karaspeak

As  I was running yesterday, I was struck with the fact that it was January 30, and I was running in sunny, warm 60+ degree weather, and felt so in awe of this incredible "winter" we've had I just ran for sheer enjoyment and forgot about time...well, kind of. I mean, I was running a 5 mile tempo run, so you kind of have to pay attention to time. And plus, if you're me you can really not ever stop thinking about time, but I tried. It lasted a few minutes, or seconds, either way, it was blissful. This time last year I was running in 19 to 30 degree weather. Nearly every training run I did was in snow, ice, rain, or clouds. And my winter weather wardrobe got it's fair share of wear. But this year, I've had to go and get the tank tops I put in storage back out so I can wear them. It's amazing. My kind of winter!

The other thing I was thinking about on my run was the fact that Teagan is soon going to be TWO! My sweet baby girl, who a year ago was just learning to talk and walk is now a fully functioning toddler who can do just about anything she puts her mind to. While we were going to have a full out party for her, the more I think about it, the more I just want to celebrate with my nearest and dearest, the ones who know Teagan the best and appreciate all she's accomplished in her second year of life. I'd really like to do another Elmo party because she does love her some Elmo and Abby. We did one for Aiden and it was super cute, and I think she'd really enjoy the theatrics.

When I got back from running I began digging for ideas about how to make the party more girly. As I was digging, on Pinterest of course, I found Hostess with the Mostess had done it again. She posted THIS incredible party. I mean, look at this party. A-mazing.

So of course I began re-thinking my decision to do a small family party when I saw this incredible party. But alas, I think I will stick with the plan and do my amazing family affair, but just blow them out of the water with this amazing party! :)

But still, the fact that she is two is just astonishing. I can't believe my ears and eyes. She becomes more of a lady every day. She loves on people. She is polite. She has this incredibly gifted sense of humor for being nearly two. She laughs all the time. She is smart. She talks so well. She knows all her colors and most of her numbers...and even in the right order! She loves to be held. She loves to read. She remembers everything, even when you think she might not being paying attention. She is obedient. And she is mine for this short time on earth that our amazing Father let us borrow her. She is a precious and valuable gift. I pray for her every day...every minute of every day. She is another ray of sunshine on my life. Like this winter, she is my warmth in the cold. I am forever changed by her. I can't wait to see the woman she becomes. I'm already proud of her, can't imagine how much more proud I could get, but I think God will continue to surprise me with this little miracle.

What a fast year it's been, but my "BABY" boy is now three! What a fun time we had at his party. I wanted to do a real party this year because I felt like this was the first year he really understood what people were doing when they brought gifts and came over to celebrate...it was all going to be for him! And I wanted him to feel really special.

So for Aiden's birthday this year, we had thoughts of doing a Super theme...after being inspired by a Hostess with the Mostess blog about this A-mazing party which was also for a three year old. Even though all the parties she features are fabulous, this one just caught my eye as something Aiden would really love to get into. So we did our own version of this party on a budget, of course, as only we know how! Needless to say it was both fun to plan and fun to throw and I think all the kiddos had a blast! We had kids from Aiden's class, kids from the neighborhood, and family all there to help us celebrate in style and I think it was a hit! I had my brother create an awesome invitation.

After that went out we had a good amount of buzz about our party and everyone was pretty excited including me. I ordered capes for our family...they turned out so cute, thanks to the ladies at Pip and Bean...they helped me out with my particular requests and last minute changes. The capes turned out awesome. I also ordered capes from Sew Plain Jane to give away as party favors. We added an initial to each cape and created a "kit" full of stars, hearts, and other super treats for them to decorate their cape either at the party or when they got home. Our thing with parties for Aiden is to always have a bounce house of some kind, so this year we got a huge water slide for the kids which ended up being really fun! We even provided towels for the mess! We had all kinds of snacks and super treats for the kids and set up a candy bar for everyone to take home some sweet treats. To top it off we sang to the Super Boy of honor and dove into the cupcakes with homemade toppers...which turned out great! We were lucky enough to have sweet Lillian come and take pictures of the party for us, and since she does all of our family pictures, it made it extra special for her to see this fun and loving party time! Enjoy the pictures!

All in all it was a super fun party and I can't wait to dream up one for Baby Girl in another six months! Should be fun.  I think Aiden felt really THREE and really SUPER!