Strawberry Pickin' + Sunlight

^^ I mean. This one just cracks me up!! ^^

Before I had Jonah I dreamed of all of the fun places + trips that we could take him on. Not really grand or expensive trips, but just simple adventures exploring our city and the surrounding area.  Adventuring is one of the best things about being a parent, I think. Taking Jonah to new places and watching his wonder and delight in learning something new. He's like a little sponge these days, just soaking everything up.

It just makes me feel like being a Mom is the best job in the entire world (and it totally is!!)...

Strawberry picking was pretttty high up on my list.  And, to make this move up to one of the best days ever, Jonah happens to LOVE strawberries. He has since he was an itty baby. The pure happiness on his face when he realized he could pick + eat as many strawberries as he wanted right off the vine (don't tell the farmers, y'all. We were breaking all the strawberry pickin' rules.) was the cutest. He was in strawberry heaven. 

We woke up early and headed out to Blessington Farms near Katy, TX. I invited Brooke and her Carterbear and seriously. We made a day of it. We got muddy + sweaty + played with our little dudes. There happened to be an Asian Food Truck on site, so we had a fun picnic lunch. Our boys played together, pushed each other around (mostly my child) and loved every minute of it. They were both sound asleep before we got a mile away from the Farm.

Saturday goes down in my books as one of the most fun days ever.

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I'll pop back in later this week to chat about our Sunday trip to my parent's house. 

Happy Monday- love this life you've been given!

Sunlight + Cooking + Break

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I'm taking a wee break from blogging. I'll be back soon. Just soaking up the days with my guys and dwelling on what matters most in life.

I've cooked dinner for the last five (yes, crazy!) nights. And it was SO yum. Here are the links:
Chicken Parmigiana
Blue Cheese Burgers
Beef with Snow Peas
Marlboro Man Sandwiches

Some Things

I just have a few thoughts this Monday-

1.  Jonah has started saying funny things and I'm going to keep record of them here. Last night he kept saying "naww-na", and patting his chest. Yes, that's right. Your name is Jonah (LOVE that he knows his name now!!). And you are adorable. Except when you say "no mine mommies", which means that's MINE, Mommy. Not yours. Haa.

2.  I want to encourage Jonah in every aspect of his life to go and see the world. Move off to college (even though it will break my heart!!), travel and see how other people live (that's how you realize that you are MORE than blessed in your own life),  make lasting life-long friendships- work hard at them and be a friend to others. And I want to celebrate every accomplishment big and small with him. I never want my own selfish desires to hamper his life, or him to ever think twice about how happy I am for him and his choices (even when they don't line up with what I would have him choose).

3. The more I find to love about our little town-home, the more I actually do love it. I'm working on Jonah's room and also another fun kitchen project I will share soon. I think we'll be here a bit longer.

4.  Being a family unit with Jeremy + Jonah and making memories this summer is something I'm really looking forward to! Can't wait for mini-vacations and weekend adventures together.

5.  Planting potted flowers + berries + herbs makes me a happy Momma. We have (I would say grand, but you'd laugh if you saw what I call our "patio". It's certainly not GRAND as far as square footage is concerned!) plans for our little outdoor space. Can't wait to share those with y'all.

And, that's it. Finding JOY in my life today. Choosing it, actually (which makes it even better) and being positive. Happy Monday, y'all.

Oxford, Mississippi

This past weekend we traveled to Oxford, Mississippi for a wedding that Jeremy was a groomsman in. Honestly, being from Texas I'd never even heard of the town before we received the wedding invite. I wasn't sure what to expect, and wow. It could be my favorite place ever. Ever, ever.

I'm so enamored with the small town charm and delicious food. Oxford is home to Ole' Miss and is a southern town to the very core. The Square, where the county courthouse is located, is home to dozens of boutiques (Hinton and Hinton was Hubs favorite) and quaint little cafes. Don't let the laid back atmosphere fool you though, this is definitely a foodie town. I'm still dreaming about the shrimp and grits I had for breakfast on Saturday morning (topped with two fried eggs, no less). So freaking good. If you're ever in the area, Big Bad Breakfast is a must.

We've been back in Texas a good year now and I've almost forgotten how much I love the south. Texas is not the south, y'all. We managed to hit up a fab antique mall while we were there and I seriously remembered why I loved Birmingham so much. Why did we move back??........

We had the best time together. It was a much needed mini-vacation. I love my man so much, and I'm so happy to have gotten to spend some face time with him.

Jonah was happy as a lark to be spoiled rotten with my Brother and sweet Sisterinlaw. Thanks for keeping him you guys! (:

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I went straight from Oxford to Houston. We got home around 10pm on Sunday night, then I had a 3am wake-up call for my 5am flight on Monday morning. Uhhh. Firstly, I am NOT a fan of Vegas. Don't care if I ever go back. Yuck (although I did have some great food). And secondly- I went to sleep at 7:42 pm last night. Out like a light. Jeremy said he got home around 9ish and could hear me snoring from the stairs. True story. I was exhausted.

I'll be back around soon.
Happy weekending!

Crazy Town {House Huntress}

Y'all. Two Saturdays ago we had a list of ten (yes, TEN) homes that were all active that we wanted to view with our Realtor. I confirmed the appointment and homes on Thursday and by Saturday seven out of the ten already had a contract on them. Whaaat?!!

It is crazy town out there on the Houston market. Totally a sellers dream right now. Sellers are getting asking (if not more) price for their homes and buyers are competing for their favorites. I was not expecting that, honestly.

Over the last couple of weeks we've looked at several homes and honestly- I just feel a peace about it. If we find our next home, good. If not, I am content to sign another six month, or one year lease on the town home. Which is strange for me to say, but if something's not working do we really need to force it to work?

Nope. He has plans for us.

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We're headed out of town for a wedding road-trip until Sunday evening and then I'm flying to Vegas bright and early (5am!!) Monday morning. I've never been and I can't wait.

Happy weekending with your favorites!

Rodeo Ready {What Jonah's Wearing}

We took Jonah to the rodeo (Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo) on Monday night. If you're local, have you been yet this year? It was so. much. fun.

It was his first time to a livestock show and he loved the petting zoo the most. Seriously had to drag him outta there. He was not scared to feed the goats and piggies and it was just the cutest. We went with our friends who also have a little nugget (Brooke blogs over at "Happy Wife, Happy Life"- go say "Hi"!) that is Jonah's age. They're exactly three weeks apart, and no we didn't plan that. Just worked out that way and I am SO glad it did!

We stuffed ourselves fried oreos, fried shrimp baskets, and fried nutella  (YOLO, y'all) and rode carnival rides and just had the very best time imaginable. Brooke also made Jonah and Carter matching monogrammed rodeo shirts. Cutest ever. She has an Etsy shop if you wanna get your nugget in on the monogrammed tee action. Anyhow, here is what Jonah wore and a few more photos just because I love making memories with my little (and big) dude + friends.

Outfit Details:
Monogrammed Tee
Carpenter Jeans (Target- no longer available)
Denim Button Up
Boots (Brown)

Take Note Tuesday {Three Things}

1. Any (and every) painting by Michelle Armas. I love the springy colors in this one.

2. Preppy summer sandals. I'd wear them every day!

3. This citrus loaf pan. I bake bread on an almost weekly basis and this would be the perfect match to the Lemon Poppyseed Bread recipe I've been wanting to try!

Stencil Love {Birmingham Entryway}

Let the record show that I am not afraid of color and pattern. I thought it would be fun to revisit our entry project from our Birmingham house. It feels like an eternity ago now, but I still love my bold navy entry way that took me umpteen hours to painstakingly stencil.

I bought the Moroccan-ish stencil from Hobby Lobby on a whim. I worked on it during the afternoons when I got home from work (many afternoons), and although it took forever it wasn't difficult. Just required a lot, LOT of patience and good music :)

Here's the boring plain jane vanilla/grey before:

Speaking of grey, the paint color (Sherwin Williams "Amazing Gray")  is still one of my all time favorites! It has more of a cool blue undertone, but in the warm sunlight it's perfect. I will definitely use it again on our future home.

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Have you ever attempted a BIG, overwhelming project that turned out better than you ever expected?! Link up in the comments below, if so- we would love to see...

Just This.

And, this post. Loved every word. There is truth in Nester's words-

"Hospitality isn’t about me. It’s about you who come into my home. It’s about listening and connecting and encouraging. It’s about rest and peace and fun. And hopefully eating something delicious and drinking iced coffees."

I agree wholeheartedly with those sentiments. Iced coffees and friends. The best things in life.

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Happy Weekending, y'all!

Posh Tot {Spring Style Round-Up}

I knew the day would come. The day that Jonah magically grew out of all of his (size 6) shoes and clothes. I've tried to be prepared and buy ahead for upcoming seasons when I found things on sale, but ya know. Life happens. We're officially in 2T in most things and size 7 toddler shoe. The shoe size is what really gets me. How is that even possible?! I remember when I bought him Tiny Toms, size 1. Waaaah. Breaking Momma's heart a little more everyday.

Homeboy doesn't have very many 2T spring/summer clothes right now. It's time to stock up, so I've been scouting my fave websites for cute things for my little nugget. Let me rephrase that. Cute things that are currently on sale. Let's face it. I don't really pay full price unless it's a special occasion outfit, or something I think we just have to have. Otherwise, his daily play-wear can all be found on sale. Smart + thrifty women are sexy, y'all!

Here's a round up of my favorite styles in stores now (not linking each individual thing, all of these pieces are on the specific websites listed below).

Baby Gap:

So many cute options on Baby Gap. Jonah lives in their play shorts and sweatpants. They're the best for everyday play. I like the way their pants + jeans fit, and he can stay in a size for quite awhile. Love that now that he's growing like a little weed. I hit up their additional 40% off clearance quite often. Don't pay full price for anything at Gap, y'all. That would be practically a sin. It all goes on sale every other day!

OshKosh:

I'm pleasantly surprised by OshKosh's spring selection. I popped into their outlet store last weekend here in Houston and got quite a few things for Jonah. I had a 20% off coupon for a $40 purchase and got great deals! Their woven belts are adorable and the denim shirt is SO cute in person! Their sister site, Carter's, has cute tees for play that are only $6 right now! You can't beat $6 tees for school. Jonah is very independent and eats exclusively by himself which equals terribly messy clothes!

H&M:

H&M kids is my favorite! Jonah has several pair of the jeans + suspenders and they are the cutest on!! They are the best for basic pieces that are completely on trend. Their prices are reasonable and are just so adorable.
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Have you guys found any amazing deals or adorable styles for your tot lately? If so, where? Would love to know details!

Take Note Tuesday {Three Things}

1. This cheerful polka dot parka is bright enough to in to inject cheer in any gloomy, rainy, cold, dreary day!

2. These poka dot flats. 

3. Classic Hunter wellies in crisp-go-with-everything navy. 

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Texas weather is just bizarre. This past weekend it was summer-like warm and today the trees are loaded down with ice and the high is 45 degrees. Insanity. No wonder Jonah stays sick with the bi-polar cold/hot/cold/hot. Poor baby! 

Despite the weather we are just loving this week. Jeremy will be home with us every single night! Last night I made Smitten Kitchen's Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter. Uhmm. Y'all. Jeremy took the leftovers to work today and he's not a huge leftover fan. Definitely a keeper recipe (and SO quick to throw together). We had it with baked chicken breasts and garlic roasted asparagus. YUM. 

Happy Tuesday, party peeps...