Closing of a Chapter

I have always considered life's events as chapters for our lives. The Blakes have had an interesting last year with our household going from two to five with the addition of Addie then Annibell and Shelby. Never in a million years would I have thought we would have been through such change but God constantly keeps us on our toes.

With that said, last Friday Shelby and Annibell moved out. I wish I could say it was a happy event for both sides but there were many tears. Shelby is a beautiful girl full of such amazing talent and a personality that is fun to be around, but like most teenagers, she can show a different side of herself that limits what she is capable of doing. My heart hurts as I write these words because I wish I could say that Shelby and Annibell are in a better place, a permanent place; however, they too are in transition. The road is rocky at best for them both and we are still waiting to hear where they will be placed. Naturally my soft side is telling me to run go get them both yet my smart side is telling me that tough love is what Shelby needs right now. As hard as it is to watch, I fear she needs to almost hit rock bottom before she can truly desire a better, different life for herself and Annibell too. We tried the best we could to love them both as our own...I wish we could do more. I know God has taught Chris and I so much through this whole process and I am sure we will continue to learn more as the days go on.

I ask you all to join with us in praying for Shelby and Annibell. Both are two great girls that just need love. I long for Shelby to understand and want the love that only God will offer her. She is unsure what that will look like in her life since many people that have loved her in the past have left. I pray she is broken of her anger and will no longer use it as an excuse for her actions...may she in turn grow from it and move past it. For Annibell, I pray that God continues to surround her with complete protection. She is such a tough little girl who has had more change in the short 18 months of her life, but I pray she continues to grow, mature and keep her innocence. May she know the Lord at a young age and follow a significantly different path than what has been set out in front of her.

Thank you all for your love and support. I know without a doubt that Shelby and Annibell experienced something completely different while being a "Blake" because of all the amazing love, interaction, support and prayers you each gave to them. Thanks again. We love you all....

ADDIE IS WALKING!

About two days ago Addie decided it was time to start walking. She doesn't walk all the time but now chooses to walk quite a bit instead of crawl. So, we took some video footage of her yesterday walking and wanted to share our daughters skills. It is so weird to watch her walk to us... but also so fun to watch her be so proud of herself. This is a fun new milestone of many to come...

Funny Addie Video

We just grabbed this funny video of Addie the other day on the stairs... I thought I'd share it with you all.

Cupcake Birthday Party

What a day! Addie's first birthday went off as a hit and I think she had a great time. I see why parents do so much planning before the event...regardless how simple or small you makes them, they still are a production! We made all the cupcakes the night before and the crustless PB&J's the day of. Everyone got to decorate their own cupcakes (time saver for me) and enjoy tons of mac and cheese, fruit and other goodies. My sweet friend Janay brought this awesome tunnel-tent extravaganza thing that her boys love and it was a hit...kids were crawling in and out the whole time. Other than that, bubbles and balloons were everywhere.

Addie was too funny while eating her cupcake. She was a little hesitant at first but once she tasted the delicious frosting she dug in. Now mind you, she DID NOT want any of the cake part...just frosting. Too funny.

All in all, it was a blast and we loved having friends and family to celebrate our little one. Oh, and she is OFFICIALLY WALKING NOW! What?!...I know.

Addie is 1!

It's hard to believe! I found myself thinking about where we were this time last year as we waited (and waited) for Addie's big arrival. She is more perfect and wonderful each day and we love being her parents. What a blessing she is to us.

Addie's birthday was not the most exciting since it was rainy outside and Chris was preparing for YL's Winter Camp trip. We did have the morning together as a family before he went into work mode and left, and it was great. We started the day off with Addie getting her birthday gifts and us singing happy birthday as much as possible...she didn't know what to think about the song. We had breakfast treats thanks to our dear friends the Pulliams and Addie tried her first donut - she spit it out. :) As I said, it rained all day but that didn't prevent her from wanting to go outside. We had a rain walk and she was thrilled to see the rain and splash in the puddles...too cute. Other than that, it was a quiet day since we will be celebrating on Saturday with friends and family.







Brittany came over to keep me company and be my third hand since Chris and Shelby were out of town. We had a great time making cupcakes and painting our nails odd colors. Yes, she managed to get frosting on me (revenge is coming) but it was great to just "be" with her. Thanks Brit!

Birthday Celebration

The big 28...officially in my late 20's. :) It was a fun day full of sweetness from friends and family - thank you! Since we had Young Life that night (where Shelby pied me in the face...awesome) so Chris and I went out the following night on a date. It was so nice to get away and just be with my husband. We laid Addie down before we left and Shelby stayed at the house to keep watch so we took our time. We had a nice long dinner at Basil, walked around downtown then stuff our faces with Coldstone. All in all, it was great to be on a date with Chris...I miss those times.

New Hair for the Girls

I wish I could report Addie having hair to cut, but she doesn't. However, Annibell did receive her first haircut tonight. We have been bugging Shelby to cut off her "mullet" for awhile and tonight she agreed. So, instantly the kitchen turns into a hair salon with spoons to distract. Shelby did a great job with the cut and Annibell looks too sweet.

As for the Shelby Rose, she went blonde-ish as a surprise to us. Brittany and her ventured to Wal-Mart to get their surprise and a few house later we saw the change. She loves it! Plus, they got extensions a few days before so she has a hint of dark in the back...oh, to be in high school again.







Here are some pictures from Jayden's birthday party on Saturday. We had a great time at the Children's Museum and ended up getting a membership for Addie's birthday.

Wedding Fair Booth

A. Blake Photography in action...been meaning to take a picture of this for a while but this the my set up for wedding fairs. I keep is simple but it goes a long ways. As for the backdrop, my amazing husband built that last year...yes, it's heavy.