Monkey Bread

For Christmas, Bryan and I got Sarah a Paula Deen children's cookbook, and she loves it! Yesterday morning, we made Monkey Bread using the cookbook and had a great time!

Sarah cutting the biscuits--this is always her favorite part when we're making this recipe...well this and eating it! Showing off her finished product! Like every Paula Deen recipe we've made in this house, it's delicious!

Dancing

The other night, I came into the office to find Bryan and Sarah dancing to Michael Buble. It was so sweet! The two of them love dancing together.

Sarah dancing with Snuggle after she and Daddy were finished. I love her facial expression--she's so into it!

I didn't take a picture of her with Bryan since he was sick.

New Shades!

At the end of the month, Sarah's teacher, Ms. Zarate, has a "Z Buck Store" for the kids. Using tokens they've received for behaving well, the class gets to buy various items.

This afternoon when Bryan and I arrived at school to get Sarah, she was wearing her new shades from Ms. Zarate and giving us this look. Since we didn't have our camera at the time, I made Sarah recreate it when we got home. What a ham!

Sarah is 7!

Today, Sarah turned 7! 7 years old, people! This morning after lovin' on her and wishing her a happy birthday, I tried to talk her into staying 6, but she wasn't having any part of it!

Opening gifts from Nana and Grandpa. One of them was a ring, and Sarah was so excited! Looking at a Fancy Nancy sticker book from Aunt Hillary! We love Fancy Nancy at this house! After gifts, we went out to practice on her new bike! She hasn't had a bike in a couple of years, so she wanted to brush up before Daddy let go. She loved Daddy helping her because he's strong and he went fast!

Sarah was singing, "I'm riding my new bike!"

She loves her bike!

Blowing out the candles on her carrot cake!

Our 7 year old!

A New Bike!

After all of the guests left last night, Bryan went out to the truck to get Sarah our gift...

her new bike!

The scream that echoed through the house from this little girl was unreal--unless of course you've heard Sarah scream, then you will understand! Since it was about 9:30, Daddy and Sarah practiced in the foyer!

She never wanted to get off!

Sarah was worried that I wouldn't be able to ride with her since I'm pregnant, but I showed her!

Sarah's Birthday Party

Last night, we had Sarah's birthday party. Bryan actually came up with the theme of Pizza and a Movie, which Sarah and I loved. (And besides, what kid doesn't like pizza?!) So, 5 of Sarah's friends came to help her celebrate. We also invited her wonderful teacher, and she came too! Sarah was thrilled when the doorbell rang and Ms. Zarate was there!!

Sarah opening one of her presents.

(This was unfortunately the only picture that turned out somewhat well of her and the gifts!!)

Daddy lighting the candles--which scared Sarah for some reason!

The adorable boy next to her is Trey, her boyfriend. I wish I was kidding! He is such a sweet little kid. All night, he called Bryan and I Mr. and Mrs. Cobbler. Haha!! I thought it was so cute, I couldn't possibly correct him! He also wants us to name our baby Raymond, which is his real name. I kindly told him we would think about it, but just between you and me, it's still going to be Jackson!! : )

I love Sarah's face after she blew out all of the candles at once! The kiddos being silly! Sarah could not wait to dig into her cake!! One of her presents was the tiara and wand. She wore it until the party was over and referred to herself as the queen!

Valentine's

Although Bryan and I aren't fans of Valentine's Day, it is one of Sarah's favorite holidays! For her class, we made little heart Valentine cards that she couldn't wait to pass out!

Sarah with her Valentine folder that her classmates put their cards to her in.

During the week, the students also took time to write secret cards in class to place in the folders. The ones to Sarah were so cute. Here are some of them:

"You're a good reader."

"You're a nice person."

"You're a good BFF."

Sarah made a special one for the little boy, Trey who sits next to her. It said:

"You stole my heart. From you know who."

Bryan and I don't know where to begin with that one! Haha!!

Each year, Bryan and I get Sarah goodies for Valentine's Day, and this year, they included this sweet little teddy bear, a pink heart-shaped bowl, and some chocolates--her favorite!

Birthday Dinner

Last night, we took Sarah out to eat for her birthday dinner. She was looking forward to dressing up and eating out all week!

She wore one of the dresses Bryan bought her in the Spring--it's her favorite (although you can't really see it here!). Sarah took this one of Bryan and me! I love it! Sarah enjoying her huge chocolate cake!

Question...

What happens when dear friends of the family ask an innocent pregnant lady if she would like to buy Girl Scout Cookies?

She buys 4 boxes!! This isn't even all of the cookies either--the Thin Mints are in the pantry, (I didn't want them to effect the flavor of the other cookies!).

In my defense, I supported our friends' adorable little daughter. And I read that chocolate and carbs are good for the baby!!

I also bought a box from the nice crossing guard at Sarah's school (his granddaughter). So, for those of you counting, yes, that's 5 boxes! I just can't help myself when it comes to these once a year treats! Don't worry, I'll pack some in Bryan and Sarah's lunches too!

A Self Portrait

One of my favorite "toys" of Sarah's, is her easel. Half dry-erase board, half chalkboard, all fun! We've done everything on it from great drawings to reading and writing practice to math problems. We just love it! Yesterday, this is what she created:

An adorable self portrait!

(I love how she's accessorized and everything! : ) )

Anniversary

Today, is our 7 year wedding anniversary! I can hardly believe we've been married that long! I am so blessed to be sharing my life with my best friend!

Since Bryan has to work until 7 tonight, I'm just going to make him one of his favorite dinners: tortellini with homemade meat sauce and white chocolate fondue for dessert!

Riverwalk Fun!

For the past few days, our good friends were in town, so Friday afternoon, we went to the Riverwalk. It was so much fun!

Sarah and Daddy posing along the Riverwalk. Me and Papa Bear

Sarah and Daddy overlooking the river on a bridge.

Us on the boat before we went on the tour. This was Sarah's favorite part of the trip! She loved seeing all of the buildings and hearing about their history as we rode along.

Baby Clothes

On Monday after my appointment, I headed to Target to get some clothes for the baby. I bought about 7 onesies, which I wasn't planning on, but in my defense, they were on sale! Soon I'll go back and get Jackson some cute button down shirts with the sweater vests over them!!

Bryan really likes the one that says "Daddy and me" because it's for him and in Cowboy colors. What a nerd!

Baby Update!

Yesterday, I had my 19-week sonogram and check-up.

So, we now know that in my growing belly, is a... BOY!!!

Bryan started his first day in the ER yesterday, so he unfortunately couldn't go with me to the appointment. So, I decided to surprise him when he got home last night. I baked a cake and filled the middle with vanilla frosting tinted blue and covered the outside with homemade chocolate frosting. He was excited when he cut into it! He called it a "boy cake"!

It was yummy!!

Here's a picture of little Jackson's face!

Bryan and I are so excited! And after much deliberation, Sarah came to the conclusion this weekend that she wanted a baby brother instead of a sister. That way, she doesn't have to share her "Prince Charming Daddy" with anyone else. How adorable is that?! Yesterday after homework, Sarah hugged the baby and said, "Hi, Jackson! I'm your big sister Sarah! I'm going to teach you everything!" Love it!!