*P*A*R*T*Y*

Ohmygoodness, who would have ever thought that such a simple act as a precious, little Princess turning 1 could be so tiring?

Jade is sound asleep in the next room, the Hubby is practically snoring at my side, and I'm barely able to keep my eyes open at the moment. What a great end to a splendid day! A day that seemed lightyears away 365 days ago, but now it has come and almost gone. 

Our princess turned 1 in the company of most of her family and a lot of dear friends. We are so crazy blessed to have the kind of family and friends we do. Not many people would brave the Texas heat, but ours did for over 2 hours. 

Pops and KK were so gracious to let us have the schindig at their house. The kids ran like wild commanches around the deck, into the pool, and even in the mini-moonwalk. (Thank you again M&B for letting us borrow that today! The kids really enjoyed it!!) And the Princess's birthday could not have been complete without the yummiest birthday cake ever! Made with love by Papoo and Nana of course!

All in all, it was a great afternoon spent in the company of really great people! Oh, and did I mention that Jade probably has enough dresses to clothe a small 3rd world village? Well, she does. And enough toys, puzzles, books and dolls to share too! But to be quite honest.. all of those "things" were just kind of like the "cherry on top." Not necessarily needed, but always appreciated!

Happy Birthday Princess!!

To the sweetest Princess ever,

I can hardly believe that you are 1 year old today! Has it really been 365 days since you came into this world? Sitting here.. I can still feel the whirlwind of emotions that swirled through all of us that day. To be quite honest, I never have stopped feeling them. Each day you bring me, Daddy and so many other people so much joy. We are truly blessed to call you daughter. I still find it hard to fathom that God has entrusted us with such a special gift. Oh sweet Jade, you are so much more than anything we could have ever prayed or even dreamed for. You are the apple of our eye.

There are so many things I wish for you on your special day, and every other day for that matter. I only wish you could know how deeply Daddy and I love you so much. 

In one short week, Mommy will get to be a "work at home" Mommy! Can you believe it? I can't wait to spend all day together! It will be so much fun. I can't wait to teach you more about this awesome God we serve and teach you about His son, Jesus! We will read books, sing praises, and pray together. It will be so much fun! More than anything, I wish for you to know Jesus as your personal Savior.  Nothing in life can ever be sweeter than that. Not even 1 million kisses and hugs from the sweetest little princess that brings me so much joy each and every day. Know this my sweet daughter, Jesus is the only person that can bring you true, everlasting joy. 

So, to you, on your birthday, my precious daughter, I promise that every day we spend together.. I will try my hardest to show you the love of Jesus in every way I possibly can.

I love you,

Mommy!

Books

Educational.. and nutritious!

Jade has really gotten the hang of books over the past two weeks. Its so sweet to see her pick out her favorite (Jack and Jill and But Not The Hippopotamus) and read to herself. But most of the time she really likes to be read to. So, she'll bring me the book and plop down in my lap.

But then.. I look over and sometimes she is eating the book. I guess kind of somewhat like osmosis...but with eating. You would think paper was a rare delicacy the way she tears into the stuff.

Pride

I'm so proud of my wonderful husband!

This is the new patio furniture to go on our new...

DECK!

(Sorry the picture isn't the greatest. The hubby took it at 9:30 with his phone after he finished!)

Thank you Lord for a handy husband, great sales, and friends in the right places!

11 Months

Hi My Sweet Baby Girl,

The days seem to be going by faster and faster. You are just a tad bit over 11 months old now. This past month has been quite a month for you. You started walking, and you're practically running now. Its so cute to see you're prissy little walk. Most of the time you hold your hands up by your chest with your palms facing outward. And sometimes you kind of arch your back, and leave your hands down by your side with palms outward. Its so cute! You can squat and stand back up without holding onto anything. You are growing up so fast and getting stronger and smarter every day. When you don't want something, you will tell us "uh-uh" and shake your head. You love books now! You will sit and look at them for longer periods of time. And you flip through the pages. Your favorites are the books that make noise. There is one book that plays old hymns and you dance every time. Actually, you dance just about any time you here music at all. Your dancing skills are improving quite a bit. Now, you dance when you are standing and you bounce your knees.

Veggies really aren't your thing. You'll eat them sometimes.. but you prefer fruit, cheese, pasta, and "good meat." You'll eat almost any kind of meat I prepare for dinner.. but you really don't like lunch meat. And you're always so nice to share your food at the dinner table. You share with everyone.

Oh.. and you're starting to interact with other kids more now. Last week, we went to Mommy and Daddy's friend's house. When we got there, you gave your friend a hug. Then, you followed her almost everywhere. Its so neat to see your personality starting to come out more and more.

You hate bows now. I love to put these ridiculous bows on your head that would even look to big for my head. You rip them off almost immediately. I'm desperate to find the little velcro bows that just stick in your hair.

You are so smart. KK will stand you up on her counter to look out the window above her sink. You watch the birds. And when we ask you where the birds are, you point to the sky. You are learning how to point them out in books too! You also know that the cat is supposed to be called "kitty." We ask you "Where's the kitty" and you look for her, but you still call her a "pup." Silly girl.

I love you sweet, baby girl!

Love,

Mommy (and Daddy.. and of course, Sampson too!)

Pure Bliss

I have to admit that one of my favorite times of the day is Jade's bedtime. Not because it is the end to a long day, and not because I "finally get a break". Usually, Jade gets a bath, puts on quite a show (=fit) while one of us gets her dressed, she nurses, brushes her teeth (which in itself is just precious), gets a sip of water, we usually pray.. and then my favorite happens. I cradle her in my arms and turn off her lamp. I walk over to her bed.. still cradling her. And we just stand there for a few minutes. We sway just a bit and most times I sing "You Are My Sunshine" to her. However, while this is going on, Jade plays the sweetest little games and gives the most delirious little giggles. She'll play with my hair, or grab my neck to pull me in for a tight hug. Sometimes I'm even fortunate enough to get a few kisses. And most nights I just nuzzle my face on hers.. and she explodes into these soft chuckles. Its too precious to even try to describe.

I cherish those moments before bedtime. Each day.. I wait in anticipation for it. Just those few minutes of lovin' on each other.

More waiting?

Haha.. very funny, Lord.

I finally swallowed the fear, or confronted it in the face rather, and talked with my boss last week. I worked up this fancy proposal, went in all prepared, and practically begged for mercy to be able to work from home. The meeting went pretty good and I love the fact that my boss is so approachable and easy to talk to. And I love the fact that I have a praying family and close knit group of friends to take it to the Most High on my behalf.

To say the least, my boss was a bit shell-shocked with my proposal. (Going home every day for almost a year to see my daughter didn't give him any inclination?) However, he said he would get back with me at the end of this week.

All I have to say is.. yes God, I'm getting the message.. you know, about being patient and not trying to make my own plans. However, could you please help my boss stick to his word and REALLY get back with me by the end of this week? I'd appreciate it.. Thanks!