Don't Be Blue

Harry woke up Saturday morning in a not so Harry mood! I think it is because Daddy went back to work! I decided we needed to get out of the house for a little while(not like we are ever here anyway)! Harry was attached to my hip all morning. I went ahead and for the first time let Harry have free range by the "goods". It did not take him long to find the "honey pots"!
Harry stole the cookie from the cookie jar!
"Come over here Easter candy!
This is him asking me to open it...we will save that for later!

Then Harry finds a new canister to explore...what is in there?Harry then asks me to open the sucker; I gave in this time!We moved on to a nap after reaching for the Cheerio jar! Even when he is not in a good mood he is a load of fun. We will have to postpone our shopping trip for another day! Harry will be excited when he realizes he is spending the night with Mimi and Papa again tonight!

You Are My Hero

I wrote the following on Word; it is so long but from my heart.

I was thinking the other day of all of my role models. It is amazing how they change from season to season. I look back on my very first heroes and what would be nice to have from them now!
I would like to have Inspector Gadget’s skills, Rainbow Brights confidence, and Strawberry Shortcake’s grace. I was lying in bed this morning not wanting to get up and thinking how nice it would be to have just demanded my go go gadget arms to grab Harry and have him lay with me for the next 15 minutes! When he is throwing fits in public and right when we are in a time crunch Strawberry’s Shortcakes sweet grace (I am not even going to mention the fact that EVERYONE loved her except the one bad person in town) would have been a great card to pull! When my hair is wet and the only ironed pants are the ones I wore the day before; Rainbow Bright’s confidence and power is the card I would like to pull for convience! I now look to another group of skilled, confident graceful women to be the heroic role models that I need now more than ever! I have coveted the year of my sweet baby and am bracing myself for the upcoming toddler years. How do you actually prepare for the unknown? Thank God, that there have been other Mom Greats that have gone ahead of me and are more than happy to share with me what worked for them! It doesn’t matter the age or the experience of whom the advice came from; it is the attitude and understanding that we are all in the same boat, we must stick together and love each other. I am preparing my handsome unpredictable Harry for his very first plane ride to visit his 2 best buddies in the hip historical New Orleans! I have been given a plethora of great advice and since we are all in this together, I am sharing with you a few great ideas that my heroes have shared with me.
Cake Pan Treasure Box

Wal-Mart sells this pan with a lid for $5! Fill it up with little toys, books, play dough, colors, and whatever suites your Royalty and you have a lap table full of new excitement. I plan on worshiping this on the airplane!
Electronics are welcomed on the plane and do not worry about your child’s outbursts.
This was in reference to how loud it really is on the plane, people won’t be able to hear a lot of the toys you have for them. Also, remember you will never see these people again; lighten up!

I love the following advice that I haven yet tried either! When dining give your kid a few toys and let them play on the floor. I know Germex moms are probably disgusted with the thought but, honestly you don’t know what your child is really eating, who touched the fork you just fed them with or if that plastic lid sat out in a warehouse with rodents running around; there comes a time when you just have to say it is okay! Harry was not sick until he was 8 months; my reasons for him being sick were because he was in daycare and his little ear canals were not fully developed. It doesn’t really matter; those moms who can keep your kid’s pacis and hands cleans…more power to you, that is a huge achievement!
I have mentioned this amazing book I am reading called Shepherding a Child’s Heart. It has really opened my eyes to Gods will for me. God is the ultimate parent and the ultimate role model to all parents. God has laid out so many instructions in his Book that have been moved to the side by today’s doctors, experts, and they (you know the famous word you start hearing once you get pregnant “they say”). The only commandment God gives us in the New Testament is LOVE. Love is so easy to do when you are given such a blessing. Love, is not my problem! I love Harry all the time, fits, no sleep, food throwing, the list goes on. The problem is my response to his tests. The eyes that watch to see what I am going to do, oh stork, why could you not just put a little Harry’s direction book in the basket when you dropped off my Precious! Through God all thinks are possible, so the skills, confidence and grace will come with time and maturity. The self discipline I need to study his word daily and in a quiet place will come and is there; just not to the point I would like it to be. I heard on the radio last night that there are 3 types of friends you must surround yourself with; one that pushes you to become a better Christian and is on the same page as you are; a friend that has gone ahead of you and you can look up to for advice and guidance; and the friend that may need your encouragement and support. I feel very content that I have those friends. I have one friend who is probably my favorite who never ever lets me stay satisfied with where I am at. We get on the phone and could probably talk for hours over what Christ is teaching us. She is a Mom Great that encourages me to pray and prays for me; it is near impossible for me to do anything without these friends. God has this whole master plan figured out and for me to question my gut feeling or question the answers he has obviously gives me is so silly. I am making this give it up and give it to God day for me! I feel so immature as a Christian to just now realize that Harry is not mine! He has been given a plan and I desire with all of my heart that he is given Christian roots and raised in a home full of biblical values. When I am questioned about why I am not doing the latest trend in child rearing, I will say that those are not what my son needs. If you wonder where all of these thoughts stem from I will mention again the book I am reading Shepherding Your Child’s Heart. I have read other books that are the latest rage not only for dealing with Harry but, for my students. They do work and they do make sense but, it is not the exact instructions that God gives us. With all that said, and do not think of one minute I expected anyone but my very close loved ones to read this, that I think anyone is not doing the right things for their children. Everyone girl that has subscribed to my blog is a Great Mom; I am encouraged by the love you all show for your babies! So, can we say, One for All and All For One, or All for All and All for One(One being Christ)? Peace, Love, and Harryness

Harry Grows

Do you have at Tonka truck? If you do not, you HAVE to invest in one! This is my very favorite toy! You can push it as hard as you want and it will not mess up the walls. It makes fun noises when it crashes too! I get sad when Harry gets bored with it! I push it hard and Harry runs and gets it for me! Our camera went dead after this last shot! Harry, like every boy, loves the outdoors. I took him to the park on Friday and after an hour of just walking around I decided it was time to go; Harry threw a huge fit! I get bored if I am outside by myself with Harry. I know that is awful but, I can throw a ball and watch him run around for so long. I have a feeling I better just get use to it! Here are a few shots before life group tonight.

Harry is becoming more independent. It seems like we hold his hand and let him walk more than we carry him. I will be honest and say I like having a baby on my hip more than a big boy trying to let go of my hand. I am going to start praying that I take these stages gracefully and enjoy how Harry is now and not what he use to be! I will say Harry is a very cool kid! I can't help but appreciate the cute funny personality he seems to have; although Harry does have his moments!

Harry has hit a stage I am not prepared for! He acts like a toddler! I don't really think a 1 year old is necessarily a toddler but, maybe what I think is wrong! We went to Abuelo's with the Millers and he would not sit down, he wanted to be on the floor moving and making noises at all times! I admit I am not as patient Chad is; thank goodness I have him! He is better about dealing with Harry's behavior in public. The 2nd incident that has shown me the things to come was in worship service this morning. He insisted on yelling and throwing everything on the floor and hitting me with his toys! The last thing that I don't really mind as much is the big mess he made in my classroom today. He chewed up a magic marker and got it all over the floor! I really don't care that much, it is nontoxic and comes off the floors easily. I just need to be watching him more often and lighten up; I feel like when we are in public people are super annoyed. Any advice into going into this stage, I don't' think he understands many punishments and he gets his feelings hurt if we scold him. I admit I am not a big fan of spanking Harry yet. I am reading the most amazing book that helps you to establish biblical values into your children; Harry has a few more months before he can understand the tactics to doing that. Anyway, advice is welcomed!!

Sorry!

Our camera has been out of batteries so, I have not been able to give visuals for the weird and funny things Mr. Harry has been doing! I will get back on track soon! I do want to invite all of my NWA friends to a benefit for the NWA Children's Museum. It is coming and needs fundraisers to support it! The cost is $100/per couple and it is on March 29th! It is something Chad and I have gotten involved with(yes, even Chad) and we feel passionate about the positive impact it will make in our community! ! I would love the opportunity to talk you into joining us at Dancing With the Star of NWA! Tickets and seating is limited so the sooner the better! If you are the least bit interested please email me at ware.amanda@gmail.com!

http://www.nwachildrensmuseum.com/

Going Private

I never felt like I needed to go private until today! I received(fixed it, i before e except after c)(my grammar skills stink)! a comment that has left me freaked out! I kept it there so you can see my reasoning! I feel like there are some people who have NO business checking my blog or anyone that is linked to my blog! I am going private, not only for the safety of Harry but, for all of our blog buddies! Check your site readers to see if he checked yours! Anyway, please send me your email address if you are interested in watching our family grow. My email address is ware.amanda@gmail.com!

Harryisms

Take some silliness add a dash of quirky with a whole lot of boy and you have Harry's personality!

• He can say and do the sign language for "more"! He usually only does it for food or drinks, but when he wakes up he looks around his crib for his paci saying "moae moae"!
• He likes to tease me or Chad by acting like he will not go to one of us, he thinks it is funny if we try to grab him from each other. Example, when Chad gets home, he is all about his daddy, if I try to take him away he pulls back on Chad and grins really big! Such a tease!
  
• There are certain girls he really knows how to work, if they talk to him he acts really shy! He tucks his head in my neck and laughs!


• I know I post a lot of dancing videos but, his latest dance moves resembles the water sprinkler. He pivots on one foot while sticking the other foot way out! Kid loves to rock out! Oh and he loves to two step, that is our favorite dance to do together, I lead!


• Harry has a Elmo video in the car he watches and he claps along with the teacher who sings the ABC song!


• We still love the assisted living home that Grandma lives in! We went last Saturday and he went straight for the old man in the scooter, he was more than happy to take Harry for a spin, it was the most still Harry has ever been there! On a side note, I had a embarrassing moment happen in the dining hall of the retirement home. Harry was running around and entertaining the residents and I was busy talking to Grandma and her friend, the next thing I know I hear someone yelling "OUCH OUCH OUCH", I mean LOUD! My first thought was that Harry had pushed some old women down or pulled her hair, something; no he was getting close to the fire place and it freaked one of the older women out! Mom of the Year, right here folks, you mean you don't let your kids play in fire places????


• Harry enjoys having anything that resembles a long stick, some examples are: drum sticks, wooden spoons, hammers, screw drivers, spatulas, etc...


• He still has a big love for Shaggy! Shaggy is Number 1!
• His favorite toys are balls, instruments, and blocks!


• He is a born explorer, you can keep him busy by just giving him a bag to unpack or cabinet to empty out!
• I think he likes challenges. He tries to snap things back and put cords into their sockets (such as the cord to my lap top). He likes to figure things out on his own, like taking apart air freshener while just hanging out in the bathroom!!


• When he gets excited he does a little jumping dance! I need to get it on video!


• His favorite foods are carrots, green beans, and peas(not the canned stuff though). He also enjoys sweet potato pancakes, oatmeal with yogurt, and anything mommy is eating(mommy is realizing how unhealthy she is)!


• He does not like for us to watch TV or get on the computer. He will shut my lap top and turn off the TV. I try my best to keep the computer off when he is not in bed, but sometimes I will sneak it out, especially since I have been out of a cell phone!


• He despises going to the church nursery but, enjoys seeing his teachers during the week. I don't get it!
• The kid can throw a fit, they have actually gotten better since he has learned "more"! When he is tired, WE know it!

The following picture is of Harry riding home from school at 7:30am (we went and realized that BPS were canceled)! It is great to have a fun day off, but it would have been better if we would have known before we got out of our pjs. The whole broken phone is the reason we did not get the news!

We had a Very Harry Valentine's Day

(fake smile)
Harry went to school with Valentine's gifts and cupcakes in hand; of course he shared! Chad presented me with my all time favorite: Rick's petifores! A chocolate one is missing, I could not wait! I was also graced with 2 cards, one from Harry (he actually signed it) and one from my Number #1 Valentine! I bought him a ice cream cake, I don't really know why, very random; but either way he was not able to enjoy it! Chad came home early with the FLU! The only person on earth that did not get the flu shot! He has been in bed ever since! He was obviously not in the mood for pictures! Poor Chad, I don't thinke he has ever taken a sick day! On a different note, Mimi and Coco came with very sweet gifts in hand! Harry loved his new book that flashed with lights and video that he was very eager to dance with! It was very sweet of them to come share their Valentine's Day with Harry. They watched Harry while I waited in line at Wal-Mart to get Chad medine; only to be told it would not be ready until the next day! BUG! Harry enjoyed his visit; lots of showing off was doe for the Ware Grands!Coco to the rescue! Coco came up to spend the day with Harry! She is always up for using her days off to kick it with The Harry! They had a great day of shopping, we were all able to benefit from the trip! Mom also took care of Chad by getting his medicine and keeping Harry out of the house. He didn't take a nap all day, he is now asleep(at 5pm); looks like I will be up late tonight! We were sad she had to leave, but we will see her again this weekend! Harry is enjoying a good ham and book!

Harry says "Happy Valentine's Day" to all the little honeys; but for the first few years Mom is his main girl!

Oh, and if anyone ones to come over for DQ ice cream cake...come on! Make sure you have the flue shot!

Move Over Super Bowl

I don’t know about everyone else but, I was enthralled with the Grammy’s this year! With the last 50 years in review, it brought me down memory lane! The performances tonight were fantastic! I especially enjoyed Tina Turner jumping on stage with the same energy she had 20 years ago! I called my mom to reminisce about the fun times we had singing and dancing together to the ole’ school rock and roll! The Pointer Sisters and Tina were our favorites! I distinctly remember her picking me up from dance with the new Vanilla Ice tape! She and I could “rap” every word to “Ice Ice Baby”; many of still can! Fast forward 10-12 years from then and we are still dancing together, acting very silly, to newer songs! Maybe that is where Harry gets all his moves; although we can hope he is a lot more coordinated than me!
I also called Grandmother Georgia to celebrate Vince Gill’s win and to discuss our dances with Nat King Cole and Elvis! Grandmother taught me the Charleston and can still show off her moves at 89!
I wonder what songs Harry and I will be dancing along with, right now toy songs are taking the lead!

Disclaimer: I am not a good dancer, but always enjoy a good ole’ fashion spontaneous dance party!

Chuck E Chees P[lease

We took our first "vacation" to Chuck E Cheese, we really didn't think Harry would enjoy it but, boy he was in small town Disney World. We thought we would go for kicks with the Matherly Clan. Chad and I love Chuck E pizza! Watching the balls "pop" was too fun!
Harry spent most of his time going down this slide head first, I am pretty sure he did this at least 2 dozen times!

Harry saw his dr. there! He showed off for her of course.

This jeep went out of control, Harry liked it but, I thinke we will wait until he is much bigger to ride this wild SUV again.
Jake shoots hoops with his dad.
Harry had to score a few shots too!
Another favorite place was the Chuck E Cheese School Bus! We spent most of our tokens on this ride, Harry didn't want to get off the bus!

Super Bowl Sunday

It just doesn't seem right to have 65 degree weather 2 days after a snow storm and on this "holiday". I don't really like football that much but, the company, food, and commercials keep me in the SB spirit. We love spending time with Chad's 2 best friends since the 4th grade and their wives! Kirk, Rachel, and McCoy hosted, while Jordan and Kasey came with the dip!

Harry, as always went straight to Sophie and her water bowl. I think Sophie may be one of maybe 3 or 4 dogs I actually don't mind touching me. I know, in the beginning I was such a dog person, absence makes the heart grow fonder (of not having a animal around).

Kirk, Jordan, and Chad get more entertainment than they bargined for. Kid does not fit in the Bumbo!
Now for the real show, McCoy! He is so sweet and well behaved! McCoy and Harry have the same sense of style. Harry forgot to wear his blue and red football sweater like McCoy's but, they did wear the same shoes. Between both of them they have that pair of Robeez in size 0-24 months.
Look at those cute cheeks! Harry enjoyed all of McCoy's toys.
Already playing ball together!

I do not know why we did not get any shots of Kasey and Jordan...they are some of our favorite friends too. We can't wait to hang out again very soon! I have a feeling the next Super Bowl game will look a little different.

Brooklyn Sleeps Over Recap

Our special guest just made our weekend! I am only putting a few pictures up because, I have another post to do and I am ready to hit the hay! We had so much fun, these pictures do not give all the laughs we had justice.
The first big event was to the park, Brooklyn is not the dare devil that Harry is, she is much more cautious. I have a feeling this is how they will be in high school too. Harry the rebel, and Brook the good girl. On the other hand, Brooklyn loves playing with balls, she and Harry do have that in common. I decided we are going to have to get a tea set for her next visit.



Brooklyn did not need Harry to show her how the toys worked, she figured them out pretty quickly on on own.
I pulled out the "bubbly" for the special occasion....neither liked it too much. A new bubble free tub and popsicles fixed those frowns right up!
If you watched the last 2 videos, they really get each other going! They played very well together.
Sunday morning was a different story, this is when I realized that having twins isn't so easy. Melissa, Michelle, and Ashley...I was beginning to think your job is much easier than it looked! It is easy when you don't go anywhere, the kids are always happy, and you have plenty of unhealthy food! Suz, you are in a whole different league!! They both wanted to be held and did not like it if one was picked up and not the other...Dum Dums to the rescue!
We loved showing our special guest off at church! She and Harry did not want us to drop them off at class but, ended up loving it after a few minutes! Keith Lancaster led singing today(for all of you CofC readers), it was a packed house...we told Brooklyn they were all there to see her! She had the cutest leapord dress on, I put on my matching dress, there was no time for pictures. I put Harry in his HU outfit from the Hall House, he was proud to show it off! Our Abilene friends said that he could not be bias until he had a visit!

Harry is not really crying....I don't think, but the holding hands was so sweet!We can't wait until Brooklyn comes to stay with her adoring aunt and uncle again! Even Harry got in on the Brook love!

A Taste of "Bed Time"

Brooklyn stayed the night at our house to begin the first of many more cousin sleepovers. It was the first time Brooklyn has EVER stayed away from her mommy and we felt very blessed to have her! She is the perfect, most well behaved, sweet, gentle, kind, cautious, precious, angel, I have ever had the opportunity of watching! Let me tell you....there is a HUGE difference between boys and girls! She is girly and is not a big fan of rodent toys, scary costumes (Elmo and Clowns wig), or stacking blocks only to watch the fall. That is okay because she and I were able to have a lot of cuddle time and play time. So, this is only part one, we took 200 pictures and 8 videos! More cute shots to come!