How I Did It (Grace's Birthday)

I have been asked how I put Grace's birthday party together. Well now my secrets will be revealed...


These were the highlight of the day and by far one of the easiest things to prepare. I stole the idea from my very good friend Ashely. I actually had never made rice crispy treats before. I do not know why not?!?! They are so easy!!! I used Kelloggs recipe. 


These beautiful flower arrangements were all flowers that I have growing in my yard with a little from my neighbor's too. My wonderful mother-in-law put the arrangements together exactly as I had envisioned. This cake was made by Grace's daddy. He really wanted something that would appeal to Grace. The recipe tasted really like banana bread and Grace loved it! (if you read the recipe we deleted the brown sugar rum glaze and pecans) I have to admit the cupcakes did not turn out exactly as I had planned. The icing was excellent, but the cupcakes were very dense. 


I bought these straws off etsy. The forks and spoons are from dollar tree!!! 


Now let me just say this is the BEST pimento cheese recipe ever! People who don't even like pimento cheese like this recipe, and of course if I made it, it was EASY! Next time I make this recipe, I will double it so I can eat more!


Grace's shirt came from Kari's Creative Kreations. She made it exactly as I had thought in my mind, but could not communicate. I bought the skirt from Khols for $2.00 and the bow I bought for a $1.00 at a consignment sale!


I stole the banner idea from my friend Heidi. There was a picture from each month of Grace's life. And now it makes a great little decoration in her room! 


My wonderful sister, Karen, helped me make these tissue paper pom poms. I bought the table clothes from dollar tree. All the food coloring is Electric pink from Hobby Lobby. I hope this will help you in your future parties! 

7 Ways To Be A Better Mom


You might be wondering why I would be writing a blog post about being a better mom? What do I know? I have only been a mom for a short year and only have one child. But... I learned from the best mom in the world! (who has successfully raised FIVE children) You see I am really writing this post to remind myself, because I really do desire to be a better mom for Grace. Grace deserves the best mom! It starts with me... not with my baby. I can teach her everything I know and follow all the books, but at the end of the day it is up to me.

1. Wake up and Go. Wake up before the children, have breakfast going, showered, smile on your face and most importantly be renewed by starting the day in the Word. My mom always would wake up, exercise, and spend time in the Word before we woke up. 

2. Energize. Have a cup of coffee, go for a run, eat healthy. Whatever gives you the most energy. Set an example for your children and be heathy.  

3. Keep to a Schedule. Children love routine. Buy a watch and stay on time. If you run late it causes chaos and a mean mommy. 

4. Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk. A lot of the small things will not matter when your children are grown. Take a chill pill. 

5. Play. Get off your couch. Play hide and seek. Go for a walk or to the park. Play with your children. (They will thank you)

6. Cut the Electricity. No phones, ipods, tv, whatever at dinner. Talk to your family, listen to their day. Get to know what or who matters to them.

7. Always Learn. You might have a bad day, but hopefully you learned what not to do tomorrow. Everyday is a new day. 

12 Months of Baby Grace

This little stroll down memory lane brings tears to my eyes. But... I also can't help but smile thinking about more wonderful days with our little girl and my love for her grow daily. 

The day she came home from the hospital.

Month 1

Month 2

Month 3

Month 4

Month 5

Month 6

Month 7

Month 8

Month 9

Month 10

Month 11

Month 12

We love you Baby Grace. 

Grace's First Birthday Party!!!

It doesn't seem possible, but our sweet baby girl has officially turned one year old. I can hardly remember what life was like before her, she is our whole world. Time flies when you are having fun!


We had such a blast celebrating with our friends and family, and this sweet little girl certainly enjoyed herself as well! Her birthday was so much fun!


The day began with mommy getting in a run before having people and party overload. Of course my little girl was outside with her daddy waiting for me to sing happy birthday.


We went to town with a pink and green theme for her birthday decor and I think it turned out pretty perfect. We had chocolate dipped rice crispy treats, strawberries & grapes, chips, salsa & guacamole, cup cakes, and homemade pimento cheese.






After the party girl was able to visit with all her guests it was smash cake time. She couldn't quite figure out why all these people were singing and staring at her. 




Grace's daddy made her cake just for her. He used a banana cake recipe and cream cheese icing with electric pink food coloring. Of course we were all enjoying watching her eat her cake and smear it all over her face... and you better believe there were tears when we took it away!



I am pretty sure she had the time of her life. The party turned out to be so much fun and festive. Thank you all that came and helped!

My Cleaning Addition-


Those of you who know me know that I am a little bit of a clean freak. I think that has been amplified since Grace was born. I HAVE to vacuum everyday, sweep, scrub and clean all the time! I also HATE clutter! My mom if she was here would tell you even as a young girl that I loved cleaning out anything. Overtime my favorite cleaning products have changed, but right now these are the products that I will NOT be left without:

1. Baby Ganics Highchair Cleaner- Grace has very sensitive skin and I feel very safe cleaning off her highchair with this before I feed her.

2. Clorox Wipes- I use these wipes on just about anything. I wipes my counters down multiples times a day with these and clean the bathrooms and any other messes that occur during the day. (which you know with children ALWAYS happen) 

3. Scrubbing Bubbles- This stuff works for me on my bathroom.

4. Baby Ganics Detergent- Again Grace's skin is so sensitive I use this brand for EVERYTHING. We use the lotion, detergent, cleaner, soap, shampoo, and hand soap.

5. Woolite Carpet Cleaner- This is the best carpet spot cleaner I have found. We still have carpet in most of our house and with clay outside makes for lots of spots! 

I hope this will help you and your dirt. Do you have a favorite cleaner or brand? Please share!


Grace Approved Foods!

Grace is not the easiest kid to get to eat, but when she likes it you know! Some of her favorites include: anything pureed, peas, bananas, chicken & dumplings, spaghetti, oatmeal, yogurt, Plum organic teething biscuits, lasagna, and cantaloupe.


What does your little one enjoy eating?


(This is what you have to do after she eats spaghetti)
Hi! I'm Katie. Wife to Michael. Mom to Grace, David Michael & Emma. Christ Follower. Runner. Stay at home mommy.



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