Giving Thanks.......Day #2!

Whew!  Here I am barely making it in time for Giving Thanks Day #2.  Today I'm thankful for this silly boy right here.  Austin is a one-of-a-kind silly goose.  He constantly makes me laugh and is incredibly sweet.  Tonight I'm feeling extra thankful, because I'm missing him since my sister and I are on a short road trip (more on that in a later post).  I love having his hugs and kisses and snuggling up to me.  I couldn't have asked for a sweeter child to make me a mother for the first time.  I'm especially thankful that he truly is a good kid.  He listens to me and minds about 90% of the time, which I consider to be exceptional at his age!  He's kind to others, especially his baby brother. He has definitely made it an enjoyable ride so far.

Giving Thanks......Day #1!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm going to dedicate each day this week to something or someone that I'm thankful for.  To start it all off, I'm thankful for this little guy, Chase Cooper.  When he was born at the first of the year, he made our family of four complete.  While I didn't have the easiest pregnancy by any means, I'm still thankful that it culminated with the sweetest healthiest little boy I could imagine.  I think sometimes we take for granted having healthy kiddos sometimes.   And I'm thankful that he simply adores his Mommy. :)

Toy-Story Themed Fun!

I don't know why I can't take the easy route sometimes, especially when it comes to throwing a birthday party.  I mean, why can't I be one of those moms who just buys a sheet cake and invitations from Wal-Mart and calls it a day?  That's certainly how I was brought up; I don't remember having big elaborate parties.  Maybe I'm missing my calling and shouldn't be in accounting.  And well, sometimes my type A personality takes over and I strive for perfection and great organization. :)  Anyways, let's get to the point of this post.  We hosted Austin's Toy Story-themed 3rd birthday party on Saturday, and it turned out awesome (I'll admit, I'm a bit partial).  I knew I was going to have a super-busy week at work before the party, so I've been working on making everything for nearly the past two months, just a little bit at a time.  Good thing, because I was swamped at work and had very little to do at the last minute.  Okay, here we go.

You already saw the invitation that I created in Photoshop.  Once I figured out what I was doing in the program, it went pretty easy, and I printed all of them for only $2 at Costco.  Bargain!  To greet our guests, I made a wreath for the front door.  When I was standing in the checkout line a few weeks ago, I saw this mini-Etch-a-sketch in the random section that you stare at while you wait patiently.  It was so cute and had to get it, ultimately deciding it would be perfect for a wreath.  Throw on some other stuff, and woolah!

The food went along with the Toy Story character names too, of course.  We had 'Slinky Dog' pasta, 'Lotso' fruit salad, 'Woody's' sheriff cookies, 'Rex's' dino-bites, 'Mr. Potato Head' chips (in a giant potato head!), 'Buzz's' refueling station, 'Bullseye's' cheese puffs, 'Hamm' sandwiches, and 'Alien' dip.  I made cute little labels for all the food with a picture of the character as well. 

And I made personalized labels for some mini-water balls that turned out pretty cute.

When it came time to decided what to do for a cake or cupcakes, I wavered on which way to go.  Ultimately, I decided to build a cupcake tower out of Legos to stack them on.  It turned out great and ended up being pretty sturdy too.  Since the Lego stand was so colorful, I decided to tone-down the cupcakes by just doing plan white frosting and colorful sprinkles.  Then added my custom cupcake pics to top them off (which hubby even helped make!).

To display all of the party favors for Austin's friends, I got an unfinished wooden mini-chest at Michaels for super-cheap, painted it, added Austin's name, and put them in there.  I love how it came out!

For decor, I used alot of the toys that we already had, including a whole family of potato heads, and a homemade banner.

One of my favorite last minute adds (courtesy of my sister) was to do a tattoo station, with Toy Story tattoos.  I printed off a sign on an Etch-a-sketch, and just pinned all of the tattoos to a cork board.  It was a hit with all the kids, and Uncle LoLo did a great job manning the station!

We couldn't have asked for better weather in mid-November for Texas.  Okay, well maybe just a little less wind, but I'll take it.  The kids were able to play outside on the playset and run around in the yard.  And it was perfect for us to be able to hang my pinata (also homemade).  I wasn't sure how the pinata would go over, but the kids loved it.  I think I made it too strong though, using a Pampers box.  Next time I think I will use cereal boxes so it will be thinner and easier for 3-year olds to bust open.

I had made Austin a shirt that said 'Austin is turning 3' in the Toy Story logo theme.  I wasn't totally please with how it came out, but it worked.

We were so thankful for all of our friends and family who were able to come out and celebrate.  Austin had a blast and got alot of cool gifts!  And Chase had a blast too, even though he napped through about half of the party.It was a great party, and didn't end up costing alot of money since I made most everything myself.  Just goes to show that with a little creativity, some late nights, and a computer, you can customize an awesome party for the kiddos. 

And Austin definitely loved his new Jeep from Mommy and Daddy.  He's been driving that thing around the cul-de-sac like crazy!

Now that Austin's big celebration is over with, time to move onto planning for Chase' big FIRST birthday.  It doesn't seem possible that it's that time already, but I have to face the reality. 

TOP TEN!

Here I finally am, getting around to listing my Top 10 things I love most about my big boy, Austin.  (And not necessarily in any particular order.)  I know I'm a day late from his birthday, but cut me some slack!

10. You're such a Momma's Boy, and I love it! Yeah, sometimes it's a little frustrating when I need to tend to something else and let your Daddy handle you, but you're not having it. I hate to say it, but I like it when you’re not feeling well or sleepy, and you like to cuddle with me.  A few times when you’ve snuck into our bed in the middle of the night, I have awoken to you practically spooning me.  And lastly, when I ask you how much you love Mommy, you widen your arms as far as you can and in a deep voice shout, ‘This much!’

9. I call you Jordan Jr. all the time, because you are indeed your father's mini-me.  From your personality to your looks, you're definitely just like your Daddy. He’s even got you dropping your drawers and peeing in the backyard, which is hilarious to see both of you side-by-side out there.  You definitely have his personality, very outgoing and life of the party.  You’re rebellious at times and know how to turn on the charm to get Mommy to give in.

8.  You always insist on being my little helper.  Whether I’m fixing Chase’s bottle, cooking dinner, baking cookies, vacuuming, or paying at the grocery store, you always insist that certain tasks ‘are your part’.  Most times it’s great to have an extra set of hands and you willing to help so much.  I’ve definitely had to learn more patience on the other times. J 

7.  Before your brother was born, I was worried about how you would adapt having to share the attention.  But you had adapted incredibly well and are truly the best big brother.  You’re so caring to Chase; if he’s crying, all you have to do is walk in the room and tell him you’re there and it’s okay.  He beams from ear to ear.  One of his favorite activities is when you play peek-a-boo with him and he giggles hysterically.  I love it when you give him hugs and kisses before he goes to bed most nights and tell him to sleep tight.  And on the weekends when it’s time for him to wake up from his nap, you tell me to wait and that you’ll get him.  I then find that you’ve climbed into his crib. J

6.  You and your dog (formerly my dog!), Brady are attached at the hip.  You insist on giving him hugs and kisses each and every night before you will lie down to go to bed.  And usually on the weekends, I can find him curled up by your side as you nap; it’s so sweet!

5.  Your memory is incredible.  I’m pretty sure you get this from me, because your Daddy can’t even remember what I told him I wanted for Christmas last week!  All I have to do is say a phrase one time and it’s in that little brain of yours.  For this very reason, we have to watch what we say around you, for fear that you could possibly repeat it.  I’ve gotten really good at just spelling things out to keep you in the dark.  Whether you’re repeating phrases you hear around the house, or repeating songs/naming characters from a movie you watched for the first time (Lion King, lately), you’re memory is spot on.  I’m hoping this is a good sign that you’ll be good in school like Mommy.

4.  This summer, when your teachers suggested that we go full-throttle potty training and put you in undies one day, I’ll admit I was skeptical.  Your pottying was hit-or-miss up to that point and I was certain this would be a very messy lesson to learn.  But once again, you didn’t disappoint and picked up very quickly, within a day! And Mommy definitely loves not having to buy diapers for you anymore!

3.  You’re so sweet!  Whether it’s sharing your toys with friends that come over to play, asking so sweetly if you can have one drink of Mommy’s Sonic drink, or putting some of your dinner on Chase’s dinner tray, you always (well, most times) are thinking of others.  I can only hope that you continue to possess this characteristic later on into life.  In the meantime, I’m going to soak up every minute of it!

2.  You’re 100% boy and very athletic.  I’m so glad that our $44 a month for the Amazing Athletes program at school is paying off so well.  You’ve got quite the arm on you, throwing a baseball hard and fast.  And you don’t have a problem at all hitting a line drive off the t-ball set.  I envision my next 15 years following you around as your #1 fan at all of your sporting events.  I love how you like to play outside, either going down the slide out back, pulling the wagon around the neighborhood, or playing in the dirt!

1.  I love you most because you’re you.  And that country twang you have is just plain adorable.  You say some of the funniest things, like: telling me you need to check your email, asking to stop at Sonic everyday on the way home for a Sonic orange slush, or fake calling one of your favorite friends from school on the phone at home.  I can always count on you to make me laugh, no matter what kind of day I had.  And the fact that I never know what is going to come out of your mouth next, makes it even better.

I love you so much Austin Jordan!  These past three years have been incredible and I’m so thankful to have you in my life.  Can’t wait to see what the upcoming year brings!

Happy 3rd Birthday!!!

Today's the day by first born turns the big 3.  Sometimes it feels like he's been in our lives for as long as I can remember, and then other times it seems like we just brought him home from the hospital. 

Either way, I can't ignore the fact that he is growing up way too fast and developing quite the personality.  Austin was the one who made us parents for the first time.  We thought we were ready for parenthood; I guess we all do.  But I never could fathom how much that 8lb. 3oz. chunky monkey would change our lives forever.  Over the past year, he's changed so much, gone from being an only child to a big brother, gotten fully-potty trained, and says some of the craziest/funniest things.  Similar to last year, I'm going to do a Top 10 List.  Over the past week, I've been brainstormimg on what to blog about.  I'll do my best to help you shed some tears and giggle too.  Sadly enough though, you'll have to wait an extra day or two.  Not much time here, so I'll get to it soon.  Along with all the details about the big birthday celebration.  It was a blast and he loved his big present!!

10 months!

Another month has just flown by like crazy.  This kiddo will be turning the big ONE before I know it!  He's really gotten mobile in the past month, crawling all over the house and pulling himself up on furniture.  I don't know when he'll start walking, and I'm not stressing about it.  With Austin, I panicked that he wasn't walking before his first birthday.  This time, I know it will just happen when he's ready, and I'm completely fine with that.  He's babbling alot and giggles constantly, but no real words yet.  If I say 'Momma' to him, he just looks at me and laughs. :)

He's finally feeling better and healing up from his bout with 'hand-foot-mouth virus'.  Thank goodness; what a miserable time that was for all of us. No more baby food, he's on 100% table food now, which is nice.  He's still quite the mellow fellow, just chilling while we tote him around to wherever.  And he loves when Austin plays with him or talks with him.  It's so sweet to watch them play together.

He truly is a momma's boy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  He's constantly reaching for me, looking around the room, and just lights up when he sees me.

Big boy looking so grown up!

Reading his Elmo book

Out for a stroll in the neighborhood

Getting into the good stuff!

Going down the slide with Meow-Meow!

Chowing down!

Up and on the move!

It's the BIG BIRTHDAY week!

It's time. I don't know how it happened, but my little big boy is turning 3 this week. I'm sure there will be both tearful and cheerful posts on my part this week (if I can get around to them!).  But in the meantime, here's the invite for the big celebration for this weekend, designed by Mommy. :)

(I've blocked out our contact information so that the crazies don't find me.  Oh wait, they already have!) :)