The Baker Bustle: 2010

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Christmas Time!

Yes, yes, yes. I AM aware that the calendar is nearing "most wonderful time of the year". But it sure doesn't feel like it! I mean... 60 degrees last week? That's not the Christmas I remember. I'm not complaining, though. Let's just say I am not cold weather's biggest fan. I have never liked driving in snow, scraping my windows, warming my car, bundling up, wearing boots, running the heat in my house constantly, having to stay indoors, salt on the floors, mud on the rugs, cold drafts in the house, etc... and that was BEFORE a baby! Whenever I bundle Brinley up for the cold weather she looks like a little marshmallow. And wearing her on my hip... it's nearly impossible since there are fourteen layers of fleece and down between us! Needless to say, I am very pleased with the recent weather. It's easier to handle the below-zero days when there are a few days of fifty in between! For example, Friday's high was 58 and the low was 20. Saturday's high was 20. That's right-- Friday's low = Saturday's high. I can handle that. Ok, ok -- enough rambling.
So in order to get myself in the holiday spirit I have been blasting the Christmas music pretty much 24/7. Pandora is pretty well aware of my my love of Michael Buble's voice singing classic Christmas tunes at this point. So I have now added more Christmas music to this playlist in order to help you, as well. Nothing better than preparing yourself for the ultimate gift of all time: Jesus!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

First Birthday Party

Ever since she was born I have heard over and over again "They grow so fast!" or "Time flies!" or "You just blink and they are sixteen!" To this I always replied "I know." or "She IS growing fast!"or something to that effect... never really thinking it was going by too quickly. Then, all of a sudden, out of nowhere I'm planning a first birthday party. I mean... ONE?!? Really?? Is that necessary? I mean- can't she stay zero for a little longer? I'm TOTALLY ok with having a little baby for the rest of my life. But apparently she has other plans. Apparently she is ready to be Mrs. Independent. We'll see about that.
So since planning and having a first birthday party was inevitable, I went with it. She absolutely LOVES balls/circles/anything round so we went with a polka dot themed party. So the party planning began...

First we needed a polka-dotted cake...

Which makes for a pretty fun clean-up...

Then we started putting out the food and decorating...

And what's better than a few balloons at a birthday party? How about FIFTY?

This picture was taken after Hasmik had blown up
twenty-five balloons WITHOUT the vacuum.

The guest of honor came shortly after the balloons were blown up...

"Is this heaven, Mommy?"

After her friends came we decided it was time for cake...

The before

The after


Thank you, Doug for decorating this cake in a matter of minutes! So pretty!

And then came the presents...

Spoiled. Spoiled. Spoiled.

She was so excited about her new books!

She was supposed to be opening more presents
but she decided she would rather read her new books.

And we finished up with a fun (but loud) game of "pop the balloon".

Let's just say this was Grayson's type of game...

Notice the hands over the ears

Let's just say that Charlie went through quite a few balloons...
He said that it was like stopping in the pits for new tires.


Carly should have won the game.... No one could pop her helium balloon!

And lastly.... this is for my mother...

Photographic proof that YOU gave her the chocolate.
No more lies, mother. YOU are the caffeine/sugar fairy!

Overall we had a great birthday party. Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen (Grandma Cindy, Grandpa Eric, Aunt Shannon, Aunt Tracy, Aunt Hasmik, Great Aunt Vicki, Great Uncle Doug, and everyone else)We were so blessed to have our friends come. But I think I can wait another couple years before I let her turn... ugh... I can't even say it... t..... tw...... ~~two~~. No. I won't let it happen.