First, the WINNER of Ella Publishing's Events & Holidays eBook (via Random.org) is #7, Lori!!

lori said...

happy birthday....great pictures...great giveaway it looks inspiring...

February 24, 2011 9:43 AM

YAY! Lori, contact me at jlhufford (at) conneragency.com and i will get you the info for your ebook. And do not fear, i will be giving away yet another eBook later this week! Stay Tuned!

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Thank you everyone for the fabulous birthday wishes for our little Jordan. She had quite the weekend jammed pack full of celebrations.

We woke up Saturday morning and opened presents-- which consisted of princess toys, spring clothes, and the highly sought after "Bullseye" (from Toy Story). Jordan has been asking for Bullseye since the fall... and i finally found one!!! (at the Disney Store nonetheless... i was looking everywhere online and should have just gone to the mall- ha!) She gasped when she opened the present and hugged Bullseye immediately-- and hasn't let go since.

We headed to The Flying Cupcake for pre-lunch cupcakes (smart,huh?) with her friends Gabe and Claire. We had fun eating cupcakes admist all the craziness in the cupcake shop on a busy saturday. Gabe and Claire's momma, Mel, took these precious photos of all the kids while we were there..

me and the birthday girl- she is so silly.

these two are best friends-- practically sisters!

Jonah and Gabe- thumbs up for great cupcakes!

love the sweetness of this one-- she adores Gabe.

On Saturday night we continued the celebration and took the kids, my brother, and Todd's sister all out to Mellow Mushroom for pizza (and blue moon on draft for adults - heee). We sang happy birthday to Jordan and she cried and told us to stop- haaaa i think she was done with all the attention! Sunday was a regular day, however after Jordan's nap she was picked up by todd's sister (aunt ki) and went to Sesame Street Live! It was her first experience at the theatre! (aunt nikki took jonah to his first theatre event too- her special thing with the kids). so fun!

Jordan at the Flying Cupcake on her third birthday and on her first birthday.

That about sums up the birthday extravaganza weekend! Hard to believe she is THREE.

And she's Three

* Ella Publishing giveaway still open below*

Today Jordan is Three!! Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Girl!

Last night before bed, Jonah and Jordan had a little talk.

Jonah: "JORDAN! Tonight you are going to go to sleep. and when you wake up you will be ALL GROWN UP!!!" (insert dramatic face and hand gestures).

Jordan: calmly sucking her thumb, pops her thumb out and say, "oh."

(insert thumb back in mouth).

Jonah: "Goodnight Jordan, i'll see you when you are three!!!!!!"

HAAAAA!!!!!!!!!

Truly, these thirty-six months have gone by in a flash.

And like Jonah suggested, it truly does feel like she has "grown up" overnight. I look at these pics and see the ever-so-subtle changes as each month went by-- no longer a baby, she is my sweet precious little girl.

Everyone reminds you of this when you are holding a newborn in your arms, but it's true. The sweet baby phase goes by so quickly.

My birthday wish for her (and yes, i think i deserve a birthday wish for all the work i did on that day:) is that she will grow to be a loving little girl. that she will have a kind heart. that she will be a good friend and reach out to those who need a friend. that she will love the Lord Jesus. that she will have a desire to obey and serve. that she will live life to the fullest (john 10:10).

Happy THIRD birthday jordan nicole!! we love you so much!!

Celebrations and a Giveaway!!!

Last night we had a small family birthday celebration for Jordan (who turns three on saturday) with my parents, siblings, and grandma at our weekly wednesday night dinner.

she got clothes, princesses, and tons of accessories (even an umbrella!) what more can a girl ask for? ummmm she even LICKED one of her gifts so no one would take it(!!!). a move that was made famous by MY sister when we were little. awesome.

here she is when my mom brought her cake out (princesses of course!).

then, somebody tried to steal her thunder with the whole blowing-out-the-candle-thing. (which apparently was made famous by me when i was little. hmmp)

i personally think he was only trying to redeem HIS candle experience.

Speaking of birthday's and celebrations, i have Ella Publishing's new "Events and Holidays" eBook to GIVEAWAY today!!!

This ebook just came out last month and it is fabulous. I love the design tips, journaling prompts, photography/photoshop information, customizing embellishments, and the focus on documenting traditional (and non-traditional) holidays.

It is truly an eBook that is rich in inspiration and information.

Would you like to win a copy?? I thought so! Just leave a comment on this post!

I will draw a random winner on Jordan's birthday (Saturday Febuary 26th) at 10pm EST! Good luck!

Lily Bee Challenge!!

Good Morning Friends, and Happy Wednesday!!

Today I am over on the Lily Bee blog hosting a CHALLENGE!! I am super excited and would love to see one of my bloggy friends win!!

Here is the challenge, should you choose to accept it: Create a layout using:
1) at least one punch (any kind: border, circle, heart, etc) AND
2) using at least one Lily Bee Product (any kind)

Here is the layout I created:

I used my 1.5" circle punch with Lily Bee's Hello Sunshine papers and Kraft Papers. I then cut the circles in half to create a scalloped border/banner feel. I included my journaling in the kraft circles. I journaling about all of the fun things Jonah did last summer... this photo completely captures how much he loves summer :)

I also used Lily Bee's Hello Sunshine Rub- On to separate the photo from the circles. I also love how in the definition of "delight" the words "high degree" is used... it was definitely one of those days. Cheesy, i know.

In order to enter the contest please either post your layout on Lily Bee's Facebook Page. OR comment on this blog post with a link to your layout (on either your blog, or Two Peas, etc). Please include "Lily Bee Punch Challenge"!

We will choose one winner at random on Wednesday March 2 at 9pm EST. Winner will receive the ENTIRE Hello Sunshine Collection! SWEET!!!! Good Luck!!

Dear Christchurch:

In 2006 Todd and I visited New Zealand and instantly fell in love. It is an incredible country that has a taste of EVERYTHING. Parts that reminded us of Hawaii, Colorado, London. Really, it is the best of everything this world has to offer.

The people of New Zealand are some of the kindest people you will meet. Very hospitable. Christchurch was one of the many stops during our 2006 trip. A lovely city with lovely people.

photos from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown NZ. 2006

Dear Christchurch: My heart is so saddened by yesterday's earthquake and the terror it caused you. The people of New Zealand and Christchurch are in our thoughts and prayers. We are praying for hope, healing, and comfort.

Coincidentally, Todd and I are returning to New Zealand in three short weeks. It's a vacation that we have been planning since the fall. This earthquake hits close to home, and stirs much emotion in my heart, knowing we will be there in less than a month (we will be in the North Island, not the South Island were Christchurch is located).

Praying for you, New Zealand during this horrific time.

currently: monday morning

listening: to Mary Poppins in the background ("Spoon full of Sugar" to be exact). The kid's new favorite. They march around the house singing all the songs- quite funny.
eating: Sargento cheese stick and a few goldfish crackers (love those!)
drinking: freshed squeezed orange juice... todd just brought home a huge box of oranges!
wearing: comfy clothes
feeling: happy i have a day at home with the kids (no school, no crazy schedules.. off to eat lunch out in a bit)
weather: is crazy. it's raining. it's been warm(er). hard to believe the weather was like this two weeks ago:

and then yesterday i saw this:

Wha?????????

wanting: Elle's Studio's new line, Handmade Layers. LOVE. IT. Elle knocked this one out of the park.

photo from Elle's Studio

needing: ditto to above :)
thinking: about the movie Inception.

We saw it last night and it was CRAZINESS. such a great movie but really had me thinking. so much so that i had to take two advil after the movie was over. (no joke). was looking up explanations on line this morning! If you have seen it, do you think he was dreaming in the end???

enjoying: the fact that we will be in New Zealand in less than a month :)
wondering: how it's possible that my little girl will be three on saturday.

Love this list of currents for journaling/blogging prompts! I think it originated with Tina Aszmus (love her blog)... thanks for the idea!!

Rich Words

Artwork Credits: Magnanimity
Commission by: Beth Moore, Living Proof Ministries

Over the years we have accumulated lots of odds and ends on our fridge. pictures, notes, schedules, art work... you name it.

recently i have "cleaned up" the fridge and taken most items down.

However, this is one of the few items that remains. It has hung on my refrigerator ever since the first time I saw it in April of 2007.

About that time i was amidst a torturous battle with anxiety and fear. A battle that lasted about 24 months (and still rears it's ugly head every now and then) until i was diagnosed with prolonged post-partum depression in April of 2009.

i just can't take it down. it stands as a testament to the truth it conveys about trials and difficulty. it's a reminder that i survived.

it's a reminder that every day i most likely come in contact with someone who is going through their own battle- look for those people who need to hear, "you will survive this".

it's a reminder that God is bigger than my fears (kind of like when we would say "my dad can beat your dad up" on the playground.) and when my fears suddenly become bigger than my God? my heart is failing to trust and believe.

it's a reminder that He is always working in me-- working on something "HUGE!" as it says. Philippians 1:6 "being confident of this, that He who began a good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished until the day of Christ Jesus."

it's a reminder that the 24 months "in the wilderness" was not a waste. He used it. He is still using it. It drew me closer to Him- right into the palm of His hand.

It's a reminder that in my most weak, vulnerable, and frail moments, He was transforming me into a mighty warrior.

It reminds me of the family and friends who walked through that battle with me-- and carried me at times.

It reminds me of God's redemption.

Four years on the fridge and it still reminds me of so much...

Party in my crib.

As you can see from this post, my (almost 3 year old) daughter is STILL in her crib.

So, sue me.

She can climb in and out with ease, she plays in her crib, she loves her crib. yet, i am SURE she would be just fine in a big girl bed.

the problem? her parents.

See, the whole topic of moving her to a big bed opens the conversation as to "would we ever need the crib again". Which leads to the conversation "what kind of bed would jordan need if we were ever to need the crib again" (due to the fact we live in a three bedroom house and likely jonah and jordan would share a room should we ever need a crib again).

See? one simple right of passage for our daughter leads us down a road with a lot of questions.

So we procrastinate; on all levels.

Which leaves me with a funny post (and an opening statement which was more like a confession:)

Todd and Jordan were recently playing in her room. And occasionally he hops in her crib with her (much to her delight) to play. And sometimes our dog does too.

Todd with the kids in jor's crib- March 2008

Ahem, anyway. such was the case last weekend... until i heard... silence.

Eventually, jordan came out of her room to tell me she put daddy to bed for a night-night.

Whaaaa???

oh yes my friends, this is my husband ASLEEP in jordan's crib.

There are really no words other than MY HUSBAND FELL ASLEEP IN A CRIB.

so maybe we don't need to pack it up after all? ;) heeeeeeee.

Wordless Wednesday

I love watching her play.

love + marriage

♥ Happy Valentine's Day!! ♥

Today is my parent's 36th wedding anniversary! Happy anniversary mom and dad!

They have taught me SO much throughout the course of my life, but today I want to pay tribute to the example they have lead in their marriage.

Always and forever, my mom and dad have shared that the husband and wife relationship comes before parent and child relationship. Which I thought was a terrible thing for them to say when i was young (because i of course come first, right? ha!)

I believe this thought is, 1. is NOT a popular notion in today's world, and 2) really hard to do.

It's so easy to get wrapped up in the kids- their schedules, their needs, their lives. And with that said, it's easy to let the husband and wife relationship "to go by the wayside" just like last night's leftovers (ick). believe me, i am certainly guilty of this at times! But, i firmly believe with all of my heart that in a two parent household, the greatest gift you can give your child is a strong marriage.

Secondly, there is a famous saying within my family (which i believe my parents have demonstrated) which is "buying the program". This saying originated with my grandfather-- who was intense, a war hero, no-nonsense type of man. my dad had three other brothers and they were Grandpa's "little army" as they grew up. As the boys all married, my grandfather would tell my mom and aunts how important it was to "buy the program".

In my mom's own words, "When Jana and I were newlyweds, we got lectured often from Clay that we had to "buy their (our husband's) program!" We used to wonder every time we would see him if the "buy their program" speech was coming, and we never quite sure exactly what he meant. Thirty some years have passed since then, and today we would say that we have come to understand what that means. Genesis 2:24 says, "for this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh". Buying the program means being of the same mind and heading in the same direction; it's submitting to a husband's leadership."

Submitting. certainly not a popular word in today's world, but i have come to understand (through my parent's example) that it's a beautiful and God-honoring thing. it's about watching my husband become an amazing leader of our family, and not getting in the way. "Buying his program" doesn't mean I no longer have a say... actually quite the opposite. He seeks my advice and opinion more when we operate as a team.

Thank you mom and dad for the example you have set in your marriage. Thank you for the truths and foundation you have passed down to todd and i! Happy Anniversary and Happy Valentine's Day!!

Pure Sweetness

Hello-- happy saturday!!!

I have a sweet little layout to share with you today. I did this one just for fun and it felt GREAT!

You know, one (of the many) reasons I love blogging, is that my journaling is already completed! I often use blog entries for the journaling portions of my layouts. This layout, "Nearly Three" contains bits and pieces from this post.

I used LOTS of Jenni Bowlin products... and this banner?? Love it... the idea was inspired by Jenni Bowlin herself during her class in Greece.

Supplies used: Cardstock: Bazzill. Pattern Paper: Jenni Bowlin. Banner Stickers, Pearls, Paint, Journal spots, mini papers, circle alphas, and green/white buttons: Jenni Bowlin. Flowers: American Crafts. Butterfly Punch and Bakers Twine: Martha Stewart. Heart Punch: Emagination. Circle Punch (for mask): EK Success. Pen: American Crafts. White Alphas: American Crafts. Rub-on: Lily Bee Designs.

I picked up the new American Crafts Hello Sunshine Flower Delights- and i was pleasantly surprised. They were very sturdy and the perfect combination with the JBS papers I used.

I created a mask with my circle punch and used JBS malted milk paint dabber. I love this stuff- we also used the paint dabbers in Jenni's class and i knew i HAD to have one of my own :) ha. I also used the paint dabber to "distress" the green buttons.

Our agenda for the weekend: work on Valentines!!!! We better get a move on it!! :) Especially since jonah has TWO preschools- ha!

Have a great weekend! <3 href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shop/ranger-industries/104571-malted-milk-jenni-bowlin-1-oz-dabber/?source_type=LAY&source_id=1706667">

She

is nearly three (in 2 weeks!)

is the epitome of joy.

is not afraid to play princess dress up one minute, and then wear craftsman goggles the next.

is the one who tells me my ratty shirt "is pretty" during her midnight potty break

is blessed to have best friends.

fiercely loves her brother.

says funny things like "let's hang out" or "nice to meet you" (to strangers). such a little adult.

is a little bit crazy.

is fearless.

is full of imagination and wonder.

seriously needs to be enrolled in gymnastics.

is crazy about her father... (and i hope she will one day marry a man just like him)

is all about Clifford, Orange Juice, sucking her thumb, Disney Princesses, and Cat in the Hat

is a non-stop talker. noise-maker. giggler. and a connoisseur of peanut butter and jellies.

will look out of the corner of her eye when she's in trouble, stick out her bottom lip, then run to her room to sulk (which drives me crazy).

sports the "tails" like it's her job.

loves to sing. and does a mean mash-up of "Jesus loves me" and "Jingle Bells"

She is my heart.

I love you, Jor-baby. So proud, happy, and thankful God chose me to be your mama.