Monday, September 29, 2008
If you're looking for a good laugh ...
Head on over to Clemson Girl and the Coach. I found her blog through Carolina Girl and she is freakin' hilarious.
Mocktails, Anyone?
While I'm not a heavy drinker by any means, I DO enjoy the occasional glass of wine or fruity cocktail when I'm not pregnant.
Over the course of the past few months, we've had several social outings, where I wished I had something a little more special than a diet coke in my hands!! (and Shirley Temples DO get a little old!) This week as we prepare for our little getaway, I am hoping to have a few ideas for some fun virgin drinks to sip on while we're out. Any ideas???
For those of you in the same situation, I do have some fun ideas for "special" drinks at home. Keep in mind that you MUST use a special glass for these -- go ahead and break out your wedding crystal or a fun martini glass! I adore the IZZE sparkling juice drinks -- grapefruit is my fave! They are a bit expensive, but they are meant to be a TREAT -- not for everyday consumption! I also like the naturally flavored sparkling water (no sodium, sugar, or caffeine). I get mine at Target -- Cherry or Mixed Berry is the best. If you want to add a special touch, you can even float a few berries on the top. Yum!
What is your favorite Mocktail? Please share!
Over the course of the past few months, we've had several social outings, where I wished I had something a little more special than a diet coke in my hands!! (and Shirley Temples DO get a little old!) This week as we prepare for our little getaway, I am hoping to have a few ideas for some fun virgin drinks to sip on while we're out. Any ideas???
For those of you in the same situation, I do have some fun ideas for "special" drinks at home. Keep in mind that you MUST use a special glass for these -- go ahead and break out your wedding crystal or a fun martini glass! I adore the IZZE sparkling juice drinks -- grapefruit is my fave! They are a bit expensive, but they are meant to be a TREAT -- not for everyday consumption! I also like the naturally flavored sparkling water (no sodium, sugar, or caffeine). I get mine at Target -- Cherry or Mixed Berry is the best. If you want to add a special touch, you can even float a few berries on the top. Yum!
What is your favorite Mocktail? Please share!
Friday, September 26, 2008
I'm Still Alive!
I haven't disappeared completely!
I am almost into my second trimester, which means my nausea is gone and the extreme fatigue is subsiding. So, I am free to blog once more during Tanner's naptime now that I'm not joining him!
What we've been doing the last few weeks ... other than looking adorable ...
What we've been doing the last few weeks ... other than looking adorable ...
1) Welcoming fall! My favorite thing about this season -- little boys in footie pajamas.
2) Playing at the park every day we can ... and generally just getting dirty!
3) Making messes at the dinner table, (Supernanny, HELP!)
Witnessing a change in eye color (blue to blue/green/hazel??)
Watching more teeth emerge (we're working on the top four -- all at the same time!)
4) Spending time with the ones we love. Last weekend we celebrated Dan and Mimi's wedding with the Hall family. They are so fun!
5) Learning how to shoot a bow. (Jon ONLY) Yes ... we are the hillbillies that practice in the backyard. Jon's hoping to deer hunt for the first time this year and has promised me a freezer full of meat! Yee Haw!
6) I started leading a women's small group at church -- such a blessing!
7) Jon started back up with his MBA classes. He's taking 2 classes this fall -- a busy guy!
8) Gymnastics, Swimming, MOPS
9) Preparing for our trip to Sea Island, GA next weekend WITHOUT the little guy! We'll miss him for sure, but we Can't Wait!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Fiddle-dee-dee
You may have notice from my sidebar that I'm currently reading "Gone With The Wind," by Margaret Mitchell. My only comment so far is this...
Why in the HECK did I wait 28+ years to start reading this book?!!
The movie has always been one of my absolute favorites. My sisters and I can almost recite the entire thing line by line. I guess I just assumed the book just couldn't compare to the richness of the film. Well, Fiddle-dee-dee! I should've known -- are movies ever really better than the books they're based on?
So ... you'll understand why, instead of posting about the swimming lesson that we arrived a week early for (go ahead and laugh), I'm going to use Tanner's nap time to snuggle up on the couch with this delicious novel and read about Scarlett, Rhett, Melanie, and Ashley until my heart's content!
Monday, September 08, 2008
Baby Gymnastics
Last week, we had our first ultrasound for the new baby. Everything looked great and the two of us were beside ourselves with excitement to see a heart beating and also to see our peanut (which is exactly what baby looks like right now) move it's little limbs -- er ... armbuds. What a miracle! Sometimes I still can't believe there is another baby in my tummy! Our due date got moved up a few days and is now officially April 3rd. So exciting, yet a little overwhelming, I must say. As often as I am praying for the health of this new little one, I am also praying that God continues to prepare our home and our hearts to welcome this perfect gift from Him. I've always wanted a house full of kids, but right now I'm wondering how I'll manage just two!
Last Friday was Tanner's first gymnastics class. What a workout ... for ME! I was literally SWEATING halfway through the class from chasing him around everywhere. The first 15 minutes are spent on the trampolines and in the "pit," which is filled with soft sponges that the kids can slide into, jump into, somersault into -- you get the picture. The second 15 minutes was "floor time," where the kids were supposed to sit on little mats and participate in some simple "stretching" movements, songs, instrument play, etc. Tanner's floor time lasted more like 15 seconds. He did NOT come prepared to stay in one spot -- that's for sure. Luckily, the last 15 minutes was devoted to an obstacle course and more somersaulting, which Tanner loved. By the end of class, he was laying flat on his back, with his arms and legs outstretched, looking totally EXHAUSTED. Mission accomplished! Tomorrow is swimming. I seriously can't wait.
Hope you're all having a good start to your week!
Last Friday was Tanner's first gymnastics class. What a workout ... for ME! I was literally SWEATING halfway through the class from chasing him around everywhere. The first 15 minutes are spent on the trampolines and in the "pit," which is filled with soft sponges that the kids can slide into, jump into, somersault into -- you get the picture. The second 15 minutes was "floor time," where the kids were supposed to sit on little mats and participate in some simple "stretching" movements, songs, instrument play, etc. Tanner's floor time lasted more like 15 seconds. He did NOT come prepared to stay in one spot -- that's for sure. Luckily, the last 15 minutes was devoted to an obstacle course and more somersaulting, which Tanner loved. By the end of class, he was laying flat on his back, with his arms and legs outstretched, looking totally EXHAUSTED. Mission accomplished! Tomorrow is swimming. I seriously can't wait.
Hope you're all having a good start to your week!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Just when things start to get exciting ...
I disappear from the blogosphere!
I just wanted you all to know that I am still alive -- just more tired than I've ever been before. So, I'm napping any chance I get and literally going to bed right after dinner most nights. I forgot how exhausting the first trimester is! Hopefully, just a few more weeks of this, then I'm back to my normal self!
Tanner is doing good -- down to one nap/day this week -- what a big boy! He is FINALLY getting his two front teeth -- Hooray! Today was a YUCKY day. It has literally been raining since we got up this morning. I feel like it's a preview of what's to come this winter -- LONG days indoors! It definitely got me motivated to arrange some weekly activities for Tanner and myself to get us out of the house. Tomorrow is his first gymnastics class, and next week we start swim lessons. Tanner is going to be a "duck!" I'm excited!
Well, I'm off to bed! I can't believe I stayed up this late!
Sweet dreams!
I just wanted you all to know that I am still alive -- just more tired than I've ever been before. So, I'm napping any chance I get and literally going to bed right after dinner most nights. I forgot how exhausting the first trimester is! Hopefully, just a few more weeks of this, then I'm back to my normal self!
Tanner is doing good -- down to one nap/day this week -- what a big boy! He is FINALLY getting his two front teeth -- Hooray! Today was a YUCKY day. It has literally been raining since we got up this morning. I feel like it's a preview of what's to come this winter -- LONG days indoors! It definitely got me motivated to arrange some weekly activities for Tanner and myself to get us out of the house. Tomorrow is his first gymnastics class, and next week we start swim lessons. Tanner is going to be a "duck!" I'm excited!
Well, I'm off to bed! I can't believe I stayed up this late!
Sweet dreams!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Our Weekend Together
After several busy weekends traveling to Michigan, attending weddings and different events, it was quite refreshing to have a weekend at home with just the three of us!
On Friday night, we drove up to spend time with some friends of Jon's who live on a lake near us. They have twin boys the same age as Tanner. It was the first time I got to meet them, and we had a really great time. The men spent the evening on the lake wakeboarding while us moms got to know each other and watch the boys play. The thing about being a mom is that you have an instant connection with other moms, simply because you have something in common to talk about right away -- your kids! After wakeboarding, our hosts treated us to an awesome steak dinner and then it was bedtime for all of the kiddos and time to leave.
We had intended to go to the air show downtown on Saturday, but were a little intimidated of fighting the crowds with Tanner in tow, and decided to stick around here for the day. We ended up having so much fun! I packed a lunch for the three of us, and we drove down the street where we picnicked and then checked out a new spray park. This park had a large sand area next to the spray area, and Tanner was in heaven! Is there anything better than a huge pit of dirt when you're a one-year-old boy? I cringed as he got dirtier and dirtier, but held my tongue and let him play. One more trip to the spray area and he was clean again!
Yesterday, we went to church, then came home, relaxed, and did some catching-up on the Olympics. I usually don't have the TV on much throughout the day, but lately it's been on almost constantly with all of the Olympic coverage! I hope I'm not making Tanner too much of a couch potato! Later on, Jon worked on our landscaping while I watched Tanner and attempted to tidy up the house (it's amazing how dirty it gets over the weekend!). Then, it was ice cream for everyone -- our favorite way to start the week!
Tanner has been getting some new teeth lately. He's been working on his top molars for a few weeks now, and is starting to get his top right "lateral incisor," which is wierd since his two top front teeth haven't appeared yet. Maybe in the next few days?? We'll keep watching!
Our boy is also obsessed with chairs lately -- kid-sized chairs, that is. He LOVES to climb onto them, sit down, stand up, and climb on again. The past two times I've dropped him off at the gym or at church, the workers have commented that he spent the whole time playing with a chair!! Yesterday, we were outside on our patio, and he just kept backing his little tushy up to the step, sitting down, and then standing up. He would even clap after he stood up. Too cute. I think we'll have to buy him his own table and chair set for his playroom.
Well, I'm off to start our laundry for the week! Hope you're having a great Monday!
My boys, enjoying their picnic lunch.
On Friday night, we drove up to spend time with some friends of Jon's who live on a lake near us. They have twin boys the same age as Tanner. It was the first time I got to meet them, and we had a really great time. The men spent the evening on the lake wakeboarding while us moms got to know each other and watch the boys play. The thing about being a mom is that you have an instant connection with other moms, simply because you have something in common to talk about right away -- your kids! After wakeboarding, our hosts treated us to an awesome steak dinner and then it was bedtime for all of the kiddos and time to leave.
We had intended to go to the air show downtown on Saturday, but were a little intimidated of fighting the crowds with Tanner in tow, and decided to stick around here for the day. We ended up having so much fun! I packed a lunch for the three of us, and we drove down the street where we picnicked and then checked out a new spray park. This park had a large sand area next to the spray area, and Tanner was in heaven! Is there anything better than a huge pit of dirt when you're a one-year-old boy? I cringed as he got dirtier and dirtier, but held my tongue and let him play. One more trip to the spray area and he was clean again!
Yesterday, we went to church, then came home, relaxed, and did some catching-up on the Olympics. I usually don't have the TV on much throughout the day, but lately it's been on almost constantly with all of the Olympic coverage! I hope I'm not making Tanner too much of a couch potato! Later on, Jon worked on our landscaping while I watched Tanner and attempted to tidy up the house (it's amazing how dirty it gets over the weekend!). Then, it was ice cream for everyone -- our favorite way to start the week!
Tanner has been getting some new teeth lately. He's been working on his top molars for a few weeks now, and is starting to get his top right "lateral incisor," which is wierd since his two top front teeth haven't appeared yet. Maybe in the next few days?? We'll keep watching!
Our boy is also obsessed with chairs lately -- kid-sized chairs, that is. He LOVES to climb onto them, sit down, stand up, and climb on again. The past two times I've dropped him off at the gym or at church, the workers have commented that he spent the whole time playing with a chair!! Yesterday, we were outside on our patio, and he just kept backing his little tushy up to the step, sitting down, and then standing up. He would even clap after he stood up. Too cute. I think we'll have to buy him his own table and chair set for his playroom.
Well, I'm off to start our laundry for the week! Hope you're having a great Monday!
My boys, enjoying their picnic lunch.
Can we go in now, Dad?! Pleeeeease?!
Not afraid to get down and dirty! The girls were building a little "pool" for him.
Cuddling with my little love. Is there anything more heavenly?
Design Fun
I've had a few requests for information on how to change your design template. I found my new template and header at http://www.cutestblogontheblock.com via Carolina Girl's blog. There were lots of new templates to choose from and also several different tutorials on how to change little details on your blog. I would definitely recommend it, but be prepared to spend a few hours on it! Not only do you have to select and download a template from this site, you then have to coordinate it with a blogger template, and fix the colors and fonts within that to make it all work. But, with a little creativity and some patience it can be done!
I also found http://www.simplyfabulousbloggertemplates.com via B-Mama's blog. This site has some really fun templates, but you have to download firefox web browser if you don't already have it, and I didn't want to do that. Still -- the options there are super cute.
Happy designing! Let me know if you have any specific questions once you get started and I would be happy to help you if I can!
I also found http://www.simplyfabulousbloggertemplates.com via B-Mama's blog. This site has some really fun templates, but you have to download firefox web browser if you don't already have it, and I didn't want to do that. Still -- the options there are super cute.
Happy designing! Let me know if you have any specific questions once you get started and I would be happy to help you if I can!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wedding Pics
We're BAAAAACK!
And it only took us until Thursday to get unpacked, laundry done, and pretty much settled in again. Not a very good turn-around time, but whatever. We are happy to be home again!
The wedding was AWESOME and Katherine looked just amazing. The best part was seeing so many people that we know and love. Tanner hung in there until almost midnight on both Friday and Saturday. He was such a trooper. Jon and I both agreed, though, that from now on we aren't taking him to weddings anymore! It's definitely not as enjoyable for us!
Here are some good shots!
I was so nervous about how Tanner would behave during the ceremony. Miraculously, he fell asleep on Grandpa Hall and slept through the whole thing!
Kat and my Dad
"The Password is a Kiss!"
Newlyweds
Our only shot of the three of us. I had wanted to get some with the photographer, but Tanner wasn't very cooperative as far as pictures went...
Hooray!
And it only took us until Thursday to get unpacked, laundry done, and pretty much settled in again. Not a very good turn-around time, but whatever. We are happy to be home again!
The wedding was AWESOME and Katherine looked just amazing. The best part was seeing so many people that we know and love. Tanner hung in there until almost midnight on both Friday and Saturday. He was such a trooper. Jon and I both agreed, though, that from now on we aren't taking him to weddings anymore! It's definitely not as enjoyable for us!
Here are some good shots!
I was so nervous about how Tanner would behave during the ceremony. Miraculously, he fell asleep on Grandpa Hall and slept through the whole thing!
Kat and my Dad
"The Password is a Kiss!"
Newlyweds
Our only shot of the three of us. I had wanted to get some with the photographer, but Tanner wasn't very cooperative as far as pictures went...
Hooray!
If you would like to see some of the professional photographs, you can visit the photographer's blog and scroll down to "Wedding: Military Style." There are some great pictures on there!
Well, I'm signing off for now -- it's time for bed! Sweet dreams!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Generation Gap
Tanner and I have been staying with my parents for the last week, helping with preparations for the big wedding this weekend. We're so excited, but more on that in another post.
This conversation took place at our dinner table last night:
Dad: What happened to Tanner's forehead?
Me: He "bit it" outside this afternoon.
Dad: Max bit him?? (Max is our dog.)
Me: No, Dad. Tanner "bit it."
Dad: Tanner fell and bit his own forehead?
Me: Yeah, dad. :)
This conversation took place at our dinner table last night:
Dad: What happened to Tanner's forehead?
Me: He "bit it" outside this afternoon.
Dad: Max bit him?? (Max is our dog.)
Me: No, Dad. Tanner "bit it."
Dad: Tanner fell and bit his own forehead?
Me: Yeah, dad. :)
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Friday, August 01, 2008
Christmas in July -- Oops! I mean August!
This morning, I was THAT mom.
You know the one I'm talking about. The woman in the grocery store whose child is shrieking in the front seat of the cart. The one who gives in to his tantrum and lets him out of the cart, only to realize such a decision was a HUGE mistake. She wrestles to get him back in his seat as he arches his back, wailing. Once he is finally strapped in, the child cries just loud enough for people to hear in all four corners of the store (we're talking SuperTarget here) and out into the parking lot. You've seen this mom before. Usually, you wish that management would come over and ask her to leave so that you can shop in peace ... because your child would never act that way. Ever. What kind of parent is she, anyways?
Yes, sadly, I was that mom today. For some reason, Tanner finished his snack cup only 5 minutes into our trip. Usually, I get at least 20 minutes of happiness out of this precious treat, but not this morning! I was tempted to grab a bag of Goldfish from the snack aisle and just rip it open and start feeding him, but I would've felt really guilty opening something that I hadn't paid for yet. Note to self ... next time pack some reinforcement snacks.
He finally settled down as we were checking out. As I went to refill his snack cup with some Goldfish that were actually paid for, I heard a woman talking behind me.
"Yeah, so like, tons of their toys are marked 75% off right now."
My ears perked up and I started to get excited. Even though he is definitely on Santa's nasty list right now, he might just redeem himself by December 25. Just in case, I headed over to the toy section. I was so pleased -- I got $110 worth of stuff for $29!! There's nothing like a good deal to turn around your morning. Now the hard part will be saving all of these toys until Christmas!!
You know the one I'm talking about. The woman in the grocery store whose child is shrieking in the front seat of the cart. The one who gives in to his tantrum and lets him out of the cart, only to realize such a decision was a HUGE mistake. She wrestles to get him back in his seat as he arches his back, wailing. Once he is finally strapped in, the child cries just loud enough for people to hear in all four corners of the store (we're talking SuperTarget here) and out into the parking lot. You've seen this mom before. Usually, you wish that management would come over and ask her to leave so that you can shop in peace ... because your child would never act that way. Ever. What kind of parent is she, anyways?
Yes, sadly, I was that mom today. For some reason, Tanner finished his snack cup only 5 minutes into our trip. Usually, I get at least 20 minutes of happiness out of this precious treat, but not this morning! I was tempted to grab a bag of Goldfish from the snack aisle and just rip it open and start feeding him, but I would've felt really guilty opening something that I hadn't paid for yet. Note to self ... next time pack some reinforcement snacks.
He finally settled down as we were checking out. As I went to refill his snack cup with some Goldfish that were actually paid for, I heard a woman talking behind me.
"Yeah, so like, tons of their toys are marked 75% off right now."
My ears perked up and I started to get excited. Even though he is definitely on Santa's nasty list right now, he might just redeem himself by December 25. Just in case, I headed over to the toy section. I was so pleased -- I got $110 worth of stuff for $29!! There's nothing like a good deal to turn around your morning. Now the hard part will be saving all of these toys until Christmas!!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
A Fair, a Wedding, and Some Water
Time continues to fly by here in the Hall House! Notice the all the bruises and scrapes on my rough and tumble little boy. We're seriously considering buying a helmet for him.
What we've been up to:
Last Friday, Tanner and I went to the county fair with a friend and her son. I was only expecting to stay for about an hour, but the boys were having so much fun, it was more like 3 hours!! We spent all of that time making our way through the animal barns, mimicking their sounds, trying to get our boys to do the same. :) Tanner was very interested in all of the animals, but especially liked the bunnies and the goats. The sheep scared him a bit -- who would've thought!! We ventured into one last barn before we left and found ourselves on a "tot" farm. The boys LOVED it!!
What we've been up to:
Last Friday, Tanner and I went to the county fair with a friend and her son. I was only expecting to stay for about an hour, but the boys were having so much fun, it was more like 3 hours!! We spent all of that time making our way through the animal barns, mimicking their sounds, trying to get our boys to do the same. :) Tanner was very interested in all of the animals, but especially liked the bunnies and the goats. The sheep scared him a bit -- who would've thought!! We ventured into one last barn before we left and found ourselves on a "tot" farm. The boys LOVED it!!
What IS that?
That's where my milk comes from?!
Hey, Seth, you got any snacks over there?
Just call me Farmer Tanner!
Can you BELIEVE these gas prices?!
The next day was Saturday, and we drove home to Michigan for my cousin Brent's wedding. It was so much fun to get all dressed up and see family members who I haven't seen in a while! I'm not sure if the highlight was Mary Lou's cookie display (YUM!!! -- I'll get some pictures of this at Katherine's wedding next weekend), or Tanner tearing it up on the dance floor.
Me and my Lovey.
My Main Squeeze.
So far, this week has been a little boring, but we did make it to the spray park again yesterday for some cooling off. Tanner was all over the place. At one point, he was sitting underneath this pole that has three buckets attached at the top. The buckets fill up and then dump over -- completely soaking the unlucky person underneath. The water comes down pretty hard, so when it hit Tanner, I held my breath to see what his reaction would be. He literally shook the water off, shivered a little, and went back to playing. I think at least 4 other moms commented to me about how brave he was while we were there. Oh my ... While he did enjoy the water, he also spent a good amount of time plucking blades of grass and rocks from the ground and then shoving them through openings in the fence. All in a days work for my little boy ...
Hope you're having a good week!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Must Love Dirt
I just can't believe it's almost THURSDAY already!! Where is the time going?! I feel like we are just busy busy busy all day everyday.
I've been a little (okay -- a lot) stressed out lately about my 10-year class reunion, which I'm in charge of planning. I am a little frustrated right now as people are VERY slow to RSVP. I wouldn't worry about it, but our contract with the venue where we're having it says that we must have at least 100 people in there, or we pay regardless. I am praying for loads of patience as I wait for more RSVPs to come in.
On a more positive note, Tanner and I have been enjoying LOTS of time outdoors lately. The weather has been gorgeous! He has recently made it his mission in life to transfer the dirt from some old pots outdoors to our outdoor fire pit. I just keep telling myself "it's just dirt ... it's just dirt ... it WILL wash off ..." and I try to just let him play without interrupting his fun. And actually, it's not just the potting soil from the old pots that he's obsessed with, he finds oodles of joy in just about any pile of dirt that he can find.
I've been thinking a lot lately that God specifically gave me a boy so that I could learn to appreciate them. When I was a teacher, I always seemed to have the most trouble with the boys (I know -- GASP!!). I just couldn't understand why they were so destructive, so physical, so ... irresponsible for lack of a better word (remember, they were 7th graders!!!). I feel like I'm already learning so much just from my one year old! And because I LOVE him so much, these "boy" qualities are becoming quite endearing! I have come to the point now where I do miss my job sometimes (but only sometimes!!). And I'm excited to see how my perspective as a teacher will change once I go back (in many many years, hopefully!!) now that I am also a parent.
Enjoy the pictures of our backyard fun...
He doesn't really GO anywhere in this car. He just gets inside, closes the door, opens the door, climbs outside, closes the door, opens the door, gets inside, etc...
Is the gym THIS way or THAT way??
I've been a little (okay -- a lot) stressed out lately about my 10-year class reunion, which I'm in charge of planning. I am a little frustrated right now as people are VERY slow to RSVP. I wouldn't worry about it, but our contract with the venue where we're having it says that we must have at least 100 people in there, or we pay regardless. I am praying for loads of patience as I wait for more RSVPs to come in.
On a more positive note, Tanner and I have been enjoying LOTS of time outdoors lately. The weather has been gorgeous! He has recently made it his mission in life to transfer the dirt from some old pots outdoors to our outdoor fire pit. I just keep telling myself "it's just dirt ... it's just dirt ... it WILL wash off ..." and I try to just let him play without interrupting his fun. And actually, it's not just the potting soil from the old pots that he's obsessed with, he finds oodles of joy in just about any pile of dirt that he can find.
I've been thinking a lot lately that God specifically gave me a boy so that I could learn to appreciate them. When I was a teacher, I always seemed to have the most trouble with the boys (I know -- GASP!!). I just couldn't understand why they were so destructive, so physical, so ... irresponsible for lack of a better word (remember, they were 7th graders!!!). I feel like I'm already learning so much just from my one year old! And because I LOVE him so much, these "boy" qualities are becoming quite endearing! I have come to the point now where I do miss my job sometimes (but only sometimes!!). And I'm excited to see how my perspective as a teacher will change once I go back (in many many years, hopefully!!) now that I am also a parent.
Enjoy the pictures of our backyard fun...
He doesn't really GO anywhere in this car. He just gets inside, closes the door, opens the door, climbs outside, closes the door, opens the door, gets inside, etc...
Is the gym THIS way or THAT way??
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Cooling Off
When I think of my summers as a kid, I think of being in a bathing suit all day long, just looking for something to get wet in! Sometimes it was a sprinkler, sometimes it was the beach, sometimes we just "happened" to walk by the fence when we heard our neighbors splashing in their pool -- looking pitiful and hoping to get an invitation! The other thing I think about is ice cream ... but I won't go into that now. :)
Today was Tanner's chance to get wet when we met some friends at the spray park. He was very tentative at first, but after a few minutes and a snack break (Thank you, Betsy -- my son is always stealing your snacks -- sorry!), he was off on his own, having a ball in all of that water and leaving his mommy in the dust! Of course, he did find the lone mud puddle in the grassy area (probably constructed by another little boy) and threw a tantrum every time I steered him away from it. But all in all, it was a great time! I see many more visits in our future!
I'm not too sure about this place, Sam. You're soaked!
Today was Tanner's chance to get wet when we met some friends at the spray park. He was very tentative at first, but after a few minutes and a snack break (Thank you, Betsy -- my son is always stealing your snacks -- sorry!), he was off on his own, having a ball in all of that water and leaving his mommy in the dust! Of course, he did find the lone mud puddle in the grassy area (probably constructed by another little boy) and threw a tantrum every time I steered him away from it. But all in all, it was a great time! I see many more visits in our future!
I'm not too sure about this place, Sam. You're soaked!
Okay, maybe this is fun!
Look, Mom! If I put my hand right HERE the water shoots right towards you!
Will somebody PLEASE pull up my bathing suit?!
Mmmm. Could that be some sort of snack?
Meals on Wheels
Most of my day yesterday was spent making meals and delivering them to some families at church who just welcomed new babies. I love doing things like this and I thought I would share the recipes for the meal that I always take. I usually double it or triple it so that I have enough leftover for my own family that evening. Enjoy!
Chicken, Rice, Broccoli, and Cheese Casserole
1 pkg. frozen, chopped broccoli (thawed)
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 cups minute rice
8 oz. light Cheese Whiz
1 stick margarine (melted)
1 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
Combine all ingredients. Place in buttered 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 325 degrees for about 50 minutes.
No-Bake Cookies
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter
3 cups quick oats
Combine 1st 4 ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add peanut butter and vanilla. Stir until blended. Pour over oats and mix well. Drop only waxed paper and allow to cool.
Chicken, Rice, Broccoli, and Cheese Casserole
1 pkg. frozen, chopped broccoli (thawed)
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 cups minute rice
8 oz. light Cheese Whiz
1 stick margarine (melted)
1 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
Combine all ingredients. Place in buttered 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 325 degrees for about 50 minutes.
No-Bake Cookies
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter
3 cups quick oats
Combine 1st 4 ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add peanut butter and vanilla. Stir until blended. Pour over oats and mix well. Drop only waxed paper and allow to cool.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
The Longest Post Ever
What a week we've had here! So much has happened since my last post! Here's the rundown along with some pics ... (WARNING: it's long!)
Tuesday, July 1
Tanner had an appointment for his 1 year pictures. As soon as we walked in the door to the studio, he started crying. Right away, I thought this was wierd because there were several kids playing with the lego table in the waiting room and usually this would make Tanner VERY excited! When he finally stopped fussing, I scooted him over to the table, where he was trying to play nicely with everyone. Another, older, little girl was determined not to share any of the legos with Tanner, and as soon as he would pick one up, she would take it away. At one point, she grabbed Tanner's hand and squeezed really hard and yelled at him. I immediately snatched him up and walked away -- he was SO upset! Anyways, they finally call us back for our appointment and Tanner immediately starts crying again. After 5 minutes with no change, I told the photographer that I would just reschedule. I was so mad as I walked back to my car. All the way home (45 min), I thought about how bratty Tanner acted and was frustrated that he couldn't be his usual cheerful self for 20 minutes so we couild get a few pictures. GEEZ!
You can go ahead and give me the award for Worst Mom of the Year now.
When we got home, I took him into his playroom and tried to play around with him a little bit. After a few minutes, he crawled into my lap and layed his head against my chest and I noticed that he was burning up! My poor sweet boy had a fever all day and all night and then again in the morning. How did I miss this?!! Surely, a good mommy would have seen this coming! Still, though, I can't seem to snap out of bad mommy mode. He doesn't have a rash. Hasn't vomited. No diarrhea. I assume he is getting a tooth.
Wednesday, July 2
My sister came to visit. We shopped. Despite the photos you are about to see, Tanner was cranky again for most of the day.
Thursday, July 3
I took Tanner to the doctor for his 1-year "well"-baby checkup. The appointment started out fine, but after they weighed and measured him, he proceeded to cry nonstop for the rest of the appointment. Nothing I did seemed to soothe him -- I didn't know what to do! I was literally yelling back and forth with the doctor over Tanner's cries. The doctor asked me how he had been feeling lately. I told her about the fever. She said that a virus involving a fever had been going around lately. She checked inside his mouth and found several sores. It turns out he had Hand, Foot, and Mouth Virus. Poor Poor Thing. And his mommy thought he was just being a brat ...
Later that evening, I packed up the car and left to pick up Jon in the city on our way home to Michigan. What a nightmare! I definitely wasn't aware that this was their night for fireworks. The traffic was TERRIBLE and our usual 2.5 hour trip took 5.5 hours! We didn't pull into my parents' driveway until 2:30am!
Friday, July 4th
Today we celebrated Tanner's one-year birthday with our family! Tanner was a little bit cranky again, but I think it went pretty well. He loved his cake and couldn't get the chocolate into his mouth fast enough. We had a great time with our family! Aunt Lauren and Uncle Daniel came in from Georgia. Uncle Pat came in from North Carolina. Aunt Kat and all of the grandparents were there, too. Earlier in the day, all of us "kids" were able to go tubing on my dad's boat. It was such a special time with my sisters and their husbands! I even stepped out of mommy mode for a few minutes and tubed -- after pleading with my dad to take it easy on me!!
We started the day doing what the Shirley family does best ... sitting around the kitchen table, drinking coffee and talking. I love those kind of mornings. In the afternoon, we went cherry picking at a U-Pick farm down the street. We got TONS of sweet cherries. We were going to let Tanner help us pick, but he insisted on putting the cherries directly into his mouth as soon as he picked them, which was messy business. We also picked some tart cherries and I made my first cherry pie with them today (7/9)! It was so yummy!
Later that evening, our extended family came over for a cookout. Tanner still wasn't feeling good, and was a bear the whole time. Poor guy.
Sunday, July 6th
Early morning fishing on my dad's boat.
Tears as we bid farewell to our dear Aunt Lauren, Uncle Daniel, and Uncle Pat.
More sadness as Tanner and I said goodbye to daddy for the week -- he was headed back home to work, and Tanner and I were staying in Michigan for the week.
Monday, July 7th
Tanner doesn't sleep well when we're here. I don't know if it's because it's a strange crib, or because we sleep in the same room, or what. He usually spends the first few hours in his crib. By 11:30, he is in bed with us, and he still manages to wake up at least 3 more times during the night. Needless to say, I'm TIRED!!! Tanner isn't, though! He decides 5:45 is a good time to start the day, so we head into the kitchen where I start some coffee and do a few dishes. While I'm working, TANNER STARTS WALKING!!!!!
HOLY COW!!! He turns one and thinks he's big enough to walk! I watched him take about 5 steps from the refrigerator to the cabinet where my mom keeps her tupperware. When he was done, he looked at me with this HUGE grin on his face like, "Mom! Can you believe I just did that?!!" Later on, he walked all the way across the kitchen, and he has been taking more steps ever since. He laughs the entire time he is walking -- it's hilarious. Poor Jon is missing all of this, but at least Tanner has 4 other people here cheering him on!
Tuesday, July 8th
Nothing happened today. It rained. We ran a few errands.
Wednesday, July 9th
Tanner's first trip to the beach! My car was packed to the gills with stuff we would "need" for this outing -- a beach chair, a beach blanket, beach towels, some magazines (what was I thinking?), a floaty toy, sand toys, snacks, a change of clothes, another bag of miscellaneous stuff we might need. I wasn't sure what to expect and I wanted to be fully prepared! It turns out, all I really needed were a few towels. He LOVED the sand. By the time we left every inch of him was covered! He just loved rolling around in it and crawling all over the beach. He played with his toys for about 10 minutes, but insisted on exploring for the rest of the time. He was also fascinated with the water. After an hour and a half, I was exhausted from watching him and chasing him around everywhere and we had to leave.
I have to admit, I was a little jealous of my sister, Katherine, who stayed a few more hours and enjoyed the perfect summer weather while she read a book. Those were the days ... ;)
Okay, if you've made it this far, you are truly a loyal reader! I hope you've had a good week! Hopefully I'll be able to post again sooner rather than later -- today is a trip to the zoo! Can't wait!
Blessings!
Tuesday, July 1
Tanner had an appointment for his 1 year pictures. As soon as we walked in the door to the studio, he started crying. Right away, I thought this was wierd because there were several kids playing with the lego table in the waiting room and usually this would make Tanner VERY excited! When he finally stopped fussing, I scooted him over to the table, where he was trying to play nicely with everyone. Another, older, little girl was determined not to share any of the legos with Tanner, and as soon as he would pick one up, she would take it away. At one point, she grabbed Tanner's hand and squeezed really hard and yelled at him. I immediately snatched him up and walked away -- he was SO upset! Anyways, they finally call us back for our appointment and Tanner immediately starts crying again. After 5 minutes with no change, I told the photographer that I would just reschedule. I was so mad as I walked back to my car. All the way home (45 min), I thought about how bratty Tanner acted and was frustrated that he couldn't be his usual cheerful self for 20 minutes so we couild get a few pictures. GEEZ!
You can go ahead and give me the award for Worst Mom of the Year now.
When we got home, I took him into his playroom and tried to play around with him a little bit. After a few minutes, he crawled into my lap and layed his head against my chest and I noticed that he was burning up! My poor sweet boy had a fever all day and all night and then again in the morning. How did I miss this?!! Surely, a good mommy would have seen this coming! Still, though, I can't seem to snap out of bad mommy mode. He doesn't have a rash. Hasn't vomited. No diarrhea. I assume he is getting a tooth.
Wednesday, July 2
My sister came to visit. We shopped. Despite the photos you are about to see, Tanner was cranky again for most of the day.
Thursday, July 3
I took Tanner to the doctor for his 1-year "well"-baby checkup. The appointment started out fine, but after they weighed and measured him, he proceeded to cry nonstop for the rest of the appointment. Nothing I did seemed to soothe him -- I didn't know what to do! I was literally yelling back and forth with the doctor over Tanner's cries. The doctor asked me how he had been feeling lately. I told her about the fever. She said that a virus involving a fever had been going around lately. She checked inside his mouth and found several sores. It turns out he had Hand, Foot, and Mouth Virus. Poor Poor Thing. And his mommy thought he was just being a brat ...
Later that evening, I packed up the car and left to pick up Jon in the city on our way home to Michigan. What a nightmare! I definitely wasn't aware that this was their night for fireworks. The traffic was TERRIBLE and our usual 2.5 hour trip took 5.5 hours! We didn't pull into my parents' driveway until 2:30am!
Friday, July 4th
Today we celebrated Tanner's one-year birthday with our family! Tanner was a little bit cranky again, but I think it went pretty well. He loved his cake and couldn't get the chocolate into his mouth fast enough. We had a great time with our family! Aunt Lauren and Uncle Daniel came in from Georgia. Uncle Pat came in from North Carolina. Aunt Kat and all of the grandparents were there, too. Earlier in the day, all of us "kids" were able to go tubing on my dad's boat. It was such a special time with my sisters and their husbands! I even stepped out of mommy mode for a few minutes and tubed -- after pleading with my dad to take it easy on me!!
Saturday, July 5th
We started the day doing what the Shirley family does best ... sitting around the kitchen table, drinking coffee and talking. I love those kind of mornings. In the afternoon, we went cherry picking at a U-Pick farm down the street. We got TONS of sweet cherries. We were going to let Tanner help us pick, but he insisted on putting the cherries directly into his mouth as soon as he picked them, which was messy business. We also picked some tart cherries and I made my first cherry pie with them today (7/9)! It was so yummy!
Later that evening, our extended family came over for a cookout. Tanner still wasn't feeling good, and was a bear the whole time. Poor guy.
Sunday, July 6th
Early morning fishing on my dad's boat.
Tears as we bid farewell to our dear Aunt Lauren, Uncle Daniel, and Uncle Pat.
More sadness as Tanner and I said goodbye to daddy for the week -- he was headed back home to work, and Tanner and I were staying in Michigan for the week.
Monday, July 7th
Tanner doesn't sleep well when we're here. I don't know if it's because it's a strange crib, or because we sleep in the same room, or what. He usually spends the first few hours in his crib. By 11:30, he is in bed with us, and he still manages to wake up at least 3 more times during the night. Needless to say, I'm TIRED!!! Tanner isn't, though! He decides 5:45 is a good time to start the day, so we head into the kitchen where I start some coffee and do a few dishes. While I'm working, TANNER STARTS WALKING!!!!!
HOLY COW!!! He turns one and thinks he's big enough to walk! I watched him take about 5 steps from the refrigerator to the cabinet where my mom keeps her tupperware. When he was done, he looked at me with this HUGE grin on his face like, "Mom! Can you believe I just did that?!!" Later on, he walked all the way across the kitchen, and he has been taking more steps ever since. He laughs the entire time he is walking -- it's hilarious. Poor Jon is missing all of this, but at least Tanner has 4 other people here cheering him on!
Tuesday, July 8th
Nothing happened today. It rained. We ran a few errands.
Wednesday, July 9th
Tanner's first trip to the beach! My car was packed to the gills with stuff we would "need" for this outing -- a beach chair, a beach blanket, beach towels, some magazines (what was I thinking?), a floaty toy, sand toys, snacks, a change of clothes, another bag of miscellaneous stuff we might need. I wasn't sure what to expect and I wanted to be fully prepared! It turns out, all I really needed were a few towels. He LOVED the sand. By the time we left every inch of him was covered! He just loved rolling around in it and crawling all over the beach. He played with his toys for about 10 minutes, but insisted on exploring for the rest of the time. He was also fascinated with the water. After an hour and a half, I was exhausted from watching him and chasing him around everywhere and we had to leave.
I have to admit, I was a little jealous of my sister, Katherine, who stayed a few more hours and enjoyed the perfect summer weather while she read a book. Those were the days ... ;)
Okay, if you've made it this far, you are truly a loyal reader! I hope you've had a good week! Hopefully I'll be able to post again sooner rather than later -- today is a trip to the zoo! Can't wait!
Blessings!
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