Good Night, Sweetheart

I came across this website and I thought to myself, "How fun!". I'm always looking for tips and tricks to help my photos look better or, at the very least, like they weren't taken by a five year old. (Truth be told, I've actually seen pictures taken by a five year old that are better than some of the ones I take.)

Every week they have a different theme and it just so happens this week's theme is "Good night". What says good night to you?

So, here's my confession. This picture was taken way back. As in May of 2009. That's right, math wizards, my little guy wasn't even one then. Back in those days of yore, bath time did say good night. It was a relaxing ritual that calmed my sweet child and relaxed him into a state where he would be easily lulled to a sweet slumber.

Nowadays? Well, bath time is a time that energizes him and soaks me. We now do baths in the morning. Seriously, I don't know when this changed, but it did. Oh, it most certainly did. Not complaining, really. We're a morning bunch around here anyway.

But, I digress. The challenge is to submit a photo SOOC (straight out of the camera). As in-no editing prior to posting. Then, they post editing tips and techniques. I learn from them. And then, BOOM! Friday, I repost the edited masterpiece. That's how it's supposed to work, anyway. I'm game.

I would have posted a picture that speaks of our good night routine now, but I just found this site and this is the last day to get in on the action, so this is what we're working with this week. Next week, I vow to be better prepared.

I feel compelled to tell you I did resize the picture. There's no way it would have loaded without a resize. 

Want to learn all the cool tips and tricks with me? Check out their site!

Ten on Tuesday

1. I just wanted you to know that you're now reading an international blog. That's right. According to the stats, this little blog has been visited in the US, Canada, Greece, Netherlands, Australia, UK, Italy, Singapore, Mexico, and Argentina. Oh yeah, we're big time now. Not really. But, to all the visitors: Welcome, kalos ilthate, welkom, wolkom, G'day Mate, benvenute, 欢迎, Bienvenidos! And a special shoutout to the Newfoundlanders: How ya gettin' on! 
2. If any of the above translations are incorrect a) so sorry and b) I got the translations from here.
3. I may or may not have worn mismatched socks yesterday. I may or may not have noticed while I was putting my shoes on, but at that point was already committed to wearing them because my husband and son were waiting for me in the car. These things happen to some people. Not me, but you know, some people.
4. Potty training is going pretty awesome. Brady went #2 (I'm trying to avoid saying the "p" word since I may or may not have mentioned it so much in a previous blog post.) After we flushed, we congratulated him like we always do and he said, "That's the way it's done!". Where does this kid get his material?
5. Speaking of the little comedian, yesterday he insisted on being called black bear. All day. If someone were to forget and call him by his name, he would remind you and say "Actually, black bear". 
6. I still check on that little black bear every time I wake up in the middle of the night. I can't not check on him. I usually try to recover him up, but lately he's taken to sleeping hibernating on top of his covers in his bed cave.
7. Do you ever text someone while you're sitting in the same room? My husband is known to do this and I kinda love it. I get sweet messages like "I want to grow old with you" or "Wanna get a pizza?". I could go on from there, but they can get colorful and this is a family blog.
8. Have you ever tried these? A friend turned me onto them (thanks, Catrina!) and I'm in love. Don't buy them through that link, though. Get them at Wal-Mart or Sam's and send me some. Just kidding. Unless, you know, you really want to.
9. We went to the bookstore (again) last night. I love it that Brady would choose a bookstore over a toy store. 
10. Have you ever read Psalms 139? It's kind of my current favorite. Every time I read it, a different part speaks to me. Today, it's this part: Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ....If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me...Love it.

Innocent Wonder

I don't normally do two posts in one day, but I decided to participate in a photo challenge at I Heart Faces.





The theme this week is Innocent Wonder and I knew right away of the picture I wanted to submit. I was originally going to do it in color, but I fell in love when I saw it in black and white.

You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. -Psalms 139:2

Movie Monday

What an amazing weekend we had! Do you ever have those weekends that just somehow recharge your batteries and give you the energy to have an extra bounce in your step? That was my weekend.

Nothing spectacular happened and, probably to most people, our weekend would even seem boring. But, I had some great chats with my husband and some great laughs with our family trio. I'm thankful for my family. God knew exactly the type of family I would need and He gave it to me. That's pretty cool. 

I found this Bible verse this morning during my devotional, and I just love it.

“One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.” Psalm 62:11-12a

We went to church last night for the first time. We always go Sunday mornings, but haven't been going in the evenings because the B-Man usually crashes at 7:00. But, we made a family decision to go and I'm thrilled we went. There's just something special about choosing to go to church. Brady did great-he went potty there three times and came home with dry unders, and he had fun. Mike and I got to hear preaching for the second time that day, and we had fun. I'm thankful for our church, God knew exactly the type of church we needed and He provided it for us. That's pretty cool.

Speaking of cool, I found a video this morning to share. It was taken in February of 2010, making Brady about 1 1/2. He was sitting in the high chair (that is no longer in our kitchen), and we were interrogating asking him all about animal sounds. I still love to do this. It's funny how it has changed. 

He's always been pretty good about enunciating words, with the exception of a couple. There were some words I was generally sad to hear him say the correct way. Fruit used to be "brroooteee" with a rolling of the "r". Picking flowers used to be picking towpers. Orange used to be oh-gee-gee (now it's woe-wunj). There are lots more, but my little guy is waking up, so that's all I'll share for now.

I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord." And he worshipped the Lord there. -1 Samuel 1:27-28

Friday's Favorite

We got a few inches of snow here yesterday. It's beautiful, bright white, and cold. Maybe that's why I've been longing for some warm sunshine, sandy beaches, and salty ocean water.

Brady was a mere eight months old. We lugged the diapers, bottles, and all the extra baggage an eight month old requires and flew to Florida to visit Mike's Uncle Jim and Aunt Donna.

I remember being so excited to take Brady to the beach. I just knew he'd love the sand. I wasn't sure how he'd like the ocean. But, in true Brady form, the little guy dove right in. He splashed, he crawled, he laughed, and he ate sand. As in, a lot of sand.

This is what stands out in my mind from the trip.



















Now, it's January and we're bundled and layered and I find myself thinking about a beachy vacay. It would be a whole new experience this time. I'm still just as excited to see how Brady would like it. It's one of my most favorite things about being a parent...seeing things through your child's eyes and enjoying whole new experiences. This time, he would be more observant about flying on an airplane and would be able to say what he wanted to do, where he wanted to play. We'd be able to tell him not to put the sand in his mouth, eyes, hair, etc (but that doesn't mean that it would stop him).

Oh, and he'd be wearing big boy unders.

Cuddles and Undies (or Lack Thereof)

That pretty much sums up my life this week.

We've all been sick. Mike started it and shared with the B-Man and me (thanks, babe). Brady was sick for about a day, then informed me "I'm feeling better. Daddy's better. Mommy's better." He was 2/3 right. I'm still icked up. Ah, who needs to breathe out of their nose anyway? So overrated.

I love these pictures. They are grainy and blurry and they just make me happy.

Did you notice the mittens? Here's a glimpse at the full ensemble.

I know, I know. Instant classic, right? He's definitely got his finger on the pulse of the fashion world.

Can I tell you something? I have a pretty nice camera. Not "professional" nice, but nice nevertheless. I haven't been using it much lately. I've been taking pictures with my phone. I almost always have it with me, it's small, and easy for self portraits, which I'm beginning to love. I have noticed I edit these pictures with a heavier hand than I do my "normal" pictures. I don't know why that is, but I like trying different editing styles every now and then.


























We are still working on potty training and, by George, I think he's got it! I don't want to jinx myself or anything, but we have gone all week with no accidents and he just goes on the potty whenever he needs to go. Of course, being a boy, he waits until the last possible second, but hey, as long as he makes it! For the purpose of full disclosure, he has been running around the house all week with no unders. That's right. He's free-cheeking it. Who needs the hassle of underwear when you have to go, anyway?!

Besides, who can resist these cheeks?

Yes, he is wearing a hat. What's it to you?

Of course, I'm a fan of these cheeks as well.

I'm really loving this Embrace the Camera idea. Thursdays are becoming one of my favorite days of the week!

Brady, Version 2.5

This past Monday the little man officially turned 2 and a half. I'm not sure how that's possible, since it feels like we just celebrated his second birthday yesterday, but somehow he's suddenly six months away from turning three.

Those of you who know my son well are aware of the fact that the only time he sits still is when he's being read to. Otherwise, there's just too much to see and do. Now, personally, I love reading to him. I use that time to sneak in cuddles and smooches and I'm always amazed at how he is able to memorize his books. Love, love, love that time.

But, there are times when I need my lap and I need my hands and reading to my favorite guy is just not conducive to those needs. One particular afternoon, desperate to clean my kitchen, I asked him if he'd like to watch Wall-E on the computer. His eyes widened and I received a very quick "yes, please" as his response.

So, I set it up for him, with strict instructions to not push any buttons. Worked like a charm.  That is, it held his attention...and mine. How could I not snap pictures while he was so occupied? Sure beats doing the dishes! Oh well, who needs a clean kitchen anyway?

I know his third birthday will be here before I know it. To tell you the truth, I'm excited about things to come, but I'm pretty thrilled with where we are. Right now.

There's a blog I read that pretty much nailed how I feel:

Not one day have I ever missed the days when he was a baby. Not for one day do I wish I could go back and relive that time. Not because he was a rough baby. He wasn’t. I just think that if you really live in the present, you don’t miss it when it becomes the past in regards to loved ones that are still with you. I love seeing who he is becoming. I remember and cherish the days he used to lay swaddled in my arms and fall asleep. As fond as those memories are…I don’t want to go back in time. I want today with him. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Today.

So, here's to my little guy. Happy 2.5.