-grandchildren.

So many memories of you and I will cherish them until I see you again in heaven.  Thank you for all the laughs and love Phil...I love you and miss you dearly.



A little 4 Wheeler action while getting the food ready

My little cousin, Corey, brought his guitar and broke it out and sang a few songs.  While playing he made up a country song about my Nana on the spot...it was perfect.  We were all outside sitting around and the words spoke truth about my Nana.  Wish I had the words to share, but they were perfect.


Corey singing a song to honor Nana and Allyson swinging away to the sweet words

While we were outside Jase looked at me and said "we're having a little celebrate" and I said "yes, yes we are babe."  So sweet.  While only 4 years old Jase knew exactly what was going on.  We were celebrating Nana's life.  

The song "My Hope is in You" by Aaron Shust has been on heavy on my mind lately.  The words speak to me and especially during this time of need.  I just keep replaying it and replaying it.  It comes from Psalm 62:5 "My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him."  Such truth...my hope is in Him.  There is nothing else to cling to at this time or anytime for that matter. 

My hope is in you, Lord
All the day long
I won't be shaken by drought or storm

A peace that passes understanding is my song
And I sing
My hope is in you, Lord

I will wait on you
You are my refuge
I will wait on you
You are my refuge

http://youtu.be/8cP1hzoJ41o

Success is...

I was thinking about success today for some reason and thought I'd share. It comes in all sizes: big and small.  And while most of my successes lately are small, they mean a lot to me and to God...I know He is cheering me on.

We have been pretty busy lately and haven't gotten around to mowing the yard, and since the rain on Sunday/Monday it has really grown.  Monday we had Jase's soccer practice, Tuesday Shawn got home late and tonight we had church.  So, last night I mentioned to Shawn that I could mow it Wednesday while the kids are at school.  He offered to weed-eat for me real quick last night (it was basically dark out) since our weed-eater weighs like 100 pounds and it is not my friend.  LOL!  After I did my running around this morning I came home, ate lunch and changed clothes and prepared to mow.  As I am getting out the lawn mower I am reminded of our first lawn mower we owned.  You basically pulled your arm out of socket every time you went to start it.  I mean you had to pull it like 30-50 times before it would start...no joke, ask my sister! And once you started it, you wouldn't dare cut it off because it would not start again.  I remember accidentally cutting it off too soon and still having half of the front yard to do...lovely.  You either weed-eat the rest of the yard or wait forever and pray that the lawn mower would start back up.

Back to pulling out the mower.  I pushed the bulb to get the gas going a few times and then pulled the rope back to start 'er up...and nothing.  Ugh...here we go.  I pulled it a few more times...still nothing.  I pushed the bulb like 5 more times, hoping I didn't flood the engine.  After pulling the rope a few times...she started right up!  Success is starting the lawn mower all by myself.  I was so happy...I'm not going to even pretend I wasn't.  It was awesome.

Today my sister interviewed for a teaching position at the school where I taught at for two years before I decided to stay at home with my children.  We have been praying for God's will with her career and knew that something would fall through when the time was right.  I was on and off the phone with her all afternoon getting the "play by play" of events going on.  Then the call that she got the job.  Success!  Praise God!  So happy for her.  She is going to be a great teacher.  She is so dedicated and I know that she will be committed to her team, students and school.  I'm so excited for her to start her career.

So, it is no surprise that I have struggled with my weight my whole life.  I remember my body went through "the change" in between my 7th and 8th grade year and I was a little more curvy than before.  I was sitting in band class in 8th grade at the beginning of the school year (before you even form an opinion about me being in the band, all of the "cool" kids were in band at my JH!) and a girl lean over to me and said "either you lost a lot of weight or you are sucking in."  WOW!  I have prayed on this matter many times, but I still remember that comment from 1993.  Words can definitely hurt.

After graduating high school, I stopped playing softball and stopped being active and the pounds piled on.  I was the heaviest at my wedding, 60+ pounds since HS.  Not great timing with the weight gain, but it is what it is.  I have tried so many diets and bought so many exercise DVDs, it's not even funny.  Ok, well a little funny!! It's like I would stay on something for a month or two or a week, then get off, lose, gain, lose, gain.  I found a picture of myself last week when I was at my heaviest and it was a full body picture, head to toe and I was in shorts.  I mean, it didn't even look like me and I didn't even know I ever looked like that.  Crazy how we have a mental picture and how we envision ourselves.

Last week I started reading "Made to Crave" by Lysa TerKeurst and it talks about satisfying your deepest desire with God, not food.  It is a great book and I definitely recommend it.  While it is geared more toward women, I've read several chapters to Shawn and the principles can be applied to men as well and he enjoyed listening to it.  While I wish I could sit here and type the whole book for you (might be some plagiarism issues with that), here are a few things that have stood out for me thus far:

• What if God is using my weight to draw me closer to Him?  Some people may have a weakness with drugs, alcohol or depression, but mine seems to be food.  He has been trying to get my attention this whole time.  
• God wants us to crave Him and not food.  Look back to Eve and what she was tempted with from the very beginning...food...an apple from the forbidden tree.  God knew that food would be a temptation from the beginning.  This struggle is not new and can be conquered through Him.
• I can have victory over my food cravings.  I have asked and prayed God to help me with my food choices and have come to realize that the devil certainly is real and will get in your thoughts and try to talk you into bad choices or tell you why you can't do something because of your old habits.  All the more reason to pray and ask God to help you and to have God's word readily available at all times to lean upon.

While I am far away from my goal weight and to be honest, I have no idea what my goal weight should be.  I feel good in the way I am eating and have had small successes that encourage me to keep pushing on.  Every meal and every craving is a test, but with God's help I know I can do this.

For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Psalm 107:9

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.  Psalm 40:8

Finished Half Bath!! :)

We started our bathroom revamp in early July and I can finally say that we are finished!! So happy! We pulled down wallpaper, sanded the walls, re-textured, painted the walls and trim, put in all new hardware (faucet, toilet paper holder, towel holder and light fixture), and installed new components inside the toilet.  Whew!!  So thankful for my wonderful husband who helped out so much and did a lot of the not-so-fun jobs.  It definitely would not have been completed without you!

Before pics



The After!



We have a GOOOOOAAAALLLLLL!!

This morning was Jase's second soccer game of the season and he did great...his whole team did!! They were aggressive and played together as a team.  During the second half the other team had just scored a goal, so we were back in the middle (excuse my non-soccer terminology...I am still learning!) to kick it off and it was Jase's turn to kick it.  He pulled his leg back and kicked it hard, straight through the defenders and right in the GOOOOAAALLLLL!!  So happy for him!! :)  First goal of the season!

Jase had quite the crowd this morning.  Aunt Alisha, Uncle Joseph (came on his birthday!), Jay, Michelle, Nanny, and Grandpa & Grandma Leonard were there to support Jase!!  Aunt Alisha made Allyson a shirt and it was super cute!! The front had Stingrays with a soccer ball and the back had Allyson! Absolutely love it, thanks Aunt Alisha!

You've Got Mail

Both kids love to check the mail everyday.  If we are coming home and it is time to check the mail, then Jase checks it from inside the car since it's on his side.  This is his new thing I am letting him do and he loves it and thinks he is so big.  Our mail usually runs late, so most of the time me and the kiddos walk outside and check it together.  Allyson loves to inspect every piece of mail and usually claims one piece as her own.

Ally said "oh pizza, yum!"

This morning Allyson and I rode to Livingston to visit Nana and I'm so glad that we did.  We spoke about fond memories we have of one another and I was able to read a tribute letter I wrote to her.  We held hands and I cried the whole time I read it, but I'm so glad I was able to thank her for being her and being there for me.  And she just lit up as Allyson danced around the room.  My little Ally is such a joy and I'm glad that she was able to visit with her great grandmother one more time.

A Walk in the Park

Today I took the kids to the park for a little exercise and to eat lunch outdoors.  There is one section at the park where there is a playground and surrounding it is a circular sidewalk.  I thought, oh that will be great to take the kids to and they can play I can walk.  The circle is not that big (.07 tenths of a mile to be exact...thanks Hubby) so it is very easy to watch the kids while I walk.  That's what I thought.

Jase thinks he needs to get some exercise so he runs in front of me (below) and does jumping jacks...it was cute.  Then Ally must think I am running off and starts running after me.  I held her hand and walked for about 10 seconds and then she tells me "I want to hold you" so up she goes to the right hip.  This is a new workout I like to do...brisk walk with a 25 pounder on your hip...doesn't last very long.  I am able to make it about 5 times around the circle in the midst of pushing kiddos on the swings and reassuring Ally that Mommy isn't leaving, then it's lunch time!!

While sitting at the table I explained to Jase that I was trying to walk and get some exercise, get in shape, get fit.  He understood exercise, but asked "what is get in shape?"  I so did not want to get in the "your mommy needs to drop some weight" conversation with my 4 year old and definitely didn't want to use the "F" word, so I told him that Mommy needed to work on her muscles to make them big and strong.  I made a fast escape on that one!

After lunch I attempted to walk again.  My little shadow was soon chasing after me and Jase found the oranges so he was preoccupied.  I then remembered my phone...I turned on a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and they were good to go...thank you YouTube!! I was able to get a good walk in, so it actually turned out nice.  I might have a new spot to go if my phone is charged! :)

It's never easy

Saying goodbye that is.  Whether someone is sick or perfectly healthy and they leave this world, it is hard to mentally prepare yourself for them passing.  My heart is heavy today.  My Nana, my mom's mom, is in bad shape and has been for a while now.  She is 78, so strong, dependable, a woman of God, my very first best friend.

The ambulance picked her up Monday evening because she was very weak and in a lot of pain.  She got put in a room on Tuesday and they ran tests.  Her sodium came back low and she was dehydrated.  She has not had an appetite and so she has not been eating regularly. 

I called her two weeks ago on August 31 and the conversation did not flow as it normally does.  I could hear the TV on in the background, so I wasn't sure if she was just paying attention to it and not me.  But it it was like pulling teeth to get her to talk to me.  After asking her if she was feeling ok she responded with "I've got nothing to complain about." I told her that it was me and she could tell me.  She gave me the same response.  I could just sense that something was not right and let my mom know.  She had called her that same day as well and got the same feedback.

Then last Wednesday I called her again, September 7th, which was my Poppa's birthday (her husband) and she was in much better spirits and told me that she did not feel well at all last week.  He passed away on March 15, 1985 due to a brain tumor and lung cancer at the age of 45, and a few months shy of my Uncle's high school graduation.  I was a little over 4 1/2 when he passed.  My parents divorced when I was still a baby, so my mom and I lived with them for a period of time until I was in first grade.  I remember my Poppa...so sweet, gentle, loving and kind.  From the stories I've heard he could never tell me no! :)

The doctors put her on some blood thinners to help the blood flow since her heart is not in good condition, but is inoperable we've been told due to her health.  She also has terrible arthritis all over her body, specifically in her back.  She has been in a lot of pain for a long time.  The plan is for her to go to a nursing home/rehab facility this afternoon to build up her strength since she is unable to walk at this point and has lost use of her muscles.  When my Uncle Randy told her this she was not excited about going there and told him that she was just tired.  :(  She said that she is in pain everyday and is tired.  She has always been so strong and a fighter, so hearing this just breaks me.  I know it must be bad for her to get to this point.

I have so many emotions right now.  She has been living without her husband for 26 years and I'm sure she is ready to be reunited with him.  And living in pain is no fun at all.  Then on the other hand I am selfish and want her to remain here with us.  She was so vital to me growing up and becoming who I am today, that I want my kids to experience that as well.  And ultimately I want God's will for her. 

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed:

lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  Psalm 61:2

I had a heart to heart conversation with her when she was hospitalized a few months ago regarding her faith and I'm so glad I did.  I was reassured where her faith resides: Jesus Christ.  Such a blessing to hear that.  I was not questioning her belief system, but wanted to hear with my own ears her dependence on Him.

After talking with my mom this afternoon, I hopped in the shower (and was alone) and it really hit me, the reality of the situation.  Made me also realize how short this life on earth is and that God is our only hope and needs to be our only refuge at all times. 

I told Jase that Nana was not doing well at all and that she was in pain.  We had a good conversation about dying and leaving this earth.  He asked about all her stuff and I told him that she doesn't take it with her, but the family will have to figure out what to do with it.  Then he asked about when he dies and his house and we talked about him getting older and getting married and having kids and he added "and grandkids".  :)  I finished up the conversation with that's why we need to put our trust and faith in Jesus and he said "I believe in Jesus."  Melted my heart and praise God for this.

If you're still with me...thanks for sticking around.  I feel a lot better after writing all of this down.  May God continue to be with Nana.


4 Generations - Thanksgiving 2010



NEVER AGAIN

Ok, so I am 31 and I can say that I have never bought a whole chicken and took all the pieces (i.e. breasts, wings, thighs) off the chicken and boiled them separately...until today.

This past weekend I was at the store and the price of a whole chicken is relatively cheap when compared to just buying skinless boneless chicken breasts (which is what I always do).  So, I picked up two since I would be making casseroles this week with chicken in them.  On Saturday Shawn prepared the chicken, boiled it and deboned it for me...he is awesome.  That is some of our funnest times together...in the kitchen.  We both love to be in there preparing and cooking food together.

A day or two ago I asked him about the chicken and cutting/breaking it up to cook and he explained it.  Apparently all I recalled was "it's easy" when I was trying to do it this morning.  Ugh!  Ready for a mental picture...it was me at the sink with this whole chicken on a cutting board (that was way too small) with a knife.  That huge thing was sliding around everywhere!!  I might as well have gotten a butter knife because the one I was using wouldn't even cut the skin!!  I felt like a dork as I remembered Shawn's words "it's easy!" 

At this point I have put the knife down and started twisting the chicken at the joints.  This is not a joke...this was my methodology now...choking the chicken!  I was getting so flustered, yet determined to get this chicken in the pot!  You would have thought it was alive the way it was moving all around.

Mission finally accomplished, but never again will I do this.  LOL!  I will either be cooking the whole chicken in its entirety, Shawn cutting it up for me, or going back to chicken breasts.

On a happier note, (I think) I found the wishbone and set it out to dry!  I loved doing this as a kid and can't wait to show Allyson and Jase!

We have a ponytail!

Ok, I know she is my daughter, but I absolutely love it!! Tonight after her bath I tried to put her hair in a ponytail for the first time and I was able to get a little pony! I think this might become my new favorite do!

Superb Sunday

What a great day we had.  We woke up and got ready for church and not only were we on time, but a little early! :)  That doesn't happen ever very often, so it was nice for a change.  We decided to wear our red, white and blue to support the USA as remember what happened 10 years ago on this very day.  May we never forget not only what happened to our country, but also what Jesus did for us some 2,000+ years ago.  He left His heavenly throne, to come here and live a sinless life and die for our sins.  Then after paying the ultimate price, he defeated death by rising on the 3rd day...Thank you Jesus!! So comforting knowing that if you put your trust and faith in Him, there will be no question where your spirit will go when you leave this earth...to live with Him for eternity.  Praise God!!!

After Sunday School and Church we stayed at the church and loaded up 5 vehicles and a trailer full of waters, food, clothes, first aid supplies, toys, diapers, and other supplies to help the wildfire victims and fire fighters.  Praying that they are able to use these supplies to help them during this time.  May God be with the victims, fire fighters, and volunteer workers.

We made it back in time for evening service and that was a blessing as well.  Pastor Tim talked about still believing in God's power and the ability of Him to still perform miracles.  He referenced Acts 3 where the lame man was sitting outside the temple asking for money, and in short Peter told him in the name of Jesus to rise up and walk.  The bible says that this man had never been able to walk since his birth, but on this day he walked, leaped and praised God.  Talk about a miracle.  God is still able to do this today.  I pray that I have faith like that to believe in God's miracles.

We just finished up some ice cream and are watching the Houston Texans game from earlier today that we recorded.  What a great day!  I'm ready for what the week ahead brings!

Go Stingrays!!

This morning was Jase's first soccer game of the season and he was very excited.  Right when we got to the field he noticed a couple of buddies from school on the other team and he was PUMPED!  One of the boys he talks about nonstop, so I was curious how this was going to go.  Basically it was social hour for Jase...not kidding.  He literally commentated EVERY move on the field "nice shot," "pass," "goal," "the ball is out".  And then there were other silly comments inter-mingled.  I mean it did not stop.  He is a talker, but usually not to this degree.

As far as the actual soccer game, he played well.  He ran and stayed with the ball for the most part.  The team we played had some awesome players, so we have some practicing to do.  I was a little worried when we first started practicing and there are 10-12 kids on the team and only 3 players play in the game.  To my surprise they had two fields side by side set up and two games going on at once.  It was really neat and I'm glad they did that.  I am very impressed with Quest and am liking it more and more. 

Daddy was asked to help out and coached the game that Jase was playing in, so that was neat.  I know that Shawn enjoyed it and hopes to get more involved.  Since we signed up late, he was unable to sign up for a coaching position, but hopefully he can start helping out more.

Oh Glorious Day

Allyson and Jase love this song and sing it every time it comes on the radio. We were able to record Allyson singing it tonight after dinner, so sweet! I love hearing my kids sing about Jesus!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_XKx4d72pA

Obsessed Much?!?

So, this is everyday...he thinks he is a living, breathing Backyardigan!!

Houston Zoo Day

A friend suggested going to the zoo, so we decided to join them and I'm glad we did.  I don't think I have ever parked so close, nor do I normally get there at 9:30! lol!  The kids had a great time and I did as well...only thing is that I so wore the wrong shoes...I'm paying for that now! The weather was just perfect too; I'm thankful I got outdoors and took advantage of it.

Happy Birthday to Alisha

Today is my little sister's birthday.  She turned the 2-3 today! She is such a blessing to my family...she loves my kiddos so much, and they love her too!  We celebrated with her and Joseph at Casa Ole for dinner tonight.

Jase with Aunt Alisha and Uncle JoJo



My Family!



Jase - so full of life...love him!



Allyson chewing on a lemon



Bubble Time

We are enjoying the beautiful weather outside this wonderful Labor Day. So thankful for a breeze and the temperature under 100 degrees.

Allyson's Sesame Street Birthday Party

We had a wonderful birthday party for Allyson on Saturday.  Sesame Street was our theme and I really had fun with it.  Allyson just loves Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie so I wanted it to be special for her.

The kids' table

My best friend made the cake and cupcakes...they were so cute!  She did such a great job on them, and of course they tasted delicious as well!  I had a fun time making and putting together all of the decorations.  I am so thankful for my mom, sister and Shawn helping me put things together and brain storming with me. 

I set up stations for the kids to go through at the beginning of the party.  I gave each child a paper bag and they wrote their name on it before we got started.  Each station they went to, they would receive a small prize to put in their bag. We all started off at Bert's Book Nook and I read a book to them "How do Dinosaur's Eat their Food?"  After that I walked the kids through all the stations and explained what to do and then they were off.  The kids really enjoyed Bubbles with Big Bird the most, which is funny to me because it was probably the easiest station I set up.  Less is more, right?

The kids had a fun time playing in the backyard.

Our Elmo and Cookie Monster Family!

Allyson had a great time at her party and wow, I can't believe that she is actually 2!!  We are so blessed with her in our lives.  She is so sweet and so loving, it is absolutely adorable.  Can't wait until next years party! :)

PS: I got a lot of the ideas from here.  Super cute ideas and decor.

Baking with Daddy

I walk in the kitchen and see this! We are preparing for Allyson's birthday party tomorrow!

Chillin'

I forgot to put this on last night's post. This was Allyson relaxing and playing on Aunt Alisha's iPod after everyone had left. Way too big!

Happy 2nd Birthday Allyson

Hard to believe that two short years ago I delivered my baby girl.  She is so sweet and has a contagious joy when you are around her...I could eat her up!  Here are some things she is doing right now:

• Speaks in full sentences
• Dances like crazy
• Uses the potty almost everyday
• Knows her colors and most shapes
• Sings the ABC Song
• Loves to read books
• Likes Elmo, Mickey Mouse, Backyardigans (because Jase does)
• Thanks God for her food and prays at night with the family

This evening we had cake and ice cream with family and a great time was had by all!



Dancing to the Backyardigans on the iPod!



Birthday girl right before we sang Happy Birthday!



We gave Allyson one of her gifts tonight...she LOVED it!! And so did Jase!