Hustle and Bustle

 ***So.......I began this post over 2 weeks ago. Obviously it hasn't been published. Then there's the little fact that the last post is W's 17 Month post (which was late, but still), and it's time for his 18 Month post. We've been busy; we've been tired; we've been Christmas-ing. So I'll go ahead and finish this up and put it out there and cross my fingers that I can get some productive blogging done sometime over the weekend! 

I love the Christmas season and all of the busy-ness that accompanies it, and you throw Pinterest and fabulous mom bloggers doing amazing things into the mix, and we've got ourselves a problem. BUT, I'm happy to report that our family traditions are up and running, and I'm enjoying every sweet moment seeing it again through the eyes of a child. Yes, that's the cliche for us first-timers, but indeed, the statement holds much truth. I'm finding myself feeling more childlike, more ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

I'm finding myself reflecting on the journey of Mary and Joseph and the unbelievable faith they must have had. Could I do the same? What can I do to be a more willing, more trusting follower this year?

I'm also attempting to savor the little things, and even more than that, really notice the little things. Yesterday was a humid, hot day here in the South (you would never guess Christmas is around the corner), and in a brilliant mom move I promised The Sheriff a trip to the park.  The moment I walked out of the door I knew we wouldn't spend much time there. Everything was damp from the humidity. Honestly, I could have just strolled around and avoided the park completely and he wouldn't have cared, but I know they understand more than they let on so I didn't want to let him down. I brought a towel and we wiped down everything but the slide was just too wet to go down and I was too nervous to let him climb all over and potentially slip. Instead we found the swings and in typically W style, he requested I swing on the regular swing next to his bucket swing. I let myself swing and just be quiet and in the stillness (ok, so I was swinging and thus not still---the neighborhood seemed still), the rustling of the leaves as they blew down from the trees caught my attention. I pointed it out to W who stared in wonder at this phenomenon. (We are just getting "Fall" around here, folks.) We listened for a while and then left the swings to catch some falling leaves. It was such an insignificant moment, but one I'm surely glad I managed to catch.

We've been busy doing the Christmas thing and capturing memories thought what I hope to be some of our yearly traditions. Taking a cue from Katie's Fall Bucket List, I made not just a winter list of things to accomplish, but family memories that I hope we can do together each year. I'm sure some years we'll tackle them all and others, just manage a few. I like having it up as part of our decor and had to fill the space where that Fall Bucket List stood!

Need some proof?

We hung the lights (Mike and Boone came to help. I spy....a pup!)

We went on a hayride to check out the neighborhood lights with these guys:

Yep, we met Katie and her sweet family! What a treat!

 If there was a neighborhood in which the Most Interesting Man would attend to partake in Christmas lights, this would be the one.

It was hard to catch a great shot while on a moving vehicle, but almost every house did lights and many really did lights!

And then there's this guy. We loved our tree this year. It was the perfect shape and the lights and ornaments filled it nicely. I'm a fan of the simple, and I think each year our tree will be just that--lights and all of our ornaments. Of course, we'll get a few new ones each year to add to the collection. I'm guessing at some point too our parents will ask us to take our childhood ones out of their attics! Nah--the grandkids will need something to put on the tree when we are finally able to make to to LA early enough! 

These two fellows helped to pick it out. Yep, that's us wearing shorts in early December. 

While we didn't hit all of our traditions, no cookies for Santa, in fact, not even a picture with Santa (oh the horror!), we managed a few other treats.

The dip below comes straight from Paula D. Thank me later!

And then there are these nuggets of happiness. Now I've got them on my mind again, and if I remember correctly, I pinned a Nutella version. It's time to revisit for sure!

 Don't get me wrong. This momma isn't all peaches and rainbows. I've needed that kiddo's afternoon naps like nobody's business; I've prayed that those naps last just a little bit longer some days; I've allowed watching Winnie the Pooh Christmas special multiple times to save my sanity.

But Christmas came and went and we were so very blessed. We were even given the opportunity to boost The Sheriff's immune system as we came back from LA with the sickies (again!) Happy New Year y'all. If you are as wild and crazy as we plan to get, well, just try not to drool too much when you fall asleep on the couch at 10:00! 

17 Months

Dear Sweet Boy,
Sweet you certainly are. Daddy and I talk quite often about your little personality, and it never fails to amaze us how kind you are and desirous of making those around you happy. You ride around the grocery waving at the other shoppers and love to say hi to the children at the park. You test your independence for sure, but you really seem to want to do what's right, and I am so proud of you.

If I had to guess... you'll be a grocery store bagger. I know, I know, low expectations right? Maybe this might be your high school job. You love "buggies"(also known as grocery carts to the rest of the country.)
BUT, after you plant your humble roots, you will then be returning punts/kicks in the NFL. Yes, my friend, you have discovered such a joy in Momma kicking the ball high in the "ky," or sky to the rest of us, and running after it once it drops. Plus, Dada is working on making sure you know how to hold onto the ball and avoid the fumble.

You're happiest when... playing and running around between Momma and Dada after dinner. You love being chased and tickled, and you are all boy in your love for rolling around just being silly. 

You taught me... to stop, breathe, savor, and never let a moment go without fully taking it in. 

Your belly loves... twice baked potatoes. Catch our recipe here. 

You're still working on... talking, but you are trying so hard. Your increasing babbling warms my heart. 

The photo that represents you...

One of your feats... More letters! You've taken quite a liking to "E" and "I," and I love watching your little mouth figure out how to say these sounds. 

What I want you to know... I hope you forever maintain your love of music and movement.

If all else fails... get the Weebles or Christmas bells for that matter. You've also really taken a liking to being with me in the kitchen, so we've gotten creative with our fun. Mixing bowl full of cotton balls and bells, meet W and his whisk. 

New to you... Climbing up on the couch.  Either we have a higher couch than some or you are just not a climber, but now you've figured it out and are quite proud of your accomplishment.
You've also learned how to kick a ball, and while you mostly choose to pick it up and throw it or roll it, there is still hope for your soccer-playing future. 

A favorite day... We took a longer trek to spend the morning at a park a bit farther away, and it was totally worth it. In fact, we've returned a few times since. You solidified your love for slides and gave me quite the workout climbing the big hill over and over again to reach the big one. 

Your jams are... We are keeping it current with "Jingle Bells" and "Frosty the Snowman," but you still bust a move and give a smile when  "Crazy Girl" or "Moves Like Jagger" come on the radio.

My heart melts.... when we talk before you go to sleep and you just stare up at me with the sweetest face. 

Piglet and Wyatt: 

We love you W and always wish you enough!

Web Gems

Maybe I should make it an every Thursday affair, but then I'd have to do more research and actually remember to post. I think I'll pass.

Some must-reads this week:

I love this list about Things White Girls Post on Facebook. You could also include Twitter in this list! It makes me laugh, and I just might be guilty of a few of them....just a few of course.

Toddler Tantrums--this breakdown doesn't offer any advice that we brilliant moms probably know, but interesting that there is a science to it. Or maybe they are stretching just a bit.

Check out these Confessions of a Terrible Father by Drew Magary and know of course, it's all in good fun and bypass the language.

And if it's still naptime around your neck of the woods, take some time to read one writer's perspective on the Tebow craze.

The Blog Post(s) That I Should Have Already Written

It's almost Christmas (as Hallmark reminds us with their countdown ornament on every commercial break), but I know you are just dying to know about Halloween! And my November Birchbox! And Thanksgiving lunch at Cowboy's company! Right? Right?

That's what I thought.

 So Birchbox first. Here's what I received. It seems to be what a lot of people got in their boxes as well. I'm really loving the hair protein mist but am totally not sure about this body polish. Help a girl out---so do I use it in the shower and then wash it off like an exfoliant? Or use before going out? And by going out I mean to Target right?

And here's the obligatory I painted my nails the color of the bottle I'm holding picture. This color is fun, but I really love the product itself and feel like it went on pretty flawlessly and dried quickly which is a must for this busy-body. 

Before we took off for LA, we stopped by for lunch at Cowboy's office party. It's always fun to run into the coworkers that I do know, and this year we were surprised by a teacher friend whose husband now works there. Good times, I tell ya.

They had a camera set up for some family photos, so we took the opportunity after stuffing our faces for meal #1 of Thanksgiving feasts.

And stuffing our faces we did. W discovers the joys of the dinner roll!

He loved decorating apples with Daddy, but loved even more rolling and throwing this decorated apple around the ranch. He was, of course, loving it and thus behaving, so what are two newbie parents to do but reinforce the idea that apples are indeed balls and allow him to continue. One day we'll learn.

And now it's time to go way back.

Yoda was a total bust in terms of costumes, so we went with a backup. With a Saints outfit and a bit of brown eyeshadow on his cheek, we created our own little Drew Brees. The kiddo was dressed up but didn't know it. Everyone's a winner.


In other news, as we get into the holiday spirit, I am quickly realizing that I have to work on my wrapping skills before The Sheriff is a bit older. I can see him in the future saying, "What gives Momma? Do you really think Santa lets the elves get away with such sloppy work?"

Dinner Party Disaster

You invite people over. You've even got a theme. (Ok, maybe you don't have a theme. Apparently I'm one of the select few who come up with party ideas like "Tigers and Toe Socks.")

But then... a major problem with the main dish. It's not edible, not even close, and that main dish is a Cajun comfort one that people come to expect from the team over here. Their faces were really pricelessly disappointed; I'm not even kidding.

To make it worse, we went for Lupe Tortilla fajita take-out instead of calling for pizza, and we ordered way too much meat, thus paying way too much. I wish I could say it was the best damn fajitas I've ever had. They were good, but not that good!

But it happened. We felt like crap after everyone left, but in hindsight, we had a great afternoon with friends that love us. To top that off, LSU killed Georgia, just destroyed them. And as if that isn't enough, two very sweet friends actually played along:

Told you so, Cowboy.

Fun With Our Phones Monday

Linking back up this morning with Savanah and Erin for some camera phone fun. Come on and join in; you know you need a post idea for a Monday.

We've been taking advantage of the warmer temps and hanging out outside a bit. Here's the little guy watching a tow truck deposit our neighbor's car. It is a definitely mom perk to step back for a moment and watch the world through their eyes. Kid was so amazed he forgot to swallow; check out that chin drool. 

We've also done some sandbox playing. We cannot thank you enough Nanny, really. But seriously, he likes it so it's worth the mess! 

But we found our way back inside for a mall playdate and some artsy fun.

How about that---I got two kids to look in my direction at the same time!

And here's sweet K. And the girl who kept photobombing my efforts! You really don't want me to post all of the attempts with the red-sweatered sneaky one in the background. And see what's happening in the far right--well we had to quickly evacuate the playground after one of those older children decided it was time to mark his territory there. GROSS, people! I think we'll stick to the outdoor parks for a while.

Finger painting for the win! Check our Pinterest-inspired Christmas tree! I put some finishing touches on it, but it was fun to make, and I was truly amazed at W's self-discipline and patience in letting me arrange his sweet handprints.

Don't.Want.To.Cut.

And finally...
I sent this pic to Cowboy at work; Momma needs this Slush Mug, but alas, after my question, "Do you think this will work?" he replied, "No." Short. Simple. Dream crushing!

I hope y'all had a great weekend! We have cold, rainy weather Where's my hot chocolate?

Friday Fun

Thanks again to  Nicole  for this format!

TODAY:

Outside my window... Today and tomorrow will be bleh, but Sunday, oh sweet Sunday!, the rain and cold rolls in, and I can't wait to put some finishing Christmas touches around the house and snuggle with our little family while cheering on the Texans. 

I am wondering...  when I will hit the Post Office with The Sheriff. I'm totally dreading it and need a day to arrive right when they open. He's not a fan of lines. 

I have whimsical plans about... girls' nights out. I'm just bad about this and so appreciate my weekend/evening time with my boys, even if we are both on our computers in front of the tv. I need to get over this. 

I am wearing... workout clothes, but did I work out? Nope. It's Friday and time for taking it easy today and enjoying a clean home (well, mostly clean home.) 

I am loving... the Walmart Christmas commercials. Cheeseball I will always be. That and Amazon Prime. Hello, online Christmas shopping.

I appreciate... a week full of a late-sleeping child. I keep asking, "What did I do to deserve this? And how can I get it again next week?"

From the kitchen... we've finally had some cooler weather and have embraced it with White Chicken Chili and pumpkin bread. This week I hope to really concentrate on meals that we can all eat, toddler included. The chili is definitely too spicy and not really his type of food anyway. Here's to you, Pinterest, where I'll be looking! 

I am grateful... for our neighborhood parks (and location of our house) because there are 5, yes 5 parks within walking or jogging distance, and it's such a joy to watch W grow into each playground. 

I am thinking about... errands that I need to run, and by need I, of course, mean want. Michaels...Dollar Store...Charming Charlies. Don't toddlers know it's Christmas season. There are gifts to buy kid!


I am praying for... a son taken away from his father by a selfish woman. 

Sheriff... is 17 months (and I've missed his post, but it's coming soon). It cracks me up how "little person" he is. If there is a magazine on the coffee table, he picks it up and flips through it. He takes this certain box of toys and always puts them on the couch and arranges them.


I am attempting to live the Gospel by... being grateful and joyful. During this season of Advent, I really want to prepare my heart to celebrate the birth of Christ and all that that means in the New Year. 

Planning for the weekend.. Tigers, Toe-socks, and Gumbo--a winning trifecta! We are having some friends over for the game, and I'm pretty excited but well aware that I may be the only fool in toe socks, especially since I believe the forecast calls for mid 70s. But who will be the fool on Sunday when the cold rolls in?  You have to be prepared.

A picture thought I am sharing...

I think Santa went that way! 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Funny Thing About Toddlers

I'm blogging. In bed. And if all goes as planned, I will take a nap afterwards. I know, SAHMs have it so easy right?

Wrong. I have already mopped, done a load of laundry, cooked breakfast and lunch for a toddler and myself, managed to clean the kitchen afterwards, vacuumed (with the aid of my favorite little helper who loves the thing), and cashed in a Groupon at our local baby/kid consignment shop. Oh yea, and I showered and fixed my hair too.

It's not really been one of those days, but maybe just one of those couple of hours. So if I don't take a few moments for myself while The Sheriff naps, I see quite the sour mood for the afternoon.

Back to those toddlers mentioned in the title. Who programs these little tykes anyway? They are so strange, so very strange. But they cause adults to partake is strange behaviors as well. Looking into my cabinet, it appears that I have a phobia of running out of toddler food. Are you the same way?

And with a toddler you never know what you'll find in (or out of, for that matter) your purse (that giant thing you carry around claiming to be a purse but can really fit a small country). Random books, diapers, crayons from a restaurant, boogie wipes you used to wipe snacks off his face and needed a place to stash to throw away, a paci reserve (for those whose kiddos use them), the ever-present sippy cup, your cheap (and now scratched) sunglasses (the second pair of course because the kiddo full on broke the first), and maybe even a cheerio at the bottom somewhere. I try to clean it often and re-organize the mess, but yes, it is quite the mess!

And the wee bits themselves? Well, they do things like only eat certain foods if you prepared them as your own meal. Make them with love for the toddler himself, and well, he only looks at you like you're crazy for thinking he'll eat that.

Then there's the obsessions. Right now we are on oven mitts. Kid loves them. For a while it was pillows, and then Mardi Gras beads. I'm sure those will come back into style soon; the good things always do right? They are just funny that way, I suppose.

What are you favorite toddler quirks? I'm dying to know what else we're in for!