Oh hey...

Oh hi there! I thought I'd pop in and do a mini update. I can seem to find the time to keep (somewhat) up to date with my blog friends by reading their blogs on my iPad or iPhone, but rarely do I have time to comment or post myself. But here's the truth. I miss blogging. I miss having my updates and snippits of my day to day documented. So without further ado... FF to today. February & let's pretend I never left.












What's new? I died my hair ombre and I'm loving. I'm a mom. A working mom. I have very few minutes totally to myself so worry about my roots and scheduling hair appointments away from my boy is just not realistic for me right now. So here we are today: brown and blonde and I'm a fan. (Dylan-still not so sure, but he loves me.)










So you might've heard the Buckingham's were in the hospital for 11 straight days back in November. It was easily the worst time in my life and instead of dwelling on it, I will just give you a brief (ha!) synopsis and we'll move on. Deal?












Garrett had what we thought was just a cold. He was sick through is entire (fabulous) 1st birthday party. Like wouldn't even hold his head up to sit in a high chair to try sugar for the first time kind of sick. It was heartbreaking before I knew what heartbreaking looked like. Kind of like planning a huge wedding and then getting stood up at the alter? Just not at all how I had it envisioned. After about an hour of realizing this party was not going to perk up, we kicked everyone out & headed to the after hours clinic and were told to go straight to the ER. 8 hours in the ER and then we finally got put in a room. We were there and for 6 days and they still couldn't tell us what was wrong with our baby. To say that was rough is the biggest understatement of my life. I wept. I prayed. I didn't shower. I sat and prayed some more. I asked why me. And then I decided this was the hand we were dealt and I was ready to fight. Not fight like angry fight, just ready to tackle this and move on. We had visitors and family and cards and plants and the best support group you could ask for. But it was lonely. Dylan works a million hours a day and is rarely off two days in a row, but he was there for 11 straight days and the head of his TV station even came to visit us. Wow. What a testament to how blessed we are. Anyway, they found out what was wrong and after three surgeries we were told we would have 6 months of roughness and then he would come back for surgery and all would be forgotten. We are now on month three and we are under the impression he will have his final surgery next month. Woohoo! I have tried my hardest to handle myself with grace and not be a constant complainer. But yall. This is hard. Like so hard. Garrett is the biggest trooper and you would never even know he had anything wrong. But as a parent, wow. Dylan and I have been through it. Dylan handles himself so well and I'm sure he thinks I am a hot mess of emotion. But I can say, there is an end in sight and I am ready to seeeeeeee it.












Okay now that that's over with,  I am finding a new normal and I so badly want that to involve blogging. So here we go: I vow right here and now to make blogging a higher spot on my never ending to do list. See you tomorrow? Okay, great!




PS blogger is annoying me and I can't get any pictures to load. So if you even made it this far, bless you.






XO,

Happy Heart

I'm an art teacher.

 

I spend my day (sometimes nights/weekends) planning/prepping art projects for 330 students at our school. I lesson plan. I do research and I spend my time getting inspired. I love my job.

 

 I've always said that I have SO many things I'm interested in, that I've never had just one dream job. My brain works non stop on things that can be created. I love to do a lot.

 

 Sometimes lessons come from ideas I see on pinterest (thank you, God, for pinterest!), pictures I've read in a book or sometimes they pop up in the middle of the night when I'm going through my neverending to do list.

 

I don't teach from a book. I teach from my heart and I think that is important.

 

My point is, is that I am always thinking of what is coming up and how I can tie a cool project into a lesson that our students will not only remember with fond memories, but learn something from. Like every other student loving teacher, my creativity often goes straight to them and not necessarily to me. Which is okay. I like it that way. Most of the time. :)

 

But sometimes, I need my creativitiy to clear my mind. Since becoming a mom I crave that creativity even more. I think because my day to day is so strategically planned and I have gajillion things to do at every waking moment. I think it's an outlet. An outlet that I love and miss. 

 

I don't want to ever forget that part of me. Because yes, I am a wife. A mom. A teacher. 

And those are three of my favorite jobs I wouldn't trade for a second.

 

But, I'm also the same girl that needs to get her hands dirty and create. Which sounds silly since I do that Monday-Friday, but I mean for me.

 

Sometimes my projects are small... it always varies:  it could be a new recipe, a pillow cover, new curtains, a kitchen makeover while my husband's traveling out of town for a bowl game, a crafting and cocktails session with my family...

...

But this week, it was two new ikat paintings for our master bedroom.

 

 

And it sure felt good.

 

 

What I'm Loving Wednesday

WILW:

Three posts in one week? Who am I?? :) Linking up with Jamie again, here we go!

...

I'm loving that some of our 2nd graders did a living history museum in our Library. They had a dot on their hand and when you went around you could push it and they became their historical character. Here I am with Rosa Parks. It was SO cool!!

I'm loving that we are only two days away from Spring Break!!

(Via)

I love waking up and running into this little guys room and seeing his squishy cheeks every morning.

More than that I love that his "405 Pride" OKC Thunder onesie my mom bought him last year, fits him.

I love that the last three nights that same little precious has slept 9 straight hours, then an additional 4.

It's downright exhausting being a growing baby.

I love that me, my mom and Garrett will be crashing my cousin Savannah's senior trip and going along side Gaybra for a girls (plus Garrett of course) week trip over Spring Break. Pure bliss.

And of course, I love this man. I'm so proud of the family that we've built. There's no one I'd rather do life with. :)

Happy Wednesday, friends!



3 months...

Garrett Asher,

You are honestly THE cutest thing I ever did see. I don't believe I will ever get over the fact that you are mine. Even when you look at me like I'm crazy, (see above) my heart still just gushes with pride.

You turned 3 months old on Valentine's day. So it was only appopriate to document you in your cutie onesie that I made you. You are quite a ham. Such a flirt. :)

...

This month we didn't have a doctors appointment. So I have no clue on your stats, but what I can tell you is you are growing like a weed! Your cheeks, in particular, are just so squishy- I steal all the sugars I can get!

You are smiling non stop and cooing. OH the cooing. It is music to my ears. Sometimes, (and by sometimes I mean every minute of the day) we sit and have conversations for as long as you'll let me babble and you just babble right on back. I pray that we will always enjoy our conversations together and you will always feel so safe to tell me whatever is on your heart. You smile at me when you notice I'm looking at you or when you hear my voice. If someone else is holding you, but I'm right there, it's like you only have eyes for me. Bless you, I know that won't last forever but my goodness does it make me feel good now. You are my whole world. I didn't even know a love like this existed. It's like every day that passes just gets better than the day before.

You have been rocking your tummy time and have even begun to roll. You don't fully go all the way over but whether I lay you on your front or your back you go immediately to the side. It's like you know you could go further, but why bother. The side seems to be perfectly fine with you. Who knows, maybe you'll be a side sleeper like your momma?

Everytime I see your precious little tootsies, or squishy little hands I can't help but think of the verse in The Bible  that says "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Because you are, my babe.

...

You're starting to fit in 3-6 month clothing and I already have a huge box full of things you have outgrown.

Each milestone we cross seems to be more and more bittersweet for me. I'm SO proud of you, but I also can't believe that you aren't a "newborn" anymore- even my emails now say "infant". Sigh.

You are sleeping like a champ. Mimi tells me all the time you are spoiling me, but keep it up sweet boy, Daddy and I love it!

 Speaking of Daddy, the two of you are the cutest things.

You guys thumb wrestle. Bless it.

You spend most mornings together and two full days a week are just Daddy/Garrett days. I love coming home from work on those days and hearing all the details about what the two of you have done. He sure does love you and boy do you love him. I like to think I'm your favorite, but the way you light up when he is being silly with you is something I wouldn't trade the world for. I just know the two of you are going to be best friends and make so many wonderful memories together. I try hard not to look too far in the future, because I never want to miss a moment and try to be thankful for the now-but it's hard when I know how much fun the two of you will have with Lambeau and playing sports in the yard. I just feel so much pride thinking of all my boys giggling together.

All in all, you are still the cutest. We love you more than we ever thought possible.

XO,

Mommy

Chicken Salad

I am one picky Chicken Salad lover.

I don't love mayonaisse, so it can't have the slightest taste of that or I'm out.

I like it to have grapes.

 I prefer pecans over almonds.

And I need it to look pretty.

If those things sound like you too, then you will LOVE this salad like I do.

I got it through Pinterest via my Aunt Gaybra. It is supposedly the Neiman Marcus recipe? Who knows if thats true or not, but I changed it up a bit & took it to Recipe Club this last week. Even the pickiest of my friends thought it was good. That is when you know it's a hit. :)

I didn't take a picture of the final product, dadgum. But you get the idea. Grapes, celery, chicken, pecans, dried cranberries, salt, parsely, mayo... and the (not so) secret ingredient, coolwhip. Game changer. 

Try it and let me know what you think! 



Totally Tuesday...

Just incase you've been living under a rock, Friday was National Margarita day. Obviously, I celebrated. Hope you did the same. (Cheers!)

...

In other news, I received Garrett's Easter basket. It is perfect.

We got a new washer and dryer (finally!!)

...and I got some new running shoes. I'm already obsessed with them. (I have yet to actually run in them, because my tail bone is still broken-but I love them on our walks!!) 

Also, this guy is the bees knees. And I'm sure glad he's mine. ;) 



It's Wednesday...

I thought I'd link up with Jamie for "What I'm loving Wednesday"! I read it each week, but haven't ever participated. So I thought, HECK, why not?? There are lots of things I'm loving this week:

My new Planner for work. Gorj. Obviously. ;)

These little cutie boy pants for my babe. Ordered them today.

That I've been back to work now for three weeks and I still haven't shed a tear. How could I when I get notes like these everyday??

I'm loving that it's been snowing in Oklahoma. I'll be it random and it has yet to actually stick, but it is quite beautiful. It reminds me of the Indiana winter from my Anderson University days.

I'm loving my bathing beauty.

Speaking of which, he turned three months old on Valentine's day. (Gah, update coming soon.)

I mean, please. Is he not the cutest little thing you've ever seen in your life?? I just am so in love.

...

And lastly, I'm loving my delicious iced coffee and the caffeine it provides for my new working mom self. (Recipe courtesy of the Pioneer Woman. Try it, so delish!)

Happy Wednesday, friends!

2 months...

This month has been such a joy! You are one amazing little guy.  I just want to show you off to everyone we know. Who am I kidding, I show you off to people I don't know. I'm one of those people now and I couldn't love it more! 

YOU make my heart so proud. Your little personality is starting to shine and you are constantly cracking me up!

 What have we been up to this month? Well, we have mastered nursing & I am so thankful I stuck it out. You're starting to get squishy thighs. They are to die for.

 

You've been napping in your crib almost exclusively. Here you are 5 weeks fresh napping for the first time in your crib that I spent so many weeks praying over. Precious. Such a sweet reminder of how good our God is. 

 I've mastered bath time with you. I can do almost anything one handed. 

I saw your first smile and even had the phone out ready to snap a picture. 

It melted my heart more than words can express and each day that I get a new one just makes me squeal with delight. 

The two of you are hilarious and I can't wait to see your relationship grow.

...

We visited the station several times and you made your 3rd TV debut. First one actually in studio, and Daddy still has fans that come up to him to tell him how perfect you are. I can't say we disagree.

We celebrated our first Christmas together as a family of three. BOY was it eventful. It snowed, Daddy's car got ran into twice on the way to our Christmas round 2. The police came, everyone was safe. We celebrated with family and when Daddy got ready to leave for work, his keys were locked in his car with it running, blocking the whole driveway. We waited two hours for AAA, you were fussy. But we smiled through it as we tried to remember we were making memories that one day we would look back on and laugh. :) 

That same week we celebrated our last first Christmas together. This one wasn't quite as crazy.

 Last but not least we had your 2 month well check appointment.

You weighed in at 10.13 & you were 22.5 inches long. 

...

Long story short, I know which cry is which like the back of my hand. I'm starting to know your sleeping patterns and more than doubting myself as a mom, I'm confident. I know I can do this. I won't ever be perfect, but I promise to always try my best. :)

One Month...

One month down, my dear. Can't hardly believe it! This month has been great. but I know they will just get better and better. This last week you started sleeping one 4-5 hour stretch accompanied by a 3 hour stretch. That has been great for both of us. :) 

...

We went on our first family "vacation" to Tulsa (ha!) for the day to do some Christmas shopping. You did amazing and we even got you the cutest long johns I've ever seen in my entire life. Do you see those snaps?! I die.

We went to your 1 month well check: You weighed in at 8lb. 10oz, 20.5 inches long. They assured me you were perfect and we talked about nursing and how well you were doing. You are such an easy going baby. You had your first shot. I wish I could tell you I cried like a normal mom, but I honestly laughed with tears in my eyes. The nurse came in so quick and just stabbed it right in your little thigh and she was out the door faster than I could say potato. It was crazy fast, but looking back-I wish they were all that fast. She was great, and you only cried for a split second. 

We took you to go see Santa. You two were adorable. I LOVE that this is your first picture with Mr. Claus. Thank you, North Pole City. 

As far as first months go, I'd say this was a darn good one. I love you more each day. :)

Love, 

Mommy

3 weeks...

Garrett Asher,

What cutie boy you are with your eyes on. Today you turned 3 weeks old! I can't hardly fathom that next week we'll be celebrating one month in the world, together! Unreal! You are a dream baby. I almost feel guilty when people ask me how you're doing, because honestly you're the sweetest thing. 

You eat, you sleep & then you poop. Then we repeat. When you sleep you are so precious, I could just watch you the whole time. Most of the time I choose that over vacuuming/unloading the dishwasher... I just know as soon as I look away you've grown again. So instead, I just watch you and take in these precious memories.

You also started making the sweetest little baby squeaks. Oh my gosh, be still my heart. It is so adorable listening to you find your voice. It makes me so proud to call you ours. My heart nearly bursts. You're also hitting a big growth spurt this week. You are hungry all.the.time! Which let's be honest, is exhausting for both of us, particularly in the middle of the night... but when you have a full belly you are such a sweet sleeper.

...

 I love being home with you, but I get antsy around the house- so we've been staying bus and are pretty much always on the go.

We went on our first walk around the neighborhood

We visited Daddy at the station. You were a hit! ;)

But all in all...

THESE moments, make the night shift worth it. We are so thankful for you! Happy three weeks, sweet baby boy!

2 weeks...

My dearest Garrett,

this week you turned 2 weeks old.

You started smiling in your sleep this week. I know they aren't intentional yet, but they melt my heart just the same. We also switched from nursing to pumping/bottle feeding back to nursing. I'm not sure why exactly, but I'm one determined lady & we're figuring this thing out together. No one said this would be easy, but you sure make it worth it. You also let me sleep for 5 straight hours on Tuesday. We were back to our usual 2-4 hour stretch right after, but it was dreamy while it lasted! Thank you for that. We spent our first night away from Daddy. He had to travel for work to the OSU/Baylor game in Waco, Tx. I survived and you did too, but boy were we glad when he returned. While he was gone I ventured out with you on a secret mission to make some Christmas gifts for our family. They are perfect and I can't wait to show them off. 

Here we are on our date Mommy/Son date... 

We also went on our first date with Esly (and Megan) this week! We met up at Target, (duh!) and even went and picked her up from school. You two were adorable and she is so fascinated with you. Not that I want to wish the time away, but I'm so excited to see you two grow up together. It makes my heart so full. :)

You are just such a joy!

Love, Your Mommy