Saturday, February 23, 2008

Happy Birthday to the Tods!

This morning was Jackson and Ella's second birthday party. We celebrated with friends at a place called Pump It Up. It was very low stress and so much fun! It was just easy and great. Thank You, Lord!

Me and my boy in a bounce house. The lady who did my hair for Melissa's wedding said I have enough hair for three people. I think you can see that in this picture. Good grief!






Curtis and Jackson shooting hoops.






Heath and Ella sliding down. Curt and Jackson climbing up.


Jackson coming down!


Melissa and baby Gabriel. He was oh-so-sweet in that sling.


Sunni and Ava, who turns two next month!


Xavier and Heath having a tender moment. Just precious.


Janelle and I got a sneak peek of the room before it was taken over by toddlers.


Our Pump It Up hostess did all the set up and clean up. She even put the straws in the juice boxes before we came in. She was amazing! I had to hug her before I left.


Do I even need to tell you who this is?


Laney's mom, Kristin, made this lollipop arrangement for the party. How sweet! Each kid got to take a lollipop home.


Landon and Logan


Ava and Jonas


Laney and Josh


A toddler birthday party takes a lot of moms working together.


Ella and Jackson having a snack.


Jackson really just wanted to play with the balloons.


We couldn't wait to take a picture of the Tods in this fun chair. They were not as enthused about it.




I had to post this for two reasons. 1) It's cute. 2) Miraculously, we are ALL facing the camera!


Girls, we made it two years!


Ella got a moment to chill in the cool chair without a stinky boy all up in her space.


A sign of a good party.

62 comments:

AbbyLane said...

*ohhhh, laney's hair just stole my heart...that is adorable

*awesome group shot!

*amanda, your hair is amazing...that picture looks like one of those victoria secret models whose hair is all beautiful and blowing in the "wind" (minus the seductive commercial lines, and plus a way cute wardrobe)

Profbaugh said...

Happy, happy birthday to the Tods, especially my buddy Jackson!! Thanks Amanda for sharing this special day with me. Loved the pictures.

Celebrating with you,
~Cheryl

Marc and Charity said...

I've never heard of Pump It Up, but it looks like a great place!

Heather said...

I love bounce house parties. Ryans was there this past year and it's great to have someone else do all the work ... all I did was show up and bring the cake! LOVE IT.

Looks like everyone had a ball! Happy 2nd birthday Jackson!

Hillary said...

What a fun party! I love Jackson's hat! And how you and your son color coordinate! :) I'm a huge fan of green so that was a nice pick!

Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! said...

Adorable! I have a secret dream that I will one day be "forced" to go to Pump It Up!

When I get to heaven, one of my first questions may end up being:

"Sweet Jesus, why did You not create Pump It Up while I was little?"

Until then, we may never know the answer.

Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! said...

Oh and I can't believe I forgot this: when today's post pulled up and I saw your hair in that first picture, I literally gasped out loud.

You are a blessed woman for God hath shown His favor upon-ith you by bestowing full hair upon-ith your head-ith... good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over! People always downing prosperity preachin' but if we were preachin' prosperity about big, full hair, nobody would be complaining. The body of Christ would be all over that junk.

P.S. - Upon-ith isn't a word by the way. I just needed more KJV-type words to make it work.

P.P.S. - Head-ith isn't a word, either. See above explanation.

Joanne : The Simple Wife said...

So cute! You can tell it was a great party by how cashed Jackson was at the very end. Looking at all your pictures makes me miss having little ones--mine are now 9 and 7 and oh-so-grown-up!

Joanne

Unknown said...

Awesome! Seeing these pictures makes me sort of miss the tunnel/ball days we used to have. But, then I remember how cool each stage has been with the girls, and wonder if I'd do it all again...Anyway, enough about me. How PRECIOUS! Thank you!

Katie said...

Happy Birthday, Jackson!

PS- This is what I was saying about your hair, Amanda! Good Heavens, Lady! You need to cut some and share it, pass it around...

:)

boomama said...

Happy Birthday, Jackson and Ella!

:-)

valerie said...

How much fun!
I'm so glad y'all had such a fun day.
Happy Birthday Jackson!
Love,
Valerie

Anonymous said...

Happy TWO Birthday, Jackson!

Man, you've been a posting machine this weekend!

Anonymous said...

So glad the party went well for you!

Close in age buddies are such a fun blessing, especially when the parents are so close too.

My son has 2 buddies just days apart and they have celebrated many birthdays together.

Unknown said...

#1. Your hair is amazing!

#2. I adore the pics of the three mom's & Tods...priceless!

#3. Jackson asleep in his car seat on the way home DOES say "Great party!"

Thanks for sharing!

Kelly @ Love Well said...

Remember that "Friends" episode where Joey was sure he'd found his hand twin?

I think we're hair twins. I also have enough hair follicles to cover the bald heads of an entire family.

Fun, fun party! We love Pump It Up. And that last picture is priceless. The sign of a successful party indeed. Happy birthday, Jackson!

Anonymous said...

Amanda, do you remember the Barbie doll that had the growing hair...there was a hole in the top of her head (no, I'm not comparing that part!!!) and her hair could be pulled out or pushed back in for the short look!!! to echo your comment"Good Grief" you do have "atonofhair"!!!! This is like the official end of the celebration season and it looks like a total success too!!!

Kara Akins said...

Due to shock over how many b-day parties I have had to throw I can't help but recount just how many that has been every time I read about, hear about or go to a B-day party. I am 32 and have six children, ages 3-13. Currently I have had 50 birthdays(can I enlarge that number for greater effect?). How about "50" BIRTHDAY parties for my children. And, I am sad to report they have gotten a little lack luster lately. I completely went overboard in the beginning. I mean to the point the children would cry upon seeing another gift to open. Now we do special days and parties with mostly family. They are happy as can be BUT I am still counting how many birthdays I've thrown. I think their is an illness for this.... can't stop counting!!! And yes I did a recount upon reading your post. It is indeed 50 and will go up to 54 by June 9th!

Three Fold Cord said...

The hat cocked to the side-I love ther est of the photos but wow that biy sure has style!!!

Bryson's Mom said...

Fun times! I have to ask you where you got that cake? My little man is about to turn three, and he would absolutely love some Pablo cake!

Becky said...

Oh my! Preciousness!! Thanks for sharing. I am embarassed to say, I don't know what cake of the the blue duck-like thing was! I am getting soooo old! I have teens (so if it had been Hannah Montanta, I might have known. giggle). Praying for your family!

Kelly said...

You and Janelle are SO cute - I would kill for your hair!
This looks like such a fun party! All of those 2 year olds are TOO TOO CUTE!

Mocha with Linda said...

So cute.

And I bet you were ready to be in the same position as Jackson when it was over. Those parties are exhausting for the mom too!

Fun stage of life!

mariel said...

Great hair, Amanda!! Happy Happy Birthday to the Tods! what a blessing to celebrate with friends! Especially at Pump it up!!

That sounds like a great idea...mine is not so much a 'tod' anymore, but would love his 5th party at Pump It Up!!

Janelle and Ella said...

That was such a fun birthday for Ella and Jackson! I will always cherish those memories!

Toknowhim said...

You are right. The group shot was great... How often do you get everyone looking at the camera (especially the toddlers)?

I love your hair! Mine is hopelessly fine :( You could do a Pantene commercial :)

Congratulations on two years of motherhood. You are really doing a great job ( I can say that because I have been reading your blog for awhile). Blessings on many more happy years to come!!

Kay Altic said...

Manda...the party looks so fun!!!! Jackson looks so cute in his hat...I tried to get Jayk to sport one today and he would have none of it...Love you sweet friend...

twinkle said...

Yes! You three have made it through a huge milestone! Great party and loved the last picture most of all.
Happy Birthday, Jackson and Ella. May God bless these little ones and give ya'll the energy and wisdom to keep up with them.

~Jodi~ said...

what a great b-day party for them! love the pics he is such a handsome lil guy! wow time sure does fly by fast it seems like he was just one. I hope this is a great year ahead having a 2 year old! they are so much fun!
i love your necklace and outfit btw and was impressed that the bottom of your socks were white after jumping on that. i know it's an odd thing to notice sorry!

Fran said...

Those pix are fantastic!!!

Happy birthday Jackson!!!
Hugs and blessings~
Fran

Big Mama said...

Happy Birthday Jackson and Ella.

Also, I do love a cake that involves large amounts of blue icing.

A Place For Ministry Wives/A Place For Me said...

I haven't commented in awhile...mainly because I'm not really blogging anymore...but oh.my.goodness...

I thought the shirt and hat on Jackson were adorable...but then when I saw the matching flip flops...I was just beside myself. And I still am. Seriously...just beside myself.

Sunni at The Flying Mum said...

Sure was a good party! Good job, moms!

Ava enjoyed herself and had a lovely time. She especially enjoyed eating her Lay's potato chips...one of her favorites.

Holly said...

I just love lots of color for a birthday party! and the cake is very awesome! I prayed for you all this weekend--to have a wonderful party without anything but fun and love and laughter.

Love,
holly

PS I'm jealous of your hair--is that ok?

Kristen said...

Happy Birthday to the Tods! We did my sons party at Pump It Up last year - gotta love that place. They do all the work and the kids are exhausted by the time the party is over! Glad you all had a great time.

Anonymous said...

My kids saw the pictures and wanted to know "where is that!" "I want to go there!". We don't have one in our little town. What a great place for a kid party! The Tods were adorable, all of them! And Amanda, your hair is awesome!

The Thompson Family said...

amanda, i'm glad you enjoyed the hiney shot! i hope you don't mind that i added your link to my blog. i found you through a friend and have really enjoyed reading your blog as well as the lpm blog. this blog has gotten me in touch with lots of wonderful people! have a great week. leigh

Serah said...

Happy Birthday to the Tods! It looks like everyone had a great time. We're having Brady's party at Pump It Up in June and I'm so excited!

Happy Monday!

MamaCass said...

Happy Birthday Jackson and Ella! I am sorry we missed it. Great pictures! Looks like everyone had a blast.

The Schmidt Family said...

We're so sorry we had to miss it! We love you Jackson! Happy B-day!

Jenna said...

You are definitely my hair idol :) Happy Bday Jackson and Ella! 2 is totally workin for y'all.

Lindsee Lou said...

Happy Birhday to Jackson and Ella! They are precious. Love the pictures! Y'all look like y'all had a blast! :)

Guy and Julie said...

I have decided recently that people who lurk on blogs are a little creepy, so I didn't to be a lurker myself anymore on anyone's blog :) I really enjoy reading your blog--your b-day party pictures are adorable!

Anonymous said...

The pics came out great! Thanks for a great party! Landon and Logan have been begging me to go back so I actually took them to Pop In Playtime this morning. (And besides the great workout, there was a coupon in the Entertainment book. :)

ckl616 said...

What a GREAT party....and some one else had to clean up!! Yeah!! You are doing such a great job of documenting your young lives together! I love to come here and see what's going on in with you and that sweet boy ~ and I never fail to leave your site without a smile on my face and in my heart!

So - "Miss Gorgeous Head of Hair of Texas!!!" ~ You are to be envied! ...I've been wondering if you might consider sharing some of you and Curtis' wedding pictures??? I'm sure I'm not the only one who would just LOVE to see your wedding day! You are so, so pretty...I'd love to see some of The Cinderella Ball, as you've referred to it. (I met Peg and Rick when they came to CA to our church for a Stephen Ministry Workshop...and when I found out where she attended Church in Houston I about came all undone! Then she told me she was your wedding planner...so it's been great fun to hear little bits of it from you every now and then...Please, pretty please???

Mary Craig said...

Great pictures! Happy Birthday to the cutie pie Tods!

Kelli said...

It looks like all the tods had a great time celebrating Jackson and Ella's birthday!

And my word - your hair is gorgeous! I thought I had a lot of hair but you may top the cake!

Anonymous said...

Wow, that brought back some memories. Chase had his 2 year old birthday party at Discovery Zone (which is just like Pump It Up)...and I have pictures just like the ones you took of Jackson! Hard to believe my "little Tod" is going to be 17 years old in September!

Shelly said...

LOL! The two of them in the chair with a marked look of unhappiness is hysterical!

And wooh for the awesome group shot! That's going to be a keeper for years to come for sure!

beckyjomama said...

We had a Pablo & "yardigans" party this weekend too!!! Our cake was surely not as cool as yours ... and neither, I must add, was the mom's hair. My poor little girl!
Happy Birthday Jackson & Ella from Hattie Grace (and her Mommy Becky Jo!!)

mommy to six J's said...

what a fun time char

Ashley said...

You hair does look like one of those models with it all blowing from the fans. It's beautiful! Don't ever cut it! :)

What a small world that you know Sherry. I am a year or two younger than her, but right after I graduated highschool, I went on a road trip with her to A&M with some other friends. We had a blast! That is so cool that you know her!

Have you heard from Melissa? I know they are having a blast!

Amy T said...

What fun! Those kiddos are growing up so fast! And what a treasure the picture of 9 of you looking at the pictures. Definitely a once in a lifetime thing (at least for the next few years). Happy Birthday Jackson and Ella (and Ava soon - what cute curls!)!!!!!

amyanne said...

Hi Amanda...

Your blog is just wonderful!

Would you be interested in reviewing Christian fiction/non-fiction books on your blog?

Authors like, Joanna Weaver, Lisa Bergren, Tricia Goyer, Rachel Hauck, and more?

Send me an email and I can fill you in our book review program!

Amy
amyalathrop@gmail.com
litFUSE publicity group

Allison said...

Can't believe J is 2 already...seems like just the other day we were eating beignets at grand lux and you were preggo and didn't know it!

connorcolesmom said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JACKSON AND ELLA!
Those pictures are so fun!
WE had my oldest son's 3rd birthday at Pump it up and it was a blast. They do a great birthday party!
Oh and I am loving your hair - that is a great picture :)
Kim

Unknown said...

Okay, so Amanda, between the LPM Blog and now finding this one, I think I'm officially addicted to blogging. I don't know whether to thank you or... to not thank you. ;-) lol Actually, I'm so blessed by these! Have fun with your Tod--he'll be a teen before you blink twice. And, I ditto the comment from one of the others posters: I so wish there had been a Pump-it-Up when I was a kid. We had my Jackson's 4th b'day party there and I think the grown ups enjoyed it as much, if not more,than all the kiddos!

Mom22Boyz said...

Pump It Up is a great partying place!! Don't you just love that you don't have to set up OR clean up afterwards?!?
I have to ask this -- I just finished the last video of your mom's Stepping Up class and I am interested if Travis sang "Bless the Broken Road" at Melissa's wedding! What an awesome testimony she will have for young women with broken hearts!

Michelle said...

sorry we missed out...next year maybe? btw..jackson looks so big in that last picture. :)

Jenny said...

I am also all about Laney's hair. PRECIOUS.

Happy Birthday, sweet Jackson Jones.

Okay, Amanda, Lindsee Lou and I have something to share with you. We just remembered this the other day. When we were in highschool, we were friends with a guy who was on the "crew" for By the Tree. We went to visit him one night when they were playing in Houston. After the show, By the Tree and friends went out to eat at Chili's. You and your husband were there (pre-Jackson, of course), and so were me and Lindsee.

Bet you never knew you have had dinner before with JentheNewlywed and Lindsee Lou! :)

Rita Loca said...

That baby sling is just the like the hand made ones the Ye'kwana amazonian indians use. Amazing!

jeni said...

Happy Birthday Jackson and Ella! How wonderful to have friends with little ones around the same age!! Blessings to all of you. :)