Validation.

Today we all made a trip to Costco.  Usually it's just Harrison and I, so J. was a spectator to the events that take place when you bring a 15 month old Costco shopping.  Harrison literally whined the whole time, tried to jump out of the cart, cried when he couldn't hold the babybel cheese, ran zig zags through the aisles and then threw his sippy cup on the ground as I'm trying to pay....it was a bad trip.

On our way out, J. was trying to reprimand Harrison for something and I said, "Can you believe that I usually have to do this by myself?"  to which he replied, "I have a lot of respect for you.  Sometimes I think it would be easier to go to Iraq and fight a war than to do what you do every day".  I smiled and said "thank you".  It was complete validation.

Snow Dreaming.

I've got Olympic fever again.  This time I keep dreaming that I could switch places with Hannah Teter or Gretchen Bleiler to see what it would feel like to fly around that halfpipe.  I can't even ski, let alone snowboard, so I love to imagine for a moment the feeling of the wind on their faces as they glide over snow.

It seems like such a male oriented sport, so to see these feminine girls winning medals at it is so inspiring.  Instead I'm off to clean the kitchen...

Happy Weekend.

Lucky...

I was one lucky girl to have these two as my valentines this year.  As usual, J. did not dissappoint, and I found this adorable arrangement on top of the stove when I got home from running some errands {he knows how much I love hot pink roses}.  I also got a few nice additions to my wardrobe from one of my favorite stores.  He's so incredible.

I just kept thinking how I can't believe that a year ago this...

...has now turned into this little "man" flirting with girls at The Farm* {he even put his arm around her...I was dying!}.

*The Farm at South Mountain is one of my favorite places in Phoenix.  It's lovely and if you live here and have never been...you must plan a trip!

Happy Day.

Music is a big deal to me and Harrison has kept the ball rolling with his love for it, as well.  We usually have Nick Jr. {formally Noggin} on in the morning during breakfast.  When this video sporadically comes on between cartoons, I stop whatever I'm doing and sing it with Harrison.   I love this song to begin with, and the video they made to go with it...makes it just precious.

I know that Valentine's Day is geared towards romantic love, but this year I can't help but reflect on the unwavering love between parent and child.  I honestly never knew love the way I do now with Harrison.  It's the most unselfish, unconditional, unbreakable love I've ever known.  There is nothing he could ever do to make me stop.  I'll be spending my weekend kissing him over and over...

Happy Valentine's Day ♥

This May Seem Strange...

...but if I had the money {and a 3 car garage} I'd immediately buy a Jeep Wagoneer from the 70's and drive with the windows down every day in the Spring.

They are my latest obsession.  The thought of driving one just makes me feel happy.

Wish List.

Sometimes I read blogs and start to feel bummed out and inadequate... 

I wish I could be a size 2 and opt to wake up early to run, then have a perfectly organized beautiful home, make all my own stationery on a letterpress, buy chairs at thrift stores and recover them myself, and prepare gloriously delicious meals for my family.

Instead I struggle with my weight daily, organizing my house feels like trying to speak Portuguese, can't even get thank you notes written, fondly remember my days of thrift store shopping, and usually rely on Amy to provide us with dinners.

I happily think of this post by cjane and instantly feel better.  There will be plenty of time for all those things when my season changes {and I'm not working for a one year old all day long}. 

Happy Weekend.

{photo: cig harvey}

In the Air...

February so far has been perfectly wonderful.  As if he received some secret Valentine message, yesterday my son started wrapping his little arms around my neck and squeezing me tightly.  He'll stop playing, look for me and run over to hug me.  He's been playing with my earrings {gently} and even brushed the hair out of my face as we were playing last night.  I'm officially putty in his little hands...

Today he attempted to walk Brooks...even though Brooks was pretty much walking him.

Much like his father and myself, he has no shortage of emotions.  Needless to say, he was beyond thrilled to have control of the leash...

Afterwards we rolled around in the grass giggling, as I made a mental note that this was a magic moment to be treasured.

How is it possibe for the heart to hold this much LOVE?

Love Month.

It's officially the month of LOVE.  I'm hoping that the overabundance of pinks, reds & candy hearts brings me out of my January funk. 

Happy February.