Friday, July 29, 2011

D.I.R.T.







We hit the JACKPOT!!!! I just thought having construction in around our new house was a bad thing...but man, I was wrong. It's actually beneficial...if you have a 3 year old BOY around!!!! We've been exposed to almost every truck/tractor known to man-kind. Dump trucks, cement trucks, 18-wheelers, bulldozers, excavators, tractors, food trucks (you know...the ones that come around for the little construction workers), furniture trucks, mail trucks, and more!!!!

On top of being front and center to all the equipment, we have had access to a lot of dirt/sand piles.

This morning, we helped ourselves (along with Ellie and Addison) to play in the sand!!!! We took our toy trucks and bulldozers over for a little fun in the DIRT!!!!

Afterwards, we cleaned up with the help of the sprinkler!!!!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Barner Highlights


Barrett's always into something! Besides coloring my new doors in the house (upon the first week we moved in), learning climb the OUTER banister of the staircase, and climbing up on the cabinets like a little monkey...he also managed to almost tear down the Frisco Post Office! As I was waiting in line the other day to mail off a package, I began to realize that I was repeating the SAME thing over and over again.
Me: "Barrett, please stay beside me. Barrett, please stay beside me. Barrett, please stay beside me."
Eventually, I gave up. Mainly, because he is 3 and there is no way that he's going to stand beside me (without a fight).
What he's doing in the photo is no where near the actual destruction.
Imagine if you will, Barrett's forehead placed again the black, horizontal bands/ropes.
I turned my back for just a minute (to write the address on the package I was mailing) when I heard poles dragging across the floor! Barrett was literally pulling the entire contraption through the main lobby of the post office with his HEAD against the ropes. No hands! It reminded me of a sling-shot in a sense. I was just waiting for him to pull everything over...or bounce back...flying across the floor!!! Geezzz
Here is yet another "trick" he's perfected within the last few days. His toes are so long, he can just dig into my cabinets and climb his way to the top of my counters! Nice! It's not so bad, except he prefers to do it near the oven. Not a good choice!!!!

He's fallen in love with his Lightening McQueen watch. I had my sister and nieces down for a few days, and we ventured out to Sam Moon where they bought colorful watches. Well, he wanted a watch too, but I wasn't going to give in and buy him a watch with rhinestones. Luckily, I found a watch that was suitable for a boy...and of course, right up Barrett's alley!!!! The time isn't even correct, but he thinks he can read it!!!
Barrett: "Oh Momma! It's time to eat."
Barrett: "Momma, it's twenty".
Barrett: "Mom, it's time to GO". (That's usually when we're shopping and he's tired of it)
This is my favorite...
We were in Hobby Lobby and one of the sales associates came on the loud speaker. I'd been arguing with Barrett about how he needed to stay in the shopping cart. Upon hearing the loud speaker announcement, Barrett said, "Momma! They said I could get out now!!!!"

I painted the word search below and took it to Hobby Lobby to be custom framed. It looks a lot better closer up, and honestly, I wanted a wider frame...but man 'oh man...custom framing isn't cheap! haha My plan is to hang a few things around it...circle TRUST GOD within the word search, and find a book shelf that will fit underneath it (but long/wider than the painting itself).
I had fun painting it. It was kind of therapeutic in a way. I painted every letter with a tiny little brush. Matt thought I was crazy, but it turned out okay. I like it. It's not glamorous...but it's different.

Heading up the stairs, there was an empty space/pocket. I finally found something I like to put up in it...and won't collect too much dust. I'd actually like to put something even higher above the candle sticks (painting or metal decor)...but I don't know how in the world I would get up there. I also need to chill before I end up "cluttering". haha

Monday, July 25, 2011

Summer Fun SNAPSHOTS

07/25/11

Time to catch up on adding some snapshots to my blog. Thanks to ME trying to unhook and reconnect wires...our home computer / PC has been in the hospital. I finally had to call tech support and have a technician out to look at it. Within 3 minutes...we were up and running. Whew!!!






Wyatt's BIRTHDAY party! Oh what fun!!!! Bounce-houses, Cars 2 birthday cake, balloons, presents, and lots of laughs!!! We just love Wyatt Martin!!!! We're going to miss him this year when school begins.






Here are our neighbors Ellie and Addison! The three of these children are like GLUE! They play so well together and spend hours in Barrett's Lightening McQueen car, their Barbie Jeep, on the trampoline, sliding up and down on the SlipN'Slide, or swimming at the pool!!!! Already, they are the best of friends!!!








Hands down...I must say this is one of my favorite summers. I've spent a lot of time enjoying the company of my sister and nieces, having lunches with Matt, shopping, decorating my house, catching up with old friends, swimming, and making memories with Barrett. I've tried keeping this summer on PAUSE! Of course, I wouldn't mind putting it in REWIND because I'd do it all over again!!!!


Granted, fun has lead to enjoying patio dinners on Friday and Saturday nights, lunch dates at a variety of restaurants, and late night Sonic runs...which in return, have caused me to pack on the pounds. I was doing really well in dieting in the spring. I lost around 20 to 25lbs...but it's gradually easing its way back onto my body! haha Oh well. I've had FUN doing it!!!!



Matt's Birthday


My little TAN-man!!!

Jennifer was nice enough to accept my "short notice" surprise. She lives out in Rowlett and had to drive in traffic just to make this special occasion!!!

For Matt's birthday, we met up with some dear friends of our Jennifer and Rob. Matt's known Jennifer for a long time, but unfortunately, we've gone a "long time" without seeing her. So, for Matt's birthday, I decided to surprise him with his friends at La Hacinda (love that place)!!!!

Good times!!!! He was definately excited to see Jennifer and catch up!


This is after all that Mexican food and birthday cake. Time to put on "fat pants" and relax!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

All Boy!






Along side our neighborhood playground is a row of trees. It's our little pretend FOREST (with bears, caves, and secret treasures)!!!!!
Today, we found our own little secret hiding place where we stocked our weapons (sticks and rocks), food supply (water bottles), and stalked predators (people swinging in the swings across the sidewalk)!!!! We even developed a SECRET PASSWORD to enter our secret hiding place. haha I believe it was something really tricky, like, "enter" hahahaha Yeah, we need to work on making our word more of a challenge.

Love my little guy! So much fun playing today!!!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Candy Land CHAMPION!





Here is our Candy Land CHAMPION!!!!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Summer Swimming











We practically live at our pool on these hot summer days! Our good friends Caiden, Debbie, and Ashlyn were so sweet to pay us visit. I put Mrs. Debbie to work (haha) hanging up my Uppercase Living phrases, we ate lunch, then headed off to the pool!

Daddy on the Court






Matt recently started playing basketball again. He's had to opt out of all the basketball leagues and games since (and even before) his knee surgery back in November. Finally, he's been given permission by the doctor to participate (although they recommend he doesn't play at all).

Watching him play makes me so nervous because I'm afraid we'll end up with another injury!

Matt's company has a team that participates with other leagues, that play every Thursday. Barrett and I dropped in to watch the game. You should have heard Barrett chanting! It was hilarious.

Our good buddy, Wyatt was there too (cheering on his dad that was also playing)!

Fun times!!!!





Sunday, July 10, 2011

Barrett






My sweet darling draining my ONLY water bottle that I had brought with me to the track. I was needing that!!!! I guess he wanted it too, for puddles to splash in?!?!

Little soccer/kick ball practice



Sandbox at the track. Who knew a long jump pit could be so much fun? It kept Barrett occupied while I ran around the track! Brilliant idea!!!


His charming smile. He's learned to tell me I'm pretty when he knows he's in trouble. Imagine that??? I see it as a form of distraction! Who's "pretty" when they've been running and sweating in 100 degree temperature and their child wasted all the water??????



Barrett has been a fish all summer. I worked them on kicking his feet, taking a big breath, and using his arms to swim. He has been an excellent little student for me on the days we're at the pool (and I'm surprised because normally with ME...he has selective hearing!
He can swim, but I'm not completely comfortable with him going without floaties. He's almost oblivious to the fact that deep water can be dangerous! He will take off by inhaling, filling his cheeks with air, and launch himself into the water with a beautiful kick. My fear is that he won't surface to take a breath of air! Seriously. He swims under the water and doesn't understand that you have to lift your face, take a breath, and then put it back in the water........all the while....continuing to kick and move your arms! haha Really, it's a lot to have to put together. I'm hoping by the end of summer or even next year, he will be the hang of it. I'm in no big hurry. He's catch on when he's ready.

One thing he really good at eye-balling lately (mainly because we have made a habit of shopping a lot this summer) is:

Hobby Lobby (knows the store when he sees it), Target (can't miss that red target sign or the big cement spheres in front of the entrance doors), Whataburger (that big, orange W), Sonic, Home Depo and Old Mac Donald (McDonald's). Barrett said he wanted chicken strips from Old Mac Donalds. He seriously thinks that is the name of it. Poor child. Isn't it Ole instead of Old anyway? See, he's really confused. hahaha

Oops


Check out my magnet! I love it. Hilarious!

Well, I got my new, beautiful desk and I've started working more in my office on decorations, however, along with getting my desk (and being impatient), I decided to take it upon myself to move the computer and printer. Yep, that required unplugging cords and then connecting everything back together.
Most of you know me...and that I'm quick to just react, so randomly while randomly unplugging everything, I didn't think to pay attention to where things "went" and "should" be plugged back in. So....I don't have Internet access in the office anymore. Yikes. First thing Monday, I'll be calling technical support (unless one of you are willing to call and help me out).
Yes...I DID check to see if the computer was plugged in! hahaha I know some of you doubted that crucial step! ha

My word search turned out great, but (and there is always a but), all the letter weren't centered. I took it to Home Depo and they cut it so that everything appeared symmetrical/even. Now, my plan is to have it framed. Originally, I wasn't going to, but the more I gaze at it...it looks too plain. It needs a border. I bought crown molding and I plan to have stain it the same color of my desk.
If and when I finally do finish it, I'll post pictures.

I like Dewawn's idea of doing a chalk board. I thought about that too. Did you know they have glow in the dark chalk as well. How cool would that look in a child's playroom or even bedroom. Glow in the dark stars and moons! FUN
I found another idea at Moo-yah Burgers. Instead of using a black board, they have a huge white board that takes up part of the wall. Less mess (I'm thinking), plus you wouldn't have to deal with someone raking their nails across the board! haha
Either way...chalk OR white board....very cute idea!

More pictures coming soon...I hope! ha That, or a party so that you can all see if for yourself :)

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Where's Amy?????

Hello everyone in BLOG-land!!!!

I don't know how many of you have been to my blog page, but I'm sure you've noticed there hasn't been any posts in quiet sometime! Never fear....I'll get into my swing of things soon and start posting pictures and videos. Lately, I've been posting on Facebook, and I know the other part of the world that doesn't blog, is probably getting sick of watching my LIFE before them!


My main excuse for not posting on this blog is because we've moved! I'm thrilled!!! I now have an 8 minute commute to work and Matt only has a 13 minute commute (verses 45 minutes one way and an hour + for Matt). We couldn't be happier.

I've been spending a lot of time organizing, decorating, and hanging out with family and friends. My sister has been one of the biggest pleasures this summer. She made a promise to come see me (more often than usual) this summer, and that girl has held her promise. She stayed over a week with me in June, and we've seen each other almost every other weekend throughout the summer!!!!!


My house is coming along great!!! With Brandi's help, we managed to get a lot done within the first few weeks of moving in. Matt (on the other hand) was ready for her to leave because she and I together....SHOPPING...caused a lot of spending!

I'll post some picture later of the house if you want. The office and upstairs living space is still a work in progress. Of course I'll think one room is finished, but then I'll think of something to add to it or change. It's fun though!!!!


Barrett is THREE and getting so independent! At his latest doctor's appointment, he weighed in at 38lbs and of course was in the 98% percentile for growth! Imagine that??? I'm just glad he is healthy and happy!!


We practically LIVE at our neighborhood swimming pool. Barrett calls it the "water park". I don't blame him. It's HUGE! Two big water slides, a kiddie play area, 4 pools. It's nice. Definitely a selling point for us!!!!!


I pulled out my creative idea to make a large word search for our office. At first, I was going to paint it directly to the wall. Then, decided to put it on a piece of plywood instead. I thought maybe painting on the wood/floor (flat surface), would be easier.

I hope it turns out okay. It's been a tedious task. Especially for a perfectionist (myself). I had to paint many background coats, then stencil with pencil, now I'm painting each letter individually with a tiny tiny brush. Ughhh More work than I expected.

My original idea was to just spray paint the letters, one by one. That was messy and caused smearing.
Let's just hope I: #1, finish it..... and #2, use it. I'd hate to spend all this time painting it and not using it in the end.


above: the word search I'm working on...

below: one of my FAVORITE things!!! I love this clock!