Miss T turns 1!!

Thea's 1st birthday was a fun and wonderful afternoon spent with so many people who love this little girl to bits! I am so happy that Joel, Jbear and I were able to be apart of the celebration! Kim did such a sweet job of making the party so festive and Miss Thea was the most adorable guest of honor. I was kind of busy wearing a dress that was a bit too short and hanging out with my little man but I was able to get a few photos! Here are some of my favorites!!

That outfit... ahhhhh!!!! I can't stand the cuteness. I.Just.Can't!!!

He looks all sweet and innocent but then...

he's making birthday girls cry. Actually as much as Thea's love for Jonah runs deep she had birthday presents to open!

Dance Party Monday: They are Back!

I just love The Strokes! I didn't get into them til a few years after everyone else but still, my love is strong. I am so excited that they have a new album out (but it was a gift for Joel so he's been listening to it more).

And this song never gets old for me! It was one of the songs that I clearly remember dancing to (like a lunatic, I might add) at our wedding!!!

I shall name this post: Fave new dress with Weird face.

Dress: Tucker for Target, Cardigan: F21, Tights: Hue at Macy's, Shoes & Belt: Target, Necklace & Earrings: F21, Weird Face: that'd be all me.

I couldn't keep my eyes open for the camera... it was impossible! So these are the photos that transpired from the shoot out on my parents patio. My J boys and I headed to NY, yesterday, to attend Thea's 1st birthday party. Thea belongs to Kim and was quite possibly the cutest little birthday girl I EVER saw. I can't wait to post some photos from her big girl paaaaarty. As much as I LOVE this dress it was kind of hard taking care of a kid that was attached to my knees and not give anyone a peep show. I didn't notice how short it was because I wore it with leggings in Austin. Ah well... I still felt pretty.

Joel's Surprise Party

Joel's friends really helped me throw him an awesome but relaxed 30th birthday celebration. I didn't bring my camera lest I let on that something worth capturing was going on that night, but my friend Veronica came to the rescue with hers. Here's a smattering of photos from that night!

Idea for cake completely taken from this awesome photo! Julia's Bakery totally made an incredibly delicious marble cake with chocolate mousse. Yum!!!!!

Joel's friend Kyle deejayed the entire party and even played some Lykke Li!!! He's awesome!

Me and the birthday boy! Joel doesn't smoke but he's such a dork and asks his friends for a cigarette just to put it behind his ear.

Tales from the Crib: Music

When I finished the 30 for 30 challenge I asked what I should blog about next. My friend Gretchen mentioned posting mix tapes/ song lists. I have a whole journal dedicated to the mix tapes I used to make so I totally loved this idea. Now it's more playlists than mix tapes but I'm just going with it. I also decided I wanted to do some posts of J bear's favorite things and combined both ideas.

Jonah is a pretty chill kid but he obviously has his moments... like every single time I have to change his diaper. The only thing that seems to work is to sing to him. It's crazy how quickly his mood changes if anyone sings to him. He has a few favorite kid songs but so many are songs that Joel and I love ourselves. I knew that I never wanted to get stuck having to play an elmo sing a long or Farmer in the Dell ON REPEAT while driving back and forth to visit our families... seriously shoot me now if that ever happens. The girl I used to nanny LOVED "Yellow Submarine" so I started singing that song for Jonah when he was a teeny baby and now he loves it too!

Joel and I have gotten stuck singing that song on repeat very often but at least it's better than Farmer in the Dell (no offense to the farmer especially since I've been guilty of singing that song on a few occasions but it just irks me). Now that Jonah doesn't really nap in the car I needed something to keep him from going stir crazy in his car seat on trips to visit my family. I put together a driving mix just for him (just a shorter version of his 1st birthday party mix). This CD was so awesome when it was just Jbear and I in the car and he was just over every book I kept passing back to him. The second the 1st song begins it's like he is in a trance. This mix is on our checklist of things never to forget when we go on a trip.

blue stars- J's favorites and the songs I sing the most to him

green stars- the ones that get his little body moving (which is really just swaying side to side)

pink stars- my favorites to pick him up and dance to (not in the car obviously)

A lot of Beatles and Beach Boys but the kid knows what he likes!

An Austin Photo Dump... y'all!

Austin was awesome!! We were so fortunate to have the greatest hosts ever showing us around their town and letting us soak in the sights and the food. OH MY GOODNESS... the food!!! I gained 7lbs in the 3.5 days we were there. It was AMAZING!!!! However, I must admit that traveling with a young toddler is kinda hard. I guess it hasn't quite sunk in that the way we travel has to go through some tweaking when we go away with the Jbear. Overall Austin has me wanting to go back again and soon.

Let's Pretend We're Robots. Focus One Point and Breathe.

I am pretending to the play the piano since I only took lessons for maybe two months when I was 9.

this guy however was truly playing the piano!

dress: Tucker for Target, leggings: American Apparel, belt: Target, shoes: Aerosoles, feather earrings: F21

I loved all the details at The Ginger Man.

and my kid is crawling around a bar... awesome!

Here is Summer! 1/2 of the most awesome HOST duo ever!

And Cole who was incredibly generous sharing his beer with Joel who seems unable to focus on anything but his plate of bbq on it's way. Cole and Summer might possibly be the most connected people I know. They know everyone and I might be joining twitter because of them.

peach and blackberry cobbler! Heaven ala mode... I am not kidding!!!

This was just Day 1. I have a few more photos to share!

a moment like this

My baby is going to be 15 months! A few years ago I had the opportunity to be a nanny for a really incredible little girl. The job couldn't have come at a better time in my life and even though I am no longer a nanny I love that little girl with so much of my heart. She was 15 months old when I began my time with her (nanny training, if you will). And now here I am with a baby of my own that is about to be that very same age. I can't even call Jbear a baby because he is totally a toddler now.

Here is my toddler finding his legs and wanting to go on but still needing reassurance. I love his little curls that sprung up even more in the Texas heat. I love how his 3T shorts fit around his waist but are SO long on him. I love Joel's smile while he watches his son. And I love how the two of them can't possibly know how much this little moment fills me up with so much happiness. Nothing extraordinary but a wonderfully sweet reminder of life with my boys.

and we saw Horses!!!

I have so many photos I would love to share from our quick but wonderful trip down in Austin... and I will but right now I can't stop staring at these photos. I wish I could go into my backyard and see these beauties! Alas there is nothing in my backyard but squirrels and dog poo (and we don't even have a dog).

Dance Party Monday: Oh Land!

I had heard of Oh Land due to my Pandora obsession and picked up her album while in Austin at Waterloo. She makes me feel like pop music doesn't have to always be a guilty pleasure!

It's 2pm in the afternoon and I totally feel hungover from our trip to Austin. Hungover from tacos, cupcakes, dr. pepper and jelly beans (yes jelly beans). My biggest souvenirs are the 7 lbs I gained in the 3.5 days we were away. Every bite was so worth it though!!! I need this dance party like you wouldn't believe!

We're in Austin!

Yep!!! Joel didn't want a huge party for his 30th birthday. Instead he opted for a family trip and I surprised him with a long weekend in Austin. There is nothing on our agenda except to eat, eat, and eat. Oh and some shopping, obviously!!! I want cowboy boots!!!

Boring text only post... photos to come.

Teethies

When Jbear started sprouting teeth he would never let me check them out. But now it's a game... I yell "TEETHIES" and he grins to show me his mouth and I get to count how many little teeth he has. But then to be fair he gets to put his fingers all over my giant teeth.

The fun we have in this house!!!

Dance Party Monday: Weekend Sing Along

I wouldn't necessarily watch this video with any kids around, unless they are too young to ask about the lyrics. BUT it is an awesome song! And I was super excited when Joel's friend who deejayed on Saturday night played it. With the help of Joel's friends I threw a surprise party for him and it was such a fun night. I didn't bring my camera with me as not to make Joel suspicious but my friend Veronica took some photos so I'll hopefully post some soon.

I hope all your Mondays are starting off right!!

to pieces and pieces...

photos by: Kimberly Hurst

March 24, 2001.

I was a sophomore in college and probably hanging out with my friends- possibly at the mall while one of my friends looked for a birthday present for Joel.

Joel was either at school or home celebrating his 20th birthday- the last birthday he would spend without me. Although I had a MAJOR crush on Joel for a long long (it's embarrassing really) time we didn't start dating til the end of 2001. However, every birthday since then we have spent together.

Ten years later and I'm overwhelmed with happiness and love for this man who I get to dance with, take long drives alongside, talk about my hair dilemmas to, get excited over Sonic creme slushes, sit next to on the couch, cuddle with, eat french fries pizza and ice cream, reminisce about the past, live each day together and get pumped for the future with.

I also got to experience how the boy I started dating when we were both 20 became a father right in front of my eyes. Joel is such an amazing dad and if you even knew him half as well as I do you would agree. This sounds SO SO SO incredibly corny- but it's SO unbelievably true: to know Joel is to love him. I, for one, feel so lucky to have him in my life.

I love you to pieces and pieces.... my love. Happy 30th Birthday!!!!

I'm Bringing It Back

Shirt: Target, SKIRT: my aunt made it special for me!, Tights & Belt: Target, Shoes: Blowfish Shoes, Necklace: Artschool Dropout (a gift from Kim)

I feel pretty awesome wearing this skirt. I first wore it over 10 years ago when I was a senior in high school. I know the length is not quite right and it doesn't flatter my body at all but I just don't care. My brother hates this skirt- he calls it "The Tutu" or "That Tutu" with such disdain. I texted him when I found it in a box at my parents house and he replied, "BURN IT". My response was, "No way man.. the tutu lives on and on". And really... it's not a freaking tutu... I'll show you a tutu!! My brother was outgoing in his style so why can't I be. I feel encouraged to be bolder and livelier when I wear this skirt. It reminds me of how even though I wasn't the most outspoken person in high school, I was still daring and outgoing. My clothes did a lot of talking for me. I appeared confident and self assured (am I just listing the same adjectives?) when wearing such different things than the rest of the student body.

So now many years later this skirt will be given new love. It needs major updating though. I want to get rid of the elastic waistband and chop a few inches off of the length. This skirt will go through some construction but one thing is for sure- I'm not burning it!!!

Dance Party Monday: Get On Groovin'

I had intentions of being a better blogger this weekend and actually bringing my camera out with me but... I failed miserably. Thank goodness Kim has one of those iphone dealies and snapped this photo of me busting my butt and gut to carry all my bags at the mall.

Please don't pay attention to the sweaty mess of a girl unable to carry all her bags and keep clothes on the hanger. But I'm trying to be a blogger... and bloggers post photos, right?

If you are on a strict budget don't go shopping with Kim because she is the most supportive shopper and believes that if I like it... I should own it. Or something like that. We cruised that mall like 2 women on a serious mission. When the time comes I will post the fruits of my labor.

A big huge ANYWAY... besides going shopping I have really been in the "Get Thee Body Movin'" mood and have been dancing like a mad woman in my bedroom. Last night this song got me groovin' like crazy so I thought I would share it with you this fine morning.

My Ribcage Hurts!!

I am not the most motivated person when it comes to exercise- but dancing... c'mon it's DANCING!!! So I enlisted Shakira as my very own personal trainer. She's kind of a showoff with her belly dancing moves but I am determined to match her (just with a more jiggly stretched marked belly... ummm was that too much?). Seriously, I worked up such a sweat with the first song and wanted to keep going. However, I've got plans today with my girl Kim- she's coming to visit me for the day, and I need to get ready for her arrival.

Visiting and Elvis Crespo... always Elvis Crespo.

My very awesome mother's birthday was last week but Jbear and I are here now visiting her. This past weekend she mentioned going to the mall and looking for make up. How awesome is she?!!! I used to love going shopping with my mom because she could rationalize ANY purchase. And now that my 30 for 30 challenge is over (aka- no more shopping ban) I will hopefully find some fun clothing pieces for spring.

I love spending time with parents although I am sure they are definitely grateful when I decide to go home (mostly my dad whose hidden chocolate stash goes missing while I'm visiting). Jbear gets such a kick out of his grandparents too and has even decided to start speaking spanish. He clearly says "Agua" when he wants to drink.

On top of the language he is getting numerous lessons on how to move his feet. We'll be dancing to this song and some of my mom's other favorites while we're here.

Mama's Going Shopping

Shirt/Skirt/Blazer: H&M, Shoes: Blowfish Shoes, Tights & Belt: Target, Socks: Kohl's, Necklace: F21.

These Java shoes in Dark Brown from Blowfish Shoes are quickly becoming my favorite pair of shoes. They are just so different than any other pair I own. And they seem to go with almost everything in my closet.

I am really happy that I participated in the 30 for 30 challenge. It may have seemed like it was 30 days just caring about clothes but I learned a lot and really appreciated the experience. It made me excited to jump in the shower, before my baby woke up, and get dressed for the day. It reminded me how much I used to love having a personal style and how outgoing I could be with a certain pair of purple thigh high socks, peach tights, or striped puffy sleeved top. I've fallen in love with blogging that much more and have already met some really cool new people.

Now that this challenge is over- can you suggest something else to post in the next few days?

Dance Party Monday: Heart It Races

I don't need it to be Monday to dance- I LOVE TO DANCE!!! But sometimes Mondays just hit you like "UGH!!!" and having a little dance party could be just the cure. I have to be honest and say that I do like some aspects of Mondays- the freshness and possibility of a new week, but I do understand the general disdain for this day. So right now I am going to enjoy a beat that makes me happy and makes my feet want to dance.

Stripes & Sparkles

Shirt & Skirt: H&M, Shoes: taken from my mother, Tights & Socks: Target, Belt: Century 21, Necklace: Aldo.

I've got sparkly eyeshadow and nowhere to go. Sometimes it's just fun to play dress up for a night on the couch with Grey's Anatomy and blog stalking.

Hoodie Boy

The Jbear in his big boy hoodie! My son ALWAYS has something in his hands and it's come to my & Joel's attention that he prefers the colors purple and red (purple ball, red block, purple block, red ball, etc.). So even when you are trying to put a coat on him he is clutching some toy, book or stuffed animal. However, he does cooperate and switch hands so you can at least get on arm into his coat. It's so sweet watching him want to help with the process of getting him dressed all the while with his death grip on his building block or ball.

Just some random Jbear cuteness for today.