Halloween Fun

I have to say, I still love dressing up in silly costumes. But even more fun is getting to dress up my little stinker in something fun. He is at an age now where he actually likes dressing up. He loves putting his dad's shirts over top his outfit (usually his arm is through the head hole and the shirt is dragging on the ground) or socks pulled right on up to his hips! I find that even at nearly 2 years old, he already loves to entertain all of us by his crazy sense of style. So this year I decided to wait and see what he was interested in, and based his costume on that. He has been a bit interested in his Daddy's beard. He walks around telling everyone to look at "Liam's beard." So I decided that he would get just that for Halloween! My little man was a lumberjack this year! Still can't believe he stood still long enough to paint on that beard. Check him out!





What did you/your kids dress up as this year?

Moments Like These,...

I was able to watch my sweet little niece a few weeks ago while my sister was in the hospital delivering her second daughter. I snapped a few photos of the cousins giggling with each other during her stay. It was as if I had a set of twins (they are 3 weeks apart)!! Toddlers are busy, but so much fun! While looking at the photos, I can "hear" the giggles. I will forever cherish these moments.

It's as Texas as Lone Star and Dr. Pepper!

So while we were on the road from Dallas to San Antonio, Tom gets a big grin on his face and states that we were going to take a pit stop. Waco Texas is very ummm,....quaint, to say the least. Not a whole lot going on. We pulled into a parking lot next to a very old building and Tom exclaims,..."Today we are going to visit the Dr. Pepper Museum." Didn't even know there was such a thing. Did you? I was pleasantly surprised,..it was actually kinda cool! Who knew? Here are a few pictures:

Dr. Pepper was invited in the 1880's by Charles Alderton.
Dr. Pepper is NOT a Cola! It's actually a soft drink with 23 flavors.





Dr. Pepper through the years! Super cute!

This horse was made with thousands of Dr. Pepper bottle caps!

At the end of our visit Liam and I shared a Dr. Pepper float at the old fashioned soda fountain!
If you ever make it out to Texas,..why not take a pit stop at the Dr. Pepper Museum!

A Day at the Zoo!

We have had so much rain in Ohio that it was such a treat to have a nice (warm) day outdoors. A few of my MOPS friends met us up at the zoo yesterday. Here are a few photos of Liam's first trip to the zoo. I am seriously considering getting a family zoo pass and visiting a few more times this summer.

This guy posed for me! :)
Liam was facinated with this guy. He kept saying "k, la, bear" (still working on it)

Some of Liam's friends checking out the mini horse.

Mommy, a goat!

Surprised by his fearlessness. He just went on up and touched him. A future 4-Her perhaps?

Next trip: The Monkeys, Lions, and Polor Bears.

My Dapper Toddler

I have been meaning to post some photos of Liam in his Easter get up. Unfortunately I bought his outfit months in advance and didn't think to try it on him before hand. He still needs to grow into those shorts. Hope you enjoy these outdoor shots! Yay for warm holidays!

Packing My Suitcase

source

I am heading out to yet another adventure with my dear husband and little Liam. I am hoping to capture it all {on my camera} as we drive through the lovely state of Texas once again. We hope to spend some quality time just being together. Something that we don't get to do all that much of these days, due to Tom's work schedule. I will be taking a bit of a break this week (although I may peek in to say hello)from blogging,...but don't worry, I hope to come back and be even more refreshed and excited to share with you. :) If I come back with a southern draw, don't say you weren't warned! Maybe I will start wearing cowgirl boots!! You never know! ::Shrug:: Until then, xx

Moments Like These...

I am loving this new stage,...full of discovery and love for music and dancing. If only I could freeze time, so we can live these moments forever. Being a momma is by far the best job in the world.

Why I Buy Resale...

This weekend I had some dear friends come out to visit. My girlfriend wanted to make it out for a PTA Sale. Of course we not only made it to one, but to two!! If you're a mom and you haven't heard of PTA Sales,...oh my,...you are missing out! These sales are put on by the Parent Teacher Association. People set up tables of used baby/children items. From clothes, shoes, to toys and cribs. It saves a ton of money on the basics as well. I have bought about 80% of Liam's wardrobe at these sales. Clothes that still have tags on them, and other gently used items. I thought I would show you (some of) my treasures that I picked up this weekend.

I love thin form fitting PJ's. I love Baby Gap, Gymboree & Children's Place. They wash and wear well. Because Liam wears a (reshaping) helmet, it is nice for him not to be too hot at night. I was so excited to find a woman who loved these PJ's as much as I do. I bought out (most of) her table. ha ha She didn't mind. 18 months to 24 & 2t's for next year! Hooray!

1.00 x 12 = $12.00 (When normally they are around $12.00 each at the store!) SCORE!

This is one of my favorite outfits that I bought for Liam this fall. The lady who sold me this told me that her son actually only wore this outfit once for a photo. The shoes however were never worn and still had the tags attached. (Children's Place)

Shirt, Light Sweater & White Pants = $5.00 Shoes= $4.00 Outfit all together = $9.00

Here are some fun toys I picked up! Liam is REALLY into Yo Gabba Gabba. We watch it at least once a day. I scored with the Plex doll that talks ($1.00) and a mini YGG activity laptop ($6.00 with batteries included). He is now obsessed with that toy. I picked up the classic block square for $1.00 and toy tool box for $1.00. Liam loves puzzles and this is helping him learn his shapes. (I am all for the educational toys) One of our friends has this farm magnetic set on her fridge. Liam always plays with it when he is over for a playdate. ($3.00). Way in the back, you can see a little monkey back pack/leash. ($3.00) I actually broke down and bought this. I always said I would never get one,...but seeing that anytime we are out now, Liam has a need to run. So a little help keeping him close (he almost ran across the parking lot today at MOPS) and safe, I will try it out. Still can't believe my baby is growing up so fast yikes!

All together toy total = $15.00

So happy with my treasures!! Hope to hit a few more for some winter clothes! :) I would do anything for this little smile.

Kiss Me I'm Irish!

I put out a trap last night and caught myself a wee Leprechaun. It was difficult to keep him still enough for a photo,..but luck was on my side and I snapped one!

May your day be touched
by a bit of Irish luck,
brightened by a song in your heart,
and warmed by the smiles
of the people you love.

Rocking & Rolling

This weekend we were so excited to go and see my brother Luke play with his band 'Speak' at their official CD release party! They put on a great show! We were suprised to see that Liam loved the music as well, so much that he decided he was done with holding our hands, and ventured off on his own. He is now officially walking! (Dancing as well!) It is exciting, yet sad.....my baby is growing up!

Liam and his cousin Dakota

Letter to my baby boy,...

Dear Liam,

I am so thankful to have you in my life. You have brought me and your dad so much joy. We couldn't have asked for anything more. When they placed you in my arms for the first time, I knew I would forever love you. I can still remember how tiny and soft you were and the smell of you hair. On that day, God gave me the greatest gift, the gift of being your mother. This year has been a tough one, with your surgery and the traveling back and forth to Texas. But it was all worth it, and we would do it again,....knowing now, how much it has helped you grow and develop. You are such a strong little boy, with such a sweet spirit. We pray every day that you will continue to grow and become the person God wants you to be. I will forever cherish this past year and all the new things you have and continue to learn. Your dad was so proud when you first called out to him, and the light in your eyes when you see him walk into the room. We are so excited to see what new things you will learn to say. You tend to be a momma's boy, but I don't mind. I like that you enjoy sitting on my lap reading books, and love when you play with my hair when you get sleepy. You are learning so much. It has been so fun watching you learn to eat real foods, sit up on your own, crawl, dance and sing. Pretty soon you will be running around! You can be such a funny little boy.

Thank you for your love, cuddles, your smiles, your raspy giggles, and those ever so sloppy kisses. I am enjoying every minute. Even when you are grown, and you become a man, you will always be my little baby boy. I love you so much William Arthur. Happy First Birthday!
xox

- Momma

Texas State Fair

While visiting our friends Sab and Jen in Dallas, we decided to venture out to the Texas State Fair! This was by far the largest fair I have ever been to. It was massive! Here are some of the highlights.

When arriving at the main gate, a 52 foot cowboy named Big Tex greets you with a "Howdy folks. Welcome to the State Fair of Texas. Y'all have a fun time today!"

Every year at the fair there is a contest for the best fried food. They are famous for any and everything fried. Fried oreos, twinkies, cookie dough, cheesecake, PB&J, cheese, chocolate, frito pie, pizza, beer (still not sure what that is),.......we were told that we HAD to try "fried butter!!" It was umm,...interesting. They were little donuts with honey butter inside. Hey I will try anything once, but not sure I would eat this again. It's just wrong on many levels. 

Little Taste of Indian Summer

We had glorious, warm, beautiful weather last weekend. Liam and I were so happy to be out in the sunshine for the afternoon.

County Fair Fun

As a kid I knew that summer was officially over once our County Fair came to a close. A little bitter sweet.You work so hard all year long to bring all of your 4-H projects to display. Animals raised, sewing projects finished, posters made. Then it's time for a week of competition, animal shows, good food, good music, socializing, camping, bonefires, barn dancing and just like that,....it's over. I have many wonderful memories of our county fair. It makes me feel like such a kid going back. This year I was excited to start new memories with my little one. He really enjoyed the animals, the smells and all of the people! He has turned into such a social child. Maybe someday he will be in 4-H! Maybe someday he will be the one looking forward to all the fun at the county fair! Time will tell,...