Sunday, March 31

Our Easter In Pictures


{Our first egg hunt was held at one of our church member's home. Everyone had such a fun time}


 {After church we headed to Nannie's for egg hunt #2 with family}
 {We ended the day at home with our last egg hunt with more family!}










{Such a wonderful Easter with this sweet doll}

{Makes me think back to this day last year. We had just arrived home the day before.}




 While the candy, gifts, and eggs are fun, we must remember that this day means so much more. As a mother, I cannot imagine what Mary went through seeing her child and Savior on that cross. I am thankful every day for the amazing gift Jesus gave me - worth much more than anything the Easter bunny could ever bring. As a mother, I'm thankful that this gift is also for my daughter.

Thank you Jesus!
Happy Easter, Everyone! 

Saturday, March 16

My Favorite Things

 It has been a while since I've posted one of these. Here's a rundown of my favorites lately.



1. Sunshine
We are loving these warm, sunshiny days! I've made the resolution to spend as much time outdoors as possible- before we know it it will be scorching hot
.

2. The Noticer
Nanny J recommended this and slipped a copy in MG's diaper bag for me to read. My mother-in-law saw it on my counter and raved about how good it is. I haven't finished it yet, but so far it is amazing. I love how it is set in Orange Beach!


3. Sparkling ICE Water
Oh my goodness- I love this product. These waters are seriously amazing! All natural, zero calories, sugars, carbs, and sodium! Tons of vitamins too! Pink Grapefruit is my favorite. Lemon Lime tastes like a Diet Mountain Dew and the Mango Orange tastes like an Orange Sunkist- but without the regrets!


4. The Bible
If you haven't tuned in, you should. New episodes come on every Sunday night on the History channel. It's a wonderful cinematic portrayal of Biblical events.

Pretty sight on an afternoon walk in the neighborhood

5. Bradford Pears
I'm always happy when those gorgeous white blossoms make their debut.


6. Easter Candy
My faves are Mini Robin Eggs and those Marshmallow Eggs. I can never turn them down.

7. Crawfish
Yummo!


8.  Skin Milk
Pretty sure I've mentioned this product before, but it's worth repeating. I've haven't been able to find this in stores as of late, so I've resorted to ordering it online. It's worth it's weight in gold! Lightweight, non-greasy, but an amazing moisturizer = perfect warm weather lotion.

9. Mary Grace's Easter Dress
I may be a bit obsessed with Janie and Jack as of late. Adorable!


10.  Longer Days
While I dislike how it's dark when I wake up, I so enjoy having more sunshine in the evenings. It gives us time as a family to do more of the things we enjoy.

Happy Saturday!

Sunday, March 10

Spring Bucket List

While the official start of Spring is still a few days away, the Spring fever bug has definitely bit. The arrival of March and those gorgeous yellow daffodils always leave me dreaming of sunny Spring days. Those daydreams consist of Easter, lying on blankets in the grass soaking up the sunshine, and long afternoon walks.

Springtime Bucket List



  • Dye Easter eggs 
  • Take afternoon walks with Mary Grace
  • Plant flowers, herbs, and tomatoes
  • Buy fresh cut flowers
  • Have a yard sale
  • Go fishing
  • Take a trip to the zoo
  • Celebrate Mary Grace's first year
  • Open the windows as often as possible to enjoy the warm, fresh air
  • Go on a picnic
  • Plant herbs and tomatoes 

Happy Spring, Ya'll!

Saturday, March 9

Run Happy

I've had several friends and family inquire about the best shoes for running. I thought I'd put together a little post highlighting the most important aspects of your running gear: your shoes.

One thing I've learned- it's all about the shoes.

I had been running for years and my shoe of choice was always Nike Shox.

Big mistake.

When I started running with a local group back in September, my sweet friend {and awesome running coach} Libby Lou suggested that I needed shoes created for runners. I was hesitant at first, but decided to try it. She had been running in Brooks for years and swore by them {as did most of the running crew}. Seeing as how this chick had run a full marathon, I considered her an expert :)

So, after the Color Run, we stopped by Athletes Foot in Tuscaloosa and I picked up my first pair of Brooks. There was a machine that you walk on to measure your arches, pronation, etc...

All of these indicators pointed to Brooks Ghosts 4. I couldn't wait to try them out at our next run! I could tell such a difference in my stride and foot/knee comfort. While at Athletes Foot, the lady that helped fit me said that the worst shoe to run in was..... Nike Shox. Go figure. It did take some time to get used to them because they were very different from what I was accustomed too. Plus, I had always, always, worn black running shoes, so these seemed super bright :)

Now, the Ghosts may not be right for you but Brooks has a wide range of shoes for all foot types and runners. Best advice I can give: head over to Athletes Foot, take a walk on the machine, and then slip your feet into pure heaven - aka the Brooks that are right for you! Their website also offers a feature where you can type in your information to find the right fit. I would advise going to the store and actually trying them on, etc.. If you are looking to save a few bucks, try them on and see what style is best for you, then go online and shop for the best deal.

One last tip: Use your running shoes only for running and purchase new ones every 400-500 miles.

I stumbled across this fellow blogger. She gives more tips and advice on shoes, running wear, etc...
Hope this is helpful!

And always, Run Happy!

Friday, March 8

Sweet Mary Grace - 11 months

11 months. Wow. I won't even begin to discuss the fact that you are going to be 1 next month...let's save those tears for a bit since I know I'm going to have an emotional breakdown and cry like a crazy person.

I thought I'd make a special note about this month's photo session. On Tuesday you were oh so cranky due to teething and were asleep earlier than usual. Wednesday evening wasn't much better but I knew if I didn't go ahead and take the pictures, then I might not get around to it until weeks later. You did not want to cooperate- I couldn't even get you in the plain onsie like usual...We did the best we could and snapped a few good pictures :)

 

 {Chasing after you - story of our lives these days}
 {We finally resorted to me holding you and the 11 month sticker :) }

 Daily Life. You are a constant burst of energy and go 110% until you pass out. You love to explore-drawers, cabinets, closets, baskets, purses, bags and everything you can get your hands on, especially any small electronic device. You walk around tables and furniture all the time and have gotten brave as of late, letting go for a split second to stand, but then you sit your cute booty down when you get a bit scared. You are still in size three diapers and wear 12 month attire mostly - some of your warmer weather dresses are 18 months. In the sleeping department, you take 2 (1.5 hour) naps during the day and then sleep from 8PM-7AM. Although as of late you have been fighting your afternoon nap. You cut your two top front teeth this month, but I am oh so thankful that you are a pretty good teether {no yucky drool for you}.

{You love to look out the windows}


Fun Memories and Such. You have quite an extensive vocabulary these days...you say "mama", "dada", "look", "no", "hey" and "baba". You shake your head no quite often, and lately you've started growling! My favorite thing you do right now is your adorable dancing moves and how you swing  your little hips and booty around...I'm hoping one day you will be a little ballerina since I took dance growing up loved every minute of it {yes, I've already called Pat Gray to get the scoop on when you can start}. You have also learned how to throw mini temper-tantrums and cry when you don't get what you want...oh please tell me this is a phase we can get through quickly. We attribute some of this to your strawberry blonde hair.
 {My funny little Valentine}

{You loved the Valentine's balloon from your Bubba (Mr. Martin)}
  
{Sweet girl enjoying a sweet treat}
 
 
Play Time. You love Mickey Mouse's Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins, Octonauts, and Little Einsteins. You dance everytime the 'hotdog' song comes on!  Other favorites include disassembling your foam alphabet mat (which is so much fun to put back together let me tell you), playing with your stacking rings, checking your 'mailbox', and reading books with Mommy.

Diet. You are down to 2 bottles a day {morning and night}, in addition to 4 meals and a few "snacks" in between. We started introducing a lot of new foods into your diet to see what you thought and had some surprising hits- pancakes, cantaloupe, the bread from a COB {local friends know what this is}. While at Outback you tried the bread dipped in butter and the loaded cheese fries dipped in the sauce - you were in heaven. You are so your father's child. We introduced you to the Gerber toddler trays- so far you've tried the diced carrots and the spinach ravioli. We are hoping to have you off formula by your first birthday. You've also really taken to your juice- you favorite flavors include harvest blend,  mixed fruit blend, and grape Pedialite. Nanny J helped find a sippy cup that you will take {the tommee tippee brand}.

{Outback girl}

 

You are such a joy to be around. We savor every sweet moment with you!


Happy 11 months Mary Grace!