Happy New Year!!!!

Okay, I know I’m a little late.  Like 3 days late.  I have the same excuse I often have….I had to work.  Yep, exciting I know but that’s the life of a nurse.  I love the beginning of a new year.  Last year was so amazing, I can’t wait to see what this year has in store.

I thought I’d reflect in this post a bit, so if I start rambling…forgive me.  I’ve read several other blogs in the last few days and I’m loving all the people sharing a bit of their loves from the past year.  In the last year and a half my life has changed so drastically.  I encountered and conquered many milestones in such a short amount of time.  I’m so thankful for all that I’ve experienced and learned.  

FIRST

When we first found our new home, I was a little worried to be moving and rearranging our lives while the little princess was so young.  Now that I think back, I’m soooo happy we were given the opportunity to purchase this place and make it our home.  We have been super busy doing things around the farm and we have so many more things to accomplish, but I love my home!!

SECOND

This little one right here has been the center of my universe since the first time I laid eyes on her.  Watching her grow and become the little person she is becoming has been the best part of my year.  I love her more than I ever thought I could love someone.  Being a mommy is the best.

THIRD

When I think back at 2010, I think the number one thing that has meant the most to me has been my family.  I’ll never be able to express in words how lucky I am to have the best husband in the whole world.  He is my best friend and favorite person to spend time with.  He supports me and loves me no matter what and I’m the most thankful for that.
I probably could continue to post about 10 more things, but I’ll leave it at that for right now.  I hope everyone had a happy holiday season and has an amazing new year.

Party, Party, Party!!!!

It's so hard to believe that the little princess is already a year old.   It feels like only yesterday that we were bringing her home, staring at her and trying to figure out what to do next.  This last year has been one of the best years of my life. 

Invites

e celebrated in style today at the farm for the Miss Maddie's first birthday.  Family and friends came out to party with the little one.  I started thinking about and planning for this party in my mind for about the last 6 months.  I had so much fun the last few weeks putting all my plans into action.

I was able to make all the decorations myself.  The inner Scrapbooker in me was in heaven.  I've missed crafting so much the last few months since my office is still in shambles from the move.

I've been calling the little princess "bug" or "ladybug" since she was really little and knew that it was the theme I wanted for the party.  

Cupcake Toppers

Balloons!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Banner

Ladybug cake

I really have no experience making cakes, but I had a good time making this little ladybug cake for Maddie.  After having a little difficulty with the first body breaking apart into about 17 pieces, I was able to get it to cook right in a glass bowl.

We haven't let Maddie have much cake or any sweets, but she dove into the cake like a pro.  She was a little unsure at first, but she loved it.  I'm not sure how much got into her mouth, but she loved squishing it between her little fingers.

She wasn't too sure about the candle.  Daddy was there to help her.

Mmmmmmm........

We choose to host a book exchange for the party since Maddie's birthday falls so close to Christmas.  We still had a couple of gifts to open and Maddie had a great time tearing paper and discovering the treasures inside.  Keeping her on task was a struggle, but she had a great time with her new presents this evening after all the excitement quieted down.

She loves books!

Getting the hang of this present thing.

Thanks to all our family and friends that helped make my little princess first birthday so much fun.  Maddie had a wonderful time!

Big Girl!!

Christmas card time Shutterfly style. (sponsored)

I can't hardly believe it's almost Christmas time.  This time last year I was counting the days until we got to meet the little one.  It feels like just yesterday that we were bringing her home and celebrating the holiday season.  Like last year, I'm excited about getting our holiday cards through Shutterfly.  They did an amazing job last year with our Christmas Card/ Birth Announcement.

Over Thanksgiving break we had Farmer Roy's nephew Eric help us take our picture for our Christmas Card this year.  I've been playing on Shutterfly's site the last few days trying to pick one for this year's card.  They have so may cute cards that it's hard to narrow it down to just one.

Here are a few of the card ideas I like so far.

Our photo came out super cute, but I don't want ruin all the surprises and share it all with you now. 

If you are looking for other cute gift ideas check out Shutterfly to see all the things they have to offer.  I love these calendars and canvas prints.  I also love these thank you cards they have.  This is a tradition I want to instill in my child as she grows older to help her understand that holidays are more than just a time of year to receive gifts. 

For all the other bloggers out there check out this link at Shutterfly to learn how you can also earn 50 free holiday cards.

Happy Holidays to everyone!!

Gobble...Gobble!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Life has been good today.  I'm full, I'm tired but I'm happy!!  The Princess enjoyed hanging out with her cousins all day.  Hope everyone enjoyed their turkey and families today. 

What's for dinner?

We're heading on over to the Dillon household for spaghetti.  This is what happened last time we fed the princess spaghetti.  Tonight I plan to feed her naked.  Dear Dillon's, you have been warned!!

Vista Lights!!

Last Thursday Farmer Roy and I took the Little Princess out to downtown Columbia for Vista Lights. On the way there, we realized this is the 4th year in a row that we have took part in the festivities. For me this always feels like a kick off to the holiday season.

Here I am with the little one right after the Mayor helped light the Christmas tree. Madelyn was a little too preoccupied with all the people fluttering around her, but she did eventually notice the tree.

We enjoyed walking around looking about, but we were a little bummed to see that Cloud 9 was closing down. Cloud 9 always had the cutest little kitchen accessories. It was great to see everywhere so crowded and everyone out to support their community.

As we have done every year since we've been going, we ate dinner at Motor Supply our favorite restaurant in all of Columbia. I love that the Chef Tim changes up his menu nightly. He usually keeps the same proteins, but always prepares them in new ways. I ended up selecting the duck and it was delicious. Madelyn really seemed to enjoy it as well.

I always enjoying doing little things like this as a family. Madelyn is such an entertainer these days and seems to love being in big crowds. She likes to announce her presence loudly and it always just makes me smile.

I'm so ready for the Holidays to be here and can't believe it's already Thanksgiving week. My whole family is coming over for dinner to celebrate, and I can't wait!!

The Tucker clan rolled into SC yesterday and I can't wait to see my older nephews. They are growing up way to fast and quickly becoming little teenagers. My bro and his wife will also be here with the newest little addition to the family. Nate and Maddie will be sharing their first Thanksgiving together. Too bad Nate can't have any of the yummy turkey this year.

Well I hope everyone has a fun filled week! Happy Early Thanksgiving from the farm!