Happy Birthday to Mimi

Avengers Assemble!

Our big boy is four years old! We had an awesome day celebrating his birthday with lots of family and friends! The party was at the Little Gym in McKinney- guests dined on cupcakes and ice cream! Jack had a wonderful time! Happy 4th Birthday Jack Ryan!

Happy Birthday Jack Ryan!

Dear Jack,

I can't believe you are turning four years old tomorrow! I was flooded with a wide range of emotions as we sat at Red Lobster with the family (Grammie, Poppy, Uncle Josh, Daddy, Ella, you and me)---a pre-celebration of sorts. Four years ago today, I too was sitting in Red Lobster with Daddy, Uncle Josh and Clint waiting to hear if the hospital would have room for me to begin the first phase of induction. That night nothing but excitement and anticipation filled the air. It's funny because watching you tonight, I felt the exact same thing!

Your are growing so big so fast. Your little mind is a sponge and you are truly coming into you own. The past few years have been a beautiful journey and I eagerly anticipate the years to come. You are sensitive, thoughtful, funny, smart, logical and clean (no messy hands for you)! Your soul is one of the kindest I know and I feel so very blessed to be your mom.When dinner was over we piled into the car. As I fastened your seatbelt you whispered "Mommy your beautiful and I love you". My heart melted. I can't wait too see what's next!


Love you Buddy!

Time to Start Planning

In about six weeks or so my little Jack-Jack is going to be a big four year old! I can't believe it! Where did the time go? I am starting to plan Jack's first birthday party with all his little friends. He couldn't quite committ to one specific Avenger so we are going to represent them all on his invition. Hopefully someone has a great invitation that doesn't look too cheesy!

Now on too the research.....where to have a 4th Birthday Party? Stay tuned....

Birthday Party Details

What a wonderful time I had planning Ella's first birthday party! I know a lot of parents think "Why go through all the fuss, it' not like the kid will remember it." But to the naysayers, I say, because birthdays are special, no matter what the number! So here's the play-by-play.

The Mimi, Grammie and Auntie Barb helped to clean and entertain the kids while I cooked and baked. Mimi payed to have my house professionally cleaned and I have to say it was the best gift! My stress level was so much lower and I was actually able to really enjoy the whole week.

The Invite

The Decor
I made this "One-Derful Year Collage with our favorite pictures of E

Martha's Poms were a big hit and super easy! And credit goes to the hubby and Uncle Josh for constructing the cupcake tower.

The Menu

Orzo Salad with Spicy Buttermilk Dressing

 Jon's Famous Corn Salsa

 Mom's Pea Salad

 Smoked Turkey Tea Sandwiches with Arugula Mayonnaise

 Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches with Smoked Almonds

Summer Veggie Pizza

The Dessert

Individual white cupcakes with pink butter cream frosting for the guests

 Ella's Smash Cake (Thanks to Stacy over at Seasons of Love for the pan and idea)

The happy Birthday Girl!

I served water, soda, iced tea and rasberry crystal light with this meal.

Happy 1st Birthday Ella Grace

A year ago today I met the most amazing little girl. She arrived at 7:27 on a Monday morning and my life became better in an instant. It's amazing the bond you form with your baby when they are developing inside of you, but when you meet them it's like your heart explodes because it is just so full of love. 


Ella Grace looks just like mama and is both sweet and sassy. She doesn't know this yet, but she brought me through what was perhaps the darkest time in my life. She is madly in love with her brother and he loves her in the sweetest most protective way. I hope this continues as they grow. My sister is my best friend and I hope my children have that relationship as well. 


I'll be posting pictures and details from her party soon. All the hard work and planning paid off! She had a fabulous party. 

My Party Planning Obsession

When I started planning Jack's 1st birthday a few years ago I was so focused on making it the BEST 1st BIRTHDAY EVER! Every detail from invitaitons to decor to the menu. I was consummed. Microsoft Excel was my best friend- my family consitently mocks me for my overuse of Excel spreadsheets, but its the only way I can keep all the details in one place. The birthday planner was on the verge of overtaking the wedding planner. For some reason there's just so much anticipation around that first birthday- in my head I was setting the tone for birhtdays to come.

Three years after that party, I find myself in the mist of planning another 1st birhtday party....and nothing has changed! Ella's first birhtday is in 8 short weeks and I can't stop looking at all the ideas out there. I am determined to settle on an invitation within the next two days. Thankfully, I have my spreadsheet template from Jack's parties, so now its just about the details.

Happy (Surprise) Birthday Grammie

WE DID IT! My father-in-law, Jess and I pulled off the impossible......we suprised our mother-in-law or Grammie as she is known around these parts with a suprise party to celebrate her 60th Birthday! She was so surprised---it was PERFECT! We had dinner at Jaspers, cupcakes from The Cupcakery and got her a lovely 3 stone ring with the grandbabies birthstones. It was a great family night!

There's a 3 year old in the house....

Jack Ryan turned three years old on Friday, October 22nd. I can't believe he is three! I am consistently amazed by this little boy. He is so smart, friendly, funny and sweet. God truly blessed us the day he arrived. I remember thinking that I had never seen anything as beautiful as he and the love I felt for him was overwhelming. Jon and I began a great adventure when he was born. We were blessed to have family from both sides join us in celebrating his birthday. We took him to the toy store to pick out some special gifts, had lunch at Dave & Busters and that evening we celebrated Papa Joe's 60th birthday. Jack had so much fun with his cousins, aunt, uncle and grandparents.

Happy Birthday to you....