Birthday Party

Luke had a great time at his birthday party! He loved eating his blue cake, and he had fun playing with all of the paper and balloons! Claire had a great time too, however, it was hard to convince her that the party was not in fact for her... but for her brother! Here are some pictures.

Luke and his ocean cake.

Claire and Luke

"Ugh... I think I ate too much cake Mom."

PARTY!!!

Today...

Today is a big day at our house. Jeff and I have been married 5 years today. It is amazing to me that it has been that long. I am so thankful for Jeff. He is my best friend and the love of my life. He is the best father ever, and also a caring friend. I can not imagine my life without him. I love you Jeff!
Also, today little Lukey is 1!!! Yea Luke! Last year at this time I was having a c-section, and then watching Luke be swept away to the nicu. It was a scary day or two. But, as most of you know, Luke is a BIG boy and has had NO troubles getting that way! He is the sweetest little boy I know. He is gaining more and more personality each day... I love you Luke! Happy Birthday! We are having a very small party for Luke tomorrow, so I will post so fun and messy cake pictures next week!

Not much to blog about today. We had a great weekend at the Four Seasons. The only word that I can think of to describe it: posh. I love that word. We had a very fun time with my parents... it always stinks to have them go.

Luke will be one on Friday. Jeff and I will celebrate our fifth anniversary on Friday! It will be a big day at our house!

Luke takes five or six steps at a time now. He doesn't really fall, he just drops to his knees because he thinks it's easier. Jeff taught him how to give kisses this morning. It is priceless! I've been making him do it all morning!

As for Claire... did you know that the second year of a child's life is like eternity?! I am very ready for the two's to be over with. Don't get me wrong... she has her sweet moments, but they seem few and far between. On that note, here is a very sweet picture of munchkin number one. (The dress that Claire is wearing was made by me, and monogrammed by my Mom... I will be putting this picture on my business blog as well! I had so much fun making this for her!!!)

Mothers Day

I had a great Mothers Day weekend. My massage was heavenly. We worked in the yard on Saturday, and then went to church and dinner that night! Luke waved for the first time and even learned how to clap his hands on demand. Jeff took this picture of me and the kids. I am so excited to have a picture with them... I am always the one taking the pictures!

On a very sad note... we are down to one cat. On Saturday Tucker got outside. He is an indoor cat, so I always freak out when he gets outside, because he is declawed. I wasn't worried because he always comes back. Well, this time was WAY different. Jeff and I had finished working in the backyard and moved on to the front. Jeff climbed over the bushes to pull a few stray weeds... Tucker came running from another yard and started hissing and spitting and growling at Jeff. It was demonic. I have never seen him act like that. Jeff jumped out of the bushes and grabbed the broom. He hit the bushes a few time (not the cat) and Tucker ran off. We haven't seen him since. I have very mixed horrible emotions. First, I am SAD. I love Tucker. Jeff gave him to me as a gift in college. Second, I am relieved. Last week Tucker scratched Luke in the face. Third, I am scared to go outside. I am so afraid he is going to come back. Jeff said that he is not welcome to come back. I am not upset with Jeff, because I understand that Tucker is a safety issue for the kids... and the do come first. Anyway... if you know me, you know how much I love my kitties. Please pray that Tucker doesn't come back... I just don't think I can handle it if he does. Thanks for letting me get all of that out.

This and that...

Happy Mothers Day (a little bit early)!!! Jeff and the kids got me a massage at a spa... i can't wait! I love being a Mom. I love taking care of Claire and Luke. I don't even mind wiping noses and changing gross diapers. I will admit to looking forward to nap time and bed time though!

I won't get too sappy, but I also wanted to say Happy Mothers Day to my Mom. She is the best Mom in the whole world. Also, Happy Mothers day Janis (Jeff's Mom)... I am very thankful for you. The other Moms in my life: Grandma Elva, Marie and Aunt Ruth... Happy Mothers day! And lastly, all of my Mommy friends... Allison M, Allison L, Liz, Angie, Holly, Andrea, Becky B, Jessica M, Angela F, Stephie F... I am thankful for your friendship. You are all great examples for me ( i hope I didn't leave anyone out!). Oh, wait... I can't leave out my first time preggo friends! Jennie and Sarah, I am so excited for ya'll. You are both going to be great Moms. So, Happy FIRST Mothers Day!!!

Random things that I have been thinking about:

• Next weekend my parents are coming to watch the kids while Jeff and I go on a FREE!! company appreciation weekend at the Four Seasons in Las Colinas! I CAN"T WAIT!!!!


• My new favorite thing is Coke Zero... way better than diet coke.


• Luke has been on antibiotics for 10 days now... why does he still have a snotty nose? Anybody???


• Why is there not a clothing designer out there for the 25-35 age group? I just don't feel comfortable in the Juniors section anymore... anything you might suggest?


• Luke will be ONE on the 25th! How crazy is that?!


• If you have a chance go to www.ethanpowell.com. This little guy needs a lot of prayers.

Thanks for reading! Here are some new pictures...

Claire was pretending to rescue Baby Jaguar from the tree, this is a picture of her catching him!
The sweetest face I have ever seen.
Luke and KJL sharing a cup of tea.

Ice Cream

Last night during dinner Jeff asked Claire if she would like to go get ice cream after dinner. She got SO excited and said "yeah, sure!!!!"... "Daddy, you wear that shirt to go get ice cream?" Apparently she was concerned about Jeff's fashion choices! We all had a good laugh over that one!
I have blogged a lot about Claire lately, so here is what Luke is up to...

• he is taking steps, about two or three at a time!
• he will be one year old in just a few weeks!
• he FINALLY will say 'Mama!'
• he really likes chasing balls around the house, and playing with his blocks.

Anyways, I don't have any new photos to post. Luke and I have been sick, so we haven't really been in the picture taking mood! I plan on doing that more this week!

New pictures...

Hi guys. Check out my other blog (... by emily) for new handbag pictures. I have had the opportunity to make a lot of new bags lately... more later!