Saturday Love.

 I remember thinking as a little girl, if I close my eyes and immediately replay a moment in my mind, I will some how remember it more clearly as life travels on.

I catch myself thinking the same way when it comes to Brady. If I stop what I am doing completely and pause in the moment, I can somehow hold on to it longer and recall it more clearly later.

Saturday, the entire day was filled with these types of moments! 

Not because of anything special we did or said, but because the moments with my boys were so sweet, innocent, and perfect.

So what did we do?

Caleb's parents gave our family a one year family pass to a local discovery center in our town. Saturday was the first chance we have all been able to go.

We had such a great time.

Brady LOVED it!  Really LOVED it!

One of my most favorite things is watching Brady learn and discover new things. The fun and excitement in his eyes just warms my heart!!!

He did not want to leave. In fact, the only way we got him to calm down and willingly get in the car was to promise we could come back as many times as we want.

Then three of us enjoyed lunch at Blue Coast Burrito. A family favorite!

Then we came home and Brady took a nap, while Caleb and I watch a movie together.

Caleb's parents wanted to take Brady out to dinner, so they came and got him around the time he woke from his nap.

Caleb and I were so bored when Brady left. We weren't hungry so we decided to get out and piddle around until they came home.

We ended up at a furniture store and then Barnes and Noble. We didn't really buy anything, just looked around and enjoyed each others company.

It felt like when were dating and we just hanging out until it was time to take me home. No adult problems or concerns, just two people who genuinely love being together.

It's Friday!

I LOVE Fridays!

Mostly because I get to spend the next two days with this handsome face!!!

Brady has gotten to where he asks me to not go to work in the mornings.

It breaks my heart!

He doesn't cry or throw a fit. He just simply says, "no work today, mommy?"

I had to explain that mommy and daddy have to work to make money so we can buy Brady things like milk to drink and food to eat.



I asked for a silly face. This is what I got!

Apparently he understood completely, because he started telling Caleb's parents last week that Daddy had to work to buy Brady milk!

I had no idea until they told me that he really understood all that.

He has since quit asking me to stay home, but now looks at me with pity in the mornings and simply says, "you gotta work, mommy?"

I reply, "yes, buddy I gotta work."

He then asks for a hug and a kiss and tells me to be good!

So grown!

I have decided that 2 year olds are mostly sweet sprinkled with a dash of difficult.

Not the other way around!

My dental hygienist agreed while she was cleaning my teeth this week!

At least my 2 year old and her nieces and nephews fit that description!

Happy Friday!!!





Rain Boots

I think it is safe to say that Brady is enjoying the rainy days and his rain boots. He has worn them every day since we got them, no matter the outfit!
I think he might just be cool enough to pull it off!!!

Busy Weekend

 We had a great weekend!

Caleb picked Brady up after work on Friday, so I took advantage of being childless and did a little shopping after work.

Brady needed a few things and I had to return a couple items.

When we got home, I showed Brady what all I bought him.

He was so excited!!!

He took each item, ran to Caleb, and yelled,"Look what I got!"

I bought him a shirt, pajamas, swim trunks and shirt, church shoes, casual shoes, and a pair of rain boats. Not real exciting stuff!

I hope always stays this appreciative!

Saturday was Noah's Birthday party at my sisters house.  She had asked me to bring fruit skewers so Brady and I headed the store earlier that morning and spent the day fixing them.

This was the result! I believe this was after a few people ate, but you get the idea. I was pretty happy with it!

We dropped our fruit creation off for the party and went to hang out at my parents before the party started. My brother and SIL from Kentucky were in town. I thought it would be good for Brady to warm up to them before being overwhelmed with tons of people. It worked pretty well.

Then we headed to the party!

Everything was so colorful to go with the tye dye theme!

 

 Brady LOVES cake!

The Birthday Boy and his smash cake! 

My sister, her husband, Noah, and their nephew.

 

Present time was a little chaotic! There were several kids!

My friends! I didn't know I was supposed to wear tye dye or I would have.

 

Brady got some presents, too! It didn't go to well with my talk before the party about how it is Noah's birthday and Brady doesn't get presents, but oh well. What are you gonna do?
Most of them were late birthday presents, because we didn't have a BIG party this year.

He also got a tractor night light and a kiddie pool that aren't pictured!

After most every one left, Brady and Noah played in one of the empty kiddie pools. It was so funny!

Until Brady decided to dive OUT of the pool onto the concrete garage floor. I rushed to him, but he did not cry but started to shake(on purpose) and said as serious as he could, "I shake it off mommy!"

He was fine and it was so funny!

Brady has been hilarious recently, I will try to share more stories soon!

The rest of the weekend was spent hanging out with family, laughing with/at Brady, and eating!

It doesn't get much better than that! 

Happy Day Noah!!!

My nephew Noah is one today!



I may have stole this picture from my sisters facebook. Thanks Amy!

It is hard to believe one whole year has past since he this little.

We are so thankful for Noah! He is so sweet and even tempered. He adores Brady and wants to do everything Brady does. I am so thankful Brady has cousins close to his age to grow up with. Praying for many, many more birthdays for this little guy!

Happy Day, Noah!!!

(Brady says Happy Day instead of Happy Birthday.)

Check out that massive band-aid on Brady's knee. He fell on the side walk and had to have the BIG band-aid. :)

Little Helper

Brady is really into helping right now. Give him a task and he is on it! I am trying to use this to my full advantage and to teach him.  I have been giving him jobs like put away his shoes, pick up toys, throw away trash, wipe up messes, and stirring batter or other foods.

The other night I was doing laundry when I heard that all too familiar pitter patter coming at me. My first instinct was to hurry and finish what I was doing. Brady got there before I could finish and looked at me and said, "I help".  He began putting all the clothes in the wash. I stopped him and told him we are only washing white clothes right now. So he began to pull out all the white clothes and put them in the washing machine.

 I am not sure why I was so surprised. I know he knows his colors and he understands a lot of what I tell him. Nevertheless, I was still surprised he could put it all together.

He separated the colors from the white clothes.

Then put the whites in the wash.

Then he had to help with the detergent. It was a little tricky!

We got it and Brady poured it in. Then he pushed the "butt" or button as every one else would say.

I hope his interest in helping phase stays around for a while!

Date Night

Caleb's parents wanted to take Brady to the rodeo last night. Brady was so excited to go! Caleb and I jumped at the opportunity for a date night.

We went to a local sushi place for dinner. We don't like to take Brady there, because there isn't a lot of choices for him to eat and what he will eat is EXTREMELY messy! We try to limit the mess at restaurants as much as possible.

Then we headed to Sweet Cece's for dessert. So Yummy!

We finished the night with a little shopping and watched a movie at home. Brady got home a little before 11! Late night for a little buddy. They said he had a blast and ate a hot dog, popcorn, and nachos. Whew! He also did a lot of "Yee Haa!!"" yelling with his cowboy hat!

We are so thankful Brady has both sets of grandparents, but Caleb said we are going to have to give the grandparents a curfew for next time! Ha Ha!

Random Tuesday!

Brady is still sick and a little pitiful. His fever has come down, but he is so congested/coughing and still not eating. :( We are having a pajama kind of day and hoping he will feel better tomorrow.

Brady is napping now. Yay! He really, really needs to rest!

So, I had a gift card to LL Bean from when I ordered a Christmas gift, you know if you order so much you get a gift card thing. I had to use it in February, so I ordered another tote bag. I love these totes and they last forever. I wasn't sure what size to get, though. At the last minute I chose the extra-large.

Oh. My. Is it LARGE.  It is such a HUGE bag!

I wasn't disappointed though. I always end up packing 2 tote bags (Chronic over packer) when we travel, so surely I can fit it all in this bag. Brady can get in it and you can't see him. Ha!

Tonight I am making Tilapia for supper. It is one of our favorite dinners and it is so easy and healthy. I thought I would share my recipe today.

Ingredients:

4 Tilapia fillets

salt and pepper

2 cups of fresh spinach

chopped tomato

1/4 cup tomato and basil feta cheese

Season both sides of fish with salt and pepper. Coat skillet with cooking spray and place over med-high heat. Add fish, cook 3 minutes. Turn fish, top with spinach, tomato, and cheese. Cover and cook 3-4 minutes, until fish flakes easily. Serve immediately with rice.

I got this recipe from a book, but I have changed several things. I am a huge fan of simple and quick, especially during the week! This takes literally 10 minutes and is so so good! Caleb doesn't like tomatoes, but he LOVES this! It looks really impressive as well.  

So, this has been the most random post ever.

Happy Tuesday!

Yucky Monday

It is a stormy, yucky day here. I got a call a little before lunch that Brady had a fever and didn't feel well, so I left at lunch to take him home.

He has looked like this the entire afternoon and he has had NO appetite.

This is definitely not the norm for this little guy. He is usually a really good eater!!! He wouldn't even eat Graham crackers with Nutella, one of his favorite snacks! He isn't wanting to drink much either, which is also unusual. I normally have to cut him off drinks.

He is coughing really bad and has a runny nose, but I am not sure what(if anything) else is going on. I am pretty sure this is the same cold that has been going around all of our friends lately.  Hopefully, it will run its course soon and Brady will be back to normal.

Slacker Mom Week

Every now and then I have these weeks, weeks when my house is clean, I cook meals every night and take my lunch every day, play with Brady and get him to bed on time, keep blog/facebook updated, somewhat enjoy my job and find it fulfilling, talk with my husband, and exercise often, etc.

These are the weeks I feel like super woman!
Everything is in balance and I rest a little easier at night.
I love these weeks!!!
I need more weeks like this in my life.

Unfortunately, This week has definitely NOT been one of those weeks. My house is a wreck, every time I sit down to blog, check e-mail, bank accounts, facebook, etc.  something else distracts me, my job has been stressful mentally and physically, I have played with Brady less than I care to admit, bedtime has been somewhat sporadic, cooked meals non-existent, exercise-Ha!, and I have slept horribly, etc.

I am not super woman! I am slacker mom!

I think I need these weeks though.

They are like a huge slap in the face to tell me to  slow down, relax, prioritize, realize you are human, and you can't possibly do everything.

I need that, because I like to think I can do everything.
I want to be able to do everything and do it the best I possibly can.

But in reality, I have crappy weeks!

Weeks that I am off my game and I do nothing well.

Weeks were I sink.

I am not good at showing this failure side. (case and point: I have rewritten this post 7 times and I am still not sure I will press publish!!!)

I fail often and am OK with that, I just don't like to broadcast it!

I want to remember all of this time when Brady is so little, not just the good, fun times.  But the good times are the ones I tend to share.

I need to remember all of it. 

So, I will push publish to remind myself that is hard and to be more understanding to other mothers, to myself, and to my friends when we have those weeks.

At least this little guy makes it all worth it, ketchup smiles and all!!!
 

Wonderful Warm Weather!!!

It was such a wonderful, warm weekend here. Brady was so excited to get to spend some time outside. Caleb and Brady played a little catch. Brady is so funny playing catch. I tried to get a little video of him. This was the best I could do.

We have no idea why he throws the ball with his arm cocked back and leg kicked out like that. It is so funny in person. I don't think the video does it justice.

I am so excited for warmer weather. I am looking forward to more outdoor activities like this with my boys.

Hope every one had a great Valentine's Day!

Pizza Night

The other night, we made a homemade pizza for dinner. (I didn't make the crust from scratch like my sister did recently, I bought it homemade from Publix bakery. Close enough!)  

 I am trying to get him involved in the kitchen a little. I thought this would be a perfect meal to try it. So, I let Brady help put the toppings on the pizza.

He LOVED it and did so good!!!

We used pepperoni, mushrooms, freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, and some Italian seasoning I picked up in Charleston over the summer(which really adds a yummy flavor to my Italian dishes, just saying!).

I love this cheese grater from Pampered Chef! It is so easy. Brady could even do it! Check out his serious face above! Ha Ha!!

Brady was so proud and would say, "Paazza, I cook it!"

He would not look at the camera for anything. You can tell he is saying CHHHEEESSSEE!!, but would not look at the camera!

I am a huge advocate of getting kids in the kitchen to help. There are so many benefits to it. Brady is not a picky eater normally(so thankful), but has his moments like all kids.  If he helps make it though, he will eat just about anything! And it is usually a little healthier when you make it yourself. Win-Win!!!

Well, I hear some Just Dance in the living room, so I think I will go join in!!!

Happy Thursday!

"Sweet Tie"

While getting ready for church Sunday night, Brady marched into our bathroom and announced that he needed a tie!

Caleb let Brady pick out one of his ties. To our surprise, he picked the one that matched. Caleb tied it for him and we continued getting ready.

When it was time to leave, it was apparent that this baby was on to stay. So we chose to let him have this battle and headed to church. He turned a lot of heads at church!

It is pretty stylish!

I really love this kid!!!

Sick Days and a video

Brady and I have had a couple of sick days the past couple of days. I stayed home from work with a sore throat and fever yesterday.  Within a few hours, Caleb returned home with a sick Brady. He was acting lethargic and had a temperature of 101. He walked in and asked to go to bed! We knew he was sick for sure!!!

His fever came down with Tylenol, but returned within a few hours, so we stayed home today as well. I hate it when he is sick, but fortunately it isn't very often so I have plenty of sick leave to use until he is 100%. We are very blessed that Brady is rarely sick and try not to take that for granted!

Last night, I took this video while Brady was in the bath on my phone.(sorry about the quality) His fever was temporarily under control and he was really sweet while in the bath. We usually have are best talks when he is taking a bath. Maybe because he is trapped! Ha Ha!

I was finally able to get him to count and answer some questions on camera.

 Watch out for the random "cheeeese"s that must accompany any camera, apparently!

We are still working on six, for some reason we can't quite get that one down and seven kind of sounds like sandwich, but oh well.

He also thinks that "Y" is at the end of everything, because it is at the end of Brady. Logical to a 2 year old I guess!

Happy Friday! Stay warm and well.

Sweet Cousins!

We got to spend a lot of time with baby Noah this past weekend. Now that Noah is 10 months old, Brady has decided he is pretty cool.

 Noah LOVES Brady and just watches every step or move he makes.

Sometimes Brady doesn't want to share or play with Noah, but hey he is 2! Kind of expected.

We took them around in the wagon and Noah thought he was so cool! He laughed and threw his hands up.

Brady kept saying "Baby Noni funny!" and "this fun".

Brady loves the wagon, too!

I am so thankful for these 2 healthy, precious boys and that they have each other.

They don't know it yet, but they are such blessing to each other!!!

Story: Brady pushed Noah down because he was touching his bed. I know, Noah is so mean! How dare he touch Brady's bed! So Brady got in trouble and had to go to time out for 2 minutes. Then he had to tell Amy and Noah he was sorry and give them each a hug and a kiss.

Well the next day we were at my moms and Amy asked Brady what he did to Noah yesterday. Brady said, "I push 'em down dar."(I push him down there) So I asked, did you get in trouble, he replied , "yes!" then I asked are you going to do it again and Brady said, NoooOOO! He is learning, I think!