It was a gorgeous day! Gracie and I met Ashley and Austin for some playtime at the park, followed by a wagon ride! Lots of fun!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Day 242...(Tuesday)
While we were away last weekend, something very special arrived in the mail...It came addressed to me, but as is true with most of the things I purchase, it is meant for the little person in my life. Can I just say that I love, love, love getting fun, pretty, and exciting things in the mail?? As I opened the box, I drew Gracie in with the excitement in my voice and the smile on my face. She leaned over to peek inside as I pulled out THIS:
I never knew that a little colorful tulle could bring so much happiness. Perhaps it's how I envision the future use of this gorgeous tutu that leaves me dancing around the room. This is Gracie's custom made birthday tutu (insert HUGE smile here)! I ordered it for her 2 year old portraits in May. I knew it would be cute, and I knew I would love it, but I never could have predicted Gracie's reaction...
The first time I attempted to have her try it on, she refused. I put it away until this morning. When I showed it to her today, she requested that she put it on. I helped her step into the tutu and pulled it up to her waist. First of all, it fits perfectly! Then I watched a smile spread across the face of my almost two year old daughter. She ran her little hands across the fluffy material and started to slowly twirl around in place. She then turned to our dog, who was standing by, and said, "Look, BB!" Long story short, I couldn't get her to take the tutu off...She bounced across the room to play with her toys. :) Once she did take it off, I had to hide it in my closet. I'm going to try to get some pictures of her wearing it to share here. Her photo session isn't until the end of May, and now I just don't know if I can put it away until then!
I never knew that a little colorful tulle could bring so much happiness. Perhaps it's how I envision the future use of this gorgeous tutu that leaves me dancing around the room. This is Gracie's custom made birthday tutu (insert HUGE smile here)! I ordered it for her 2 year old portraits in May. I knew it would be cute, and I knew I would love it, but I never could have predicted Gracie's reaction...
The first time I attempted to have her try it on, she refused. I put it away until this morning. When I showed it to her today, she requested that she put it on. I helped her step into the tutu and pulled it up to her waist. First of all, it fits perfectly! Then I watched a smile spread across the face of my almost two year old daughter. She ran her little hands across the fluffy material and started to slowly twirl around in place. She then turned to our dog, who was standing by, and said, "Look, BB!" Long story short, I couldn't get her to take the tutu off...She bounced across the room to play with her toys. :) Once she did take it off, I had to hide it in my closet. I'm going to try to get some pictures of her wearing it to share here. Her photo session isn't until the end of May, and now I just don't know if I can put it away until then!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Days 238-241...
Gracie and I spent this past weekend in Maryland. We joined my mom and step-dad, also known as Grandpa and Nana, and went to visit my grandparents. We had a wonderful time and Gracie did well (or as well as you can expect a 2 year old to do!) during the 7 hour drive to and from their home. We arrived late Friday night, and had both Saturday and Sunday to chat and eat delicious meals! (My grandmother has published her very own cookbook and she is amazing in the kitchen!)
Gracie was also able to do lots of special things. She spent most of her time exploring and learning all about the many clocks that chime throughout my grandmother's home. She also took time to check on her flowers, search for deer (we never saw any, which may be a first for me!), and dance around the living room to Susan Boyle. In addition, we had a tea party on Sunday afternoon. This was Gracie's first "real" tea party, and she used a "real" china tea cup, as opposed to the plastic toy cup we usually use! It may have been the shortest tea party I have ever attended, but if you had a chance to read this post, you know how special it really was.
I've added lots of pictures from the weekend!
Gracie was also able to do lots of special things. She spent most of her time exploring and learning all about the many clocks that chime throughout my grandmother's home. She also took time to check on her flowers, search for deer (we never saw any, which may be a first for me!), and dance around the living room to Susan Boyle. In addition, we had a tea party on Sunday afternoon. This was Gracie's first "real" tea party, and she used a "real" china tea cup, as opposed to the plastic toy cup we usually use! It may have been the shortest tea party I have ever attended, but if you had a chance to read this post, you know how special it really was.
I've added lots of pictures from the weekend!
(This is the same tea cup I always chose to use as a little girl.)
This past weekend was also my mom's birthday weekend! We had a wonderful time celebrating with her!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Day 237...Just for the Joy of it!
Just for the JOY of it, I'm sharing a few more photos from yesterday!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Where was God?
I attended church last night with my sister and some of my wonderful girlfriends. We joined a large group of women for our monthly God Encounters meeting. God Encounters is a program for women of all ages, and I love being a part of the uplifting stories and upbeat music. I also enjoy listening to the speakers who take time to stand before us, sharing their wisdom about life, faith, and God. I always take something away from these meetings, and love them even more because I'm sharing the experience with close friends, and as of last night, family.
Last night, workshops were offered. We had a page long list to choose from, and it was difficult to narrow it down to the best fit for us. There were counselors, doctors, and others ready to share with us, answer questions, and give us insight into our topic of choice. We chose: A Girlfriend's Guide to Stress: Too Much Stress...Too Little Time! I think this is a topic that most women can relate to!
Our speaker talked about stress in general and asked us to look at ourselves and how we deal with the stressors in our lives. What causes stress? What are the physiological effects of stress? What steps do we take to minimize stress? It was interesting to see a list of reactions to stress and be able to point out exactly what applies to me!
Our speaker, who is also a counselor specializing in work with children and teens, asked us to make a list of our responsibilities for the next day. She then asked us to rank them according to what was most important and would lead to consequences if left undone. My "to-do" list consisted mostly of Gracie's needs and household chores.
After some group discussion, one woman shared that she absolutely must start her day by reading the Bible. Another agreed with her and simply stated that when you start your day with God as your first priority, the rest takes care of itself...
I looked down at my list.
Where was God?
On the ride home, my sister and I talked about what we had heard. We decided that we have been so busy with the little ones, the husbands, the chores, that we fall short of our responsibility to God. He deserves our praise for the amazing blessings he's given us, he deserves 5 minutes of our time, and we will better mothers, wives, and chore completers for it!
Here's what we decided: We'll take turns choosing a verse for each day of the week. We'll call each other (or at least text or email) during a moment of "down time" to share our verse of choice and discuss how it applies to us that day. We'll continue to lean on each other during times of stress, always being an outlet for the other to vent those daily frustrations, and we will remind each other that the best foundation for our day is God.
I wanted to share our first verse:
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time. Ephesians 5:15, 16
The part of the verse in bold is also the part of the verse that stands out to me the most. I don't look at this verse and think of all the ways I can cram the never ending housework into my day. I look at it as God's reminder that my little one will not be so little for much longer, and if the dishes sit in the sink or the laundry piles up, then that's just what will have to happen. I am going to make the most of my time with my daughter, my family, my friends, and I know that I will one day look back with no regrets of how I spent my days.
Last night, workshops were offered. We had a page long list to choose from, and it was difficult to narrow it down to the best fit for us. There were counselors, doctors, and others ready to share with us, answer questions, and give us insight into our topic of choice. We chose: A Girlfriend's Guide to Stress: Too Much Stress...Too Little Time! I think this is a topic that most women can relate to!
Our speaker talked about stress in general and asked us to look at ourselves and how we deal with the stressors in our lives. What causes stress? What are the physiological effects of stress? What steps do we take to minimize stress? It was interesting to see a list of reactions to stress and be able to point out exactly what applies to me!
Our speaker, who is also a counselor specializing in work with children and teens, asked us to make a list of our responsibilities for the next day. She then asked us to rank them according to what was most important and would lead to consequences if left undone. My "to-do" list consisted mostly of Gracie's needs and household chores.
After some group discussion, one woman shared that she absolutely must start her day by reading the Bible. Another agreed with her and simply stated that when you start your day with God as your first priority, the rest takes care of itself...
I looked down at my list.
Where was God?
On the ride home, my sister and I talked about what we had heard. We decided that we have been so busy with the little ones, the husbands, the chores, that we fall short of our responsibility to God. He deserves our praise for the amazing blessings he's given us, he deserves 5 minutes of our time, and we will better mothers, wives, and chore completers for it!
Here's what we decided: We'll take turns choosing a verse for each day of the week. We'll call each other (or at least text or email) during a moment of "down time" to share our verse of choice and discuss how it applies to us that day. We'll continue to lean on each other during times of stress, always being an outlet for the other to vent those daily frustrations, and we will remind each other that the best foundation for our day is God.
I wanted to share our first verse:
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time. Ephesians 5:15, 16
The part of the verse in bold is also the part of the verse that stands out to me the most. I don't look at this verse and think of all the ways I can cram the never ending housework into my day. I look at it as God's reminder that my little one will not be so little for much longer, and if the dishes sit in the sink or the laundry piles up, then that's just what will have to happen. I am going to make the most of my time with my daughter, my family, my friends, and I know that I will one day look back with no regrets of how I spent my days.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Days 234 and 235...
When it comes to Mondays in our household, you just never know what you're going to get. Sean has a lecture and a lab on Monday evenings, so he heads to school right after work and doesn't get home until somewhere around 10:30, or later. Mondays are my long day of the week, and they seem to go back and forth between being really great days, or really trying ones. Yesterday was long, even though Sean didn't have to attend class and was able to do his work from home.
Gracie apparently has allergies. I've taken her to the doctor multiple times about her "cough" that just will not go away. Each time, I'm assured that her chest sounds great and her cough can be blamed on drainage from her sinuses. She's now on Zyrtec through the Spring. I have allergies myself, and they drive me crazy. I hate that Gracie has to deal with them now, too. She was in quite a "mood" yesterday, all day. She hasn't been sleeping well, at night or during naps, so she's been just a bit more clingy and not quite her usual, pleasant self.
Even when she's as ill as a hornet, this little girl has moments where her sweet side shines through. Just when I think I'm going to lose my mind, I get a precious kiss or hug that makes those frustrations melt away. She's good, that little Grace. She knows just how to get to me.
Gracie apparently has allergies. I've taken her to the doctor multiple times about her "cough" that just will not go away. Each time, I'm assured that her chest sounds great and her cough can be blamed on drainage from her sinuses. She's now on Zyrtec through the Spring. I have allergies myself, and they drive me crazy. I hate that Gracie has to deal with them now, too. She was in quite a "mood" yesterday, all day. She hasn't been sleeping well, at night or during naps, so she's been just a bit more clingy and not quite her usual, pleasant self.
Even when she's as ill as a hornet, this little girl has moments where her sweet side shines through. Just when I think I'm going to lose my mind, I get a precious kiss or hug that makes those frustrations melt away. She's good, that little Grace. She knows just how to get to me.
(Snuggled up with her bunny rabbit book and her stuffed rabbit, which was given to her by her Granddaddy Bob when she was a tiny little thing.)
We've had a better day today. Gracie was up most of last night with that cough, but she seemed to finally settle and be able to sleep from about 4:00 this morning until 9:30. We got out of the house and ran some errands this morning, then went to lunch. She rested well this afternoon during her nap, so my fingers are crossed and I'm hoping we all sleep well tonight! :)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Tot School: In the Garden
Last week, Gracie and I celebrated the arrival of Spring with an "In the Garden" theme. Gracie has really enjoyed watching our flowers bloom and has had lots of fun playing outside as the weather begins to warm up. We also celebrated St. Patrick's Day last week! Our Tot School week was all about flowers, trees, growing grass, and other little green things. It was great getting back into a routine with crafts and activities, since our recent move and lingering sickness had me unmotivated for a couple of weeks.
(Our book of the week.)
Let's Grow Grass!
We have a few bare spots in our backyard that turn to a lovely, squishy mud when it rains. My husband went out and bought this grass-growing, paper mache-looking stuff that he put out over those spots in an effort to grow grass! Gracie wasn't sure what her dad was putting all over the yard, but she was very helpful during the watering step!
Gracie's Flowers
I thought it would be fun for Gracie to plant and water her very own flowers. We bought the pot and digging tool. She chose the flowers and helped transfer it to her pot. She's been watering it every day! :)
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
We celebrated Gracie's 2nd St. Patrick's Day with a little baking! As you can see, only one color of icing would do!
Gracie also colored a lovely picture of yellow daffodils, since these seem to be her favorite flowers growing in the front yard. She gave this to her Aunt Ashley to put on her refrigerator.
Both Gracie and I enjoyed getting back into Tot School! The next couple of weeks will be all about Easter!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Day 232...
Gracie loves finding, then watching, the planes as they pass over our house. She gets so excited when she hears them approaching. She'll stop whatever she's doing and start searching the sky. Sometimes they are flying so high, I can barely see them, but her eyes are locked, and her expression is one of pure awe at this object, that's not a bird, flying in the sky.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Day 231...Fabulous Friday
It was a gorgeous day! Sean took care of some work related things this morning and then joined us at home for the rest of the afternoon. It was wonderful! He grilled steaks for us this evening and we enjoyed eating outdoors. It was the perfect way to end what was seemingly a very long week!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Day 229...Happy St. Patrick's Day!
My "Happy Go Lucky" Girl :)
I took Gracie for a ride in her wagon this afternoon! It was the first time we've been able to get outside and use it. The weather was perfect and she loved it! She waved at our neighbors as we passed by. :)
Later this afternoon, Gracie helped me bake some St. Patrick's Day cupcakes! She loved the icing!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Day 228...A Year Ago Today...
...I was Mommy to a 9 month old beauty. She chose this 9th month to start pulling up in her crib, then on our baby gate, followed by everything else that she could get a grip on. This "pulling up" quickly turned into cruising, and I remember being so nervous as she made her way around the furniture for the first time.
It was during this month that her hair started to really grow...back. She was born with at least an inch of thick, dark hair. Almost all of it seemed to fall out, but it was replaced with a pretty auburn color that, as you know, has since turned mostly blonde.
She had already chosen those fingers over a pacifier, but a year ago she seemed to go for three, as opposed to the two that she loves so much now. :)
Lots has changed, from her appearance and abilities, to the place that we live. One thing, however, has remained the same. I love this little girl so very, very much! I could say it 100,000 times a day and it would never get close to expressing just how much.
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