I'm In Love...

...with my baby boy. This is one of my absolute favorite pictures of my little man. The lighting, the softness, the wonder in his eyes, the sense of calm and sheer childhood innocence permeate this photo...and my mind. He is just priceless!

The Happiest Place On Earth

On Friday we took our first family trip to Disneyland and it was so special! We went with our dear friends Harry, Shannon, Tre and Zeke Grove. The four of us adults commented on how different Disneyland is with kids in tow. The last time the four of us were there together we were all childless! There were no rides on Tower of Terror, Space Mountain or anything remotely fast or scary this time around, but we are all well acquainted with the Bug's Land now!

Nolan had so much fun and enjoyed just about everything--from the parade to the rides to the french fries. We were there for 9.5 hours and he napped all of 10 minutes in the stroller. Just like his Mommy, he didn't want to miss a thing! We learned that he prefers Mickey Mouse over Santa (see previous post for proof!) and are already looking forward to taking him back to see Mickey again.

Christmas Calamity

We took Nolan to see Santa Claus tonight. As we waited in line he seemed very interested and rather curious as to who / what this white bearded person / thing was! Nolan just started walking last week, and tonight he walked right up to jolly ol' Saint Nick with a big smile on his face. He touched Santa's leg and seemed genuinely happy...until I sat him on Santa's lap. Oh well!

What A Difference A Year Makes!

This Thanksgiving...

Last Thanksgiving...

Now THAT'S something to be THANKFUL for!!!

It's The Little Things...

...about being a Mommy that I love the most.

I love how Nolan smiles and hugs me tight first thing in the morning as I lift him out of his crib.

I love how he crawls to the front door at lightning speed when Daddy comes home from work.

I love how he delights in bath time and splashes me til I'm soaked.

...how he never tires of peek-a-boo.

... how he "reads" his books with such "big boy" concentration.

...how he idolizes his Grandma and Grandpa.

...how he sleeps 13 hours straight at night!!!

I could go on and on about my sweet boy...and some days I really, truly need to. On those difficult days--the days on end when Todd is out of town on business, the days when Nolan is inexplicably cranky, the days when I'm under the weather or just plain ol' cranky myself--I need to simply inhale deeply and reflect on the little person Nolan is. My sweet baby boy, my blessing.

Being a stay at home mom is no easy job and sometimes seems thankless. When I'm feeling frayed I need to stop, pray and then hug my baby tight. Every good thing comes at a price.

38 Years And Counting!



Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!  We love you!

 

I Will NOT Be One Of "Those Mothers" Who...

...wash their kids' mouths out with soap. Here's why...

Soap is indescribably pungent. It bites. It burns. It's "blechy," for lack of a better term. I inadvertantly washed my own mouth out with soap today as I attempted to start a load of laundry. As usual, I separated lights from darks, towels from delicates, and threw in my first load--lights, and lots of them. Since we've been out of detergent since Sunday there are mountains of laundry to tackle.

As all housewives know, new detergent jugs with the push dispenser on the bottom require that the lid on the top be slightly loosened to prevent suction. I loosened the lid ever so slightly (or so I thought), and then proceeded to lift the jug to the top of my stackable washer / dryer unit. Just before I set the jug down the lid popped off and detergent poured from the nozzle, splashing all over my face and filling my mouth. Then it streamed down my neck, into my v-neck sweater, onto my pants...and puddled on the floor. I was the human rock face to the detergent waterfall!

Gagging , foaming and spitting I guzzled down four glasses of water and then threw my soapy clothes into the wash. Nolan stared and laughed.

Well, the Lord certainly has a sense of humor. Recently it's been heavy on my heart that I watch my mouth. Gossip, sarcasm and exaggeration have been issues that I find myself struggling with, over and over again. I've been praying that I'd realize when I need "a tongue check." Apparently the Lord thought I needed one today. "Cleanse me with hyssop, (or Tide?) and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow." ~ Psalm 51:7

It's Finally Fall

Living in Southern California there's little distinction between seasons, so when there's a hint of "true seasonal weather" I'm all over it like white on rice. Today finally felt like fall. Not just in the morning with the low clouds, but all day long. Nolan and I snuggled in our sweats. There was no need to turn on the air conditioner. I even pulled out my favorite blanket to cuddle up with on the couch. But more than the cool air and the crisp breeze, fall, to me, is synonymous with comfort foods. Particularly of the baked variety. Mmmmm...muffins, cookies, breads. Soups, potatoes, anything and everything pertaining to the crock-pot variety. Hot chocolate, maybe even a mocha at Starbucks.

I could sense that fall was in the air this weekend when I had an overwhelming desire to make a big ol' pot of soup. My urge to cook is at its height when fall arrives. The apple-cranberry-pecan bread I just pulled out of the oven smells divine. Fall is here. Not necessarily "in its glory" where fall's vibrant colors are displayed back east or in the northwest, but it's here "California style." My kitchen has confirmed it.

Proud As A Peacock!

Indulge me...I'm having fun here! I must admit that I'm pretty impressed with myself, getting this thing off the ground. And it looks OK, too! Here are a few pictures of our li'l pumpkin at the pumpkin patch yesterday.

Our First Blog Entry Ever!

Considering I am married to the "techiest of the techies" you'd think we would have created a blog by now. Alas, not so! This first attempt is truly a test. Please bear with me! As time passes I hope to become "blog savvy"...or at the very least "blog able." Til then...hold on to your hats boys and girls, it's gonna be a wild ride!