Momma & Daughter Jubliee

I decided to not have Clayton a birthday party this year.  Instead an afternoon with my family celebrating both of us.  No guests (besides my best friend Rachel and fam), just us and a few frills.
(yes, I made an invite to have for her scrapbook)

I used a few decorations from Clayton's 1st birthday party to make it festive...and to get another use out of them.

Clayton loves bounce houses so I ordered her one as part of her birthday present.  It was like her own personal carnival.  Thankfully we didn't have any guests because it rained pretty much the whole day and was very soggy.  Wet kids running through my parent's=no more celebrations at their house.

 "Ree" (Mary) gave Clayton a special gift.

After my sister saw what she had given her, she had to repossess some of it because apparently Mary gathered things around the house for her.

 
 
 
 
Clayton wore the same outfit she did for her 1st birthday shebang!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Gifts for Clayton's 2nd birthday:
-Black & Decker tool set and portable dvd player (her parents)
-Mickey Mouse pajamas, broom set, & Cinderella spin doll (Rogers)
-poppy painting for your room (Mimi & PawPaw)
-baby doll stroller (Bennett's)
 
 
 
 
Although since before she was born, I said I wouldn't make her have lame joint birthday parties with her momma, it was the PERFECT way to celebrate both of our birthdays.... low key, laid back, and casual fun.

Cupcake Celebration

My parents bought me cupcakes from Muddy's for my birthday and Clayton insisted on celebrating for two.  She is very much into blowing out candles right now so we had to do it multiple times.

 

 

 

 

They gave me a Banana Republic gift card and a backback leaf blower!  Yes, a weird present for your 30 year-old pregnant daughter (my dad's idea) and I LOVE it!  I am obviously the yardman at our house.

I'm 30!

Although I feel like I haven't changed much from 29, I decided I'd do another post about myself this year about Clayton's mom at 30...

• I used to enjoy going clothing shopping for myself but these days find much greater pleasure in finding cute things for you.  Your dad thinks I may have a problem but he never complains that you aren't dressed cute.  I don't spend any time shopping for myself these days (and I'm sure my friends can see that) but I'm not complaining.  
• I enjoy a good craft project.  Whether it's making a wreath, sewing curtains or wrapping a gift, anything that enjoys making something I enjoy.  I really thrive off seeing the results of my time and effort.  An extremely nice lady at church is teaching a group of us how to sew right now.  It is a nice refresher class from my college sewing class and I'm loving it.  Of course, I'm learning how to make cute dresses for you!  Can't wait to tackle the pillows and curtains for your room and your little sibling soon.
• I'm a wine and mimosa type of girl.  Beer? No, thank you.  I've had maybe three sips and it taste like pee (not that I know what pee taste like but I don't like it).  I also love margaritas.  One of my favorite things about Louisiana is the drive-through margarita stores.  Yum!  I prefer frozen but I'll drink either.
• I love a good book but haven't read in awhile.  Before chasing a baby at the beach, it was my favorite place to read.  Sit my beach chair next to the ocean and I'd read and drink my adult beverage for hours.  My ultimate relaxation.  The book has to be light-hearted and fun or it doesn't keep my attention.  Books by Emily Giffin are a perfect example of what type I enjoy.
• I love country music.  I love the stories in the songs and the laid back music.  Wish I could play the guitar but what's the point of learning guitar when you can't sing.  And I CANNOT sing.  (I'm sure there is a point and if you want to learn guitar, I will support you 100% but just don't count on mom as a back-up singer.)
• I have been extremely unsatisfied with all the haircuts I have gotten recently.  It's becoming very discouraging.  I have been to three hair stylists recently and I'm still not liking it.  Ugh!  I'm sure it's not completely their fault as I have zero skill at hair styling but I'm frustrated.
• I can buy every make-up the lady at the cosmetic counter says is a must-have and my make-up still always looks like poo.  At 30, you'd think I'd have figured it out by now, but I would like to take a make-up how-to class sometime.  Anyone want to teach me, just let me know.  I have all the make-up.... i just need the skills.
• I am saddened that I don't see my Louisiana friends as often as I'd like.  I miss them greatly and can't believe I haven't met all of the babies that have been born recently.  Hoping my 30's brings me some more spontaneity to plan a trip to visit more often.
• Thank you notes are a high priority on my list.  I think it is the rudest thing when someone sends a gift and the received never acknowledges that it was received much less appreciated.  If the person can take the time, effort and money, be appreciative.  You never know what that person may have sacrificed to give it.
• Sushi is one of my favorite foods.  I love it!  Yum!  Any roll will do although I steer away from eel.

The BIG 3-0!

I turned the BIG 3-0 yesterday!  I had the perfect day celebrating with my little girl.  We spent time outside and she mowed the street.

We snuggled and while she took a nap, I picked up leaves in our yard.

 

She left me a present in her bed when she woke up (more on my "artist" in another post).

We went to the park to feed the ducks at sunset.

 
 And concluded the day with Kyle and Brittany coming over for sushi.  Yum!!!!  

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

Just a handful of the pictures I took:

 

Of course, I wanted Sadie and Clayton in the picture but it wasn't happening. 

 

 

 

And the winner: