Let them eat cake!

This Saturday we were able to celebrate Gracie turning one with a pink princess theme party. It turned out quite cute and really pink. She liked opening her presents but what she really enjoyed was her cake. She went to town on it and it didn't look like she was going to slow down. Needless to say she got it everywhere so she had to get a quick rinse afterwards but it was worth it to see her with her first birthday cake. Our good friends, the Bolin's, drove in from out of town to help us celebrate Gracie's birthday as well as with some of our friends that we have met here. The cake was really good and I say that because I made it myself. It was a princess cookie crown cake. All I know is that while everyone was eating it, it was so silent you could've of heard a pin drop. Very rare for the kids to be quiet for more than a couple minutes. So if the kids liked it, it must of been good.

Cookie Crown Cake

The kids at the table.

Gracie opening a gift

She was clapping after opening all of her gifts

Mommy helping Gracie blow out her candle

This is so good!!!

Oh God Mom, please stop

Boring conversation or getting out of eating vegetables?

Our Princess turns 1!!!

Today our Gracie has reached the BIG NUMBER 1!!!. We thought Ethan's first year went by fast but we were in no way prepared for how fast Gracie's first year went. She is truly a blessing from God and brightens our day everyday. Either from her devilish smile or her ability to make you laugh, she knows how to wrap you around her little chubby finger. She can be quite silly and likes to torture her brother a little too much. She loves looking at Jager, our dog, and even calls him "yegaa". She is basically getting into anything and everything. She loves to dance and will even bop her head up and down. She likes to play in her brother's room more than in her own. She still gives open mouth kisses but you have to catch her in a good mood to receive one or just have Ethan's charm because she loves giving her brother some love. When she gets upset there is just no going back and has even learned the -throw yourself and rollover kicking and screaming- routine. She loves saying "HI" and makes us all laugh because she sometimes says it at the most random times. She loves bath times and has even gotten in totally dressed. By looking at her, you can tell she is healthy eater and sometimes will eat more than Ethan does at meal time. Other than that she is typical girl that loves all of the attention and can switch from mood to mood at a drop of a dime. In this year Gracie has gained 16lbs, grown 9 inches and yet still only has two teeth. It is really sad to see this year leave us, because she just wasn't a baby for that long. Why can't I freeze time??!!!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

"If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you." - Winnie the Pooh

Day Dreamer

Gracie loves looking out of the windows and will actually stand there for awhile. Every time I see her there I always hear that Daydreamer Song by David Cassidy in my head.

She really gets into it. See if you can find her.

Adventureous Kiddos

Gracie learning to walk

Ethan has been trying to learn how to jump on his skateboard while it is going and finally did it one time looking so cool but as soon as his mother gets the camera out, he can't get it again. Figures! I will keep it on hand for next time though.

Where did my motivation go?

This week I have been really bad on working out and going overboard on the treats that I need to kick my butt into gear. It all started last Friday night when I went out with a few of the ladies for a ladies night out. We went to P. F. Changs and had an absolute great time. I allowed myself one mixed drink, a long Island Iced Tea which I have to say was soooo good. I was tempted to order another but I had to drive home. Even though I probably would’ve of been safe because we were there for 3 1/2 hours talking! Then Super bowl Sunday came around and you cannot actually watch the game without snacking. Those two days alone started the slacking off and I have only worked out twice this whole week. What is so weird is that if I don’t work out the night before I feel so sluggish the next day that I don’t want to do anything. Well, things are going to have to go back to normal on Monday because I went swimsuit shopping this weekend and WHOA that florescent lighting either has something against me or the mirror has to be from the carnival! My goal is to be able to wear a bikini and not look like a mother of two wearing a bikini. I really don't like the tank top- skort combo. It reminds of something a nun would wear, not cute!!. I hate swimsuit shopping!

Loving the attention

She loves to push the chairs all around the kitchen

Basking in the sun

Kidding around

Caught in the act of trying to put something in her mouth

Is it nap time yet?

Family portraits by the artist formerly known as Ethan

Ethan has been busy drawing us and frankly I am a little worried. We have no bodies and huge heads which apparently grow arms. But I guess you can only ask for so much with the subjects he had to work with. One in particular was a little moody but that only seemed to enhance his vision.

Gracie's First Haircut

Today Gracie got her first haircut. It wasn't anything fancy, she just needed her bangs trimmed. She was a wiggle worm and just wouldn't hold still. By how much she moved and fussed, I am surprised she is not missing an eye.

This is the best picture I could get of her all day, she just wouldn't sit still.

Earlier in the day we were at the YMCA and the kids were playing in the tree house

There is no spouse like a military spouse!

Dear Lord,
Give me the greatness of heart to see the difference between duty and his love for me. Give me understanding that I may know, when duty calls him he must go. Give me a task to do each day, to fill the time when he's away. And Lord, when he's in a foreign land, keep him safe in your loving hand. And Lord, when duty is in the field, please protect him and be his shield. And Lord, when deployment is so long, please stay with me and keep me strong. Amen