My own little taste of Blissdom

I reeeeaaaaly wanted to go to Blissdom.  But this year, I didn't feel like it was my time.  But next year, I'm there.

I wanted so badly to go to the Handmade Marketplace on Thursday but I'd heard it was for Blissdom Attendees only.  Four of MY FAVORITE Handmade Idols were there.  Gussy Sews, Allora Handmade, The Pleated Poppy & Lisa Leonard were among the greatness that was The Handmade Marketplace.

After all the tweets that were going out about it, I almost faked sick and made myself a Blissdom badge.  I decided against both.

However, Saturday morning, I checked my twitter and it was blowing up about a Pop-Up-Shop going on at Blissdom in one of their hotel rooms.  Hoopla?  I'm there.

After a call to the MIL & SIL, we were all set up to go!  After three trips around the parking lot and finding 1 of 3 free spots to park, we were on our way in.

To say I was excited would be an understatement.  I've read these blogs forever.  These girls are part of my morning routine.  They inspire me.  The motivate me.

We made it in and the first person I see is Maggie.  I couldn't believe it!  I was so excited.  The room was filled with so much color and happiness.  Ruffles, rosettes, posies, jewelry.  Lots of pretties.

The girls were all so sweet.  Even though they didn't know who I was {well...Maggie did....we've exchanged emails on a few occasions} they were so welcoming and kind! I also got to meet the adorable Hayley of The Tiny Twig.  So much fun! 

It's so strange to see all of them in person, when I've only seen them in pictures for so many years. But I can assure you they are even more beautiful in person!  These ladies radiate beauty and confidence and you feel the same when you are in their presence.

I want to have that kind of effect on people.  When they are with me, they feel on top of the world.

                {Annie & Maggie}                        {My Loot}                               {Annie & Jess}

Absolutely an amazing Saturday!  So much fun to meet these girls!

Now Sunday.  Sunday was a planned day.  One we'd planned for weeks and counted down the days.  I would FINALLY get to meet my long lost soul sister, AP.  

I have read Ashley's blog for a long time now.  Probably since almost the beginning of ILYMTC.  We've shared many emails, tweets and comments over the years.  A friendship built over the world wide web.  I never really believed in frienships like this.  But they do exist.   

I picked Ashley up after her whirlwind weekend of Blissdom. When we saw each other, it was like we'd known each other for years.  Like we'd done this before.  Like we'd hugged many times before and we were just reconnecting.  I love how small the world really is.  Its so much fun to have friends like this!

Eight of us got together for brunch on Sunday morning at the Copper Kettle.  It was lunch by the time we were seated, but that didn't keep us from having a good time.  

From left to right:

Lauren{and Claire}, Yours Truly, AP, Laura, Elizabeth, Jen, Amber{and Abby}

I felt like I've known these girls forever.  Most, I really only 'met' about a month ago when we started planning this brunch, but we got along like we were long lost friends.  I look forward to getting to know each one so much better and continue with these friendships for a long time. 

It was such a wonderful day!  Good good, great friends, sunshine.  Good for the soul.  

As with the good things in life, they always go way too fast.  And this day was no different.  Ashley and I spent some time at Starbucks after our brunch and then it was off to the airport.  It was bittersweet sending her off.  It just went way too fast.  

It really is amazing how strangers can get together and meet for the first time, but feel more like a reunion of long, lost friends.  

No, I didn't officially get to go to Blissdom, but for now, this was more than enough for me. 

It's a special gift.  Blogging.  And these girls.  

Where I confess my love for Luke

Have I ever mentioned that I'd kiss Luke Bryan right in the mouth? 

Well.  I would. 

And, the fact that my child can GET DOWN to Country Girl Shake It For Me makes me love his music even more.

But Friday night solidified my love. 

L had a pre sale code to purchase tickets for the Jason Aldean/Luke Bryan concert.  The code however, didn't work.  He got online the day they went on sale, but within 3 minutes, all tickets were sold out. 

Rewind, about six weeks ago. L ran into Luke Bryan and Dallas Davidson at Bass Pro.  We are in Music City.  These things do happen.  Never to me, but they do happen.  They struck up converstaion and before you know Luke was getting L's information.  L had offered to buy him whatever he wanted in Bass Pro in exchange for some concert tickets.  Luke laughed it off but told him he'd see what he could do.

A few hours later, LUKE CALLS BACK.  LUKE.  NOT HIS MANAGER.  LUKE.  I heard the voice mail with my own ears.  And, L missed his call.  TWICE. 

We kept waiting for another call but never got it.  L ended up getting tickets anyways, but we kept holding out hope he'd call.  If for nothing else, just so we'd know he remembered. 

And Tuesday, we got the call.  Luke's manager calls back and informs us that Luke had given her L's information and there would be tickets waiting for us at the concert. 

We knew we already had tickets so we passed them off to Lance's Brother and SIL. 

I'm still just IN SHOCK that he remembered. He's a busy man.  And he remembered.  IMPRESSED.

Back to Friday night.

We had the most delicious dinner at Kayne Prime.  It was actually a last minute decision, but it was OH SO WORTH IT. 

We started our dinner with Housemade Bacon.  The description read 'black peppercorn, maple cotton candy.'  And this is what that looks like. 

Our meal consisted of pop rolls, the most tender and juicy filets and a plethora of sides that were big enough to share. 

The concert was one for the books.  Luke Bryan put on quite a show.  If you ever get the chance to see him in concert, you must!  He can work the crowd like you can't believe. 

Jason Aldean was great too, but let's be honest, I was there for Luke.  And quite frankly would have been just fine leaving after he performed.  Kelly Clarkson did perform with Jason Aldean and that was impressive.  Girl can sing.  And, the crowd LOVED her! 

It's not too often that momma stays up past midnight.  But for this, it was completely worth it! 

I am super impressed with Luke's follow-up skills and with those of his manager.  You know, I'm one to write a letter, so I think I'll do just that.  For both of them.  To let them know just how awesome I think they both are! 

Embrace the Camera

It's that time again.

Time to take a few pictures with YOU in it! 

I have TONS with The Boy & The Husband, but hardly any with good ole mom!

While we were waiting on the meatballs to cook we had a little camera time.

My poor camera is feeling really neglected with this whole iphone thing. 

It's just so much easier with the iphone. 

Especially when the mister can see himself in the picture!

That's hours minutes of entertainment! 

SO, there you have it.

Me & my love!

And...he's now 23 months old. 

Less than a month before he's 2! 

How do you it all???

Sometimes I get this strong urge to be a stay at home mom. That I need to be at home.  That I WANT to be at home with Easton; that this rat race of to and from school and work is such a waste.  No.  Not a waste, because yes I'm making money to help provide for our family and help save money for our new house, but a waste, because I'm not with him.  And he's growing up way too fast. 

He's almost 2 folks.  23 months old yesterday.  Where did the time go?  Perhaps even if I stayed at home I'd feel the same way, like where did the time go? But I'd know that I'd have been right there beside him every step of the way.  But, right now.  I'm not. 

He's at school most of the day.   I get 5-6 hours a day with him during the week.  An hour in the morning, 30 minutes to and from school and about 3-4 hours at night, depending on the night.   Most of our morning is spent rushing to get ready to go to school, and our afternoon rushing home to make dinner, clean up, do laundry, get baths, etc.  The weekends are our real times together. And I cherish our weekends. 

However, there is a silver lining. He goes to a fabulous school.  He learns so much.  He is leaps and bounds above other kids his age in some aspects.  He can fill in the blank on the Pledge of Allegiance, he can fill in the blanks from 1-10, he knows most of his ABC's, he can say just about everything we can, he is social, he is outgoing, he can share.  If I was at home, I don't know that he'd know all of this.  I would like to think that I'd be organized and routine enough to have 'school' for a few minutes throughout the day where we work our letters and numbers and colors.  But I've never had that chance, so I can't say for sure.  Either way, I'm so thankful for his school and the opportunity he has to be there while we're apart.   

But this time apart comes with a price.  And a lack of patience some days on my part.  I know I'm not the only mother that works outside of the home, but I'm really struggling to find a balance.  Where I can fulfil my duties as a wife and mother and work outside the home.  Right now I have the feeling, that I do a lot, but do nothing WELL. 

Take this morning for example.  Before we even got out the door I was a flustered mess.  He hit is head in the bathroom, he was crying, it was time to change clothes, he didn't want to change clothes, he didn't want to wear his jacket, he wanted to take the loudest.toy.possible. in the car with us, he wanted to walk down the steps himself, he didn't want to get in his carseat, the list could go on.  All of this before 7:20.  And let me tell you, he's a GOOD BOY.  Really.  He doesn't give me a lick of trouble most days, other than not listening the first time asked.  But normally, with enough patience from me, and a few attempts, he makes a good choice and does what is asked.  And we go on our merry way. 

But this morning, I was on edge.  I was running late.  I was tired.  SO, I was low on patience.  And he's the one that paid for it.  And that's not fair.  It's days like this where I just want to say screw it, we're staying home.  I want to put my yoga pants on and take it in slow motion.  Just the two of us.  You know, open the blinds, let the sunshine in, make up the beds, read books, take a walk, eat lunch, take a nap, play outside, play blocks, throw in a few chores here and there. 

But, I can't.  We have to rush.  We have to beat the traffic.  I have to drop him off.  I have to go to work. 

I know there are plenty of SAHM's who feel the same way.  Overwhelmed, overbooked, under appreciated,  not enough hours in the day.  I really cannot imagine all that goes into staying at home and being everthing to the kids at all times.  I'm sure they'd like to come sit in my cubicle for a day some days too.  Whether you work at home as a SAHM (yes, a SAHM DOES work) or outside the home, it's a challenge to find your groove.   

I also know that there would be days if I was a SAHM that I would long to sit in my cubicle and have 8 hours to myself. Where I could go to the bathroom on my own, eat lunch in quiet. And to be quite honest, I do like my little cubicle. My little home away from home. I love my co-workers and my job. It's fulfilling to add an extra deposit to the spreadsheet, ya know. But, some days, it's just a bit much. I just want to do one or the other. It's hard being both. Every day.

So, cherish that time at home with your little ones.  Because today, today I'd like to be at home with mine. 

How do you find balance? In your situation, how do you do it all???

30th Birthday Party!!!

Today, my love turned 30 years old. 

Where did the time go?

I feel like we were just 19. 

Now, he's 30.  And a Husband.  And a Father. And a hard worker. 

And I love him more today than I could have ever imagined. 

We had a small party at Cabana last night.

{locals, if you haven't been, you should go!  it's a cozy little place with yummy food!}

It wasn't a surprise, but I did decorate before the party so that much was a surprise.

Matt & Lance                  Tyler & Jamey                 Chris & Matt                   Cindy, Easton & Bob

Happy 30th Birthday Boo!

I love you so much!

Maybe I'll get my butt in gear and have a big par-tay with all our friends.

We'll see...

Embracing the Camera

There's a new routine at bedtime.  After bed The Boy wants to sit on the couch for a little while.  Now, while I do understand that this is him learning to delay bedtime, I simply cannot resist the urge to snuggle up on the couch with him.  He gets a little antsy.  He squirms.  He messes with The Dog.  He wants 9 zillion books.  Nevertheless, he really just wants to spend time with us.  So, we let him.  Bedtime is still at 8 so the time on the couch depends on how quick we get done with bath and jamma's.   

After his snuggle time with me, he goes to kiss Daddy and tell him goodnight.  Then they get to rough housing and playing around.  This gets him real good and stirred up.  Thanks Boo.  He's in to pinching cheeks right now, not hard, just pinching like granny's do.  So this is what's going on in the picture below.  He thinks it's funny when you do it back to him.  As long as he doesn't pinch the wrong kid at school, we're good. 

After couch time, it's off to bed where we prolong a little more.  He wants to rock and sing another 'snong'.  So.  We rock.  And we sing.  He likes 5 songs.  Row Row, Pida (Itsy Bitsy Spider), Happy (If you're happy and you know it), Sunshine (You are My Sunshine) and Peck (I love you, a Bushel and a Peck).  After our songs we say our prayers and name most of the folks in our family.  I love how he knows who goes with who.  And how he folds his hands just so as we start to pray.  And how he will keep his eyes open and stare right at me as I say his prayers.  And how he quietly says 'Amen' when we're finished.  He always asks for 'more snongs' but he knows what's next.  I put him in his bed.  He lays his head on his little pillow and I cover him up.  We exchange a few words and off to sleepy town he goes. 

Sweet times we have.  Sweet times. 

Visit Emily for more Embrace the Camera fun! 

Color Me Happy

I wanted to do a little something different for Easton's Valentine's this year. 

After several attempts at coloring at home and only ending up with broken crayons I decided I'd try my hand at some chunky crayons for his friends at school. 

To do this, all you'll need is a box of crayons and a mini muffin tin.

I had seen the silicone heart shaped muffin pans but I decided to just use what I had.

 I picked up 2 boxes of 96 Crayons at Joann. 

This made about 50 chunky crayons. 

At $6.99  a box this could have added up but you know I had coupons. 

The first step was the hardest part, or, rather most time consuming.

But, Aunt Kathy and Paige kept The Boy Friday night and I told him if they were bored, they could peel.  So, they peeled.  And peeled.  And peeled. 

God bless them.  They peeled all 192 crayons.

I only peeled about 25 crayons and my thumbs are still hurting. 

Saints I tell you.  Love my kiddo AND help me DIY!  Double bonus!

SO, first, peel all your crayons.

Next break them into thirds or fourths.  Just small enough to fit in the mini tins.

After this, you simply put your crayons into a non stick muffin tin and bake at 275 for 8-9 minutes.

(I did one batch with liners but they made them look messy so I remelted and they look so much better!)

The time will vary depending on how many crayons you put in.

Also, I made my crayons a heaping pile so they would fill up the cups once melted.

Once they are all melted and glossy on top, pull the pan out.  CAREFULLY.

I threw mine in the freezer to speed up the process.

After about 15 minutes you'll be able to see the crayons have let go from the sides of the muffin tin.

At this point, lay a towel across the top of your pan and flip over.

This will prevent them from chipping or breaking. 

Now you have lots of fun multi colored crayons!!!

Next up: Packaging

I didn't want to use typical valentines.  Much too easy.

I found a set of 16 Martha Stewart Coasters in the scrapbook aisle at Joann.

Sturdy, chipboard in bright polka dots.  This would provide a sturdy base for our Valentine's.

Because I don't have a 2 1/2 inch punch, I traced a cup and cut out the red and yellow circles for the middle layer and attached with double sided photo squares.  Also in the scrapbook aisle. 

I created a little personalized happy and used my 2 inch punch and attached them on top.

Next I found a pack of 6 mini notebooks at the Dollar General in the Valentine's Section.

I needed 15 so this needed to be somewhat cheap.

Dollar General doesn't disappoint.

To package it all up I used clear bags and put the Valentine in front, then the notebook, next an individual pack of gummy bears and 3 Chunky Crayons in each.

I tied it up with a little red ribbon with hearts.

Perfect little Valentine for our friends!

These little crayons really are perfect.  I don't know about you, but when we go out to eat, they give us 2 colors.  Normally blue, green or red and YELLOW.  Yellow???  You can't see Yellow.  So that leaves us one color.  BORING.  But these....you've got a rainbow of colors.  Throw a few in your diaper bag or purse with a little artist pad from Joann dollar section and you'll buy yourself a good 10 minutes of fun! 

Happy Melting.

xoxo

  

Favorite Things

I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things.  Some of these I've used for some time now and some are new products that I've fallen in love with. 

So, here we go.  In no particular order. 

Essie No Chips Ahead

This is the best top coat EVER. 

I am a very picky nail painter. 

I rarely ever get pedicures or manicures because no one can paint to my expectations.

Occasionally I splurge, but really I prefer DIY when it comes to painting.  

I'm a polish snob and prefer OPI & Essie, but I do have a black from Walgreens and this top coat works just as well on that. I think it transforms your cheap polish into salon quality. 

I can easily get 2 weeks of solid shine on my toes and typically a week on my hands.

And I do a LOT of hand washing. 

Truly, this is a NO CHIP top coat.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze

Ok, now this one is a new love.

I was a HUGE fan of tanning beds prior to having The Boy.

But now, LIFE and LIVING is much more important than tanning.

And much to my husbands delight, I now have a little bit of color.

A sweet friend of mine is pregnant but always has such a nice golden glow.

This was her secret.  And let me tell you, it works like a charm.

It's a super fine mist that goes on evenly and dries very quickly with no sticky left behind.

I even use this on my face.  Typically I do this at night after I wash my face. 

I let it dry then moisturize.

I have yet to feel orange or streaky with this spray tan.

It's a gradual tan so you won't feel like Snookie after the first use. 

NOTE: Cover your feet while you spray the top of your body because all the mist falls to your feet.

Your feet will catch all the spray and be darker than the rest.  I learned from experience. 

Suave Dry Shampoo

Now, this might just be my favorite, favorite item.

We all know it's 'in' now to not wash your hair every day. 

And this is my secret weapon. 

I can easily go 3 days without washing my hair.

This is a whole post in and of itself.  But this stuff adds wonderful texture to my thick but fine hair.

I have low lights and highlights, so even though this is white, it doesn't look grey on my hair.

I wouldn't suggest this on dark hair as it can look a little ashy when applied.

I even use this on wash day at my crown to provide texture and volume. 

It's good stuff I tell ya.

And at $3 a bottle you can use a lot and not feel bad! 

Add this stuff to 2nd day curls and you'll be amazed how much life your curls have afterwards. 

J.R. Watkins Lemon Dish Soap

I hand wash a lot of dishes.

Yes, I have a dishwasher, but sometimes if it's just pots and pans, I hand wash them rather than take up space in the dishwasher.

Silverware and Sippy Cups and all their 10 thousand parts go in the dishwasher, but big items I like to just put away.  Plus I typically need them the next day so it's better that they are clean. 

Enter J.R. Watkins dish soap.

The lemony smell is so nice and fresh and the fact that it's natural makes my heart do a little flip flop. 

I also like the bottle. It's slim and fits perfect on my counter in that thin space between the sink and the wall.  All the while still looking a little vintage. 

LOVE THIS STUFF! 

This can be found at Target.  Of course, you can buy it on Amazon too if your heart desires.   

Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Peach Satin

I was reading one of my favorite style blogs a while back, The Daybook Blog and she had posted on her fresh faced make up routine. 

If you don't read The Daybook Blog, you're missing out. 

Sisters got style to die for.

Anyways, she recommended this blush.

I picked this up at Target and love it.

It's light and whippy and adds a nice glow on your cheek bones.

Now, I'm more olive so this shows up as more of a highlighter, but for fair skin it truly is blush.

It stays on well all day long and gives you a nice rosey color. 

What say you?  What are some of your favorite items?!?!?!

Do tell.

Our Love Story-Link Up

With Valentines right around the corner, I thought it would be appropriate timing to share Our Love Story.  I've linked up with Becky so make sure you click on her link at the bottom and see all the other wonderful love stories!  Without further ado, how The Farrar Four began...

1. How long have you and your significant other been together? Since we were 19.  And we will both be 30 this year.  We didn't have a long dating relationship.  We really never even dated.  We just decided we'd like to get married.  So we did. 

Got your attention???  I thought so... read on...

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}  I went to High School with his cousin and saw him off and on at different school events. We both ended up at the same Junior College and had class in the same building.  We would pass each other at least once daily.  He had the best smile.  Still does.  He would flash that grin and my stomach would do all sorts of summer-saults.  One day we exchanged numbers and the rest is history.   We 'hung out' a lot but never really had an official relationship.  He joined the Navy in Septemeber of 2011 and left for bootcamp shortly thereafter.  Our relationship was formed in letters over the course of the next 2 months.  I wrote him nearly every day.  He wrote me very often too. We still have every letter ever written.  It's so fun to re read them.  We were so young. 19 and 'in love'.  We only thought we knew what love was.

3. If married, how long have you been married? We just celebrated our 10 Year Anniversary on January 5th. 

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding?  We got married in a small chapel at Lance's childhood church.  Our reception was held in the gym at the church.  Real glamorous huh?   We made do with the resources we had.  Plus, it was a QUICK wedding so we had limited options.  I look back and knowing what I know now, and having my own taste and preferences, there are things I wish I would have done differently, but I'm just as married as those with big elaborate weddings.  I rented my dress and Lance wore his Military Uniform.  We had several of my mother-in-laws friends help with the decor and reception.  It was very simple.  Magnolia leaves in the windows with candles and some candles in the front of the church.  At the reception there was cake, nuts, mints and punch.  If only there was Pinterest 10 years ago. 

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!  Boo.  He's Boo.  I'm boo.  The dog's Boo.  The boy is Boo.  And I love it.  I've had other nicknames from him in the past but Boo has stuck the longest. 

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

He is a hard worker.  He puts in a lot of very long hours and keeps up with so many things at work that I'm sure his head is spinning.  But he does it wonderfully, all the while making long lasting relationships with customers.  I really enjoy meeting his customers and seeing how much they appreciate his hard work and the friendship that he has with most of them. 

He's a wonderful father.  The way he and Easton just click is magical.  He thinks outside of the box with him and does things that are fun for Easton.  No matter if it's a mess or not. 

He spoils me.  He is a great gift giver and surpriser. This really comes across more as thoughtfull more than materialistic to me.  He really puts a lot of thought into whatever it is he's planning for me.  More often than not, I'm searching for that perfect gift for him that's going to knock his socks off but I always fall short.  He always goes above and beyond for me.  His justification is that "you do so much throughout the year, there are a few times when I can go all out for you."  I'll take that.  ;)  I can think of several Valentine's or Anniversaries where he has decked out the house for me.  My happiness is his top priority. 

7. Tell us how he proposed? We (myself, his parents and 3 brothers) were in Chicago for our second visit during Boot Camp.  I knew something was coming.  We had talked about it a few weeks earlier when we had visited.  We were in our hotel room (I stayed with his family in a joint hotel room on our Boot Camp visits.  He stayed on base) and the rest of the family was downstairs.  He was pacing the hotel floor.  Back and forth.  I was sitting on the couch.  Just waiting.  And finally I said "are you going to ask me or not?!?!!"  That's when he hit his knee and I said "YES!"  To say I'm not a patient person is an understatment. 

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals? I'd say he's a mix of the two.  He likes a good batch of Chocolate Covered Strawberries.  I'm far to practical for flowers, especially overpriced Valentines flowers, but he has been known to bring them home a time or two.  Or even sent them to work a few times.
 

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?  Since we are at least 8 hours away from our favorite beach, we're more of a movie at home couple.  However, when we do go to the beach, we live it up.  Sun up to sun down.  And now with The Boy, he's our little side kick. However, on a normal night, it's dinner at home followed by bath time, bedtime and us time on the couch after that.  We really love being at home. 

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere? We both enjoy Baseball so I think it would be a lot of fun to take him on a trip to every Baseball Stadium in the U.S. and attend a game at each.  After our trip we'd head back home to Rosemary Beach (you said anything, anywhere...I can dream right?!?!?) and enjoy countless days and nights on the beach. 

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day. I'd say it will probaby consist of the same thing as most nights.  Dinner, bath for The Boy and maybe a movie or something after. Who really wants to tote a Toddler to an overpriced, long wait dinner? I'll probably make Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and maybe add some extra sweets to that- cheesecake bites, marshmallows, graham crackers, etc. 

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?  No.  We don't exchange Valentine's Gifts.  With it falling so close to Christmas and this year our 10 Year Anniversary, we just keep it low key.  A nice dinner would be good enough for me. 

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love. Commucation is key.  Always keeping an open door for compliments and criticism.  And learning how to take criticism even when it stings.  I truly feel that complimenting and thanking your spouse is one of the best tools to building your relationship.  I mean, who doesn't want to feel appreciated and told that they are good at what they do.  Whether that be a simple statement like 'you really are good with Easton' or 'thanks for folding endless amounts of laundry' or 'I love watching how you handle ___' or 'thank you for working hard for our family'. I think positive reinforcement is a necessity in any relationship. 

14. Show us a picture of what love means to you. Over the past 10 years, we practically grew up with each other.  Getting married at 19 wasn't easy.  To say we had hard times, would be an understatement.  But it was worth every bit of work that it took to make it.  We have learned so much about each other and ourselves over these past 10 years.  To watch him become a father increased my love for him more than I ever dreamed possible.  Bringing this little fella into the world and raising him together absolutely blesses my soul more than words can explain.  At the end of the day, there is no one I'd rather curl up on the couch with than him. 

These two are truly my world.  My loves. 

A Boy & His Dog

About 6 months ago I had a sale to work and the boys stayed home together.

I get home to find Easton carrying around this little puppy.

We had no idea where it came from.

But for whatever reason he was attached.

We named him Charlie.

Charlie goes everywhere with Easton.

He wants his ra-ra (passi) and Charlie at any given moment. 

We don't leave home without him.

He goes to school.  He goes in his cubby once we get there.

He stays there until nap.

He takes a nap with him.

He rides with us.

He likes to drive with me. 

{Easton likes Charlie to drive with me because I sing a quirky song if he does}

He wants him at the dinner table.

He wants him in the tub.

He wants him for bed.

And.  I love it.

I tried and tried when he was little to get him to have a special 'something'.

But it never worked.

Until Charlie.

He made the decision himself and that makes Charlie even more special.

I have since found my Baby Shower Lists and have found 2 names that have given us a 'stuffed TY dog' so now I have to find out which of those two to thank for such a meaningful gift. 

I'm sure they never dreamed he'd make this much impact.   

Saturday Morning

We've got lots of little things to do today, but right now, we can't seem to get out of our jamma's.

And we're having a little mid morning snack. Blueberry muffins and yogurt.  

The Boy likes butter on his muffins.  "More butta" as he says.  

Hope you have a fantastic Saturday!

JanPhotoADay

Thankfully, I'm finally on the iphone train.

And with that comes Instagram.

I'm annie_loo if you want to follow along!

So, we had a little challenge.

And, we all know, I'm up for a good challenge.

The challenge was to document each day with a photo specified below.

Some days got away from me before I got a photo, but I did my best.

Here's my almost complete #janphotoaday

It's fun!

If you have instagram you should join in for February!  

It's not too late.

Painting

Sometimes we like to make as many messes as possible.

Let me clarify.

DADDY likes to make as many messes as possible.

Like painting.

It doesn't matter that dinner is on the stove, dishes in the sink, laundry pilled high.

He sees differently. He see's the fun.  Not the mess.

And truth is, it buys you about 30 minutes of fun for The Boy and he's recharged after that.

Plus, the sink is really a holding area.  He knows he has to stay seated in the sink.

So it's a win for everyone!

Here's to more fun and less chores!

Life's short!