Please Don't Blog About ________!

Every once in a while, something happens in our lives that The Daddy says, "Please don't blog about this!"

Wednesday evening was one such case.

But I didn't listen.

Our anniversary was on April 6 but The Daddy was out of town for work, so we decided to delay our celebration. 

Fast forward to this Sunday. Fresh back from my nap-time jog, he says to me, "Hey, do you want to go see this guy on Wednesday night?"

"Sure." Then I go inside to take a shower. Meanwhile, The Daddy purchases tickets online to be picked up at Will Call. Then he arranges the sitter. Done. Looking forward to it. 

Fast forward to Wednesday. Nana comes over to watch the girls. I put on clothes without stains and/or wrinkles. We make our escape departure for a dinner and a show. He was scheduled to play at a small venue in Little Five Points, so we chose a restaurant close by. I happened to have a coupon for a free meal, so we went to Front Page News. Yum. It was good.

The venue was close enough to walk, so we hoofed it over to the Variety Playhouse. Funny thing when we walked up: the marquee read "Cross Canadian Ragweed" NOT "Amos Lee."

"That's strange," muttered The Daddy. "Oh, no."

Then I saw the flyer for NEXT Wednesday's show, Amos Lee. 

The Daddy was mad, but I made him laugh. Then we both laughed. And then I laughed about it on Twitter. Then I laughed about it on Facebook. 

Oh, and now I'm laughing about it on the blog. 

So we went to Atlantic Station and walked in and out of shops, then we had some Cold Stone treats, and we called it a night. 

Old MacDonald...

had some heels...

E-I-E-I-O

Sweet, sweet girl! I had fun with you today!

Cheese! Can you see HJ's teeth coming in?

Yesterday, HJ had her first speech therapy appointment. I know. I know. She's two.

She's not having speech problems yet obviously, but she is having chewing and swallowing problems. We're working on it. Our first appointment went well. HJ was a little S-T-U-B-B-O-R-N, but she has several new skills to work on until next month when we see Ms. Sharon again.

Today AE got to "help" Mommy work with HJ on a few exercises. Nothing better than watching HJ copy her big sister. Worked like a charm to get HJ to actually do some of the drills!

Make My Monday

I found a permanent home for my flea market project. 

It now rests in the butler's pantry by which I walk approximately 10, 000 times a day in my myriad of trips to the pantry to get this or that. I loved what Shannon did with her tray, so I decided to find a good place and good everyday use for mine. Now my made-over tray will do something more for me each week than just look pretty! 

Each time I walk by the pantry, I'll be working on this verse to commit it to my memory and my heart.  With Sunday's lesson in our young marrieds class at church, I felt convicted to really begin to feed myself rather than be spoon-fed my spiritual sustenance. Jeff--a talented teacher and passionate spiritual leader--spoke to us about our obedience to God. He equated our walk with that of a baby learning to eat. First we are fed just milk from our mother. That's all we can handle. As we get older, we are ready to be spoon-fed our mush. Older still, we can handle chewing solid foods and feeding ourselves. Notice I'm starting with a small bite!

I accepted Christ in 2002, and I still call myself a "new" Christian. It dawned on me that as I've grown in my walk with the Lord, I've aged. I don't have the "excuse" of being new to the faith. I don't want to see my kids grown up in an instant and be the same person in my faith that I was seven years ago. The only way to make that change is to pursue God. To feed myself.

So each week, I'm taking a verse to the tray. To commit it to memory. To be ready at a moment's notice to use God's word. To further His kingdom. To the glory of God. 

Not a bad way to start the week!

Never Miss a Neon Sign

Friday morning we got to enjoy the glorious spring weather outside at play group on a playground. I took a couple of pics with the new phone and they turned out pretty well.

HJ on the "swirly" slide

Coming down full of static electricity

(can you see her hair in the shadow?)

AE with her friend Ella

After play group and lunch in the shade, I felt brave enough to drop in on a few garage sales on the way home. Everyone was in a great mood. We had a book on tape playing. Here are a few of my finds:

Our newest dress-up (.50 cents)

Ceramic rabbit head (I see a project in my future! $3.00)

Another Silver Tray ($5.00)

I'm hoping the bunny doesn't look like a piece of taxidermy when I'm done! It has a couple of holes at the top so it can be mounted to the wall. I also hope the tray cleans up well. I love the punch out detailing around the edge.

Rhoda (over at Southern Hospitality is hosting a Linky party for Thrifty Finds, so go on over and visit her and her friends!)

Today we (The Daddy) bought some wood and hardware to make cornices for the girls' bedrooms. After that we (The Daddy) picked up HJ's new mattress set for her big girl room.

Estimated move-in date: July.

This afternoon and evening we spent with friends as the guys gorged themselves watching the NFL draft and the girls watched after the little ones. Right now I'm waiting on The Daddy to get home, but I have a feeling I'll be asleep before the garage door opens.

All Hail Broke Loose!

A few pictures from the storm at our house this evening:

Wednesday's Word

So after a long hiatus, we're back to our regularly scheduled programming ladies and gentlemen. I've been taking notes for the past few weeks at Mom's Club, but I've been in a funk. Picture posts and home projects and birthday parties have been so much easier than working on and building my relationship with my Lord. 

So Mary inspired me today to get back into daily time with Him.

Today's discussion wasn't full of Biblical references like usual, but it was so good.  Mary talked to us about how to show love in our homes. She went through a list of the many important things we need to be sure we are communicating to our children. I think the list could easily be applied to husbands as well.

• I enjoy being with you. The easiest way to communicate that idea: stop what you are doing and do something with them. Be deliberate. Send them a message. Turn off the phone. Stop texting. Get off the computer. Turn off the t.v. Children want you to watch them. Picture a child at the swimming pool, ready to jump off the diving board. What does she say? "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy! Look at me!" Jump. Splash. 

• I like watching you grow up into what God wants you to be. So often, parents want their kids to stay young. Don't grow up! You're my little princess! Oh, my sweet baby! Recognizing that God has a plan for our children (and realizing they need to learn to do stuff on their own) is essential to loving our children. If you've got a little one, don't scare them about what is coming up for them in life. Middle school was the obvious example today. People cringe about how "awful" the middle school years are. But if you approach it with an "awful" attitude, how is your child going to approach it? Children need to be excited about growing up and finding God's way for their lives.

• I like who you're becoming. To combat the "NO" that our kids hear every five minutes when they are 2 or 3 or 13 or 17, we need to focus on what kinds of development they are making. We're supposed to be our children's advocate. Speaking to our children and others about what we love about them will encourage them to grow further. If there is something that really bugs you about your child (boundless energy, incessant talking, etc), direct them so that they can use what's frustrating you. And remember, that child is becoming something God wants her to be, not what you want her to be.

• I think you have good ideas. Don't be afraid to change plans. Maybe you're not afraid, but like me when it comes to plans. It's MY plan. Let them know that they are SOMEONE by listening to what they say and letting them take control. When you are a little kid, an adult thinking you are bright or worth something is EVERYTHING. Case in point: I read this woman's blog. They have family night once a week. Last week one of her children got to be in charge. Just go and look at the smile on that child's face!

• I forgive you. I cried at this one. We've been struggling with wills in our household. I've been struggling with how to deal with our sensitive one, AE. I've learned that even saying her name with a harsh tone is killing her spirit. Crushing her. I'm working on it. She recently said, "Remember when you were mad at me last day {yesterday}?" It broke my heart to see her still processing that I was mad at her. Being deliberate in discipline is important. Following up with I love you, I forgive you and Let's move on is even more important right now for us.

• I love you for who you are. NOT WHAT I WANT YOU TO BE. Our children are like olive plants. They are not extensions of us. They are individuals with THEIR OWN root systems. They don't all look alike, but they all need pruning. Their roots are important. Where are they planted?

• I support you in the things you enjoy. Dad wants a sports star. Child wants to go to art school. Mom wants a dancer. Child wants to ride horses. The list goes on. Don't just take them. Watch them. Don't just be present. Watch them. Cheer for them. Support them. Brings us back to where we started: I enjoy being with you.

And because every post is better with pictures, here are a few of AE's more recent "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! Look at me!" moments:

 

See that smile? Now go make someone else smile!

Uh, I Really DO Sew...

So the other day when I clicked on the category that said, "Sewing" I was surprised. I was sure I had showed you some things I've done around the house or for the girls! In the ONE post under sewing, there wasn't even a picture! I just TALKED about sewing. For one brief second.

Although come to think of it, you HAVE SEEN a few of my other projects. Like these dresses here. And these dresses here. And a close up of a dress here.

When asked if I can sew, I usually say, "I have done it before" because I am NO SEAMSTRESS. I have plenty of friends who have done so many cute things like curtain panels, pillows, duvet covers, dresses, john-johns, roman shades, and the list goes on...

So here is my latest project:

It's a table runner: the easiest project in sewing!

Notice how I've highlighted our GORGEOUS and LIGHTLY DISTRESSED kitchen table courtesy of the crazy dog. It's surely my fault for leaving the girls' uneaten dinners on the table in the afternoons and then proceeding to take them for a "sanity walk." Oh, you don't know about sanity walks? 

A sanity walk occurs when the girls aren't eating much of their dinners. We get up from the table. We get in the stroller with drinks and snacks that they'll actually eat. Then I push them around the neighborhood until I get my sanity back. 

So in the heat of insanity brought on by my little food strikers, I tend to leave the plates full of food in place on the kitchen table. Open invitation for the crazy dog to strike. 

So all those "distress" marks are courtesy of his front paws. I have considered placing the plates on the other end of the table to "even out" the damage. If there are "distress" marks ALL OVER THE TABLE v. JUST TWO SIDES, maybe it'll look intentional?

Soooooo, the table runner is reversible. I made it with leftover fabric from AE's big girl room in our old house. When we moved here, I started over with a more logical pink. Just about finished with her room. We can take a tour when it's done. I promise. 

Here's a tour of the nursery where HJ currently resides. Next month is the beginning of her big girl room transition. You know, since she's TWO now. I've got a couple of BIG projects planned for her room, so stay tuned. For the next two or three months!

A Day in Auburn

The four of us went to Auburn for the Spring football scrimmage today.

AE met Aubie

HJ met someone else...

she looked up to...

I have no idea how these are used other than

to thrill and entertain my girls.

AE wanted a pink and purple shaker and was disappointed when she didn't get one.

HJ slept on the drive down and remained a happy camper all day.

And this Mama enjoyed seeing her girls getting some precious time with The Daddy in his favorite place on Earth after eating his favorite BBQ on Earth. The girls even enjoyed a few bites of Byron's. We got to meet up with some good friends and enjoy the perfect Spring weather today as well.

I think The Daddy was sad to leave The Plains this afternoon, but the crazy dog was ecstatic at our return.

This Season's JUNO

Dear HJ-

So you're two.

So you're not a BABY anymore.

But you'll always be our baby.

You have the most infectious laughter.

You have the blondest hair.

You have the silliest expressions.

You have the funniest stomp/walk.

You make us smile, 

and you are learning new things so quickly now.

You are not a baby anymore.

When you cry, your face turns bright red in 2 seconds.

When you say "cheese," 

your little face scrunches up and looks so cute.

When you have an opinion, it's usually "no."

When you talk, you have the sweetest little Minnie Mouse voice.

You are not a baby anymore.

You have our hearts right in the tight grip of your hand. 

Don't you EVER let go.

No matter how hard we try to keep you young, 

you're not a baby anymore.

My Favorite Shot of the Day- 

HJ watching The Daddy "hide" Easter eggs in the back yard

Getting a Little Sugar from Mema While Eating a Little Sugar

I love this picture. Wraps up my dad, Poppy, in a nutshell. Seriously explaining something to Nana, while HJ looks on bewildered! Nana is such a good listener. 

I wonder what he was talking about?

I also love how Nana is sitting on a child's sized chair! 

She's so petite!

Poppy reading one of HJ's new books to AE

More Sugar from Nana

Blowing out the candles- the second attempt after someone else blew them out the first time around! Hmmmmmm....

Pure joy!

More joy: HJ cooed and awed over each of her presents. This was a "computer" from Nana. Big sis likes it as well, even though she has her own 3-year-old version.

The Whole Family- minus the crazy dog locked up in the master bath, barking like crazy the entire party.

The Circus

This post has been on my mind for days now.

The Birthday Party. For a child.

What is such a time of excitement for your child and family can turn into a nightmare quickly.

Whom do you invite:  family only or just a few close friends or everyone you ever said hi to?

Do you invite your friends or just your child's friends? 

Do you end up with a random group of folks who don't know each other or just a small group of people who know you, your child and each other?

What about games? Do you really need an activity or is giving a group of toddlers enough sugar to power a locomotive entertainment enough?

Oh my, the presents. Should you open them with guests present or save them for after the aforementioned sugar high?

How do you find a balance between food adults want to eat and stuff kids want to eat? Scratch that. Just feed the kids sugar and the adults real food.

I love a theme. I just go to the invite store and peruse the aisles looking for something I can work with. The theme powers me to plan. (and spend.) Never mind asking my child what kind of party she wants. Right now, it's what Mama wants!

Let me explain what's been going on in our house for the last few years regarding THE BIRTHDAY PARTY.

So we have two kids. If you are expecting to have more than one child, I suggest keeping it all family until you just can't anymore. I didn't really consider this idea, being one who likes to plan, cook and entertain. Looking back, I have enjoyed every party we've done, but looking forward, I think I'm in over my head. I forgot to consider the fact that siblings of guests would come into the picture. I've always liked the idea of a child's age+1 as the number of friends to invite, but someone else doesn't agree with me.

Just like we talked about during the Christmas season, it's easier to stay simple and add more later. It's definitely harder to go from spectacular to simple. Even now, I think we're still in the range in which it will be easy to scale back for my kids, although my prideful self doesn't want to do that. I want to invite everyone under the sun. But I haven't.

For both of our children, we've tried to keep things the same. 

First Birthday: family guests, a lunch, a few decorations

Second Birthday: family+3 friends (child's friends), big food spread, decorations, games, favors

Third Birthday: pretty big production-I went overboard, family+friends of child+friends of ours, big food spread, decorations, games, games, favors

See where this is going? We've got until September until AE's next birthday. By then I'm afraid I'll forget how I'm feeling now. I am however considering the circus for a theme...

Birthday Brunch

Jen is hosting a Tasty Tuesday blog party, and I know how much my peeps like to eat! Go over to see what everyone else is cooking up. After you visit here, that is!

HJ turns 2 on Easter Sunday. Here's what she looked like last year in all her cake and glory.

So we got together for a brunch on Saturday to celebrate. Here's what we ate listed on one of my latest projects.

I tried a couple of new recipes for the brunch. I know, a no-no! I felt confident though with my latest issue of Southern Living in hand. One new item was the punch, Sparkling Grape Juice Lemonade, complete with frozen grapes to keep it cool in the punch bowl. The other item was a small appetizer. I called it a Honey Nut Cheese Spread, but it's really called Sweet-'n'-Salty Honey Cheese Spread. Yum. Yum. Yum. You had me at goat cheese, Southern Living!

Ya'll know you can't go wrong with some Paula Deen, so our two big casseroles were the Southern favorite Baked Garlic Cheese Grits and one of my new favorites the Praline French Toast Casserole. This time I used Laughing Cow Garlic and Herb cheese wedges in the grits. I usually use Alouette, but in this economy... (let's see how many posts in a row we'll use that phrase! anyone sick of it yet?)

We almost had a mishap of gigantic proportions when I came quite close to omitting a stick of butter from the grits recipe. NOT ON PURPOSE, YA'LL! Purely a close call. I almost started to sweat. Almost. Paula's white teeth flashed before my eyes and she just shook her head at me! Close. Call.

We also had on hand pastel Mn M's, Cheerios, Robin's Egg Chocolates and Annie's Cheddar Bunnies.

A full view of the spread

The cake that was supposed to look like this, turned out like this:

My bunny cookie cutter ended up being TOO BIG, so one went on top and we called it done! Papa made some homemade strawberry ice cream that was too die for to go on the side.

The cake was a perfect ending to celebrating our sweet one's birthday. She's not a baby anymore...