Hear the sirens ROAR!

Bradley turned 1 yesterday!!

 We had to wake him up for his party. Little did he know the excitement that was awaiting him. :-) 

If he had, his face would have definitely not be scolding us.

We couldn't be more relieved that we made it through our first year! It has been such a fun year. So to celebrate Bradley and the joy he brings to our lives, we decided to throw a fire truck birthday party!!

Since this was his first birthday, we mainly invited family. But what fun would a birthday party be without some kids?? So we also invited two of Bradley's friends.

Now, if you know me at all, you know how much I love to plan an event. I had been planning this little affair for a year. I wanted it to be full of fun details and really celebrate this past year.

I was so fortunate that my sister, Rebekah, decided to come into town early to hang out. Megan was also a big help. And I honestly couldn't have done it without my best friend, Rachael. She came over on Friday to ice the cupcakes, cake, and teach us how to ice the cookies. I just couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. It went so well. The food was good. The table was well planned out. Plus, I think everyone had a good time.

 

Welcome to the Fire Station!

 

 We displayed pictures throughout our dining room of B's first year.

 The table of food!

 The birthday sign was done by yours truly.

 

My sisters spent 2 hours decorating these cookies. Don't they look great??

 The cake toppers were done by Meri Meri.

 Rachael decorated the cake. Isn't it absolutely wonderful???

 Those are fire hydrant salt and pepper shakers I randomly found at a T.J.Maxx this past year.

 The menu was sub sandwiches from Publix for the adults, chips, red velvet cupcakes, Chick-fil-A kids' meals for the children, oreos, fire hydrant cookies, twizzlers, pineapple, and puppy chow (or what I like to call white trash).

The favors for the adults were dalmatian cake pops and the kids received a fun gift bag.

 It really was a wonderful, fun day.

Happy Birthday, Bradley!!

Dear Bradley:

Happy 1st birthday, little man!

We survived!!

I am so proud to be your mommy and so thankful that God has blessed mine and your daddy's life with you.

Just a year ago, we were sitting in the hospital staring at your tiny self wondering what was in store for us and knowing that it was going to be fun, exciting, and lots of hard work.

We were not wrong. It is amazing to me how easily you fit into our family. I can barely remember a time without you. You have added so much joy to our every day.

My favorite part has been watching you figure out the world around you and watching all your firsts. From your first smile to your first hug to your first word to your first laugh to your first rolling over to your first crawl to your first step to your first kiss to your first joke to your first point. Each of these firsts I will cherish forever and each of these moments make me so excited about the moments to come.

Your life is just beginning, little man.

I pray that as you grow, you will grow to love the Lord with all your heart and become a man after His heart. I pray that your daddy and I have courage, strength, and wisdom in our parenting. That we help guide you toward Christ. And I pray that you enjoy life.

You are smart.
You are kind.
You are important.

We love you to the moon and back,
Mommy and Daddy

Ramblings on a Monday

It's 8 p.m. at night and guess what I just got done doing??

Yup, bagging leaves. Thankfully, Jeremy and Megan were forced to volunteered their services. I really like those two.

I thought I'd do a random Monday post for you.

1. Our Christmas tree is up! This year it was a feat to say the least. I wanted it up by December 1st. But Jeremy had an idea. So my tree went up on December 4th. That was about the time I told Jeremy enough was enough. My tree was going up!

2. This time last year, I was begging my son to come out of my belly. It's weird to think that was a whole year ago.

3. I am busy preparing for Bradley's one year birthday party!! I am really, really excited. It's a fire truck themed party.

4. I realized in planning his birthday party that I have to give up my desire to host an annual Christmas party. I think it would make me too crazy.

5. Bradley is starting to walk on his own!! He's not very confident so he won't go very far before he slowly sits down. He doesn't fall. He sits. Yes, he's a nut. But he's walking!! I'm hoping he builds his confidence so that I can get it on video. It's very sporadic. And teasing him with items or people does not help. He's an independent one that kid of mine.

6. When the above happened for the first time, Megan burst into tears. I laughed. Mainly at her. And then at Bradley because he instantly knew he had done something HUGE.

7. I'm really enjoying B at this age. He's starting to communicate with us more and is figuring out what we are saying. Now, we just have to figure out what he's saying. And that kid speaks a lot and fast. It really makes me excited for the future.

8. I rearranged my kitchen so that I could put my kitchen aid on the counter top. I was taking it in and out all the time and really just wanted to be able to walk in and stare at it. It calms me.

9. I went into a kitchen store while we were visiting family over Thanksgiving and seriously freaked. I got really excited at all of the fun items I saw and wanted. Who am I???

10. I am really excited about this Christmas. It's going to be so fun to combine mine and Jeremy's traditions plus add a couple. And truly I am soooo excited to be Santa Claus. I have been waiting for this for years. The cookie, the milk, the stocking, the present. It is going to be soo much fun!

Happy Monday!!