A Very Happy Day...

Well it happened... my sweet girl turned one!!!  How did this year go by so fast?  As I started to prep for her little party I didn't want an over the top theme- for a couple of reasons.  One- themes have never really been my thing and two- I didn't want to spend a lot of money.  With that said, I went with the color scheme from Eme's room and the idea of 'Time Flies' with bird accents.  

ALL of the decorations were either DIY projects or existing decor from rooms in our house.  I first created this little 'time flies' banner with scrapbook paper and yarn.  Then printed the photos I took of Eme each month.  It was really fun to see at how she had changed throughout the year.

I already have this DIY yellow painted plate rack in my kitchen so I decided to use it as the background for the cake eating/smashing area.  I filled it with items that represented Emersyn's first year.  The clock stopped at 10:09 (her birth time), the yarn wrapped E, bird rocker, and two pictures were all from her nursery.  The peach bird came from our guest room and the small IKEA plant always stays on this shelf.  I just added a little fresh hydrangea and made a super easy fabric banner.  I also made a little banner out of scrapbook paper saying ONE for her high chair.

I wanted to display as many pictures as possible for guests to enjoy, so I used our sofa table as the perfect little display area.  I simply covered it with some scrap black and white striped fabric and added these cardboard letters spelling ONE which I covered with scrapbook paper, lots of framed photos, fresh flowers, the DIY love sign, and a bird or two.

I also used the counter tops as a space to display memories.  Along with the desserts, I had more framed pictures, my pregnancy journal, and a shadow memory box.

I have been keeping track of Emersyn's changes, likes, dislikes and more each month on our chalkboard.  So for her birthday I wanted to create an overview of what she is like at 12 months.

On to the real fun... the CAKE!  We ordered this sweet little ombre cake from our local Kroger for $4.99!! What a deal!! I made the little banner with yarn, scrapbook paper, and kabob sticks.

Emersyn was so sweet- with a dainty finger she gently took a scoop of icing for tasting.  No big mess or face smashing here...Oh No- my little lady took small bites at a time with her legs crossed under her high chair!  She really melts my heart!!  The little pink and gold crown Emersyn is wearing was made by my sister.  She tells you how on her blog- check that out here!

On to the presents!! Emersyn was spoiled with lots of fun toys ready for outside play this summer!  I think her favorite gift was this sweet little tea set.  She sat and played with that for most of the afternoon.

It was certainly a wonderful day celebrating our sweetheart!!  Side note- Emersyn did not take a nap for this WHOLE day- apparently it is her party and she'll do what she wants:)

Pregnancy Updates

Well, I can't hardly believe that I first posted about being pregnant back at 16 weeks and I am now 27 weeks! Time is really flying!!  I have been working to keep up with my weekly chalkboard updates- but it is hard- I am noticing how fast a week goes and before I know it I am two weeks behind.  Anyway, I will post a few pics of the ones I got taken. 

Week 24 was spent on a beach- surprisingly I wore a bikini for my 24 week shot on the beach-I'll keep that one just for the baby book:)  The 25 week update is on my chalkboard currently and I am actually 27 weeks!! AHHH- must be better at this!  I will post more as I complete them!

Pregnancy Overall- I have been feeling great actually!  I have had no sickness, and I have great energy. I can't say I am one of those women that LOVE being pregnant.  It is certainly an adjustment- I am so use to being a certain size and weight, and I have had to really learn how to let go of all that.  I am still working out with a great set of DVD's and eating healthy- this helps me feel like I am not just falling apart.  Overall just want to be healthy for the baby and still feel like myself.  3 months to go!!

The Truth Behind a Chalkboard

When I first wanted to make a chalkboard back in the spring, I must admit, it was for a very specific purpose.  Although the purpose changed within the months, it is finally being used for what I had envisioned all along!!

My chalkboard back in March- with a saying built around HOPE.

Ian and I could not be more excited about this moment in time!!

Bucket List Moment

I was so excited to check something off my summer bucket list.  We made it to the IMA movie in the park with our great friends, Kevin and Kelsey!  We had the best time watching Big.  This was a great moment turned memory for the summer of 2012!

Can't wait to continue my summer bucket list fun!!

Chalkboard Moments

I am not sure what it is about a chalkboard but I LOVE them!  Could be the teacher thing:)  I started seeing all these cute chalkboards on pinterest and started getting the need to have one somewhere in my house. After lots of searching, I finally found a large frame on super sale 80% off!! Then headed to Lowes to have a piece of wood cut to size.  After a few coats of paint on the frame and board, my husband nailed it all together, and I was ready to go with some fun sayings!!!  I love the idea of using it for many different purposes- whether it be an inspiring quote, a fun countdown, or a to do list- the ideas and fun ways to use it are endless!  Here is what I have used it for so far...

I finished the board during a time when I needed a quote about HOPE... Looking at this each day reminded me  keep HOPE above anything else!

Then I changed it for my sister's bridal shower- it was a perfect place to display their love story!

Right after the bridal shower- I turned it into a fun countdown for vacation- I took this as we left for the airport!

Right now, as summer is about to officially start, my husband and I are using it as our summer BUCKET list... here's to checking off all the moments on that list to create a wonderful summer of memories!

Sorry for the less than great pictures- MUST BUY A NEW CAMERA!!