Above water

Not that excuses will justify my absence, but there are many reasons I have been away from my friendly ol' blog.  Now that February has passed, I'm finally starting to feel like my head is above water.  You see, I've been quite a busy bee as of late.  Here's a sneak peek of what this busy mama has been up to:

1. Call me Mrs. party planner:

Earlier in the month Chris and I put together a 'couples dinner' for our church.  There were over 50 guests that attended!  It was such a delightful evening, and some of our great friends, The Martins, shared their story of how God has been working in their marriage.  It was an amazing evening!  Chris catered the meal (it was delicious), and I decorated all the tables, etc.  The funny part is that I don't have one picture to show for it!  boo.  I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off, taking pictures didn't even cross my mind.  It was a lot of work, but the end result was very successful.  We plan to do an annual couple's dinner for sure!  Next time, I'll take pictures! :)


My Valentine surprised me with an amazing dinner and movie at home :)  Am I really this lucky? 

Chris made us a cheese platter with apricots, prosciutto, olives, etc. etc.!  He bought champagne, and roses.  He even lit candles! Ha!  Let's just say I was stunned and all mushy inside :)  A few days earlier I had told Chris that the new Twilight movie will be out on DVD on Valentine's day.  I was telling him how excited I was about it--it was the one where they get married and have a baby! lol. I'm a sucker for the sappy stuff.  Chris had to go to 3 Red box locations to find it.  But he hunted it down, and we watched it together as we ate a yummy cheese platter. 

What's got into Chris, I thought??  A sappy love vampire werewolf movie?  lol. 

...I guess he just really loves me......................sigh.

After Valentine's day I was really excited about planning Jude's birthday party.  As I shared in an earlier post, there was no way I was going to get around not doing a Toy Story theme.  As I was shopping for related items, I found it super easy to find party planning materials.  A lot of kids enjoy this super-cute Pixar classic.  We had so much fun at his party, Jude woke up from his nap that day saying "friends?"  So cute. 

2. I've been chasing my 2 year old around EVERYWHERE trying to prevent more bumps and bruises than he already has!

Jude is unstoppable. I'll just leave it at that.  A few weeks back he tripped and fell at church and his head met the asphalt leaving one nasty abrasion.  I freaked out about it a little because it turned into a pretty big bump on the outside, and it scared me.  It all turned out okay.  Deep breath.

Just as Jude's head was healing from that fell he took another one (in our own home!).  Uh.  This time he fell on his toy, and the toy was not very forgiving.  It left a serious indention on his for head.  Then, just yesterday we were outside playing in the the snow, and Jude makes an attempt to climb a rock.  Just as I was about to stop him, he loses his balance and simply slides down this rock (face meeting rock).  AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

If this is a forecast of what year 2 is bringing, someone get me bag, I'm about to hyperventilate.   

Poor baby.  It's a good thing he heals up pretty quickly.  Nothing, I mean nothing slows him down.  Not bumps, not bruises.  Yikes! This scares me a little.  But maybe that quality will make him a good linebacker someday. lol.  Looking on the bright side, of course.

Can't believe Jude is moving into his third year of life.  Love these times spent with him.  He is turning into a little person!  This past month he has reminded me of the little things around him that sometimes we, as 'big people' overlook.

Things like--

Singing & dancing. Jude knows how to break a move.  Let's just leave it at that.  If a movie we're watching has music to it, Jude's the first one to get up and start moving and shaking.  If I could read his mind, I'm sure he'd be thinking "come on guys, just let it loose, it's fun" :)

Praying.  Chris and I will never forget the night Jude taught us to pray :)  Right before Jude turned 1 we sat him down to eat in his highchair, and he wouldn't.  I thought, great, a dinner time battle.  He kept saying 'men-men'.  Over and over.  Chris and I just looked at each other and we were bewildered.  Finally a light kicked on! A-MEN!  He wants us to pray! ha!  Ever since that night, Jude reminds us to pray.  It's a great reminder that the Lord hears even the prayers of a child. 

Being a BIG helper.  Within a month's time Jude has really mastered the art of helping.  Hey, isn't throwing food on the ground for Maverick to eat helping? haha.  But really, he is starting to take commands like a champ.  He now usually will throw away a dirty diaper, help daddy crumple paper for fires, even spray and clean a table top! ha!  He's knows where his diapers are located, where to put dirty clothes and dishes, and even how to clean up his playroom before naps and bedtime.  Love this kid. 

Staying sweet.  Don't get me wrong, Jude has his rotten moments.  But overall, I am very thankful for his sweet little personality.  When Jude gets knocked over or bumped, he always tells them that he is sorry.  So precious.  I don't think he understands the concept that the other person is the one that should be saying sorry.

So. stinking. cute.

A new accomplishment this month!

Jude can count to 10! He also knows 7 colors!  Woooooo!

So proud :)