Saturday, July 30, 2011

Yo! Happy Birthday, Phillip!

His birthday was actually last Saturday, but we had his party this weekend for various reasons. I will never forget the day that little boy came into my life just 2 short years ago. That little boy will always hold a special place in my heart. There are days when I am absolutely at my wits end with him, but he is growing into such a smart and caring little man. I smile everytime I hear him say, "careful" or "hey, what are you doing." He is one special little man. Shortly before his birthday we discovered a new kids show. Yo Gabba Gabba is the most adorable show for little people. It teaches important lessons while having fun. It wasn't long before we were using the "There's a pary in my tummy" song daily to get him to eat. So we decided to have a Yo Gabba Gabba themed party. I found an awesome website with tons of party ideas, here! Let me just say that all the decorations came from supplies I already had on hand, no out of pocket! Here is Phillip's party.






Happy Birthday, my little guy!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Texas Recap

Well, we are back to reality. It is so nice being back home (until the snow starts). It was a busy 3 weeks leading up to my sister's wedding. I felt like I was constantly going all over the place. I know that's not entirely true. We did have days of nothing, which we filled with letting the kids have some fun. The first week we took a trip to the wedding venue.

(Isn't it gorgeous!)

And got ready for a bridal shower. We made ruffled streamers and tissue paper flowers!


I also made letter blocks as my present to her. I wasn't thrilled with how they turned out, but I only had one morning to do them. Hopefully the next ones I make will turn out better.



The other 2 weeks were full of finishing up the last minute details of the wedding. Like sewing 100 little favor bags, making bows for the flower girls and the bride, and making fan programs since it was an outdoor July wedding in Texas. Our days off went swimming in grandma's backyard...


And went to the park!



I can't express how excited I was to have Matt back. I was literally counting down the days! The day we picked Matt up was a BUSY day! My cousin came over early in the morning to dye my hair. I had dyed it in the past and my roots were growing out. Then I got myself and the kiddos ready. Phillip got a short nap and we went to set up the wedding venue for the wedding. We had to miss the rehearsal because we were on our way to pick up Matt! YAY!

I hated the time Matt and I spent apart, but I realized a lot about myself and how much I depend on Matt. Watching other people with my children made me able to let myself feel like I am good mother. I know this sounds weird. My children are demanding! Annaleigh is a little diva. She lets you know (very loudly) what she wants. Phillip is just a ton of energy. I swear he has the energy of 3 little boys. This translates to "into EVERYTHING." I could tell people were getting fed up with my kids after a day with us. I totally get it. They just aren't used to having little kids around, but it made me feel stronger. I deal with these kids everyday. A large part of that alone. Before this trip I would feel like such a bad mother when at the end of the day I was counting down to bed time, or when my greatest wish was just a few hours away from the kids. Now I see they really are a lot to handle and I am strong because they are still alive, lol!

As for Matt, I realized how awesome of a dad he truly is. Don't get me wrong I always appreciated all he did/does. He works full time, goes to school full time and helps me out with the kids. There are days when I just marvel at how he is able to do it all. I more fully appreciate now how much he keeps Phillip entertained and out of trouble. I know I have said it before, but we work so well as a team. Most days I don't even have to ask him to do things. It is like he reads my mind. He seems to know exactly when to step in and how. I totally get why others wouldn't be as helpful as him. They aren't the parents and don't want to overstep boundaries. It reinforces how amazing he truly is and how good we are together.

The wedding day finally came. It was gorgeous! There was minimal drama, which you always worry about when you have that many people how are related in that close of quarters. Some of which who were married at one point in their lives. I am so happy for my sister, as I am for anyone who marries. Marriage was the best thing that ever happened to me. It (or Matt) has made me the happiest woman in the world. Marriage can be a lot of work, but the benefits far out way the work put in.

So our plans changed. Instead of Matt flying back alone and coming back in August, we decided to go home with him. So we made the best of the time we had in Texas. We went to the Zoo (so HOT!) and shopping. I got the BEST diaper bag for only $12! If you are ever by Sam Moon you HAVE to check it out! They have the best stuff with insanely cheap prices. They have a website if you are curious! We hung out with family and friends. I was a little sad to leave Texas in the end, but I was oh SO happy to be with Matt and to be back in our so comfortable bed! I love our little family and we just work so much better together than we do apart. We have some serious synergy going on!