a jungle party for scarlett macaw

the month before scarlett's birthday, I was convinced her party would be modest. I still wasn't sleeping much and the pressure of throwing an extravagant party was stressing me out. at family dinner, I expressed this to my cousin, Lauren, who then rolled her eyes in disbelief, reminding me that I do not do small parties. I went home that night and scrolled through pinterest and was completely inspired within a minute.

I designed these invitations that night. I'm still so proud of the pop-up, that amelia loved so much!

I promised myself (and jeremy) that I wouldn't stress myself out, and I didn't! I love designing labels/signs/little details, so I did exactly that, and delegated the rest out! we had costco pizza for dinner, grandma bodtcher made the scarlett macaw cake, my mom made the scarlett macaw dress and hat; drinks, salads, breadsticks were brought by aunts and grandmas. I cut out giant leafs and attached them to brown balloons to make jungle trees for place settings at each table. and although I singlehandedly decorated for 2 hours before the party and cleaned for an hour after, I had the most fun throwing this party for my one year old who won't remember it at all!

(love this picture with grandpa)

(scarlett wanted nothing to do with her smash cake, so her sister and cousins helped her out a bit...)

(a perfect caption would be, "but they're eating all my cake!!!" but she honestly wanted nothing to do with it and was booing to get off the table)

(this picture was sent out on our thank you postcards)

(a little "it's my birthday, and I'll cry if I want to!")


going big for my babies is kinda a big deal to me-- I'm so grateful for the village that helps us and supports us and loves us. xo

new year's eve for the bodtchers

noon year's eve at the daybreak community center. we found amelia's best friend, brookie and they had the best time!!!!!! loved that scarlett was so easy-going and so happy to be along for the ride.

new year's eve party with the bodtchers at grandparent bodtcher's ward. the cousins all brought their new vehicles and had so much fun driving around the gym. scarlett started cruising around with her mini car and was luckily able to avoid seriously crashes from the big kids. a fun night for the books and 8 pm is the perfect midnight!

xo

one

my scarlett macaw turned one and i sort of couldn't believe how her birthday just came and went. it was also a little strange i didn't feel emotional... but i believe it may have correlated to difficult first year and there wasn't much to miss about the relentless crying and lack of sleep. we love our scarlett and her sweet face. she taught me and continues to teach me so much about motherhood and unconditional love.

we celebrated her birthday by going to the aquarium and visiting her scarlett macaw. her grandparents came over to help us sing and celebrate her with cupcakes and it was a sweet, simple evening.

christmas magic

christmas eve jammies!

santa wrapped our front room for us!!

pure magic. the look on millie's face was everything i had hoped for.

the girls were spoiled rotten and i can't deny that i loved every minute of it. amelia had been "test-driving" cars all summer and fall and we decided that a two-seater should be on her list. it took a while for amelia to get the hang of driving, but now she drives herself and her sister to the splash pool all the time!

jer spoiled me with the entire harry potter set, my favorite chocolates, and a giant clock for the family room.

and of course j, my hunkaburninlove, plowed our neighbors' sidewalks and driveways. always the best example, always serving others. i got a little teary thinking about how blessed i am to have such an christlike husband.

christmas is so magical with children. i'm so grateful that i only had to work minimally this holiday and was able to spend it with family. my heart was so full!