Cara Box Reveal!!

My friend Desiree has posted about her Cara Box(es?) before and I am always intrigued.  I looked into it more and was just in time to sign up for this last round!

First I want to say that just exploring the Cara Box Exchange brought back a TON of childhood memories... You are given the names and emails of two fabulous women (okay, maybe just my ladies were fabulous?!) and you are to get to know them - kind of like a modern day pen-pal! You get to know each other for a few weeks (6-8) and then at the end you send one a box full of fun items and the other sends you a box. Awesome concept right?!

I got paired with two of the best girls I could have asked for.  I only wish they were both local!!

Sarah is the wonderful woman who I was privileged to send a box to. She is the runner I aspire to be... maybe someday! Anyway, she is awesome and I encourage you al to go get to know her over at Love and Tantrums!

I was also paired with Kimmy ~ and she is also an amazing woman (she blogs at That's the Thing about Destiny)!  She grew up in Raytown, so is very familiar with Kansas City and is also a Chief's fan ~ yea!!

She sent me a really fun box full of fun things for myself and the kiddos.

 

She sent me some super fuzzy and warm sock/slippers.  I didn't get a picture of them before I put them on because I just couldn't wait! They were pink - my favorite!  Then there was a really fun fall kitchen towel - with owls ~ love it!

She sent a lot of fun things for the kiddos, too! Old Maid, a bead set and a very cool bus! Jameson loves everything with wheels, so this bus was awesome ~ you just had to push it a tiny bit and it would go on its own. Super fun for Jameson to chase...

This was probably one of the most fun things I've done in awhile, and I will definitely be doing it again - and would recommend it to anyone who is on the fence! It was awesome!

Thank you to Kaitlyn at Wifessionals for putting this together!!

Jameson's FIRST Birthday!

Jameson's birthday was such a special day. 

Hi Mom!

The day before he had his 12 month well-baby and he was kinda cranky on the day of his party, and wasn't too excited about all of the people. All of the guests had a fabulous time, though!

Bubbles was the theme, however I don't think I got any photographs of all of the bubble fun, just of the Birthday Boy.

Happy Birthday sweet boy!!

(I have a new computer and can't quite figure out iPhoto yet, so no collages, just a few select photographs)

I'm not so sure about this...

Normally Jameson seems to love sweets (like his mama!), but on this day he wasn't overly fond of the icing, or the cake...

Yummy!!

But, the ice cream! YES please!!

Messy face

 He pretty much loves anything with wheels and the big truck Pam and Mo gave him was (and still is!) a huge hit.

Loving his trucks 

This photograph pretty much sums up his entire day...

And, I'm spent!

I'm linking up with You Can't Google Everything for Mommy Time! 

Mama

My sons favorite word right now is "mama" and let's be honest, it melts my heart.

99.9% of the time. There are moments (when I'm trying to use the bathroom, for example) when I wish he'd say "dada!".

My handsome little man

Does that make me a bad mama? I don't think so... I think we all experience mommy guilt from time to time, and I can't help but wonder why.

Why is it that we feel the need to compare ourselves to all of the other mommys in the world? We are all trying so hard to do the best for our children, yet there are moments when we seem to forget that and we judge other moms.

Let's be honest, social media doesn't help things... facebook is really just a hi-light reel for most people, and pinterest gives us the impression that moms everywhere are crafting, cooking and teaching their kiddos with time to spare to workout every day. I truly love both of those social media sites and frequent them, but I think it's important to remember that they have they aren't reality.

In the last year I have realized that happiness can only be found within and through God. These last few months I have been living life with my beautiful children and this blog has taken a back seat. I have been struggling at balancing my family time and my "me time".

Such a beautiful girl

Since I last blogged Jameson turned 1 and we celebrated with close friends and family. He is now 15 months and no, he isn't walking, but he's getting close. He jabbers like crazy and gives the best hugs! He has four teeth on top and two on the bottom and loves to eat (anything, and nearly everything).

We celebrated Abigail's 5th birthday this last weekend, even though she won't officially turn 5 until next weekend. She is becoming an amazing little girl with a beautiful heart. She can do basic addition and can play "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" on the piano.

Our little family is blossoming and I am enjoying every second of the time we've been spending together. Between soccer games, dance classes, little day trips and snuggling I have been loving the life we are building.

Until next time... hopefully not another 7 months... get out and live life!

7 months old!?

So I have been awful about blogging lately. No excuses - life has been happening and I've been enjoying it so much! I'm home with Jameson today... He is sick, but doing better today.

Somehow my tiny baby is growing into an adorable little man and I can't get enough of this little guy!

* He has been so smiley and happy lately, almost a completely different baby.

* He started saying "mama" this month and it has melted my heart, even though "dada" was is first word.

* He still wakes about once a night, but he typically goes back to sleep once he has his pacifier back.

* Jameson loves his big sister! She can instantly make him happy and watching them together makes me the happiest mama.

* His infant carrier is his worst enemy. He screams each time he is put in it and only his pacifier will calm him. Sometimes.

* Dinner time is always interesting... It typically starts, and ends, with tears. But, in between he is a very happy boy. Chewing on his spoon is a fun pastime, and he has seemed to really enjoy each food he's tried!

Here are Jameson's 7 month pictures...