We started with Lucas's party at 9:30 and then attended Avery D.'s party at 1 p.m. I took tons of pictures but still haven't downloaded them, so...I have "borrowed" a few that Avery's mom sent out. (Hope you don't mind, Ashley!)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Ready, Set, Play
Olivia had 2 birthday parties at Ready, Set, Play last Saturday. Whomever came up with this idea is genius! It looks like the actual physical building used to be an old appliance store or warehouse store of some type. The people of Ready, Set, Play carpeted the entire place, filled it with bouncy houses, bouncy slides, and bouncy mazes plus added plush couches for the parents and party rooms. We had so much fun and by the end of the day, Olivia was worn out!!!
We started with Lucas's party at 9:30 and then attended Avery D.'s party at 1 p.m. I took tons of pictures but still haven't downloaded them, so...I have "borrowed" a few that Avery's mom sent out. (Hope you don't mind, Ashley!)
We started with Lucas's party at 9:30 and then attended Avery D.'s party at 1 p.m. I took tons of pictures but still haven't downloaded them, so...I have "borrowed" a few that Avery's mom sent out. (Hope you don't mind, Ashley!)
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Electricity Off...Lightbulb On!
Preface: Olivia asks why we have to go to work almost everyday. Adam always explains that we go to work to make money so we can take care of her. She usually wants to see the money so he grabs a couple of coins and lets her put them in her piggy bank.
Yesterday the electricity went out at my office and after waiting for over half an hour, we all decided that it was time to go. I picked up Olivia around 3 p.m. which is pretty early. I usually get her between 5:30 and 6 p.m. When we got in the car, I explained that it was a great day because I got to pick her up early. I showed her the clock and explained that we had some extra time to play today. She, of course, asked "why?" I went on to explain about the electricity going out in the office and how we all had left early. She looked at me and thought...then said "So the 'tricity went out at work?" I answered "yes!" She said "Well are they still going to give you your money?"
Once again...such a funny little girl.
I called my dad to tell him about Olivia's new "funny" and after laughing for a minute he said, "she really is her mother's daughter!" I totally agreed.
After all, you always have to make sure that you have money for shopping!
And off to IKEA we went...
Yesterday the electricity went out at my office and after waiting for over half an hour, we all decided that it was time to go. I picked up Olivia around 3 p.m. which is pretty early. I usually get her between 5:30 and 6 p.m. When we got in the car, I explained that it was a great day because I got to pick her up early. I showed her the clock and explained that we had some extra time to play today. She, of course, asked "why?" I went on to explain about the electricity going out in the office and how we all had left early. She looked at me and thought...then said "So the 'tricity went out at work?" I answered "yes!" She said "Well are they still going to give you your money?"
Once again...such a funny little girl.
I called my dad to tell him about Olivia's new "funny" and after laughing for a minute he said, "she really is her mother's daughter!" I totally agreed.
After all, you always have to make sure that you have money for shopping!
And off to IKEA we went...
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Funny Girl
Olivia has been really funny lately. She seems to just come up with stuff and then when we laugh, she gets encouraged and makes us laugh even more. Below are some of her latest "funnies:"
On Saturday afternoon, Olivia was sitting on the big girl potty with her little Care Bear child potty seat to keep her from falling in. She was taking her time so I told her to hurry up because mommy had to go too. She looked up at me and said, "but you don't fit on my little seat." I replied, "You're right. Mommy's booty is too big for your little Care Bear seat." She looked right at me and said "Mommy! Big girl butts fit on my little potty seat but fat girl butts do not!" She had a point! Nice or not...it was hilarious.
Same day, different funny. Olivia and I were in Old Navy shopping for clothes. She was in her stroller and a little boy about her same age (not in a stroller) kept coming over and poking at her. She asked me "What is his name?" I told her that I did not know. Several minutes later, the little boy's mother called out to him. She said "Garrett! Come here!" Olivia looked at me, perplexed, and said "Mommy, that little boy's mommy named him Carrot!" Oh my goodness...it was so funny!
The last story has to be prefaced. Adam thinks that I am the worst driver. I think that he is a terrible backseat driver. The few times that I have driven with Adam in the car, he has given me lots of unsolicited advice. His favorite is to tell me that I need to have 2 hands on the wheel at all times. 10 and 2!
On Sunday, we were in the car and Adam was driving. (Of course!) He had one hand on the wheel and one hand in his lap. Out of nowhere Olivia says, "Daddy, you need two hands on the wheel at all times. 10 and 2!" Can I tell you how proud I was? I looked at Adam and said "You asked for that!" It was so funny and so rewarding all at once!
She listens to everything!
On Saturday afternoon, Olivia was sitting on the big girl potty with her little Care Bear child potty seat to keep her from falling in. She was taking her time so I told her to hurry up because mommy had to go too. She looked up at me and said, "but you don't fit on my little seat." I replied, "You're right. Mommy's booty is too big for your little Care Bear seat." She looked right at me and said "Mommy! Big girl butts fit on my little potty seat but fat girl butts do not!" She had a point! Nice or not...it was hilarious.
Same day, different funny. Olivia and I were in Old Navy shopping for clothes. She was in her stroller and a little boy about her same age (not in a stroller) kept coming over and poking at her. She asked me "What is his name?" I told her that I did not know. Several minutes later, the little boy's mother called out to him. She said "Garrett! Come here!" Olivia looked at me, perplexed, and said "Mommy, that little boy's mommy named him Carrot!" Oh my goodness...it was so funny!
The last story has to be prefaced. Adam thinks that I am the worst driver. I think that he is a terrible backseat driver. The few times that I have driven with Adam in the car, he has given me lots of unsolicited advice. His favorite is to tell me that I need to have 2 hands on the wheel at all times. 10 and 2!
On Sunday, we were in the car and Adam was driving. (Of course!) He had one hand on the wheel and one hand in his lap. Out of nowhere Olivia says, "Daddy, you need two hands on the wheel at all times. 10 and 2!" Can I tell you how proud I was? I looked at Adam and said "You asked for that!" It was so funny and so rewarding all at once!
She listens to everything!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Paybacks
As some of you may know, Olivia is pretty witty when she wants to be. She has pretty much got things figured out. She reminds me a lot of myself when I was young. (Not the witty part, but the "figured out" part) She listens to everything I say. If I am on the phone with my mom, dad, Adam or friends...she is intently listening. She knows my every move. If I have mentioned it, she remembers it. Nothing gets past my little person.
I can remember being a child and wanting to go EVERYWHERE with my mother. I would listen to her conversations and ask her very grown up questions about what was going on with her friends and/or our extended family. She was usually pretty willing to tell me as long as I swore up and down to keep my mouth shut. I knew that I could continue to get "the scoop" if I followed her directions, so I did.
I am getting major paybacks!
On Saturday evening I planned to go visit my friend Shannon's new apartment. Shannon's sister was in town and we were going to hang out and finish all of the unpacking and decorating. Olivia overheard me on the phone and immediately asked to go. I tried to explain to her that it would be no fun for her but she kept on and on. (I can remember hanging on to my mother's car window begging her to take me with her to a volunteer event when I was about 6. Familiar? Oh yes!) Adam and I devised a plan for me to go "get my pajamas on" and he was going to keep Olivia occupied. Guess what? She was onto us. She would not let me leave her sight. So Olivia won. She went with me.
I started thinking about all the things that my mother allowed me to do with her when I was young. She let me go with her to set up for vacation bible school at church, attend volunteer events, decorate for charity balls, and go with her to dinners and on shopping trips with her friends. I was usually the only child around, but I loved feeling grown up and spending that time with my mother.
My mother and I haven't always seen eye-to-eye. We are, in some ways, very different. I think that doing things with her as a child and having what must have been some "tough" conversations for a mom and to have with her young daughter made us how we are today. She hasn't always agreed with me or me with her, but we love each other and talk almost every day. I can only hope that allowing Olivia to "hang" with me and talking to her honestly when she has questions will enable us to have the same type of relationship that my mom and I have now!
I can remember being a child and wanting to go EVERYWHERE with my mother. I would listen to her conversations and ask her very grown up questions about what was going on with her friends and/or our extended family. She was usually pretty willing to tell me as long as I swore up and down to keep my mouth shut. I knew that I could continue to get "the scoop" if I followed her directions, so I did.
I am getting major paybacks!
On Saturday evening I planned to go visit my friend Shannon's new apartment. Shannon's sister was in town and we were going to hang out and finish all of the unpacking and decorating. Olivia overheard me on the phone and immediately asked to go. I tried to explain to her that it would be no fun for her but she kept on and on. (I can remember hanging on to my mother's car window begging her to take me with her to a volunteer event when I was about 6. Familiar? Oh yes!) Adam and I devised a plan for me to go "get my pajamas on" and he was going to keep Olivia occupied. Guess what? She was onto us. She would not let me leave her sight. So Olivia won. She went with me.
I started thinking about all the things that my mother allowed me to do with her when I was young. She let me go with her to set up for vacation bible school at church, attend volunteer events, decorate for charity balls, and go with her to dinners and on shopping trips with her friends. I was usually the only child around, but I loved feeling grown up and spending that time with my mother.
My mother and I haven't always seen eye-to-eye. We are, in some ways, very different. I think that doing things with her as a child and having what must have been some "tough" conversations for a mom and to have with her young daughter made us how we are today. She hasn't always agreed with me or me with her, but we love each other and talk almost every day. I can only hope that allowing Olivia to "hang" with me and talking to her honestly when she has questions will enable us to have the same type of relationship that my mom and I have now!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Is It Bad If...
...My toddler easily recognizes Starbuck's and regularly asks to go there? I propose this question because Olivia regularly asks me if we can go to Starbuck's. Currently her "fix" is a tall, organic, chocolate milk, but I can see where this is headed. Soon it will be a frappucino and then venti lattes... As if I don't already spend enough of my hard earned $$$ at Starbucks! (This is all my fault!)
...I allow my almost 3-year old child to have a pacifier? This is our little secret, dear blogger. Olivia still has to have a pacifier. Last night, after ballet class, I put her in the car seat and she immediately asked for the "bop." I felt like I was on some sort of secret mission as I carefully covered the "bop" with my hands and guided it into hers. I warned her "do not put that in your mouth until we drive away!" I didn't want the other mom's to see her with a pacifer in her mouth. How embarrassing! At least I am not breastfeeding her, right? (I know! I know! This is all my fault!)
...I like letting Olivia sleep in bed with me? I know! She should be sleeping in her own bed. The other mom's at dance were talking about how nice it was to put their girls down at 8:30 p.m. and have some time to themselves. Me? I would rather torture myself with an over-tired toddler until 10:30 p.m. when she gets in bed with me. (This is totally my fault!)
I know that all of these things are minor. Some may even call them cute! I was just thinking last night about all the so-called "rules" of raising a child and how I must break at least half. I am not ready to call in Super Nanny or anything...we pretty much have the behavior thing under control, but as far as spoiling...I am so guilty!
...I allow my almost 3-year old child to have a pacifier? This is our little secret, dear blogger. Olivia still has to have a pacifier. Last night, after ballet class, I put her in the car seat and she immediately asked for the "bop." I felt like I was on some sort of secret mission as I carefully covered the "bop" with my hands and guided it into hers. I warned her "do not put that in your mouth until we drive away!" I didn't want the other mom's to see her with a pacifer in her mouth. How embarrassing! At least I am not breastfeeding her, right? (I know! I know! This is all my fault!)
...I like letting Olivia sleep in bed with me? I know! She should be sleeping in her own bed. The other mom's at dance were talking about how nice it was to put their girls down at 8:30 p.m. and have some time to themselves. Me? I would rather torture myself with an over-tired toddler until 10:30 p.m. when she gets in bed with me. (This is totally my fault!)
I know that all of these things are minor. Some may even call them cute! I was just thinking last night about all the so-called "rules" of raising a child and how I must break at least half. I am not ready to call in Super Nanny or anything...we pretty much have the behavior thing under control, but as far as spoiling...I am so guilty!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Our Big News
It has been a long 12 week because I am terrible at keeping secrets, but come late January...we should a have a new addition to our family!
Please pray for a safe pregnancy and the safe arrival of the new little baby that Olivia has already dubbed "Baby Brudder." (And no, we do not know the sex! Olivia is wishful thinking!)
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11
Please pray for a safe pregnancy and the safe arrival of the new little baby that Olivia has already dubbed "Baby Brudder." (And no, we do not know the sex! Olivia is wishful thinking!)
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Reading...
I picked up a book on the "best sellers" shelf at my local Lifeway Christian Store late last week. I have been reading it almost non-stop. It is so interesting...
If you're looking for something new to read. Check it out!
If you're looking for something new to read. Check it out!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
4 Years and Counting...
Today is my 4 year wedding anniversary so I am taking a "little" trip down memory lane. (And I mean "little." I can only find 2 pictures right now!) It has gone by so quickly and though not always perfect (for better or for worse, right?), I am so happy to have Adam as my partner on this crazy journey.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
My Quote for Today
"WE'RE NOT NECESSARILY DOUBTING THAT GOD WILL DO THE BEST FOR US; WE ARE WONDERING HOW PAINFUL THE BEST WILL TURN OUT TO BE."
-C.S. LEWIS
I saw this quote on another blog today. (I am a blog-oholic!) I liked it. Therefore, I stole it to be my inspiration for today!
-C.S. LEWIS
I saw this quote on another blog today. (I am a blog-oholic!) I liked it. Therefore, I stole it to be my inspiration for today!
Avery H's Birthday Party
Olivia attended Avery Heiss's 2nd birthday party at Gymboree on Sunday. The kids had a great time and were worn out! (This was the best part!)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Lauren & Brandon's Wedding Album
The guestbook and welcome table.
Lauren getting a special note from Brandon before the ceremony.
Lauren and her bridesmaids, Meg and Kristi.
Lauren and Karsen coming down the aisle to meet Brandon at the alter.
The vows.
The vows that included Karsen. (This was so special!)
Me, signing the marriage license. I thought it was so cool that Lauren asked me to sign her license. The best man also signed. (And yes, I know...way too much cleavage!)
The first dance.
The bride at the buffet. The food was so good!
The adorable cake. Lauren crafted the "A" cake topper all by herself!
The bride and groom cut the cake.
And Karsen got to join in the fun too!
The party favors. This is custom wine with Lauren & Brandon on the label.
Me & Lauren
Lark, Kari, ME, and Lauren
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Wedding Shower
After the rehersal dinner on Friday night, I gave a wedding shower for my friend, Lauren, in Granbury, Texas. I rented a little yellow cottage and did a quick decorating job before all the girls came over to spend one last "single" night with LG.
The little house.
The cake!
The drink table.
The Lauren's.
The most interesting gift...slippers made from feminine hygiene products.
The favor...personalized M & M's..."Soon To Be, Mrs. Archie!"
The little house.
The cake!
The drink table.
The Lauren's.
The most interesting gift...slippers made from feminine hygiene products.
The favor...personalized M & M's..."Soon To Be, Mrs. Archie!"
Say What?
Say What You Need to Say...
I hear the song all the time and really like the melody. It's catchy. Only recently did I start listening to the lyrics. I love the lyrics to this song. I especially like the bold verses I've highlighted below.
I think that, for me, the song has special meaning because often I get busy and lost in my own thoughts and sometimes forget to just "say what I need to say."
Say What You Need to Say
by John Mayer
Take all of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems,
Better put 'em in quotations
Say what you need to say...
Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you'd be better off instead,
If you could only ...
Say what you need to say...
Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You'd better know that in the end
Its better to say too much
Then never say what you need to say again
Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open
Say what you need to say...
I hear the song all the time and really like the melody. It's catchy. Only recently did I start listening to the lyrics. I love the lyrics to this song. I especially like the bold verses I've highlighted below.
I think that, for me, the song has special meaning because often I get busy and lost in my own thoughts and sometimes forget to just "say what I need to say."
Say What You Need to Say
by John Mayer
Take all of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems,
Better put 'em in quotations
Say what you need to say...
Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you'd be better off instead,
If you could only ...
Say what you need to say...
Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You'd better know that in the end
Its better to say too much
Then never say what you need to say again
Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open
Say what you need to say...
Me & Mom
My friend Renee sent me this picture today. It seems like a good day to post it! As I shared with Renee, every time I see myself in these sunglasses...I say "Self, you need new sunglasses." (I think I look like a bug!) Anyway, it's a fun photo!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Notes on a Weekend Getaway
I have just come back from a fun weekend in Granbury, Texas. One of my very best friends, Lauren, got married on Saturday. I have some really fun photos to share!
In addition, Olivia attended a birthday party today at Gymboree. (It has been busy!) I have some adorable pictures to share from that party as well.
I plan to share my stories and photos a little later, but am writing now to ask for your prayers. My mom is having her biopsy tomorrow. The ideal outcome would be for the tumors to be non-cancerous, but I am not sure if that is realistic. I just ask that you pray for her recovery, for her health, and for doctor's strong minds and skilled hands. Per her request, I am not going to post much more, but please keep her in your prayers.
******
As I type, I am watching Extreme Home Makeover on television. There is a 19 year old boy on the show who was born without eyes and without the ability to fully extend his limbs leaving him blind and wheelchair bound. He is telling Ty Pennington that his blindness is NOT a disability, but an ability. He is able to see people for who they really are and not what they look like. He does not see skin color, but sees what is on the inside. This boy is truly an inspiration. He is so positive! He is currently attending college and plays the trumpet in his college marching band. He is the most amazing guy!
In addition, Olivia attended a birthday party today at Gymboree. (It has been busy!) I have some adorable pictures to share from that party as well.
I plan to share my stories and photos a little later, but am writing now to ask for your prayers. My mom is having her biopsy tomorrow. The ideal outcome would be for the tumors to be non-cancerous, but I am not sure if that is realistic. I just ask that you pray for her recovery, for her health, and for doctor's strong minds and skilled hands. Per her request, I am not going to post much more, but please keep her in your prayers.
******
As I type, I am watching Extreme Home Makeover on television. There is a 19 year old boy on the show who was born without eyes and without the ability to fully extend his limbs leaving him blind and wheelchair bound. He is telling Ty Pennington that his blindness is NOT a disability, but an ability. He is able to see people for who they really are and not what they look like. He does not see skin color, but sees what is on the inside. This boy is truly an inspiration. He is so positive! He is currently attending college and plays the trumpet in his college marching band. He is the most amazing guy!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Atlanta or Bust!
After hightailing it out of Arkansas and 10 1/2 hours on (mostly) the Tennessee Highway, we made it to Atlanta. Olivia was thrilled to see her Aunt Sissy, Uncle Steve and cousin Reagan. Aunt Sissy had an exciting week planned for us. It was definitely FUN!
Reagan and Olivia getting ready for lunch at Varsity and the Georgia Aquarium.
Lunch at the famous Varsity.
Olivia and Daddy checking out the "petting area" at the aquarium.
Reagan and Olivia getting festive on the 4th!
The big Astros fan and the little Braves fan!
Celebrating the 4th at the Braves/Astros game.
The fly over...it was amazing!
The jumbo-tron!
In awe of the fireworks.
God Bless the U.S.A
Reagan and Olivia getting ready for lunch at Varsity and the Georgia Aquarium.
Lunch at the famous Varsity.
Olivia and Daddy checking out the "petting area" at the aquarium.
Reagan and Olivia getting festive on the 4th!
The big Astros fan and the little Braves fan!
Celebrating the 4th at the Braves/Astros game.
The fly over...it was amazing!
The jumbo-tron!
In awe of the fireworks.
God Bless the U.S.A
A Quick "Shout Out" to the Carr's (& Johnson's)
Yes, I took this picture from the front seat of the car, in the rain, after MANY hours on the Tennessee Highway!
Before Leaving Hot Springs...
Before we left Hot Springs on Tuesday, Olivia had to see if the springs were really hot!
They are!
They are!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)