16 Months.

On the day that Will was sick this week he fell asleep in his Pack 'N Play in the den and James climbed in and snuggled. I didn't ask him to do this, I caught him doing this. Sweet big brother.

I stepped outside on Thursday night to take a few pictures of our 16 month old boy. I cannot believe we're already four months past his birthday. Time is flying by! The quilt is from Eddie's Aunt Mary Ellen (whom everyone in our family calls Aunt Melly) and his cousin Paddy. They made James a quilt, too, and it can be seen HERE. Will's quilt was jokingly titled "Plane Crash" because the pattern wound up being SO difficult to do. Will's nursery has planes and trains in it and we live in an air force town so this was definitely fitting for him! We love it!

Five on Friday.

Things I'm loving this week.

1. PB2. Y'all. This is a game changer for me. Eddie and I are peanut butter-aholics. (Yes, we do eat it. No, we try not to eat it around James {and Will}. No, he's not allergic to peanuts, just tree nuts. Yes, we wash our hands and brush our teeth and wipe our faces when we're done. No, he still doesn't eat it. Yes, he's actually had a bite before. Are those all the questions I usually answer?) PB2 is actually made in Tifton and Eddie almost fell over when it came in from AMAZON. (I've looked and they're out of stock on their website right now.) It's POWDERED peanut butter. I guess they take all the oils out? You mix it with water (two parts peanut butter to one part water) or just add a scoop or two to a smoothie. Loving it. 45 calories per 2 tbsp. They have a delicious chocolate flavor that's a little like Nutella (which we definitely CAN'T eat or keep in our house). I love it! Here's the link to their actual website so you can order something directly from good old Tifton, Georgia, or find a store near you that sells it. Again, Amazon has it, too.

2. Michael Crichton. How did I not read anything of his for so long? I'm finally embracing the fact that I'm a big old nerd and I LOVE science fiction! I'm reading Congo right now (which I didn't realize was even one of his books) and really enjoying it. I'll move on to Sphere and Eaters of the Dead next and I have Twister on hold at the library. Ha!

3. Being done with swimming! I'm not going to lie, this was a tough swimming week. James really got comfortable with it last week and then this week it was like I had a completely different child. Whew! We have one more makeup day sometime in the next week or two, but we're done for now.

4. Marking things off our Summer Goals list. We are REALLY doing a great job this month of getting things done. James is in the weird needs a nap/doesn't need a nap phase of life and I'm learning that if I can wear him out in the morning I might get him to nap without as much of a fight. We are really knocking things off our list because of that! It's been fun! This summer has started out great!

5. This recipe for laundry soap. I am seriously gathering up all the stuff to make this. And I cannot wait! Bwahahaha. Who am I?

Hope you all have a fabulous Father's Day weekend! We're headed to Academy at some point to pick out one of Eddie's gifts, to the Farmer's Market tomorrow morning, James has prepared an original song for Eddie, and he's pretty certain that Daddy will pick Mexican for supper tomorrow night (which is the night James wants to celebrate Father's Day!). We shall see what we get into this weekend!

Sweet Summer Time!

Well, I thought we'd be going to swimming lessons this morning and then to run a few errands around town, but much to James' delight (because this week he HATES swimming), we are stuck home with a throw-up-y baby boo. Two throw ups = two baths before 9AM. I may be in for a lonnnnnng day.

Another full, fun weekend! We've been working on marking off some of our summer goals this weekend. We accomplished three BIG ones!

Friday morning we didn't have swimming lessons so the boys and I bummed around the house all day. James has decided his new favorite thing to do is change clothes one. hundred. thousand. times. a. day. I have a new found respect for my mama. And for mothers of girls everywhere. Mrs. Bobby told me she used to find Eddie's completely clean clothes in his dirty clothes basket, but I shouldn't be punished for that, should I? {Yes, Mama. I know I'm guilty as well.} He also has a new thing for boots. The boots he had nothing to do with when it was COLD. I seriously shouldn't have opened my mouth in a discussion with girl moms the other day when I said the only clothes fight we'd had was over which character needed to be on James' undies. That one bit me for sure.

The boys also played in James' pup tent. They were WILD little hooligans in it.

Friday night we had FAMILY GAME NIGHT. James was pumped. {Unfortunately, Will is not included in Family Game Night. Maybe next summer.}

Saturday Eddie's sister got married at the lake. James was a ring bearer but both Will and Eddie were also involved in the wedding. I think they were pretty handsome boys! Because James had a pillow for the wedding, Will thought he needed one, too.

James and Eddie rang the bell at seven pm. This was a practice run. I missed taking pictures of the real deal.

Aunt Melly and Uncle Bobby were there and Aunt Melly brought Will's finished quilt! I will do a whole separate post on it once I can take some prettier pictures of it (outside when it's not raining and I don't have a sick baby!).

James got a major summer haircut on Sunday. Please pardon the hand placement here. At least he's not flashing the camera. BOYS.

I have actual pictures of the haircut itself (Will could not figure out WHAT they were doing) but they're on Eddie's phone and so far it doesn't want to send them.

Sunday night we also made HOMEMADE ice cream I Eddie got an ice cream maker for Christmas (because when you don't tell your in-laws things that YOU want, they give you things off their daughter's Christmas list) and we pulled it out on Sunday and made ice cream. James chose "banilla" and it was delish! We'll use this a few more times this summer, I hope! We laughed that we're not used to the "film" that homemade, full-FAT ice cream leaves in your mouth. Sure was delicious, though! {Again, Eddie's phone is holding those pictures hostage.}

Monday and Tuesday we had swimming and James screamed like a banshee both times. Lovely.

Tuesday night the boys did water balloons and they were a HUGE hit. James has asked me to do them every day since last summer, I think.

(Yep. His bathing suit is on backwards {not unusual} and that's the tie/string hanging down in back there.)

Please pardon the waist high weeds in our yard and focus on THAT FACE.

Summer harvest! Ha! One strawberry so far. James ate it in one bite last night and then forgot he ate it and asked where it went. Fresh Vegetables {hardy har har} should be coming in soon. We hope!

James-isms.

I'm trying to convince myself to just upload my pictures and slap them up on this here blog. But I'm totally unmotivated. We had a busy weekend and marked some fun things off of our summer goals list. I will get to it at some point. Until then, enjoy these silly things James has said lately.

James spent two nights with Grandmama and Granddaddy recently. When Kelly asked him if he'd sing Red Solo Cup (Toby Keith song) he told her he couldn't because he didn't have his guitar. :) Later, he used Granddaddy's guitar to sing it for her.

James' Sunday School teacher accidentally let him eat a Little Debbie Cake one Sunday recently. When she realized what she'd done, she panicked and pulled me out of Sunday School. I told her what happened with his last reaction and what to watch for and where his Epipens were. She went back downstairs and said, "James, your mama said you would be okay." James looked up and said, "Good! Now can I have another one?"

We're in an "actually" phase right now. "Actually, Mom..." EVERYTHING is "actually." I commented one night that I thought Will might have a dirty diaper and James said, "Actually, Mom, I just tooted so it's possible that I might be the problem." {You'll be interested to know that he has ALSO moved on from blaming "helicopters" and has started blaming ME. He tooted twice in the kitchen this morning and immediately whipped his head around in my direction, slapped a shocked look on his face, and said, "MAMA!" as though he couldn't believe what I'd done. I did NOT.}

James is currently not allowed to use the half-bath in our house. It's in the entryway, guests use it, I keep it clean and tidy, James can't remember to flush, and he "accidentally" tee-teed on the floor last week. SO. No half-bathroom. He may use HIS bathroom (which is just not quite as tidy and it's not a huge deal if there's an accident). I was doing laundry one day and I heard a knock on the laundry room door. I opened it and James said, "Mama, can I use the bathroom in the hall?" I told him no and he said, "But Mama! It's closer to the den where I'm playing." Goodness gracious. It may be closer, but you just walked halfway across the house to ask me about it!

Most unique way of avoiding trying something....(He's just an okay eater...unlike Will.) He was sitting in the den watching tv and I was standing over the kitchen sink eating a peach. I asked if he wanted a bite (he HAS tried them before, just not this season and he doesn't like anything "new"). He told me he didn't want to because he needed to, "concentrate on {his} show." Crazy kid.

He told Mrs. Christie at church that he carried a sandwich on his ring bearer pillow in Eddie's sister's wedding. A sandwich. 

A week after the above-mentioned Little Debbie incident, James hopped in the car after church and told me he'd gone back to Sunday School and eaten ANOTHER Little Debbie (lies!) and it was "Mmmm, mmm delish!"

We have a HARD time getting him to stay in bed at bedtime. He'll think of random things to tell us just so he can get up and see what we're doing. The other night he walked over and sat on the couch and said, "Well, I'm just going to sit here for a minute," like he didn't have anything else in the world to do.

***Edited to add a new one! The other day when we talked about Kelly getting married, James excitedly said, "YES! And I'll ride with them in that carriage thing!" "What carriage thing?" I asked him. "The carriage thing that people ride in when they get married! I can't WAIT to ride in that." And then it hit me. We got married at Gin Creek where they DO have a horse drawn carriage bring the bride in and the bride and groom ride away in it, too. Poor buddy thought he'd be able to ride in it, too, because he'd seen pictures of Mama and Daddy riding in one and just assumed that was part of a wedding. Hahahahaha! ***

I don't know what to do with this little stinker. He makes us laugh and he keeps us on our toes! He's going to VBS next week for the first time ever and I can't wait to hear what kind of doozies he tells whomever he's with. Gracious. Kids will keep you humble.

May Books.

* The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids 2013 by Bob Sehlinger

This book was essential for us. We didn't use ALL of it, and I didn't use it exclusively (I pulled lots of information from other bloggers), but it was a fabulous buy. I highly recommend. It is packed full of useful information, helpful hints and tips, and maps and itineraries. Loved it! Eddie laughed when he'd see someone else toting around the same book in WDW.

* Birnbaum's Walt Disney World for Kids 2013

The key word here is "for" kids. FOR kids. It's not a great trip-planning guide, but if you have little ones (especially ones who can read and would like to weigh-in on your planning) then it's a good one. I read parts of it to James. It's written as though a kid is guiding you through WDW. Just okay. Definitely don't bother if you're looking for great information.

* Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe' by Fannie Flagg

I cannot tell you how much I loved this book. The movie was one of my favorites growing up, but the book was even better. I'm definitely getting a few more Fannie Flagg books at the library this summer. The book revolves around the story of Evelyn Couch, a fifty-something woman who has lost her direction in life. She meets Mrs. Ninny Threadgood, another patient living in the nursing home with Evelyn's mother-in-law. Mrs. Threadgood begins telling the story of Whistle Stop, Alabama, and Evelyn becomes entranced by Idgie, Ruth, Stump, and their neighbors. The story is so funny and heartwarming. I'm trying to convince Eddie that we need to visit Whistle Stop in Juliette.

* Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason

I've read this one before (this is the sequel) and loved it. It's just so darn funny. Bridget gets herself in the most hilarious situations but she's so likable that you can't help but root for her!

* Slumdog Millionaire by Vikas Swarup (originally published as Q&A and I had more success finding it on Amazon under that title)

This was our Book Club read this month. I really, really enjoyed it. I actually put off reading it because we had so many things going on in May and then it was the week of Book Club and I panicked. I just knew I wouldn't finish it but I read the whole book in less than a day and a half. The book is set in India and follows a young boy, Ram Mohammad Thomas. He has just won a show similar to Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and the producers of the show are out to prove that he cheated. He meets with a lawyer and goes through question-by-question and tells how he knew the answers to the questions. I really enjoyed this one! It reminded me a little of Kite Runner. I cannot imagine living the way this boy has lived. Life has been SO hard for him. This is one I would never have picked up on my own but I'm so glad I branched out a bit!

* Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling

Tired of hearing about me reading Harry Potter? This is at least my third time through the series. I started listening to this on audiobook but it took so long that I would up finishing the book. (I just don't drive enough to listen to audiobooks in a reasonable amount of time.) This year, Harry winds up entered into the Triwizard Tournament (not of his own doing). He's made to perform in tasks that could very well kill him. This isn't my favorite of the books, but it is great regardless. Seriously, if you've not read this series you're missing out!

Up next...Book Club's pick for July is Lee Child's Killing Floor. At the library last week I picked up another Fannie Flagg book, Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man. I also got a collection of Michael Crichton novels. The one I wanted to read is Congo but it came with Sphere and Eaters of the Dead as well so I may try those, too. I've been on a bit of a sci-fi kick this year. What are you reading?

Five on Friday!

I'm linking up again with Darci again this week for Five on Friday!

1. I made myself a goal earlier this year to read 52 books by New Year's Eve. FIFTY-TWO. I've read 19 books so far and Goodreads tells me I'm 6% behind. That's not too shabby! I'll have my May book list up later today.

2. I've been looking into planning a trip to Charleston this year. It's been on our radar for a while, we just need to pull the trigger. Let me know if you've been and would like to share your favorite places!

3. I signed up for and started doing Barre 3 this week. {I wish they were paying me, but sadly they're not. I just really like them so far!} I took ballet for many, many years as a child. I thought this would be a lot like yoga. I was mistaken when I thought the 10 minute sessions would be a piece of cake. My mama kindly pointed out that I am not twelve anymore, but oh my mercy. My legs were SHAKING by about three minutes in. Holy cow. They have a 7 Day Body Blast that I think I'll be starting on Sunday. That + counting calories like crazy + drinking a WHOLE LOTTA water. Hopefully I'll get my booty into gear. Anyone else doing this? I would love to know!

4. I am almost through Season 3 of Pretty Little Liars. The new season starts on Tuesday (I think...I have it DVR-ed) so I should be caught up by then. {Please don't tell me that there's another season between 3 and this new one...} I think last week was a refresher. Any Netflix recommendations? I like to watch while I'm folding/hanging laundry or I'm walking on the treadmill. I've considered Friday Night Lights, which I've never seen, but is there something else out there I desperately need to see?

5. I am a BIG smoothie drinker. I ordered Shakeology about three or four months ago but it's a little pricey. I love it, but I'm wondering if there's anything better out there OR if I can make something at home that's just as convenient. I ordered a box of PB2 the other day. Anyone have any delicious smoothie recipes? I want lots of fruits and veggies and vitamins and proteins in it. I do NOT like bananas so that throws off some of the recipes I've come across. (Don't tell me I won't taste it. I can smell one a mile away.)

Hope y'all have a fabulous weekend! We're busy little bees as usual. Hopefully the rain will stop long enough for Eddie to get our grass mowed. It's a jungle out there!

Swimming Like a Fishy!

We've had swimming lessons this week for James! Last year was a lonnnnng process. Poor James struggled with ear infections, upper respiratory infections, and asthma BIG TIME in the months of May and June last year and that greatly affected his swimming. Fortunately, we worked with our allergist a few months ago to get his medicines under control and, thank you, Lord!, he has been well since January! (I realize that he'll now get sick next week just because I've said this but I'm praising the months that he's been WELL...this is UNPRECEDENTED for this kid!) Anyway, we did about six weeks of swimming last year. This year, we scheduled for two weeks and I think it's going to work out quite nicely.

Our sweet teacher from last year has been battling breast cancer so James switched to the other lady in the group. I wasn't sure what to expect at all because 1) James had been asking for Mrs. V. and was adamant he wanted her to teach him and 2) a friend had a not-great experience with her a few weeks ago and I was just a little apprehensive. So far (three days in) it has been FABULOUS.

On Monday James hopped right into the pool to swim. I'd reminded him what he would be expected to do (it's survival swimming - they're more focused on life saving and drowning prevention at James' age). The teachers both practice and practice and practice and practice going in and out of a float with kids. They don't encourage breath holding and being able to swim across the pool, they're more focused on flipping and floating in case a child falls into the pool. That said, James was swimming a great distance last summer, but the recommend children flip and float to rest and catch their breath. He was okay but grew tired about halfway through and began to whimper. He's been in swimmies a little bit lately (which is a BIG no-no!) and that made him vertical. Basically, when kids wear swimmies or life jackets in the pool it gives them the idea that you swim with your feet down and your head up, which is not the case. She had to work with him on Monday to look at her feet so that he would keep his face down while he was swimming. He didn't like that and wasn't quite comfortable enough with the whole thing that it made him a little upset. By the end, though, he was happy and left happy.

Sweet boys before lessons on Monday! I forgot to take any pictures while we were there.

On Tuesday James hopped right back into the pool but quickly remembered whatever made him upset on Monday and began to cry. She reminded him that when he cries he gets water in his mouth and it makes him cough. (I've since learned that he gets water up his nose when he flips to float.) Mrs. N. pulled out some toys to sit on the side of the pool so that he could swim for those and that cheered him up. The rest of the lesson was a success! He swam farther and floated longer than on Monday.

Stegosaurus tattoo on his arm from turning in his reading log at the library Monday.

Wednesday was a great day! The little girl that goes before us is not yet two and she was crying her entire lesson. I was worried that it would make him upset, too, but I reminded him to be brave and that she was MUCH younger than him. He decided he should show her how to be brave so that's just what he did. His flip and float was great today but I did notice that he's poking his booty up in the air when he starts to swim. Not sure what that's about. He did ask to be done with about two minutes left. She made him swim to the wall a handful of times and then he got out. No whimpering, no crying! Hopefully that will continue so that he'll progress!

Today was great as well. He told Mrs. N. that he was "a little bit brave and a little bit nervous." Ha! Sweet thing. He swam great! He's swimming farther every day. They did a lot more work on his swim, float, swim. He's having a hard time remembering to float and when she helps he grabs at her hands because he panics and thinks he's sinking. Today she let him swim with toys in his hands in hopes that he wouldn't grab her quite as much. Very proud of him today!





I'm pleased with the way things have gone this week! Hoping for another week of successful lessons.

Summer Goals!

We got a few things marked off in May...

We went fishing!

We went on our..."Doo dah doo dah doo....MYSTERY TRIP," as James called it.

James and Eddie went tubing.

We played in the sprinkler.

We shared popsicles.

The boys planted a vegetable garden. So far, we've only enjoyed the cilantro but we have high hopes for the lettuce and tomatoes soon!

Hopefully June will see lots of marking off the Summer Goals list as well!