Crabs, new rooms, and one day and counting....

Jack's  been on summer vacation with his dad since Friday.  Not even a full week and I miss him more than I can even imagine.  I feel like a part of me is missing and I try to keep my days filled but sometimes I find myself standing in the kitchen and not knowing what to do.  It's good for him to spend time with his dad and good for me to have a break but I don't think I'll ever get used to this and I don't want to.  Anyway, I'm counting down the next 24 hours and can't wait. 

Before he left, we took him on a daytrip to the beach and had a blast!  He was a little hesitant at first but once we got him in, he was Mr. Independent and wanted us to let go of him while he was in the water.  We had to practically drag him back to the shore.  Jack also had a bad expeience with a crab but all in all, it was a successful trip and I think we'll be hitting the beach again soon!

I spent my week "off" doing projects around the house and hanging out.  Jack will return to a new "big boy bed".  Very exciting....and a little nervewracking since I know staying in the dang thing is going to be a battle but it's time.

Some of my favorite people came in town this weekend and we had an amazing weekend at Summer Musicfest.....hence the pictures. 

Here's to hoping the next 26 hours fly by! Can't wait to see my Jack......

I love Pinterest but you're making me a crazy woman.  Here are my most recent projects this summer.

Distressed turquoise shelf for my re-decorated bathroom

Wire-wrapped turquoise ring

Jack's refinished table complete with chalkboard top and distressed chairs

Last, but not least, my new letters and bar.  Now if only I had some alcohol to stock it!

Next major project is Jack's big-boy room....my handyman, AKA my Dad, built two headboards for twin beds for Jack's new room and now we're focusing on painting these, as well as a bookcase, and getting everything ready to make this happen.  Pics to come soon....

Weekends, Good Friends, and a Wedding to Remember

We have begun our never-ending weekend AKA summer and we are loving it.  Swimming lessons, hanging in our PJ's until the late morning, watching our favorite movies over and over, and lots of summer projects.  Jared and I went to our friends, Justin and Erin's wedding this weekend, while Jack enjoyed a long weekend at his dad's.  It was fantastic - they had every detail perfectly planned, Erin was a stunning bride, and we had an amazing time....we pretty much always have a good time wherever we go.  What can I say?  I have always loved a good party....except for this time I did not throw up on my dress or fall down on the dance floor (yes, I've done both of these before).

Weddings always bring out my sentimental side and Justin and Erin made it more than known that the people who were there made the day for them - that they were a special group of people and really stressed how important they were.  It got me thinking about my relationships with my friends.  I am not one with lots of friends but I must say that I have the most amazing friends anyone could ever ask for.  They are the drop everything, be there when you need them, listen to the same vent 50 times over, always support my decisions, give you the shirt off their back, know everything about you and still love you kind of gals.  We've been friends through thick and thin - through growing up, changing personalities, dating, marriage, babies, divorce, death, illness, and the list goes on. They aren't just there when I need them - they helped me survive. They are not just my friends, they are my family. I honestly don't know where I would be without them.  And I've realized lately that not every woman has these types of friends and I am beyond lucky.  So this post is dedicated to an amazing group of woman who inspire me every single day - I love you girls beyond words.

Okay, enough sappiness - we also got to stay with Kelly and Tony this weekend, which also always makes for a good time so in the spirit of always ending on a good note, I leave you with some entertaining pics.   These two have no shortage of fun in their lives and this weekend was no exception.  Thanks, sister!



Where's Woody?

Ever noticed how little kids can watch the same show or movie over and over and over again?  I remember this with Kasey when she was little...first it was "101 Dalmations" and then "Free Willy."  She even went so far as to make us pretend to jump out of the water like we were whales and we called her Jesse for a few months of her life.  Jack hasn't taken it to that extreme just yet but he is absolutely obsessed with Toy Story...we probably end up watching it 3 to 6 times each day...at least there's two to choose from.  And now we have Woody and Bullseye figurines to keep up with so I probably here around 75 times a day, "where Woody?" or "where Woody hat?"  What brainiac decided to give Woody a tiny little hat that comes off?  I mean really?  I thought he wouldn't notice if it was there or not but believe me, he does.  Anyway, just a little rant as I sit here enjoying my morning coffee on this second glorious day of summer and already watching the credits for our first run of Toy Story this morning.  I'm going to just enjoy it and soak it all in for I know these moments will be fast and fleeting and before I know it, Jack will want to stay at a friend's or be asking me for the car keys.

On another note, this is the summer of DIY.....for all you on Pinterest, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  I have made my dining room table my craft area and have already finished two projects - wire-wrapped rings and a distressed, turquoise shelf for my bathroom.  Old houses come with absolutely no storage so you have to be creative.  My goal is to do one craft a day so we'll see what I've accomplished by the end of the week.  Can't wait to share....Happy Summer to all my teacher friends!

enough said

Recognize that gal in the picture? 
Yes, that is an armadillo and yes, I look like I'm about to wet my pants. 

Anyone who knows me knows that this is not my 'normal' but isn't it amazing how a few strokes of bad luck, a couple of years of wisdom, and someone truly amazing can change your perspective of what you think is fun?  I feel like that defines me these days.  Jared is truly amazing.  He is a wonderful friend, a great dad, and a supportive partner....and the list goes on and on.  He is everything I've always wanted in a man and I honestly thank God everyday that he's in my life.  I don't think I've ever really had more fun than I have in the past year.....and there aren't any words that accurately describe my love for him or how he makes me feel. 

And yes, I know this is sappy.  But I'm feeling extra special today and I need to give credit where credit is due by putting at least one post on this blog about this amazing man (even if I'm still refusing to let him read it just yet).  In other words, I love him :)

"You're doing it wrong!"

Lately, I feel like this is an exact desciption of my life.  I constantly hear this quote from "Mr.Mom" running through my head.  You see, Jack is now 2.  What comes with growing up and being able to do and say all kinds of new things is the terrible two's.  I have heard of this time and time again....hell, I teach Child Development. But seeing this in your own child is a different story.  I feel like I'm constantly disciplining, timing out, trying to keep my cool. 
And I hear this voice in the back of my head again.  I'm afraid I'm messing up royally.  This week has been a very trying week for all of us.  Jack was sick on his birthday, we had an eventful weekend, and we've been a little off schedule this week. I was at my "I've had it" moment on Wednesday night and then Thursday came.  It was a much better day for all of us and just what I needed to remind myself that I can do this.  I feel even worse sometimes because I have so many blessings and so much to be thankful for and complaining just makes me feel worse.  So there's my story for the week and I'll leave it at that.

On to other events, Jack's 2nd birthday party went off without a hitch.  He and I are blessed beyond belief that we had so many people come to spend the day with us.  It was a great day and I think he really enjoyed it.  Sunday was Mother's Day and I don't know that I've ever felt more special.  I got a new watch from my mom and dad, a gigantic ruler from Kelly and Tony (you hang it vertically to measure your child's growth throughout the years...oh so cool!  Can't wait to give these as baby shower gifts!), a giftcard to Bliss from Jared, and an oh-so-cute tie-dyed dress/skirt from Jack(aka Jared). They made me feel wonderful and I'm so lucky.  We had breakfast at my house and gave my mom and Peggy a much deserved break from cooking.  It was the best weekend we've had in a long time. 

Pictures to come from the events this past weekend once I figure out how to upload from my new camara!

Rewards

The other day I was given one of the best rewards ever.  Jack and I spent the weekend together - just the two of us.  It was just what we needed and I'm definitely reaping the rewards this week.  Jack came in and asked me for a chip and when I gave it to him he said, "thank you, mommy" - no coaching, no bribing, no begging and pleading from him.  I turned and looked out the window and felt pure joy - I am doing my  job as a mother and I was proud of myself. 

My little love is going to be two in five days.  I can't believe it.  To think of how different life was two years ago at this time....different doesn't even begin to describe it.  I was married, we were preparing for our first child, I was on bedrest anxiously awaiting his arrival and worried about what was to come.  Two difficult, dramatic, and trying years have gone by and life is completely different.  But better than ever.  I saw this picture yesterday that said "It's never too late to live happily ever after." My thoughts exactly. 

I leave you with my little love's 2 year pictures.  He is not a baby anymore but a little boy....a little boy with the sweetest smile, infectious giggle, and a beautiful heart.