Weekend Rewind~Elyse the Birthday Girl!

Whew...it's been a crazy last several days.  I feel like we had about 3 full days of non-stop birthday madness & thankfully today we have some time to just stop & breathe.  Elyse's 1st birthday was on Thursday, my mom & I decorated on Friday & then had her big Winter Onederland party on Saturday. 

 

 I'll have full recaps of all the parties in a few days once I can get all my pictures organized!  We hired a family friend to take pictures of the big day yesterday so I'll do a full post of all the celebrations once I have those images. 

 

But for now...just a few snippets from our busy busy weekend celebrating our favorite girl! 

 

Friday night we grabbed a quick dinner out and then had some family play time with all of Elyse's new toys & books...Hubby & I need to practice up, Dr. Seuss books are COMPLICATED to read!  ha! 

 

Breakfast before the party...her first experience with waffles & the jury is still out on whether she likes them or not...

A sneak peek of the birthday girl via T. White Photography

The main table all decorated for her party

Her precious smash cake that I could not have happier with...thanks Star Cakes!

Her cupcake toppers via Etsy

Her Rock & Roll motorcycle from Uncle Nick & Aunt Millie...which she loves and also dances along with! 

Today we headed to church, had a quick lunch with my in-laws and our poor baby girl has been out ever since.  She's been napping for 2 1/2 hours with no end in sight....I think we have one tuckered out princess!  The weather is gorgeous today so we're hoping for a nice family walk once she wakes up.  We have a fairly relaxed week with not a lot of evening plans and then Christmas festivities start up again on Saturday evening. Christmas is going to be so fun this year...being a Momma makes everything so much better!

And I know you'll all be waiting on pins & needles...but more incredible birthday cuteness is soon to come!

 

Elyse Ann...You're 1!

Today my baby turns 1...366 days ago (this was a leap year), our precious baby girl entered this world & things have been exciting & wonderful & scary & exhausting & beautiful every day since! 

 

Elyse Ann,

My precious daughter it seems like just yesterday you came into this world with some dramatic flair, but yet it's so difficult for your daddy & momma to ever imagine life without you.  You have brought such incredibly joy into our lives and there have been so many times where we have wondered what we ever did with all of our time before you arrived.  Man, we wasted so much time! 

You bring such life & happiness to everyone you encounter & I pray that you would always find the joy in life as you seem to find it every day.  Your little crinkly nosed grin may be the death of us, as I'm tempted to do absolutely anything you want when you grin at me.  I have enjoyed every stage before this one and I'm sure I'll enjoy almost every stage in the future, but I've quickly decided that I'm not really a tiny baby person.  I love that every day we can interact with each other & learn from each other.  I love that we are beginning to understand each other more & more & that when you learn something new your eyes light up with such wonder.

On those days when I feel like I don't get to spend as much time with you, I have this desire to go grab you from your crib after you're asleep and just look at you...but I don't because we're certainly enjoying the fact that you like to sleep.  I treasure our days at home together & I treasure even more those nights at home as family when we can simply play in the floor together and laugh & giggle as you show your true personality. 

God is going to do some amazing things with your precious life and I only hope that I can guide you in the right direction.  He loves you more than even your momma & daddy do & I pray that his love will flow through you and out to those all around you.  In those times when you feel like no one understands & that life is so hard, remember that God is right there beside you with his arms open wide just willing you to take a step in his direction.  Fall on Him, and into Him and it's in Him that you will truly find peace. 

Baby girl, I pray that you would be a friend to those who truly need a friend, confident in yourself and your abilities, and respectful to everyone around you.  Your momma & daddy love you more than I can possibly put into words & I hope that you never question our love for you.  You are truly the best thing that has ever happened to me...you are my little toot, my baby girl, my daughter. 
Happy 1st Birthday Elyse Ann!

Love always & forever,

Your momma

Santa Claus Attempt #2~Church Christmas Party

At our church Christmas party each year, two of our active members dress up as Santa & Mrs. Claus, lead us in Christmas carols, and take pictures with all the kiddos.  We were hoping this Santa experience might be a little better for Elyse since Mrs. Claus is actually a lady who watches her in the nursery quite often...no such luck. 

 

Santa walked up to her and was 5 feet away & Elyse started screaming...and then as we walked on the stage Elyse was puckering up before I ever even got the chance to put her in Mrs. Claus's lap! 

We have one more Santa attempt coming probably on Sunday...we'll see if 3rd time is a charm!  I'm certainly not holding my breath!

Weekend Rewind~3 Christmas Gatherings Down...

Whew...it was a crazy weekend!  And honestly, the rest of December doesn't look much different.  But we're having tons of fun & lots of quality time with family so for the most part all the business is worth it. 

 

Friday evening we had absolutely nothing planned, which we were all SO thankful for!  We had a nice dinner at home & after Elyse went to bed Hubby & I had a wrapping party.  We were able to get all of the presents wrapped for our family and put under the tree.  Basically all that's left is the wrapping for Hubby, myself, & Elyse...one thing to check off the list! 

Elyse was helping her Daddy read "Llama, Llama, Holiday Drama"

Saturday morning Hubby had to work so I rode down with him to spend some time with my mom.  It's kind of crazy, but she & I don't get a TON of quality time together.  Yes, she keeps Elyse so I see her in passing several times a day when I work...but we don't get to hang out together.  So, we worked on a project for Elyse's birthday party all while just enjoying each other's company. 

Saturday afternoon Elyse & I took a nap before the big festivities for the evening.  Elyse was headed to spend the evening with my brother & sil while Hubby & I were headed out for our office Christmas party. 

Momma & Elyse (not sure what is going on with my left leg!  ha! 

All the ladies...my momma, myself, Delma, my Grandma, & my cousin Kay

Hubby & I

My Momma & Daddy

We had a fabulous dinner...even if there was a minor or major snafu with some of our orders.  Thankfully the restaurant tried their best to make it right & it was still a wonderful evening.  And what could make any night better...walking into my brother & sil's house to find this...our precious princess all tuckered out & ready for bed! 

Sleepy Princess

 Sunday was a crazy day from start to finish.  We had church in the morning & then quickly headed over to my in-laws house for our first official family Christmas of 2012.  We had a yummy lunch, a fun gift card exchange & lots of fun with family.  I barely snapped any pictures, maybe I need to pass the camera off to Hubby next time. 

Elyse practicing up on her opening skills...

After our Christmas gathering, it was time to head back to church. For the past few years our church has "adopted" over 100 foster kids in our county and we provide a gift for each of them. We collect the gifts at our church and then the presents are distributed to the foster parents so they can be wrapped in their own wrapping paper & placed under the tree as if the parents had purchased the gifts. This is such an awesome ministry that we are always so excited to be a part of!  

All 100+ presents ready to be delivered!

Elyse was all smiles...our little ham!

Elyse even did ok on stage while the children sang Away in a Manger...

And for the rest of the night you'll just have to wait until tomorrow...Santa Experience #2...

Santa Claus Attempt #1~Silver Dollar City

 

As part of our entry into the Run to the Lights 5k we ran a few weeks ago, we also received a one-day ticket to Silver Dollar City in Branson.  With the craziness of December, we realized that last night was really one of the only days we would have to visit. So...we headed out to see all the beautiful lights, have some hot chocolate, & have a quality night with the family. 

 

I'm not going to lie, the afternoon started off a little chaotic, and Elyse has been a little irritable (I'm thinking it's teeth) so I struggled being very festive much of the night.  However, it was a beautiful night for a visit & while it was a little busier than we had hoped we still had a great time. 

 

Hubby's #1 priority was to visit Santa for the first time...so that was first on our agenda!  The photo is priceless so I'll be saving it for the very end...

Momma & Elyse after visiting Santa!  It wa sso warm Elyse didn't really even need a coat...and I certainly didn't need the coat I was wearing.  There was so much going on that it was hard to get Elyse to focus for a photo...just how it's going to be with an almost 1 year old.

 I just love all the lights SDC puts up each year...you can't hardly help but be in the Christmas spirit if you have a chance to visit!

Elyse really wanted Hubby's hot chocolate...so much so that he ended up throwing it away because it was simply too hot for her & she was NOT happy about not getting a drink!

Elyse was fascinated by the giant tree on the square...it was easier to get a picture of our backs than it was of her looking at the camera with the tree in the background!

The best we could do for a family photo...Elyse was TIRED and was done! 

We stayed until 8:00 when the Parade of Lights comes through...which is one of my favorite parts! 

And back to the Santa picture...we were really hoping she would be ok, but no such luck!  We now have the official obligatory "screaming child" Santa picture.  Yes, we're those parents who get joy out of seeing their child screaming while on the lap of a fully bearded, large man dressed in red & white. 

 

We have a few other Santa experiences planned before Christmas...we'll see if her ideas about Santa change at all!  ha! 

And the halls are decked...2012

I love taking pictures of our Christmas decorations each year.  I really like to switch things up as far as what goes where...but this year I actually really like how everything is laid out so I may use these pictures next year when I'm unpacking all the boxes!  

We don't really have a decoration theme, although I certainly lean towards the traditional colors of red & green and as of this year I've also decided to start collecting various trees. I actually already have quite the collection but I'm excited to look each year for a fun new tree to display somewhere in the house...large or small it really doesn't matter!  

Of course here's the biggest tree of them all...someday soon we're going to find a good tree farm and go back to getting a real tree.  But for now...the pre-lit, artificial tree, with no clean-up, watering or maintenance is awfully nice!  

We don't have an ornament theme either...just a huge collection of random ornaments.  Some are from childhood, some represent specific times in our lives, some are from traveling, some are simply ones that we saw hanging in a store and decided to add to our collection...I love all the memories that come flooding back each year as I unwrap each ornament!  

& another view, that includes our newest Christmas decoration.  Another big Santa from my MIL...I forgot to take a picture of his details but he's such a friendly Santa and perfect for our house!

The dining room area...with a special tree this year in the corner for Nick's Hallmark Classic Car collection...we have 19 as of this year!  

Above my cabinets & part of my tree collection, we went with snow for the filler this year instead of greenery and I love it! 

A new grouping this year:  A picture of our Christmas baby from last year & a couple of new trees that I added to my collection this year.

Our entryway table:  Ornament stand from Crate & Barrel, and a grouping of glitter trees (which were one of the first Christmas decorations Hubby & I bought together)

Our mantle & stockings & more Santas...I'm still in debate about getting new stockings for all of us; my plan is to have my mom make us some before Christmas next year...we'll see if that happens!  

And probably my favorite new addition to the Christmas decor this year...Elyse's Fisher Price Nativity from my in-laws.  She LOVES this thing & now has another one at my parents' house.  The angel is by far her favorite, with Baby Jesus coming in a close second.  I love having this in our house & what it represents...besides all the toys that are filling our living room we have a manger scene perfect for Elyse to learn about the Greatest Gift of All.  

I honestly can't believe I was able to snap this picture, normally if I start playing with it she is jumping right in with me!  

Weekend Rewind~It's A...

Before anyone freaks out, no...Nick & I are not pregnant & we have not been keeping a secret!  More on that in a bit...

Friday evening was a pretty fancy, schmancy date night for Hubby & I.  We left Elyse with my parents, got semi-dressed up and headed out for a nice dinner at a local Italian place, Gilardi's.  The restaurant has been there for years & we'd yet to visit and I can't believe we waited so long...it was delicious!  After dinner we headed to our local theater for a performance of Cirque Dreams Holidaze.  It was a fun performance with a wide variety of acts, including some amazing performances by some children.  So, so thankful for our date nights!

Saturday morning I headed to work & then came home to hit the ground running for the rest of the day.  I headed to a small baby shower for my good friend Shauna & then ran back home to pick up Hubby & Elyse for the big event of the weekend.

Elyse was dressed in her holiday best for the special occasion!

She was definitely in fine form...we have ourselves a little "ham" when it comes to making new friends!  She takes a bit to warm up, but then she's all smiles!  

While we aren't expecting a baby, it was a pretty big weekend for us as we were hoping to find out if Elyse would be having a little girl or a little boy cousin come May! They opted for an early ultrasound yesterday morning and were able to get a confident answer from the ultrasound tech as to pink or blue!  They kept us all in suspense as we ate a quick dinner & then it was time for the big reveal.  Nick & Millie followed in our footsteps and went for the cake reveal..

He? or She? Open to See!

Proud Momma & Daddy

 And it was finally time...it's a GIRL!!!!

We are so excited that Elyse will have another little girl to grow up with.  They will only be about 18 months apart, and since we only live about 20 miles from each other you can be sure they'll be close.  I figure it'll be just like them being sisters without all the constant fighting! ha!  Lots of tea parties & shopping trips will be in our future for sure!  We can't wait to meet Baby Girl Smart!

Of course a family photo with their beautiful tree!  

Elyse playing with Romo & Aunt Millie

 After church today we had nursery duty & were responsible for 5 kiddos aged 5 days (yes, days) to 4 years...it was quite the circus, but we survived! We grabbed a quick lunch and then did just a little bit of Christmas shopping, we were able to mark 4 people off our list so that's definitely progress!

This weekend has just been RIDICULOUS as far as winter goes.  I love beautiful temps just as much as the next person; however, there's just something weird about going Christmas shopping or looking at Christmas lights when it's 70+ degrees outside! But...we took advantage of it anyway & took a nice family walk around the subdivision before heading out for small group.  This was our last meeting before the holidays take over & I'm definitely going to miss meeting each week!

Momma & her girl...in short sleeves and no jacket...on DECEMBER 2!  

Hopefully this week is much less eventful than last week....I'd take a normal week for sure!  We've got our first Christmas party tomorrow night and lots more going on...just a typical busy December week for us!