Hard to believe

One week from today, this cutie will be ONE!

Brothers: Tunnel o' fun

We've had the tunnel out before but this was Porter's first time to really enjoy it. He laughed and squeeled and Henry and Porter were both giggling so hard! It was so sweet. So naturally, I have to document times when they DO play well together and they enjoy each other! Henry is enjoying the fact that Porter can play with him, it just has to be all on "his terms". Heaven help us the day Porter has ideas and starts bossing Henry around...that will be here before we know it!! ha!

Comparison: 11 months

Porter taking steps

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I don't have a single original idea.

It's true.

Pretty much everything I do, I've seen it somewhere else and adapted it to fit our home.

Like I saw this idea HERE. Seriously, why didn't I think of that?! SUCH a good idea. We've been doing this for a little while now at supper and boy, Henry will definately remind us if we ever forget...! So even if we don't live near family, I love how much conversation this brings up about praying for others and talking about family. And Aunt Shana, one week you were picked three in a row! Hoping you were blessed x3!

The pail is really cute but I wanted it sitting out so we use it but didn't want something too cheesy.I wanted it to fit in. The white pitcher works well with my big white dish I keep our produce in for each week (thanks, Amy! Still love it! ;)). 

HERS

MINE

Before & After:: {Master Bedroom Windows}

The last post about our bedroom that I can find is HERE. Before that, it was when we moved in HERE. Wow. I feel like we've been here forever! That move seems SO long ago!
Anywho... I want to give our bedroom a makeover, or 'a spruce up' but for the smallest amount of $$ as possible. The paint isn't changing. Our room is a decent size and it was a big undertaking so that stays, we still love all our furniture so that stays, trying to find some nice lamps...anyone have a suggestions? From goodwill to hobby lobby, pier 1 and everywhere in between I can't find one I like that isn't $250! ha!
We moved around our bedroom a while ago. Our bed is under the windows and the chaise more towards our door but I can't find any pictures so I guess I'll do it this way...

 BEFORE

AFTER

(sorry, I'm shooting into the light...hard to see!)

 Those curtains pack a nice punch, don't ya think? I saw this idea on another blog and my mom and Kit helped out with these! I bought a canvas drop cloth from Lowe's ($20.00) and my mom sewed them into curtains for me! Then, Kit measured out the stripes (bless him! bless him!) otherwise I can guarantee the stripes would be running downhill! ha!

Then, I used paint I already had and painted them!

So, for $20, I have new curtains!

The bedding I bought ended up being a ridiculously good deal. I've stared at them forever at JcPenny. I thought it kinda looked a little 'pottery barn-ish' but it was still pretty pricey! I went in one day and it was 60% off plus another amount at checkout (it was father's day weekend). Oh yeah, it was a gooood deal! :)

So, there are still a handful of other ideas I'd like to do but thought I'd post this before I forgot!

Porter Thinkin' about walking

This video was taken one day last week...when he was REALLY putting it all together on walking. Today he'll take a few steps and there...yet to really catch good video but I'll keep trying!

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Lost and Found

So, I had tbought when my camera wasn't working properly I lost many pictures for good. Well, I was able to pull them off! whew! I won't bore you with all of them and a couple of these are blurry but just seeing these pictures takes me back! Can't believe he's almost one!!

Big news, big news

Porter, P-man, Port, Porter-Pie, P., Sweet P, P. Ryan, bubba, man child, chill boy...

 You are enjoying Mr. Lion!! You think you are BIG stuff walking him around and the past couple of days you are letting go of furniture and taking a step or two. Oh my goodness...not sure I'm ready for this! haha!

And...you would NOT sit still for me yesterday but check out the waves he's got going on!! :)

Oh, Henry!!!

I try to keep this more lighthearted and upbeat. But, for myself I also just wanted to post something to jog my memory later on as the years pass. Henry, this week has been my hardest with you ever and I will add this...let the real parenting begin!

Wordless Wednesday

don't be fooled...

Look at him...so sweet, so innocent, so precious...so...

 ornery!! This dude is FAST!

 Of course, I guess it is more fun especially when BiG brother is cheering you on...

 made it!



Our 7th Anniversary!

Yesterday was our 7th wedding anniversary!

 We went out and celebrated on Saturday night...

The Melting Pot. It's one of our favorites!

 Thanks so much to the Strattons for watching the boys!

For those of you who don't have FB, this was my status yesterday...

I remember thinking 7 years ago that 2:30p could not come fast enough!! the church was filling up and I was ready to run down that aisle to my groom! Kit Ryan...there is no one else I'd rather be doing life with...I love you!

okay, last post for the day!

Guess who else just woke up from a nap...

 ...such handsome blues...

Can't believe what a big boy he's getting to be! I think this is day 3 with no accidents!! We've been running errands and having friends over and he's done great! :)

 He of course ran to his room and came back with his beloved puppy...

 

:)

Oh camera, how I've missed thee!

It's amazing the difference a camera can make...

 And how with just the click of a button,

 a moment can be captured forever

 a major event or a little of the everyday and ordinary.

 I love to do ordinary.
I don't even know if I remember how to use my camera...

 ...but getting captures like these, are so priceless....

 ...ahhhh, I'm so so so excited! :)

OH. MY. GOODNESS!!!!

I am excited BEYOND belief!! Remember when I posted HERE about how my camera when ka-put? Well, Kit did a little research and we ended up sending the camera to Nikon for a clean up/possible repair. Thought we'd see what the damages were. We were SUPER surprised when we got the e-mail stating they'd received the camera and according to the serial No. it still had an extended warranty on it!! So...the UPS guy just rang the doorbell and I got my camera back! I just took a couple quick pictures but I'm off to go play for the rest of naptime...hoping all the sticking and inability to get pictures off have been fixed!! The best part...

 ...IT. WAS. FREE!!!

Thank you, Jesus! I know it isn't a necessary item but it's a FUN hobby and what a blessing!!
Have a great weekend!! :)

He is a Joy

Every morning when I get Porter out of his room,he has sitting up playing with his bear. I walk into the room singing and he always pulls up and starts "dancing"! Sweet baby!! (yes, he wears onesies as PJs...he sweats alot!)





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Wordless Wednesday

P is a BIG boy too!

Scroll down to see my post on Henry and potty training and you know we had a big week last week. But, as if I wasn't already going crazy, I decided Porter would have a change too and decided to take his bottle away. He did great and it wasn't an issue. Just something I thought might be a challenge but he's such a big boy and has done great with the transisition. Boy, all sorts of little {BIG} changes around here...my babies are growing up! Porter turned 11 months last week and I'm gearing up for his Party. Can't wait! I found a great graphic designer to help me with the invites and cupcake toppers...my sister-in-law! ;) I can't believe it's almost time for him to be one! :(. He's getting alot better with his balance so walking is coming...!

Funny note...Since Porter has had no bottle...guess what he's started doing...sucking his thumb!! A little late buddy, you're almost a year old! ha!

 Here P is in the grass...doing a little monkey crawl! :)

Hummer.

One Night Kit got home late for work. It was dark out and he noticed some powerwheels at the end of a neighbors driveway. He came home and mentioned them but I didn't think anything about it. After supper he said it again, wondering if they were for sale, trash or what. He was curious so he drove to the neighbors and asked. The neighbor stated her kids don't play with them anymore, she wanted them out of her garage and she had no idea if they worked or not, she was putting them in the trash. Seeing Kit was interested, she offered that he could take whatever. There were 3. One girl beetle and, and two others. Kit brought home this Hummer. I think it's cute. He says it's "For the boys" but he's had a lot of fun with Henry out in the garage. They ordered one $13.00 part and it started right up. The body is really faded and the stickers are chipping off so they have plans for a new paint job next spring...something that maybe says H & P on it with custom colors....oh my! It's cute they are having so much fun with it! Henry has loved working on it but was intimidated to drive at first. The first lesson was short but he's getting used to it and driving really well!

 He was getting ready to drive and then said, "I need to go get my hat and sungwasses on first!" ha!

 Checking it out...

 We all know this is what its going to look like next summer! haha! ;)

 And, to give you all a little laugh....

;)

Once Upon a Potty

It's official! Henry is potty-trained!! Last Monday was August 1st. I told myself we'd start August 1st. Monday morning I took off the diaper and thought I'd see what happened. We had potty success all morning and from there...we never looked back. NO. MORE. DIAPERS. FOR. HENRY!!! wahoo!!!! He has done fabulously and with the exception of one morning, has continued to stay dry all night. Our biggest hurdle was "Mr. Stinky". But, you see the Thomas train behind the toilet in the pictures? That was his prize if he went. He begged. He cried. He wanted that train. He must have just made up his mind because Saturday after lunch, he told us it was coming, and immediately knew what to do. Haven't looked back since...So. Being on this side of it I'd say, not a big deal! BUT, last Thursday...I was WEARY. Asking every 2.5432124569734 minutes, "Do you have to go potty?!", "We dont go in our underwear!!", "You need to tell momma when you need to go potty!!" was enough to make me go insane and wore.me.out. I didn't leave the house all week to stay consistent and, I spent probably the first three days walking behind him with gloves, rags and bleach. (HAHA! Just kidding... but I wanted to!!!!). I can definately see on "this side" of things how it's important for them to be ready. Henry defiantely was so it clicked and we really didn't have that many accidents. He knew what to do.

 Grammy & Grampie...remember that book you gave Henry at Christmas, we have now read it 1,000 times and it definately contributed to his success! :)

 Honestly...this kid is motivated by gifts. He got money, candy, play-doh, books, little cars, games. Yes, I bribed him and rewarded him and it worked very well! ha!

Success!! Such a BIG boy! :)