Wild One Party

As I was trying to come up for a theme for Nixon's birthday, it came to me pretty quick. Nixon's room (before we moved) was kind of a tribal/woodland feel, and I thought it would be perfect for a party! Here was the invitation I made:

I just have to say, there is no way I would have pulled this off if it wasn't for the help of Rylee, Sarah, and Ethan. The two nights leading up to the party I was up, at least, until 2:30am. The night before the party, Rylee didn't even leave the house until 2:15am. But, to me, it was totally worth it after seeing it all come together!

We had the party during lunch time, so we had a BBQ with hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats, but, I made sure there were plenty of desserts to choose from as well!

This tower was just the bite size Costco brownies and I designed little arrow tags that I attached to a toothpick and stuck them in.

Because I didn't want to do the cake smash at his party, I made a Rice Krispies cake and covered it in marshmallow fondant. A little note, don't expect your fondant to look smooth at all when covering Rice Krispies! But, I used a little icing to help cover up imperfections and I actually really loved how it turned out!

I also bought packaged Rice Krispies, cut them in half and dipped them in colored chocolate. They were looking a little plain, so Rylee took the icing bag and pipped the theme on them. So simple, so fun!

And of course, no party would be complete without Oreo truffles! I swear, these things are such a crowd pleaser. I wanted to keep them fairly simple, so white almond bark with a Washi tape flag and they were good to go! While I was coming up with the treats, I still felt like there needed to be something else added to the mix. I went to our local Aldi looking for inspiration and found these twisted churros so I picked up a couple bags. They were just the thing I was looking for.

For the decorations, my sister-in-law Jessica found a chevron template on her Silhouette cutter. We decided to use it to make arrow garland. I just looked through Sarah's scrap paper and found some that went with the color scheme. She cut them and sewed them together and it worked out so well! She also cut two 3D teepees that were also on the Silhouette, but I forgot to get a picture of those dang it! The table runner was some fabric I bought months ago that I had planned on making into crib sheets. Luckily for the party, I hadn't gotten to it yet so I was able to use it!

My absolute favorite decoration though, hands down, was the teepee I picked up at Hobby Lobby. I've wanted one of these since deciding his room theme, but I just never wanted to spend the money on them. While I was walking through Hobby Lobby, picking up some last minute things for the party, I looked up, and there in all its glory was this adorable chevron teepee in gray and white. It was perfect! I had a 40% off coupon which made it even sweeter!

Strung around the of the room was a tassel garland I made out of tissue paper and and then lined with pictures from every month of Nixon's 1st year. I loved seeing how he's grown! Although, it was hard to find a picture after he turned four months without his big toothless, open-mouth grin!

I knew I wanted Nixon to wear something in the theme, so I came up with this design for his onesie. Rylee was in charge of actually making it. We printed the design on freezer paper, she then cut it out using an Exacto knife. After it was all cut out, she ironed it on to the onesie, sponged on the paint and let it dry. It turned out exactly how I wanted!

Once it was time to sing happy birthday, Nixon was being a little difficult (in his defense we did wake him up from his nap after only being down for an hour). The second everyone started singing, he stopped. I'm pretty sure he was a little confused what was happening, but he finally sat still and enjoyed the rest of the party!

I'm so grateful for all of the help I had because there is no way I could have done it with everyone's help. And although it was a ton of work, I'm ready to start planning the next one!

Happy birthday

I can't believe Nixon is already one! It's totally cliché I know, but I feel like time has gone so fast! It's hard to believe we have a one year old!

I have been so excited about a cake smash for Nixon ever since he started eating on his own with his hands. He loves to get into his food and I was sure he would put on a good show!

Sadly, he was not into it at all. He didn't want anything to do with the cake. That was, until he got past the frosting and into the actual cake.

We also had a little mishap. I found the perfect place for the picture. We took a couple and the cake tipped over into all the leaves! We ended up moving to a spot that was a bit more level. It worked much better. 

Although he may not have acted like he liked it the whole time, he did a pretty good number on it!

Happy birthday Nixon. We love you!

52 Weeks

We made it! We got 52 weeks of pictures and 52 weeks worth of this precious face. At 52 weeks, Nixon has been ORNERY! I'm assuming it has to do with the next two teeth that are coming through. Usually he's such a happy guy. 

We had his party this past weekend, and he decided it was his party so he could cry if he wanted to! He did and then we put him down for a good nap. He woke up much happier! I can't believe he's almost one!!

51 Weeks

Just one more week until this boy turns one!!

50 Weeks

Nixon had a rough week this week. He had some kind of bug and it hit hard. Throw up and blow outs, both of us are ready for a new week! He had us a little worried because he dropped some weight with his lack of eating and drinking and throwing up so much, but it looks like he's on the mend.

With only two weeks until his first birthday, he has three teeth and one ready to pop through (along with more busted lips on those sharp things!), he's standing more without support and he's getting even more fun!

Gratitude

Last night as I lay in bed, I was overcome with the strongest feeling of gratitude for this man.

Not to say I don't feel grateful often, but this was so overwhelming. I laid there, holding his hand, in tears thinking how blessed I am. Ethan is the most amazing man and I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have him be my husband. I even imagined us as an old couple, me with a white pony tail, him with his million dollar grin, and both of us more in love than ever before. It was a sweet image.

He works so hard. He's going to school, working, church callings, and is continually serving others as well as makes time for his family. I don't know what I've done to have such an amazing guy, but I know I'm going to keep holding on to him as tight as I can!

49 Weeks

Nixon has had quite a week so far. He's almost fallen face first down the stairs, but was caught by Ethan's dad Dwayne and I, he pulled a chair down on top of him and whopped his face pretty good, he's got his two top teeth trying to pop through, and he's bumped his head multiple times on furniture, floors, and anything else he can.

With all of that, he's also had some successes! He had his first Easter, and on that same day stood for the first time on his own for a substantial amount of time. And just today he took his first legitimate step on his own and drank from a straw successfully for the first time (on the first try).

We've had a bit of a sick bug going around the family, so we hope he is able to avoid getting it!

Easter Day

Our Easter was just how I imagined it: low key, spending time with family, and hearing the amazing talks from general conference. Living in the East, means conference doesn't start until noon! That left a lot of time in the morning for Easter baskets, breakfast, and lounging.

I'm not going to lie when I say I probably had the best Easter basket! First, Ethan tied mine to a string and made me go through the whole main level of the house to find it.

Ethan and Nixon got their baskets as well! Nixon was uber excited for a couple of the balls in his basket (that, crazy enough, he's played with before... he's young enough he'll never know). 

The loot!

After the basket festivities, I made some pancakes and we enjoyed a nice breakfast all together. We put Nixon down for a nap, and put conference on while I made some colorful deviled eggs (I'll post those later). It's always amazing listening to the prophets and apostles and getting spiritually filled!

I made sure to get some Easter pictures of Nixon, which make my heart melt every time I see them. I had a really hard time narrowing them down. I decided maybe it's ok to have a couple of pictures, even if they're similar poses because he was so dang cute during the whole thing!

After pictures, we headed over to Ethan's sister Jessica and Eric's house for a delicious dinner. It was fun to spend time with them again, eat yummy food, and play a mob card game (which I ended up winning)! 

Ethan and I ended the night with reading the three gospel accounts of the resurrection. I am so thankful for my Savior who made it possible for us to live again and for me to be with my family for time and eternity. 

Happy Easter!

Easter eggs

This week for family home evening, we went to our friends, the Esselman's home to color Easter eggs. Neither Ethan nor I have decorated eggs in years so we thought it would be fun! Who knew that in about 10 years since I've decorated, they would have come out with some cool new colors. No longer are you limited to the boring color tablets in vinegar, oh no. They have metallic, tie-dye, and even glitter! Of course the boxes make them look way better than how they'll actually turn out, but it was definitely fun to see all of the pretty colors. 

I'm excited for Nixon's first Easter!

Drumroll....

This has been a long time coming, and I'm so excited to FINALLY announce that we're in business!

Bo Diddle Design is a hand-stamped jewelry business that I've been trying to get off the ground for some time now. I've always had an interest in jewelry and I thought to myself, "Why don't I just do it?" I've pushed it off, and worried about putting myself out there, but I decided to take the leap. Other people have found success in something they enjoy, and I hope to have that same opportunity. Right now I have two products, but will continue to add more sizes, shapes and styles as things progress. 

Want to show that special mother in your life how much you love her? This would be the perfect gift for Mother's Day! If you like what you see, head over to my shop and check it out! 

Bo Diddle Design

Mini Initial: 1/4" Sterling or gold disc with one letter/number

Small Initial: 1/2" Sterling or gold disc with one letter/number 

I'm so excited for this new venture in my life!