Liam is ONE!

Oh, my gosh! This year has flown by and I think I might be a little in denial about my baby being one year old.
I mean, I've always been one of those people who just can't seem to understand how her kids are this age and that age, but this has seriously been a fast year. And honestly, I'm not complaining because it means we are that much closer to our goals and things like that, I guess, but the entire year has felt like a blur. I feel like I'm always so busy and I don't document as much of our story(ies) as I used to. Maybe a goal for the next year?!

However this year has come about, the fact remains that my boy is ONE!
ONE year old!

We celebrated his actual birthday with some new to him things like trays of Cheerios, cow's milk in his sippy, and finally getting outside to swing in his (new to us) swing. I think he had a pretty great day.

The weekend after his actual birth date, we celebrated a little more by having a party with our families.
My original theme for the party was Cows and turning one however there weren't too many cow related things other than the framed photo, by Meg Duerksen, I propped on the table and the black and white colors.
I have to say though, that I really love how it all turned out. Everything was easy and uncomplicated.
That's my favorite these days, uncomplicated.

Being about to celebrate with our families had to be the best thing of all. The twins first birthday was our last one together when we lived here before so, it was long overdue.

My sister, Holly, and brother-in-law, Kyle, graciously opened their home to us for the party venue. We are so grateful to them for being so wonderful during this transitional phase in our lives. Their home was a lovely backdrop for our photos and party décor. Thank you both!

 

 

 

These two photos were my favorite from Liam opening his gifts because his brothers wanted in on the action. Liam loved that they were right there with him and I loved that they wanted to be apart of the whole process. They have grown so much and seeing their development has been a definite highlight from this year.

He was so serious about this cupcake, and the singing, and all the attention. Oh, my gosh...cute!

Night and day from the twins' first birthday. This boy loved his cupcake. I had no idea how fun this is to watch. Feeling thankful that I was able to experience this with him.

And just like that my baby is one. Happy Birthday, Liam Bennett! You are sunshine and goodness and I love you so.

A few details about his party décor and food.

I free hand cut the letters out of black paper for the "Liam is ONE" banner and strung them up on some grey yarn. The white half circle bunting was made by folding over coffee filters onto grey yarn. My sister and I taped the ends of the coffee filters so they wouldn't fall off. Both were quick and easy to make and I love what they added to the décor.

Table cloth is 2.5 yards of black and white checkered fabric.

Dinner:
Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, I used this recipe but changed the dressing part to water.
Homemade Mac & Cheese
My mom made the baked beans and homemade coleslaw (not pictured)
Bags of potato chips

Dessert:
Homemade vanilla, vanilla cupcakes. This is my go-to recipe for vanilla cake but my frosting is a little different. However, I can't seem to find a link to it so, if you're interested, I'll add it later.

We also had an ice cream sundae bar with sprinkles, homemade buttery caramel sauce (I've made it before here but can't seem to find a link to the recipe. I'll try to blog it soon because it's seriously so good), candy, gummy bears, whipped topping, and cherries.

If you have any questions about the party that I didn't cover, just leave a comment and I'll do my best to answer them soon. Thanks for reading!

Birthday Celebration Week

It's my birthday week and I want to celebrate by giving you some amazing sales in preparation for all the Christmas gift giving that will be happening oh, so soon!
To start this week off I've restocked the chapstick cozies. They make fantastic stocking stuffers, happy mail to a friend, or a great addition to a teacher's Christmas gift.
I don't know about you but with the cooler weather comes chapped lips for me. Which means I like to keep my chapstick with me where ever I go. With the key ring on top, you can slip it onto almost anything to make sure your chapstick is ready to hydrate your lips at any time.

Our super birthday sale means that you can get three (3) of our adorable cozies for $9 (plus shipping).
Don't wait, we have a limited number of cozies available and I would hate for you to miss out.
Check out our Facebook page for this amazing deal!

Welcome Baby Gift

Hello! I promise I'm still here. Things feel like they are finally starting to slow down.
After moving to Houston in May, I've been painting walls and organizing closets. And cleaning, lots of cleaning. Is it just me or do you feel like it takes several times cleaning in a new house before it starts to feel like home?

Anyway, I've also been working on a few custom orders from the shop. As well as, a welcome baby gift for some friends of ours. Of course, I was exceptionally late getting this gift to them but with everything else that has happened the last few months, I feel like I accomplished something by getting it to them at all. They are really sweet people and just welcomed their second little boy.

As moms, we know that it's important to stay somewhat organized for our sanity's sake, right?
So, I thought a set of zipper bags would be lovely to send to them. After all, you can never have too many bags, (*wink) and since this is their second a quiet keeper was also required.

I love the idea of a "welcome baby" gift set and will be working to put a few together for the shop.

Stay cool this summer!

Bye - Bye Law School.

If feels surreal that David is graduating from Law School in 16 days. (but who's counting?) *wink
He took his last final the beginning of this week. Crazy, right?!
I am just a little excited to be done with this chapter of our lives. I mean, it's been four years. Which seems crazy because it doesn't seem like it was that long and yet walking through it felt like we would never see this day.
I am one proud wife. It would be hard not to be proud of him since he's so amazing!
Proud of you, babe! ; )

Let's just talk about how incredible it is that we made it through law school with everything else that has happened in the last four years. Namely, what we've been through with our boys. The speech delay, therapy, the diagnosis. Most days it feels like a miracle that we are still standing, but we are.
We are preparing to embark on brand new adventure. (more on that later) Everything feels like it's happening fast, which is odd since we have been planning this for a while, and some days it's more than overwhelming. One day at a time. Deep breathes. Ha! Seriously though, major stuff in the works here, so if you don't see me for a bit, that's why. I can't wait to share our new adventures and awesome beginnings, so check back every now and then. I'll post again soon! Thanks for following our adventures.

*celebration cupcakes / Hooray for no more school!

Celebrating 2 friends & 2 babies!

There is something so wonderful about celebrating the arrival of a new baby.
Or babies, in this case.
Two of my good friends are due this month with their third child each. What a blessing!

My thoughts are that every baby should be celebrated. Each new life is precious!

Neither one of them are in need of baby items but meals for the freezer are exceptionally helpful, especially after baby is born.
We showered them with love and food.

I had a fabulous co-host. She opened her gorgeous home for the party. I had so much fun working with her to make this baby shower so special. Thank you, Turena! You rock!

 

The light in this room was gorgeous! I am in love!

 

 

 

 

Chicken salad sandwiches on homemade bread

Bacon & cheese quiche

Veggies with homemade ranch

Cranberry scones

Maple scones

Fruit (Strawberries and blueberries)

Homemade dark chocolate covered caramels

Strawberry cupcakes

French toast cupcakes

Cookie Swap 2012

Have you been to a cookie swap?

They are amazing, right?
I love hosting them and yet I found myself "not that into it" this year.
What?!?
Not sure what is going on with me this Christmas season.
Forcing the merriment is not my normal.
But I pulled myself together and hosted a super fun (even if I say so myself) party.

We have a "most creative packaging" award (prize).
It's fun to see all the different styles and how everyone gets creative.
The cookies and sweet treats were all amazing.

It was somewhat bittersweet knowing this was the last cookie swap I would host here.
Makes me glad I decided to host one, even with my lacking Christmas spirit.

 

Our prizes. We had a tie for our most creative packaging award.

I made the gold dots on the mug using this great sharpie mug art tutorial from the sweetest occasion. I'm not sure how long it stayed on but it was fun to make.

I also made the homemade marshmallows with homemade hot cocoa mix that is sitting in the mug.

 

Can you believe Christmas is almost here?!

Yesterday, the boy's gift from their Nana and Grandpa arrived in a great big box.

They have no idea what's inside but I am dying for Christmas morning.

They are going to flip!