A "Cute as a Button" Birthday Party

Operation Birthday Party = Success. These are the highlights. I am exhausted, so details will come later!

Preparations

Tonight I was going to do a 'heavier' post, but decided I am much too tired to do something like that. I'm going to relax a little bit while I can. Tomorrow afternoon is Benjamin's birthday party and Hubby and I have been working hard to get everything set up. And we're not done yet! I am just thankful that our families are coming early tomorrow to help us with the finishing touches.

A big thank you to my husband, who has been more than helpful these last few days! I love you!!

So, today we cleaned. Mariah came over and we had fun with her. She danced for us while listening to some fun music, which was so adorable. I love it when babies dance. Are we all just born with that natural rhythm, or what? I think I've lost mine, though. Don't ask me to demonstrate, just take my word for it.

Benjamin had some fun with wrapping paper, and I baked cupcakes and cookies for the party. I just have to decorate the cupcakes and put the finishing touches on my button cookies, and we'll be set! Hey, I may even share the recipes with you sometime (if they turn out good... so if you don't see it, they weren't worth mentioning again!).

Now here's a question for you: Do you think there is a good reason for Benjamin to keep this weapon-looking object in his car?



He looks like he's about to get someone, doesn't he?!

Wordless Wednesday: Birthday Lunch

If you're wondering why he's pinching his own cheek, Yeah, so am I...

For more WW, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Benjamin, you are ONE YEAR old!!

My dear, sweet little boy,

One year ago today, officially at 9:50PM, you came into our lives and changed them forever. I can remember the moment I laid eyes upon you, my sweet newborn baby, as you had just made your grand entrance! That was quite a frightening night as well as a joyous night - and I would do it all over again for you in a heartbeat! We fell in love with you instantly and we love you more and more each and every day.

In 12 months, you have
filled our lives with such joy and laughter,
and we love your little laugh!



In 52 weeks, you have
helped us realize what
a great responsibility
God has bestowed upon us.



In 365 days, you have
amazed us with your eagerness to learn
and your love for family.



In 8,765.81277 hours, you have
exhausted us and given us more energy
than we ever knew we had!



In 525,948.766 minutes, you have
let us laugh with you when you were happy,
and cry with you when you were sad.



In 31,556,926 seconds, you have
been a blessing, a joy, a precious,
beautiful gift from God.

We love you more and more each and every day, Benjamin, and we look forward to this next year - watching you grow and watching you learn. I pray that we are doing all we can to teach you about God so you will love Him and obey Him. You are such a wonderful blessing to us!!!

We love you, Benjamin!! Happy Birthday, sweet darling boy!

The Theme Revealed!

Are you ready to find out what the theme for Benjamin's party is?



Micah and Brandi guessed correctly! Cute As A Button! The other popular guess was "Benjamin Button" - too funny! It was a good thought, but I've never seen the movie.

Anyway, I just wanted to give the answer! It's in a week and I have so much to do... And although the party is in a week, Benjamin turns one in 3 days. Can you believe it?

No More Itty Bitty

My baby turns ONE next week.



I don't want to feel sad about this... I should be happy and proud of my baby boy for growing and accomplishing so much in one year - and I am! But I can't help but to feel a little saddened by the fact that he's no longer my little itty bitty newborn. I'm gearing myself up for the moment my baby, whose age has been marked solely by months and weeks, will now transition into the 'years' markers.

One Year.



I'm also proud that my husband and I made it through a year without going completely insane. There were days when I felt like I was going to lose it, but I think I can safely say that my sanity (or at least some part of it) is still in tact. I'm sure my husband would beg to differ...

Speaking of



my [handsome, wonderful, helpful, loving] husband, I have to give a big shout out to him because I think my sanity would have vanished week one if I hadn't have had him around to help me. And I also want to thank him so much for letting me sleep in this morning, till (get this, yall) ELEVEN! Seriously. It was amazing.



This first year is coming to a quick close... and... I'm ready.



I think.

Guess the theme

I have too much to do and too much to think about tonight, and really no room to give insight.

Based on these pictures, can anyone guess the theme of Benjamin's First Birthday Party (which is the 23rd - while his birthday is the 19th)?






If I've already told you, shhh, please!

Great Things He Has Done

We're four days into 2010 and I can already tell this is going to be a blessed year. Last year was full of many blessings, a few trials, lots of laughter and lots of tears. I am so thankful that I've had my family throughout everything. So thankful that we were able to 'grow' our family. God is so good. He has blessed me in so many ways that I can't even comprehend. Some things could be blessings in disguise and perhaps one day I will look back and see how it all fits into a bigger picture, but until then, I'll just thank God for all the blessings He so bountifully pours out onto our family.



We've made so many friends this past year, and I am so thankful that we were able to ring in the New Year, surrounded by many new friends. Contrastly, I've lost a couple friends due to lack of communication or perhaps a falling out, but that's okay too. When I look back, I can see how it can be for the better.



This year is bound to be a busy one. Benjamin will have his first birthday party this month! I've already ordered the invitations, and his birthday shirt is on the way. I just have to smooth out all the details and execute! Which is always the hardest part for me... the execution. I know what I want, I just have to muster up the energy to get it done. Any helpful websites you could suggest would be more than welcome!



I love that boy so much!



Yeah, I am thinking this is going to be an incredible year. I am praying for many more blessings to come, and thanking God for all He has already done for us in our lives! To God be the glory, great things He has done!



Oh, P.S. ... A new year is a good excuse for a new Blog Look, right? Keep a lookout for that! I'm thinking we're going to turn this blog around a bit. :)