The Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday!

It's been a few weeks, but with Alessia's party and birthday, there just wasn't any time for blogging. But the party has ended, everyone has gone home (a week ago), and now we have a one year old.

Despite a winter storm being in the forecast, everyone made it to the party safely and celebrated in style with Alessia. Our "Very Hungry Caterpillar" theme came across in both the decorations and the food. We dined on everything the caterpillar ate (for the most part) and had an amazing caterpillar banner (courtesy of Alessia's Godmother, Stephanie).

Our food table with labels.  Labels were downloaded for free from Polkadots and Puppies.

This cake was AMAZING and didn't last long. And a plus was it was all organic! The recipe can be found by clicking here. You won't be disappointed.

For our meal I made had Italian beef and balsamic beef. It was my first time making the balsamic beef, but it was really good. In case you are interested in trying it out, the recipe is here.

I am in love with the banner. 

Alessia had a blast and got some amazing gifts. I cannot wait for her to wear all her super cute clothes and she is already busy playing with her toys and books. Then once the weather gets warm, we can break out her water table and swing. 

The birthday girl!

You think she is excited?

Alessia loves cards. We are still reading her cards to her everyday...numerous times.

Mommy made a wish that Alessia would figure out her nap schedule. 

Our chalkboard with Alessia's stats.

Gluten free carrot cake cupcakes.  Alessia loved them even though I forgot to put the heavy cream in the icing.  The recipe can be found here.

Thanks to everyone who celebrated with us and sent birthday wishes and gifts!

Figure It Out Weather!

Yesterday it was GORGEOUS!  And to top that off, Kevin got home early. Woohoo for being home by 4 o'clock!  Since we needed to take advantage of these two things, we took a nice family walk, hung up some pictures, and actually ate dinner at a decent time. 

Today, Mother Nature is being a complete spaze!  We have had snow, a thundersnow, a thunderstorm, rain, and now sleet.  I'm sure the roads are going to be a lovely disaster by the day's end.  I wanted to do some running around tonight to pick up stuff for Alessia's birthday party, but I might be postponing that until tomorrow or this weekend.

The party is fast approaching. I definitely don't want to go overboard, but you only get one first birthday.  Obviously, I'm not planning for Alessia's sake...it's all for the guests. Plus, I can't expect to win the "Mom of the Year" award if I don't throw an amazing birthday party.  Besides planning the party, I decided to FINALLY start putting together Alessia's first year scrapbook a few weeks ago.  I have spent every free minute I get putting the book together.  When she naps, when she goes to bed, when Kevin in home, I am scrapping.  And when she gets older, she better appreciate it! 

So, with that said, I cut this short because the scrapbook is not finished and the party is in 9 days.  Ciao for now!

Check out our super cute invite I purchased through etsy!

I Am Officially 30!

Yes, today is my birthday.  I have left my 20's and have entered my 30's.  It's a bit scary, but I'm ready to see what they have to offer.   

Yesterday, I was checking my email and MSN had an article "30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She's 30" on their homepage.  With my impending birthday, I decided to take a look at it and I have to say I agree with a lot of the author's ideas, but think there are a few important things that have been left off.  I thought about making my own list and posting it.  But instead I will reflect back on my 20's and list the "20 Things I Learned in my 20's."

I've learned...

1. What it means to be in love.

It's hard to believe we've been together for over 12 year already.

2. It is never a good idea to smoke a cigarette on a drunk night out with the girls.  I'm always going to regret it in the morning.

3. Being organized makes life easier.

4. What it feels like to lose some of the most important people in my life. 

5. That the saying "you meet your best friends in college" is true.

My best friends since freshman year of college.  Love these girls! 

6. I'm ready for kids.  I officially have the "baby itch."

7. I cannot stress over things I cannot change.

8. Eating whatever I want and not working out, without gaining a pound doesn't last forever.  Once I hit 25, I got what I like to call my "woman body."

9. All things don't happen for a reason.  I would like to punch the person who first said this in the face. 

10. How to pack up my life and move within a few days...sometimes hours.

Packing really is a skill and I think I've mastered it.

11. How to drink red wine without ice cubes. 

12. Tanning beds are not my friends and nothing good comes from them.  That is unless you think wrinkles, premature aging, skin cancer, and dry skin are good things. 

13. Moisturizers, vitamins, water, and sunblock are my friends. 

14. To live each day with no regrets. 

15. To never buy cheap toilet paper, paper towels, or garbage bags.

16. How to shoot a gun, bait my own hook, drive a golf ball, and drive a manual.  

Don't worry, no animals were injured. 

17. I'm a pretty good cook.  I know Kevin and my Daddy would agree with me.

18. I have to do what makes me happy.  

19. That reading is fun. 

20. McDonalds is not healthy regardless of what I order.