Good Golly Miss Molly

I debated for a while about whether or not to write this post as it could be construed as "work" related, which I try to stay away from posting about.  I finally settled on doing it because this little corner of the interwebs serves as my scrapbook and this particular event was certainly part of my life story this year.  Also, it's main subject became much more than a co-worker to me - she is a beloved friend.  That being said, hopefully she doesn't mind.

At the end of April Molly and her husband decided to move back home to Ohio to pursue an incredibly exciting professional opportunity and to be closer to family.  This was a loss to me both personally and professionally.  For as sad as I was to lose her, I was (and am) even more excited to see what this change has in store for her and her family!  

The importance of co-friends (co-workers + friends) truly can not be overstated.  You spend so much of your time at work that it's inevitable that they come to know more about your daily life and what's going on in your world than some of your oldest friends.  Between trips to get water, to procure "the bad drink," to say hi to Donna or simply to get some steps in- the little moments that go neglected in big catch ups get shared.  Life gets lived.

She joined our little team just before I had Emery and over the course of the past few years she grew to be a trusted confidante, voice of reason and supporter through all of my life events.  She watched Emery grow from a tiny, screamy newborn into a vocal and busy infant and then into an opinonated, strong-willed and hilarious toddler.  She watched me struggle a bit balancing a toddler and pregnancy.  She watched Brynn go from a sweet, chunk of a newborn into a smiley, giggly, loving infant.  I watched her buy her first home, get married and triumph over the CPA.  

If the above doesn't sell you on how wonderful she is, I suppose you'll just have to trust me.  Or fly to Ohio and learn for yourself.  Either way- someone this wonderful clearly deserved many send off activities and we were happy to oblige.

First, our other fabulous co-worker hosted a small group of us and our families out at her house.  She made a mouth watering meal of pulled pork with all the fixin's and we all got to enjoy hanging out outside of work.  The highlight for Em was that one of her horses had a 3 month old filly that she got to feed and play with.  Perhaps she should have been born into another family because she was all about the farm life.  

I was pretty shocked that she wasn't scared of something so much bigger than her.  I guess Lola really is more like a horse than a dog.

As tends to be the case with most of Emery's undertakings- her feeding style was a little bossy.  "EAT!"

Sweet baby Josephine was only 3 weeks old.

Next we had a little HH next door the night before her last day.  If these people don't scream good time to you then clearly you've never had one.  

The coolest finance team on the planet.  (Me, Jean, Grace, Ilhan, David, Carolina, Leslie, Cynthia, Becca, Molly, Maria & Thomas)

Last, but in no way least, Becca, Molly & I became infamous for our walks over to Starbucks once (sometimes more) a week.  So clearly on her last day we had to take one last walk.  This one may or may not have been with sunglasses to hide shiny eyes.

Becca is artsy.  I am pointy.  Molly is double fisting.  Leaving is rough.

The last 3 Musketeers pic.

We miss you Molly!  Now hurry up and plan your next trip down.  :c)  

So April Showers bring May Flowers...

... and May flowers bring amorous activities.  At least in the circles I travel in.  I've realized this as of late because we've been birthday party-attending machines in this house.  It turns out quite a few awesome people in our lives were born in late January/early February and EACH of them deserves some celebrating!  If Mama weren't trying to squeeze as much productivity into a short daycare trial run, they'd also each warrant their own blog post.  Hopefully in light of this fact they'll be ok with sharing the spotlight with others equally as wonderful as them.

First up?  Sweet, sweet Avery.  This little doll-face turned the big O-N-E on January 22nd.  Why does she matter to us?  Because she was born into one of my very favorite families of all time (see below).  Not surprisingly due to some stellar genetics- Av is just the cutest, smartest, most social little one year old girl on the planet.  Added bonus?  Homegirl is almost exactly right in the middle of my 2 crazy faces.  I envision a lot of trouble being caused by these 3 in the future.

Mama Mel threw the perfect celebratory bash at their house on Saturday January 24th and we were so pumped to be there.

The birthday princess.  Caaaaan I help you crazy-lady-with-the-iPhone-in-my-face?

As always, Melanie had a stellar spread.  Almost as amazing as big bro photobombing in the background.

Are you kidding with this dessert table?  This is where I was typically found.

From Northgate in 2003 to Jonathan's living room in 2015- not much has changed.  Except the chicks they're subjecting to sports/stock talk.  Soon enough they'll be smart enough to wander off like Mel & I are.

Avery, Melanie, Erin & Eva.  Gorgeous ladies.

Discussing how to keep their kids from doing the ridiculous things they did.

I'm just going to kick back and listen to how terribly out of tune you all are.

So THIS is cake, huh?  She will be attending brunches in no time.

The toddler stare down.  Apparently this really is genetic instinct in females.

Emery and Avery sharing some deep thoughts.

This is a shockingly good picture for how many children are included.  (Good these days equates to people looking at the camera, not actual photogenic-ness.)

Lynda trying to woo Brynn.

So, isn't this where we're supposed to be sunbathing?  Anyone?  Anyone?

Up next was my dear, dear friend-worker (should it be co-friend?) Becca's birthday.  She was also born on January 22nd, just a feeeeew years earlier than Miss Avery.  Why does she matter to me?  Because she was my very first friend at my current job.  We started on the same day, she forced me to talk to her in the lobby and the rest is history.  And by the "rest" I mean countless walks to Starbucks, trips for snacks and laps of the floor in search of chocolate.  I really can't imagine what on earth I would do without her support, friendship and listening ear.  Not only that but she's just an all-around awesomely fun, hilarious lady.  I adore you Becca!

Becca invited me to dinner to celebrate this milestone* birthday at America's with her crew on Sunday January 25th.  Not only was it awesome to finally meet some people I'd heard so much about, but we got treated to THE most delicious chocolate and strawberry homemade cake.  She deserved nothing less.

* I won't say which because a lady should never reveal another's age.  Okay, okay.  It was 18.  You've dragged it out of me.

Flaming tres leches.  Did you think that having a homemade cake might stop us from eating the dessert provided by the restaurant?  Ha.  You're hilarious.

The birthday girl taking a picture of her out-of-this-world cake.

The next birthday in the parade is sweet Melanie's.  Her birthday is January 27th.  Why is she important to us?  Ugh, let me count the ways.  She is the matriarch of the family that could only be described as our spirit animals.  (At times, with the men faction, "spirit" is used in the booze-y context).  I truly am not sure what we would do without them.  From Italy to Geneva to carnivals at elementary schools- we have had way too much fun with these characters over the years.  We sure do love our McClains.  Plus, Melanie has literally done far, far too much for me in my mama-ing journey.  One night when Emery was about 2 months old, she woke up every hour all night.  Melanie did not ask a question and just drove over here to watch her, with Jake mind you, so I could take a nap.  She also watched my crazy child for part of a weekend away when Em was just about 3 months old.  WHILE she was in the first trimester with Avery.  Super hero?  Yes.  Yes times a thousand.  Oh, did I mention she kept Emery for the first half of our trip to Punta Cana for my sister's wedding?  What about that time she just drove over and brought me Starbucks when Brynn was little because she knew it was hard for me to get out with her?  Seriously- I don't deserve her.

We celebrated Melanie's 21st (don't audit my math) birthday with a girls dinner on Wednesday January 28th at The Corner Table.  The food was fabulous and only very slightly outshined by the conversation.  We really shouldn't be allowed out in public.  We especially shouldn't be allowed out to nice places.  It was an awesome time and the birthday princess more than deserved it.

Jen: "this tastes like a bath candle."

So many of my favorite people all in one place.  Happy tummy and happy heart.

Moving right along, we cross over into February.  Sweet baby Patrick turned one year old on February 3rd.  I know, I know- when they're 1 they aren't babies any more.  Whatever.  Why does he matter to us?  Because over the course of the last year and a half his Mama has become such a good friend to me.  She truly is a treasure.  There is absolutely no way I could have made it through the past year anxiety-attack free without her daily texts of hilarious stories.  If there's one person I can always count on to laugh at a gross Mama story or to share her most recent ridiculous story to make me laugh- it's Lynda.  Not only that, but I think Emery and Patrick have the same naturally skeptical, difficult-to-impress personality.  Clearly this friendship was meant to be.

We celebrated Baby P's big day on Saturday January 30th at his house.  Lynda pulled off an ah-mazing birthday party.  This is evidenced by the fact that I took zero pictures.  Trust me when I say it was gorgeous.  And there were chocolate chip cookies.  I may or may not have eaten my body weight in them.  Great decor AND baked goods?  That's my love language.  All of us, Emery included, had an awesome time.  

Lynda's Pintrest game is strong.  Almost as strong as Patrick's toy game.  Seriously, homeboy has it all.

Lynda sent us home with like 4 of those cupcakes.  My hips are angry about it.

Emery monopolizing the slide.  Sharing is not a strong suit.

The birthday prince and his proud papa.

Jakey showing off his athletic prowess on the world's most massive pinata.  Ever.

I/We have genuinely had the best time celebrating all of you the past few weeks.  Happy, happy, HAPPY Birthday to Avery, Becca, Melanie & Patrick.  Thank you so much not only for inviting us, but for all you do for my little family.  We adore all of you more than you know!

Cel-e-brate Good Buckets - C'mon!

On Saturday September 27th, my amazing BFF/sister trio of Jen, Melanie & Julie threw a beautiful celebration to usher in baby Bucket.  Please note I am not referring to this as a shower or sprinkle because I was very against the idea of anyone going out of their way for me when I am 100% cognizant of the fact that people just did this for me fairly recently.  They sold me on it by calling it a celebration and promising that it would be small and mainly an excuse for close family/friends to grab some mimosas and desserts.  What pregnant lady is going to argue with dessert?  They also put on the invitation that presents weren't allowed.

Apparently none of my close family or friends reads instructions because there were indeed gifts.  While I am not happy with your lack of obedience, I know that sweet baby Bucket will be so thankful to have some things of her OWN that aren't being hoarded by her older sister, currently the Duchess of "Mynah" (mine).  Also, the hostesses with the mostestes (totally ignoring that on spell check) WAY out-did themselves.  As mentioned previously, it was sold to me as a small gathering with minimal effort.  I was imagining like a bottle of champagne, some red solo cups, OJ and a package of cookies from HEB because that is the kind of classy broad I am.  As you'll see in the pictures below, we had different visions and definitions of "minimal effort."

I had an amazing time and I really can't accurately put into words just how grateful and honored I feel to have the friends and family that I do.  Any time you have a major life event, it's beyond touching to have the people you love the most go out of their way to share in your excitement and to rally around you.  This was in some ways even more meaningful than my showers just because it was absolutely unexpected and completely unnecessary.  It was genuinely just because I have somehow surrounded myself with people who are far better and more selfless than yours truly.

So thank you, thank you, thank you to all who took time out of their busy lives to plan, attend or in any way be a part of this celebration of our dearest Baby B.  Very special thank you to Julie, Jen & Melanie for hosting.  You all truly made my day and rest-assured that I'm far more thankful than I could ever convey.  Sweet Bucket doesn't know just how lucky she is, but I most certainly do.  I love each of you!

These are not the red solo cups I envisioned.

How appetizing does this spread look?!  Again, this table > my vision of a plastic carton of HEB cookies.

Mmmmm.. pregnant people punch (i.e. no booze).

Little known fact- Jen invented the mimosa bar.  We confirmed it with my Mom.

Please note Melanie's use of buckets to hold utensils.

Angel food cake.  Surely this is foreshadowing of little miss' demeanor, right?

I obviously did not check my blood sugar this day.  Shhh, don't tell my doctor.

So.  much.  food.

Sweet guest book and gorgeous flowers.

My co-workers frans are more awesome than yours.  Leah came despite having an almost 1 month old at home!  How awesome does she look?

The best hostesses on the planet - Jen, Jules & Mel.

My Mama who continues to do WAY too much for me.  I really have some big shoes to fill with my sweet babies.

Grandma & Nonnie.  Love these ladies!

Grandma, Aunt Tiff & Cousin Kylie.

Kylie bear.  When did she get so big?!

Rule breakers!!!!

Itty bitty adorable socks for itty bitty adorable feet.  Unless she inherits her Dad's feet.  Then maybe not.

Pink & Orange You Glad I'm Here?

Last Saturday, March 1st, we celebrated Emery's 1st birthday with a little shindig here at the house.  We were beyond humbled by all the friends and family that were willing to spend their Saturday trekking out to the 'burbs to watch our tiny diva smash delicately pinch some cake and show off her new head-shaking trick.  We know that at this age everyone has their own families and own busy to-do lists to attend to, so any time you make room in your schedule for us we don't take it lightly.  From the very bottom of our hearts, we thank you.  Your love, support and willingness to drink a beer for any cause is what makes our world go 'round!

The party went mostly as you'd expect- lots of sweet skeptical baby faces, lots of good laughs, lots of pink & orange, lots of quality time to catch up, lots of frazzled mama and lots of memories made.  Because a picture is worth a thousand words, and I had about a thousand to choose from (THANK YOU JEN & JIMMY JAMES), I won't waste any more visual space with my own words.

Happy Birthday Party, my sweet, sweet angel!

I recommend two things if you're going to make some banners.  1) Measure said banner to be sure it will fit in your house before spending the better part of a weekend on it.  2)  Be sure if you make 2 banners, you remember to hang both.  You may be seeing one that looks very similar at Emery's 2nd birthday.

This Mama spent some quality time watching AI while playing craft time with Emery's monthly pictures.

So thankful for my 9/80s.  P.S. We are still looking for where I put the pots/pans that normally go here.

Nothing says oh-crap-I-forgot-to-take-decor-pics-before-the-party-started like this picture does.

Seriously.  Lots of craft time while watching AI.

Emery, never say that your Mama doesn't love you.  I made these banana cupcakes from scratch.  I'll probably never do it again so let this picture serve as proof that it did happen.

I think I took this picture before all the food was set up.  Timeliness is clearly not my strong suit.

Oh there's my other banner on the ottoman.  Cool.

Grandma, Nonnie & the birthday girl.

My awesome co-workers, Molly & Kevin.  Errr... Becca.  ;c)  Love you Becca!

Aunt Julie, Grandpa, Lynda & precious baby Patrick.

Proof that food did inhabit this table at one point.

Aunt Tiff, Emery & cousin Kylie.

The romper room.  Would you believe this is only a fraction of the kids?  Kylie, Noah's foot, Emery, Anniston & Harper.  (Not pictured: Will, Blakely, Patrick, Avery & Jake)

Lynda, Patrick, Beth & Harper.  Patrick surrounded by women.  Poor guy.

Action shot of the pergola.  What?  Oh yeah- and the party.

Looks a little different than our ol' EY HH days.  David, JT, Brendan & Jonathan.

Av's made it in a picture!

Lola's wondering if its her birthday yet.

Nonnie, Daddy, Mama & Miss Em.  That hat stood no chance.

(I apologize in advance for the bajillion cake smashing pics but it's my (kid's) party and I'll cry bombard you with photos if I want to.)  What is this?  Did one of my classmates frost it?  (Seriously don't look closely.)

What's that Jakey, you think it's edible?

Let me inspect it very carefully.  Mama, is that a tear from this morning I detect?

Yup, I found another one I am pretty sure.

Give me just a minute- I'm not done!

You seeing this?  Lady's trying to steal my cake.

Ok.  You want in on this now?!  Why did you people even give this to me?

That is fine if you guys want to try to take pictures or whatever, but I am just going to keep eating, mmmmk?

Can you believe we made it a year?!

I know I'm a biased mama, but isn't she beautiful?  How on earth did Ryan & I produce such an adorable specimen?

Aunt Julie, Nonnie & Miss Emery.

Pssst... Aunt Tiff, can you BELIEVE they're still taking pictures?  Can't a girl just get some peace around here?  The Martin clan- Kylie, Aunt Tiffany, Jenny, Pam, Grandma, Pawpaw, Great Grandpa & Nancy.

Uncle Matt & Grandpa.

Heeeeeeeelp!

Becca, Tanner, Kevin & Molly with a side of Blakely photobomb.

Mom, look what I got!  I think I have this tissue paper in another color, but we won't tell them yet, ok?  Man, tissue paper is the best.

What are these things attached to the real gift- the tag?

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Birthday to ME.