Alan's First Birthday - June 6, 2011

What a journey it has been! 

I have known for what seems like forever that I wanted to be a wife and mother, but to feel such bliss with my life seems unbelievable. Not a day passes by without me looking at my sweet boy and wondering , "What did I do to be so lucky?" 

The answer I always answer with is, "Nothing." There isn't a thing I can do or can try to do to make God bless me. He just does. He loves me and takes care of me because i am His. I have never understood that as deeply as I do now. Throughout my whole life, God has had a protectful hand over me. He allowed me to endure things that others have not, and I know that I am who I am today because of those encounters. I was forced to depend on God. That is something that I will never forget. He won't let me. 

Even with something as simple as a get together for my sweet, sweet boy, I was humbled by God. I was fighting disappointment and hurt by those close to me, and worry for my son who seemed to be coming down with an ear infection. I consider myself to be a pretty strong, steady, and even sturdy person, but when I least expect it, I am crumbled. God put his hand on me and provided just what I needed to get through that tough time. My husband is my rock. He knows me better than anyone and can read my mind when I am unable to express my feelings. Thank you, Bruce, for helping me through such an emotional time. 

Here are some of the preparations that Bruce and I made the week leading up to the party. Thank goodness we were able to decorate Saturday afternoon, because Alan decided not to nap Sunday until after his party. Anyone who knows Alan is probably not the least bit surprised by my little social bug. 

( I will incessantly blame his daddy for this trait! )

We had some of our closest family and friends over to celebrate Alan's first birthday on Sunday. We were tremendously blessed by such a turnout! Our little house was super full and super cozy! I wouldn't have changed a thing. Anyone who got there early saw that I was a bit anxious and nervous, but my nerves settled once I stopped thinking about the "party". 

 

 

We were able to just relax and enjoy mingling with guests while the burgers and hot dogs cooked. Alan loved all of his presents. We were, once again, tremendously blessed. This one year-old boy wants for nothing. He would rather play with something of mommy and daddy's than his toys most of the time. He has some great new additions to play with in the bath-tub and pool, walk with, and ride on!

Then the real fun began! The CAKE!

 

 

Here are a few great shots that Bruce was able to get before, during and after the "cake". He had a great time devouring his first dessert! He sat and ate that cupcake until it was no more!

 

 

Thanks again to all who have shown us support this past year whether it was a listening ear, a bestowal of advice, or a prayer for an aching heart.