Happy 27th!

...to my awesome husband! We spent the day by going to church, eating cake for lunch, dinner with family, and all the in between time doing what he said he wanted to do-relax.  What he really meant to say was watch TV, I knew that and I was OK with that so I took a nap when Nora did this afternoon.  Jake got an early birthday gift a few weeks ago when he went down to the Nascar Bristol night race and camped out with some other guys in TN.  He said it was awesome & that he wanted to go back next year-so I guess it was a good birthday present.  I liked it because (and this is going to sound so wrong) I didn't have to think about it! Things have been a little crazy with something going on every weekend, work schedules and new things with Nora (eating solids & teeth)....the list goes on.  Let's be honest, I haven't been the most organized person lately. 

Anyhow this was only supposed to be about Jake & his birthday, but I forgot to mention the cake I made had homemade butter cream icing-pretty good if I say so myself.  Lots of powdered sugar...lots and lots! I'll probably do another cake and when I do I'll make the icing too-reminds me of my grandmas cakes that I don't get much of anymore. 

Happy 3rd Birthday A & N!

Nora attended her first Chuck E Cheese birthday party Saturday for cousins Ann & Nellie who turned 3.  She loved all the loud noises and bright lights-just what stimulus driven babies love.  For mom's of stimulus driven babies like me, CEC was overstimulus and I was exhausted from all the energy there! The kids loved it.  We joke about the cheap toys they win from all their tickets, but its worth the couple hours of fun they get from the games.

Ann, Nora, and Nellie at A&N's Birthday party at Chuck E Cheese



LOL, this picture cracks me up!

Nora with Nana Karen

26 Years

Wow! I can't believe I'm turned 26 this year...that sounds old considering I feel like I just graduated from high school a few years ago! I laughed at Jake when he said we graduated 5 years ago-more like 8.

I had a great time for my birthday and we didn't really do anything extravagant. Jake & Nora made me my favorite chocolate cake with chocolate icing-it was really good. For dinner we went to Grays Cafeteria (where all the old people go-haha). I was really craving it during my pregnancy, but we never made it there so it kind of carried over to my birthday. I had beef & noodles for dinner and topped it off with some awesome coconut pie.

Anthony & Beth made me brownies and mom made me cupcakes-I'm good for sweets for a while! Jake ended up getting me a hydrotherapy session and a massage-I've already booked it for May 14th (can you tell I'm excited about it?).

The best part about my birthday this year was having Nora here, starting our family, to share it with. She is already showing so much of her personality and I am totally in love with it.

Jakes Birthday Countdown

Isabellas Birthday Party

This is what you get when you try to put 3 one year olds together for a picture! Thanks aunt Roxanne! So true, too funny-love each expression given!

I think I've upset Ann, and thrown Nellie & Bella in a state of shock!

Clearly, I've upset Ann, Nellie's out of here, and Bella wants to know what's going on!

After all that, I knew I had to work quickly! The girls are not interested in this awesome photo op!

Again, Nellie says "I'm outta here!". Look at the determination on her face! Meanwhile, Ann & Bella gave in.

And 1 last time, the convict Nellie tries to escape, Bella finally smiles, and while Ann gives a look that says "are we finished yet?"

Thanks to Grandma & Grandpa Standeford for helping with this task that only a person with out children would think of doing! I can't say it will be the last time-they are all too cute :) Now on to the real post:

Isabella had her 1st birthday on August 12, but we celebrated with her yesterday at Jason and Tabathas house. Jake and I went up on Saturday in order to have some time to visit with them before the party. We knew with so many people there we wouldnt be able to much on Sunday. We had lunch, cake & ice cream, watched her open her presents and visited with Jakes family.

Isabella's personal birthday cake!

I think she was scared of it! She didnt know what to think while she was partially naked, sitting on a tablecloth with everyone watching her. Not the typical reaction by some 1 year olds, but she did, after some help from mommy, eat some of the cake. She stayed a lot cleaner than a lot of 1 year olds. I bet she isnt like this next year :)

Isabella opening her gifts. She was so excited for each gift and even tryed to dress herself with a new skort she got, but it wouldnt fit over her head!

Ann was at the birthday party, sporting her birthday party hat!

Nellie had a good time as well. She spent most of her time running around the yard, showing off her skills in the walking fast department! I just barely captured this as she flew by my camera and she was off to play with the ball.

Jason & Jake played corn hole at the party

Jake & Nellie

Jessica's shoe that I thought was really cute

Isabella, I think she was posing for me!

Aunt Jessica & Isabella before opening presents

The cutest husband on earth!

Isabella enjoying a drink on a hot day

Me with Isabella, shes excited to be celebrating her birthday with everyone!