May Day

We don't really know our neighbors very well so I thought for May Day we would take them jars of candy. Visually, I liked this one the best but Ryan picked out popular candies for the other jars.

Caesar Cow

We've seen this jolly Lil Caesar's guy dancing on the corner and in front of the pizza place. Harrison thinks it's a cow and gets really excited. "Mama, go back, see cow." Once we had to stop and talk to the "cow."

About Lucy

10 Things You Should Know About Lucy:

1. We adopted her from the Humane Society.

2. When we met her she had 4 kittens in her belly. The father is still a mystery.

3. She wakes everyone up in the morning so she can go back to sleep.

4. She's fearful of any object that cleans the floor.

5. She sometimes dips her paw in the water dish for a sip.

6. She's an indoor cat expect for the not one but two times Cody let her out.

7. She prefers flying rather than driving.

8. She's lived in 8 different places with me.

9. When staying in hotels, she will howl all night long.

10. She loves Harrison deeply despite the fact that he pulls her tail and hugs too tight.

Okay, what're your 10 things?

Can't Beat That

Today, Ryan briefly looked through the mail and saw a Papa John's flyer for $6 large pizza. He said "you really can't beat that." He then handed me the stack of mail. Well, I found a postcard for FREE PIZZA and I said "yes, you can."

Nice Angle

Here's a Harrison shot. I was watching him as he placed the camera on the table and hit the button. I have so much to learn from this kid.

The Help

I started reading The Help a couple of days ago and I look forward to reading it every night. I'm about half way through it and I'm not sure what's going to happen next. I find myself thinking about the different characters during the day, especially Aibileen.

The Boil

Remember the bet I had with Ryan involving March Madness? Well, I won by one game! So he found the state's largest Crawfish Boil for me. We arrived and here's what we saw. Man, look at that line just to get inside!

Here's a shot of the Lafayette guys shoveling more crawfish into the coolers. They hauled up 15,000 pounds! The crazy part is that wasn't enough. After a half hour they stopped selling tickets at the door.

Here's my second container of mud bugs. They were pretty tasty but could have used a little more stink. Besides the food, the best part was the event's proceeds will go to a local hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Joe Cool

Harrison is sporting his birthday hat and guitar t-shirt. Now he's just waiting for the band members to show up.

Earth day

We celebrated Earth Day by finishing our raised vegetable garden. Here I am adding some organic fertilizer. Check out those muscles.

Ryan carefully digs a hole for the jalapeno (check out the measuring tape).

Ta Da! The garden is planted and we're ready to rock 'n roll. If all goes well, we'll have tomatoes, red peppers, green peppers, jalapenos, broccoli, squash, zucchini and onions. I added marigolds in each corner to (hopefully) keep the bugs out.

About Ryan

This is one of my favorite photos of Ryan. It was taken almost 5 years ago on our honeymoon. I convinced him we needed to pay a pretty penny to attend the Afternoon High Tea. Thank you sweetie.

10 Things You Should Know About Ryan (in his words):

1. I enjoy finding long hairs in my socks. There is something satisfying about pulling them out slowly one-by-one. Somehow they make it from my wife to the wash and into my socks.
2. My favorite subject for leisure reading right now is Physics.
3. I have not worn deodorant for years and unless I am mistaken, it has not been missed.
4. I like a lot of stuff that has steampunk in it.
5. I REALLY like rock climbing. More than just about anything else.
6. Quality writing implements are essential.
7. My two favorite book series have protagonists with some variation of the name Dee.
8. I like maps quite a bit also. When reading a book with a map my progress is usually slowed significantly by repeated referencing.
9. Occasionally sleeping on couches is necessary. I think that it runs in my family.
10. I would be supremely satisfied if I could find some people to play pinochle with.

TRUST

When Harrison holds my hand, it fills my heart with joy. Even as a baby, only a couple of days old, he would grab on tight. It tells me he trusts me and I will always be there for him. Go ahead and squeeze someone's hand today.

Paint It Black

I've been collecting frames lately. I mainly look for a cool shapes and lines. My plan is to cover the small hallway with all black frames filled with family photos. Tonight I started painting some of the black. In my head, this looks fabulous.

Deck DONE

Yeah, our deck is finally finished after months of trying to figure out what to do back here. Ryan did a wonderful job (with a little help from Bob) and it's the perfect size. While he had all the tools out, he built my raised veggie box. Remember all those bricks we acquired? We designing a walkway between the deck and the garden.

Birthday Treats

We officially celebrated Harrison's birthday this afternoon. He made me blow out the two candles on his cupcake and clean off George so he could play with him. It was a good day.

Monkey See, Monkey Do

This is Coco, one of Harrison's favorite four-legged creatures. Part of Harrison's daily routine involves him pretending like he's a dog. He's mastered panting, barking, sniffing and howling. Today I took a shot of Coco and showed it to Harrison.

He was pretty stoked they look like twins in these pictures.

Restaurant Spotlight - reVerse

Since we were going through Kansas City, I had the brilliant idea of stopping by one of our favorite restaurants for lunch. Located in the Country Club Plaza shopping district, reVerse is a "new american bistro" with something for everyone.
Can't beat a place with a little bit of style going on. The floor has the little mosaic tiles that I love.

I think Ryan just had his first bite. He was looking for a little bit of sweet, salty and of course the acid (Top Chef viewers get what I'm saying).

Upon entering the ladies room, I heard a man talking. After searching for him, I realized the mirror had a television hidden behind it. Kinda cool?

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Our baby is TWO years old today!!!

Cute little stinker.

He's about to cross the line to become a little boy and not a baby.

Proud Dada.

He's bigger than me!

I asked him how old he was.

10 Things You Should Know About Harrison:

1. His favorite color is black (must wear black shoes), his favorite flavor is black (black juice), his favorite animals are black (black dogs and black eyed raccoons). I'm just happy he looks so good in it.

2. It snowed the day we brought him home from the hospital but it wasn't too cold.

3. He's lived in 4 places in 2 different states. He's visited 7 states and been on 3 plane trips.

4. The only cure for a boo-boo is a kiss on the spot.

5. His first solid food was avocado although now he doesn't eat it. His favorite is oatmeal with raisins or blueberries (both considered black) in it.

6. He loves dogs. Knows where all of them live in the neighborhood.

7. Definitely still a dada's boy although he snuggled up to mama when it was thundering.

8. He's never had a haircut. People give compliments on his crazy, blond hair.

9. He wakes up saying "dada WAKE UP, WAKE UP DADA".

10. When reading to him, he wants the entire page described and extra stories made up for each object. We surprise each other on how creative we can be :)

Project Deck

We finally decided to start the deck project. Last weekend, Ryan removed the big stones (I have plans for these) and today is pulling out the edging.

Harrison is always close by to supervise Dada. I couldn't find Harrison's work gloves so his winter mittens seem to do the trick.

Memories

My grandpa b. passed away today at almost 95 years old. He loved fishing (90 years worth), hunting, gardening, whittling and reading. We will all miss him dearly.

I pray that I may live to fish

until my dying day.

And when it comes to my last cast,

I then most humbly I pray,

When in the Lord's great landing net

And peacefully asleep,

That in His mercy I be judged

BIG ENOUGH TO KEEP!

Growing up every summer we would travel across the long state of Nebraska to Crawford and Fort Robinson to see my grandparents. Several years ago, I was able to share this experience with Ryan. I found an album with these pictures. Out there life is peaceful, simple and beautiful. It's one of those magical places that will always have a special spot in my heart.

Back Doorway Part 2

This was a relatively easy project. The walls are done and on the other side (which I forgot to photograph) is exposed brick which I added a coat of Monroe Bisque. I found the clipboards for a less than $2 each and added scrap booking paper to them (thanks Martha and Andria). I found a piece of old wood in our backyard and added 4 animal hooks to them. They came from the garden section of Hobby Lobby (less than $3 each). I'm keeping my aprons and H's paint shirt on them for now. Check this one off the post-it!

Back Doorway

I've decided to paint this wall cream to match all the trim in the house and a little something to it. Ahhh, I love the afternoon light coming through the door.

Chalkboard Wall

Remember my chalkboard wall? Well we were so excited to draw on it, I never had the "treat" the wall. The directions say to rub white chalk on the entire wall then wipe off using a circular motion. I figured I needed to do it now otherwise it wouldn't ever get done.

Harrison decided he wanted to help Mama.

The hard part is done!

Still rubbing it in but I am digging the texture created from the chalk.

Kitchen Duty

This is what happens when Ryan decides to cook and can't find the nutmeg.

About Me

Last time we flew, the in-flight magazine featured five "road warriors" (aka people who fly way more than I would want to). It included "20 Things You Should Know About Me" which was really interesting even though I didn't know these people. So I've challenged the family to come up with our own lists, but only it's going to be 10 things.

10 Things You Should Know About Me

1. I must make my bed every morning. The house can be a disaster but the bed must be made. Maybe I'm afraid of bed bugs sneaking in there.

2. I once had to go to the ER because there was a bug in my ear.

3. I've lived in 5 states (midwest, south, east and west coast). I've been to 7 countries and 37 states.

4. My favorite movie is Amelie (it used to be Life is Beautiful but it's too sad now that I have a son), favorite musician is Andrew Bird (I've only seen him 3 times), favorite book is White Oleander by Janet Fitch (it's been several years since I've read it so I may have to change this answer), favorite TV shows are Top Chef, Lost, and How I Met Your Mother (which I watch all of them online).

5. I've had a siamese cat for the majority of my life.

6. My sister made my wedding gown and was my maid-of-honor.

7. I like the smell of skunks.

8. Ryan and I met on a blind date and we are both the youngest in our families.

9. My heart has grown bigger because of Harrison.

10. I really don't like to text. I would much rather send an email or pick up the phone. Ryan says I need to get with it. If you receive a text from me, (a) consider yourself special and (b) it took me a really long time :)

No Fishing For Me

I guess I'm just too old and too young.

Mowing Season

Today when Ryan got home from work, Harrison was looking out the window and all-of-the-sudden got REALLY excited. Ryan was unloading a lawn mower from his truck and Harrison started running around the house looking for his mower and "black shoes". The way he was running, you would have thought the house was on fire. He rushed outside with his shoes on and lawn mower in tow. He started on this half of the yard. Notice his full cheeks . . . he adding his own sound effects.

I received an email tonight from a good friend who has a son the same age as Harrison. She told me Jacob LOVES lawn mowers too. It just makes me smile thinking they won't feel the same way once they become teenagers and you need the grass cut.

Beautiful Day

Happy Easter Everyone! Since Harrison had his Sunday best on, I decided to go ahead and take his 2-year-old photos. Here's a preview . . more to come.

I walked outside and Harrison was cleaning the grill. I was pretty relieved Ryan took Harrison's nice shirt before the cleaning began.

Easter Basket

Last year, my friend Marisa made the cutest Easter basket for her daughter. I had a good intention of making one BEFORE the holiday but it came down to the wire. I picked out 3 patterned and 3 solid pieces of material. Click HERE for the instructions. I (of course) used glue and not a sewing machine :)

Garden Knowledge

I'm very new to the whole yard work and gardening thing so I've started going to free, local seminars. There's so many possibilities for our yard, it's almost overwhelming. The instructor told us about a great gardening website www.davesgarden.com. You can enter your zip code and it will give you plants that are best in your zone. It's a good source to have. I'd also like to start a vegetable garden, am I too late? Any advice?

Coloring Lesson

Harrison kept wanting to put all of his eggs in one color but Bob was there to remind him "ONE" per cup. I guess he hasn't heard the expression "don't put all your eggs in one basket".