31 Days of Haney Life :: Day 8

If you're unfamiliar with my 31 Days topic, please take a moment and visit this post.

Today is October 8, 2012 and Griffin is 19 months old.

We had a normal, uneventful day. Griffin was in a great mood until about 5:00 pm. Maybe the witching hour is back? The highlight of our day was a long walk to the libarary and the grocery store. I had a book on hold that needed to be picked up and I needed a can of pumpkin for some bread I'm making this week. I'm thankful to live in an area where we can easily walk to places like these! Griffin and I love to go on walks together. I love everything about this picture-- the little hand grasping the snack trap, his buddy, Mickey, the striped pants, everything!

When we were leaving Kroger, we passed an elderly couple taking a walk together. They were each bundled up tight and holding hands. They gave us the sweetest hello as we passed with the biggest smiles and it made my heart so happy. I hope that's me and Tyler someday. I just loved that they were out for a walk together and still holding hands. You can barely see them in this picture that I took. Yes, I'm creepy.

When we got back from our walk, we spent some time playing with bubbles. Griffin loves bubbles but only if he's allowed to blow them. And by that, I mean play with the wand and act like he can actually blow bubbles. I love this video of him and how he tries to do it!

We ended the day with a pot roast from the crock pot. Again, it was just a normal day, but my heart did feel heavy from the moment I woke up. I just cannot get Julee and Preslee off my mind. Please, please continue to pray for them as you feel led. This blogging community is a tight one and I know so many of us are praying for them. Jennifer, Julee's best friend, tweeted this info earlier in case you would like to help the Turners. Any donations can be sent to Preslee Turner College Fund at Summit Bank, Box 965, Arkadelphia, AK 71923.

Have a lovely week, friends.

If you're interested in reading more in my 31 Days series, please click here!

 

31 Days of Haney :: Days 5, 6, and 7

If you're unfamiliar with my 31 Days topic, please take a moment and visit this post.

It was October 5, 6, and 7, 2012 and Griffin is now 19 months old (as of October 6).

Well, here we are a few days in and I'm already behind. I'm not going to let it get me down because this is just a little family blog and I'm blogging for me. I'm getting back on the horse after a great weekend!

On Friday, we had a play date at a local park with a former teacher friend and her little girl. With two very active toddlers, this was the best picture I could get.

I enjoy Ashley's company so much and Griffin and Alyssa play very well together! It's so important to have friends who are in the same life stage as you. I'm looking forward to lots more years of friendship.

Griffin played in the driveway that afternoon while I cleaned out my car. When Daddy came home, he let Griffin "drive the car". This child thought he was BIG STUFF. I think we've discovered a new activity on really fussy days. On Friday night, I was able to go to a movie with a few of my girlfriends. We saw Won't Back Down and I would highly recommend it. It was a great story and there is a part with Viola Davis and her movie son that made me weep for a good ten minutes. If you see it, you'll know what I mean. I am looking forward to watching it again with Tyler when it comes out on DVD!

We woke up and headed out on Saturday morning. We headed to good old Marion, Indiana for our college's homecoming and a mini-reunion with some of my college girlfriends! I had the best time! It was so fun being back on campus and seeing some of my girls. My years at college were so wonderful and I always feel so nostalgic when we're on our way back to Marion.

Of course, the first thing we did was hit up Mi Pueblo for the best arroz con pollo in the WORLD. We would go there in college and eat ourselves sick on this stuff. There would be a huge group of us and we'd all order the same thing! We all said we haven't been able to find any Mexican restaurants that come close to Mi Pueblo since we graduated. I was in heaven with my food, friends, and baby. After we ate, we went to the soccer game. It was pretty cold, but still nice to be out there. We were able to meet up with my brother-in-law, future sister-in-law and Tyler's cousin! I loved seeing all of them.

I love this picture of me and my Stephy. She's my person

After the soccer game, Griffin and Tyler headed home. I was able to stay overnight with my girls and they had a little "guys night". Before they left, we took a few pictures in front of the dorm where we met. It's hard to believe I met Tyler almost 10 years ago! We've been together for 7.5, which is crazy. I'm so thankful for my time in Indiana for so many reasons, but mostly because it gave me my man

Us girls spent some more time on campus and I saw one of my sweet girls from the school where I taught. Before we left, Kristi and I took a great picture in front of the greatest freshman girls dorm of all time. It was there that we had a lot of fun and a lot of embarrassing moments. I love Shatford House and I'm a total dweeb with that thumbs up. At least I embrace it! But seriously, every girl in my wedding lived in Shatford except for my cousin. That should tell you something!

We headed down to Indy and had a great night together! We were able to meet up with our friend, Eric, and we had so much fun together! It also reminded me that I am kind of an old woman now, but it's still fun to pretend to be young every once in awhile. Ha! Check out our photo bombers in the pictures below. Seriously, people? We were annoyed about the girl photo bombers, but the guy in the last picture was a friend of Eric's, so it was cool.

When I woke up this morning, Tyler had sent me this picture of Griffin and typed, "Good Morning, Mommy!" It makes me laugh every time I look at it! He looks so pitiful, but in reality, he had the best time with Daddy! They are two peas in a pod. When I was driving home, Tyler told me that they had gone to Lowe's and then McDonald's. I got prematurely upset about McDonald's (stupid) until T told me that he'd gone through a drive-thru, parked, and that they had shared hot cakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage in the back seat. That absolutely MELTED MY HEART. I am beyond thankful for a wonderful husband who is an equally wonderful father.

It was great to get home to my boys. I'm looking forward to a fresh new week. On one last note, we were doing FaceTime with my dad this afternoon, and I took this screenshot. Every time Griffin talks to one of my parents on FaceTime, he always does three things: asks for whoever he's NOT talking to (if he's talking to Papa, he asks for Mimi, and vice versa), asks for the dog they babysat for a few weeks, and then asks for his beloved ball. They have this huge green ball in the garage that he loves to play with. Today, my dad indulged him and took the phone out into the garage to show him his BAHHHHHH. What a good Papa!

I hope you all have a great week and I'll be back tomorrow. As you start your week, please pray for sweet, precious Julee who lost her beloved husband suddenly this weekend. You won't waste a prayer on her and their baby, Preslee.

If you're interested in reading more in my 31 Days series, please click here!

 

31 Days of Haney Life :: Day 4

If you're unfamiliar with my 31 Days topic, please take a moment and visit this post.

Today is October 4, 2012 and Griffin is 18 months old

We had a very average, normal day today. A lot of our days are like this, I'm finding, but I love the normalcy of life. The highlights of our day included a haircut for Griffin, a special lunch, and playing at the park.

Griffin typically HATES getting his haircut. He had haircut number 8 today-- yes, I said EIGHT-- and he's screamed bloody murder for the last five. It's never pleasant. Usually I take back up because he thrashes around so violently. I even take him to one of those fun children's haircut places even though it's 20 minutes away! I try to make EVERYTHING fun, you know? But he just really hates getting his hair cut.

Today, he really needed a trim before the weekend, and I knew there was no way that Ty could go with us, so I decided to buck up and take Screamer by myself. Imagine my shock when I gave him a lolly pop, stuck him in the "car" (a plastic seat shaped like a car), and put Super Why on the little television-- all things I have done before, mind you!-- and he sat there like a little angel the whole time. He didn't shed ONE TEAR! The sweet woman cutting his hair probably thought I was crazy because I took approximately one thousand pictures of him being cute and happy. I also kept squealing about how proud I was. I probably needed an intervention of sorts.

Oh, he was the SWEETEST. As a reward, we walked over to Panera where we picked up some lunch to go. The baby deserved a macaroni and cheese and boy, did he enjoy it! His mother also might have enjoyed a few bites in addition to her soup and panini. Maybe. Buddy man knows a good thing when he tastes it! What do they put in that macaroni anyway? SO GOOD and only about 1,324 calories per bite.

I was able to both relax and get some things done around the house during nap time. Those are my second favorite kinds of nap time. My first favorite is when I actually get to nap as well. There was no time for that today! After Griffin's nap, we went to a park a few blocks away that we've never actually been to. That's kind of shameful. It's not a huge park, but Griffin LOVED it. I loved it because he had so much fun. There were lots of places to play and lots of room to run. We will definitely be back soon! I just can't believe my baby is old enough to play (assisted) on playground equipment. SO SAD. But how funny is he on that dinosaur?? This picture makes me laugh!

Tonight was taco night and then my sweet husband sent me for a manicure since I was on sick Mom duty for three days this week. Good man. I now have a pretty fall color and I'm ready for the weekend! Oh, and since I know you're all wondering, my ear is feeling a little better today. Praise be to God. Maybe I'll wake up feeling 100% tomorrow!

Can't wait for Parks and Rec tonight! TREAT YOSELF. Best show on television. Happy Thursday!

Previous 31 Days Posts

31 Days of Haney Life :: Day 1

31 Days of Haney Life :: Day 2

31 Days of Haney Life :: Day 3

 

31 Days of Haney Life :: Day 3

If you're unfamiliar with my 31 Days topic, please take a moment and visit this post.

It is October 3, 2012 and Griffin is 18 months old.

Today is going to be a short and sweet post. We had a busy day and were out the door by 9 am. Griffin looked so dapper today in his SheShe Made today. I'm sad because his tractor jon jon is just on the verge of being too small! This isn't the best picture, but when the child is constantly on the move, it's hard to get a clear shot.

We managed to get to story time at the library this morning, which is always so much fun! Griffin loves playing the bells during song time and really gets into it. Maybe he'll play percussion someday! The boy does have some enthusiasm. We're not sure where he gets it. We usually see an old work friend of mine with her daughter at story time, who is a few months younger than Griffin. We had a great time playing with them after the story and are going to see them for a park play date on Friday morning.

When we got home this afternoon, the best surprise was waiting for Griffin-- DADA! That's Griffin's preferred name for Tyler, not mine. I hadn't mentioned this, but T was in Orlando for three days for work. He stayed right outside of Disney, lucky dog. I wish we could've gone with him, but it was a short notice trip, plus I got sick and I wasn't about to take Griffin to Disney World without his dad! I'm so glad Tyler is home. Griffin had a little bit of a rough day today. He was just sort of fussy and ornery. But he sure perked up the moment he saw his daddy! They are best buds.

Tonight, I'm off to my women's group for church. I love this group of women and look forward to meeting with them every month! This warm steak salad just came out from under the broiler. It's one of our very favorite meals, thanks to Kate! Make it soon; you won't be sad about it.

Happy Wednesday, y'all!

Previous 31 Days Posts

31 Days of Haney Life :: Day 1

31 Days of Haney Life :: Day 2

 

31 Days of Haney Life :: Day 2

If you're unfamiliar with my 31 Days topic, please take a moment and visit this post.

Today is October 2, 2012 and Griffin is 18 months old.

I'm going to admit it right up front. Today we stayed in our pajamas all day long. I don't remember the last time we did that and it was glorious! It was a rainy, gloomy day and it felt good to just do nothing outside the house. We had a lot of fun and were super comfy all day. Griffin didn't seem to mind one bit! I started my day with one of my favorite mugs. When we were first married, we really didn't have many coffee mugs, so my parents gave us a few of their old ones. This one always makes me smile because not only does it remind me of my mom and dad, but it is so encouraging! Ha! How can you have a bad day when you're using this mug for your coffee (and pumpkin creamer)?

Griffin and I hung out on the couch while I drank my coffee and we watched his very favorite show, Super Why. I've finally found a television show that he likes. Nothing else keeps his attention, and even Super Why only engages him for about 10 minutes. But I will take those 10 minutes! I knew he was done with old Super Why when he started biting my shirt. It actually made me laugh SO hard until he caught my skin with one bite. At least it took my mind off the pain in my ear for a moment!

We played and played ALL day long. It was so fun. I let the chores go and just hung out with my boy. He rewarded his mother by taking a 2.5 hour nap which is highly abnormal. I'm saying that so that I don't jinx myself. I rewarded myself by relaxing on the couch and being sad about my ear infection. Somebody get me a violin, geez.

That was the gist of our day! We read, we laughed a lot, and we played. He was in a goofy, silly mood today and made me crack up multiple times today. He's such a funny little guy and a great dancer. I had Dancing with the Stars on in the background this morning, and when Melissa and Tony danced, he stopped and just boogied down. When their dance was finished, he kept signing, "more, more!" I rewinded it so many times, but it was totally worth it. He was just full of delight today. I think he's relieved to be feeling so much better after being sick last week.

There are two extra sweet things he's been doing lately. I realize that no one probably cares about these but me and the grandparents, so bear with me. My favorite things he's said lately are turkey, turtle, and Tokyo. He says Tokyo because that's where his Papa is right now. He enunciates his T's so clearly and they are SO sweet. I'll try to get a video.

He's also been saying "AAAAAAMEN" at the end of every prayer. He always wants to hold hands when we pray for meals and he has begun saying "AAAAAMEN" before Tyler or I can say it at the end of the prayer, but totally at the appropriate time. Such a sweet little smart guy. I love when he says it!

Now my little critter is in bed, and I'm about to pull dinner out of the oven. On the menu for tonight are individual margherita pizzas! Here they are before I put them in the oven.

Here's how I make them: I spread pesto (I actually made and froze this pesto from basil I grew this summer!) on a fresh (not frozen) whole wheat naan from Trader Joe's. I layer thinly sliced mozzarella and thinly sliced tomatoes on top. Then I sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Bake them for 10-15 minutes on 425 and you've got a delicious dinner! This is one of my favorites, especially with fresh pesto. YUM.

I'm thankful for a quiet, easy day with my small one. They aren't too common around these parts, so I'm glad when they come. Happy Tuesday!

Previous 31 Days Posts

31 Days of Haney Life :: Day 1

31 Days of Haney Life :: Day 1

If you're unfamiliar with my 31 Days topic, please take a moment and visit this post.

Today is October 1, 2012 and Griffin is 18 months old.

Yesterday, I came down with a nasty virus and ear infection, complete with a fever. I visited urgent care in the morning which was a huge mistake. They gave me two different kinds of drops that didn't help at all-- they made my ear 10 times worse. I will never go to urgent care again. I don't even care if I'm dying, for real. The only redeeming quality was that they gave me a carnation when I left. That was nice and yes, I'm serious. A carnation. So weird.

My sweet mother-in-law knew I would need some help with Griffin early this week since I was so sick yesterday, so after spending a weekend in Chicago, she hopped in her car last night and drove 4 hours to be here. She left this afternoon since I'm feeling better and my fever is gone, but I can't express how thankful I am for her. She blessed me so much today and Griffin wanted nothing to do with me because his beloved Nana was around. It was nice to have another day to recover.

Since Nana was here, I went to see my doctor this morning (again, urgent care, huge waste of time and money), and they gave me the prescription I had the last time I had an ear infection (this summer). The nurse also told me that if I get another one, they will probably refer me to an ENT for possible tubes. Am I a 9 month old? Seriously. I never had ear infections as a child, but I will tell you-- my ear HURTS like a mother. It's been plugged all day and the whole right side of my head aches. I feel so badly for all the poor babies who get these on a regular basis.

On the way home, I was able to hit up Starbucks and Trader Joe's ALONE. The angels were singing. Any time I get to run mundane errands alone, it thrills me, since I usually have my sidekick. Don't get me wrong, I couldn't love my baby more, but I do think it's important for moms to get alone time. I get so jealous of my friend's who have moms and mother-in-laws who take their children for entire days. I can't even imagine what that's like!

Anyway, I came home to the happiest toddler with the happiest Nana. He made us laugh so hard when he ran over to our basket of blankets and climbed up to go "na-night".

Yes, my child stayed in his pajamas until (and after) his bath today, and yes, those are Elmo pajamas. I always said I would rather die than dress my child in character clothing, but when said child loves "MEMO", you start to rethink things you said you'd never do.

Griffin and I napped at the same time (I actually napped longer) and after naps, I took a quick run to Target for diapers. I saw on the news this afternoon that there might be a diaper shortage, so I wanted to be prepared. Ain't no one wearing cloth diapers in this house! I came home and gave Griffin a bath before Nana went home. We miss her already!

This evening, my college bestie came over to watch Griffin while our small group had a little outing. It was so fun to get out and spend a little time with our small group. It's been awhile since Tyler and I alternate weeks so the other can stay home with G. I'm so thankful for our friends who come to the house to watch Griffin when we need to get out from time to time. That's the biggest blessing you can give someone who doesn't live close to any family!

When I came home, I opened the refrigerator to find this waiting on top of the freezer drawer.

Those are two dominoes that Griffin found this morning and carried around for a good portion of the day. He must've slid them into the crack between the fridge and the freezer when no one was watching. It made me smile. I love going around the house at night and seeing little reminders of my boy. I'm so thankful for him, even on the days where I don't feel the best. He is my sunshine!

31 Days of Haney Life

I remember last year when Nester did her 31 Days series. I remember thining that I didn't have any skills good enough to blog about for 31 days. A year later, I still think the same thing. I'm not a great runner, I like to cook but don't really have enough original recipes or tips to blog about for 31 days, I'm not a photographer, etc. You get the idea! I didn't think I was an "expert" or even knowledgeable enough to blog about any specific topic for a month straight.

But this year, I realized something. I am an expert at something-- being a real wife and a real mom. I can tell you in full detail that sometimes I have great days as a wife and a mom where I am ON IT. The house is clean, my quiet time is great, my tasks are all completed, I make a delicious meal, and my child eats and sleeps well. My husband and I are really in sync, too. Then I can tell you that (more often than not), I have rough days. My house is a mess, I snap at Griffin and Tyler, we eat late because I just can't get it together, and my quiet time gets pushed to the next day's to-do list. Those days are a lot more common than the afore mentioned perfect day.

That, my friends, is our real life. My pastor recently said something in his sermon about social media. He said that so often than not, we post the glamorous things, the perfect things. We're sure to post pictures and tweets when we're making fresh bread or have prepared a delicious meal. When our child is dressed to the nines and our house is tidy. Rarely do we post pictures of the frozen pizza that we overcooked or our trashed living rooms. My friend, Megan (who also made my 31 Days button, THANKS GIRL) said something a month or so ago that hs resonated with me so deeply since. She said, "Don't judge your life by someone else's highlight reel." That is so true and hard to do when we're constantly bombarded with blogs, tweets, Instagrams, and Facebook pictures and statuses of everyone's "highlight" reel, if you will.

So, it's my goal to take the next 31 days and not only get back to blogging, but show you what our real life looks like. Obviously, I won't disclose everything, but I hope to paint a realistic picture of what our daily life looks like, the good and the bad! Maybe it'll simply serve as a reminder to me in a few years of what life looked like for us right now, but maybe it'll also encourage another young wife and mom who is both stumbling and sailing through a beautiful life one day at a time.