Our Week with a Dog

While some of our favorite people were out of town we kept their dog, Toby. Toby is one of those let-you-do-anything-with-him kind of pets. He's very tolerant of two-year-old boys! 

That works out nicely, because Jonah is a big fan of Toby! 

One morning when Jonah woke-up he found Toby chewing on his bone. For some reason Jonah thought Toby needed to be covered up, so he went into his room and brought out the quilt from his bed to cover the dog. And Toby just laid there. 

Sometimes when we let Toby outside to potty Jonah and I would sit on the steps and keep an eye on the dog (and "just chill", as Jonah likes to say). 

 I think this was a time when Toby came in after Jonah woke from a nap. Jonah was in a very good humor and being silly with the dog.  I didn't take the time to edit the video...there are no subtitles, you'll just have to guess at what Jonah is saying if it isn't clear in the video! 

this one got on here by accident and I can't figure out how to remove it. so, I guess it's just bonus footage. 

A Berry Good Time

You may remember the post about my grandpa's early birthday celebration. Well, that same weekend my mom, sister, Jonah, and I took a 4 hour road trip to attend/help throw a baby shower for my cousin who is expecting a baby girl the same week as I am expecting Elizabeth. 

Now I'm just over sharing. That isn't even the reason for this post. Except to say that we were very busy that weekend and jammed in a ton of adventures! 

On Sunday we were back in town (well, Mom's town) and met my dad at his work for lunch. After lunch Mom and I were driving back to her house and decided to take a little detour. To see if we could find any blackberries. 

It was a hoot driving down back roads and pulling off into the bushes to try to find the best berries.  It was not only a fun adventure, but a productive one as well! 

above, jonah is picking some berries. 

below, the big guy riding in the seat (unbuckled) along the dirt road from bush to bush. 

And then, Grammy and Jonah worked together to make a BLACKBERRY PIE!! 

It was delicious! 

(and worth the time it took to bake and cool)

Playing at the Creek

A few weeks ago our three favorite kiddos had some cousins visiting. We tried to get out and have a little fun while they were here. One of the most fun things we did was go play in the creek and have a picnic. The water was a little low, but we had ourselves a fine time anyway!  I can't tell you how many times I heard a kid say thank-you for taking them there! I'm glad that a bit of simple fun was so great! I couldn't have pulled it off with just any kids. I'm not looking to take on another group of six plus the one in my belly. These are exceptionally wonderful children!

 Like I said, the water was a little low...but isn't this a sweet picture of Jonah and Molly! 

 The girls worked hard to catch a crawdad, while the boys (and I) decided to settle down for some lunch! 

I wasn't totally crazy, I thought ahead and DID NOT make seven sandwiches. We ran by the store first, where I let each of them choose their own Lunchable. I was so glad I did, because we all had exactly what we wanted. 

They played on the playground for just a few minutes before we had to head back home. 

Guest Writing

I got to do a new thing this week. My friend Carissa sent out an email recently, inviting her friends to be guest writers on her blog while she is on vacation. I jumped at the chance to do something out of the ordinary and new to me! She had a series of "prompts" for her guest writers to use if they wanted. She also encouraged us to think off of the cuff. It was fun. I think I like to write. (which is becoming more evident with the wordiness of this post!) 

Anyway, my post is featured this morning and I thought I'd share it...

CLICK HERE.

Thank-you, Carissa for including me. It's an honor. 

Happy Thursday. 

The Day for Fathers

We sure are blessed to have great fathers in our family! 

I found that shirt for Jonah a couple of months ago. I'm glad I remembered to dig it out of hiding for him to wear on Sunday!  

We are very thankful for all these wonderful men!! 

Weekend Update: Baby Shower

This weekend my mom, aunt, and sister hosted a baby shower for me. We gathered at Emily's house for a Night Owl party! It was very very cute.

(yes, party is spelled wrong...because they reused the sign from my cousin's shower last weekend. It was originally written to match her baby's name, which is Charli Pepper) 

Isn't my cousin, Courtney, creative...she's the one who created this from scratch...chalkboard paint and everything!

The banner with Elizabeth's name will probably be hung in her room when I get it put together. And the cake is another Aunt Caroline masterpiece! It was strawberry on the inside...and just so you know, it was very tasty!

Lots of credit goes to my mom, who orchestrated the whole thing. Where would I be without such a fantastic mom?! I am also grateful my mother-in-law made the trip down for the occasion. I really appreciate my family. They are amazing! 

It was a lovely little gathering! Thanks everyone! 

p.s.... thanks to Auntie Em, Elizabeth may not have to ever wear the same thing twice. 

A Birth Date

Due to babies (mine and my cousin's) arriving at the end of July my mom's side of the family got together early this year. We usually gather to celebrate my grandpa's birthday. I have aunts and uncles who travel great distances each summer for our get-togethers. So, on Thursday June 7th we had an early birthday party for Grandpa Brewer. 

This was the card we made for him, explaining the gift we're planning for his birthday....

Since I will be having a second Cesarean, we got to pick our delivery date...and July 24th worked out to be right on track with when the Dr. thinks she'll be ready to come out. (a week before the actual due date) I'm so excited to have a date picked. We are scheduled for the 24th at 12 o'clock noon! Very exciting stuff. Now we can make plans with family coming to visit. (as long as she doesn't come early) 

Hillbilly Spa

As you know, I spend my days with our sweet two-year-old. And we haven't hit the jackpot (kinda hard to hit it when you don't play it). So, Jonah and I treated ourselves to a little foot scrubbing the other day. I set him up in his beach chair in the shower! 

Fancy, no? You like?

 our feet together

And finally, a little follow-up lotion. 

I didn't take a final picture of my own feet, but I promise they are polished now. I had to wait until Jonah was napping. He likes to paint his toenails if he sees me doing it. And I planned on using Siren Red. Since Siren Red wasn't something I wanted on his toes, I just avoided that whole battle. 

Glass Tint USA

Do you remember the time Jonah got to be the star of that commercial for Whole Hog?

Well, he's done it again. Somehow my sister landed another commercial spot. A spot for which they also wanted a cute kid. I'm delighted to share their latest spotlight with you. (again, it's literally only 2 seconds of Jonah, but he sure doesn't disappoint!)

Expanding Horizons: Cultural Edition

Jonah had his first experience with some good old fashioned soul music. We recently went to a cookout at a friend's house. A few of the guests were showcasing/entertaining us with the church music of their Mississippi childhood. As they sang, they were snapping and clapping the background rhythm. Jonah wandered over next to one of the fellas and tried to snap too. It was the cutest little moment, watching him become comfortable with a stranger because of music.