Pictures From The Park

As I mentioned in this post, Bruce and I took Brinley to one of the local parks here for an afternoon on the weekend of her birthday. Here are a few pictures that I took (or in the case of the pictures of Brinley and I, Bruce took) while we were there. I have recently come across some pretty nifty photo-editing software so I have been playing around with that this past week in the evenings after Brinley goes to bed. I hope y'all enjoy!



Brinley being pushed in the swing by Bruce.



Brinley and a 'boon'. While we were there, another child was having a birthday party and balloons were plentiful. Since it was a breezy day, Brinley had a good day trying to keep up with this orange balloon.



Brinley had a good time going down the slide once mommy went down with her a couple of time to show her how much fun it is.



Brinley and Bruce had a good time going over letters and making words on the alphabet board.



~Kisses from Daddy~

Daybook: Spring Has Sprung!

Outside My Window: Brrrr...it's in the low-40's now, but feels like the mid-30's. We got a cold front yesterday so it will be cool during the days and even cooler during the next few days. Unfortunately it will also be cloudy with a chance of rain off and on this week.

I Am Listening To: ...absolutely nothing. Everyone but myself has turned in for the day.

I Am Wearing: ...blue jeans, a white t-shirt, a green, fleece sweatshirt and warm socks.

I Am Thankful For: ...this silence. This busy mom enjoys whatever moments of peace and quiet she can get.

I Am Pondering: This wonderful piece here. Thanks for the reminder Elizabeth.

I Am Reading: ...the same books as last week: Don't Make Me Count To Three: A Mom's Look At Heart-Oriented Discipline by Ginger Plowman and Martha To The Max: Balanced Living For Perfectionists.

To Be Fit And Happy: Brinley received an Air Navigator tricycle--she calls it her 'bike'-- as a birthday present from her Nana and Papa, and she and I took a few walks through the neighborhood this past week. Hopefully the weather forecast is wrong and we'll have beautiful weather so that we can do the same this week.

From The Kitchen: Bruce is planning to work overtime this week again so I am not planning to cook much.

I Am Thinking: ...this week I'll be taking advantage of the new shelving in our garage by doing some de-cluttering and gathering odds and ends from around our home to store in it.

I Am Creating: I still need to go through the videos and photos Brinley 'birthdaying' and upload the best.

On My iPod: Again, nothing new this week. However, I am still loving my KSBJ app.

Towards A Real Education: Now that spring is here, I feel that Brinley and I will be enjoying more the wonders of God's hands and having quite a bit of nature study.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty: We're slowly getting used to the time change from last weekend.

To Live The Liturgy: It's still Lent, however Easter is rapidly approaching.

I Am Hoping And Praying: ...for direction in a particular area of my life.

In The Garden: Bruce and I have been talking about what we would like to do with the flower beds this spring.

Around The House: Bruce's parents came to visit us this weekend and the guys did a few minor projects including adding wire shelving along one side wall of our garage and adding gutters to the roofing of our patio.

On Keeping Home: Now that the guests are gone, I need to launder the spare sheets and guest towels and pack away the air mattress. I also need to launder our sheets and finish cleaning out my closet so that I can take a load of unneeded clothing to Goodwill.

One Of My Favorite Things: Daybook posts. After writing them for the past few weeks, I have come to look forward to this time where I stop and think about where my family has been and what we'll be doing. Definately a wondeful way to put a close on the past week and prepare for the next.

Brinley Anne This Week: ...has been enjoying our time outside. Thankfully the weather was warm and beautiful most days this past week so we were able to spend a number of hours piddling in the back yard, going on walks or kicking the ball around in the front yard.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Brinley and I don't have much planned during the week. A lot of it will depend on what the weather ends up doing. As I mentioned before, Bruce is planning to put in overtime. There are a couple of errands we need to run in town within the next few days.

A Picture I'm Sharing:

One of my favorite photos from our trip to the park last weekend.

Daybook: Post-Birthday Edition

Outside My Window: It's in the mid-fifties. The past several days have been picture-perfect weather. We could not have asked for better weather conditions this past weekend to celebrate Brinley's birthday.

I Am Listening To: ...The Mystery of the Human Hobbit on the Discovery Channel. (Incase you couldn't guess, this is not something I chose to watch on television...ahem. Bruce has it on while he's working out in the living room and I'm blogging.)

I Am Wearing: ...a light blue pajama set that has navy trim around the neck and waistband. No socks.

I Am Thankful For: ...my sweet baby girl. Again, Happy 2nd Birthday Brinley Bear.

I Am Pondering: "The only true riches are those that make us rich in virtue. Therefore, if you want to be rich, beloved, love true riches. If you aspire to the heights of real honor, strive to reach the kingdom of Heaven. If you value rank and renown, hasten to be enrolled in the heavenly court of the Angels." ~Pope St. Gregory the Great

I Am Reading: ...the same books as last week: Don't Make Me Count To Three: A Mom's Look At Heart-Oriented Discipline by Ginger Plowman and Martha To The Max: Balanced Living For Perfectionists.

To Be Fit And Happy: Yesterday, we spent a few hours of the afternoon at a local park in Mobile. It was our first time to go to a park since we've moved here and I think we have found a new place to visit regularly. It had a nice toddler area of the playground with smaller slides, swings, etc. for the little ones, plenty of picnic tables, walking/biking trails, and grassy areas for picnic blankets among other things. My only complaint would be non-existence of vending machines/consession stands. I really would have expected a park of that size to offer more than two water fountains (yuck!). Luckily we packed Brinley a large sippy of water, but after a couple of hours in the sun Bruce and I were so thirsty that we had to leave just so we could stop and get something to drink. Lesson learned!

From The Kitchen: Yesterday, after we got in from the park, I whipped up some fried deer steak with sauteed onions, twice mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. Yum!

I Am Thinking: ...it would be absolutely impossible for my dog to snore any louder. Geez 'Pex. Do we need to get you a Bi-Pap machine too?

I Am Creating: I was finally able to upload videos from Cole's party last week. Now I just need to go through the videos and photos from this past weekend of Brinley 'birthdaying' and upload the best.

On My iPod: Again, nothing new this week. However, I am still loving my KSBJ app.

Towards A Real Education: Beginning to wonder what to teach Brinley next. She knows numbers 1-10 and some of 11-20, her abc's, colors, shapes, animals... Bruce says we should work on physics and trigonometry next...hehe.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty: Daylight Saving Time was in the early morning hours of this past Sunday so I am trying to adjust my 'inner clock'. As much as I was looking forward to the longer days, the sight of the sun shining at nearly 7PM is still taking a little getting used to.

To Live The Liturgy: It's still Lent, however Easter is rapidly approaching.

I Am Hoping And Praying: ...for direction in a particular area of my life.

In The Garden: All the plants that I bought a few weeks ago are still going strong. That may not sound like much to you, but I have the blackest thumb! I'm not kidding when I say I've killed a cactus before.

Around The House: I'm loving the new wicker baskets that I found at Kohl's this past week for 60% off. Our dvd collection is looking much better thanks to them.

On Keeping Home: I dusted on Saturday, Bruce swept and mopped yesterday (thanks Babe!) and Brinley and I vacuumed and did laundry today. For once I can say that things are looking pretty good.

One Of My Favorite Things: Almond Roca. When my parents were in town a couple of weeks ago, I picked up a box of Almond Roca for my dad as a small birthday gesture and I tin of it for me. I have to brag about myself and say that I've been doing pretty good at restraining myself....so far.

Brinley Anne This Week: ...has been talking up a storm. I think that it is safe to say that every day she has said something new. She has even started saying short two or three word phrases. I continue to be amazed by something she does every day.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Brinley and I don't have much planned during the week. We will probably be getting rain the next couple of days. As of now, Bruce's parents are planning to visit us this weekend. I am hoping we'll have good weather for their visit.

A Picture I'm Sharing:

Seems nowhere like two years ago.

Papa's Birthday Weekend

As I mentioned in my previous post, my parents came to visit us this past weekend since last Friday was my Dad's birthday and this Friday will be Brinley's birthday. Here are a few more photos from last weekend for those that are chompin' at the bit to see them (ahem...MOM!).

Nana and Brinley watching a movie together.

~Two beauties.~

"Daddy, I would like mine well-done please!"


~Blue Eyes~

Poor girl...needless to say, size 18-24 month is still a BIT too big. She kept have 'droopy drawers' all day.

Daybook: Family

Outside My Window: At approximately 11PM, its a mild 52 degrees, and the weather has been absolutely gorgeous the past few days.

I Am Listening To: ...the Academy Awards Bruce and I have on in the background while we're getting things in line for tomorrow.

I Am Wearing: ...black, fleece yoga pants, a fuchsia, long-sleeved top and snuggly socks.

I Am Thankful For: ...time with family. My parents decided to make an impromptu visit this weekend since Friday was my Dad's 55th birthday (Happy Birthday again, Daddy.) and next Friday will be my sweet girl's 2nd birthday.

I Am Pondering: "In comparison with the love of Jesus, everything else is secondary. And without the love of Jesus, everything else is useless." ~John Paul II

I Am Reading: ...the same books as last week: Don't Make Me Count To Three: A Mom's Look At Heart-Oriented Discipline by Ginger Plowman and Martha To The Max: Balanced Living For Perfectionists.

To Fit And Be Happy: Since Bruce won't be working overtime during the next few weeks, I am looking forward to being able to have a little 'me time'--reading, meditating, or watching a 'girly' movie.

From The Kitchen: This weekend included lots of yummy goodness--fried fish, shrimp and oysters Friday evening, and steaks with all the fixins' Saturday evening.

I Am Thinking:...about what we'll do for Brinley's birthday next Friday. Bruce will not be working overtime the next couple of weeks so we're planning to spend the day focusing on her--her favorite foods and fun things to do. I'm thinking pancakes, pizza (not served together, of course) and a few hours at a local park or zoo are in our near future.

I Am Creating: Still haven't uploaded videos from Cole's first birthday party to Blogger, but it is once again being a pain. So, I guess all this counts for trying to 'create' a blog post.

On My iPod: Nothing new this week. However, I have rediscovered my KSBJ app.

Towards A Real Education: With Bruce and I planning to start Brinley with a homeschooling program in the fall, I'm trying to finalize what curricula we'll be using.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty: I'm so glad that our days will be getting longer soon. How Brinley and I have both missed the sunshine!

To Live The Liturgy: It's still Lent. Easter is rapidly approaching.

I Am Hoping And Praying: ...for strength, comfort, guidance and motivation.

In The Garden: I need to remember to re-pot the palm plant this week that is in our dining area.

Around The House: Bruce did an amazing job of cleaning off the patio this weekend. It was completely cleared off, the concrete was swept and sprayed off, the door that leads inside was scrubbed down and hosed off and everything was put back in its place. Looks great! Thanks babe...

On Keeping Home: After taking it a bit easy around our home this past weekend while we had company, I will be playing catch-up on laundry.

One Of My Favorite Things: Footed-pajamas...not for myself, but for my baby girl. With spring rapidly approaching, I am savoring every moment that I hear Brinley's feet pitter-patter across the tile. Although they do come in larger sizes (should my 'lil one actually grow between now and next winter) I know that she may be too stubborn to wear them as she gets older and it is truly a sight I'm going to miss.

Brinley Anne This Week: Brinley is growing so quickly from sweet baby to little girl. Over the past few weeks she is communicating much better with us, following simple instructions, and spouting off all sorts of things.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Brinley and I will be puttering around our home while Bruce is at work. Nothing in particular happening until Friday.

A Picture I'm Sharing:

Hope you had a Happy Birthday Papa! We enjoyed your visit!

Daybook: First Edition

I have decided to join what is now a rather large group of women that take a few moments from their week to slow down and post the happenings of their lives. Those that participate can be as general or as specific as they wish to be. The main purpose of this little project is to slow down, think about where you are in your life and what you wish to accomplish in the coming days. I am hoping to make this a once-a-week post, but for those that have known me longer than 10 minutes probably are aware that won't always happen. Here goes...

Outside My Window: It is dark. The sun has set and the moon and stars have appeared in its place. However, if I look carefully I see a beautifully manicured lawn (thank you, my love) and the branches moving to the gentle breeze.

I Am Listening To: The ticking of the kitchen clock and the occasional hum of the refrigerator...and every once in a while a babble from the nursery.

I Am Wearing: Comfy jammies. :-) Cream-colored flannel pant and a red, knit long-sleeved shirt. Oh, and my new pair of glasses. Can't beat a new pair of designer glasses for under $20!

I Am Thankful For: My home. Although Bruce and both have our moments that we complain that this room is too small or we wish that area had more storage, after a dream I had one night this week in which we sold our home and bought another, only on the day we signed the papers and received the keys it was a total shack, I am thankful for the wonderful home that the Lord has helped provide for us.

I Am Pondering: What am I not pondering? That seems to be my problem lately...too much on my mind.

I Am Reading: Don't Make Me Count To Three: A Mom's Look At Heart-Oriented Discipline by Ginger Plowman and Martha To The Max: Balanced Living For Perfectionists.

To Fit And Be Happy: After stepping on the scale one morning this past week, I have decided to put a little more thought into starting a fitness routine. Pilates? 30 Day Shred? Zumba? Haven't decided....

From The Kitchen: Tonight I made one of Bruce's favorites for dinner, Baked Chicken and Rice with Steamed Veggies on the side. Unfortunately, this week will include a few evenings that Brinley and I will be eating without Bruce because he's planning to work late a few days. As of right now, I'm not doing much in the means of meal planning. I don't really see the purpose of it for two people, one of which doesn't eat meat or most veggies anyway. Ahem...

I Am Thinking: ...about how it seems times of storms and darkness just hang over us for extended periods of time instead of passing over and letting the sun shine for a while.

I Am Creating: I have been trying to upload videos from Cole's first birthday party to Blogger, but it is once again being a pain. So, I guess all this counts for trying to 'create' a blog post.

On My iPod: Lady Antebellum's new album, Need You Now.

Towards A Real Education: This past week I ordered some new curricula for Brinley. Hooked on Phonics is having a huge sale. Some items in their 'Overstock' area as much as 70% off PLUS I had a 50% promo code. Go me!

Towards Rhythm and Beauty: Signs of spring are beginning to pop up everywhere and that means more time spent outside in the yard for Brinley and I. Yea!

To Live The Liturgy: It's Lent. 'Nough said.

I Am Hoping And Praying: For my husband who has had a heavy work-load lately, which inturn equates to LONG days at the office. Sometimes I joke that this ship should be named after HIM because of everything he has put into it and the sacrifices he has made for it.

In The Garden: I did buy a new potted-plant for the table on our front porch that sits between our white, wooden rockers. I'll be happy when the last freeze is over and I can finally replace all the plants in our flower beds that were destroyed when we had single-digit temperatures this winter.

Around The House: Since we qualify for the New Homeowners' Tax Credit, Bruce and I are trying to decide on what ways we would like to put a portion of that money back into the house. You wouldn't think it would be that difficult deciding how you want to spend money, but when it comes down to it, it is. Should we work on landscaping the backyard? Should we invest in new furniture for certain rooms of the house? Should we add more storage to certain areas of the house? Decisions...decisions...

On Keeping Home: Days are finally starting to be beautiful enough that I can put a little laundry on the clothes line. Today I was going to hang out Brinley's diapers fresh from the wash, but Bruce and I agreed the backyard needed to be mowed so they air-dried in the house instead. Maybe tomorrow something can go on the line.

One Of My Favorite Things: A new English Ivy for my kitchen windowsill. It's the little things...

Brinley Anne This Week: Oh, boy! I think this girl is going to take after her Nana and be a talker. The week before last she was singing her ABC's dozens of times a day. She's been saying colors, shapes, animals...just about anything that she can repeat.

This morning she and I were snuggling in bed while Bruce was cooking breakfast and she kept staring at one of the corners in our bedroom towards the ceiling. She started 'talking' and then made the Sign of the Cross. Then started talking and she made the Sign of the Cross again. Bruce and I think she was talking to Jesus and the Angels. What a way to start the Sabbath!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: We'll be playing this week by ear so to speak due to the fact Bruce will be working quite a bit of over time, and because we may be down to one car again by next weekend. Bruce said the Grand Prix has been starting oddly sometimes--especially on cold mornings or evenings. We'll just plan as we go...

A Picture I'm Sharing:


Brinley and I rarely have pictures taken of just us together because it seems I have been deemed family photographer. (I'm sure all you other Mommas know what I'm talking about.) So yesterday, before I headed out to the store, I asked Bruce to take a quick picture of Brinley and I together. When I would say, "Look at Daddy" she must have not understood what I was asking of her because she continued to look around outside at the cars passing, A'Pexi roaming the yard, etc. So I said, "Where's Daddy?" and that's why she's pointing. What a silly girl!

Cole's First Birthday

The last weekend of January, Bruce, Brinley, A'Pexi and I made a trip to Texas for my sweet nephew, Cole's, first birthday party. While in Texas, we decided to stay with my brother, Brandon and his wife, Emma and the birthday boy and we had such a wonderful time. I think the only negative thing about our stay is that it made me wish that we lived closer to them so that we could get together more often. We arrived that Friday afternoon before Brandon was even home from work. We enjoyed ordering in pizzas and playing this game after the kiddos went to bed. By the way, if your family and friends enjoy board games like we do, I can't recommend this one enough. Aside from its colorful title, it is a very straight-forward triva board game that most games are over in 15-20 minutes. So if your like me, and you find yourself avoiding games like Monopoly because you don't want to start a game that takes half a day to finish, I highly recommend it. I have to warn you though that because of its name, you won't be able to find it in most stores like Target or Wal-Mart. In fact, my parents and Brandon and Emma both ordered their copies off of Amazon.

Anyway, the following day, Saturday, was Cole's party out at my grandparents' (Cole and Brinley's great-grandparents') farm. We had a wonderful time visiting with several aunts, uncles and cousins that we hadn't seen in nearly a year (since Brinley's first birthday party). All in all, I think my greatest lesson from that day was that those Ags don't know how to pick clothing sizes for little ones. Just kidding Trent!

For those of you that were unable to make it (or for those of you that were in attendance and would like to relive it) here is a video of Cole being sung 'Happy Birthday' and digging into his 'smash cake'.



...and here is the video of him opening his presents.



Happy Birthday Cole and many blessings to you sweet boy!