just be ...

What happens at my house after dinner.

This is what happens at my house after dinner is made, served and I've cleaned up the kitchen.  We, or I should say he, laps the kitchen table. 

Tonight he would purposely fall and I would yell, in that squeaky voice, 'WIPEOUT!'...and that would give me the belly laugh I love to hear.  I am a bit biased, but his laugh is so cute its contagious!



These are his new shoes.  Over the weekend I found that his foot was out of room, altogether.  Meaning to a point where his toes were constantly curled under.  Poor guy.  These werent what I was looking for initially, but after a long ordeal at one store, and knowing I had to get him shoes, we settled on these.  They've grown on me, and when I ask Max, 'what does the dinosaur say?', he replies, 'Roar!'.  So cute!

snow!

Some shots from Max's first real experience with snow.  There was last year's blizzard, though he was clueless.  This year, much more fun...laughed each time he fell into the snow (and of course couldnt get up because of all his gear!). 

it is...

This mama is happy.  My two boys.  Life is full. 

(now, a name...ugh)

just because january.

I decided to make these cupcakes just because.  And its January.  And I think people need pick-me-ups in January.  And what cupcake doesnt pick up one's spirit? 

Say hello to Just Because January Cupcakes! 

They have just the right amount of orange flavoring in the cupcake, and the cream cheese frosting (which I wont make again, as you can see doesnt have any form) only accentuates the orange for the perfect touch.  They are delish. 

If you are in the neighborhood, stop by for a treat! And a smile!

snowy day garland.

Today looks like this:

I am not sure about Max, but I've been feeling the winter blues.  Probably because we've been pretty much cooped up in the house on the weekends. 

Today I felt we needed a little Happy in the house.  I call it the snowy day garland, but really its the Happy Day Garland, from MADE.  I think its perfect.  Adds just the right amount of color.  And you cant look at it without thinking, 'Happy!'.

What makes you 'Happy'?

reading challenge

This is the year I stick to the reading.  I miss it.  Something about a book that intrigues me, takes me away, entertains me.  I have been having a hard time committing to the reading since Max arrived, and I have no idea what kind of free time I will have with having another baby.  But I committed to two books a month.  I can do it! 


via goodreads What books are on your reading list?



Random Thoughts by Melissa.

Some of you might recall the Random Thoughts by Jack Handy segments on Saturday Night Live.  To me, so stupid, hysterical.  So every time when I hear 'Random Thoughts' I immediately think of those. 

So here goes:

-Fresh strawberries are SO expensive out-of-season, but every once in a while I'll indulge.

-Being a working parent, I literally have 15 to 20 minutes to put dinner on the table.  Anything after that and we are having crackers and cheese for dinner. 

-Insert my two new favorite cookbooks:

-Both have delivered four pretty decent meals so far.  The favorite?  Hearty Vegetable Soup in the Fast & Heathly Meals for Kids.  Quick, easy, tasty and pretty much inexpensive as well.  Loving it!

-Thank you cookbooks, for now you make me feel like I can actually cook and provide a substantial meal to my child. 

-I had taken up a hobby many years ago, and I've never really been consistent with it.  Usually around the holidays is when I'll find myself engaging again.  That hobby is candy making or should I say, confections.  Well, today I was finishing up some candy at the request of my mother for a baby shower, and I said to myself, 'I think I found that passion.'  You know the one thing you can do all-the-time and not get bored with it.  Yep, candy, its my thing. 

-Even before the above epiphany, I have wanted to try my hand at Salted Caramels.  Dont be surprised if a sample shows up at your door soon.  Found a new recipe today that made my mouth water just reading it, and took quite a bit not to eat the paper. 

-When Max isnt being his lovely toddler self, he is a pleasant little boy that makes me laugh, and smile so genuinely that makes me savior the moment.  Today, though he was being foul, and had a time-out, when I said, 'Okay you can get up now' (it was after like 90 seconds of sitting), he walks over to me on the couch, stares at me and says, 'No!'.  Little bugger!  Repeating my, 'No kicking.  Kicking hurts.'

-And that is it on this fine Saturday evening. 

New Year, New Beginnings.

So I am about half way through my first week of the new year.  I've already put my One Little Word to test, especially today.  I also even remembered to keep an open heart in some situations.  Not bad, not bad. 

With some trepidation, I am happy to announce I finally got www.whattheharry.com up and running over the holidays.  The trepidation is because this typepad place has become a second home to me and with any kind of move or change, I am a little nervous. 

But I am excited to have my very own domain.  I am excited for you to come and visit.  I am excited to finally feel motivated to Blog again and get back in to reading and commenting on my visitor's blogs. 

Please update your saved links, and I look forward to seeing you there! 

I'll be taking this blog down soon. 

Each year Ali Edwards kicks

Each year Ali Edwards kicks off her 'One Little Word' project.  Its about picking one word that you will carry throughout the year, one word that will guide you, challenge you and most of all help you attain whatever it is that you set out for the year.

2012 is going to be a big adjustment year for me.  I'll be bringing another human into the world.  My already existing love of my life, Max, is heading into the 'terrible twos' and I've taken on a new role at work.  Lots of new stuff.

Lots.

So when I was reading her project kick-off recently, I saw that my word for 2012 kind of found me.  Re-reading the second paragraph above and the only thing that will be needed in the same amount, if not more, is Strength.

My current almost daily prayer for strength will probably increase to a couple of times per day.  I am very excited for the changes that are coming (well, not so much the terrible twos), and I want this time to be as peaceful as possible.  No yelling, no losing of patience, remaining calm.

I see what the yelling and no patience does, and its not effective in the least bit.  I also see what happens when you dont do anything.  I am looking for the middle of the road here, one that is effective.

I have printed the above graphic out and posted it in various places around the house - the fridge, the bathroom mirror, inside the glasses cabinet.  I have put it in my wallet right near the debit card.  And I've inserted it into a frame and is sitting on my desk at work.  These constant reminders I am hoping will help me remember to step back, pray, clear my mind and heart.  This doesnt just apply to parenting, it applies to all areas of my life.

If you havent heard of this project, or are interested, I recommend going over to Ali's website and checking it out.

What is your One Little Word?

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!  Hope you enjoyed your celebration and are looking forward to the *new* year and what it can bring.

I have been reflecting on 2011 over the last couple of days, and I have no strong feelings about the year - good or bad - just surprised it went so fast. 

2012 is going to be a year of change for us - both Max and I - moreso for me.  I have the following happening in 2012:

-new household budget, starting Jan 1st.
-new job at work, starting Jan 3rd.
-newly minted toddler in household, has already started, but see it will get more abundant soon.
-new baby, starting around May 30th.
-new life as a mom to two kids, starting around May 30th.

So when I witnessed this yesterday, as I was in the midst of doing the weekly chores, I couldnt help but think, what will life be like on Jan 1st 2013?  Will I still find the greatest amount of joy I've ever had in my kids?  Will I be an effective mother, raising her kids right?  (obviously by letting them jump on my bed, isnt going to add points to that counter, but when you hear the giggles Max lets out during this exercise I'll let him jump on the bed everyday.)

I'm going to miss it being just me and Max, but I know how much Max enjoys other kids company (though they dont play 'together', he just adores his cousins), and so having 'partner in crime' will definitely make his life more enjoyable. 

During my reflections I had a thought about not having Max, and I am sorry I wasted that milisecond on that thought, because life is *so* much better with Max.  I am blessed with the giggles seen in this picture - so wish I had a working video camera! 

So Happy New Year again everyone! Looking forward to 2012!