Happy birthday to Me!

I know, I know, this poor littel blog has been sadly neglected by its author.  I get on these kicks where I blog like crazy or sew like crazy.  I rarely stay up with both.  This is a season where I madly sew--and love it.  Maybe one day I'll actually post pictures of the fifty some projects I've completed in the last few months.  Sewing helps maintain my sanity.

But, here's to update on life a few weeks back.

My parents came back in town--woo hoo!  They came in town to celebrate Ivory's birthday (a little late, but that just prolongs the birthday fun).  They also came a little late so they could watch the kiddos while Jason and I got away for my birthday.

Grandma + Pa bought a Cars book with him recorded reading it to Micah.  As anyone who knows Micah can predict, he *loves* it.  His love of Pa + Cars combined.
We introduced Grandma to a round of Pretty Pretty Princess--which she enjoyed, especially since she won!  Ivory's still learning to rejoice when others win.

My birthday fell on a Friday this year.  I woke to hand picked flowers, a triple chocolate cake (made by my sweetie!), and a card made by all three kids.  So sweet! 


While Grandma + Pa watched the kiddos Jason and I went to the Chaney's so Jason could meet sweet Olive.  By then it was lunch time so we went for a lunch date at the donut shop.


Then we headed to the beach for some refreshing sunshine.

And a little bit of shopping. 
Where we saw this beastly bug.  Can we say tracker jacker?

Ice cream before dinner?  Why not? Love us some Red Brick Pizza!  Have you tried their Greek salad?  Mmmmmm.


My husband is a ptient man.  He watched me try on many may pairs of jeans.  I finally purchased a pair.  And then exchanged them the next week for two shirts and a sweater.  Fickle. 

We enjoyed our chance to stay out late...but being parents of three we couldn't stay awake past midnight.  The next morning we slept in (such a treat!), met Jason's sister Melissa for breakfast (she was visiting on a quick stop before heading to Jacksonville.  We went and visisted the kids and quickly packed Ivory's bag so she could go stay with Aunt Mel to visit Nana + Grandaddy for a few days. 

After this we went kayaking together. 

It was beautiful and so fun! I've canoed 13 miles before, but I had a paddle partner.  This was my first 11 mile run on my own.  My studly man took it all in stride, but this out of shape girl was exhausted after the trip.  I'm glad I did, though.  It was so fun.  Except for the rain, but thankfully we found shelter and it didn't turn into a crazy thunderstorm.

It was a beautiful weekend and I'm so so grateful for those who made it possible.

A few days later I received a surprise package from my longtime, dear friend Danielle.  She returned a ring I left there, sent an exotic postcard,

and a beautiful handmade bag made by women from other countries trying to get a new start.  I. love. it.

Have I mentioned I love birthdays?  All the texts, facebook notes, calls, presents--so fun.  I have always loved the excitement of birthdays and I'm grateful for those who made this one special.

Saturday Celebration

Making chocolate turtle cheesecake with Mom for daddy's birthday celebration (a little early in case a certain someone decides to arrive soon).


Micah meets Michael.  Micah, MikeMike + Michael. Say it 10 times fast. Friends reunited.  Christina + Sarah. New friends made.  Sarah meets Michael. Love her smile. Good food.  Forgot to take pictures of the delicious dessert spread--pound cake, chocolate peanut butter cake, chocolate turtle cheesecake, coconut cake + homemade ice cream). Good fellowship. My parents, MikeMike, Micah, Bobo (Robin). Prayer. Sarah, Michael, Cassie.

Playtime. Sleep time.


Such a fun evening celebrating Jason (17th) + Christina's (19th) birthdays.  Love them both.  Btw, this girl is responsible for Jason and I meeting, double that love!

Korban is teasing me with contractions since yesterday at 1pm.  Hoping tonight will bring much needed sleep...or a baby.  Feeling like the former is more likely then the latter.  Either way, praise God progress is being made and we are both safe and healthy.  Good sleep would definitely be welcomed.

When Grandma + Grandpa Come to Town

The Calvary has arrived. On my mom's birthday (yesterday). We were all VERY excited when they arrived.  Especially Ivory.  Who couldn't fall asleep at nap time for her excitement. Strawberries + pound cake + whip cream + chocolate = delicious combination.  The pound cake was made by a 90-year-old woman in our church who is making cakes to raise money to give toward the talents (paying off our Family Life Center loan).  How do you turn down a chance to buy a cake from a 90-year-old lady baking for Jesus?  Not only that--they taste wonderful.  She's known for her delicious pound cakes (she frequently surprises our family with them). 

The kabobs, though not quite as artfully displayed, were inspired by this pinterest photo:

Source: jensownroad.blogspot.com via Lee Ann on Pinterest

After the birthday excitement and before church the afternoon was filled with paper airplane making (Pa bought her a special book)  and Grandma + Grandpa's fun new hp touch pads. Ivory loved the games and listened to Grandma read her a Bible story about Ruth. 
When Micah woke from his 4-hour nap(!) he enjoyed time with Grandpa throwing his dinosaur, laughing hysterically, playing with balloons, and in general being his silly, sweet self.

Ivory came home from church to immediately knock on Grandma + Pa's door for more visiting.  Micah melted Grandma when he reached for her and gave her voluntary snuggles.  He buttered up Pa when he ran across the yard to him.  After a little play time we enjoyed bedtime stories and, of course, Pa + Grandma had to be the ones to tuck her in bed. 
She prayed for Pa + Grandma each as they took turns tucking her in last night.  She prayed they would sleep well and not be scared by spiders.  Ivory, "I can pray now!"  So sweet.

And right now they are visiting in the 5th wheel playing with the new and exciting things Grandma packed away for this trip.  Last few visits Micah has been unsure about visiting away from Mom, but this time he was not to be left behind and excitedly went to visit his new rubber duck friend, "Kack!" (quack).  And now you're beginning to see why this momma LOVES when grandparents visit.

twenty & six

This week I turned the big 2-6. It fell on a busy day so I didn't really expect to do/receive much. Well, my sweet friend surprised me with a half walk + a donut! When I got home my husband had helped the kids make me birthday cards (yes, he's amazing like that):



He was also making pancakes for our family. So, of course, I indulged in more delicious carbs. Walking + prego + birthday makes it ok...at least I'll keep telling myself that. =)

I recived cards + gifts + facebook posts + texts + lunch out + date night+morning with husband + future lunch with a friend (I love something to anticiapte!). I'm overwhelmed thinking about the thoughtfulness and love of the people in my life. I'm usually like a little kid about my birthday anticipating it with a countdown for at least a month before. This year I felt somewhat indifferent, maybe even slightly melancholy. I think I'm just so consumed with the projects I want to complete before baby arrives that it was just sort of another date on the calendar. But, when it comes down to it and I wake up on my birthday, I still feel sort of like a little kid full of hope, excitement & anticipation. I'm grateful for those who blessed me with way more then I could have hoped for.

Friday, Jason arranged a surprise date for us that lasted all the way through Saturday lunch. (After a day like Thursday, Friday couldn't come fast enough!) Talk about a treat!! We actually stayed up to midnight (barely) and slept in until 9:30. I can't remember the last time I slept that late. I felt truly spoiled. We browsed stores and ate dinner at Olive Garden--one of my favorite restaurants.

My husband has saved a card I gave him nearly 4 years ago on his 26th birthday. This year he wrote on the other half of it and gave it to me. How thoughtful and unique is that? I mean, beyond the sweetness of holding onto a card I gave him 4 years ago, he wrote sweet, sweet words to me and pulled it out at just the right time. I so love him.


It's funny how God works. My plan wasn't to get married until oh, around 28. Who'd have thought by the time I turned 26 I'd have been married over 5 years with a 3-year-old, 15-month-old, and baby Korban on the way (Monday marks only 6 weeks 'til d-day!). I love that God's plans are much better then ours. I'm glad He's in charge and not me.

Thanks God for the friends + family you've placed in my life. I'm so very blessed.

Birthday Banner

Loving all the triangle/half circle cloth banners that are popping up all over the blogosphere.  Also loved the triangle paper banner my roomie made Micah for his 1st birthday.  This has inspired me to make a family birthday banner we can use at every birthday each year.   I decided I would make it using the supplies I had, thus the slightly girly, pastely fabric.  Not exactly what I had in mind, but I think it turned out cute enough.  The middle triangle is plain and I made some striped fabric numbers 0-9 to velcro on so they can be changed out according to what age the family member is turning.  I thought it might be fun to make a tradition out of always hanging up the family birthday banner each birthday.  I remember our friends growing up having a birthday candle and I thought that was super cool.  Another friend made a special plate to use on special occasions, which I may imitate one day, too.  Love fun, simple family traditions.

Little cloth bag to hold the striped numbers.

Plan to see the birthday banner popping up in only a few weeks--yes, our little girl will turn 3 in only a few weeks!

Birthday Video

Micah's morning birthday greeting from big sister.



Fun at Meme & Papa's.

Five and One

5 years ago today I married my best friend. And I've never once looked back with the least bit of regret. Sorry to all you other girls out there, but I married the best man, guess you'll have to settle for second best. {wink} I am so grateful God chose to cross our paths the fall of 2003. I am a better person because of Jason Allen and I look forward to making it to 50 years and beyond. I love you, sweetheart. Thank you for being so wonderful and for continually challenging me to grow closer to the Lord with your teachings and personal example.

Yes, the wind blew at the perfect moment.

This face = extreme happiness

Sweet love.


A big thank you to Jason's parents for raising their son to be a godly man. I'm grateful for the investment you've made so that our lives can be so blessed and so we can work together to be a blessing in God's kingdom.

Mom and Dad--you're truly the best parents a girl could ask for. Sure, I remember our fights and hard times, but wow do the blessings you bestowed on us far outweigh any bad memories. You two sacrife so much for your children--we are so blessed to call you Mom and Dad. I love and appreciate you and hope to be godly parents like you.


We rode away on a jet ski. This is right about when I nearly flew off into the water. Years later from Jason, "You were riding sideways?! If I'd have known that I wouldn't have gone so fast and driven so crazy!" How else would I ride in a wedding dress??? =)


Excuse that brief laspe down memore lane...I love reminscing.

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On to the next order of celebration.
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1 year ago today a precious little bundle was placed in my arms. He captured my heart in an entirely new way.

I'd always heard about the special bond between mother and son. Now I feel it. He melts me like none other. And there isn't anything much sweeter then watching my two children happily interact.




Micah, we love you so very much. Your smile is continual and contagious. We love the way you happily play, stop for a moment to come give hugs and cuddles, then happily go back to playing. We love your kisses, snuggles, and squeals of delight. Your tender spirit and your joyful heart bring such delight.

We love watching you grow and pray that you will be used by God to bring many into his kingdom. May the tenderness of your heart always match the strength of your character.

I pray for purity in mind, body, and purpose. We desire to see you zealous for the Lord's glory, adventurous in pursuing his exciting plan for your life. Your joy has already blessed so many lives, may it only continue to bless many, many more.

We love you Micah Allen.


Oh, and did I mention he's walking all over the place?! It never gets old watching a baby learn to walk. Love. it.