He's two!

Well, first things first. We obviously survived Jaxon's birthday party... it ended up turning out really well, although by the time the party was over we were all ready for a nap! A couple different families cancelled last minute so we ended up with 8 kids and 6 adults. It was the perfect size party so everything worked out perfectly.

A few pics...

very very simple Cars decorations... definitely nothing over the top :)

favor bags for the kiddos

the weather was decent so the kids were able to play outside which helped a lot!

our families were not able to come, but grandpa did join us via skype for the party. aunt kallie also watched part of it during her lunch break.

delicious and cute cupcakes!

the kiddos! jax has some really great friends here!

smiling from ear to ear while everyone sang happy birthday to him... love!

my big two year old!

side note: that shirt was finished only 30 minutes prior to the party. i ordered one from etsy 3 weeks before, and 2 days before the party when i emailed her asking for a tracking number, she decided to inform me that she was never able to make it, and "oops, sorry i forgot to tell you". anyway, long story short i found a place here in town that does embroidery. tyler thought i was crazy when i sent him at 9:00 the morning of the party to pick it up :)

mommy and jax

the table, prior to food being added

his gift from us... a rody horse. (http://rodytoy.com/)

A couple days later was his actual birthday, and I made it through the day with a minimal amount of tears being shed. I am looking forward to this next year with him and was just a tad sad about how fast time has gone. I am so thankful I am able to stay home with him and Cohen and watch them change day by day!

birthday waffles!

we had plans to spend the day with friends, but because of an ice and snow storm that hit us, we stayed home and had a movie and popcorn day instead.

jax is always so happy when daddy gets home!

and look at tyler's smile... does he adore this boy or what?!

i may have the pickiest eater on my hands, but the one thing he devours is a McDonalds cheeseburger and fries. ironic, right? so we got him his favorite dinner on his birthday.

a birthday cupcake! he blew out the candles before we even started singing.

this is the one bite of a cupcake he had... apparently he's not a fan.

one last present to open from mommy & daddy

a firetruck puzzle!

We had a great time celebrating our 2 year old boy and I'm thankful I don't have to plan another birthday party for 8 months. :)

Do it yourself.

Remember this post 7 million years ago when I talked about a project I wanted to do for my boys room? I originally wanted to have it done by the time Cohen got here {late October}, then the goal turned into having it done by New Years... then it turned into getting it done by Jaxon's birthday. {Mom of 2 under 2...ahem}

His birthday was the 9th, and we hung these suckers on the 7th.

Pottery Barn:

- cost: $200,

- tax and shipping: $37

Total: $237

My version:

- Canvas {Hobby Lobby} 3 for $15

- Uppercase Living decals: $27

- Paint: already had

- Markers: already had

Total: $42

Granted they are not as perfect as PBK's, but I am really happy with them. And for the money I saved, definitely worth it.

February 9th.

Jaxon,

Today's the day that you, my baby, turn two.

I remember it like it was yesterday... the hours upon hours of contractions. The frustration of not progressing. The anticipation of what was to come. And then... at 8:30pm that cold February night, God gave your Daddy and I the most beautiful red headed baby boy.

It seems impossible that it's been two years already... it feels like you have been apart of my life all along. To say that you have changed my life for the better would be the understatement of the century. Your big belly contagious laugh, your dimples, your sincerity, your hugs and kisses, and the love you have for your Daddy and I make my world go round.

This past year has been full of so many sad times, but you gave me joy through it all. You gave me a reason to smile... to keep going. You brought me such happiness. When I missed your Daddy so deeply while we were apart, all I had to do was look at you... you brought sincere joy to my heart. And even today, all I could do was stare at you, and my heart just felt like it was about to beat out of my chest because of the love I have for you. It's always such a great reminder of how much God, our Father, loves his children also.

You have developed and changed so much in the last year, I can only imagine in anticipation how much fun we'll have watching you change and grow this next year too. As you grow up, just promise me you won't forget about your Mommy and Daddy. All you have to do is look right next to you in order to find us. We're right there, supporting you and loving you every step of the way.

I love you to the moon and back, and beyond.

Mommy

Today.

This morning we will have 10 kids (14 including babies) and 11 adults in our...tiny...home for Jaxon's birthday party!

Thank you to my amazing bff Angie who designed Jaxon's invitation for me once again this year! So thankful for her incredible talent! {If you ever need an amazing graphic designer, you can contact her at thatangiegirl@gmail.com}

So excited to celebrate Mr. Man with some amazing friends who have made our Texas journey so much better and fun!

If you try contacting me this afternoon and I don't answer, just send the paramedics. I may have died from toddler/child/baby exhaustion.

Happy {almost} birthday, Jaxon Daniel!

Recipe.

Here's another yummy recipe, in case you're looking for a new one!

Sour Cream Pork Chops

4-6 boneless pork chops

1 c beef bouillon

2t mustard

2T parsley

1t paprika

salt/pepper to taste

8 oz can mushrooms, drained

1/2 onion

8 oz sour cream

Brown chops in large skillet. Mix in all ingredients, except sour cream. Pour over chops and let simmer for 1 1/2 hours, covered. Remove chops, and set aside. Mix sour cream with juice in pan. Add pork chops and simmer for 10 more minutes.

Serve over rice.

This is the pan after we ate.... as you can see we really enjoyed it ;)

Enjoy!