Couldn’t Resist.

We were playing in the front yard.

Daddy had the sprinkler on, and you couldn’t resist.

I couldn’t resist taking pictures.

I haven’t had a chance to take your ten month photos.

After I took these, I knew these were it.

You. in your element.

You. being Tessa.

You. doing what you do.

Tessa Mae at ten months I could not love you more.

You are my favorite little thing.

I was thinking this morning that the 9 hard months of pregnancy, and the first few months of getting to know you were well worth it.

I love the Tess that I have now.

You are very smart.

You say: mama, dada, papa, and ni-ni(nite-nite)

You shake your head no.

You are crawling all over the place with many different methods.  You are also pulling yourself up to furniture.

You love your dad.

You like to laugh, and prefer when I am in your view.

You sleep 12 hours at night, with 2 long naps during the day.

You are a great eater.

and my favorite thing…..

when you dance.

Keep going to see pictures of my new Dining Room.

 

Finishing Touches

As you know, I recently did some furniture rearranging.

I mentioned that I was not done with the dining room.

Well… I finally have it just. the. way. I. want. it.

After laying in bed thinking and thinking… I was able to make over the dining room by shopping my house.

This little makeover cost me $15… that was in fabric.

What do you think?

The wall behind my table is such a big wall.  It needed something more.  I had originally thought I would put my clock there with the silhouettes, but I could not stand it.  I was so used to checking the time above my mantel that I had to put it back.  It was a happy choice because I love my book wreath there.

I also love how this little side wall turned out.

I just shopped the house for these pictures.

However, my table needed a new runner.  I have been wanting one for some time so I broke out the sewing machine.

I used cheap synthetic satin, some fun ribbon, satin flowers that I made and a old pair of vintage earrings for the center of the flower.

The green fabric is gathered and hangs long on both sides.  It totally completes the table.

Well, along with the centerpiece of course.

All of this was stuff I already had.

I recently bought the vintage handkerchief at a antique store.

The chair in the corner, also needed a little something.  So I used the left over runner fabric, and some lace and whipped up a little pillow.

I think this is my favorite corner of the house.

I love how all the finishing touches came together. 

I feel like I am in a new house again.

It is fun to switch things up.

Give it a try.

1. 2. 3.

One week ago, I turned 3.

YEAH!!

I waited and waited… and then it was my turn to have:

When I got up out of bed, I saw this:

I said, “WOW!”

Then I helped my mom frost some Cupcakes to share with my friends.

I invited them to play with me at Rock Creek.  My mom brought along cupcakes.

She also took some “SWEET”  pictures of me.

Do you remember how much I love balloons?

I have been waiting a long time for this day.

I got Mac for my birthday.  He is my buddy.  He is my friend.

My mom says that she doesn’t want me to be three.  I told her, “I am older now.”

I did something that was very fitting for a 3 year old today.  I threw a tantrum.

I decided that I didn’t want the birthday cookie that I had picked out months earlier.  One hour before my big dinner I decided to switch things up for my mom.  I think it is a good idea to keep her on  her toes.

I cried and cried until she agreed to make me a Mac cake.

She must really love me, because she did just that.

She even had to go to the store for eggs.

I was so happy when I saw it.

What do you think?

I was thought it was so special.  She said, “Isaac, I like to freeze my cakes before I frost them.”  Whatever that means.

My mom was grateful that I was happy.  She said, “You can have whatever you want, it is your birthday.  Tomorrow will be a different story.”

I picked Chicken Nuggets, french fries and ketchup for my special dinner.

Then I opened the one and only gift that had not be opened already.

I was more impressed with the Pez dispenser that my mom put on the top of the present.    

I ended the night by making a wish and…

waking up the next morning asking if I could do it all again.    

 

When I need a change.

Change –verb  1. to transform or convert

When I need a pick me up or a change I usually transform something in my house.

My mom recently told me that every time she comes she has to take a tour because I have changed something.  I guess I like change.

This change came as a result of being so sick of my kids toys everywhere.

I did a swap.

Old Breakfast nook

Sorry my most recent picture is during the holidays.

New Office/Playroom

 

Old Office/Playroom

New Dining room

…and because one change always effects another; new mantle and furniture placement.

Old Mantel

New Mantel

I am still adding and changing a little in the dining room, but I must say this is one of the best changes I have ever made.

P.S.  Don’t forget to check out 365.

What I have learned Thursday…{and a little more}

“Beans on Toast”

This little installment of “what I have learned” is really more about what we(Jonathan and I) are teaching our children.  I have laughed and laughed about this for days, and thought you might laugh also.  You also might find this enlightening as you try to teach your kids.

My husband is wonderful at teaching our children true and correct principles.  He always finds interesting ways to get his point across.  Case in point:

We have really been working on teaching our kids the correct way to pray.

Isaac prays but repeats the same prayer every time.

The other two say what most children say; something repetitive such as: Heavenly Father, Thank you for this day.

Jonathan is so cute and loving.  He meekly shares the correct way to pray on their level.  He outlines a prayer; how we begin, to share what we are thankful for, ask for blessings, and then close correctly.   He reminds them often.  One particular night, he decided to address being repetitive.

He says, “Stella, how would we feel if I walked through the door from work each day and said; Hi Stella, Beans on toast.  Then the next day, I walked through the door and said; Hi Stella, beans on toast.  Then the next day; Hi Stella, beans on toast.

…and the laughter started.

I don’t know why he picked the phrase “beans on toast”, but I think they got his point.  …they are still talking about it, and reminding each other not to be like “beans on toast.”

I love this man.  He is wonderful teacher and father.  He teaches with love and laughter.

What and how are you teaching your children?

Speaking of teaching your children…

These little munchies started school.

Stella started the big K.

 

She looked at me and told me to “STOP! taking pictures.”

When I said my goodbyes, I hugged her and told her she could leave with me at any point.  She didn’t take me up on it.

I asked her today if she ever misses me.  She said, “Not really.  Well, maybe one time.”

She is doing great.  I am proud of her for being so independent.

Jex loves the second grade, and was excited that his two best friends are in his class again this year.

I sneaked a peak after he got a little settled on the first day.  What a cute 2nd grader.  WOW!! did I really just say write second?

They both have great teachers.  They even made a little visit to our house.

The night before school, the kids got a special father’s blessing.

It is an important part of our back to school traditions.

As parents we spend so much time preparing them physically: backpacks, school supplies, and new clothes.

How often do we prepare them spiritually?  I believe that blessings are the last little piece of the armor that we provide our kids with. Armor to make correct choices while they are away from home for

8 hours a day.  A Father’s blessing gives thekids a little road map to pattern their year after.

Our family has set a new motto for the year, “Our choices determine our future.”

We have asked the kids to think about the choices that they make.  We are encouraging good choices; like most parents.  Well I think there are a few out there who hope there kids make bad choices, but I can only think of a handful.  he he.

I hope to prepare a “choices” dinner sometime in September to kick off our family motto. 

Have a great Thursday.

Enjoy your new back to school routines.

…and I dare you to try a little beans on toast.