The party decor

Well, I had hoped to make it to Kara's, but maybe next year. It would help my chances a bit to send in pictures I guess...and hire a professional photographer and spend lots o' money. Nontheless, I think Bishop's party turned out fabulous. Almost everything was homemade, so I was especially proud of how it all turned out. Most importantly, I think he had a great day!

I'd like to first thank my maid of honor assistant party planner Maggie ( MG Paperworks) for all her hard work. Not only did she listen to my [ridiculous] concerns over what type fabric I should get, what food/drinks should be on the menu, where I should situate everything, what I should do for favors (the list goes on and on!) but she also did A LOT of the work for me. See that cute banner up there...not only did she digitally create it, she also hand cut that out...in 34 minutes. I  wanted cute and simple for his first birthday party, and she happened to find the cutest scrapbook paper that ended up working out perfectly. It was even the colors I had in mind.  She started her work by creating my invitation.....

After deciding on the invitation,  Maggie and I stalked the internet for cute ideas and this is what we came up with...

 

So, out of the 200 pictures I took this weekend, I did not get a photo of the amazing cupcake toppers (but I did find some in the oven a week later and took a photo!!)  or the adorable bubbles with coordinating stickers that Maggie made. For the cupcake topper, she punched out a scalloped circle from scrapbook paper and glued a toothpick and the above circles in the middle. They were too, too cute. I'm sure she could make them for any event...and they are SUPER easy! Just swirl on some plain icing, embelish with sprinkles if you like, and stick in the topper. Easy Peasy. The bubbles were easy as well, I got lucky and found those on the Easter aisle at Walmart for a couple dollars for all of them. I just stickered over the bunnies with the cute ones that she made.

The favors were one of my favorite things that we did. I thought they turned out great.  Also easy...and inexpensive! And, I learned this weekend that kids LOVE gum...good favor idea! Oh, and the animal crackers were for the little ones.

I found this cute party hat tutorial here.

I would also like to thank my bestie JJ for all her hard work as well with the cake, ideas, and lot and lots of moral support! Without these two girls, there would have been no party...and there might not be an Amanda :)

It was so, so fun...both the planning and the actual party!

Don't forget to check out MG Paperworks for ANY personalized party supplies you might need!!



THE PARTY....

What a great party...despite the weather! His party was, of course, on the one cold day squeezed in among the 80 degree days that we have been having.  At least it wasn't raining! We started out with most of the party outdoors, but quickly reallized the tarp and 2 tiny heaters were not cutting it...so we moved indoors!

I am just warning you, there is a ridiculous amount of pictures ahead....and I cut A LOT out.

My girls and their babies....Brandi and Carsten, Amelia and Claire, JJ and Harvey, and Maggie

Pam and baby Jake

Grilling the gourmet hot dogs

Part of the "zoo crew".... Page, Pojo, Max, and Sara Glen

Page trying to carry Bishop around.

And, was I not JUST at her first birthday party?!?

Jamie, Carsten, and Brandi

JJ, Nate, Mandy, and Baby Smith

Pojo and Karen

I love this picture...although it is a terrible picture of moi, it shows how much all of his cousins are interested in him...They all love Baby Bishop and he loves them!

Karen, Kaleb, Max, Harvey, Allen, Aunt Kathy, Leon, Wendy, Chris, Heather, Gerald, Audrey, Pam, Jake, Mom, Dad, Kathy, Maggie, Jonah, Bishop, Me, Sara Glen, Page...and I'm pretty sure that is Carsten's arm and foot.

Just wanted to see if I could name them all...it is possible I missed one.

We love bubbles! We even learned to say "bubble" after this weekend.

This face cracks me up!

And, as I expected....Bishop loves cake!

Sunday

I feel so blessed to be able to spend my Sundays with my family, even on those Sundays that I have to work. We get to all go to church together, and now that it is warm, we get to play outside in the afternoon.

It wasn't all that long ago that either Leon or both of us were working on Sunday. I'm trying my best (and succeeding at least SOME of the time) to be positive about work. I know it's what I have to do right now, whether I love it or not. I know one day I will be able to stay home more, but for now I am thankful for little moments.....

And, with a little guy like this, how could I NOT be happy?!

P.S. Check out those front TWO (more like 1 1/2) teeth!

Conversations with B

B man has always, always been a big talker. I honestly don't remember him ever NOT talking. From the time he is awake until the time he goes to bed, he jabbers on and on. I think he has a pretty big vocabulary for a one year old (of course I think so at least) and recently you can have a "conversation" with him....if you know what to talk about anyway. These are just a few funnies that I wanted to share...and didn't want to forget.

    Me: What does the cow say, Bishop?
    B: Mooo (pronounced "Boooo")
    Me: What about the duck?
    B: Quack Quack Quack Quack (pronounced "kak kak kak kak")
    Me: What does Abby say?
    B: Ooof ooof ooof
    Me: And, a lion?
    B:  Roar (more like a cat hiss)
    Daddy: Bishop, what does mommy say?
    B:  [pause] Nnnnooo!!!
 Hmmm?!?!

    Me: Momma has to go boil the spaghetti for supper.
    B: Uh oh, Spaghetti-O! (pronounced "uh oh geggo")

Funny Boy!!

Lately

I haven't been great with taking pictures lately with my camera...but I do have a few on my phone that I can share.

Lately we have been:

Taking afternoon walks...

He started "walking" last week before we left for Greenwood. I didn't really expect it because he is such a good crawler that I didn't figure he was all that interested. He still prefers crawling if it is going to be more than a few steps...but he will take 4-5 steps unassisted.

 Going to church...

 Riding in his wagon with mommy...

 Playing hide and seek...

He's really good. I walked into the bathroom (after leaving for 2 seconds) and came back and didn't see him anywhere. Sneaky boy!

 Riding his horse....

Boxing up shoes...

This kid could play for hours in my closet floor taking shoes out of boxes, putting shoes back in boxes, and repeating over and over. At least he doesn't eat them anymore..most of the time!

 Having a lunch date with mommy at Chick fil a...

 Trying on birthday hats for the big party in less than 1 WEEK!

Test driving mowers....

 And doing the daily chores...