one.

I'd swear it was yesterday. He was 47 minutes "late" but came in a rush. He was just this little grumpy old man making the funniest little squishy faces. You can read more about that here.

He isn't grumpy anymore. In fact, he has always been a pretty content little dude. We couldn't have imagined the quiet, mischievous, happy-go-lucky, squigly, silly little character he would develop in to. We never realized how much he would add to our family.

Today he is one.
He is curious, and cannot be contained. He is a mamma's boy, unless his Gacy [my dad] is around then no one else exists. No one can make him laugh like his sissy can, they have the best relationship! They have moments of competition over a toy but in general they just adore each other. He loves hanging out with daddy in the morning, before anyone else is up, who knows what they do. The kid loves music! He still loves to practice his babalu routine and has moved from saying "baba" to "balu", getting close! He got FOUR drums for his birthday.  Including one from us, the closest resemblance we could find to Ricky Ricardos ;) And he is getting more vocal with his singing these days as well. If he comes across Ella's microphone he will sing into it and sometimes in the car he will start singing along with the music playing.
He has a list of words, though some may not be completely perfect to a strange ear, he is much more verbal than I had anticipated. you know, everyone says boys are so much slower than girls in their development. He says, in his own way; ball, turtle, dada, sissy, Ella, mamma, Jaycee, that, this, puff, pooh (as in whinnie), gacy, hi, bye-bye, keys, cracker, gabba (like yo gabba), and his newest word is "Santa". He will get in moods when he will repeat nearly every word you throw at him, but they are usually pronounced incorrectly and they don't typically stick.
He loves boy things like trucks and cars. He can throw and kick a ball. He loves puzzle-type toys like stacking rings and those shape block boxes (the things with the shaped openings you have to put the correct shape in). He completely loves being outside and if anyone opens the door he runs across the room as fast as he can to make a break for it. He has a fascination with animals, he completely lights up around them. He's really into food these days as long as it isn't baby food, he's never been a fan of a purée. He is still toothless and in my opinion he is a pretty short little fella. He has a dr appointment Monday so we shall see...

Though he keeps me on my toes and will be the cause of about 4 heart attacks a day due to his mischief, he is the sweetest little man and I love him so!

Happy birthday to you, little mip-mip, fordy bear, turtle man, buddy boy-o, guy-guy! You've changed our lives in the most amazing way, we can't imagine life with out you.

Ps. I will be posting about his party soon, promise!

I can only give you love that lasts forever

  We met eight years ago, almost to the date.

We got married 4 1/2 years ago.

Two years ago we had our wedding.

We exchanged our vows.

The day was perfect.

We made promises. We danced. We shared it all with the ones we love.

  

...and then we made out in the photobooth.

Happy 8 years of knowing each other.

Happy 4 1/2 years of marriage.

Happy day we get to celebrate it all!

I love you.

Clifford the curious.

Yesterday he officially became 10 months old. I was certain he'd be walking by this age because he is the most active little dude I've ever encountered, but he is still just one little step away from that milestone. I find myself encouraging it and then asking myself, "why on earth do you want him walking?!?!" Haha. It's only a matter of time. As it is our mischievous mister keeps me on my toes all day long! He crawls, he climbs, he walks himself along an entire room (with the most minimal amount of support from any object in his path) and he tunnels his way through any attempt we make at baby proofing. I am convinced his physical activity level is the main reason I have lost weight faster with him than I did with Ella, no complaints there! He is not all physical ability though. This kid is personality! He is always (okay, maybe 98% of the time) happy! He laughs, smiles, claps, squeals, bounces and flirts with his big brown eyes at anyone willing to glance his way. He babbles, sings and bangs on everything! He loves to point at things and say, "dis" which I'm certain he picked up from me. He can point out all the important people in his life, in person and sometime in photos. He will say "dad-dad", "ssss" (sissy), and calls me "bob-bob". His most recent trick is banging on something and singing "bababababa" (babaloo- yes, he too loves Lucy!) He is a lover but can only be contained in a cuddle for a short while before practically leaping from your arms to explore. And if his Gacy is around you can just forget about holding him! He is the most curious little fella, and my goodness he brings the most incredible amount of joy to our lives! I cannot believe we are only two months shy of his first birthday, already! Watching this little character develop from that mini grumpy old man has been amazing, and I can only imagine what the next couple months, and years to come, will bring!

AbCs and 123s

Ella has literally been asking to go to school for a year now. She could hardly stand the wait during the final days of the countdown. And then it was here, the night before pre-school. This being our first "back to school" experience we wanted to start some really fun traditions so, we let Ella pick a fun dinner and activity for the "last night of summer". She chose pizza and tater tots, then a movie night! We gave her a cute book, "The night before pre-school", and wrapped up the awesome twinkle toe shoes she wanted. She was adorably sweet saying things like, "thank you guys for everything!" and, "this is just so great!" 

                   

In the morning, as I watched the clock get closer to the time I would need to wake her up, I couldn't help but think about all the years of morning wake-up calls that lay ahead for us. As of now, it's exciting! I laid beside her for a moment and then gently started the process. She woke up tired, but eager. I had to push a little to get her to eat even the smallest amount of her breakfast. 

She had picked out her outfit a few days before, and we had everything set out and ready to go (so easy!).  I couldn't help but adore her little dress hanging from the closet door above her trademark sparkly shoes.

Once dressed and properly groomed she was ready to run out the door. I could tell just how anxious she was to get to school as I attempted to snap a few necessary commemorative photos before we left. 

                                                                          

Once inside, she quickly dropped her stuff, said hello to cousin Cole,  and pranced off to play. I had to talk fast just to get a goodbye out of her. As I started off in my quiet car I told Clifford, "it's just you and I now, kid!" We both missed her all morning. When I picked her up she happily said goodbye to her new friends and teachers and proceeded to tell me all about her amazingly awesome first day of school. 

She is so excited to go back! 

PS. she totally smelled like pre-school all day, and I loved it! 

greater is He.

I make the conscious effort to keep quiet in debates, particularly those taking place online. Usually, I am really good at it. However, recently I'm struggling. I'm teetering on this line between standing up for my beliefs and avoiding "foolish controversies" (Titus 3:9).  I've simply had enough of keeping my mouth shut while others talk down to me like an ignorant fool for having opposing opinions on relevant issues. And yet, speaking up doesn't seem to make me feel any better. In fact, I'm left with a pit in my stomach, a feeling of regret for allowing myself to get swept up in these awful battles. It seems the further a debate goes, the lower people fall on their level of understanding and compassion. It becomes a struggle for who will have the last word. At times an all out war occurs in an attempt to gain victory for one's side of the argument. I understand that there are two, or more, sides in most every situation. But, there are very few individuals out there willing to have a healthy, educated debate with me. Most of the time I'm left feeing beaten down and still unheard.

And then, through the confusion and ill feelings I stumble upon this;

How much clearer could it be?! He told us we are "not of the world" (John 17:14). He commanded us, "do not love the world" (1 John 2:15-17). He warned us, "be not conformed to this world" (Romans 12:2). We are called to "guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge" (1 Timothy 6:20). My struggle to prove myself to the world has left me disheartened and God knows that will always be the outcome. He warns us again and again not to seek the favor of man for the world is fleeting, but He is eternal. 
I do not need to prove the validity of my beliefs to man, for in that battle all I stand to gain is the acceptance of the world. But, in the battle for Christ we stand to gain eternity, and that battle has already been fought and won, we have secured that victory. 
Putting my bible down I am left comforted and assured knowing, "greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). 

26 questions for my 26 years.

since I have not blogged in a while I figured that this fun little questionnaire I found on pinterest was a good excuse to jump back in. My birthday is tomorrow! I can't believe I am turning 26. I thought 25 sounded old. I guess you're only as old as you feel right?! I'm sure whoever said that was just feeling a little uncertain about again, as I am now. hehe.

Who you were:
1. Do you remember how you spent your birthday 10 years ago?
    - Yes, it was my 16th! I hung out with my boyfriend, at the time, and my mom threw me a surprise party :)

2. Who was your best friend at that time?
    - My closest friends were Emily, Angela, Tiffany, Marianne and Hillary

3. What did your typical Friday night look like?
    -During the school year I was definitely cheering at a game and in the summer I would be hanging out at the park, because the park was most certainly the place to be in Snowflake!

4. What cd's did you have on repeat?
     I was big into anything indie! I LOVED Cursive, time spent driving, Mogwai, stuff like that.

5. Who was your biggest crush?
    -I was pretty head over heels with my boyfriend, Josh.

6. Where did you see yourself in the future?
    -Who knows! I was pretty goal-less at that time in my life. I guess I kind of just figured that I'd be married, happy, have lots of money and be living right next door to all my friends ;)

Who you are:
7. What is something you have not changed?
    -My faith in God, it's only gotten stronger. My love for my family, again that's only strengthened.

8. What is your favorite song?
    -My favorite songs are 'How great is our God' and 'How great thou art', specifically Carrie Underwood's version.

9. What is your favorite color?
   -Yellow & pink

10. Who is your best friend?
      -Devon, of course. My best girlfriends are Jaycee, Noelle & Lindsay

11. What is the one food you cannot live without?
      -I love sushi, but I also love ice cream a lot!

12. What activity could you do everyday?
     -SLEEP! haha, at the moment I'm a little sleep deprived so that sounds amazing. But, I really feel that I have to do something active everyday, or I go a little stir crazy.

13. What item could you never live without?
     -My phone, maybe. It has so many components in one, I think it'd be a smart choice ;)

14. What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
    -Justin Bieber! The Real Housewives of the O.C./Jersey. Oh, and #hashtags, haha!

15. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
     -My degree. I'm proud of a lot in my life but that is something that it solely mine. I worked super hard for that piece of paper. I'm really amazed that I actually finished, and that I was able to make honors, especially that last year!

16. What is your happiest memory to date?
     -This is a tough one. Of course my kid's birth days were very special. But, my wedding was also one of the happiest days of my life.

17.What is your biggest weakness?
     - One that really bothers me is my shyness. Until I get to know someone I tend to be rather reserved, it a hard thing to break through and it is something I am constantly struggling with.

18. What is your biggest strength?

     -My determination. Sometimes this can be somewhat of a weakness, but in most ways it is really what pushes me through moments of weakness.

19. What is your favorite quote/motto for life?
     -I feel like this is something that changes all the time. In fact, I have a chalkboard in my kitchen that I'm always writing 'mottos' on, mostly in the form of scriptures. Currently it's Psalm 118:24. "This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it"

20. How will you be celebrating your birthday this year?
     -Not sure yet. I usually like to spend the day at the beach, if the weather is nice. I guess we'll see what happens :)

Who you'd hope to be:
21. What is your number one goal at the moment?
     - My biggest goals right now are to 1) buy a house and 2) go to grad school

22. What one thing would you hope to change about yourself?
    -There are always areas of myself, and my life, I am trying to improve upon. I think in general I just hope to always strive to be better and to do better.

23. Who do you hope to stay close with throughout the years?
    -Everyone! Really, I'm the kind of person who holds my friendships close forever. If I'm close with someone at one time, I will consider them a friend for life!

24. What likes/dislikes do you think you'll still have?
     - I will probably always like to throw parties and plan special things. I'm sure I will never like using the phrase 'lol'

25. How do you see yourself celebrating your birthday in ten years from now?
     -Man, I already feel kinda old right now and now I have to think about being even 10 years older?! haha. I can't imagine. My kids will be so old :(  Honestly, I'll probably just want to hang out at the beach all day. It's always been my favorite way to spend my birthday.

26. Where do you hope to be in ten years?
     -In ten years I'd hope that I've at least started grad school. I'd hope to have 2 more kids and a cute little house! I hope Devon & I are even happier than ever. I hope that my life is a better reflection of my beliefs in God. I really hope all my siblings comes back to this area and we are all closer than ever :)

a ballerina party!

This was probably my favorite one of Ella's parties to plan. She started saying she wanted a ballerina party about 6 months ago so finally I decided she was serious and started planning. My idea the whole time was, "think pink!"

Devon and I made a bunch of these adorable tissue paper pom-poms and hung them in the entry, the outcome was exactly what I had envisioned!

A ballerina party demands dress up, right?!

So, of course the girls got tutus and tiaras and after a little brain storming I decided that the boys get bowties and crowns. It worked out perfectly! I had intentions of making everything but with mr. clifford's recent arrival, and the holidays, I ended up ordering everything except the bowties (they were pretty easy to make).

I spotted this frame while out shopping one day and just knew I had to use it somehow at her party. I just put in one of the photos we took for her invite and used it as a centerpiece. I loved it!

For her cake I kept it simple, sorta. The most time consuming part was cutting out all the glittery ballerina silhouettes for the cupcakes.

Food was simple too. I figured the most appropriate ballerina menu would be light & fresh! Sandwiches, salads, fruits, veggies, ect.

Instead of the usual pinata, I figured an all-pink candy bar would just go so much better with the theme. I got lucky with Valentine's day being right around the corner, pink candy was pretty easy to find. I also grabbed some cute ballerina accent stickers at Michael's to tie it all together.

Initially, I planned to make ribbon wands for the kiddos, as part of their dress-up gear, but then I had the idea to let them make them themselves (worked out great!)

This was a great way to kick off the party activities.

Coming up with some ballerina games that were age appropriate really required some creativity! I was actually super pleased with my cool invention, think freeze dance+a cake walk+musical chairs.

The kids had fun dancing around to the ballet music, especially with their cool ribbon wands. Ella had me in tears (from laughter) with her moves, the girl can dance!

We also had a "tippy-toe" race, which kinda just turned into a regular old running race (it was a good idea in theory, I guess). Then we just danced! My dad had the fun idea to play the "gummy bear" song and pass out gummy bears to the kids who were dancing, that was cute. We also did the classics like hockey-poky, cha-cha slide & macerna.

The photo below is ella dancing, in the jumper, to alvin & the cimpmunks version of "I whip my hair" (I whip my tail back and forth...)

I Still can't believe my little lady is three! It seems like three is a whole new level, like the end of baby/toddlerhood. She is just so independent now, it goes by too fast, and she is already talking about her next party!!! She knows I can't wait to plan it ;)

We had a great time & we hope everyone who was able to attend did too.

We missed those of you who couldn't be there <3

happy birthday again, my beautiful ella leigh!

p.s. we finally got a family photo of the four of us! only took us nearly TWO months ;)