Better Than Roses

I mentioned in a previous post that my sweet hubby had planned an overnight trip for the two of us to an unknown destination for my Valentine gift. Seeing as we hadn't been away sans kiddos since December 2010, we were definitely due some time together.

Michael knows how I love surprises and Thursday afternoon couldn't come fast enough! I was somewhat nervous leaving Cade for the first time, but both he and Cole were champs and enjoyed all the attention from Kyle, Laura, Papa, and Gigi. A HUGE THANKS to all four of you for watching the littles - we are truly thankful!

After instructions were given and a back packed, we rolled out Thursday around noon. As we traveled up through Portland and Bowling Green, I thought I knew where we were headed. Sweet friends of ours live in Louisville and we've talked recently about coming up for a visit. Sure that was where we were going, I settled in for a little drive.

All that changed when we took an earlier exit towards Lexington. Where in the world was he taking me? He just smiled and gave no hints. . . I was definitely confused. All that bumped up a few notches when we entered the TINY town of Lawrenceburg, KY around 4 p.m. I thought we might be stopping for gas, but quickly found out differently when we pulled up to the only hotel in town. I knew my man had something great planned, but seriously - what could this little town have to offer?

Michael did say that we had to be somewhere by 6:30, so we checked in, grabbed a snack from Sonic, and found a cute toy store to visit while passing the time. . .

Lego mania inside!

6:15 arrived and we began driving down a quaint road full of historic homes. As we topped a hill, I spotted a church sign and couldn't believe what my eyes saw. . .

One of my all time favorite Christian artists were in this small town for a free concert at a local Baptist church. . . seriously!?! Shane and Shane do not tour and hardly leave the Dallas, TX area where they live. I've told Michael for years that if they are ever in concert nearby, I'd LOVE to go. Turns out they were to be a guest for the large conference that weekend at Southern Seminary in Louisville (about an hour away) and were happy to stop by for a night of worship. I was one happy gal!

We were one of the first ticket holders to arrive and had ample time to chat with members of the church before the sanctuary doors opened to the public. What a lovely, genuine group of believers. They welcomed us with open arms and asked where we were from. Many were shocked that we drove from Nashville and before we knew it, word of our 'story' and what Michael had done for me had spread across the lobby. Random people were coming up to us saying, "I heard your story and just had to come say hello!" Ha! One sweet gentleman even made it a point to go backstage and tell Shane & Shane how far we had traveled and to make sure to speak with us after the concert had ended. Wow...

Needless to say it was an incredible night of worship. Two men, two guitars, beautiful voices, and God's Word. Doesn't get much better!

The next day (after sleeping in until 8:30 - oh yes!), we ate breakfast at the hotel, checked out, and headed to Lexington for a bit. The farms we passed along the way were gorgeous. No denying we were in horse country!

I'm thinking we'll stay here on our next visit

it's seriously a hotel and event center - crazy!

We parked downtown and enjoyed lunch at Giacomo's - a New York style deli with meat delivered directly from the Big Apple itself. My chicken caprese panini was delish and the company was even better :)

Babe, you outdid yourself and truly shocked my socks off :) Way to go! I love you more than you know and thank God for the way YOU love us!

9 Months

Are we really 3/4 of the way to your first birthday? So hard to believe how quickly you're changing and growing...

Here's the stats from your well visit:

Weight: 19 lbs. 7 oz. (45%)

Height: 28" (33%)

Head Circumference: 17.5

Dr. Pearson said you are the cutest thing (which we of course already knew) and that you are perfect in every way. You were a champ with your shots and had no side effects except for a little fussiness.

* You've given up a few bottle feedings during the day and are content with food and snacks. A bottle is usually given before naps/bedtime, and we're trying to wean you from the 2 a.m. middle of the night feeding. I've seriously forgotten what a full-night's sleep feels like (but you're totally worth it)

* Still wearing 9-12 month clothes and size 3 diapers.

* Teeth number six and seven popped through (top and bottom right). Looks like you'll have a mouth full by your first birthday.

* While visiting Mom G one evening, you balanced on your own for close to 5 seconds or so without any support. You've yet to take a step, but walking is fast approaching.

* We introduced a sippy cup and you've taken to it quite well. It in no way takes the place of your bottle just yet, but you will drink water from it at mealtimes.

* The highchair game of "drop an object off the side, lean down to look, then smile at Mommy" has begun. "Uh-oh" may be in your vocabulary shortly :)

* We visited the park on a super-warm day with friends. This was your first time in the playground swing - not quite sure you enjoyed it.

* You are busy, busy. Climbing in the dishwasher, dryer, up the stairs, under tables, etc. is the norm. You keep us movin'!

* I left you and your brother in your room to play while I did laundry one day. . . when I returned, this is what greeted me. I seriously love you both to pieces.

* This old urn is a favorite of yours at Gigi's house. I'm sure you could churn some delicious butter if given the chance.

Love you precious boy!

Happy Heart Day!

With Valentine's Day being on a Tuesday this year, I knew the morning would be hectic heading out the door to MDO and Bible Study. So. . . we had our traditional heart shaped pancakes a day early. No complaints here!

Valentine's Day has arrived! I had planned on a simple meal of heart shaped strawberries, cereal, and pink milk, but Daddy surprised us with heart shaped doughnuts and other goodies from Dunkin' Donuts. YUM!

Checking out a treat from Mommy and Daddy.

I also found out that Michael had planned an OVERNIGHT trip for the two of us to an unknown destination. That beats roses and chocolates anyday! All I had to do was pack and leave instructions for the kiddos. Oh the suspense!

So thankful for a family that shows love each and every day of the year. May I never forget how truly blessed we are! Happy Love Day everyone!

Love Day Party

Earlier this week, Cole and Cade were invited to a sweet, kiddo Valentine party hosted by friends Aleah and Reese. Laura nannies for these cute girls and we've enjoyed getting to know them and watching a little friendship grow :) We headed over Monday morning for a day full of fun!

A scavenger hunt was first on the party agenda and Cole loved reading all of the clues for everyone.

A Valentine tree craft was next followed by a delicious lunch of pizza, grape/cheese kabobs, chips, and Fruity Pebble heart treats.

Forgot a bib for little man. . . this is what happens when you're in a house full of girls! :)

The kiddos then exchanged valentines with one another and played the day away. What a fun way to begin the holiday!

Valentine Prep

We've always handmade valentines for friends and family, but I was in need of a fresh idea this year. Wanted something personal, cute, inexpensive, and easy to make (not too much to ask huh?). After a little searching, I found this sweet card that we just HAD to make. I must say, they turned out SO precious!

Just take a picture with the subject holding out his/her arm with hand clenched in a fist.

I just happen to have the cutest subjects EVER. . .

With a razor blade, scissors, or other sharp object, make two slits directly above and below the fist. Glue to cute paper, insert a lollipop, add a Valentine greeting and voila!

L.O.V.E.

For Cole's classmates

For family (along with a handmade card)

Kiddo Crafts

Thanks to the upcoming holiday and the return of winter weather (it's actually snowing as I type!), Cole and I have enjoyed a few extra art projects this week.

We love breaking out the shaving cream, and had fun with this easy color mixing/letter writing activity. Squeeze a tiny amount of shaving cream into a ziploc bag (and I mean tiny amount). Add two or more colors of food coloring, zip shut, and mix well.

Any colors will do, but we chose to mix the primary colors to make secondary colors. . . blue+red = purple, etc.

After mixing, use a Q-tip on the outside of the bag to draw pictures, shapes, or practice letter writing. Cole loved it!

We also got started on our family Valentine cards. Cole drew a bumblebee on the inside and added construction paper heart wings.

He then wrote "Bee My Valentine" and stamped the front/back with hearts (stamper made from squishing a toilet paper tube into the shape of a heart. . . thanks Pinterest!). A few more sweet treats will be inside for the grandparents, aunts, and uncles. I'm sure they'll love them!

And for the record, trying to paint an active, non-stop 9 month old's hands and then stamp onto paper for cute handprint art is impossible. Makes this Type A mama stressed! :)

I also got my craftiness on and made some initial art for above Cole's bed. $3.00 frames from Wal-Mart and scrapbook paper. . . love how they turned out!

Let the Countdown Begin!

The past two years, I've enjoyed preparing Valentine countdowns for my boys. With yesterday being February 1, it was time to begin!

Getting our calendar ready for the school room

This year, I found a few new ideas that I incorporated. This 'note' frame was perfect for the hubby and will actually stay by Michael's sink in the bathroom year round to write encouraging thoughts and Scriptures from time to time. For our countdown, it will house a sweet saying with a little treat.

Just print a sentence starter on paper and place in the frame. Complete by using a dry erase marker. He LOVES it!

Cole's countdown idea I found on this blog. The printables were free to copy and I already had a few needed items around the house. Other things were purchased at the Dollar Tree which created a less than $10 fourteen days of treats for my sweet boy. I'll place them in his mailbox we made last year for him to find each morning.

A sampling of Cole's treats