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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Down on the farm

I keep seeing these amazing old barn doors being refurbished and put INside of homes.

You could say I'm obsessed.

Just a little bit.

Ok, I'm a lot obsessed and I don't care who knows it. Add this to my wish list of things I want in my dream home.













Seriously? So cool. Any of y'all have some old barn doors lying around?? I'd love to take them off your hands...no, really, I'll do all the heavy lifting myself.

Let me know.

-Jess

Monday, July 25, 2011

Wordless Monday

Busy day around here (you know...napping, skyping with grammy, laundry etc...) so instead of a lengthy boring post, I'll just leave you with a few yummy pics of the little man. We've been trying some new things the last few weeks, including swinging and splash parks...if the pictures aren't clear enough, he LOVES both...












-Jess

Friday, July 22, 2011

Dear Jack v. 1

Dear Jack,


I hope you always know I always wanted you. You are the best part of me.

I hope you're never embarrassed to kiss me on the cheek and tell me you love me. Even when you're 17 and too cool for school.

I hope you and your daddy are best friends. I foresee a lot of adventures in your future.



I hope you trust me with your feelings and your secrets-I am, and always will be, your biggest supporter.

I hope you are a fisher of men.

I hope you love my cooking and come home from college with requests for me to make your favorite meals.



I hope you know Christ's love.

I hope you are always silly and always determined (these are two of your best qualities)

I hope you are a kind and cheerful helper. (I know you will be, you already are.)



I hope you will know the difference between right and wrong and not be afraid to say no.

I hope you make mistakes (and learn from them).

I hope when I am old and grey you will return the favor and take care of me as I once took care of you.



I have so many hopes and dreams for you, little man. I hope you will have them for yourself one day, too.

I love you always.


-Mama

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Thankful Thursday v. 4

Dear Mr. And Mrs. Grisham,



First of all, thank you for being so cute. Also, thank you for finally getting your $h!+ together and moving back to Dallas this weekend, it's about time. Can't wait to go on double dates with These cuties

Dear Three men and a lady,



Thank you for posting this amazing picture and giving me a love of vintage suitcases. I would like to take this picture and copy it exactly in my future dream home.

Dear Ash,



Thank you for always being overly and genuinely excited to see my little man (sometimes I think you'd rather see him than me, but it's whatevs). You always make me feel extra proud to be his mom.

Dear watermelon margarita,



Thank you for being so pretty and delicious. I can't wait to make you tonight.

Dear Hubby and bean,



Thank you for being mine. You make my heart full.

-Jess

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Finding myself

That's where I've been this last week...finding myself...
You know, searching deep within, letting my inner voice speak, meditating and all that jazz.

Here's what I found:

1) I'm lazy and would rather spend time with my little man and a grape/lime snow cone than think of something witty to post on my blog...
2) I'm totally turning into a real mom. It's scaring me...here's the evidence.
* I clap (it's more like a flap, really) and scream and altogether making a FOOL out of myself every time my son does something new.
* I wear my hair in a bun/ponytail eeevery day (sorry bout that one babe) and it's not cute...(anyone want to babysit so I can get a haircut...anyone?! Please, don't all volunteer at once).
* I freaked out that my son was walking barefoot around the play place at mcdonalds (ok...that one's a lie. I was more freaking out because of all the "what kind of mother ARE you" looks I was receiving from all the good moms who make their kids wear shoes and wouldn't dream of giving their 10 month old french fries *gasp*...ugh I could write an entire post on this but I'll save that for another day when I'm not still super annoyed...)
3) I let my child have an occasional french fry and I don't care what you think.
4) I tend to go on random tangents...a lot. *see 2 and 3*
5) I have to go number 2 every time I walk into a target. everytime?! I know I'm not the only one with this problem. We all have that "place" and I want to know where yours is. Barnes and noble? The grocery store?? Please, for the love of God, tell me I'm not the only one with a "special place" or I'll really regret putting myself out there and being honest with you guys.
6) Since becoming a mom I've lost all my pride and shame. *see number 5*. I just don't care anymore and I've gotta tell you...it feels good. Real good.
7) This list is getting out of control and I. Must. Stop. Now.

So that's where I've been. Hope ya missed me, hope I still have a few readers left, hope I didn't scare any of those remaining readers away with this awesome entry.

Betcha didn't think I'd post about pooping in target after being away for a week did ya??

I'm full of surprises.





Y'all come back now, ya hear??


-Jess

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Thankful Thursday v. 3 (better late than never right?)

How is it Thursday already?! I swear I just wrote last weeks post and here I am again sitting down with my list of "thanks". Although this is only the third week, I've really enjoyed the time I've spent writing these entries. They've made me more aware of how LITTLE I have to complain about. My life has been filled with blessings and I'm so thankful I'll have these posts years from now to remind me of where I was and how I've grown.



This week has flown by and it's been filled with family, friends, and new milestones. It seems lately that every time we turn around Jack has learned something new. Every stage with him has been sweet and exciting, but I've got to say, this last month has been my favorite. His little personality is really starting to shine and he cracks me up on a daily basis with his charm and mischievousness (don't let that smile fool ya...he is always up to something).
Within the last week alone he has started waving and saying what sounds like "heeeeeyyyy". He's also mastered the "kiss" (when I ask him to give mama kisses he will hold my face and bite my lips...painful, but ooooh so cute) and knows who "dada" is. One of the biggest and definitely most exciting things to happen in our home this last week was this...


Although I sometimes complain about wishing I had a "life" outside of mommy hood, I am beyond thankful that I am able to stay home with my little man. I love getting to watch him grow on a daily basis and I know when he is older and embarrassed to hang out with me (which is never gonna happen...tell me it's never gonna happen?!) I will look back and thank the Lord I was able to spend so much one on one time with him as a baby.

Ok, could I be anymore sappy and emotional right now?! You'll have to excuse me...my son is walking. I'm never going to forgive him.



Alright y'all, moms are probably Gods greatest creation. Right? Who's with me?! My mom, (she's the one with me in the picture...ya, you all probably thought that was my sister. I know...she gets it all the time. Here's hopin I got her good genes). Anyway, today everyday I am more and more thankful for my mom. One of the best things about growing up and becoming a mom yourself, is that it takes the whole mother daughter relationship to an entirely new level. I always knew my mom loved me, always, but I never really understood that love until I had Jack. Having a baby of your own is like the best therapy you can imagine, it makes you realize (in an instant) WHY your mom was the way she was (you know...overprotective, nosy, bossy ;)).



My mom and I have grown closer in the last 10 months than we've been in all of my 23 years. She is my best friend, my encourager, my confidant, and the answer to all my questions. She is the one who calls me when there is a huge sale at the gap, the one who taught me how to cook, appreciate an ice cold beer in a coffee mug (there's nothin like it) and pluck my eyebrows the right way. She's the one who treats my baby like he's hers (and I wouldn't have it any other way). She still makes me feel like her little girl even though I'm married and have my own family now, she still let's me call and cry to her over the phone when I'm having one of those days, and she always, no matter what, tells me the truth. I love her and am so thankful she taught me how to love.

And you guys thought I was done being overly emotional....psshhh

I'll end with this...

I'm thankful for a husband who lives in reality and knows I'm not perfect. One who willingly eats a schmorgasboard (sp?!) dinner when I forgot to thaw the chicken ;). thanks babe!



-Jess

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Confessions

Because tomorrow is already thankful Thursday, I thought I should probably get all my venting/aggression/confessions for the week done today.

Sometimes you just need to vent. Let it all out. Scream at the top of your lungs...or into a pillow because the baby is asleep in the other room and we aaalll know you NEVER wake a sleeping beast baby.

Right?? Or am I alone in this? Please humor me and go along with it.

Ok, moving right along...




This is so repulsive, and I can't believe I'm even admitting this (don't judge me, I swear our house is clean!) but we can not get these dang gnats under control. I've about lost my mind trying to get rid of them, but Nothing is working. It makes me feel like my house is constantly dirty...if ANY of yall have a solution please let me know. K thanks.



I can't quit reality tv.

There, I said it.

I KNOW it's trashy, I KNOW it's mind numbing, I KNOW I'm a mom now and should be watching things like sesame street, giada, and design on a dime and yada yada yada but I just can't get enough of teen mom, the real world, jersey shore, hoarders...

Ok, when I read that back to myself it is a smidge embarrassing, but these are MY confessions and I won't let you take that away from me.

I can't help it, I love seeing how other people live their lives (which is also why I'm addicted to blogs). People fascinate me and I wish I could make a career out of people watching (it's my calling, I know it is...) maybe it's a phase I'll grow out of (maybe) but for now I'm going to continue to hang out with my besties Macy, Vinny, and Dr. Robin Zasio and I don't care who knows it.



Baby bangs...

Enough said.



This little man is on the verge of walking. As in w-a-l-k-I-n-g walking. As in taking STEPS walking.

It makes my stomach hurt thinking about it. Is that bad?! Obviously I am beyond proud of my sweet boy but I just don't think I'm ready for him to WALK, because that means he's officially out of the baby stage and I swear he was just born last week...

Ok, now that I'm on the verge of tears I think I'll leave it at that. Stay tuned tomorrow for a much more positive post featuring all that I'm thankful for, like cookies...and snow cones...and.... ya, I obviously need to work on my list for the week.


-Jess

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Bl(ah)g

I'm feeling a little less than inspired these last few days. I think I need to get out of the house (or maybe its because I have a mile long list of chores giving me the stink eye), but I just can't seem to get it together today. So, instead of boring y'all with a lackluster post about my weekend (which was actually really great and included a fire induced evacuation from the Rhianna concert...don't worry, it didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying my gno) I think I'll send you over to a few places filled with pretty pictures and people who do inspire me!

The house of turquoise : I could sit all day and look at these gorgeous pictures of other people's homes. In fact, I just spent the last hour and a half creeping in on random kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms (it's fine, Jack was napping...I'm allowed right??) Be sure and take a look at the recent Dream home tour.. There are no words, except maybe I want, I need, and gimme. Ga-or-Geous.

This lady is Beyond inspiring. Her words, on an almost daily basis, give me goose bumps. She is real, honest, takes beautiful pictures, and is super funny too. Her girls are unbelievably cute and I would like to be friends with her. Go and be inspired.

Hers is one of the first "mom blogs" I read and I fell in love with her family's sweet, adventuring, soulful lives. They live and love greatly. Her Hubby is also an amazing musician who writes beautiful songs for their sweet babies. Her blog is definitely a daily read for me!

I don't remember how I stumbled onto Bridget's blog but I do remember I read through every single post in about two hours. I couldn't get enough of her sweet family and unbelievable love story. I have to admit, I may have gotten a little too excited when she commented on one of my posts! I think it's safe to say I've got a blog crush and her name is Bridget.

And of course, last but definitely not least, This guys little blog about our little man. My boys make me laugh harder than anyone and I am inspired by both on a daily basis. It's a must read. ;)





This handsome little devil is calling (and by calling I mean yelling) for me from his room...guess that's my cue! Heres hoping I wake up on the right side of the bed tomorrow and that cleaning fairies come and visit our home in the middle of the night!

Happy blalking! (blog stalking...duh)

-Jess

Friday, July 8, 2011

Are we there yet?

My parents are sending the hubs and I on a belated honeymoon in October. We'll be spending 7 days in St. Thomas.

S-e-v-e-n days.

Alone.

Without the Beans...

As in, he'll be in Texas, and we'll be in ST. THOMAS (obviously I'm not looking forward to it at all. I'm thinking about just letting David take a friend and have a guys weekend while I stay home and iron his socks.... False. I am not.)

Love the kid, but I can't wait to sleep in, drink piña coladas, get my tan on, explore and spend some much needed quality time with my baby daddy. (all while sippin on some piña coladas, of course.)




This is where we'll be staying. Ya, not sure if we'll ever come back.




Yes please.




Don't mind if I do.


Three more months. I'm not sure I can wait that long.

-Jess

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Thankful Thursday v. 2

Ive gotta be honest. Today has been hard. One of those days where nothing seems to go your way. Burnt breakfast, baby food spilled on the carpet, stubbing my toe so bad it broke the nail...ya, you know what I'm talking about, one of thooose days.
I started this post with good intentions. I was going to sit down, have some quiet time, and really reflect on what I was thankful for this last week. Jack, on the other hand, had other plans. He decided mama didn't need quiet time today but instead needed to give him her full attention.
I put him down for a nap, turned on his music and waited the usual ten minutes it takes for him to sing himself to sleep. The ten minutes turned into almost an hour of on and off whining and crying. I thought maybe he would tire himself out and that I could just tune him out (which never works-I still haven't mastered the whole letting him cry it out thing, I end up feeling guilty and we both just end up grumpier than before ;) I finally gave in and got him out of his crib. He instantly stopped crying (per usual) and I swear he hugged me-I mean, arms wrapped around my neck, head on my shoulder kind of a hug-he needed me, and I knew right then and there what I was most thankful for.
The hard days. The regular old day to day routine that often times leaves me feeling like I have no life. The crying, the snotty nose, the messes that seem to never go away no matter how much time I spend cleaning and picking up. These kinds of days are what make me a mom. Without them, I would not know what it means to truly love my child unconditionally. To not only love him when he's being cute and silly and sweet (which he really is 98% of the time) but to also love him through the tears, the whining, and the meltdowns. It's funny how I begged and pleaded for him to sleep so I could have some alone time, but the second he was down, I missed him.
He's my buddy, my partner in crime, and the best decision I ever made. I know these days will get harder the older he gets, but I also am confident in the fact that I will never, no matter what, stop loving him. He is mine and I am his and that will never change. I thank God every day for the opportunity to be his mom and I wouldn't trade it for anything.













Today, I am thankful for him. So so thankful.

-Jess

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Today...

I would like to swap houses with Keri Russell (And hair. Yes, house and hair. Ok, and wardrobe. But that is all. House, hair and wardrobe.)

Keri, if you're reading this, call me.

I'm available now. (the piles of laundry and dishes in the sink come with the house! I'll even throw in some sticky, hand print covered windows. You really shouldn't pass this opportunity up...I'm giving you a chance to live like a real, ordinary woman!)

But seriously. Call me, girl.









I love everything about this house. Especially the floor to ceiling curtains, that tufted ottoman, the free standing tub and the exposed brick in the kitchen (I will have exposed brick in my kitchen. Someday...) And, well, everything. I'll take it all.

Yes. Please. And thank you.


Oh ya. And some obligatory Jack pics. Because he's cute, and let's face it, the only reason anyone visits this little blog.












I'm sorry, but photo booth never gets old. Makes me laugh every time.

-Jess

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Tuesdays Are Sooo The New Mondays...

This is what my house looks like after being away for three days.


Oy.

Im most likely being buried alive right now. It's ok, don't panic. I've got my life alert handy.


-Jess

Monday, July 4, 2011

365

Three hundred sixty five days ago we were celebrating the 4th with my family. We were still 2 months away from meeting the bean and couldn't imagine what he, or our lives, would be like.












This year, Jack is 10 months old and it's hard to remember life before him. Crazy how much can change in a year. Feeling so blessed to be spending this fourth of July with my two favorite boys.













-Jess

Friday, July 1, 2011

Sister sister







Everyone, meet sister. Sister, meet everyone. (and by everyone I mean the two followers that I have...who are family...one of which is my mom...which means, not only have y'all met already, but you know everything I'm about to say.)

She is a wizard. A genius. A jack of all trades, if you will. Jen is the mastermind behind my uh-mazing blog layout that I am completely in love with. I tried for two days to achieve this look and failed mis-er-ably! She, on the other hand, whipped it up AND made it even BETTER than I had imagined, in hours. She's got mad skills and if she weren't my sister I'd hate her for it.

She has recently been bit with the photography bug and she's been bit pre-tt-y hard because, well, she's amazing at it. I would try to describe her style and skill but I'm not sure my words could do her justice. Which means, you'll just have to go take a look and see for yourselves. http://jensebring.blogspot.com/

Do yourselves a favor and follow her. Not only does she take great pictures but she's pretty stinking hilarious too.

She's my sister and I love her.


-Jess