a reason to party

This weather is rocking my world. I'll just say that.

I couldn't resist this picture even though it's not really related to the awesome weather. But he kind of looks like a posing model. Kind of funny.

I've never been a huge outdoorsy-type person, but since having a one year old I love an excuse to go and explore the outdoors. Plus, this kiddo loves to be outside. Like his daddy. Not like me. But I'm learning and it's been fun. 

We went on a beautiful, long, great conversation-filled, breezy and eventful walk this morning. Three mama's and I exchanged labor stories (again. It never gets old.) shared funny/awkward stories and tried to walk single file with our strollers on busy roads. It was fantastic. We then dined outside while the boys played on the tractors and in the dirt. We enjoyed delicious hot dogs, potato chips and oranges. What could make a meal any better? Root beer. And yes, I had a little of that too.

and I didn't bring my camera. What?

I did, however, snap these pictures right before John got home. We celebrate when daddy gets home from work. That's always a reason to have a party.

..and Jack's cackle-laugh was killing me when I jumped up. It's the simple things.

saving the day

Let me just start by saying that I love these spring days.

Even more than the warm weather, I love spending them with friends. What could have potentially been a rough day with a one-year-old (who woke up at the butt crack of dawn) and who didn't want to eat much of anything for breakfast, turned into a lovely day sitting in the sun while our boys played in the sand and dirt. I sent my friend an urgent text before John even left for work saying, "Jack is having a mini-meltdown. Must evacuate." and we did. To Goodwill for dollar day and then to Christine's house to let the boys explore the new swing set. Side note: none of the boys even knew the slide and swings existed. They were too into the sand and trucks. I imagine they will change one day, but for today, it was nice.

I've been so tired lately, I can't even explain it. Could be the sugar crash from the weekend, or the fact that I've really been keeping overly busy (not my top fav in life) and not allowing for much chill time. I've also been cranky (or creeky cranky as Thomas the Train calls it) and I feel kiiindd of emotional by 9:00pm each night. 

so thankful for..

1. I need to say here (not to get all sappy) that I am so so thankful for my husband. He is incredible. He is so available and ready to help. He is supportive and carefree and listens when I need to vent. He doesn't let me wallow in my exhaustion, but rather reminds me to go to sleep and that busyness comes in seasons and we need to embrace it while its there because it will slow down and there will be plenty of time to relax and share long, beloved conversations. He is the man.

 

2. I am thankful for friendships. I have had many wonderful and dear friends over the years and treasure each friendship so tenderly. I am thankful for friends that get you, that understand you and can walk through things with you. I'm so thankful for friends who know you better than most and know secrets that some might not know. I'm thankful for friends to share life with, to cry with and of course, to laugh with.

3. I'm thankful for new Office episodes. I cried. I loved it. I can't wait to see tonight's episode (tomorrow on Hulu)

4. So thankful for birthdays celebrated and baby girl clothes admired. It was a wonderful weekend.

5. Thankful for my mom who will help me clean our condo at last minute's notice. She is incredible and taught me how to clean like nobodies business.

6. Thankful to live close enough to a big city to enjoy their consignment stores, yogurt land's and trader joes. But far enough away that we can enjoy fresh air, little traffic and lots of hunting.

7. Thankful for spring weather and the return of flip flops. 

8. Replacing an old diet with a fresh one and trying something new. Thankful for the funds to be able to do that.

9. seeing Jack play with his train set. He's getting it, he's pretending and moving the train around as if it's really on a track on the island of Sodor (too much Thomas?) His mind is full of fresh creativity and newness. I can't wait to hear him talk.

10. So very thankful for a good nights rest and a healthy nap for my boy. Now, to make dinner.

P.S.

the bread that I wrote about last week was AMAZING! Do try it. Still incredible.

snow in march

 I really have nothing amusing to write.

I'm sorry.

However, I can say that it snowed yesterday. on the 21st of March. It was beautiful.

-I got my eyes checked at costco. all is well. 

-a new month starts in one week. praise God that a new budget starts then too.

also, Jack is teething like nobodies buisness. 

this is how his face often looks.

because i take away his binky.

Also, I can say that I watched a really great movie over the weekend. John was working on an auto review which meant I got to pick the movie without wondering if he'd like it too. (that can be a sore subject that may or may not result in one of us plucking away on our iphones while the movie rolls.) without cable, we are limited, and without cable, we can choose the shows/and or movies that we watch. Sometimes, it's a battle of whoever gets there first.

The movie was "then she found me." It had Helen Hunt, Colin Firth and Bette Midler. It started out a little rough, but it was good. really good. and Helen Hunt directed and starred in it and she did an amazing job. 

my parents and sister came up for a little visit over the weekend. my mom and i made a grand lunch (okay, mostly my mom) and we ate it while jack napped. it was lovely.

I guess I can always find something to say.

The birds are chirping, spring has returned and I'm off to enjoy the last couple of jelly beans.

p.s. my current fav iphone apps : 

. instagram.

. pandora .

.facebook.

.pocketbooth.

.shake it photo.

experiencing joy and spring

Two of my windows are open and it is glorious outside. The sun is warm, but not too hot and the breeze is cool, but not too cold. I was told today that Prescott is the number #2 place for the worst allergies in the U.S. Poor souls with allergies. My man is included in that. For those of us who are allergy-less, it is a dream come true. All we need now is a slip-n-slide and a sandbox!

We spent Sunday evening and Monday in P-Town. My mom and sister are on spring break and we retreated down the mountain to embrace warmer weather (88 in March just doesn't seem right, I might add though.) and time with the family. We sat on the back porch for almost every meal and watched Jack run around table and onto the grass. He was experiencing pure bliss, that one. And not once did he say choo-choo for Thomas. Well, he does have his own little push train down there anyway. We shared lots of laughter, updated on news and watched some pointless tv shows (I am glad we got rid of cable. As entertaining as they are.)

 

Watching the trains pass, Jack was so captivated. His focus was on the little steam engine that went in great circles around us.

My focus was on these. Just kidding. Kind of.

A boy with his grandpa.

 On Monday morning my sister, mom, Jack and I headed over to the zoo. It was packed. Like Disneyland packed. Like, let's get out of here kind of packed. You can tell who grew up in small towns when they see the crowd and say, "Oh man. This is ridiculous. Let's do it another day." And we were one of those people. Instead, we fed the ducks chased pigeons.

Better yet, we went to the train park for a picnic on Sunday night. The weather couldn't have been better. John was almost as excited as Jack and we saw the coolest miniature train set. 


I can't even express how thankful I am for spring. I tend to let my moods follow the weather. Some days are good for a solemn overcast and dreary day, but when the sun is out you can't help but smile. Maybe Jesus knew that when he put me in Arizona. Too much cold, cloudy weather does this girl no good. I believe it's speeding the healing process and drawing our hearts nearer to Him. We're planting some vegetables this week and they will be ready in just a few months time. Maybe we'll be ready to try again then too. 



The only debby downer of the day is that Jack has a fever. My poor little goose. I had so many things planned for this week, but when a kiddo gets sick the play dates have to come to an unfortunate hault. Hopefully he feels better soon. For his sake, of course. 


I'm also anxious for the newest Office episode. Don't judge me, but last week I had a dream about Michael Scott and the very next night I had a dream about Jim. I think my mind is Office-deprived. And to just think it's almost over. 


In other news, John and I just started watching the (older)tv series Six Feet Under. Mostly because of my brother's recommendation. Somehow, it connects us through all these miles.

addicts and budgets

I've been a little MIA on the computer lately.

Not because I lost my love for the computer. I've been pretty addicted since 7th grade when my aol screen name was jelybely83 (taylor hanson loved jelly belly jelly beans and he was born in '83. That's pretty embarrassing, actually..) 

But the biggest culprit is THIS guy.

He is ADDICTED to Thomas the train. every time I open our Armour (where our tv and computer are one) he makes train noises and points frantically. he cries. he whines. he brings me thomas the train books. i turn it on and he is in heaven. he climbs up on his little chair and perches himself there for a good round of thomas.

Having gone to Capernwray bible school in England and lived in northern England for 9 months, i gotta be honest when i say that watching thomas makes me miss England. when their little british voices sing "there's 2, there's 4, there's 6 there's 8..." and when they say, "thomas! is the cheeky one." I feel myself smiling a little brighter inside. It's the little things.

We had a picnic today. And it was great. Well, pretty great except for the fact that Jack was ready for his nap and so excited about the 10 foot high slide (not really) that he is too little for that he didn't want to eat a thing. So much for a picnic. It was more like a run-around-laughing-and-chasing-each other kind of time. Just as good.

a boy in his dad's shadow. precious.

On another note, today we trimmed our hedges. well, ahem, it was really my project, but john offered to help. two things. one: i had no idea my hands were so weak. i can hardly lift a glass of water after trimming TWO hedges. what? two: i didn't realize that if your husband volunteers to help, but then gets an allergy attack that all the cleaning up would fall on you. it was a pretty intense clean up round here. But all is well and the day has come to an end. John is studying and Jack is sleeping. Ah.

 

Today I found a few really incredible deals at the local thrift stores.

Deal number 1: An original E.T blanket. We used it during our picnic and one day I hope to put it on Jack's bed. 2.99!

Deal number 2: a quilt for the quest room. I've been looking for WEEKS for something to replace the flowered-red-blanket-I-brought-from-home-when-we-got-married and I finally found it. Best part? 8 bucks! 

We've started to have to reign in our spending. I don't think I'm a big spender. I'm pretty cheap (case in point, see above.) however, as my dear man says, "we are spending more than we have." So. We did it. We have a strict budget and we're trying to stick to it. We've had to sacrifice a few things (mostly like eating out) and...as a mother of a one year old who is best entertained when he is out and about, this has been a little tricky. I've realized that so much of what helps the day run smoother are little errands. And when those errands occur, so does spending money. But we are on a new path, friends. I pray so. I'm so thankful for endless playdates and friends who enjoy a cup of coffee on the couch while our kids play. 

Or while Jack tries to attack them. Either way.

How do you get a one year old to not attack their friends, anyway? I think he's just excited, but he wants to love on them so...fiercely. I hope he always loves that way.

jack attack

Spring arrived this week. And to celebrate we ate oatmeal and got oatmeal in our (Jack's only, thankfully) hair.

And I'm finally ready to embrace Spring. 

Typically, I'd like for it hold off a few months more, but the air smells so pure and fresh and the breeze is so pleasant. The blue sky is like a an ocean of warmth. I am anxious to begin our project of putting up a fence and a swing set. One of the goals for March/April 2011. Jack is going to go wild. He loves being outside so much, but few boundaries=wild child.

The two cars on the right are his recent obsession. I kid you not, he gets those two cars every single morning and evening. Just those two. He has one for each hand. He'll play with others, but at the end of the day these two are his fav. My heart fills with joy at the very thought of it. Our 15 month old is obsessive just like his 'ol mama.

So while we enjoyed the brief snow on Sunday, we welcomed the 60 degree weather by Monday (which does a number on your allergies and/or headaches.)


Have I mentioned playdates should be renamed mommy-dates? Because they are a piece of my sanity, I tell you. Sharing a Red Baron pizza with friends and watching our little guys bully each other off of the rocking horse brings such love. So thankful for friends to share this journey with and to laugh instead of lose it with.


Each step throughout the week brings another wave of healing and rest. From times with friends to a visit from my Dad to a handful of Parenthood episodes. 




Spring brings with it hope. Hope for the future and that we never leave His hands. 


Truth be told, my little Jack is a bit of a bully. I don't think he means to (all the time) but he gets a little aggressive. And scares some friends. Sometimes all he wants to give is a hug and other times, he wants to communicate that he's not too happy. I'm trying to teach him to be gentle, which typically results in an attempt-to-kiss, but being a little too rough. I have a feeling he'll always be affectionate (courtesy of his papa, who loves to cuddle.) but we're really trying to work on no hitting. Even when frustrated. Which often results in Mel learning new ways to discipline besides a smack on the little hand. He just hits back anyway. Here's a play by play of the guy in action.

 Thankfully, Ollie didn't seem to care too much.

Where oh where has my little boy gone? He's growing up. Too fast. 


I love this picture. And the yellow binky you can barely see on the chair. He's still a lil guy.