Semi-Wordless Wednesday - Husband Lens-anity!

What I did there, you see it?

I told you there'd be more Cowboy features around here. Feb. 29 calls for a dash of the goofy that this year with an extra day includes:

DIY Link-up Going GREEN

It must be said once again--I love that Becky started this little crafty link-up. I love getting new ideas, but even more, I love the inspiration pressure to get my butt in gear and get crafty.

Thanks again Mama for such a great link-up!

I took a couple of spins on the February GREEN theme and didn't stick with the go-to St. Patrick's Day or Spring crafts. I had every intention to, really I did, but this is what we ended up with.

February is not just the Winter season for these Cajuns but Mardi Gras season, and yes, we are no longer in Louisiana, but you can take the girl out of Louisiana....and you know the rest.

So we threw a Mardi Gras themed play date (which needed even more LA flare but with a sick toddler, my planning sucked!), and I decided I needed my craft to be not just green, but green with a side of PURPLE and GOLD.

Saturday Morning Ikea Style

We had a free Saturday morning. The Sheriff was in ear infection recovery but in great spirits, so we grabbed a paci just in case (no, we haven't made that jump as promised a few weeks ago....another post) and headed out to Ikea. It's not that far of a journey, but it's a must-be-planned trip. Will we eat lunch there and have W nap on the way home? Will we hustle and sing lots of songs on the way home to keep him awake then feed him what's sure to be a grumpy lunch on his part and then have him nap?

So, yes, we decided on lunch there and would definitely rethink this next time. And tonight we discovered that there indeed will be a next time. While I started The Bachelor, Cowoby prepped to build the office shelf (hello Allen wrench) to discover that the black-brown shelf we thought we purchased as white, like Alleluia White. At the warehouse part of the trip though, we were out of our minds with a toddler meltdown. Anyway...

You go to Ikea for the furniture/accessories not the food right? No one warned me.

I obviously didn't document the entire experience. Believe me; you wouldn't want that. Let's just say that 10 minutes in we were already having discussions about getting a sitter next time we wanted to go. It wasn't that bad, well, until the end. Well, until the toddler kept saying "Eat, eat" which led us to try to feed him food (yes, food, that's what you feed people) and eat our own Ikea special ourselves. W then decided to perform his latest trick which is to ask for things (like food) then cry for them to go bye-bye to only ask for them again. Seriously, what goes on in the mind of a toddler? Discover that, and you'll be a millionaire.

You know it's been rough when not only does the toddler come home with goldfish drools and snot on his shirt,

and although it's hard to tell, but you do as well from snotty cuddles, along with Mardi Gras stickers--totally normal. 

We're thankful for pictures (and sometimes videos) like this one that Grandpa sends and W loves. World meet Teauxjean the wonder dog. Seriously, a wonder dog. 

Regardless, after some picture taking to grab what we wanted in the warehouse,

 we've got more seating in our den.

 And The Sheriff got his own Allen wrench on

which of course both of us jumped on to document. 

It was all worth it when this little guy enjoyed the fruits of his labor: post three hour nap animal cracker snack at his new table.

The trip was a huge success and a bit of a mess. I know for a fact that the little guy wasn't feeling well so who can blame him for his meltdown. I felt horrible for taking him after, but it happens. At least our next trip should be for a quick return, and maybe we can be back for our own tasty lunch instead of springing for 2.99 Swedish meatballs.

Weekend Web Gems

These posts/links weren't necessarily written this weekend, but let's just say I discovered them this weekend. They may or may not be in your web sphere, so browse on through. There's a little something for everyone.

*Babies Don't Keep 
For you parents worried about not wanting to succumb to CIO or maybe those giving extra rocking/soothing time to sick or teething babies.

*Remove Red Wine Stains
Come on bloggers, you know we like our wine, so for you ladies and gents who won't switch over to white just because there is now a forcefield of activity that we call a toddler in your homes.

*Ah, the Baby Food Puree
5 Resources all in one place for those of you whipping up a little less than chicken nuggets and mac-n-cheese.

*Crafting with Kiddos Supply List
Whether a SAHM, a "Working" mom, a working-from-home mom, and you dads out there, check out this list of items you have around the house or need to stock up on for some creative fun with your kids.

*A Closer Look at the "Mama's Boy" 
There's been a lot of blog world/twitter talk about being a boy mom/girl mom and what that means, but I don't necessarily buy it and instead hope that we are blessed with more little people to call me Mom. That being said, Ashley (an LA girl with an adorable blog and family that you must go check out!) passed along this article this weekend, and I just found it interesting! Gender aside, I think children need so much from both their mothers and fathers that it's important to be self aware of what each one can selflessly give for the little one to grow into a person not only striving to be their best self but loving that self as well.

*Another Side of Sick Toddlers  -- From the guy who brought you that lovely article floating around fb (at least) about party favors,
In case you aren't feeling all sweet from your all-night cuddles, click for some smartass fun. (Cursing in the description brought to you by the profanity in the article, so if it's offensive, don't read!)

'Tis Friday During Lent and I've Got Your Meat-free Dinner

So I'm here but not here. It's really Thursday night, and I'm trying to crank this out before I try to go technology free tomorrow. Let's just say I will check my email once at naptime and then tomorrow night after W goes to bed. It's just something I want to do on Fridays during Lent to take some time to be in the moments around me and be more aware of the grace I've been given and the grace I still need to pray for.

But in case you need an easy dinner tonight (and you may have these ingredients on hand) I wanted to pass it along. Even if you have to run to the store, it would just be for a couple of things most probably.

I pass along smitten kitchen's  tomato sauce with onion and butter. In fact, I just may have blogged about this before. We adore some sk over here, and this recipe will not disappoint. So click on over, jot down any ingredients you need, hop on over to the grocery, and come home for an easy Lent dinner. Yea, it's super yummy so you aren't totally denying yourself, but it's simple, won't cost you much money, and sure to be a family pleaser which is as we all know is quite the factor.

I don't have a pic from any previous dinners with this sauce, but let's be honest, sk's pics can't be beat.

Instead, I'll leave you with one of me and the little guy since we've been spending lots of quality toddler has an ear infection time together.

May all carry their crosses today knowing that our God is a loving, redeeming Father who holds each one of us when we can't walk on our own.

The Tim Tebow of Technology

Blog friends, meet Cowboy (aka, the hubs):

He already knows lots about y'all; come on, we can't only talk about the kiddo at the dinner table!
He loves football season, a "guilt-free"fried chicken dinner, his morning coffee, and weekend beer, but to stray from the match.com description, let's go further and talk about how he not only teaches me everything I know about technology (a lagniappe quality in a husband for sure!) but amazes me with his creativity and product! I have to brag on him a bit because I'm pretty dang jealous of his skills but thankful as heck that he shares them with me.

Santa dropped off a T2i a few months ago, and Cowboy has been perfecting his hobby, adding to our thousands of pictures of our little ball of awesome. I, on the other hand, am not embracing it like I should. I will. I will!

Be warned--lots of photos ahead.

Tuesdays at the Table -- Baked Chicken Tenders

Linking up with Cole again this week to tell you that Kroger has done it again!

I, well we, Kroger and I, give you:

Baked Chicken Tenders With Citrus Rice, a dish that is not only husband and toddler approved but healthy as well! (Serves 4-6)


Ingredients


For the tenders:
1/2 cup honey
2 Tbsp. apricot preserves or jam
2 1/2 lbs. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into small strips (next time I will just buy the tenders)
2 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs

For citrus rice::
4 cups chicken stock (broth)
2 cups brown rice, rinsed
zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
1 bottle citrus vinaigrette dressing ***
salt and pepper, to taste

***I didn't see this ingredient when making my grocery list and realized it much to late for a quick trip to grab some. Instead, I googled citrus vinaigrette dressing and managed to find a recipe with the ingredients I did have.

Directions

Chicken:
Preheat over to 350 degrees.
Coat baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
(Cut chicken breasts into strips. Salt and pepper chicken.)

Combine honey and preserves in a small bowl.

Brush honey mixture on both sides of chicken strip and dredge in panko crumbs. Place on coated baking sheet.

Bake 20 minutes on each side until lightly browned.

Rice:
Bring chicken stock to a boil over med-high heat.

Cook rice in broth as directed on package. (Mine took about 40 minutes)

Fluff the rice and place in a large serving bowl. Add orange zest  and half of the lemon zest. Toss well with 1/2 cup of the vinaigrette.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with remaining lemon zest. Pair with a side of veggies (yes, Dr. Oz, I realize that my protein serving isn't in correct proportions to the veggies) and enjoy!

I Confess

*I often use weekend nap times to practice different ways of putting on makeup and usually waste too much time instead of actually getting anywhere.

*That being said, it's Saturday afternoon; I just put on my makeup, think I did a great job, and threw on a camo tshirt and a pair of torn jeans to lounge in our rainy weather. I also did the week's grocery run in said outfit.

*I name my outfits (mostly jammies) with titles containing the word "chic," so today is Glam-Camo-TX-Rain-Chic.

*I think every year that I actually have a chance of picking the right teams for my NCAA bracket.

*I told husband I was going to the post office this morning and happened to venture a bit further for a stop at the consignment store.

*He totally called me on it!

*I'm just taking in the fact that The Sheriff is closer to 2 than to being a baby. Deep breath. Deep breath. Deep breath. How is it possible these kids grow so fast!?!?

*Cowboy was pretty busy working on my new look around here this weekend. Do you like? I really, really do and not so secretly think he's the greatest thing since Icees!

*I prefer making list-type blog posts because the English major in me needs more time and energy than available to crank out a lengthier unified piece of writing. Maybe I'll make it a goal to do one once a week?

*I'm really bad about planning posts like the one mentioned in the last bullet and never getting back to them.

So there you have it, folks. Happy Monday!

Mom Strength

So as it turns out, "mom strength" is apparently gained over time, tears, and glasses of wine, and is not, in fact, something that is granted upon us immediately upon conceiving our child.  I suppose I knew this all along but secretly hoped it wasn't the case.

Well, God did give us all that we need, but the wee bits aren't the only ones growing; this momma is on her own journey.

This morning was awful, just awful. The Sheriff is either about to cut a molar or two or will have an ear infection by Saturday which, of course, means a visit to the ER or a emergency ped. clinic. We are also about the take the pacifier away. Let's not talk about how I feel like a complete assface for taking it away this weekend when he might "need" it, but Cowboy might kill me if we push it back. We always have an excuse like after this trip to Louisiana, or after New Years, or after this cold. So back to the awful morning. Something set him off while we were playing and then he was mad and screaming for "pa! pa!" which is paci in Sheriff speak. He only uses it for sleeping except for these rare fits when he loses all focus of the rest of the world and needs his pacifier and the pacifier only. We were supposed to meet friends so I tried changing him out of jammies and things escalated. Picture a 1 1/2 year old in a jacked-up diaper (because he was pulling on it in sorrow!)  trying to scale his crib because I told him pacis are for sleeping. Enter momma-has-let-you-down pain in my heart!

End of story--I got him clothed (with his paci of course), held him close, and put him down for a nap while I cried my own fears and heart pains away and wiped my snot on my shirt (was desperate people!) He's been sleeping ever since. Fingers are crossed that it's the teeth coming through and not an ear ache!

So I did what any normal person would do--threw myself into ironing! What, you don't iron to destress? When Cowboy asked me if he had any cleans jeans this morning and I had to iron a pair for him to wear (since I never get clothes out of the dryer and hung up after they are finished anymore!), I knew it was time. And I feel much better and I feel ready to take on the afternoon just loving him and playing with him because he needs me. And simply being aware of that, I believe, is indeed mom strength, my friends, so I guess I have it after all!

But, I am now eating a pb and j with a side of Ruffles (hey, it's a protein, fruit, a grain, and a side of veggies right?), and you better well believe we are heading to Target  for a new big blue ball (I popped the old one on the gutter while throwing it up on the roof for W to "catch" when it came down), a bottle of wine since Cowboy will be home late and a post W bedtime glass will be nice, and a COKE ICEE!
 And while we are at it, throw in some white chocolate chips that could not be found in all of Walmart yesterday! Do people seriously use that much white chocolate on Valentine's Day?

It's not even noon; I've run through the emotional scale, and I've ironed a "helluva" lot of clothes. For this journey, I am thankful.

**Fingers crossed there are no typos in this post. It's not of concern right now! 

What's the Story on That?

I've been seeing commercials for Sakowitz furs in Houston with women trotting out of the store and around town in  these lavish fur coats. Really? Really? For that one weekend it's rather chilly? What's the story on that?

Pinterest is seriously going to change the face of being a mom. No longer are premade cardboard Valentine's Day cards going to be acceptable. In fact, just when I thought we'd have to step up our game by buying the ones with candy already attached, now we've got to get crafty ourselves and use printables that say "you're the bomb" attached to constuction paper covered rolos or give a blowpop a cape and attach some quip about being a superhero. Oh child, don't grow up and leave for elementary school any time soon. Maybe Pinterest will just implode by then.  And by the way, who am I kidding? Check this out:

(I'm typing this on Saturday night. Between now and Tuesday I just have to figure out how to make it print the correct size so I can attach to a clear bag with a fun bouncy ball for our play date!)

Last week I made Martha Stewart's Shepherd's Pie which not only called for white cheddar cheese (ok it was good), but asked me to make "decorative peaks" with the mashed potato. Did Martha ever have a toddler halfway up her leg and make said peaks while attempting not to spill mashed potatoes on his head,? Come on--being "decorative" was not an option. On top of that, she said the potatoes were ready when they could be "pierced with the tip of a paring knife."What? Is the term "fork tender" too commonplace  for you? So I ask you, Martha, what's the story on that?

Then I go ahead and not only complete my DIY Valentine's craft but manage to take pictures and get them uploaded to blog about them to link up, and the hubs calls me out on my pictures telling me that it doesn't capture the sparkle which is the point. I get it, and it makes total sense, but Cowboy, what's the story on that?

And finally, did you happen to see this commercial (which I believe first aired during the Super Bowl, but I could be wrong)?

Cowboy and I both gave each other the "did that just happen?" look. What's the story on that, Luvs?

Tuesdays at The Table -- "BC's Linguine with Shrimp Scampi"

Our weather has been pretty here so I've got summer on the mind. This pasta is SO EASY but yet a bit fancy. I don't have any pics today, but you can check out the original recipe here.  I'm usually not a "Barefoot" (as we call her around here) fan, but when Erin posted about it a while back, I decided to give it a shot.  It's quick enough for a weeknight meal but "fancy" enough to cook on the weekend and feel impressive! 


Linguine with Shrimp Scampi (via Barefoot Contessa)
INGREDIENTS
Vegetable oil
Kosher salt
1 1/2 pounds linguine
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
5 tablespoons good olive oil
3 tablespoons minced garlic (9 cloves)
2 pounds large shrimp (about 32 shrimp), peeled and deveined
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Grated zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 lemons)
1/2 lemon, thinly sliced in half-rounds
1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes 


DIRECTIONS
Drizzle some oil in a large pot of boiling salted water, add 1 tablespoon of salt and the linguine, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or according to the directions on the package. 

Meanwhile, in another large (12-inch), heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic. Sauté for 1 minute. Be careful, the garlic burns easily! Add the shrimp, 1 tablespoon of salt, and the pepper and sauté until the shrimp have just turned pink, about 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat, add the parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon slices, and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.

When the pasta is done, drain the cooked linguine and then put it back in the pot. Immediately add the shrimp and sauce, toss well, and serve. 

AND NOW...

Go link up with Cole and the gang and tell us what's coming from your kitchen. 

We Can't Live Without...Morning Edition

I think it's fun to hear about people's go-to products/foods/recipes/etc., those items that they seemingly can't live without. Here are a few of our favorites around here:


Cowboy -- Quaker Oatmeal to Go Brown Sugar & Cinnamon. Paired with a mug of coffee, and boom, breakfast of champs. (I've been known to sneak a few myself. The Sheriff too. Yum!)

The Sheriff -- He's always loved the classic Stonyfield's YoBaby and YoToddler. His recent clear favorite is Cinnamon Burst Cheerios. I can't blame him; those little O's are delicious!

And Little Old Me -- Here's where I can get lengthy. If I had no care for calories and/or getting my proteins and a balanced meal I'd go for Honey Graham Oh's or  Golden Grahams for sure! However, it's been recommended that a heavy carb breakfast isn't so great for optimum body functioning, I've started a love affair with eggs. We are still in the beginning stages of our relationship, and the fanciest I get on a weekday morning is throwing some spinach into the mix. But you take a couple of scrambled eggs and pair them with a bowl of grits and you've got a balanced breakfast and a happy belly. There's just something about grits that soothes the soul.
Coffee is a must on most days, and if I'm craving cereal but know I need the protein, I turn to my good friends over at Kashi who have managed to fill their yummy cereal with 9 grams of protein. Boom.

Sorry if I've bored you to tears! If you've got a morning product/food that I must try, you better let me know!

It's the Little Things

I'm a little late but I want to link up with Jaime today because 1. I told her I would! and 2. I love this idea!

So without further explanation:

It's the little things: I love going to the park with this boy and watching him take on challenges and just enjoy the world around him. It sounds really cheesy, I know, but it does really make me stop and take in our surroundings and appreciate them. (Ok, it's not all rainbows--there are days I'm constantly checking the time on my phone thinking, "Can we go in yet? I've got dinner to cook and a cute IG picture of my kiddo to filter/upload!"

It's the little things: Watching this little guy take in his first piece of authentic LA kingcake! He's usually not into sweets, so it was too funny to watch him gobble it up.

It's the little things: Mom winning, like rubbing dollar store window clings on the carpet to gather some static so they will actually cling to the window.
Oh, and The Sheriff's love for Pooh and Tigger is too sweet.

It's the little things: (It's not all about the little fella now is it.)  This week was one out of the norm, and it was fun . See below:

That's clearly not normal right? I went out to a charity girls only pampering party and guess what? You get to wear pajamas! It's the best night. No high heels. No short skirts. Yea, those are fun, but come on, pajamas! We went in silk pajamas and did the bun with chopsticks look, and although we didn't win, we were surely the best looking group there with the best dance moves. I "indulged" in a pedicure and a glass of wine or three. And lets not talk about the jello shots. Seriously, Momma doesn't do this anymore!

So it was a late night, and semi-rough morning, but what's one to do to entertain a toddler on a rainy day when it's too early to hit chick-fil-a (which you are totally craving!)?

Last night's glow-stick necklace + cut-up colorful straws = happy, non-whiny, (and learning) toddler:

It's the little things: (Who am I kidding; it is about the little guy.) I love how proud he gets of himself!

And thanks for my shirt Nana! 

We made our way to chick-fil-a and cured my rough night with french fries and a ginormous Diet Dr. P. and had a blast in the playscape. The Sheriff ventured further into the tunnels and slides and was so brave (and strong) in dealing with the kids who were too big to be in there and so completely obnoxious. Dear God, may this sweet boy never become that! I was sweating it the whole time, but W emerged unscathed. My stress-levels--not so much! This boy mom thing can get tough!


It's the little things: There are measures I can take in my future to cover the gray hairs gained in above


I can't wait to continue this link-up! Writing about these tiny moments reminds me of how truly blessed I am!

For You, Children of God, and my Godchildren

Dear sweet, sweet little ones,

This song grabs me at the deepest part of my heart, and I want you to know that it is my prayer for you and your lives. May you always know that yes, you just being you, the person God crafted you to be, is enough. You are so loved. You are so worth it. You are sons and daughters of a loving God who is present even when we feel that we can't see or feel His loving embrace. I love you and am praying for you.

God Bless,
Nanny

• Songwriters: Benjamin Glover, Michael Alan Grayson, Samuel Anton Tinnesz

You might be the wife waiting up at night
You might be the man struggling to provide
Feeling like it's hopeless

Maybe you're the son who chose a broken road
Maybe you're the girl thinking you'll end up alone
Praying God, can You hear me?
Oh, God, are You listening?

Am I more than flesh and bone?
Am I really something beautiful?
Yeah, I wanna believe
I wanna believe that

I'm not just some wandering soul
That You don't see and You don't know
Yeah, I wanna believe, Jesus, help me believe
That I am someone worth dying for

I know you've heard the truth that God has set you free
But you think you're the one that grace could never reach
So you just keep asking
Oh, what everybody's asking

Am I more than flesh and bone?
Am I really something beautiful?
Yeah I wanna believe
I wanna believe that

That I'm not just some wandering soul
That You don't see and You don't know
Yeah, I wanna believe, Jesus, help me believe
That I am someone worth dying for

You're worth it, you can't earn it
Yeah, the cross has proven
That You're sacred and blameless
Your life has purpose

You are more than flesh and bone
Can't you see, you're something beautiful?
Yes, you gotta believe, you gotta believe
He wants you to see, He wants you to see

That you're not just some wandering soul
That can't be seen and can't be known
Yeah, you gotta believe, you gotta believe that you are
Someone worth dying for, oh

You're someone worth dying for, oh
You're someone worth dying for

One Skillet Weeknight Dish

I've said before that the recipes Kroger sends with coupons every now and then are pretty nice for weeknight deliciousness. They are easy and don't dirty many dishes while tasting great (and pleasing a toddler which we all know is key!).

This week we tried "arroz con pollo y frijoles negros." I'm not kidding. It came in Spanish. When in Texas....

Well, the title at least and the smaller text translation of instructions; the ingredients and main directions are indeed in English, BUT if you are super confused we've got your basic Rice with Chicken and Black Beans.

This was husband and toddler approved, well, once I added some guacamole on top of the rice and chicken (kid has a weird thing with rice).  I'd imagine it's relatively healthy, and if it's your thing, I'm sure you can adjust cooking time and perhaps the liquid and make with brown rice. Oh, and don't eat the chicken skin; I don't.

arroz con pollo y frijoles negros (Courtesy of Kroger who, yes, did not capitalize any word of the title so neither am I!)

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks (2 1/4 lbs.)
1/2 tsp. adobo seasoning blend *
1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
1/4 cup sliced green onions, divided
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) whole black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups water
1 Tbsp. chicken bouillon

*I didn't have adobo seasoning and had no intentions of buying any without knowing whether this dish would be worth it. I moseyed on over to wikipedia to find out what the heck it was, and after finding out, simply seasoned with garlic powder, salt, oregano, and paprika. I feel like you can't over-season this dish.

Directions:

1. Spray large skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with adobo seasoning and cook 5 minutes per side or until browned. Remove from heat.

2. Add rice and half of onions to skillet. Brown in pan drippings over medium heat about 8 minutes, stirring. Add tomato sauce, beans, water, and bouillon. Stir until well blended.

3. Place chicken on top of rice. Cover and simmer 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. (I believe mine took about 25 minutes.) Sprinkle with remaining onions.

Makes 6 servings.

Sorry I don't have pictures!

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

I get by with a little help from my friends

Kitchen Aid

Going back through the old draft folder (Remember?), and came across this particular one.

I have to share not only some Fall pics of me and the little guy but also (in case I haven't yet) one of my favorites from Bakerella.

You've got to try her Pumpkin Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies with Maple Brown Butter Frosting. Yes, they are a cookie worthy of the name.

Not only did I end up with these cookies at Halloween (yes, that long ago Friends), but I spent the afternoon whipping them up with this face:

My mom made that skirt (I chose the patriotic prints), and I love it. If you are interested in purchasing one like it (for you or a friend/family member in the military) let me know! Or if you've got another "theme" let me know. I can pass it along. 

What a helper! 

An oven mitt is one of his favorite accessories; we've got a foodie in the making!

 They are a "Fall" cookie, I suppose, but I say you can take them into Winter for sure! So grab your ingredients and make before Spring heads our way. The groundhog says you've got about 6 weeks!  

Easy Valentine Toddler Activity

I had a pretty amazing mom win last week and wanted to share. In going through my Google Reader earlier this week I came across a heart puzzle activity (basically a broken heart) and thought I'd cut some construction paper hearts while The Sheriff ate breakfast and try it out.

The first broken heart was a fail. Maybe because he didn't see it as a heart first, it just didn't make sense. So I continued to cut out some larger hearts and then a few smaller ones via the fold-the-paper-in-half method that we all remember from grade school.  While I shoveled in Cheerios, he gladly told me the color and was more excited about each new heart.

After breakfast we took them over to the living room, and I told W that we were going to "match" them to which he replied over and over "maaaa!" "maaa!" No lie. 

I was pretty excited, yet skeptical because we tried the activity a few weeks ago with craft beads we were playing with and he didn't get the concept so much. So with fingers metaphorically crossed, I showed him how to match the colors and watched with a huge smile on my face as he followed suit, naming colors and placing them where they "maaaa" also known as matched.

And in case there was any confusion, first you check the color:

Then you place it on the matching heart.

And then to melt my heart further, he decided to play on his belly which is just the cutest thing to me.

And here we demonstrate the mind-numbing power of television.

BUT, my game must have been a bit intriguing. He had to make sure they were still there.

 Don't worry, Momma, your game is much cooler than that pretty famous peppy Mouse. (At least for 5-8 minutes at least, which yes, was the duration of the activity.)

I was super proud of myself for the impromptu learning activity and beyond proud of him for playing along. Such a smarty-pants, that kid!

And yes, I'm linking this up with Savanah and Ashlee because A. I took all of these pictures with my phone and B. I like those two ladies and love their link-up! 

A Sunday Post

I couldn't resist. My mom sent this last week, and I HAVE to remember this image every Sunday when The Sheriff is being a toddler and there is no way I can keep him in our pew and manage to learn, must less remember to say the new translations.

All you need is love! And a hearty chuckle sometimes. 

Friday Fun -- Feeling Good

Thanks again to  Nicole  for lots of things, this post idea among them!

TODAY:

Outside my window... oh, it's a little dark out, y'all, and threatening to rain about which I could not be happier. I think we've got the wet stuff in the forecast for the next 3 days, and I'm hoping this afternoon to figure out what I want to read on the old Kindle and get to it. 

I am wondering... if I'll ever get my paper clutter under control. Not really wondering I guess. I think I know the answer.

I am listening to... Kim Walker's "How He Loves." I always get emotional with this one because it was one of two songs I sang consistently when W was a newborn. I don't know that I've ever felt God as close as I did holding that boy and need to remember this when I hold him chase after him now! 

I have whimsical plans about... my GREEN link-up with Becky for her monthly DIY. I've seriously been a crafting fool around here, and I love it! I'll post my goods soon, but I'm really proud of myself for jumping in and getting it done, not to mention they turned out cute as pie. 

I am disgruntled about ... How do you like that? Disgruntled, eh? :) Anyway, my hair needs to grow and fast! I need it to grow a inch or two in order to pass that awkward spot where it hits my shoulders. One side in the back does this awful flip-out which I used to tame with an ever-changing blend of hair drier, rollers, flatiron, and something with staying power. Now, it's beyond help. No matter what it flips out, seemingly smiling at me in spite! 

I am loving... this week! Seriously, it's Friday, and all of the housework is done. Well, the big stuff. I've done the bathrooms and floors which I consider the big stuff and have even had time for crafting during W's naps. I think that part of my craft push is to get "stuff" in it's place whether it's all together for a wreath to go on the door or crafts for a friend to finish and send out of the door!

I appreciate.. Apple, the company, not the fruit.

From the kitchen... I've been going through my Pinterest boards hoping to make them more user-friendly, user being me of course. I am deleting items (especially from the FOODie board) that I know I won't make any time soon and moving other items to more specific boards. I am hoping this will help in my weekly menu planning 

I am grateful... for my husband's thoughtfulness. As part of my birthday gift he gave me a new journal and set of awesome pens. Come on bloggers, you might do your best work on the keyboard, but you know the joy of a good pen! So I decided to follow in the footsteps of an old student of mine (chronicling her young life journey in Costa Rica here) and use it to guide my sense of gratitude and contentment. I'm shooting for 1,000 things/ideas/memories/people/places/experiences/feelings for which I am grateful. I think this is based on a book perhaps? 

I am praying for... patience for God's timing. I believe He gave me the dreams in my heart and knows the right time for their fulfillment. Also praying for sweet friends who not only uplift me but pray for me as well. I know there's power in it.

Books, books, and more books... I'm debating whether or not to buy the upcoming book club books on the Kindle or wait for them at the library and get something else. I never thought I'd say this but I'm becoming a bit spoiled by reading on the Kindle. Now if only I could find the books I want on the library loan. 

Sheriff... is seriously cracking me up and amazing me daily. Yesterday he named his puppy from his grandparents "Treat." Um, ok. So he calls it, feeds it, plays fetch with it (well, ok, I'm the one fetching really), pets it, and kisses it. I heard that this age is pretty awesome, and yep, I'm definitely in agreement.

I am attempting to live the Gospel by... showing up and being present every day. 

A picture thought I am sharing...

That's an awful pic really, but we had an afternoon sweeping/mopping date yesterday. He rocked it on the television while I rocked it on the floor. 

Toddler Eating

I wrote this post Saturday in sheer frustration. He's of course eaten better since then. I realize they go through phases. I realize he's healthy and just fine. I realize I'm not the only one dealing with this. So all is well in the world, my friends. Excuse my weekend venting! 

This post will be short. It will not be sweet.

Toddler eating drives me nuts. My little Sheriff is great. You all know I think the world of him. BUT he is a ridiculous eater. It bothers me to read about all these hefty toddlers downing multiple eggs for breakfast with some sort of carb and fruit and they want animal crackers an hour later. And then we went with friends to an awesome playscape and the kids walked in not noticing the awesome hours of climbing fun but instead asked for their lunch while I had to drag mine to the table. (I don't mean this ugly my friend reading this.) Don't even get me started on that moo cow famous chicken eatery.
Our child doesn't even like animal crackers. He also doesn't like cake. Or icing. Or cookies. Sometimes he'll eat ice cream.

Seriously.

I know that I shouldn't be complaining, but making sure he's growing at the right rate and providing nutrition has always been an issue.

Oh, and did I mention that it's not even 10:00 am on Saturday and not only has he not really eaten (the muse of this post) but he's attempted to hand Cowboy's full coffee cup to him spilling it all over the rug. THANK GOD it didn't spill on him, but geez.

Now I wish I had that Shark you all recommended! Seriously, I almost walked out of the door to by one right away.

Back to eating (and the fact that I said this post would be short), what's the deal with the toddler (I will leave it to mine because apparently yours don't follow suit)? Why does he love and gobble up something, black bean quesadillas for example, at one meal and once I actually buy the ingredients to make for him, he turns up his nose at it?

I have to always have a back up plan in my head because he doesn't just eat what we are eating. Or I find myself making Sheriff-friendly meals for dinner that maybe we didn't want. Don't worry; he decided he didn't want it that night anyway.

Complaining over and handing it to God.

Yes, contentment.

We have a child.
He is healthy. He is happy.
We have a pantry and icebox stocked full of delicious goods.
We have means to clean up after ourselves.
We have the ice cream, cookies, cake, etc. that he doesn't eat all to ourselves! ;)

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Say Hello to My Little Friend!