the details

the details:

In short, Ryan says I put in hundreds of hours of preparation (a slight exaggeration). I did use tons of paper, glue, double-sided tape (genius invention), an entire ink cartridge, and I loved every moment of it! Unfortunately I was finishing up details when the great-grandparents arrived (darn early birds) so I didn't get to really snap photos. Ryan lovingly tried to get some for me while I snuck away to get ready (I was still in my sweats when they arrived).

FYI that is NOT beer. They are lemon lime sodas I found at TJ Maxx (purchased solely for the green label). Thankfully they ended tasting pretty good too!

I did NOT make the cake. I do know my limits!

I also didn't make the #1 cookies. I ran out of time and Janice my mother-in-law who worries about the details too, graciously insisted on making them for me!

the most important detail of them all...the birthday boy and love of my life, can you tell?

Now, for planning Ryan's 30th!!! I hope he likes blue and green. I sure would like to get more use out of everything I did! LOL!

birthday boy!

I can't believe our buddy guy is already 1! The past year has flown by and been full of so many of the most amazing experiences and moments. He has changed my life and our family! I couldn't ask for a more amazing child. He is so gosh darn happy its hard to believe. He really is the best baby. I will highlight his strengths and avoid his weaknesses. He sleeps 12-13 hours a night, eats like a champ, plays well on his own, takes great naps, is a total trooper when I take him shopping (which is weekly), he loves the jogging stroller, or any stroller or car seat, does great on car trips, is always happy, is already mastering the art of efficiency since he is such a large boy he is determined to scoot on his bottom instead of crawling so that he doesn't have to transition he can just stay in the same position and scoot right up to the tv to turn it on and off, on and off, on and off.

That's all I can think of now. I cannot describe the joy and happiness that I have been blessed with as a mother. I guess that is something I have been celebrating the most this past year is the gift of motherhood. I do not understand how the Lord could entrust me with such an amazing spirit of His, but I want to do the best I can to help him to be happy, to love him, and to help him return to his Father in Heaven someday.

Happy Birthday Gavin! We love you with all our hearts!