Friday, March 25, 2011

these are a few of my favorite things...

Lately, I've been obsessing on a few things...

*My camelbak bite and sip bottle. I love the color, I love the bite straw action, and I love that I can keep track of how many ounces I'm guzzling.




*The Jesus Storeybook Bible: Aaron's dad read him bible stories every night before bed as a kid. We decided we wanted to do the same with Everett. Luckily, Aaron's parents still had their original book (which Aaron plans on using), but I wanted my own. I stumbled onto this one on Amazon and Everett's daytime mama Missy assured me that it was pretty awesome and it is. In fact, I love it. I love the illustrations, I love the way they present the gospel and the way each bible story points to Jesus, because that's what it's all about! I could go on...






*Weight watchers. online. It's not just your mom's weight loss program anymore. No seriously. I was inspired by my blogger friend Katie when she lost the last of her baby weight. After much self denial, (seriously--- wasn't the last 10 lbs supposed to just fall off?!) I decided my pants could definitely look better on. I'd never dieted before so I didn't even know where to start, but Katie made a pretty convincing argument with her fitting beautifully into her pre-pre-prego wardrobe and all. So, I bit the bullet, and joined their online program. Obviously this is on my favorite list, so I'm liking it. It's really user friendly and even has an app for my iphone. It took 5 weeks, but I lost the last 10 Everett pounds! I think I may just go for another 10...





*TRESemme' Freshstart Dry Shampoo: I love this stuff. I'm busy, seemingly all the time. And I just don't have time to wash my hair everyday. Sleep, my hubby, and son are too important. So occasionally, (as in every other weekday) I use this. I was skeptical at first, but fell hook, line and sinker after using it. A couple weeks ago, I ran out and just grabbed another brand. Usually I couldn't care less what brand something is (unless it's Heinz Ketchup of course) but the Suave brand of dry shampoo was terribly worthless. Luckily, my TRESemme' was back on the shelves this week and back in my hair as of tomorow morning.




*Crazy Love by Francis Chan... I'm reading this book with my lovely friend Carla. We like to call it a "bible study" of sorts. Plus, by calling it that we can meet at Starbucks and drink coffee and the hubbys are cool with it ;) Seriously though, this book is convicting, thought provoking, and just the swift kick I've needed to really examine my life, actions, and view of God. Read it.



*Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus: Tried it, loved it. Eat it with pretzels daily.






So there you have it. Anyone have any bandwagons I need to jump on? Favorites to add?

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

My Gram

Sunday was a good morning. We had woken up for our last day in Vermont with the Magees. I was making bacon and eggs when my dad called. My hands were full and I just let it go to voicemail. I thought it was weird that he was calling at 9 on a Sunday morning, also weird that he actually left a voicemail. It was Gram. She had passed away at 4:30 this morning. I didn't really know how to react. I had visited with her at Christmas. She wasn't doing well and was barely talking. It was a drastic change from when I was hanging out with her over Labor Day. I knew that I was probably going to get this phone call, but I didn't think so soon. I mean really, I didn't want that phone call. ever. I really loved my Grandma and had a great relationship with her. Her and my Grandpa loved me and I knew it. It was so evident to me in the time that they spent with me, in the way that they were involved with my life, and in the many times that they had told me so. I can remember summers spent hanging out with Gram during the day. She watched my sisters and I every day during our summer breaks. She made me pancakes nearly every day. She called me the pancake kid. I'm so thankful for my Grandma and her influence on my life. I'm thankful that she was willing to hang out with us and love us and put up with all our crazy non-sense.




I got one last "I love you" from Grandma at Christmas. She wasn't really talking or responding to much. She was smiling at Everett and seemed happy to see us. Dad and I stayed to hang out for a while longer. We fed her dinner and watched Jeopardy, which Gram loved. We talked with her, even though she wasn't talking back. As we got ready to leave I hugged her, gave her a kiss and told her I loved her, and to my surprise, she said I love you too. It was one last sweet reminder of what I already knew. 


Sunday, March 6, 2011

Celebrating Everett






























We had so much fun celebrating Everett with our families! We're thankful that so many people love our little man.  A special thanks to Mimi and Pop-pop for all their help getting ready for the party, Robin Smalley for the incredibly cute and delicious cake, the O'Malleys for watching our pups and to Uncle Luke for the machete, dart guns, and other "age appropriate" toys :)

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Happy birthday little love!

Dear Everett,

You are one today. 365 days ago you made me a Mama and I've loved every minute of it. It has been an amazing, joyful, fun year. My heart fills to overflowing when I think about how much I love you. Your sweet little face with those big, squeezable cheeks and your big blue eyes that are constantly smiling at me. You have grown into a little wild man who wants to be running around the house and getting into everything. You squeal with delight when Marley or Kai sit long enough to let you pet them. You have that funny little walk where you have to lean back to support your cute pot belly. You think Daddy is the funniest person ever. Most nights I just sit and listen to the two of you laughing with each other during bath time, wanting to stay in those moments a little while longer. This year has gone so fast- too fast. You've grown so quickly from that tiny little baby to a walking, talking, happy little boy. I am thankful that the Lord entrusted me to be your mama, to raise you and love you and tell you about Jesus. I am excited for this next year and our adventures together.

Happy birthday my sweet boy!
I love you more than I ever thought possible.
Mama


Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Cribs- Everett style

While I was pregnant, I documented everything, including the progress of Everett's nursery; however, I never put up the final product. Since Everett arrived all sneakily with my water breaking, I never ended up taking final pictures and posting them to the blog. I also never found a good reason to post them until now. So here you go- Everett's nursery reveal- 1 year late :)

























So there you have it folks- Everett's room




Tuesday, March 1, 2011

month 11


I really, really love this little boy. With just a few days left before his birthday, I have such a mix of emotions. This first year has gone so fast. I love seeing him grow and develop, but I'm sad that he is quickly becoming less baby and more little boy.