Our Big One-Birthday Party!

It seems when there are big events I miss blogging about them. I think because there is so much going on and I get so behind and feel like it is too late to catch up. I didn't want this to be the case with the twins first birthday party. So even though this was over a month ago I want to share about this very special event in our family!

If you go back here you will see that the twins birthday didn't go quite as planned due to a little sickness but we were able to still have a fun family party that night. Two weeks later we finally had the party I had planned for for pretty much the last year. I am going to warn you there will probably be an overload of pictures. But I am sure they can tell the story of the day better than I.

Their party was pretty much DIY for me and Staci. If I could make it or design it I did. I wanted to have such a special day and by doing this I was able to afford more.

I went with more of a color scheme and polka dots than a theme. Having boy/girl twins limits what you can do somewhat, but I loved how it all turned out.

Birthday Banner!

Cupcakes!

Custom label water bottles!

Fence decorations!

Front Door Wreath!

Cupcake Topper!

Riggs' Birthday Book!

Jackson's Birthday Book!

As I look through these I notice there are a lot of things missing that I am hoping my dad got pictures of, however he is difficult to get pictures from, so maybe one day I will be able to share those!

We had lots of yummy finger food and what first birthday is not complete without smash cakes? The twins had fun making a mess and getting a rare treat of sugar!

My sweet birthday twins!

Happy JackJack!

Blue faced Riggs!

I love this one of Riggs in action!

We had lots of fun with family and friends. Our crowd ended up being a little smaller than we originally due to the change in date, but I think it was still a good time where we were able to celebrate such huge blessings in our life.

Granddaddy playing with his 4 grandkids!

Water table fun with our cousins and our friend George!

A few of our friends who came to celebrate!

The Best is Yet to Come!

There are many times in life I have heard enjoy blank these are the best years of your life- including high school, college, your twenties etc. I have often wondered if this was true and in many cases hoped that was not the case. Not to say any of these times were bad, but if they truly were the best, what did I have to look forward to?

I think I can say without a second thought that none of those were the best.

365 days ago I turned 30. I was living a whirlwind of having 2 preemie newborns. I think this day mostly consisted of our sanity providing 3 hour baby feeding schedule, not the glamorous 30th birthday one may dream about, but one that showed the fruition of so many other dreams.

When this year began I thought it was going to be one of survival more than anything, but as I have journeyed through I think I can say without a doubt this has been the BEST year so far.

I have gotten to know and love two of the most amazing people that will ever enter into my life. Being a mommy is something I dreamed about for so long and was a dream some days I was not sure would come true...at least as I planned. (Well actually it didn't happen as I planned but as God did and with anything His plan was so much greater.)

Aaron finished grad school, passed the CPA exam and now is working for a great firm.

I went back to work after 13 weeks home with the twins. This I thought would be one of the hardest things I ever would do. My heart has always longed to be at home with my babies, but for various reasons does not seem the be the right plan for our family right now. I feel God really laid the path to provide amazing childcare for Jackson & Riggs along with a flexible work environment for me to be a working mom. So far this arrangement has worked great for our family.

I will turn 30 weighing 20 pounds less than when I became pregnant-a weight that I have not seen since at least my junior year in college. One year ago I was hoping I would be able to lose the 60 pounds of baby weight I gained through my pregnancy. I never dreamed it would be 80 pounds lighter.

I have started running, I am just one or two more runs away from completing couch to 5K! I ran 3 miles on Thursday-decided I had to do it before I turned 31! I know this might not seem like much to some but for me this is huge. I have always had a mental block against running that stems from my leg issues in college. I had compartment syndrome which meant blood flow was restricted to my feet when my muscles contracted causing my feet to fall asleep and extreme calf cramps. As you can imagine this was awesome since I player soccer at Clemson. My sophomore year I had surgery that fixed this issue, but then had other injuries that prevented me from getting past this block.

I feel this year I have really tired to draw closer to God in the good times and bad. Wanting to know Him more and seek out His will in my life

And most recently I feel God has placed a new calling on my heart, a purpose. This is very recent so I am still trying to seek out His desire for me in this, but I feel so passionate for a cause like I never have before.

While 30 has been the best days of my life so far, I am hopeful the best is yet to come.

So as the clock strikes 3:17 AM on May 5th, 2012 I hope I am starting an even better year yet!

Happy Birthday Jackson & Riggs!!

Last Friday the twins turned ONE! I am still trying to figure out how this is possible, it does not seem like it has been a year since they were born-then yet again I can't remember what it was like without them.

As you might have read our plans were a little altered for the weekend when Riggs came down with Hand, Foot & Mouth on Thursday, then Jackson followed on Saturday. Their big birthday party was postponed but we were still able to celebrate on Friday with our families. Aaron's parents, sister and her boyfriend had come down from New Jersey and my parents and one sister were here as well.

We headed over to my sisters for a yummy flank steak dinner, presents and of course cupcakes. I think they were a little unsure as to what to do with the cupcakes-we have let them have virtually no sugar this first year. Jackson quickly figured it out and destroyed the entire thing icing and all-he was crazy the rest of the night. Riggs threw half of hers on the floor so he didn't get as much which was probably good since she was not feeling great. We were also able to celebrate Aaron and my Mom's birthday since they were Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

The twins were troopers through it all even though they were not feeling great. We had a great time with our families and are excited to have their party next weekend.

Enjoy the pictures there are a ton!

Smash Cupcakes!

Couldn't get a picture where they both had their hats on.

Jackson inhaling the last bit of icing.

JackJack was so proud of himself. Poor Potamus looks pitiful.

Sugar High!

Presents-check out my cool Clemson hat Riggs got me!

Tailgate chairs for Aunt Siri Aunt Melissa, Uncle David, Cousins Luke & Grayson!

Our first wagon ride.

Matt, Sarah, Siri & Aaron.

Grampy, Grammy, Granddaddy & Nana.

75 Years!!

Friday was my Grandmothers 75th birthday!! Saturday we were able to celebrate with her siblings and a few of her friends with a birthday lunch. My parent's catered Olive Garden Lasagna and Chick-fil-a Sweet Tea...it was all so yummy!

Here is the invitation I made for the event.

Grandmother opening her gifts and cards.

 A view of the room at the Groom Inn where we had the party.

 

Luke was excited to hang out with his BUDDY Aaron!