Jase's big party

This past weekend we had family and some friends over to celebrate Jase’s birthday. The weather was beautiful about 60 degrees and sunny! The party was called for 3pm. Some family showed up early and they were a big help with set up and looking after the boys so Greg and I could add some finishing touches to the house and decorations. His party was ‘balloon’ themed…poor Greg had the task of driving 36 balloons home from the party store. He did it all without complaint- what a good sport. Owen and Jase loved the balloons before, during and after the party..as did all the other kids. We used them to decorate the house and each kid (11 total) who came to the party got to take one home with them on their goodie bag. Their goodie bags were filled with their findings from the egg hunt we had during the party. We had snacks, chick fil a nuggets, meatball sandwiches and salads. The party was a hit! We feel so blessed that we got to share Jase’s big day with loving family and friends.

       

Jase is one!

On the hunt!

Cousin sharing :)

We also used the party as a debut for our new sunroom and a few more updates around the house. The major things we did were to update the sunroom and replace two of our doors. First, we cleaned and bleached and cleaned and bleached the sunroom.  We then tore out the yucky carpet and replaced it with laminate faux wood, replaced the blinds and got new furniture! Yay! Next, Greg ripped out the old, rotting garage door and replaced it with a brand new door! He did the same for the front storm door- took down the old and replaced with new. The front door needed some updating but was in good shape so we took it down, painted it black and put on a new knocker and kick-plate. It’s beautiful! I am so proud of my hubby- he did it all himself! We are so blessed that we could do it all ourselves! Check out the pictures below of the updates! (I apologize for the randomness of the photo sizes...I'm new at this and it's tricky when posting from my tablet ☺️)

View of the sunroom on the day we bought our home.

Same view after remodel! (I guess I should have picked up before snapping this shot!)

Old storm door and blue front door

New storm door and black front door with brush nickel kick-plate and knocker

Old door in back left of pic (Owen chillin!)

 New door!

More than just sunshine

I can’t seem to come off the high from today.  One year ago today, I met my chubby, full head of hair, squishy little man, Jase. I remember his first cry, his weight, the time he was born and the first time I fed him. Nursing Jase has been a magical journey that I am happy to say that we are still continuing. I’ve already told him that I won’t nurse him before prom, so don’t worry, I’ll be done by the time he goes to high school. :)
Our day started early- 5:45 am...I guess the little party animal couldn't sleep! Owen was up about 15 minutes later and we've been going ever since. Jase was so excited to see his big brother and when Owen got close enough, Jase rested his head on Owen's chest and gave him a 'hug.' It was so sweet. I guess being up at 5:45 am wasn't so bad after all. We had a fun day full of laughter, outside play, easter egg dying and a cup cake play date.  It was a beautiful day spent with family and friends.
Many of you know my story: Jase is short for Jason, ‘one who heals.’ Jase got his name because we found out we were pregnant with him shortly after we lost a pregnancy. We prayed and prayed for God to heal our pain and to bring us a healthy baby in his perfect timing. Thanks be to God for all the answered prayers both in the past and present. I was reminded that God, love and family is bigger than the pain of miscarriage. When I looked up in the sky today, I saw more than just sunshine.                        

                     

  

Jase enjoyed playing with his cupcake more than eating it... :)