Carded

Yesterday was my birthday. Jon always has inventory the weekend before or after my birthday, but this year he was able to take a half day off. We spent the day together as a family. We all went shopping for a new bag that I bought with birthday money from Mom and Dad. We decided not to go out to eat because I had already made homemade marinara, and Brighton and I still have colds. The house smelled so good with the sauce cooking all day, I couldn't get pasta out of my head! I had a wonderful day, and I was completely spoiled with some beautiful gifts. Jon bought me a silver fleur de lis necklace from his new favorite jewelry shop--Jose Balli. Ed and Caren sent me a very unique Pandora bead for the bracelet they started for me last year. Mom and Dad sent me money, so that I could go out and buy the new Vera Bradley bag I've had my eye on. I love my new gifts!!! I'm also very excited about the homemade Triceratops that Will made for me :) Jon had the kids make me a huge card with their footprints and handprints all over it. It is something I will cherish forever. I love cards, and I almost never throw one away. I have a file of old cards that I go to sometimes and read and reminisce. I received some really special cards this year. Jon has a knack for finding the most appropriate cards--one funny, one a little more romantic. Ed and Caren sent me a very special card that actually made me tear up, and Mom and Dad sent me a beautiful card that also brought me to the verge of tears. I guess I'm just a sucker for cards! Maybe I'm just getting senile in my old age ;) But, speaking of cards, apparently I still look young enough to get "carded" because that's what happened when I went to pick up the ingredients for the sangria I made on Saturday (I had a Girl's Night Out with some of my friends from the MOMs group I'm a member of). It was the first time that has happened in a long time, and I think it's because I didn't have the kids with me. Whatever the reason, it was a nice confidence booster on the eve of my 29th birthday! There are a few pictures from yesterday. Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes and gifts. I had a very special day, and I am truly blessed!

Brighton's party dress :)

Although Will told me several times what my gift was, he still "surprised" me with it.

My biggest most beautifulest card and my very own Triceretops...what more could a girl want :)

My Other Birthday Gifts: Necklace from Jon, Pandora bead from Caren and Ed, VB bag from Mom and Dad....THANK YOU!!!!

Laundry Basket 400

Mardi Gras Mambo

It is Carnival time in Louisiana. Time for parades and king cake! We are excited to take the kids to as many parades as possible. Contrary to popular belief, most of the parades are extremely family friendly. Carnival began at the beginning of January and lasts until Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), which this year is February 16. The parades haven't really officially begun, but we will be heading to our first one next weekend. We will have some special guests with us. Aunt Wendy and Zach are coming for a visit next weekend. I look forward to Wendy's visit because it is really the only time I have to visit with her all year. When we go to Virginia, we try to fit in so many visits with so many different people, I feel like I don't get to spend quality time with any one person. Will is very excited about Zach coming. He has been talking about all of the "cool thingys" he's going to show Zach. Zach is also a HUGE Saints fan, so it is a good time to visit with Saints fever going on right now! Tomorrow Jon will be taking a half day off, so that we can celebrate my 29th birthday. I can't believe I'm turing 29!!!! I just got used to saying I am 28, and I haven't been able to remember what year it is since 2006 (coincidentally, the year Will was born). We will have pictures to post probably after tomorrow, but for now, I wanted to post the laundry basket video. I was inspired by the video of Callie that Amanda posted, and I thought I would share what my own kiddos like to do with laundry baskets. Will also likes to dump all of the clothes out and use the baskets to transport his toys all over the house. Brighton, as you can see, just likes to ride in them. :)

In training for the Third Quarter Stretch :)

Brighton at 14 months

Brighton Rae will be 14 months old tomorrow. I can't get over what a funny little girl she is becoming. She is into absolutely everthing! I cannot take my eyes off of her for a second, but if I do there are a few things I know she could be doing:

1.) Playing with a musical toy, so that she can bob her head, more like her whole body, to random kid songs.
2.) Sitting on the step playing with tupperware she stole from the cabinet.
3.) In the pantry trying to get into the trashcan.
4.) In the bathroom, throwing various household items in the tub, or worse the toilet.
5.) Growling, yes growling, at her brother because he won't share his snack (the same snack that she just finished).
6.) Turning any electronics within reach on and off, on and off, on and off.
7.) Peeking her head into the shower to see if anyone is in there, so she can get her head wet.
8.) Tackling her brother(who is a wonderful sport about it) or the dog (who is not such a good sport about it).
9.) Using her toy cell phone to make pretend calls where she babbles and laughs at random intervals. (I'm sure I don't sound like that on the phone)!
10.) Using Mommy's cell phone that she's found by rummaging through my purse to make random calls to people in my contact list. (I'm sorry about the phone calls and voice mail messages full of busy baby babble.)

She gets into everything (including the laundry)...

She's growing everyday, but I'm not sure she's as big as she thinks she is in this picture! She's like a little tornado...leaving every room a disaster!

She's really developing a personality!