Birthday Party!

So we survived the birthday party. I was thankful that it was low-key, although Brian doesn't think 20 people in our house was low-key. It was great to see family and friends. Ben was a little overwhelmed...didn't really share or say thank you. I think he enjoyed himself. He was sad when everyone left. He kept asking where mimi, grammy, and his papa's were. Last year, my grandparents got him a wooden train. To this day, it's his favorite. Well this year, they got him a "Handy Manny" tool set that basically SCREECHES the theme song. Ben LOVED it. We had to tape over the speaker to soften the blow of hearing "WE CAN FIX IT" 30 times, in rapid succession. :)

Thanks to everyone who came. We are so blessed to have friends and family who love us and our little family!

Opening presents with sweet Elisa.

Pre-party...in awe of the helium tank.

Fun stuff...

Brian and Ben are on the bed "rough housing" right now. I'm so glad that Brian does that with him. When Brian was gone for two weeks, Ben would come up to me and smack me or growl...not really my thing. Anywho...finished the stuff for the baby shower this evening. We are trying to get in b-day party mood for little Ben's birthday on Saturday. I think we're almost there...thankfully my mom and dad are coming tomorrow night, b/c Brian is helping out at a youth lock-in on Friday night. Remember those??

This week has been so incredibly crazy. I was finally able to head to Ikea and got a rug and coffee table. I got Brian's stamp of approval on both. :) Ben's been in time-out twice for trying to climb on/jump off the coffee table. Finally Brian said "why are you in time-out?" Ben said "stand on table." So stinkin' cute.

He kept saying "yook (look), flowers."

Brian made fun of me for "blogging" the coffee table. :)

Day off

So, I took the day off. Had the beginnings of a migraine this morning and slept it off...during a THREE hour nap!! Bliss, I tell you. Then got to hang out with my hubby. I'm going to miss him not being at home once school starts up again. :( We did some shopping on craigslist for a new coffee table. We are also planning a little stop at IKEA in Round Rock tomorrow for a new rug. Excited about that. IKEA is like a casino for us...we have to know exactly how much we can spend and once we get to that point, walk out! :) Not that I know much about casinos. Anywho...back to work tomorrow...court, visits...it never ends!!! At least I had today... :)

Sunday Morning

Brian's leading worship at one of our friends' churches today so we had a little more free time this morning before we had to leave. Ben was so much fun this morning...all over the place. He just laughed and sang and danced...and yes, there was some squealing as well. Here are some pictures of my happy boy. I can't believe he is almost two!! (I'm a little frustrated with the camera...I can't get consistent pictures with it. Some are grainy or blurry or orange looking.)

A perfect "cheese" face!

Nothing much...

Life is busy as usual...work is CRAZY!! My kiddos are having a rough time. I think it's just b/c of summer. Hopefully things will calm down once school starts for them. In family news, my brother-in-law & sister-in-law had their little baby GIRL!! Her name is Karis, which means grace I think. She is gorgeous!!!!! Her three big brothers are excited. Carrie and baby are doing great. I can't wait to meet her. In Ben news, he can now open doors, which makes bed time in his new toddler bed interesting. Daddy had to go in twice last night...tears were shed! He loves trying to open the door to the garage. We REALLY need to head to Home Depot and get those door knob covers. Ben's bday party is next weekend...I'm having fun planning it. I'm not stressing out over theme or anything like that this year. I'm just excited about getting together with our friends and families. Good times! I'm also helping plan a baby shower for a friend. I love buying little pink things. Little boys rock, but little girls' clothing is so much more fun. Anywho...that's my Thursday. I hope everyone is doing well!!

Big Boy

Ben is in his big boy bed. His crib also makes into a toddler bed. I'll admit, I cried when I saw it. But he's so excited about it. Here are some pictures. Now I'm drooling, once again, over Pottery Barn Kids bedding. He needs a $100 quilt, right???? Or maybe not, but I can still look. :) His "cheese" for the camera is improving, don't you think?

MONKEYS!!!!!!!! How cute!

I just don't know what to say. Who is this big boy?

Remember when........

Friday

It's give-a-way day on http://allieparkersthoughts.blogspot.com/ . I don't know why I'm telling you this b/c I really want to win the bracelet and this is only lessening my chance. :)

Today is a better day! No one has cried on me yet!