Saturday Shout-out

I don't typically post on Saturdays, but here we are, two Saturdays in a row with a little bit from yours truly. I'll take it that you don't mind!

In my absentmindedness and computer issues when we returned from LA, I forgot that I wanted to give this handsome guy his blog debut:

Blog world, meet Cooper, son of two very dear friends of ours in LA. We were so blessed to get together with my friend Ann (called "Ann Ann" by the Sheriff for Aunt Ann) on our LA Spring Break trip.
It was so hot, but C was such a trooper as Wyatt swung for what seemed like hours as the mommas caught up a bit. Unfortunately we missed hanging out with C's sweet sister, but we'll catch up next time.

I totally forgot to take out the camera, but we had enough to keep up with (snacks, towels, strollers, and oh yea, the kiddos). So I texted Ann later that we needed some Cooper pics not only to include in our recap post but for W to recall as people we consider family.

I received these later that day, and seriously, is he not adorable. What a happy wee bit!

And I guess Cooper is going to share this shout-out as we brought C one of the onesies that I scored in Allie's holiday giveaway from Mommy's Baby Boutique.  Allie is fantastic and inspiring and a new momma (again!), so if you aren't a reader, hop on over. The tie onesies I ordered as my prize are so stinking cute. Evidence below:

I don't think he's of Irish descent? Right Robby? But he sure did rock that St. Patty's outfit! Hope to see y'all soon!

The Sheriff -- 21 Months

Dear W,

You never fail to amaze me. From your most recent discovery of blowing raspberries on your arm to your newfound love of Helicopter Physics which you watch with utmost attention, you are truly a work of a loving Father.
Thank you for showing me that there is so much to see and do and so many heartsmiles to be had in this great world. Just yesterday I found myself grinning ear to ear as a helicopter flew overhead in the sky both because I saw how you lit up with excitement and because my ears have learned to discern the difference between an approaching helicopter and airplane. Never would I have imagined to have been so proud to put that little nugget on my resume!

We love you.

What It Means To Be Selfless -- LA Recap Edition

It's been a while since we've been back from LA and I promised a recap here. After some computer issues, watermarking experiments, and that little thing called "life," I'm finally getting around to it. This post is picture heavy, but come on, he's cute right?

The word selfless ironically comes to mind when I think about our trip as it wasn't any person on the actual trip itself that brought that word to mind.

It's Cowboy.

One amazing dad sacrificed time with his son for this:

And this:

One giving husband let his wife leave him for a week for this (and the fact that he got free reign to eat whatever he wanted for dinner!):

 I watched these two play like brothers. Be still my heart.

There were bubbles (so many bubbles!), and it's too hot outside sweating-it-out, and time with a little fella that is a spit image of my brother as a toddler! And look at that bubble holder--kid looks like a baseball player in the making.

That bubblicious morning was followed by lunch and a real Coke (caffeine and calories and all) in this:

Momma needed all of that.

He understands the importance of family in The Sheriff's life (and apparently the need for the kid to express him inner gangsta):

He gets it. And what is it? It's putting yourself second to the needs of your son or daughter.

The need to search for, and find, copters in the skies of Momma's old stomping grounds on a stroller ride with his grandmother.

The need to first taste, and thus fall in  love with, a Snack Pack pudding.

The need to ride in the back of the buggy with his grandmother through the grocery store in front of which his daddy just might have danced to Michael Jackson once or twice to score free ice cream. True story.

Selfless. He didn't go all "woe is me" about being left alone that long. He didn't brag about the "sacrifice" he made. He simply went on with life and did what he had to do for his son to live life to the fullest with people around him that love him, that as family, he needs.


And then?

Well, then he spent a few moments of his "free" time without parental responsibilities making this.

Someone was beyond excited to play with Daddy and his new copter when he returned.

When All Else Fails...

Build a tent!

When it's Friday, or Tuesday, or any day for that matter, and you find yourself looking to spice up the day, grab some sheets, any extra chairs you can find, binder clips (ok, maybe only teachers have these lying around), and whatever space you can find.

This week's tent is brought to you by --- Binder Clips.  Look at that hold!

Throw in a few pillows. Silliness ensues.

But perhaps so does reflecting. 

And mostly, just being a kid.

We grew up playing in indoor tents. Safe to say that being the only girl with two brothers, mine weren't the most architecturally sound or aesthetically pleasing for that matter, but they are a memory I hold near and dear to my heart. It's this memory (and that face in the last picture) that lets me know there's so much more to come!

Gettin' Crafty with Becky -- Toddler Gift Style

It's Tuesday. The last Tuesday of the month for that matter which means we'll be talking crafts and linking up with Becky for her monthly DIY get-together.

With the theme being completely open, I decided this month to take on gifts.

I'm also pretty excited to introduce the title of my journey to chronicle my Pinterest attempts: Pinsanity.
Yep, Cowboy helped me on that one. Cowboy and who I've heard ESPN dub the "Harvard Hero."

I pinned this craft a while back and have been collecting puzzles on sale and pictures from friends to make some personalized presents for some of my best friends and their families.

Source: pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com via Jen on Pinterest

They turned out great! So great, in fact, that I made one for the one and only Sheriff.

Here's the game plan!

Materials:


*9-12 piece puzzle (one with basic shapes seems to work better. Also consider sizes of the pieces as you may want to include more than one person per piece as I did.)
*Mod Podge
*Pictures of the family/friends you want the little one to get to know and recognize
*Sponge paintbrush
* Pen/Scissors

(See, it's looking easy already!)

Steps:


1. Decide which photos will go under which pieces. If you've got limited prints, make sure each has a spot before you start tracing/cutting.

2. Make sure the faces are within the piece and trace the puzzle piece. You don't have to be too precise.

3. Cut out traced shapes on the pictures. 

4.  Paint Mod Podge on the back of the picture. 

Also paint Mod Podge on the puzzle itself where you will be pasting the picture. 

5. Put your picture in and smooth down with your fingers.

6. Once every picture has been glued down, wait until all are completely dried, and then paint a layer of Mod Podge over the entire puzzle as a sealing coat. 

Allow to dry and present your favorite wee bit with a personalized new puzzle! 

Toddler Sandwich Tricks

I'm certain that I'm not the first Momma to fancy up food in order to get it successfully into the belly of a child. Come on; you've all seen Pinterest!

So this will look like child's play compared to those Mommas, but let's just say that all of my driveway chalk doodle practice has paid off.

W has always been pretty good about sandwiches which I can appreciate as it's my go-to lunch, AND they are so easy for traveling.
From an early finger food age The Sheriff enjoyed what I lovingly dubbed "cheese bites." I took a slice of bread, placed a half piece of cheese inside, folded it over, and squished it together. I cut this gem into toddler finger-sized squares and was a toddler chef extraordinaire. Well, not really, but they worked. Dip those puppies in Wholly Quac or hummus, and you are reaching all-star status.

It's this sandwich history that brings us to today where you find me serving up a little something like this:

It's a cop-cur!!

Yes, my friends, grab two slices of whole wheat bread, spread a thin layer of your favorite organic peanut butter inside, smash it together pretty tightly, and grab a small but sharp knife.

You've got edible artwork to create!

And when you are finished, accessorize with fruit, vegetables, whatever you want. We like to put pieces in the cockpit over and over as he eats them.

This "recipe" is totally adaptable. Blog reader, meet black bean, cheese, quasi quesadilla copter.

The picture is terrible, but you get the idea. Use waffles, tortillas, breads, pizza dough, whatever you want and make your wee bit's latest obsession.  No cookie cutters needed. Just grab a knife and get after it.

I've got this little guy signing "eat eat" for the arrival of a cop-cur sandwich!

Happy Monday y'all!

Simple Saturday

Today started out pretty simple, but things just got a bit more complicated. I'll explain in a bit.

But first, I found this quote while perusing the world's favorite new pastime (and my pastime I of course mean time sink!)

So fitting for some. Oh so fitting.

Source: eatdrinkpaleo.tumblr.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

But that's not the point for today. Does it bother me that there is no pronoun/antecedent agreement in the quote? Yes, but the message itself speaks volumes. Yep, sorry that I didn't give you an English teacher nerd alert warning on that one!

Yes, today started perfectly. We slept in a bit and woke to homemade breakfast tacos with leftover roasted ranch potatoes from earlier this week and HEB flour tortillas from last night.  I'm pretty much quite the Texican in the kitchen. It's now second nature.

We played outside; I ran a couple of errands; we had peanut butter sandwiches and Ruffles for lunch.
Not to mention that I had the pleasure of watching two dudes being dudes:

Watch and learn.

Ask questions. (Ok, so he didn't ask questions, but it looks like it right?)

And execute.

Then pose for picture happy Momma acting like a idiot to get someone to look.

All was right in the world. Cowboy even found himself with a new weed-eater. All was right until -- BOOM! I heard it while experimenting with PicMonkey and watermarking. I thought nothing of it until I kept hearing smaller but still oddly loud noises. Off to investigate!

Oh, how I wish I had kept my happy backside in the chair. Our front door window is shattered! Life decided today just didn't need to be a simple day.

Dad Video Friday: Trilogy Part 3

In case you missed it, Part 1 and Part 2. Also, consider coming back next Friday as "staying past the credits." I think Cowboy has convinced me to give you my finest bathroom cleaning moment captured on video so many years ago. 

The saga catapults to its conclusion as The Sheriff expands his dominion over the park taking on..... SLIDES!

Just For Today -- Honesty With Self

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

I haven't been my best self this week. So let's talk about that.

Oh, and to make matters worse, the computer that Fumble-ina here dropped a few months ago seems to be aiming for payback. Fingers crossed on that one. 

But let's get to it. 

TODAY:

Outside my window... I've been pretty oblivious this morning as it was dull and we were stuck inside with a on-the-brink-of-sickness toddler, but now I see the sun peeking her little head through, so I'm hoping we can catch some Vit. D this afternoon and lift our spirits. 

Within these walls... Everything seems chaotic to me. In reality, it's not that bad, but I want a day, a full day, inside by myself to do a bit of Spring cleaning of sorts. 

On a positive note, I've managed over the course of the last month or so to try some different "preschool" activities (thank you Pinterest) with The Sheriff and we've had some success. Can't wait to share. 

Within my heart walls... Like I mentioned above, it's about seeking honesty with self, and if I'm going to do that I must acknowledge that my heart wants no part of being a stay at home mom this week. I'm fairly certain that I'm just tired and while we had an amazing time in LA last week, yep the whole week!, it was a marathon for which perhaps I was not prepared. It was all me, all day, all night. every day, and yes, I realize so many parents do this all of the time. Many I respect. Those who choose it selfishly, I do not. I digress. 

Not only was I solo but we were out of our element which brings its own chaos to the situation. Being at our own home would be a breeze compared to trekking the streets of the tri-parish area! (You LA-ians know what I'm talking about!). But I don't feel like being creative; I don't feel like cuddling and soothing a molar-growing wee one; I don't feel like playing; I don't feel like me. 

I am certain... that God is calling me through the struggle that I'm having this week to be gracious, to be a servant, to be who He created me to be. This makes what I'm feeling a blessing indeed. 

I am listening to... silence. 

I have am wondering... honestly when this week will end. It's actually a great week with consignment sales (hello cheap kiddo stuff!) and meet-ups with friends but I feel overwhelmed. I just need to be in the moment and enjoy the moment and allow these good times to refresh me for next week. 

I am loving... The Sheriff's response to "Where's Wyatt?" as of late. You get giggles, a hug, and a literal face to face look of pure joy. 

I appreciate.. the Cowboy and his selflessness. More to come on that. 

From the kitchen... I'm not a big cook-for-lunch type of girl. We do lots of leftovers and sandwiches. But today...

Source: picky-palate.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

This was pretty darn delish if I do say so myself. I think I didn't have as much pasta as the recipe called for, so ours came out super cheesy. But you mommas looking for a toddler dish--go for it! My one concern is the amount of butter, so I've got to find an alternative. 

I am grateful... for this journey of honesty with self. I'm not always so willing to admit what I need to myself, but I think it's what we are meant to do.

I am praying for... the special intentions within my heart and those within the hearts of my family members and friends. 

A picture thought I am sharing...

Thanks Cowboy for being the spontaneous one! 

Have a great Wednesday! The weekend's practically here right? (I said that last time on a Thursday. Looks like I need to re-evaluate!) 

Flaunt a Friend Link-Up and New Blog Friends!

Keeping up with this whole blogging world can be quite the handful. You don't even want to know how many unread items I have in GR right now!
But thanks to Erin who linked up last week, I discovered a few more blogs that are definitely worth adding to my list, and I want to pass on the love and share a blog or two that I adore.

Thanks Tiffany and Lindsey for hosting such a fun link-up!

Y'all first have to meet Allie over at Table for More. With the four fellows in her life, thanks to the recent addition of sweet baby boy Jude, Allie shares her world through lenses of faith, family, and love.

She captures the world through the eyes of her children in her photography; she captures the world as a mother in her thoughtful commentary, tips, recipes, and shared experiences. Stop by and say hi!




Then click on over to say hi to Ashley, a fellow LA girl, who shares her story as working mom to one sweet wee bit, a wee bit I realize every day is not so wee anymore. I've loved watching Thatcher grow in the wake, in a sense, of my own growing little boy! Her posts often have me reminiscing of W's days, and in my head Thatcher doesn't really grow up! But then he goes and does totally toddler things like this and cracks us all up in the meantime.

Grounded in her faith, Ashley inspires me with poignant posts about the different hats we wear and lives we carve, and I've been blessed to bond over shared stories and cultures and call her Friend. (I'm pretty sure we will meet someday in Nola for a quick cup of coffee as blog turned in real life friends!)

So take your shoes off, put your feet up, (dodge the toddler crawling up your leg. Kidding. Read while he/she sleeps right?), and check out these ladies. You won't be disappointed!

Phone Photo Fun -- I-10 Edition

If you've driven I-10 between TX and LA any time in the last, oh let's just say 10 years, you don't associate the word "fun" with that infamous interstate by any means.

But there was a toddler. There were hours to be spent in the car. I didn't quite find fun, but found snapping pics to message to my near-and-dears useful in venting my frustrations.

You, dear readers, are also my near-and-dears, so this Phone Photo Fun link-up (traffic style) is dedicated to you! Grab your photos and stop by Savanah's and Ashlee's blogs to link up!

So here we are, once...

 twice...

three times a ... 

three times is a joke! How about four...

And four is a headache! Seriously, the standstills gave a new meaning to "March Madness!"

Said headache is only cured by the following match made in gas station heaven.
Large Icee meet Pooh Bear topped toddler juice.

I tried for Tigger. Really, I did, but The Sheriff has an odd fascination with him. In books he pretty much only searches for Tigger, but a "real life" Tigger? Well, that  bouncy little fellow gets a quick "bye bye...bye bye!"

Want to know more about our trip? Do ya? Do ya? Be sure to stop by later this week!

Dad Video Friday: Trilogy Part 2

You can't start a trilogy in the middle, now can you? So if you missed Part 1, click on over for a quick break from whatever it is you are supposed to be doing.

The Sheriff is back. This time he meets the menacing block towers...

 

Letter To My Godchildren -- Part 2

Beautiful children,

It looks like I've started a series here, haven't I? There's quite some distance between us; there are years before you may need or want to hear these words.

But there are words and music and messages that inspire me, uplift me, guide me, and one day your hearts may need them.

Love you,
Nanny

The Sheriff -- 18 Through 20

W, 

I'm jumping on this bandwagon (that I'm not sure who specifically started) because well, it's so darn cute and clever. Don't worry, I'll keep your monthly updates going but perhaps just not as often. You amaze us, challenge us, inspire us, and mostly love us, and we are so truly blessed. 

May God bless you on this leg of your journey as you explore more of our world and your place in it. 

Love, 

Daddy and Momma

5 Lessons Learned From The Laurie Berkner Band

We've done a bit of driving lately, and while W is perfectly fine jamming to "Moves Like Jagger" (Sorry Uncle Cory), "Crazy Girl," and Coldplay's "Paradise" also known as "Gah-gee" meaning Daddy's song, he does enjoy some Laurie Berkner Band.

The songs are catchy and make me smile. Do I find myself singing them while cleaning the kitchen during a Sheriff nap? Certainly, although these days you find the playlist in my head almost always stuck on "They're two, they're four, they're six, they're eight. Shunting trucks and hauling freight...." Anyone have a guess as to what we've been watching?

 I better learn what "shunting trucks" is before W is old enough to talk in sentences and thus ask questions.

I digress.
Back to Laurie and lessons.

#1. Taking on the world at sprinting speeds can be lots of fun, but really, you miss the sweetness life has to offer.  Slow down. Just slow down.

#2.  Baby/Toddler/Child/Teenage years are going to fly. Remember that whole "take it slow" message above? She meant it. So be right there, present, in the moment because one day, yes one day, we'll be so much more, but right now, enjoy the age and the stage.

#3. With words like, "When you're in my heart, you're in my family," and "when I'm in your heart, I'm in your family." this song makes me smile. It defines family perfectly for me. There are friends I hold in my heart as family. There are family members I don't see as often as I should, but they are in my heart, and they are my family.

#4. Balance Beam -- I don't have a great vid for this one, but the song has a sweet tune and is a nice reminder that in balancing our lives we can get back up and try again, "one foot, other foot, in a row" and find yourself back on track. I need that reminder. I do.

#5. I've got to get to Brazil. Apparently the waves, wind, and rain whisper in your ear. Sounds promising.

And for the cherry on top, in this song, to do the samba, "you just move your feet." That's it. No lessons required. Perfect.

If you've got any kid jams I need to know besides the classics, you better pass them on. Hook a momma up! 

Phone Photo Fun -- Toddler Fashion

I haven't linked up with Savanah and Ashlee in a bit, so here goes!

We all know the little people are so strange, so very, very strange, and yes, we allow them to be just that. No need to remind you of wretched cries, arched backs, bodies rolling on the floor, or refusal to do anything when they are denied something simple. 

Simple. Something as simple as wearing footed jammies as a cape all morning.

We choose our battles.   And this particular battle was way too cute to fight.