I'm Doing It!

Back in January, I set the resolution to "be a runner," with running a 5k on my list of things to do. I followed a training schedule and was running three miles! I know that might not be a long distance for some people, but three miles for me is a big deal! I kept putting off filling out the entry form for the upcoming race I had in mind. I think I was scared of committing to it. I put it off until the entry fee was $40 and I'm sorry, but I'm not going to pay $40 to run 3 miles outside.
All that training down the drain! (well, not really down the drain, I felt better than ever)
I didn't realize 5k's and other races are happening every month! A friend showed me where I could see the list of every event in the state and guess what? I filled out the entry papers and am running my first 5k next Friday night. The money is going towards the local school district (it's a lot less than $40 though) and I feel good about that.
Two months ago I stopped running and started doing classes at the gym instead. I was just burned out of running! So I'm a little rusty but am very excited to finally do what I set out to do!
I won't be first but I will finish!

Just Funny!

Six Months

My BABY is 6 months today!!!
I can't believe how fast time flies by.
Tony and I were looking through some earlier pictures and couldn't believe how different Charlie already is. You can tell it's him, but he looks so different and has much more personality now.
Each day seems to get better and better as he learns more.

Charlie...

*enjoys being outside

*wants to hold everything

*tries new things

*loves to wrestle with daddy

*loves playing in the mirror

*likes to be read to and play with books

*loves to see and watch other babies/kids
*loves snuggling

We love this kid!!!

Sweet Cheeks

I L.O.V.E. these cheeks!!!

I could just kiss them all day....and some days I think I really do!

Happy Birthday Tony

We celebrated Tony's 26th birthday yesterday! While Tony was at work, Charlie and I decorated the kitchen by cutting and coloring letters and stars.
That night Tony and I had a REAL date-- babysitter and all. We were a little bit nervous, but everything went great.
For dinner, we went to a hibachi restaurant where we watched a chef fry up rice, vegetables, steak and lobster right at our table. The food was incredible and we had so much fun watching the show. We're convinced we need one of those tables in our kitchen now!
After dinner,we saw Date Night at the theater. We haven't been to the theater in months so just that was exciting! We had a great time.
After the movie, we came home to relieve the babysitter and to have cake and ice cream.

I had some serious issues with this cake. Charlie was crying, needing a nap, and I was trying to hurry before Tony got home from work. Which ended up in me putting the top layer on upside down which then resulted in the cherries and whipped topping being pushed out of the middle of the cake. It was such a mess!
But it's okay, it turned out to be one of the best tasting cakes I've ever had.
Just looks a little scary.

While I was trying to get some pictures, Charlie was trying to dive into the cake. It was so funny!
I can't wait to make him his own cake for his first birthday!Tony is such a great dad and husband. I hope he knows how much Charlie and I love him :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Poop and Spit Up

Poop and spit up, poop and spit up...I feel like this has been my life for the past two days. It's a little scary.
Yesterday we had a diaper SO BAD that poop was all over his leg and covering his foot.
How does that even happen?!
It's that kind of situation where you really start to panic. What to do first? You're covered in it, he's covered in it, plus you're laughing so hard you can barely get to the bathroom to start the bath water.
Today we had a similar situation, not as bad, but this time a bad diaper was accompanied with spit up all over the floor.
I told Tony that I kinda feel like I have a new puppy that I'm following everywhere with a bottle of Resolve.
After cleaning Charlie up, I just let him hang out. Naked (well, in just a diaper). On an old towel and my yoga mat to protect the carpet. He's perfectly happy. Maybe this was what he wanted all along?

Notice the towel is folded in half? Good thing it was there...

Weekend Review

We had a GREAT weekend! We are loving this warm weather and tried to be in it as much as possible.

This weekend we...
* went to the park for a friend's birthday party

*Worked in the yard
*Went to a beautiful walking trail for our Sunday walk

*watched the geese

and that's about it!
What did you do this weekend?

Mirror

This is in our backyard

The first time I've used it( and second time I've been in there since we've moved) was this weekend. I have a feeling this will be the place where I do a lot of projects!

I spray painted the mirror I bought (see two posts below) and it turned out great! This workshop was the perfect place to do it in--I didn't worry about wind, dirt, etc. I was even able to put the baby monitor in there and work while Charlie was taking a nap!

I used two poster boards to slip under the frame of the mirror. That way I could spray like crazy and didn't have to worry about my aim...

...as you can see, my aim isn't that great.
(I still got a tiny bit of paint on the mirror. But it's right on the edge and is hardly noticeable. Note to self: use tape AND paper next time)
Here's the finished product...

I'm still not quite sure what will go up on the mantle, but I like this for now.
I love that white pitcher and think flowers will look beautiful in it.

Considering the spray paint was $4, I think this was a great way to turn the old mirror into something I really love.

I'll be doing the shelves next!

Charlie's Room

In the whole house, Charlie's room is my favorite.

We spend so much time in here.

I love this picture

I really like the blue & green theme throughout. Especially since I wanted to do a lot white, but didn't want the room to look too girly.
I love white furniture.

Isn't that I AM A CHILD OF GOD print adorable?
You can find it here at the persimmon&pink etsy shop (along with lots of other adorable prints).

And of course my favorite (and cutest) thing in the room....

That's it!
I hope you enjoyed this little tour of Charlie's room!

Today.

This morning Charlie and I went to the library for baby story time. I just love our library! This is our second week in a row making it on time. Mornings can be a little rough...for mom :)
We listen to stories, sing songs and play with bubbles. It is so good for Charlie. I love that he gets to see other babies & kids. Us this morning...thanks Shannon!
(Charlie is obviously enthralled with the bubble floating by)
Oh and he managed to spit up all over himself and the carpet on our way out. Nice.

We stopped by the antique/thrift (I never know what to call it) store and found a mirror that would fit perfectly above our fireplace. I've been looking around for one but haven't been able to find anything within a reasonable price. This one, for under 30 bucks, was exactly what I have been looking for.
My new projects
However the dirty brown has to go-- so we made another stop, at our favorite Hobby Lobby, and picked up some spray paint. Paint for the mirror and for the matching bookshelves Tony and I had in college. Didn't everyone have these bookshelves? I'm hoping that white paint will make them match our family room.
We'll see if it works.
Hopefully I'll finish these this weekend!
Pictures to come of the finished products....

Just A Little Charlie Video

Goodbye Jack

Jack gets set apart as a missionary tonight and leaves for Brazil tomorrow.
I know we live far away as it is, but I'm going to miss him so much! He's going to be such a great missionary!

Charlie will be 2 1/2 years old when Jack gets home! We'll be sending lots of pictures and updates.

Our goodbye last week

At 6'1" Jack towers over our little family
(he's crouching down in this picture)
My siblings + Charlie
No one knows you quite like your siblings!
I'm so grateful for family and for the knowledge that we can be together forever.
We LOVE you Jack! See you in 2012!

Family in Town continued...

While my family was here (see post below) we had such a great time visiting. We didn't plan too much since we wanted to just spend time together and relax--isn't that the best kind of vacation?

We celebrated Jack's birthday. He is 19!!!

I made him a layered coconut cream cake--it was really good.
Jack's leaving for Brazil next week. He's serving a mission and I'm so proud of him. He's going to be a great missionary. I consider Jack to be one of my best friends. I'm really going to miss him! Love you Jack :)
We did a little site seeing around the area

and then we split up--girls for shopping and the boys for bowling!

My mom got each of us headbands. So fun!
Tony and my dad set up a bird feeder in the backyard. My parents are serious bird-people. We've had fun watching new birds come to eat!

We dyed Easter eggs for Sunday. Neither Tony and I had done this for a long time so we had a blast!Unfortunately, I didn't get the picture of us all together from my mom.

Great visit! Thanks for coming family :)
We'll all be together again in 2012...

Charlie with Family

Last week my family came to town for 3 days! It was so great to see them and have them stay at our house. Since we live far away, it was fun for me to have them see us where we have lived pretty much the whole time we've been married.

Uncle Jack

Uncle Brian

Grandma

Grandpa

Of course the REAL reason they came was to see and kiss this little guy!Aunt Chloe
Uncle Trent

Charlie loved the company! 7 people to entertain him all day--what could be better?!

Aunt Hailey

We sure miss having them here!