Blessed Life

Playground and Warm Weather Tease

2012-02-28T21:03:00.000-06:00

Justin took Mama snots and Baby ear infection for a short trip to our childhood school playground. We just couldn't resist the lovely weather any longer. It was also an opportunity for me to catch up on some photography therapy. Don't let me down weather, I've come to the conclusion that it is not going to snow... so just get warm, not hot. Please and thank you.

17 Months

2012-02-01T21:53:00.000-06:00

Another month has past and it literally feels like I just did a month update last night. Yet, here we are again, celebrating 17 months. Love that makes us better humans, with stronger souls, desiring a beautiful family continues to grow.
In the past month, Eliza has experienced a Tennessee snowfall, watched her daddy turn 30, fed ducks, petted horses and pee peed in the potty. She can now turn her 4 wheeler and navigate (a little) around the kitchen, with only the occasional accident with a wall. She can do the "Freddy," pull a train whistle and will follow instructions to help clean house. And the big one... she can open interior doors. Ugh.
There are a few bad habits we have to work on and break. First, the pacifier. I am so sick and tired of this thing, but I can't live without it. She now demands it at all times, other than non-waking hours. Second, waking up early in the morning and coming to our bed. To be honest, we don't mind if she occasionally comes to bed with us for a few hours to cuddle, but it has become an expectation. Third, picking her up and carrying her. I can't do anything with out her grunting "up." So we definitively have some goals to achieve.
Her appetite has decreased, some days she eats very little, while others she eats very well. She has ate alot of strawberries and blueberries this month. And oh my, has she become little miss independence, refusing to let us assist with feeding her. Still does not like any meat.
Eliza is quite a conversationalist, too bad we haven't identified the language she is speaking. She imitates everything we ask her to, although most of it sounds the same. This month her new words are: bed, git, Pa, iPad, hide, hat, teeth and bird. The sweetest is to see her sign "thank you," it's just so precious to see our baby developing manners.
Eliza is in full force separation anxiety. For the most part she has never minded who was holding her, but now every drop off is started with tears and a very pitiful sad face. Also sad, was that she cut her other three canines this month. Hopefully, we are done with teeth till 24 months, when the ugly two year molars make an appearance.
All of the sudden Eliza has out grown her size 3 shoes, leaving us with few choices on which shoes to wear. She continues to wear mostly 12 month clothing. I tried putting her in a 18 month sized jeans the other day and they were huge on her. And every now and then, she may actually leave a hat on her head, as we frequently try to do during cold weather. I assume that she is pushing 24 lbs., but I know her weight gain is quickly slowing down.
It is hard to limit this post, and this is a very long update, but she is learning and changing so much every day. I could easily do a weekly post as to her new achievements, but I couldn't complete this post without expressing how much of a blessing she is to us. I pray that we continue to seek God's will, to lead us as parents and to make decisions that create a strong family. God is absolutely amazing.

Blessings,

Jodee

Daddy's Birthday

2012-01-28T22:29:00.002-06:00

To celebrate Justin's birthday we had an incredible family outing day. We all dressed in our comfy best and headed out into the world to explore. Eliza sported a zebra print fleece outfit with a new bow from http://www.etsy.com/shop/analiesenoell.
Recently, I heard about a children's indoor play place here so we went and checked that out. It was really fun, perfect for the cool, rainy weather we have had this nasty winter. Eliza was completely into running wide open and not getting scolded for it. And the soft play gym... well, who needs zumba, this thing kicked my tale end. Visit their website at www.kidsnplay.com
Next, we headed to Nashville, where we caught a few of the last sun rays of the day at Centennial park. Eliza loved feeding the ducks and according to Ms. E you call ducks just like you call horses i.e. puckering noise. We used the opportunity to see the Parthenon and other sites within the park. That place is so neat and it's truly unfortunate that I always forget about it.
Last, we took in dinner with family at J. Alexander's. Justin was treated to prime rib and a super rich chocolate cake with ice cream. And what night wouldn't be complete without a trip to Target? Where, of course, Eliza walked out with presents.

Check out the video.

My First Pinterest Recipe {Cupcake Pizza's}

2012-01-26T21:20:00.000-06:00

I'm a new Pinterest user and frankly, sometimes I just don't know how to navigate that site. Yet, I am rather addicted. I have to restrain myself at red lights from grabbing my phone and going to the Pinterest app.
So here is my first recipe. I love it because it is familiar, has few ingredients and my husband drools over it like I'm serving filet mignon.
Ingredients:
Refrigerated pizza dough
Pizza sauce
Shredded cheese
Toppings
Nonstick cooking spray

Directions:
Spray a cupcake sheet lightly with nonstick cooking spray and place pizza dough in each section, using a spoon to make a slight indention in the dough. Cook for 10 minutes at 350.
After removing from the oven, add a spoonful of pizza sauce to each cupcake. Top with cheese and any toppings of your choosing. We used pepperonis and mushrooms, the significant other added jalapenos. Return to oven for additional 10 minutes. Then eat and enjoy a twist to the cupcake trend.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T20:46:00.005-06:00

A 'Lil Snow Day

2012-01-12T19:44:00.002-06:00

Today was a 'Lil Snow Day, literally, we got a little bit of snow. Oh, the weather man may have talked about it all week long, but for a snow lover, it left a lot to be desired.
I was really excited about the possibility of snow. It was going to fall on the right day, I would not have to travel to work and I could be with my sweet girl all day. Although, she first saw snow at 4 to 6 months old, this was going to be the first time she could feel it, taste it and actually stay out in it more than 5 minutes.
And it did snow, a little. There was a dusting on the ground, I just knew she was going to walk outside and turn back to look at the trace her foot steps were leaving behind. But no, she did not care one iota. She was much more interested in the rocks and the concrete dog on the porch.
As it turns out, we didn't stay outside very long either. Winter's arrival today was a blustery, make your eyes water cold. Without a doubt, it took us longer to prepare to go outside, than we truly stayed outside.

So winter, I would like to order another snow day please. My custom order request is for a day I am not scheduled to work, one in which the pantry is full of soup ingredients and just enough of the white stuff to sled on. Please. And thank you.

Blessings,

Jodee

Short Barn Day Video

2012-01-09T21:30:00.003-06:00

Not only did my husband clean house today while I was at work, but he also posted a new video of our Barn Day. Enjoy!

P.S. I don't think my husband would mind if ya'll subscribed to his channel. =)

Blessings,

Jodee

Winter Barn Day

2012-01-08T21:52:00.000-06:00

We took advantage of a mild Sunday afternoon, to head to our friends farm. It was an overcast day, temperature in the low 50's, just right to enjoy a warm fire. Eliza enjoys being outside, getting dirty and seeing the animals. I truly feel blessed that she has the opportunity to spend time in such a place, with such good friends.

Well, if the horses didn't want the apples... Eliza and daddy did!

By the end of the day, Eliza could call "Ace," the horse over by name.

Sweet girl Audrey with Uncle Butch.

Sisterly love, Audrey and Gracie.

Miss Gracie taking in the day by the creek.

Everyone got a ride on the commander... but this driver/rider combination, may mean T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

Pre "hike" photo.

It was a wonderful day. Lots of marshmallows were ate, memories made and laughs shared. Video coming soon!

Blessings,

Jodee

I Give You... Bubble Blower

2012-01-07T20:54:00.000-06:00

So lil' girl loves bubbles. She begs for them, dances with excitement as you reach for them and signs "more" over and over as you blow the bubbles. Really, I understand the allure. Bubbles like a precious gem, are perfect. Completely round, reflecting iridescent light from every view, they are quite enchanting.

As so, bubbles are a frequent "prevent a tantrum" go to. Up to this point, Eliza has only been able to pop the bubbles. Popping bubbles is great for hand eye coordination, but I really wanted her to blow the bubble herself. Several times I have given her instructions, imitating the process and allowing her the opportunity to try. Only to find that she puts the wand in her mouth, again and again. Geeze, it must taste horrible. Then, it clicked, one unplanned moment she blew her first bubbles. She knew we were pleased and giggled with delight.

Amazing, such a little sponge, taking in every second of every sense. Ah, God's design is so beautiful.

Blessings,

Jodee

I Never Know When I'm Being Filmed

2012-01-05T21:28:00.000-06:00

Eliza thinks this is the funniest thing ever. Go give the hubby some love and check it out.

Blessings,

Jodee

New Videos!!!

2011-12-31T23:24:00.000-06:00

This week my darlin' husband has put up several new videos, here are some links to check them out.

I am guessing that I have watched our Christmas video at least 5 times a day for the last week. It's just so magical. It will be the best 4 minutes of your day!

Here is a short of Eliza having some fun at Babies R Us. In reality it was just a few seconds, but it felt like forever and I just knew we were going to get kicked out.

And although I doubt many in the blog community will find it interesting... he also posted a dump truck video. Notable though, the music would be great for a run.

Anyways, wide variety over on his YouTube channel, something for everyone. He is a proud daddy.

Top 11 of 2011

2011-12-30T22:02:00.001-06:00

In no particular order...

Why blog?

2011-12-30T20:55:00.000-06:00

When I found out I was pregnant two years ago, I began to search YouTube, blogs and social media sites for mommies. And after years of following these families, watching children grow and listening to others going through the same obstacles, I have been so inspired. Now I have decided to cross the line from being an observer, to a sharer.
To be honest, I am 100% blog illiterate. Just remember I'm new and learning every moment. And although it is challenging... I am thoroughly enjoying expressing myself!
I'm doing the Blog Hop... are you?

16 Months Old

2011-12-28T15:37:00.000-06:00

Precious Eliza is now 16 months old. She looks and acts less like a baby everyday. More fun than ever, but I am just amazed at how affectionate she is becoming. Her upper left canine tooth is just starting to cut and she can run, climb and dance.

Although her appetite varies from day to day, she overall is a very good eater. Her love for fruit and vegetables is not a problem, but she tends to just spit meat out. She is a milk and yogurt consumer, which makes her dairy hating parents proud. Her favorite foods right now: Stonyfield Yo Toddler yogurt, Greek yogurt, Gerber fruit twist, fruit in 100% juice, fruit snacks, corn on the cob, cherry tomatoes and sliced cheese.

Eliza wears 12-18 months clothing, weighs 23 lbs. and is 30.5 inches tall. When instructed she will blow you a kiss (above,) give a big ole' wave, jump, dance, spin, tell you how old she is and so much more. She knows sign language for "all done," "more," "milk," and "I love you." And her best used words are: hi, bye bye, up, cat, daddy, home, juice, ice, outside, burr and Eliza.

She loves to take a bath, can "feed" herself with a spoon and still fights daytime naps. Eliza is quite a daredevil, not afraid of anything, well except for blowing up balloons. Newborns are cute, but toddlers are the whole package and make parenting so rewarding.

Blessings,

Jodee

So... Where do the Misfit Christmas Ornaments go?

2011-12-27T21:43:00.000-06:00

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer taught us where misfit toys go, but exactly where do the misfit Christmas ornaments go? Christmas with our 15 month old daughter has been incredible, unfortunately, she has displayed her wrath on our treasured ornaments. The sounds of glass balls shattering on the floor echo in my head.
Do you have a funeral? I can imagine the eulogy. We gather on this day of mourning, to celebrate the life of Tweety Bird by Hallmark. You graced our Christmas so brightly with your yellow feathers and reminded us of childhood Saturday mornings. O Tweety Bird, it was not the Puddy Cat, but the toddler who broke your leg. How we shall miss thee.
Anyone want a bobble without a head?

We've become experts at superglue repairs, but could not find the wiener dog's legs.

And the handles to this classic Harley... MIA.

Oh, well. Maybe next year we will just head out into the woods and cut Eliza her on little tree and decorate it with all the Christmas ornaments she has destroyed.

Blessings,

Jodee

Watch us put up our Christmas tree.

'Tis the Season for Christmas Stress

2011-12-12T20:58:00.000-06:00

Oh... why do I make Christmas so stressful? Do this, do that, create beautiful memories, search for the perfect present, which has to be perfectly wrapped, all while trying to maintain respect for Jesus' birth. Yet, my husband doesn't worry a bit (maybe because I do enough for the both of us.) He comments that I "over analyze" everything.
This week alone, my priorities were: First, try to get a few presents bought, after all Christmas is only 2 weeks away. So after church on Sunday, we headed to Nashville to do a little shopping. We did accomplish a little, we also took the opportunity to visit the Opryland Hotel and see the Christmas decorations. Unfortunately Eliza did not play well (she was still somewhat fussy from her last set of vaccinations.

Second, have Eliza's picture taken for our Christmas cards. What will she wear? How do you get an uncooperative 15 month old to stay still or even smile? Turns out, with a talented children's photographer, they can make it happen. Photo success!

Last, Santa's elves had to do some shopping without the baby. We had a great time doing our favorite thing... buying for Eliza! And to be selfishly honest, I can't wait to see the reaction to the spread underneath the tree come Christmas morning.
And now my date book is out, planning and organizing the next 7 days. Santa pictures, presents, recipe gathering, party invites, church cantatas and do not forget to capture each second so that Eliza will be able to show her children one day. The stress isn't pleasant, but completely worth it. What a blessed life we live.

Philippians 4:6,7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.