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Horsey!

Friday, December 30, 2011

OK, so I got all kinds of deep yesterday.  But seriously, if you haven't watched those videos, do not pass Go.  Do not collect $200.  Go watch them now.  I'll wait. 

[waiting]

Pretty awesome, right?  I told you so.  (And I'm not one to say that.)  (Yes, I am.  Nevermind.)

That means today will take us from the sublime to the ... well, ridiculous.  Because Jack is now a seasoned horseback rider.

Thank you, Aunt Cherry and Aunt Hollace for the new addition to Jack's little brood, aptly named "Neigh Neigh"!


As you can see by this (bad) picture, taken by the low light of the Christmas tree, they are getting along famously.


I mean, I love to wear a rugby shirt and chill by the Christmas tree with my new friend.  Especially if that friend sparks my imagination and makes me look hella cute when we're photographed together.  You know?

Hope you have a buddy to enjoy this New Year's Eve with,
Heather

A New Year

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Ben Breedlove was a teenager in Austin, Texas who made this video (two parts).  He died on Christmas Day.  His parents found the video afterward.  His story was featured on the Today show.

I've started thinking seriously about my goals and commitments for this coming new year.  Seeing Ben's video touches my heart and makes me think about them with more gratitude and focus.






It's resolution time.  And life time.

Heather

Breakfast Buddies

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Jack has been in the same school since I returned to work after maternity leave.  As a result, he's grown up with a handful of best buddies who have done the same.  It makes my heart happy every day to see him greeting Gabe, Linley, Eli, Mac, and Jazmin, among others.

As luck would have it, Gabe recently became a big brother.  (Yay to Gabe and his awesome parents!)  And as fate would have it, Gabe's little sis decided to come late in the evening on the night before she was to be coaxed out into the world, aka, induced.  She knew she was being evicted, that is.

So, Gabe's parents dropped him off at Casa de Jack so they could rush off to the hospital and become a family of four.  Jack and Gabe were in for a pleasant surprise the next morning, when they realized they'd just had their first sleepover!  We hooked them up with yogurt and sippies of milk and let the fun ensue.

Gabe!  Gabe is here, Momma!
WAY too excited to eat breakfast.  Seriously, this is so cool!
After the pure adorableness of breakfast, imagine our delight when we realized that Gabe's momma had carefully packed an outfit for him that included the Very Same Shirt we had just bought for Jack!  As we dressed them (divide and conquer, also known as man-to-man defense), I hollered upstairs to Durel to put Jack in the same shirt.  Because I think I'm funny like that.

Thing 1 and Thing 2?
I am happy to report that Gabe and his *entire* family are doing great.  Jack wants Gabe to come over for another sleepover soon.  And I think breakfast with a best buddy is one of the best things in the world.

Hope you do, too,
Heather

Oh, Christmas Tree...

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

We did it!  Jack's second Christmas was a fabulous success.  Gifts, pie, family time, cocktails, and happiness were shared by all.  I didn't take nearly enough pictures, but the ones I did take are stacking up to be shared. More to come; promise.

As I mentioned, we rocked it out with two trees at our house this year.  And while the kitchen tree featured our "hobbies," The Saints and Vegetables, the big tree in the living room was a hodge podge of ornaments that reflect our families, our childhoods, and our shared experiences as a family.  

Sure, I see Christmas trees that are symmetrical, themed, and pristine.  And I think they're cool.  And I have the fleeting thought that our tree should be like that.  And then I remember our cool ornaments and how personal they are, and I perish the thought of changing anything about how we decorate for Christmas.  Which is all about family, you know...

Cristy's handmade felt ornament, an homage to our new home state.

A gift from my mom, to commemorate the year we got married, and our first home.
Our rental house even had a red door!

Ornament handmade by my Grandma B. during the Great Depression.
Not even kidding.  Times were tough. Sequins and pins, people.
Handmade ceramic ornament from Jenny to honor
Pablo's first Christmas with us!

Our tree, 2011.

Pretty cool, huh?  I love it.  It's a reflection of us.  And, you know, as Type A as I am every.single.day of the year, I can go a little bit crazy on my Christmas tree.  

And no, I don't for a minute think that's really "going crazy."  

Just joshin' ya.  Hope your trees reflect who you are, too.
Heather  

Red Alert

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Santa came to visit Jack's school this year.  He obligingly posed with all the kiddos for their individual pictures with Santa.  

Only, it wasn't really Santa.  It was a mere mortal who probably buys Alleve by the truckload to help him recover from his blinding headaches, which are brought on by the non-stop screaming and wailing of toddlers who don't want any part of this exercise, thankyouverymuch.


I commend Jack's school for attempting this, and thank them for providing me with this picture, which will prove extremely handy in mortifying Jack in front of his first girlfriend when he's a teenager.

Because Santa or no Santa, you've got to think ahead.
Heather

Caption Contest Winner!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Here it is, by "Unknown," who I sure wish would identify themself.

Thanks for capturing the je ne sais quois of the hat and chicken finger combo, Unknown.  You hit the nail on the head.


Yo mama! These chicken fingers are totally dope!

Hope your day is dope,
Heather

Every Day I'm Cuddlin'

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Last weekend, I had the much-needed chance to bake cookies, drink champagne, and hang out with some fabulous friends.  It rocked.

One of these fabulous women also brought her fabulous son with her to hang out.  He did pretty well, since all the cookie baking ladies save one are mamas.  There was no shortage of arms to hold him, let's put it that way.

He and I totally bonded.

Talking things over.  I was telling him how awesome life is when you get more teeth.
He listened politely.

Me with my new buddy.

Failed attempt at self-portrait.
In fact, we had such a good time with our pal, our cookies, and our champagne, that I have no other pictures of the evening.  (Promise.)  

Hope you have such a good time this week that you forget to take pictures,
Heather

5K

Monday, December 19, 2011

Completing a half marathon has been a personal goal of mine for years.  About a year ago, I decided that it was time to make it happen.  I chose the 3M Half-Marathon in Austin on January 29, 2012.  And then, I did nothing.

My time for a year long training plan passed me by.  My time for a six-month long training plan also passed by.  What was left?  A 12 week training plan.  Sure, it sounds short, but considering that 12 weeks is also the amount of time I had to figure out life with a newborn before returning to work, it seems more doable.  I already *know* how to run.  I did not know how to swaddle, diaper, or handle a blow out (veeery different than just changing a diaper.  Veeery).  Regardless, I'm a quick learner.

Last Sunday, my training plan required me to do a 5K.  No big deal, right?  It's 3.1 measly miles.  But it was also the first race I had run in over 2 years.  The first race since Jack was born.  And a race that was actually prescribed to me by my training program.  I also happened to be recovering from bronchitis.

So, what happened?


I rocked it.  And it was clearly as much a mental victory as a physical one.  And no, I'm not telling you my time because it was slow as molasses going uphill in January.  But you know what?  I wasn't last.  I wasn't even in the last group of people to finish.  I was about halfway.  And to me, that's super awesome victory.

Zoom zoom,
Heather

Caption Contest!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Caption this picture of happy Jack!

What will you win:  My wholehearted appreciation and lifelong devotion.  (I don't have any extra iPads laying around to give away.  Sorry.)


Why:  Because, this picture is begging for it.

Ready?  Set?  Go!

Shirtless

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Last night, Jack decided that he wanted to enjoy his dinner of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and corn, without his shirt on.

It struck both Durel and I as funny.  It's pretty down home behavior.  And so, we immediately looked at one another to blame it on the genetic material of the other one.  We like to tease one another for the cultural underbellies that each of our home states has.  

Me:  It's like we're in Louisiana...
Durel:  It's like we're in Maryland...

Jack:  [I don't care where we are, so long as there's chicken, potatoes, and my shirt is off.]


I hope you don't care where you are today,
Heather

Christmas is Coming

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

We're going big this year for Christmas.  How big, you say?  Two trees, I say.

We've put up the first one.  It's small, and in the kitchen.  And it has a theme.

Geaux Saints and Eat Your Veggies

Granted, it isn't a connection that readily comes to mind.  When I think about New Orleans, I do think about food, but more of the breaded and fried variety.  However, this combination makes sense if you think about it.  It represents two of our passions as a household:  The Saints (Durel) and food (me).

And, it's a pretty cool tree.  Here's a sample:



May your day be merry and bright (and have some veggies in it?),
Heather

Writing in Books

Thursday, December 1, 2011

As many of you know, I am utterly, hopelessly smitten with and addicted to Pinterest.  I pin fashion ideas, pictures I love, recipes, decorating ideas, crafty crafts, baby things, toddler things, you name it.  Oh, the things you'll pin!

Months ago, I pinned this image.


It was accompanied by this idea:  

Buy this book, then at the end of each school year have your child's teachers, coaches or other important mentors sign it or write notes in it. Give it to them upon HS graduation. Love it.

Well, damn.  That is a great idea.  I decided instantly that I would do it.  (Lest you give me too much credit, when you're addicted to Pinterest, you "instantly decide" to do a lot lot lot of things.  Whether you actually do them?  Remains to be seen.)

However, my brain kept percolating about this idea.  I kept thinking what a great book it is.  And how often I've given it as a graduation gift over the years.  And how it contains Totally Awesome Nuggets of Life Wisdom, like this one:


So, lo and behold, I managed to get over the one hurdle to accomplishing this (ahem).  I bought the book.  I sat down to figure out the best way to present it to the teachers at Jack's daycare, and decided that if I was asking them to write in a book, then I might as well start things off.  

Here's what I said:


I took it to daycare the next day, excited but slightly apprehensive about the response I would get.  Look, I try hard to forge good relationships with Jack's teachers.  And for the overwhelmingly large part, I have been very successful.  And I do believe that they really love Jack.  But what if they thought this idea was weird?  Or what if they wrote things like, "Best wishes, Love, X?"

I shouldn't have worried.  As the book was passed from teacher to teacher, per my request, the buzz amongst them was very real.  They were so excited with the project.  They were excited to see who would get the book next.  They very diligently thought over their messages, wrote them, and shared the book.  When they were finished (I've now caught up with every teacher Jack has had thus far in his life; not too shabby), they gave it back.  

I took it home like a yearbook that's been circulating.  What will they say?  Do they like me?  What did they write?  

Out of respect for the fact that their messages were to Jack, I won't share them.  But, y'all.  (I've lived in Texas for a decade.  It happens.  If you didn't catch that, nevermind.)  Y'ALL.  Tears.  They wrote the sweetest things.  They love Jack so much.  Their sentiments were poetic, sincere, loving, aspirational, and totally moving.

I would never wish for the precious time of Jack's life to pass more quickly.  And I love his current teachers, so will have serious mama heartburn when he gets promoted to the next classroom.  But on the other hand, I am so excited to see what his future teachers will write, as he grows, learns, speaks in sentences, pees in the potty.  And, for that matter, as they held to shape him into the Little Dude he is.  

It's big stuff.  All you mamas out there, I can't recommend this highly enough.  

And, as if we hadn't enough proof of Dr. Seuss's awesomeness, there is a sentiment for just how this made me feel.


Smiling.  For sure,
Heather

Friday, December 30, 2011

Horsey!

OK, so I got all kinds of deep yesterday.  But seriously, if you haven't watched those videos, do not pass Go.  Do not collect $200.  Go watch them now.  I'll wait. 

[waiting]

Pretty awesome, right?  I told you so.  (And I'm not one to say that.)  (Yes, I am.  Nevermind.)

That means today will take us from the sublime to the ... well, ridiculous.  Because Jack is now a seasoned horseback rider.

Thank you, Aunt Cherry and Aunt Hollace for the new addition to Jack's little brood, aptly named "Neigh Neigh"!


As you can see by this (bad) picture, taken by the low light of the Christmas tree, they are getting along famously.


I mean, I love to wear a rugby shirt and chill by the Christmas tree with my new friend.  Especially if that friend sparks my imagination and makes me look hella cute when we're photographed together.  You know?

Hope you have a buddy to enjoy this New Year's Eve with,
Heather

Thursday, December 29, 2011

A New Year

Ben Breedlove was a teenager in Austin, Texas who made this video (two parts).  He died on Christmas Day.  His parents found the video afterward.  His story was featured on the Today show.

I've started thinking seriously about my goals and commitments for this coming new year.  Seeing Ben's video touches my heart and makes me think about them with more gratitude and focus.






It's resolution time.  And life time.

Heather

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Breakfast Buddies

Jack has been in the same school since I returned to work after maternity leave.  As a result, he's grown up with a handful of best buddies who have done the same.  It makes my heart happy every day to see him greeting Gabe, Linley, Eli, Mac, and Jazmin, among others.

As luck would have it, Gabe recently became a big brother.  (Yay to Gabe and his awesome parents!)  And as fate would have it, Gabe's little sis decided to come late in the evening on the night before she was to be coaxed out into the world, aka, induced.  She knew she was being evicted, that is.

So, Gabe's parents dropped him off at Casa de Jack so they could rush off to the hospital and become a family of four.  Jack and Gabe were in for a pleasant surprise the next morning, when they realized they'd just had their first sleepover!  We hooked them up with yogurt and sippies of milk and let the fun ensue.

Gabe!  Gabe is here, Momma!
WAY too excited to eat breakfast.  Seriously, this is so cool!
After the pure adorableness of breakfast, imagine our delight when we realized that Gabe's momma had carefully packed an outfit for him that included the Very Same Shirt we had just bought for Jack!  As we dressed them (divide and conquer, also known as man-to-man defense), I hollered upstairs to Durel to put Jack in the same shirt.  Because I think I'm funny like that.

Thing 1 and Thing 2?
I am happy to report that Gabe and his *entire* family are doing great.  Jack wants Gabe to come over for another sleepover soon.  And I think breakfast with a best buddy is one of the best things in the world.

Hope you do, too,
Heather

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Oh, Christmas Tree...

We did it!  Jack's second Christmas was a fabulous success.  Gifts, pie, family time, cocktails, and happiness were shared by all.  I didn't take nearly enough pictures, but the ones I did take are stacking up to be shared. More to come; promise.

As I mentioned, we rocked it out with two trees at our house this year.  And while the kitchen tree featured our "hobbies," The Saints and Vegetables, the big tree in the living room was a hodge podge of ornaments that reflect our families, our childhoods, and our shared experiences as a family.  

Sure, I see Christmas trees that are symmetrical, themed, and pristine.  And I think they're cool.  And I have the fleeting thought that our tree should be like that.  And then I remember our cool ornaments and how personal they are, and I perish the thought of changing anything about how we decorate for Christmas.  Which is all about family, you know...

Cristy's handmade felt ornament, an homage to our new home state.

A gift from my mom, to commemorate the year we got married, and our first home.
Our rental house even had a red door!

Ornament handmade by my Grandma B. during the Great Depression.
Not even kidding.  Times were tough. Sequins and pins, people.
Handmade ceramic ornament from Jenny to honor
Pablo's first Christmas with us!

Our tree, 2011.

Pretty cool, huh?  I love it.  It's a reflection of us.  And, you know, as Type A as I am every.single.day of the year, I can go a little bit crazy on my Christmas tree.  

And no, I don't for a minute think that's really "going crazy."  

Just joshin' ya.  Hope your trees reflect who you are, too.
Heather  

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Red Alert

Santa came to visit Jack's school this year.  He obligingly posed with all the kiddos for their individual pictures with Santa.  

Only, it wasn't really Santa.  It was a mere mortal who probably buys Alleve by the truckload to help him recover from his blinding headaches, which are brought on by the non-stop screaming and wailing of toddlers who don't want any part of this exercise, thankyouverymuch.


I commend Jack's school for attempting this, and thank them for providing me with this picture, which will prove extremely handy in mortifying Jack in front of his first girlfriend when he's a teenager.

Because Santa or no Santa, you've got to think ahead.
Heather

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Caption Contest Winner!

Here it is, by "Unknown," who I sure wish would identify themself.

Thanks for capturing the je ne sais quois of the hat and chicken finger combo, Unknown.  You hit the nail on the head.


Yo mama! These chicken fingers are totally dope!

Hope your day is dope,
Heather

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Every Day I'm Cuddlin'

Last weekend, I had the much-needed chance to bake cookies, drink champagne, and hang out with some fabulous friends.  It rocked.

One of these fabulous women also brought her fabulous son with her to hang out.  He did pretty well, since all the cookie baking ladies save one are mamas.  There was no shortage of arms to hold him, let's put it that way.

He and I totally bonded.

Talking things over.  I was telling him how awesome life is when you get more teeth.
He listened politely.

Me with my new buddy.

Failed attempt at self-portrait.
In fact, we had such a good time with our pal, our cookies, and our champagne, that I have no other pictures of the evening.  (Promise.)  

Hope you have such a good time this week that you forget to take pictures,
Heather

Monday, December 19, 2011

5K

Completing a half marathon has been a personal goal of mine for years.  About a year ago, I decided that it was time to make it happen.  I chose the 3M Half-Marathon in Austin on January 29, 2012.  And then, I did nothing.

My time for a year long training plan passed me by.  My time for a six-month long training plan also passed by.  What was left?  A 12 week training plan.  Sure, it sounds short, but considering that 12 weeks is also the amount of time I had to figure out life with a newborn before returning to work, it seems more doable.  I already *know* how to run.  I did not know how to swaddle, diaper, or handle a blow out (veeery different than just changing a diaper.  Veeery).  Regardless, I'm a quick learner.

Last Sunday, my training plan required me to do a 5K.  No big deal, right?  It's 3.1 measly miles.  But it was also the first race I had run in over 2 years.  The first race since Jack was born.  And a race that was actually prescribed to me by my training program.  I also happened to be recovering from bronchitis.

So, what happened?


I rocked it.  And it was clearly as much a mental victory as a physical one.  And no, I'm not telling you my time because it was slow as molasses going uphill in January.  But you know what?  I wasn't last.  I wasn't even in the last group of people to finish.  I was about halfway.  And to me, that's super awesome victory.

Zoom zoom,
Heather

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Caption Contest!

Caption this picture of happy Jack!

What will you win:  My wholehearted appreciation and lifelong devotion.  (I don't have any extra iPads laying around to give away.  Sorry.)


Why:  Because, this picture is begging for it.

Ready?  Set?  Go!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Shirtless

Last night, Jack decided that he wanted to enjoy his dinner of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and corn, without his shirt on.

It struck both Durel and I as funny.  It's pretty down home behavior.  And so, we immediately looked at one another to blame it on the genetic material of the other one.  We like to tease one another for the cultural underbellies that each of our home states has.  

Me:  It's like we're in Louisiana...
Durel:  It's like we're in Maryland...

Jack:  [I don't care where we are, so long as there's chicken, potatoes, and my shirt is off.]


I hope you don't care where you are today,
Heather

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Christmas is Coming

We're going big this year for Christmas.  How big, you say?  Two trees, I say.

We've put up the first one.  It's small, and in the kitchen.  And it has a theme.

Geaux Saints and Eat Your Veggies

Granted, it isn't a connection that readily comes to mind.  When I think about New Orleans, I do think about food, but more of the breaded and fried variety.  However, this combination makes sense if you think about it.  It represents two of our passions as a household:  The Saints (Durel) and food (me).

And, it's a pretty cool tree.  Here's a sample:



May your day be merry and bright (and have some veggies in it?),
Heather

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Writing in Books

As many of you know, I am utterly, hopelessly smitten with and addicted to Pinterest.  I pin fashion ideas, pictures I love, recipes, decorating ideas, crafty crafts, baby things, toddler things, you name it.  Oh, the things you'll pin!

Months ago, I pinned this image.


It was accompanied by this idea:  

Buy this book, then at the end of each school year have your child's teachers, coaches or other important mentors sign it or write notes in it. Give it to them upon HS graduation. Love it.

Well, damn.  That is a great idea.  I decided instantly that I would do it.  (Lest you give me too much credit, when you're addicted to Pinterest, you "instantly decide" to do a lot lot lot of things.  Whether you actually do them?  Remains to be seen.)

However, my brain kept percolating about this idea.  I kept thinking what a great book it is.  And how often I've given it as a graduation gift over the years.  And how it contains Totally Awesome Nuggets of Life Wisdom, like this one:


So, lo and behold, I managed to get over the one hurdle to accomplishing this (ahem).  I bought the book.  I sat down to figure out the best way to present it to the teachers at Jack's daycare, and decided that if I was asking them to write in a book, then I might as well start things off.  

Here's what I said:


I took it to daycare the next day, excited but slightly apprehensive about the response I would get.  Look, I try hard to forge good relationships with Jack's teachers.  And for the overwhelmingly large part, I have been very successful.  And I do believe that they really love Jack.  But what if they thought this idea was weird?  Or what if they wrote things like, "Best wishes, Love, X?"

I shouldn't have worried.  As the book was passed from teacher to teacher, per my request, the buzz amongst them was very real.  They were so excited with the project.  They were excited to see who would get the book next.  They very diligently thought over their messages, wrote them, and shared the book.  When they were finished (I've now caught up with every teacher Jack has had thus far in his life; not too shabby), they gave it back.  

I took it home like a yearbook that's been circulating.  What will they say?  Do they like me?  What did they write?  

Out of respect for the fact that their messages were to Jack, I won't share them.  But, y'all.  (I've lived in Texas for a decade.  It happens.  If you didn't catch that, nevermind.)  Y'ALL.  Tears.  They wrote the sweetest things.  They love Jack so much.  Their sentiments were poetic, sincere, loving, aspirational, and totally moving.

I would never wish for the precious time of Jack's life to pass more quickly.  And I love his current teachers, so will have serious mama heartburn when he gets promoted to the next classroom.  But on the other hand, I am so excited to see what his future teachers will write, as he grows, learns, speaks in sentences, pees in the potty.  And, for that matter, as they held to shape him into the Little Dude he is.  

It's big stuff.  All you mamas out there, I can't recommend this highly enough.  

And, as if we hadn't enough proof of Dr. Seuss's awesomeness, there is a sentiment for just how this made me feel.


Smiling.  For sure,
Heather
 
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