9/06/2010

First Birthday Party

Ryder's FIRST Birthday Party was yesterday, and we had a blast!  He was a perfect little boy (of course) and he did his mama and daddy proud!  I spent so much time planning it and when everyone started to sing happy birthday, I couldn't help but tear up a little, because not only had the birthday party happened so fast, but the first year especially.  And what a wonderful, amazing year it has been!  I want to share these faaaaabulous pictures that Connie took of his special day.  As most of you know, she keeps Ryder as her day job, but is an awesome photographer on the side (Cherished Memories Photography)!  I don't know what I would have done had she not taken these, she did an outstanding job and what a perfect way to remember this day!

I chose not to have a theme for his party, because frankly I couldn't decide on one.  So once I finally found the invitations, which were just bright colors, I decided I would use it to go on, and try to decorate with all bright colors.


Candy and Cake area

Ryder's month by month photos

Skittles, Peanut Butter M&M's, Jelly Belly, Sour Patch Kids

 Ryder's Cake

Party Favors
Slinky, Nerf Football, Bubbles, Sunglasses

Since the party was from 4 until 6, I figured I needed to provide heavier foods.  Menu:  Party Ham Rolls, Chicken Tenders, Pigs in a Blanket, Fruit (strawberries, cantelope, grapes), Corn Dip/Fritos, Rotel/Tostitos, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Goldfish

Individual Blue Bell Ice Cream, less mess than scooping!

And now it's time...

He was so funny.  He would pick up pieces of icing and throw it on the floor instead of eating it.

Then it was time to play.

I got this fabric from Hobby Lobby.  It was only $3 for each piece.  I searched high and low for gum balls and the only place in the entire world that I found them was T.J. Maxx.  So random, I know.  And the balloons were from Kroger.

And that's a wrap.  It's time to put this birthday boy to bed!

My dad wrote a precious poem for Ryder.  It is so cute and funny, and most of all it will be so special for Ryder to get to read when he is old enough!  I want to share it with all of you.

Dear Ryder,


Birthdays give us the opportunity to stop and appreciate all the beautiful things we have been blessed with.  On September 8, 2009, you blessed and enlarged your family by two feet, but what you really enlarged were the hearts of loved ones you soon would meet.

We toed the line and staked our claim, anguishing over our individual grandparent names. You soon met Papa, Becca, CC, Poppy, Granddaddy and Nanni. We're sure you’ve wondered, why so many?

As the weeks quickly flew, and my how you grew, it was time to depart Mama’s nest. Who will feed our fix of your daily activities and all the rest? Mrs. Connie assured Mama to return to work with glee; your little guy and all his news are in good hands with me.

Through Connie’s photos, viral videos, Mama’s blog, and the World Wide Web, for all of us to look, your life has become an open book. Eczema, salmonella, rashes and a myriad of Dr. Penny’s diagnosed woes; every detail noted from head to your toes. And if you could talk, we imagine you’d scream, “Hey Mama, enough of your Five Fact Friday’s, phobias, and OCD, that blog is supposed to be all about ME!!”

Despite our worries of your ills and messes, our biggest relief was when you displayed a real boy passion for trucks and balls, rather than dresses and dolls.

One day as you look back at this special day, memories of birthday gifts received will soon go away. So we encourage you to count your life by smiles rather than tears, and count your age by family and friends rather than years.

As you contemplate ahead your birthday wishes for year two, be sure to include at the top of your list (and our list too), for God to deliver a new baby brother or sister, special for you.

If looks could tell your story, this is what I would hear, “I listened to what you had to say Papa, but today is MY birthday, so enough of your stories, it’s time to play!”

With love,
Your blessed Grandparents

Ryder and Papa

Ryder and Becca

Ryder with Nanni and Grandaddy

Ryder with his Aunt Anna Terrell

Ryder's Poppy helping celebrate!

Ryder with his CC... he was obviously beyond exausted at this point.

Ryder and his Aunt Kayla

And Ryder's favorite babysitter and best photographer ever, Mrs. Connie!

This was one of the most special days we've had as a family of three, and I can't thank everyone enough who was a part of it.  We feel so blessed and so loved to have each and every one of you in our lives!

LOVE YOU ALL!
John Michael, Brittany and Ryder

3 comments:

  1. His party was so cute! You did such a great job!

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  2. you're such a super mom :))) i hope im half as great! ha precious party & poem made me shed a tear or two..hormones hormones!!

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