Photo Project: Day....

Ok so I missed day 25, Christmas Day of all days. So I will post one more for the project.

He was pretty much pumped about the rubber duck in his stocking! It doesn't take much at this age.
This has been a fun project and I am a little bummed it is over but I don't think I could keep that up the entire year. Though what fun memories would be captured if I did. Maybe if I was actually good at taking pictures it would be more fun, 365 days of photo memories- yeah right my life isn't that interesting. We have had a fun weekend. Though not what we were expecting. My family has yet to make it here due to bad weather on both ends. And we were supposed to be out of town this weekend but ended up staying home. Will the snow ever stop?

Yesterday I showed Dane some stray bubbles left over from dishes. We put them on his finger and he has not forgotten. He keeps showing us his finger and saying 'bubble' So we let him play in some bubbles tonight. I know not as fun as a bubble bath, but a bubble bath in dish soap wouldn't be very fun either.

Photo Project: Day 24

Christmas Eve

There you have it, a little glimpse of what we have been doing this afternoon.

Photo Project: Day 23

bellybutton?

Well Merry Christmas to us {sarcasm}. Our laptop has crashed and burned. Fortunately, oh so fortunately, we just backed everything up on our external hard drive like 3 days ago. So while it is a big bummer we are glad to still have a desktop that works and at least we didn't lose my pictures.

As you can see in my picture of the day we will be needing to teach Dane that it isn't polite to point at girl's bellybuttons. Actually we thought we had already curbed that fascination but it is still there.

I thought this picture was funny because it shows the family's fascination/obsession with taking pictures.

And here I got a great action shot of Dane doing a baseball slide into first base. Andy loves this picture. And one more shot of Dane and his sweet cousin. They seem to be having fun checking each other out and playing follow the leader.

On a side note I have laryngitis. Seriously. I can not make a sound. Not at all. I can only whisper. "Like the soft soft whisper of a butterfly" (points if you can place that quote in one of Dane's favorite books) I think Dane liked it my whispering that is. He couldn't get yelled at and mommy had to make sure she paid close attention to him. He actually did way better than I thought he would responding to my whispers. I sure hope it gets better soon. Our next batch of company arrives tomorrow (as the current company leaves tomorrow) and as long as the weather stays OK and the roads stay open. It is hard to entertain or have a conversation when all you can do is whisper. It would really be miserable if our guests were hard of hearing. But they seem like they can hear me fine or at least they are really good at pretending to make me feel better :o)

Merry Christmas!

Photo Project: Day 22

It finally happened. I missed a day. There just wasn't enough time or energy to go around. And well the little bugger pictured below was at his finest. If it could be thrown, pulled at, torn up or knocked over he did it on purpose. Imagine how fun it was to run errands and grocery shop yesterday (yeah, think purse and cart contents) under the urgent I really have to get this stuff done. But that's ok we survived. And now we have company and we are having fun!
This is a first for us. I know some of you pro moms have probably been doing this forever. But not this one. First of all he has been getting out of that chair since he before he could crawl. And with yesterday's events I wasn't sure it was going to work. But I gave it a try. It was either try or listen to him whine, cry and hold my pant leg the entire time I was mixing it up. Well he loved it and we had a fun little mixing party while listening to some Christmas tunes.

Photo Project: Day 20

the aftermath

We had a good time opening presents last night. Dane was pretty pumped to get this little riding toy. All the other presents he just opened and jumped back up to practice walking and check out everyone else's booty. Then he opened this one and he could hardly back off long enough for Andy to get it put together.
I also made a Chocolate Chip Molten Cake for dessert. It definitely pleased the masses. I would post the recipe but right now I am watching Survivor Finale. Ok I took a commercial break, google search came through and I found the recipe I used. It was delicious!

Photo Project: Day 19

in preparation

There is nothing better than an empty wrapping paper roll! We spent today getting ready for Christmas with Andy's side this evening. I got the gifts wrapped, a picture gift started and finished, the chili made, stocking stuffers bought and dessert prepared. (OK well Andy helped do the food stuff, he is an amazing man!) Now all we have to do is pack up and head over there. Dane has been jabbering non-stop today. This morning he seriously talked for over an hour straight. Jabbered at home, jabbered through lunch then we ran out for some errands. He jabbered throughout the store. Jabbered as we were waiting in a r.e.a.l.l.y. s.l.o.w.l.i.n.e. The people around us started laughing because just kept on talking. It was sweet and he was really good company as we were running around. Now let the festivities begin!

Photo Project: Day 18

We had an "Ugly Sweater Party" to attend tonight. It was a ton of fun hanging out with all of our friends and their ugly sweaters. lots of laughter. lots of delicious food. The best part about Andy's sweater is that it is Elizabeth Claiborne. The best part about mine? The even more defined iron spot on the back that was crusty.

It looks like there is another busy day tomorrow.

Photo Project: Day 17

Running out of time. Time for this post and time for getting Christmas things done. But I sqeaked this post in the nick of time.

Photo Project: Day 16

My Lunch

You maybe thinking, that is a really disgusting lunch. You are right it is, and I feel disgusting too. I really need to go to the grocery store. And just to clarify I didn't eat straight hummus, I only ate half a tub with tortilla chips. Yup needs some fresh produce to off set that. Now about making that grocery list.

Photo Project: Day 15

Listen close, listen real close. What exactly do you think he is trying to say? We were laughing at him so hard last night because he wouldn't stop saying it, and well it sounds like something... but I am sure what he is really trying to say. It's not "uh-oh" when I question if that is what he is saying he looks at me blankly like you are not getting it mom. His "uh-oh' sounds more like "ah-hh"

We tried to prompt him to say it again later and none of our promptings were working, so we knew that what ever we were guessing wasn't what he was saying. Today we were shopping and walked past Santa Claus at the store. All of a sudden it started again. over and over and over and over and over. I think it might be his version of 'ho ho ho' or maybe that is just what he thinks of Santa:o)

Photo Project: Day 14

Mad for Plaid

It has started to hit me. There are not very many days left until Christmas. That means there is A LOT to do and not A LOT of time. Like for instance finish up shopping for gifts. And now all of the party's are starting to hit in combination with the family gatherings. I am such a procrasinator I kept thinking there would be more time to do get things done instead of just doing it right away. Hopefully everything will get done and there will still be time to sit back and enjoy the season.

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My picture is of the project I have been working on today, a little something for the Favorite Things give-a-way at MOPS on Friday.

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I am also adding this video of the little man Dane. He is figuring out this whole walking thing. He can walk across a few rooms now but he still needs that confidence that someone is nearby to catch him - just - in - case. Everyone keeps telling me "just wait, your life is over" and well that is quite frankly OK. I think it is sweet that he is learning new things. I know, he is going to be more busy and I am going to be more tired and there is going to be more attitude out of him. But that's OK, we will survive and I plan on trying to enjoy it as much as possible. Aren't we supposed to try and enjoy every phase as difficult as it can be? I don't want to wish life away.

Photo Project: Day 13

My stylish men

Went to church today. Heard another really good sermon in the Deceived Series. Today's topic Judgemental Christians? It was about the do's and don'ts of judging others and how so many Christians go about it all wrong. It isn't about finding what's wrong with other people and condemning them but more about lovingly and humbly helping fellow believers eradicate sins from their lives. So what is the point of helping to judge, or pointing something out in someones life? I see it like this, lets say that your friends skirt is tucked into her underwear, and she doesn't know it. rather embarrassing. She can't see that her skirt is tucked into her underwear because she doesn't have eyes in the back of her head. But she would definitely like to know. Well, this is kind of the same thing. You are pointing something out to a friend because she can't see it for herself. She would hopefully do the same for you.

Photo Project: Day 12

Jolly Holiday

Tonight we got Dane ready for bed and headed out to see the Jolly Holiday Lights. We let Dane out of his car seat and up in the front so he could see better. Well he was more excited to be pretending to drive than anything else. I think he had fun.

Photo Project: Day 11

Not much for today. The picture I wish I could post was not taken, of me walking through the grocery store parking lot in ankle deep snow/parking lot slush. Baby on one hip and 3 bags of almost too heavy groceries on the verge of slipping and falling. But fall I did not. My arms were burning but we made it to the car in one piece. I didn't think a cart would make it through the sludge.

We ran to a local coffee shop tonight for a little dessert. Dane did great and he loved the live music. It kept him sitting still. He thought he was big time hanging out with mom and dad.

Photo Project: Day 10

New Tricks

Today I am sitting at the table on the computer. Next thing I know I hear a little giggle. I look around only to find right across from me a pair of tiny hands and two ornery eyes that realized they can see and even reach things that are on the table.

I am so ready to get out of the house. Maybe this evening. Maybe just maybe my husband will drive us around for an outing of some sort tonight. I really should have gone out on Monday. It's just that on Monday I felt like I had been running around for a week straight and had hardly been home and needed to catch up on a few things. Well I am caught up and ready to go again. Can I order a little warmer weather please? I am doing my best to not complain about the freezing cold weather. At least I have a choice now of whether or not I want to go out in it. Anybody want to come for a visit?

Photo Project: Day 9

I really don't even know how to pick my favorite picture for today. It makes me smile to see the haphazard way this stuffed animal landed in his crib. I noticed it this morning as I was walking by his room. And then there all the fun things a snow day brings. Like hot chocolate, hot coffee, yummy Apple Roll-Ups, being cozy, candles in the fireplace, a pretty glowing Christmas tree, and of course all the SNOW that has been falling the past few days. We braved the cold for a few minutes to go out and see all the snow, it was way too cold and windy to play. Well Andy has been out in it snow blowing and shoveling. He was supposed to shovel a church for his dad while they are out of town. He said some drifts were up to his shoulders. Needless to say I am ready to get out of the house for a while. Do some Christmas shopping and well just get out of the house.

No babies were injured in these photos

We had a snow day today! These are the types of things we do when we are hanging out around home and these pictures are too funny not to share. If you can't tell for sure Dane is playing on one of those game chairs that sit on the floor and rock. He found that it is really fun to push/lean on it until it tips gently over. Then he figured out how fun it was to tip it back up right using the same method by leaning on the seat until it rocked back. The first few times were fun as he was cautiously testing it out under Andy's supervision. He went faster that way and would gently crash on his head. Fun times with Dad.

So Andy had me come out and watch the fun they were having. I of course was holding the chair so he wouldn't go too fast. Andy convinced me it would be fine he had already done it several times on his own and Dane thought it was funny. So I let go and sat back with the camera. Only I wish it was a video camera. As you can see below he did and entire flip head over heels. And this picture just cracks me up. Blurry and everything. It shows his speed better.

Photo Project: Day 8

He finally allowed the hat to stay on his head for more that 10 seconds. In fact he actually embraced it and wanted me to put it back on when it fell off. I showed him in the mirror and he kept nodding his head up and down checking him self out. Funny stuff.

Photo Project: Day 7

Concert Duo

Dane was such a little trooper yesterday. We went to church and every mom knows Sunday morning equals no morning nap. From there we:

-went straight to my little cousin's recital and lunch about a half hour away. (20 min nap)

- came home for about an hour, but do you think a little boy would take a nap? Absolutely not!

-headed to church for a business meeting and a Box Party where we assembled boxes of practical items for less fortunate families.

-then off to a birthday dinner for a friend.

It was a fun day, my picture for Day 7 is from yesterday, it seems I am always posting yesterday's picture but at least I am getting one up. After the recital Dane and his second cousin Josiah were giving us a little concert of their own. The first picture I snapped they happened to be be synchronized in their playing. From there all the pictures were of two wiggly little boys who couldn't sit still long enough for a picture.

We saw Santa

We went and saw Santa at the Bass Pro Shop, they are giving free pictures with Santa. Though I think the clarity on my little point and click camera came out better than the one we got from the store. Dane was pretty intrigued with Santa's beard. Though the picture that they took he looked a little freaked out and was pushing Santa away.

After we visited Santa, we walked around a bit. It was the first I had been there and that place is huge. There were many fun things to look at and I am not even that into hunting and fishing. Dane liked the aquarium. Isn't that the cutest little fishy face you have ever seen?

Photo Project: Day 6

We had Andy's work Holiday Party last night. All day I was running around shopping trying to find something nice to wear. I was getting really stressed out. I don't know why I felt it was such a big deal and I should have started planning a little sooner. Maybe it was because I was told all the girls usually go out and buy a new dress and some get their hair and nails done. The guys all were to wear a suit and tie. I wasn't really wanting do do all that but I also wasn't wanting to be left out or look like a nerd. I had a hard time finding a compromise. So I got a new top, bracelet and shoes. The shoe thing was I either had to get my butt home and paint my toe nails or get shoes that covered them. I opted for the shoes last minute as I was running out of time.
I have to take a minute to mention the fact that it was practically required that the men wear a holiday tie. Yup while the girls go out and look as snazzy as possible the men folk had to wear cheesy ties. Not only do they have to wear a holiday tie to the party, they have to wear a holiday tie everyday of December, well the first 25 days. I guess it isn't in the rule book but they are under intense pressure to show up to work everyday with the cheesy, festive tie. Some battles just aren't worth fighting or ruffling feathers over, so my husband is now the proud owner of 4 holiday ties. And I will be adding that to my list of after Christmas clearance items to shop for.

Photo Project: Day 5

Untitled: Nose So Bright

I had a few better ones but this picture was my favorite because it reminds me of Rudolph.

Photo Project: Day 4

It has happened. The independent streak is starting to show and he is oh so proud of himself, especially when the food actually stays on the spoon and makes it to his mouth.

Photo Project: Day 3

We made my favorite cookies today. Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies.

December Photo Project. Day 2

Hey wait a minute what about Day 1? I am going to start this a day late and a dollar short. Better late than never though. I found this project through my friend Kandid Kiwi and thought I would join in on the fun this year. Hopefully I will be able to keep up with it and it seems like a fun challenge during such a busy month. I only wish I had mad photography skills, and a good camera to learn on.

Here it is:

Day 2 of the December Photo Project (DPP)

I took this this morning when we were in transition from PJ's to play clothes. We took a minute to enjoy the lights on the Christmas tree.

Little did I know

Little did I know, we have been doing our own rendition of Goodnight Moon for the past several months and didn't even know it.

Dane points and the monster stuffed animal on his shelf

Me: Goodnight monster

Dane points and the little bear on a different shelf

Me: goodnight little bear

Dane: vroom vroom and points at his big semi truck

Me: good night truck

Dane: boo ah, boo ah and points at the bookshelves

Me: goodnight books

Dane: Daa Dee

Me: goodnight daddy

Me: goodnight Dane.

Sometimes I add an extra goodnight _______ in there to get a little giggle.

Dane just got the book yesterday as a late birthday gift. We have enjoyed reading it and it has seemed perfect at helping him unwind before bed. I am probably the last person in the mom world to have read this book. I had heard of it before just never read it. I think it's sweet.

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Little did I know that old cell phones that haven't been used in ages with no SIM card can still call 911. Yeah that's right I was walking through JCPenny's right after Danes pictures, he was sitting in his stroller playing with an old cell phone we decided he could use as a toy. I brought his 'hi,yah' to keep him entertained, since talking on the phone is his latest obsession, while I picked out the prints I wanted. So I start to walk through the store and I hear something talking. I almost ignored it and then the thought occurred to me to check the 'toy' cell phone just in case. I had noticed earlier he had turned the power on. Sure enough there was a voice on the other end. "911 emergency is everything ok?" She had probably been listening to baby jabber for who knows how long? I kept apologizing saying I am sorry for wasting her time. She says "so there is no emergency?" I said no and explained to her what had happened. I feel bad hopefully no real emergencies had to wait on us.

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Little did I know if I sent a early 1st birthday package in a cute purple polk-a-dot mailing envelope to my niece, who is currently living on Ft Jackson Army base, that my brother-in-law would have to do 100 push ups to get it. Ooops. The thought crossed my mind for a second as I was filling out the address, but I dismissed it thinking it wouldn't be an issue. Hope he isn't too sore!

And a funny picture because all posts need pictures.

Dinglehopper

At this point in his life Dane has never seen a comb or a hairbrush in action. I usually get ready for the day when he is napping in order to keep him out of the toilet and as you can see he has no use for a brush or even a comb. I had set out a baby comb on the counter because I was going to try and make his little fuzz stand up (it didn't work by the way). Poor little guy not knowing any difference picked up the comb and attempted to brush his teeth with it. I had the privilege of introducing him to a comb and showing him the correct usage. It didn't take him long and he realized the difference. He is a smart one. At least now he won't get caught "using a dinglehopper" so to speak on his hair--I mean teeth.

Happy Thanksgiving!

*sorry for the duplicate blogger wont let me select or delete pictures right now

What a day to be thankful for.

I am thankful for a God that is soveriegn and in control.

I am thankful for a husband who is amazing

I am thankful he is here with us today.

I am thankful for a beautiful little boy.

I am thankful for Spice Apple and Pear Pie

I am thankful for family.

I am thankful for our church family.

I am thankful that I know Christ.

I am thankful for a freedom.

I am thankful we can freely worship Christ.

This thanksgiving I am extra thankful for all the little things we have seen God do in our lives in the past few months.

Magic Baby

It seems every time we get in the car or go in a store this song is playing. It always leaves us giggling and wondering what exactly is "a little magic baby"? Could it be like whoops and now as a result we have made a little magic baby (I wish it was that easy-though not everyone does). I am usually picturing a little baby with a magic wand preforming tricks. You know 'a little magic baby' pulling rabbits out of hats.

Or could it be 'a little Magic baby' that is really good at basketball? All you have to do is buy this outfit and you can make your very own ' little Magic baby'.

I will save you the trouble of listening to the whole song, start listening at minute 2:40 to hear Keith Urban sing about 'a little magic baby'. And just ponder what exactly is 'a little magic baby'?