Norah Kate's 2nd Birthday

This year I decided to do a very laid back birthday party for Norah Kate.  Don't get me wrong, her first birthday was super special.  However, I was so stressed and so caught up in having a "Pinterest Party" that I didn't get to enjoy her special day.  I was too busy cleaning, cooking, making homemade decorations and party favors... so this year was different.



We had it on NK's actual birthday, December 29, a Sunday afternoon.  We invited immediately family, I bought pizza and a birthday cake from Walmart.  It was perfect.  NK had fun playing with her cousins and I got to enjoy her on her special day!

My sweet Norah Kate,
Mommy can not believe you are two!  I love you so very much and am so blessed to be your mommy.  You amaze me each day with your learning and growth.  You are so smart and so special.  You are very strong-willed already, but I know that means you are just going to grow up to be strong and independent.  I could not ask for any more special blessing than you and your daddy!  I never knew one little individual would make my heart smile so big!  I hope that I am the best I can be for you!

You are my whole heart!
Love,
Mama

Christmas 2013

Christmas has always been one of my favorite holidays.  I just LOVE the spirit and the meaning behind it, along with all the decorations, hot chocolate and Christmas movies.  Let me just say though, Christmas is AWESOME when you have your own kids!  There is just something so magical about watching their innocent eyes light up over the lights, presents, music, and spirit of Christmas.

I told myself I was going to be DONE shopping for Christmas to actually enjoy the holiday (because shopping and crowd fighting is my least favorite part).  Surprisingly, I was actually done a couple weeks before Christmas. 





We woke up Christmas morning and saw all the pretty things that NK got from  Santa.  She was super sweet!  She was picked up every individual toy and exclaimed what it was.  My favorite part was when she picked up her book bag from Pottery Barn and said, "A bag!  From mallmart (walmart)!"  Haha!  It tickled me.

She immediately set up a tea party for her new babies at her new table and chair set!

Then we went to Nana's house where she got even more neat stuff!

Finally, we went to my mama's house (Granna-Mimi) and NK got a Barbie Jeep and more baby dolls!

This year was exceptionally special because our family from Florida came up to my parent's house, rather than us driving down there.  It was so much fun!  And also very nice not to have a 4 hour round trip to try to fit in the day.

We were super blessed!

 

Thank you Lord for this special holiday.  Thank you for sending your son Jesus to die for us and our sins.  Please help us always keep him the center of this holiday and remember the true reason for the season.  Thank you for my beautiful family and all my many blessings, that is the best Christmas gift I could ever think of receiving!