Just Fishin'

We took a little impromptu trip to the lake on Sunday after church.

We went home and changed our clothes, got our fishing poles and some crickets & minnows and headed to the lake.

I'm pretty sure this should go on a Bass Pro ad. 

He could be their new spokesman!

Daddy taught The Boy how to bait a hook.

We put a real hook on his little pole {against my reqest}.

Daddy insisted he needed to learn.

So.  We threw out our hook and waited.  and waited.  and waited. 

About the time we'd see our bobber go under, we'd reel it in,

only to find our crickts or minnows GONE!

These little fish were tricking us! 

Easton gave up on fishing. 

He'd rather play in the rocks or feed the ducks our crickets.

He's a cautious little fella though. 

He says 'mommy help you' when anything doesn't seem just right and he needs my help.

I love that he still needs and wants my help.

Love love love this picture of my boys fishing.

And...here's momma in all her glory- yoga pants and rain boots.  Classy. 

"10 more minutes boo" turned into about 30 more minutes.

I was expiring.  The boy was hungry.  The momma was hungry.

But finally, on the 'last try' of the day we caught a fish! 

HOORAY!  Our first fishing trip was a success!

No hooks in the eyes or fingers.

No one fell in the lake.

No one busted on the rocks.

And.  We caught a fish!

Let's go again soon!

Wanna come?!?!?!

2nd Birthday Party- Photo Booth

I decided that we'd try our hand at the Photo Booth this year for Easton's party. 

I had seen AP do it, and I had seen ton's on Pinterest. 

I thought we'd give it a go.

And.  I'm so glad we did!

I'm slightly Type A, so to have every guest be in the same spot with the same background makes my perfectionist heart happy. 

Here are the results of our Cowboy Photo Booth!

Try a photo booth at your next party!

You'll be so glad you did!

Come back and let me know how much fun you had!!!!

 

I'd say also that this MORE than covers embracing the camera this week! 

And that makes me happy to have those I love in front of the camera!

2nd Birthday Decor & Food

We decided on a Cowboy Party for The Boy this year.

Once we settled on a theme, mommy went to town.

I ordered the majority of the party decor from Oriental Trading.

I ordered bandanas, cowboy silly bands and cupcake liners/toppers.

The rest of the decor came from Joann or Hobby Lobby.

I designed the invites and printed them on plain cardstock. 

I attached a scrapbooking sticker to spruce it up a bit. 

Each invite had either a hat, boot, laso, ranch sign or horse sticker.   

The invite read

HOWDY Y'all

Cowboy Easton is Turning 2

Mosey on over to the

Farrar Ranch

on Sunday, March 18 at 5pm

Chow & Fixin's will be served.

I included RSVP information and closed it by saying

We'll have a Rootin TWOtin good time!

For the decor, I kept it simple. 

A few bandana buntings and a wreath and I let the food be the rest of the decor.

For the bunting, I cut bandana's in fourths and folded over a piece of twine and attached with small clothes pins.

For the wreath I used my current spring time linen wreath and wrapped a bandana around the rolled flowers that normally adorn the front door.

I made a simple bunting from burlap and added some red ribbon for color.

As I said, I let the food be the decor.

A western theme was really endless as to what you could prepare.

On the Menu was:

Pioneer Pretzels- Pretzel Rods dipped in Chocolate

Trail Mix- Golden Grahams, Chocolate Chips & Mini Marshmallows

Smores on a Stick- Marshmallows dipped in chocolate and rolled in Graham Cracker Crumbs

Wagon Wheels- Turkey/Provolone & Ham/Cheddar roll up sandwiches sliced

Frontier Fruit- Grapes, Strawberries, Blueberries and Cantaloupe

Chuckwagon Sliders- BBQ on Hawiaan Rolls {not pictured}

Cowboy Caviar- Chips {served in an upside down cowboy hat} & Homeade Salsa

Howdy Partner Pasta- Pasta Salad

Wild West Veggies- Mix of peppers, celery, cucumber, carrots & ranch

Larapin Legs- Grilled Chicken Legs were also on the menu but unforutanely Wal-Mart sold me RANCID chicken so they didn't get cooked. 

We had PLENTY without the chicken legs but they would have been a nice addition.

As for the cupcakes, I bought 2 boxes of devils food cake mix and 2 cans of cream cheese icing.

I baked the cupcakes and piped on the icing.

I topped the cupcakes with oreo crumbles.

The toppers that came with the liners were tiny, so I made these instead.

I used my 2 inch punch for the red circle and my 1 1\2 punch for the white.

I just printed some simple cowboy hats, boots and the #2 in Western font for the toppers.

The Boy was MORE than happy with how his party turned out!

Come back tomorrow to see pictures of our Cowboy Photo Booth!

Celebrating The Boy

We've been celebrating The Boy since Friday.  He had his little party at school.  To see his little face when they sang him Happy Birthday was absolutely priceless.  He wanted so bad to smile, but just couldn't get past the bashfull at the moment. 

Saturday, the fun continued.

We had lunch, went to the Batting Cages, looked at a whole lot of John Deere Tractors and had a wonderful Saturday nap. 

This picture has become MY FAVORITE picture of my boys.

I see many more trips to the batting cages in our future.

This gives me a big ole lump in my throat.

We ended our Saturday by celebrating Uncle T's Birthday. 

I did a lot of the party prep on Saturday night.  Dipping pretzels, making smores on a stick, making roll up sandwiches, decorating his door with balloons, hanging bunting, writing my 2 year letter to him, etc. etc.

I think I finally made it to bed about midnight.

But.  It was worth it.

Sunday we took The Boy for donuts for his Big Day! 

I really can't believe he's 2.

I feel like just yesterday, we were heading in to the hospital to meet him for the first time.

We had no idea just how special he'd become to us. 

We had no idea what we were doing, but somehow we figured it out.

Together.  We figured it out.

He has taught us so many things and I'd like to think we've taught him a few as well.

This Boy made me a momma.

I will NEVER be the same. 

Never.  Ever.

A zillion things needed to be done, but one certain little boy chose his momma for nap time. 

Sunday afternoon was filled with party and food prep!

The party was a huge hit!

Everything was just as I pictured it in my head!

You really can do a lot on a budget!

{top left pic- that's my hat from when I rode horses- and a trophy that was in my hat box.  I see similarities.  I don't care what you say.}

I took off work today, and boy am I glad I did.

We had the best day together.

No rushing, no fussing, just playing and being together!

We ran errands, met Daddy for lunch, went to the park, met E's former lunch lady from school, fell asleep in the car but moved perfectly to the couch, played outside, went on a bike ride, had leftovers from Birthday on the deck for supper and finished the night off with SideWalkChalk. 

This has to be one of my favorite days in a long time.   

Happy Birthday Easton! 

You make my heart happy! 

Come back tomorrow for all the Food and Decor Birthday Details!

Embrace the Camera- Daddy

This post is dedicated to my hardworking husband.

He's embracing the camera this week.

He doesn't know it...but he is.  

He has worked SO hard on our yard and all of our flower beds this week.

Birthday party #2 is coming this weekend and I wanted things in tip top shape. 

Plus, we are going to put our house on the market soon, so a little curb appeal always helps.

And now, we've got the nicest yard in the 'hood.

Thanks to The Husband and his hard work! 

The Boy does not like the blower or the weed-eater.

Daddy is helping him learn to be brave.

The boots.  Love. 

And here are the fruits of his labor.

AMAZING right?!?!

The beds were in shambles. 

After the Fall we let them go because who really cares in the winter.

Well.  I care.  But it's just too cold to mess with.

The shrubs on the left were OUT OF CONTROL.

I wish I had a picture of them before he cut them. Just think- twice the size and WILD.

The side flower bed is HUGE and quite a chore keeping it clean from weeds.

But, I love it.  It looks so nice when you drive up the street and see a clean bed.

The bed on the right had 3 bushes die in the Fall and we (ahem.  I watched) pulled them up.

It was bare all winter.

Now.  SO much better. 

I love love love a nice yard.

The beds are all edged, weeded, mulched and watered.

I planted 9 zillion bulbs but so far only a little group has come up by the porch.

I'm waiting on the rest of them to pop up.

Thank you Husband for taking a day off from work to break your back for me.

It looks wonderful!!!

And...just in case you thought I was kidding about Charlie.

I'm not.  He goes everywhere with The Boy.

Even in the yard.

He eventually puts him down but he's always within sight.

And those shorts...they kill me. 

I think he grew over nap time.

When life gives you lemons...

Yesterday was absolutely wonderful! 

It was spring time at its finest.

After our wonderful morning, a good day at work & school, the afternoon was just icing on the cake.

The Boy worked out in the yard with The Husband while I worked on things inside.

The front and back doors were both open letting in the most wonderful breeze.

Conversations going on between my boys outside also brought a smile to my face.   

Battle wound- Sidewalk won PLUS dirt from working in the yard

As I thought about dinner, I decided burgers on the grill would top off our night.

The grill lit up without problem. 

I let it get good and hot, or so I thought, and went out to put the burgers on.

And, as you might suspect. 

Nothing.  Nada.  No flame.  Little heat.  Out of gas.

Crap.  Fantastic. 

Now, this would normally send me into a frenzy but last night, that didn't happen.

I decided to just do them in the skillet.

SO.  Take that. 

Ain't gonna rain on my parade.

The Husband made the suggestion to have a picnic on the deck.

You would have thought The Boy got a pony.

He was thrilled to get in his chair and have supper outside!

However, just as we got situated, you know, after grabbing The Boy a spoon...because he CLEARLY needed one with a burger and sweet potato fries, grabbing some napkins, getting my own plate, same dance, different night; the clouds piled in.

It turned cold in about 15 seconds. 

FanFreakinTastic! 

But, we chose to continue our picnic.

Jackets for all while we ate!

 Sometimes life throws you curve balls.

Sometimes things don't always go as planned.

Sometimes you have bad days.

And sometimes you have good days.

It's your choice what you make of what you've been given. 

Choose Joy! 

There's a benefit to getting up with the roosters

It's morning like these when I feel like I've got it together.  It's amazing what actually getting up when the alarm goes off will do.

The Husband had an early morning meeting to attend.  Because I'm a sissy, I didn't want to be in the shower when he wasn't home, I got up and got going early too. 

I was ready except for my clothes by 6:30.  That includes washing, drying and flat ironing this head of hair.  That's an extra 30 minute chore.  Believe it or not. 

I had The Boy's breakfast ready before he woke up.  And it was the perfect temperature for him once I woke him up.  I was able to sit with him and help him with his cream of wheat and give him some one-on-one before the day got going. 

We got our clothes changed, sang a few songs while doing so.  We both had a little pep in our step. 

It was perfect.  How it should be. 

I had patience.  He had patience.  We were all smiles. 

I think I might have just found a new rhythm for getting up with the roosters.  If every morning could go as smoothly as this one, sign me up.

Happy Monday y'all! 

A little trip to the country

I love the country.

I'm a country girl at heart.

I love the stillness and peace and quiet you get in the country.
I love how you can see so many stars at night time.

I love being able to hear the birds and the crickets at any given moment. 

I love that you can't hear the roar of the traffic when you go out on your porch.

Last weekend we took a little trip to the country and it refueled my love for the country life. 

The simple life.  

Now, this isn't way back, but back enough where you still feel like you're way back.

But still close enough to the grocery or Target. You know, important things. 

We went to pick up some ball jars for a friends wedding from my aunt & uncle.

I had forgotten about the donkeys but that made our trip so much more fun!

Easton fed the donkeys a few carrott sticks.

He kept asking for more.  Easton.  Not the donkey. 

Uncle D showed him how to hold his hand flat so he wouldn't lose any fingers.

He was so sweet and gentle with the donkeys. 

And Uncle D was so kind and patient with my boy. 

I really really really want to live in the country. 

I'm ready to have that house in the quiet.

I'm ready to plant my buttercups and hyacinths. 

I'm ready to turn my boy loose outside to run.

I'm ready for country living. 

Like, yeseterday. 

Embracing The Camera

It's Thursday again.  Time to Embrace the Camera with your little one(s).

This weeks ETC comes from my truck on the way to school. 

Easton is in school about 5 minutes from me so we get to have time together on the way to and from work and school.  Some days this is wonderful joy, others it's the longest 30-45 minutes of my day.

I particularly like mornings like these because he doesn't have that dang 'ra-ra' in his mouth and he'll talk the whole way. We have funny converstaions. This morning it was about the windshield wipers cleaning the windows off so I could see through the rain.

This morning he had breakfast in the car.  Dry shredded mini wheats and blueberries with a cup of milk.  He was entertained and happy the entire way.  

I know, mother of the year right there for that healthy breakfast. 

His little mind processes so much right now.  This is such a fun age! 

Hunkered down

I've never really minded storms.  As a child I remember being 'scared' of storms but looking back I think that was because I could get my mom to sleep with me.  

Storms never really bothered me.  I like a good rain.  I like a good thunderstorm.  Makes for a cozy afternoon.

But Friday's storms might have just changed my thinking.

We closed work early on Friday for these storms.  Lance's work closed early.  They don't close early.  

This was set to be a whopper of a storm.

And indeed, it didn't disappoint.

After an afternoon of sunshine and unseasonably warm temperatures, getting off work early, picking up Easton right after nap, laughing off the weathermen because it was so perfect outside, we got that storm.

I have never in my life heard anything like this.  It sounded like it was raining marbles for about 5 minutes.  I'm pretty sure it felt like an hour or more, but it couldn't have been more than 5 minutes.  It was the longest 5 minutes I've experienced in a while.

Easton and I hunkered down in the bathroom and tried to take our mind off of the deafening noise going on overhead.  He sensed my fear as he was starting to get worked up too.  I brought the iPad in and tried to entertain him with that, but truth be told, we were both a little distracted.

I kept running out trying to see what was going on but it would just get more loud.  I feared the worst.  

After it finally died down and we were able to survey outside, I was simply in awe of what our yard looked like.  It looked more like a snow storm than the rain/wind/tornado storm they had predicted.  Our yard was covered in marble size hail.  Covered.  In some spots it was up to 2 inches. It was simply like nothing I've ever seen before.  

We did have about 10 shingles come off of our new roof, but they've already been fixed, thanks to Lance and Uncle Matt.  Other than that, we were all safe and sound.  Thank the Lord.    

We really fared well compared to some.  The storm headed east where there were reports of baseball sized hail.  

I'm pretty sure that the next time the meteorologists get antsy, I will too!

#febphotoadaychallenge

I'm really enjoying the PHOTO A DAY Challenge.

I try to capture something unique about the day with the given prompt.

It's a fun way to remember a little something about each day.

1. Typical view for my day- at work.

2.  Words- Chili Cook Off Recipe from my bestie

3. Hands- little bity hands like like to hold mine

4. Stranger- at Whitt's BBQ with mom- it was so funny trying to get this picture!

5. 10am- painting some frames I was planning to hang in the hallway

6. Dinner- leftovers from SuperBowl Sunday

7.  Button- the buttons on my phone- I've started running and these keep me going

8. Sun- no sun in sight, but it's on the way

9.  Front Door

10. Self Portrait- my happy place- Chick Fil A

11.  Makes you happy- Sweet little boy playing at my feet while I cook dinner

12.  Inside my closet

13.  Blue- yarn I was using to crochet 2 hats for my sweet friend, AP.

14. Heart- more Chick Fil A

15. Phone- Work Phone

16.  Something New- Husbands birthday- got him some new boots

17.  Time- for lunch!

18. Drink- Sweet Tea- my favorite!

19- Something I hate to do- LAUNDRY!!!

20. Handwriting- logging my work out in my planner

21.  Fave Photo- the day we delivered Easton

22. Where you work- my cubicle!

23. Shoes- lovely warm sunny afternoon outside

24. Inside your bathroom cabinet- I'm ashamed!

25.  Green- My favorite kitchen cleaner

26. Night- typical bath time

27. Something you ate- Subway in my truck on a wonderful sunny day

28. Money- about to spend some buying canvases for Easton's 3-6-9-12 month photos

29.  Something your listening to- Kelle Hampton playlist

Here's the March list.  Even if you don't have an iPhone or Instagram, you could still do this!

I'm annie_loo on Instagram!  Come find me!