Winter Wrap Up

The rest of winter was fairly uneventful.  But I thought I might include a few things here that happened....

Shingles
One day in February, I found myself picking behind my ear.  I thought I had a pimple or something.  Anyway, it got worse and I couldn't quite figure what it was.  It wasn't too concerning, but I was more just curious.  So I made an appointment with my dermatologist even though it seemed to start improving.  I'm glad I did because what she told me was something I hadn't even considered.  Shingles!  I was quite surprised.  She explained that shingles outbreaks often happen near places with a lot of nerve endings.  And my outbreak place (right behind the ear under the jaw) was a common one.  As I thought about it, it did seem to come with the sort of stabbing pain that you hear about - though mine was never very painful - I knew how that felt.  I was glad it wasn't more painful.  It may have contributed to a really horrible stiff neck I got the following week however that really took me several weeks to recover from.  I've had more and more of those darn stiff necks this year.  It's become a bit of a problem (also had one at Girl's camp and one a few weeks ago).  Anyway, back to the shingles...  I was really glad that my kids had been vaccinated and that it wasn't more serious.  It can be caused by stress and sickness - both of which I had dealt with recently.  I need to get the vaccine this year which will hopefully prevent it in the future.

Jeff Turns 40!
Also in February, Jeff turned 40!  I guess we are getting older.  : )  He didn't want a big "to-do".  So Mary and I made 40 mini cupcakes for him, gave him a handmade card that said 40 reasons why I loved him, and ordered him a pizza - his favorite.   Well, something else too, but I can't really go into details.  ; )

Playdates With Stephanie and Sigmund
We had several fun outings with Stephanie and Sigmund - We won't get to see them as often this next school year because our kids are getting busier.  : (

 Jump Street and lunch afterwards in the mall

Lollipop Park again

Jonathan signs "UP" as the horse goes up.  

Peter-Pan
Mary and I enjoyed going to see Peter Pan at the Pace Center in Parker.  I didn't know anything about the PACE center before I moved here.  Seems like another reason we were meant to come to Parker.  : )  They have a fun play area outside the center with musical instruments for the kids.  Mary loved it!

 That was about all.  But here are a few extra pictures.  As I look at them, it is amazing to me how much Jonathan has grown since the beginning of this year.  He looks so little in these pics.  He's a pretty big boy now!  (And a handful! : ))

Gets tiring running around and climbing all the time....

Needing a haircut...

Funny Boy

Giving kisses

Valentine's Outfit

Valentine's Bath

Valentine's Baby (Aria)

Valentine's Momma

Mary discovered something great about getting sick.... Breakfast in Bed.  She actually told me today that she is looking forward to getting sick again so she can do this.  : )

Mary earned a new Elsa doll (came with matching outfit) for doing reading lessons with me.  We were going strong for awhile and then they got a little bit hard for her.  Now Daddy plays the Skittle game (reading) with her often.  She can read a little now.

Went to see my niece Emma in her musical, Horton Hears A Who.  It was super cute.

And I'm including this because it has been a major focus of mine this past year...getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight.  Only a few pounds left!

That's about it!  Thanks for stopping by!

Bonjour Bebe!

As soon as Christmas was over, I knew I would have to jump right in to plan Annabel's baby shower which was three weeks away.

I had seen a theme called Bonjour Bebe which I knew would be PERFECT for Annabel, seeing that she is into French stuff and speaks conversational French.  Anyhow... I was lucky enough to come across these invitations.  Totally perfect!

Once you have a theme, I find it is pretty easy to plan a party.  And I had so much fun doing this one!  I told Ellen about my theme and she offered to help me.  She lent me these perfect imitation depression glass plates, goblets, serving pieces in pink.  I really think these dishes made the shower so beautiful.  She also made me some custom table cloths and really helped me so much!

For the food I had all things french inspired... Croissants, casseroles, salad, cupcakes, and nonpareils.  The picture below isn't very good....This is before all the food arrived.  But you can see a mini sewing form as a center piece.  The table cloth was like french newspaper print.  It was really cool.

And the party favors were Madeleine cookies with "Merci" on the tag!

This was the entry way table (and exit) where we had the party favors.  I also included the photo scrapbook I had made for Annabel as well as her professional wedding photos for people to enjoy.  And, I put little diapers out for people to write little bits of advice for Annabel on a card and stick them in the diaper for those late night feedings.  The cute poodle statue was courtesy of Ellen again.  : )

I had so much fun doing this shower.  Several people helped me with the food which was very much appreciated.

I've thrown several showers now and I think this one was probably the best one yet!  I was really happy with everything!

And per Annabel's request, Mary came (and wore the perfect outfit if I do say so myself)!

Beautiful people of Highlands Ranch...

 Helper Mary

 Helper Ellen and Beautiful Annabel (Sorry I don't have a better picture of the guest of honor!)

 Dear friends that I miss...

Annabel's beautiful Mom and Sister (and good friends)

 Most of the party....

And here is a picture of Newborn Baby Aria...

And one a few months older.  Isn't she so adorable, precious, and sweet???

Bonjour Bebe!  We love you so!!!