...how time flies...

yes, emerson turned one last friday. it really is crazy how fast time flies...and for that reason, i thought a bird theme would work great for the occasion! it was so much fun putting this together...it may be a sickness of mine, i don't know...but i did love every minute of it. and as you can see, emerson was enjoying the decorations just as much!

the invitations (i made a whopping foUr of them...)


i must say that my cake decorating class finally paid off...this was really fun to make...and even more fun because it actually turned out...hoOray!! :)

i found these little suckers for 30 cents at michael's...and then used my parent's cuttlebug to make the tags...nice, cheap, and easy!

the banner...that i have yet to post instructions on how to make it...i will though...someday i promise! ;)

the birdies...i used the same template that i posted a while back. click here for the template, and then if you want, you can resize them for a nice little variety.

little emmy was a bit somber for her party. she fell asleep right after dinner...so we forced her awake to open presents and do the whole cake thing...i don't think she was too happy about it, but hello...she was the whole reason we were even having a party, so i couldn't let her sleep through it!

i think this is the only smile we got out of her during the whole birthday cake event. she liked the singing and candle...but did not want one thing to do with getting dirty. which is ironic, because zac was the exact same way on his first birthday...i think our kids are neat freaks or something...i mean seriously, how many one year olds don't like to get dirty?!

this is emmy's reaction after i forced her hand in the cake...and yes she remained this way for a very long time!! i must say though, a one year old with attitude can be pretty cUte!

the crazy party goers...some of them at least.

i had to include this picture of kYlie...so cute she is!

and last but not least...zac had a great time with grandpa field this weekend! it was nice of them to make the trip over for the occasion...and nice of everyone that came...thanks for a great time family!!

...Friday's Favorites...

since i was a little girl, this has always been one of my most favorite desserts. it's quick, easy, and perfect for a sunday afternoon dessert...you'll have to give it a try! :)

...chocolate ribbon...

1 cup flour
1 cube butter
1 heaping tablespoon powdered sugar
8 ounces cool whip
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 large package instant chocolate pudding
2 1/2 cups milk
chocolate bar shavings

preheat oven to 300. combine the flour, butter, and heaping tablespoon of powdered sugar. press into a 9x13" pan. bake for 25-30 min, or until barely turning golden brown. remove from oven and cool completely.

combine cool whip (6 oz. ONLY), cream cheese, and powdered sugar. once it is well mixed, spread on top of the cooled crust.

combine milk and pudding and mix together until thickened. once that's done...spread this on top of the cream cheese mixture. top with remaining cool whip & chocolate bar shavings.

**this is best (i think) if you refrigerate it for a couple of hours before serving it.**

...butterin' me up...

for the past couple of weeks, zac will randomly stop me throughout the day and whisper..."mom, come here...i have to tell you something." so i'll go over to hear what he has to tell me, and this is what i get. and yes, it melts my heart every time! much better than the "i love you to the poop and back" phrase! :)

**oh...and in order to hear it without the music in the background...make sure to scroll to the bottom of the page and pause the playlist before you push play on the video.**

...sunday strolls & magnifying madness...

we love being able to take our sunday afternoon walks again! especially now that we're in a nice, little neighborhood and not off of a crazy busy road...makes it a bit more enjoyable!

zac got a magnifying glass for easter from grandma debbie. he LOVES to take it on our walks to look at all the many interesting things on the ground...like rocks, dirt, candy wrappers, and yes, even dog poop. speaking of the word "poop"...it is officially zac's favorite new word. i ask him what he wants for lunch...he replies..."ummmm....let me think.....poop!" i ask him what his favorite primary song is...he replies..."ummmm...scripture poop!" i tell him that i love him THIS much...he tells me that he loves me "to the poop and back!" and yes, he laughs at himself every time he says things like this...and so do i, even though i probably shouldn't...it's a funny little boy stage!

...Take My Hand...

here's one of my dad's newest paintings, and yes, zac is the little boy in it. he's pretty excited about the idea of being painted with Jesus...i guess as a child, that's probably a pretty cool thing if you stop and think about it. however...zac keeps saying, "that's not Jesus, that's mike...dressed up as Jesus. it's 'posed to be Jesus, but it's mike!"

Take my hand and follow me,
There are things ahead for you to see.
Little wonders are all around,
And tender mercies to be found.
We’ll take our time, no need to run,
Breathe deep the air and feel the sun.
The grass is soft beneath our feet,
Sounds are soothing, the air is sweet.
Sometimes we’ll stop and just be still,
Our hearts will tell us God is real!
Small graces along our path appear,
They let us know that Heaven’s near.
So take my hand anew each day,
The walk is lovely and I know the way.
-Greg K Olsen-