All In Good Fun

First, a little background. I grew up in and out of the Mormon church. When I was in high school and most likely junior high as well, I pretty much thought I was in love with every missionary that passed through our ward. I always looked forward to the one day a month when they came over for dinner. Well, actually we had to take them out to dinner because they weren't allowed in our home (re: no men lived there). We usually took them to Pizza Hut and then out for an ice cream because Dairy Queen was right next door. I remember having a pizza eating contest with Elder Mulder when I was 15 or 16. The scales were tipped in my favor because he had to eat two for every one of my slices. I don't recall how many slices each of us had, but we ended up "tied" by the time the pizza boxes were empty. Knowing neither of us would be satisfied with a tie, my Mom decided that whoever could eat their ice cream cone the fastest would win. You guys, I like to win. As soon as she said "GO" I shoved that entire vanilla ice cream cone down my throat. I am not even kidding. I'm sure you can guess that I had a serious ice cream headache after that, but it was totally worth it.

 Anyway, we also used to beep and wave any time we saw them bicycling around town. We tried to keep the cat calls and whistling to a minimum, of course. The funny thing is, I actually still do that to this day. Even when the hubby is driving, I will reach over him and beep to get their attention and I frantically wave at them like a little kid. They usually look at me like I'm a weirdo, but they always wave back!

Well, that was a lot more background than you bargained for, but here's the conversation I was getting at:

Me: Remember when we used to beep at the Missionaries?!

Mom: Yes!

Me: I totally still do that!

Mom: That doesn't surprise me.

Kerri: I should do that! I see them all the time because they live in my apartment complex!

Me: Ohhh, you should flash them instead!

Kerri: No way!

Me: Yes! They would totally fall off their bikes.

Kerri: They would burst into flames!

Mom: No, YOU would bust into flames!

Me: (after the laughter dies down) We're all going straight to hell...

In Comparison

When you're pregnant everyone tells you to enjoy them while they're young. I heard the same line over and over again. You know the one... "They grow up so fast!"

Well, hells bells, they weren't kidding!

Haeden 2009:

Haeden 2010

 

Incredible, right? I can't get over the fact that he is starting to really look like a little boy instead of a baby. It's a surefire way to kick that baby fever into overdrive, too!

I also can't believe hubby actually got some shots of him looking at the camera. Haeden was so busy watching the other kids and/ or picking up and throwing pumpkins that we couldn't get him to sit still for more than two seconds. When we first arrived we sat him down amongst the pumpkins to try and recreate one of the shots from last year. He didn't sit there for very long or even smile for the camera even though I was jumping up and down behind Dan like a freaking lunatic trying to get him to laugh. I also fake gagged myself trying to get him to smile. Oh, the things we do for our children. What he did do was get up and walk around the place like he owned it, picking up smaller pumpkins and then throwing them back down like they were bouncy balls. He would also periodically announce, "I sit!" when he found an empty spot between pumpkins. And if he couldn't find an empty spot, he would just try and sit on top of the pumpkins themselves. Too bad there aren't any pictures of that!

Steppin Out... Late Again!

Last week I "stepped out" with Mandy... well, not really with Mandy, but maybe in spirit? Yeah, lets go with that. Anyway, my debut was four days late and this week I'm two days ahead of that.  Still late, yes, but it's progress!

I fully intended on getting in on the photo action that occurred on Saturday while we were picking out our pumpkins, however, someone was not about to let me steal his spotlight. Oh, no. I tried multiple times to stick my head in there and say "cheese" but he immediately started to throw a fit. Normally this wouldn't really phase me. I don't mind posting a picture with him in full tantrum mode as long as I look cute... but we were in public, and also at a church, so I decided to let it be.

Yesterday hubby and I took the day off of work and had a mid-day date. It was all kinds of awesome. I don't think I have ever been to the movie theater in the morning on a weekday, and I really recommend it. We saw "Red". Classic beat 'em up, shoot 'em up, kill 'em up kind of movie with a good amount of comedy and a hint of romance all rolled into one. Something for everyone!  After that we grabbed some pizza and took a walk on the pier. This is what I wore:

T- Shirt - Maybe not the most stylish item of clothing, but I was representin' a wonderful cause. Check it out!

Jeans - Skinny. Target.
Shoes - My favorites. Love the flower! LOVE! Famous Footwear.
Bag - Freebie from Maurice's. I really like animal print, and yet this is the only thing I have!
Sunglasses - Old Navy clearance. Smudges and scratches courtesy of Haeden.

Steppin Out Saturday... or Wednesday

So, I'm totally late to this party, but better late than never, right?! The par-tay, started by Mandy over at The Haps, is a fun little weekly bloggy get-together that gives me an excuse to make the hubby take pictures of me and Haeden. Gotta love it! And even though I'm late this week and Haeden was totally not cooperating last night, I'm hoping to make this a regular thang.

Also, Mandy says there are no rules, so even if you are sans kiddo or still in your jammies (bed head is totally hot, right?!), link it on up cause it's just plain fun!



Grumpster Haeden (new molars = sourpuss face):

Shirt - Children's Place, I loved striped shirts for boys!
Jeans - Children's Place, hand-me-downs
Shoes - Target ( These are not cute, however, they are easy and if he wears regular shoes to daycare I never see his socks again...)

Me:

Dress: Dress Barn, terrible name for a store, yes, but cute clothes nonetheless!
Shirt: Target
Tights: Target
Headband: Belk
Boots: JC Penney

18 / 81

Sunday was Haeden's half-birthday and his Oma's (great grandma) actual birthday. What's even more fun is that Haeden is now 18 months-old and Grandma is 81! And a very young 81 at that! When she is not busy tripping over baby gates and breaking her wrist, you can find her out and about shopping, churchgoing, kicking middle-aged ass on the tennis courts and/or jamming ever so reverently on the piano/organ. Also, don't be alarmed if you see her yelling at the TV when anything political or sports-related is on or furiously beeping her horn at you when the light has been green for a millisecond or two. That's just how she rolls...

These two need a current photo shoot...

As for the half-birthday boy, he hasn't exactly been sitting around twiddling his thumbs (can you imagine?) over the past month. Oh no. He is a busy little bee, always buzzing from room to room, this book to that book, my arms to daddy's arms. He does not, cannot, sit still. Ever. And yes, I am about to get terribly cliche and ask you all where the hell does the time go?! I still cannot get over the fact that he is growing up so fast.  One year ago he was this sweet little roley poly:

Picture perfect!

And now, he's a running, jumping, card-carrying toddler! And a total mischievous little stinker at that! I don't even know where he gets that part from.  Whaaat, I don't?!

Still want to eat him up...

Anyway, in honor of  Haeden's half-birthday, I've made a little listy-poo of 18 things he's been up to or into over the last month:

1. Random hugs. I'm doing dishes or laundry or cleaning up after Haeden (hello OCD!) and suddenly I have  a little munchkin attached to my legs. He gives me a tight squeeze and then runs back into the other room to play. And then I melt.
2. Jumping off the ottoman like some kind of super-hero. Ready or not, here he comes!
3. Hitting his head against the wall so that he can get kisses for his "boo boo".
4. Sometimes he puts his hand on my cheek when I'm holding him. Again, I melt.
5. Looking for attention from strangers in stores/restaurants, he will squeal when people walk by and then stare at them hoping they'll respond.
6. Peek-a-boo. So freaking cute. It never gets old.
7. Crayons. Especially the way they taste.
8. Throat talking. This is what Daddy calls it. I don't know how to explain it other than to say that he tends to mimic sounds and tones instead of words. Instead of saying "thank you" he just makes the sound and it seems like it comes from his throat.
9. Very recently and most likely picked up from "school", he goes limp when he doesn't get his way. If I'm next to him and tell him no when he tries to grab something he can't have, he will sit down on my lap and then go limp and slowly slide off. SO hard to keep a straight face!
10. Big brothers, D & P, clap their hands together quickly and also on their thighs and Haeden tries to imitate them by slapping his hands on the floor because he pretty much misses his thighs altogether. It is hilarious. I have video, but not the ten years it takes to upload it. You'll have to use your imagination for now...
11. He gags himself. I don't know why and it freaks me out. He thinks it's funny, of course.
12. "Uh oh" and "Yeah". His favorite words. He will repeat "uh oh" for an entire car ride home and also answer every question with "yeah!".
13. Hugs and kisses. He is all about them. The hugs around the neck with a tight squeeze and the total open mouth kisses. Melted...
14. Takes a sip of juice/milk and immediately opens his mouth and lets it dribble right out. Not cute. My carpet has suffered immensely.
15. Repeating "doy, doy, doy, doy" everywhere. Not sure if this is a song or what, but it's funny!
16. Carrying around "buddy bear". This is the only thing he's really developed an attachment to other than his binky. It was given to us the day he was born and he has slept with it ever since.
17. Closing doors. He can't open many of them yet, but he would like to spend all day closing them. Except, since he can't open them he ends up stuck in the room all by himself.
18. Looooves bedtime. When I tell him it's bedtime he starts waving goodbye and runs to his room. Clearly, he is his mother's child!

This weekend we plan to head to the pumpkin patch and buy a potty. Stay tuned...

Fall Wreath

So, I really felt the yarn wreath was lacking a little something. Since it is the first thing I see when I come home each day (normally it is on the door), I knew I was going to have to do something about it. I decided to create a few more paper flowers and combined those with some felt flowers I had laying around.  I also made a little lunchtime trip to Hobby Lobby on Friday and picked up some deeply discounted... thingy. Garland? I don't actually know what these things are called, but it sure did add some much needed flair.

I'm pretty happy with it at the moment and look forward to trying my hand at another color scheme for Christmas. I'm going to have to order some wool felt for the flowers not only because it's much nicer to work with, but it comes in colors that aren't quite so in your face bright!  Can't wait!

Just Sayin'

I don't care how many servings of fruit and vegetables it has or how good it may taste, this stuff smells like cat pee.

Singulair/ Cingular

This was too funny not to share! Recent email conversation with my Mom:


Me: $40 for freaking one month of Singulair!


Mom: Yeah, but they have their problems, too.


Me: What?


Mom: Area coverage and dropping calls.


Me: What are you talking about?!


Mom: What are you talking about?!


Me: Haeden’s prescription. Singulair!


Mom: OMG- I need to go see somebody

Sorta, Kinda Fall

Fall is officially upon us! Well, technically speaking anyway. It was still a balmy eighty degrees this weekend, but there was a breeze! Saturday we actually had the door open all day long and no AC and it was glooorious! I always look forward to this time of the year, and I hope it lasts a while. Around these parts, fall is like a game of cat and mouse. I excitedly prepare for it as soon as the end of September rolls around; decorate the house and pull out the knee-high boots, thick tights and sweaters. But just as quickly as a cool day comes, it is gone in an instant. A chilly morning is replaced by a sweltering afternoon. You just never really know what you're going to get!

But no matter what the weather is like, decorating for fall is a must. Okay, well, it is from now on. Admittedly I haven't done a whole lot of it in the past, but as soon as I entered motherhood my inner wannabe-crafter was awakened. I'm still a beginner though, so when you compare what I've made to the pictures from the link with directions, try to stifle your laughter, please.

Behold! My fall yarn wreath. I first saw this on a blog I frequent and couldn't wait to make one of my own. Here's what I learned in the process:

1. Yarn is more expensive than I thought. Bummer.

2. Foam wreaths are kind of hard to find this time of the year. Apparently everyone and their mother wants to make their own?

3. This requires some patience. Patience is no virtue of mine. Might be why it pales in comparison to Amy's.

All of the stores are having 50% and more sales on all of their fall accessories. It's almost Halloween and clearly that means they have to make room for their Christmas decor. It's insane and a little irritating to walk down an aisle of stockings and ornaments the first week of October, but hey, if that means that I am getting this adorable pumpkin for less than ten bucks?! I'm all for it. 

We usually have a cute bowl sitting in the middle of the dining room table. I like it, but usually you cannot even see it because it has become the inevitable catch-all of mail, receipts, pens, etc. The only time it ever really gets moved is during the Christmas season, or when Dan buys me flowers. So, basically two or three times a year (just kidding, babe!). I originally wanted to find some ceramic pumpkins and gourds and just spray paint them a glossy white, a la Young House Love style, but I don't really have the time to go on a bargain hunt for them. What I did have time for was picking up the real thing, along with a good sized pumpkin, while grocery shopping. I do love to be efficient!  And I'm all about bringing the outdoors in with natural elements. We spruced up the arrangement with some faux fall leaves we scored for a dollar on a recent trip to JoAnn's Fabrics. Woot!

We had some extra leaves left over and went ahead and decorated the shelf behind the dining room table. I especially like the way they look in the vintage hurricane lamps. I also broke out the cricut and made the "Autumn" sign. The crappy picture doesn't do it justice, but I love it. The letters are cut out of a brown paper with little orange and yellow flowers. Anytime I can work some girlie flowers into the decor, I'm a happy girl! 

Well, other than the pumpkin pillow on the couch and Haeden's skeleton jammies, that about does it for us! Now to just sit back and wait for Mother Nature to tease us with some more autumn-ish weather...

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine (Hi, Crystal!) asked me to watch a documentary called "Invisible Children". She then told me that she wanted to have a screening to help raise money for the organization that not only made the documentary, but continues to fund, educate and build schools for the children in Northern Uganda. Invisible Children also strives to bring political and social awareness to this 24-year war that continues to wage on.

Here is a little more information (which I stole from Crystal's email):

"Invisible Children: Rough Cut" is a documentary that was filmed in 2003 by three aspiring film makers in their twenties who ventured to Africa to find a story. What they found was shocking and terrifying. The war in Africa had forced families out of their homes in fear for their lives. This, in itself, is something that we, as Americans, can't really often wrap our heads around, but the ones who suffer most are the children. In Northern Uganda, children were being abducted by rebel soldiers and trained to become soldiers themselves. Children as young as six years old were being stolen from their families and trained to KILL.


The organization (www.invisiblechildren.com) was formed to stop this from happening. In recent years, since its inception, Invisible Children has made great strides to save these children and to educate, not only THEM, but US and it is an organization that I stand firmly behind and hope that you will too.
"Go" is a film which documents a group of young American students who get to visit Northern Uganda and meet with some of the child soldiers who were able to escape the rebels and hear their stories of war. I have had the opportunity to host a screening of this film and see it for the first time (hopefully along with all of you) on October 24th at 5pm and meet two Ugandan women who want to share their stories with us."


I hope my friends and family will join me for the FREE screening. If you cannot attend, I urge you to spread the word about not only the event, but the cause itself. You can log onto their website invisiblechildren.com for more information, or if you're interested, get your own copy of the documentary. I must warn you though, you won't get through it without being inspired to DO something. Also, you will cry. A lot.