Showering Megan & Bodey

Friends. Monkeys. Potatoes. Cake. One hot preggo momma. And one teeny tiny baby boy almost ready to make his arrival into the world. All that added up equals a fun Friday night. Sarah and I hosted a sock monkey shower for Megan on Friday October 4th. Sarah opened up her beautiful home for the shower and the two of us had fun scheming up planning ideas....nothing I love more than picking out invitations, decorations, cake, etc....

Speaking of the cake.....

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! The cuteness was too much!

Imagine my excitement as I watched Megan walk up to the door in this adorable chevron top that matched the cake. It doesn't take much to make me happy. She didn't even intend to match....a coincidence you could say....it just so happens I also love coincidences. And babies. And Megan. So there you have it.....

We had a couple of special guests that watched over the gift area for us all night....

 Don't get me started on this red chevron material. EEEEK! And the "potato bar" idea??? FABULOUS thoughts from Sarah's amazing brain!

Num num num....

Megan was showered with diapers, wipes, a few baby goodies and a freezer full of meals to save for after Bodey arrives.....another fantastic idea from Sarah!

Each guest left with nail polish and a nail file in these cute little boxes

We had a blast celebrating a special lady and her extra special blessing that will be here in two short weeks!

March for Babies and Birthday Boys

Decked out in our Team Tank shirts we had another fun morning at the March of Dimes March for Babies again this year......

I so badly wanted to be on the MOD planning board this year and last but my work schedule would not allow me to make the noon meetings....the least we could do is show up for the festivities and support our friends. So that we did. Hallie found many familiar friends and got her play on in the bouncy house until she was a hot sweaty mess. The sweetie paused for the National Anthem with Nanny and Carmen...daddy would've been proud of the hand over the heart....atta girl!

When she wasn't busy stealing bikes from kids she was stealing pizza from pizza boxes and begging for ice cream. Atta girl!

 Meanwhile these two cuties were cheesin' for the camera....

Here's a matching foursome that makes me smile.....

The fun continued later that day as we celebrated Austin's 2nd birthday at his house. I just can't ever get enough of seeing Hal do life with all of her sweet little church friends. Kaitlyn, Hallie Jae and Hallie Grace tested out Austin's big birthday gift and had a blast doing it....

John helping the kiddos play ball

The gang watched the birthday boy open his fun gifts and then it was time for the most anticipated part of the party....the truck cake!!! Deeeeeeeelicious!

Sweet little people

I didn't want to leave the company of some wonderful friends. The weather was a perfect fall day and the kids were perfectly content. All good things must come to an end though. Hal was glad this thing ended with a balloon....

Had to grab one on our way out

"Got it!"

This momma was thankful for a good ol' day of fun which meant a tired, cuddly girl that night.....

We had another birthday boy friend to celebrate with that Sunday....Mr. Sam the farmin' man also turned two and we were thankful for the invitation to join in the farmtastic fun in his backyard....

Hallie Grace had her boots on and was ready to cowgirl up....

Sam also had a new birthday present to break in properly....the kids were attached to his new swingset all afternoon....

Kim put so much thought into every detail and the kids had so much fun. This rickshaw was a hit with everyone!!!

"Would you like a ride lil lady?" 

"Sure thang partner"

Thanks to Brayson

Miss Hall fashioned a less strenuous way to pull the rickshaw...ha!

Much better than this method ;)

BJ pulled the kids around on a hayride with the lawnmower while they sat atop some hay bales. SO. STINKIN'. CUTE.

Chowing down on some cake

Oops! Cake in the lap. 

The stick horse race was hilarious and oh so cute!!! Hallie picked a pink horse prior to the party....naturally we had to pick out an outfit to match. That girl. I mean cowgirl. ;)

They all lined up at the starting line to wait for the race to start. And they were off!!!! I just giggle everytime I look at this next picture. Hallie started out mosying along in the very back of the kids just taking her time....until there was a horsey pileup....then the little stinker smirks her way on past to the finish line....

Lacy snapped this picture of her giddyin' up with her horsey in her boots. Beyond precious to me....

Nothin' better than a good group of friends.....AND birthday cake.

The Girl of My Dreams

When I think about my mom I think about comfort. I imagine her running her hands through my hair and telling me she was proud of me. I can remember her perfect hugs....she was a frail little thing but she gave the biggest tightest hugs. Every single hug I give to Hallie is given with the thought of my mom's hugs in mind.....a little extra tight just for good measure. I often struggle when I really stop and think about what an incredible mother my mom was....how on earth will I ever be like that? I let my mind run wild while I'm in the car on work days and after much thought and worry I've come to this conclusion: strive to be better every single day. Being a mom to Hallie is a blessing and a dream come true. Literally. I dreamed of being able to do the same things with my daughter that I grew up doing with my mom. Watching Disney movies, painting her toenails, dressing her up, watching her dance and tumble, having tea parties and playing restaurant. And most importantly telling her that she's beautiful, loved, funny, special, smart, and reminding her of each of these by giving her the very best hugs. 

You are 75% GIRLY GIRL....and 25% naked tomboy. Naturally I love both of these sides....but the girly side makes for loads of fun for both of us! The names "your majesty" and "Princess Hallie" are often what we are to call you. A lost high heel or necklace sends the whole house into emergency search mode. You DO NOT leave home without a purse. A purse full of princesses. And sometimes coins. Coins to buy makeup. Lately you've made a point to tell me that princesses don't have to say "please" and "sorry"....after I get past the stifling laughter part I have to remind you that Princess Sofia is a polite and proper princess. That always gets you back on track. You are a sharer or tea and crumpets and most of the time you even let me pour.....

Our carpet is now a bed of dressup clothes, sparkly tiaras and necklaces. Or "nicholases" as you call them.....

If you could sleep in your princess dressed every night you would. But you're a pretty good sport and settle for afternoon napping in style....

The way the prance into the living room with your high heels clanking on the wood floor with the most adorable little smirk on your face that says you are waiting for your dad to look up and tell you how beautiful you are....that, my dear, is what I live for. You are a pretty predictable gal Hal. Either naked or princess. It's that simple. 

Little girl dance outfits are my weakness. Little girls in said dance outfits....well, I just have no power over them. Take note sis, if you ever plan on getting in trouble just make sure you're wearing pale pink. I can't handle it....

And black with sparkles is pretty cute too....

Put two sweet dancers together and I'm pretty much a big sappy mess....

Four pretty dancers?????? Put a fork in me...I'm done.

You have a flare for fashion, my dear. You certainly don't get it from me...and you MOST certainly did not get it from my mom. It's embarrassing to admit how excited I get to dress you for school. The attitude + the fashion = a recipe for laughs.

I tend to talk about your goofier traits simply because they are just knee-slappin' funny...but it overshadows your sweet nature. You CARE so big....you don't hesitate to tell me that we are best friends....and you give the best back pats at the end of the day at the most perfect times. 

Hugs to you my one of a kind girl of my dreams. I hope that this letter finds you on a day when you need it most. 

I love you.