A Big Brain/Blog Dump

Its been a little while since my last post. Not only have we been busy planning Logan's first birthday but I have been traveling for work too. So sit back, grab an Iced Tea (from Sonic if you're like me) and enjoy a little South update.

1. One of my most favorite things about our new house is the land. We are literally surrounded by green-space. Our house backs up to said green-space and thus, we have no plans on hanging any blinds on our full wall of windows on the back side! We also only have a block and a half walk to our neighborhood lake. It isn't anything much but it is just perfect for us. It has a nice little walking trail and a few places to stop and fish if you would like. This particular evening we pulled out Logan's new car buggy and Kaden took off on his scooter, that is until Daddy just had to have his own turn.

2. My LOVE/HATE relationship with dark hardwood floors. I LOVE our new floors. I HATE having to sweep them constantly due to one Golden Blonde dog of ours, but we won't mention his name. And lets just say that it rhymes with Stoli but it isn't her and this certain dog is getting an appointment with the groomers ASAP. And for the record, Justin is also constantly sweeping the floors so him + me = WAY too much sweeping. Then again, I love the color of the floors and I guess it is just something we will have to put up with it. 

3. Saturday morning cartoons-they just aren't what they use to be. Where are the Smurfs, Scooby-Doo, or the Flintstones? Instead we have some iron pumping green dude that bounces around the TV. Thank goodness Kaden doesn't really care what is on and is happy just watching the Madagascar Penguins or Mickey. And even though the cartoons aren't as good as they were when I was growing up, I am pretty sure you would have caught me in the exact same "spot" when I was his age…

4. Washington D.C. It has been a number of years since I have been to our country's capitol and the last time I was there I wasn't really able to get out and about. We were packed full of meetings. This time wasn't all that different, still packed full of meetings but one of the evening meetings was a walking tour of the monuments. I was amazed by how much power you could feel in this city. All the way in your bones. And the pride, the pride of being an American, it just screamed from everyone visiting. I can't wait to be able to take the boys back when they get a little older and I hope they are able to appreciate everything they will see as I did this past week.

5. It is officially birthday week here at the South house. This little guy….

Well he is turning one in 7 very short days!! And you guessed it, I CAN'T believe it. I am not sure where this last year has gone. There have been so many things that have happened over the last year. Bought and sold a house. Took a new hobby to the next level. Kaden turned 2. Friends had babies and more friends got pregnant. And even though I have been so much better at documenting things for Logan than I was with Kaden, it still seems as though it went WAY too fast. Scary thing, the week before Kaden turned one, we were pregnant with this little blue-eyed boy. We didn't know it yet but we were and although we both couldn't believe that they would only be 20 months apart and weren't quite sure how we were going to handle two boys under two. It worked. It worked out perfectly and I couldn't be more in love with this little man. Happy Birthday Week Logan! (And yes Logan, this mommy celebrates birthday weeks, not just days, weeks and in some instances --my birthday-- birthday months!)

Here is a little sneak peek at the theme for the party. I won't lie, I feel so behind and actually disappointed in what I have accomplished thus far, I need to kick this into HIGH gear!! 

6. Drive-in Movie Night! Since both Justin and Adam were down at the lake working on the remodel of the lake house bathroom, Becky and Colton came over for a dinner and a movie. Thanks again to Pinterest and all the moving boxes, we made it a Drive-in Movie night. I had the boxes pulled together and then each of the boys went to work on coloring their own car. As you can see, they loved the boxes and what you don't see, they pushed these boxes around the "track" all night long!

But before we turned on We Bought A Zoo we had a little dinner, pizza. Seriously, what more could two little boys what? A tattoo, you say? Well they got that too! Thanks to Papa Murphy's (and Becky) they each got to make their own mini-murphy and while they cooked we applied their tattoos. 

As for the movie, it was a great movie but it didn't hold our two, two-year olds' attentions. Unfortunately, they asked for Shrek about 15 minutes into the movie but it was a great movie for older kids or even for adults. 

So there you have it. A little recap of the last week since I haven't been on top of the blogging, well haven't been home to do it either! Can't wait to share all the details from Logan's birthday and more importantly, can't wait to celebrate with our dearest family and friends come Saturday!

A Proud Moment

Over the last few weeks, well since we have been in the new house, we have started allowing Kaden to stay up a little bit later than his normal bedtime of 8. Logan still goes down around 8 which allows us to have a little extra time with just Kaden. It makes a difference for us and more importantly for him. We spend our time playing Memory and dancing-the kid has moves! Around 8:45 we start the countdown on how much time he has until we head upstairs for night-night. Our usual routine consists of pulling back the covers, running over to the books and choosing one or maybe he gets lucky and we read two, he jumps into bed, I tuck him in and make sure Mickey is right next to him and then I proceed to read him the story. We laugh as we turn the pages and as I bring the book to a close I hear "One More Mommy?" and I gladly read it again but just once and then I make sure the covers are pulled up tight--gotta keep him safe from the alligators and I turn the lights off and shut the door. Pretty normal routine but we like routine so we stick with it.

Tonight, things were a little different. We played Memory. We danced. We got him into bed and had our book out and ready to go but this time he read to me. Yes, he pointed to the pictures and "read" to me. It wasn't like he didn't need me there quite the opposite actually. He needed me there so he could show me just how big and smart he is. It was at that moment that I realized exactly that- just how 'big' he really is. One very proud Mommy moment.

The 2nd One.

Today was our 2nd, 4th anniversary. The one that really only I celebrate since Justin says March 17th is the real one but thats okay, I can happily celebrate it with the other men in my life, Kaden and Logan! We were hoping that this weekend would be the first weekend were we could relax a little but no such luck. We have spent the entire weekend working on the both houses, the old and the new.

At the old house we had nail holes that needed to be filled, rooms that needed to be cleaned and a couple rooms that needed to be painted. Justin also went back over today to work on the garage and the yard. I won't lie, I won't sugar coat it, it was hard to say good-bye. As I walked through the house one last time I cried. This was where we became newlyweds. This was where we brought our boys home too. This is where we became a family. We spent the last seven years here and we did our best to make it a home. So really it should come as no surprise that I cried a few tears. Justin's mom kindly took a few pictures of us in front of the house trying to capture the past seven years of memories into one shot…

And then it was off to the new house. A few of the guys helped Justin finish up unpacking a couple trailers and filling up the garage so that we could go through each box one by one deciding what we would need and what we could live without…donations. As Justin delivered the trailer back to the rental company this morning the kids and I took on the task of finally hanging some of our favorite pictures and frames. The house may have felt like home before but it has a total different feeling once a few things are up on the walls. Actually, I wasn't sure it could feel any better but better it is. Here are a few sneaks at the work we got done today… 

A couple things to note:

1. The BARE walls on the first picture. I have yet to figure out what to do on either side of the fireplace /mantle. It is such a big space so it really needs to make a statement but yet not distract away from the TV either. PINTEREST? I think so…

2. The large picture still sitting on the floor in the dining room. We had this picture at the old house but we didn't think we would be able to use it here but to our surprise it fit perfectly in this nook. A little buffet table below it and we will be on our way!! The reason it is still on the floor, I can't hang that big of a picture, the BIL/Pro contractor will do that one.

3. 4th Anniversary Gift. A traditional 4th anniversary gift would be fruit or flowers and lucky for us we were given flowers just the other day by Korie and another from my Mom and Dad as housewarming gifts. The modern anniversary gift-appliances. Check that one off too. We bought one another a new fridge for the new house and garage door openers, those count right?! The celebratory gift, ideas and symbols. What bigger symbol can we give to one another than to say good-bye to one house and hello to another. We are putting our roots down and couldn't be more excited for what the future holds for us and our family here in our new neighborhood.

Happy Anniversary to my husband. It has been a great 4 years. Life is good.

And only 365 more days until we are back at the very same beach celebrating our 5 year. Think Justin will renew his vows?!? And yes, that statement made me laugh too!

A Couple Pinterest Updates

One of the first things that I did when we moved into the house was unpack the new chairs and put the table together--don't lean too hard on it though, it isn't quiet screwed in yet, those were lost in the move! And as a house warming gift Ms. Korie brought over some beautiful flowers and a gorgeous red vase to give it a pop of color. I love the chairs and I actually think they are kind of comfortable for metal chairs. Justin, however, has a different view on them. He doesn't quite get what I see but hey, thats okay. We don't see eye to eye on everything else and it seems to be working out just fine. Give and Take, right?! But back to the table, it has been used every night and then for breakfast and lunch when we have been here. So here is a look at in the new space, all pulled together. You will have to forgive me for the photos, they were taken tonight and nighttime never makes for the best pictures…

Kaden's bed. We decided that it was time to stop putting so many coats of yellow paint on it and just let Kaden have his new bed. We still plan on painting the walls a fun charcoal grey color to really make the yellow pop but at least you get the idea where we are going with the bed. The plan is to have the entire room be built around this bed. Next up, his dresser. We bought it off of Craigslist and over an upcoming weekend I am going to do a little painting and turn it into something special. Details on that makeover to come…

Celebrating Life

I had the distinct honor and privilege to help host a baby shower for my very dear friend, Jennifer, who just happens to also be Logan's God Mother. It wasn't just a baby shower though. This was more. This was a day in which those who love both Jennifer and Jake and now Baby Boy Walsh gathered around to celebrate something so special. We celebrated life. A life that Jennifer has dreamed about since she was a little girl. A life that already has so many people wrapped around his tiny little finger. A life that has all those same people so very anxious to meet him in five short weeks. He has no idea how much joy he will bring to those who love him. And I can't wait for both Jake and Jennifer to experience the love that only a mother and father have for their own child. Its like no other.

Congratulations to the new mommy and daddy-to-be. We couldn't be more thrilled and excited for this next chapter in your lives. All your dreams will come true in a very short amount of time but know this, through it all, you are not alone. We are all here, right by your side, cheering for you along the way.

Now lets talk about the shower. We wanted to throw a shower that was subtle but still had a theme. We decided to take the word shower literally. We found some super cute clouds (on Pinterest of course) that were stitched together with great big stitches in bright colors and placed in watering cans. We also found some awesome rain cloud inspired poms and figured I would give it a whirl and see what I could replicate. It wasn't my best work but the idea is totally there…

This blanket was crocheted by a family friend. And Yes, its as soft as it looks.

4 Days Later...

and we have a home. A fully functional, every box unpacked and put away, sleep through the night and wake up happy home! We are exhausted and can hardly keep our eyes open tonight but it is all done. I can go back to work now knowing that our new home is organized and I won't have to come home from work and work more on getting the house together. Instead I get to come home and play with the kids. In the front yard, in the backyard, in the playroom-anywhere and everywhere!

If you would have asked me on Thursday if we would be where we are tonight, I would have laughed. Both Justin and I took off Thursday to close on the house, we were ready but unfortunately, we were kind of the only ones! We ran into a few problems with an appraiser and our closing wasn't looking like it would close after all. When we thought the day had been wasted we got a call from our Insanely AWESOME real estate agent and she told us to get our butts (not her actual word) to her office and we would get the papers signed. When it was all said and done, we got 'er done and most importantly we didn't have to tell the movers not to come the following morning.

Everything from Friday morning until now is a complete blur. Not only did we move but I helped through one of my BFF's a baby shower and unlike myself, I was up until the wee hours of Friday night pulling decorations together. Cutting, molding, sewing, fluffing. After the shower (which will get it's own post) it was back to the new house, home. My mom and dad were in town helping with the kids while Justin and I continued to unpack and unpacking we did until about midnight. Sunday it was more of the same, unpacking and a birthday party shoot at 1. Then it was back home for our first little get together. The house wasn't ready for a party but I don't think our guests minded and for the first time in a number of days we just sat back and relaxed. I would leave the last few boxes for another time and I would sit back with a drink in hand and watch my boys run around the yard with their friends. It was perfect and it was a great dry run for all our future get togethers.

A Break.

I needed to take a break and it was as simple as that. We have box after box stacked from floor to ceiling in every room in the house. Clothes that have yet to be thrown in a box and toys still to be packed. Basically there is A LOT to be done before the movers come on Friday but I needed a break. And what better way to spend my break than to blog while watching a little Bones on DVR. And what better topic than my kids. The two things that can take my mind off of anything and just make me smile. Even if the past week has been the most difficult week of raising a 2 1/2 year old that we have had. And when I say difficult, I mean pull-my-hair-out-I-am-going-to-scream-difficult. Yet somehow, even with a terrible two attitude, he is able to be the sweetest boy I know. Take last night for instance, I get home from the airport just before midnight and decide to go in and kiss him goodnight, make sure he has Mickey and to tuck him him nice and tight. He wakes up a little says "Hi Mommy. I love you" in the quietest, most sweetest voice I have heard but he isn't done, he says "Lay down here." I crawl in bed beside him and he wraps his tiny arms around my neck and tells me he loves me again. And I cry. Being his Mommy is one of the best jobs I have. 

My other favorite job, Logan's Mommy. My littlest guy has me wrapped around his finger. He has the most chubbiest cheek that just make you want to pinch them all day. They droop just enough to give him the 'chipmunk' look and when you add his perfectly pouted lips, you have an insanely adorable 11 month old. I know I am partial but who wouldn't be with a face like this…

Over the last month he has perfected his walking and it is safe to say that we have a full fledge walker at eleven months. He loves to walk around with a ball in his hands throwing it in front of him and then walking to get it and then throwing it again. It isn't like he doesn't fall but when he does, he does it so gracefully. Pretty amazing actually. 

Have I mentioned how great my kids are yet? Cause they are! They are growing up entirely too fast making this Mommy's ovaries ache like no other but Little Logan will have to wait to become a big brother for a little while longer. With the new house and all the projects we want to accomplish, we don't have time to think about another baby. So until we do (maybe in another year), I'll just make sure to get my baby fix in with all the new babies being born over the next few months and cherish the moments that I have with my two boys cause before I know it, they won't be so little anymore.  

A Bittersweet Easter.

It was a bright and early wake up call for us this morning. Grammy Janet's one request, 7:30 Mass. Which means, we had to up, dressed and out of here by 7:10 just to get a seat at church. I packed Fruit Loops. I packed puffs. I packed cars and coloring books and drinks. Still it wasn't enough and about 15 minutes into Mass Justin and I were both off in different directions. Kaden headed outside and I moved towards the back where the standing room only crowd was. We finished the service there.

But what could I expect? We aren't frequent church goers. We believe. We read but when it comes to church we don't go as often as we should. So for the kids to know they should sit quietly and only whisper is a lot to ask, especially for a 2 1/2 year old. Even though it was pretty stressful we did have a highlight. Right before service was about to begin and everyone was finding their seats, Kaden yelled out "Happy Easter!" Dozens of heads turned and every single one of them had a smile on their face and a couple even told him how cute he was. Bet they weren't thinking that 10 minutes later and I just hope we didn't ruin their Easter Sunday service.

Our crappy attempt at getting a picture. Kaden was spent...

After service was over we headed back to Grammy's for breakfast. We pulled up to quite a surprise. The Easter Bunny was only two houses down and Kaden and Colton couldn't take their eyes off of him.

Side note--this Mom woke up feeling pretty guilty this morning. Here it was, Logan's first Easter, and I didn't even take him to see the Easter Bunny. Sure there are lots of things going on right now but I should have made time. I should have taken him to meet the Easter Bunny. So seeing that bunny hop made this mommy very happy.

We decided that we would just venture down to the Easter Bunny and say hi. When we arrived, Janet's neighbors ran inside and "reloaded" to make ensure the Easter Bunny had something for each of the boys. They were fantastic. And the Easter Bunny was even better. He was high-fiving, waving and hopping around.  Kaden was a little hesitant when he was up close to him but got very talkative and friendly when he backed away a few feet. Distance was his friend. Then the Easter Bunny brought out his chocolate and Kaden happily trotted up to get it! This kid is a choco-holic!

Apologies for the crappy photos, some of these I had a kid on my hip!

After the high of the Easter Bunny it was time for the kiddos to search for their Easter baskets. We we hoping that since we had to get up so early that the Easter Bunny would make a stop by Grammy Janet's too. And this Easter Bunny, well he was smart. He made a path to Kaden's Easter basket by leaving a trail of yarn. It started at the porch, weaved around the light pole, the tree, through the fence and then to the bushes. At the end sat a new scooter and Kaden eyes lit up like a Christmas Tree. He instantly threw aside the basket of goodies and pulled that scooter out, he just had to try it out for himself. As he scooted around, Logan found his goodies. The Easter Bunny brought him his own ball (Kaden doesn't like him playing with his, he isn't that great at sharing yet), he got a toy where Mommy's iPhone will go inside and he can play 'games', and he got his own Batman mobile. His favorite thing, a plastic egg that had money in it. Go figure! Oh and beware, picture overload ahead!

Easter Morning was pretty great. So why Bittersweet? This is why…

I had promised Kaden that we would go down to the park after he woke up from his nap. We waited for Logan to wake up, took a few pictures of Logan and then Kaden and I took off to the park. About a third of the way there I realized that this would be the last trip to this park that we would take. This would be the last time we would make this walk. And that this would be the first of many lasts with this house. The tears came streaming down. I knew I would cry about leaving the 8806 but I didn't think it would start this early, we still have 5 days left. So this particular park trip, well it was an extra long one. Long enough to make sure that Kaden went down every slide. Climbed every wall. Rode his scooter around, around and around. We even lingered until Daddy came looking for us! We said our good-byes from the car window as we drove away. Thanks Quail Creek Park for some great memories. You will be missed.