photo a day {january 2013}

Last year I joined Fat Mum Slim in her Photo A Day Challenge.  I originally was just going to do January but I ended up loving it so much that I continued to do each month.  I lost steam in August and really struggled with September so I just quit. I'm so sad I didn't make it through the whole year.  I'm going to do my best to do all of 2013.  I take SO many pictures on my iPhone these days that it should be too hard. 

Enjoy my January Photos........

iPhone rewind {january 2013}

Thank you so much for all your comments on my Swim Lessons post.  I'm so thankful for the little community I have here on my blog.  Thank you for the comments you leave, for the encouragement you give and just for reading my silly little blog.  I don't think I tell you guys that enough.  

Anyways.....I've been quite busy taking pics on my iPhone this month.  And just about every picture is on Instagram, so if you don't follow me there, you should.
@katylink

 ::Kindergarten Toys::My Boys::Puzzle Boy::
::Driving the Buggie::New Friend with a Jeep::Cousins at the Park::
::Salad Lover::Date Night::A Visit from Grammy::

 ::Rainy Day Activity::Too Many Toys::Proud of his Tower::
::No Nappin' Boy::Love my Leopard Snuggie::Saturday Morning::
::Grocery Store Entertainment::Shark Boy & Daddy::Sneaky Boy::

::Banana Boy::Olivia's Kitchen::Fav Garage Sale Toy::
::Playdate with Landry::Bangs::Wonder Woman in a Tractor::
::Back in the Gym::Lazy Morning::Pushing Olivia's Shoulder::

swim lessons?

Hey Mommy Friends.....

I'm debating on whether I should start Pearson in swim lessons this summer.  When did you start your little one in swim lessons?? 

Pearson will be two in June.  Most of the places I have looked at are Mommy & Me classes at his age.  I would really prefer not to be in the pool with him, because I think he would do better without me, but maybe places don't do that at his age.  I taught swim lessons at Lifetime Fitness, so I know what the Mommy & Me classes are like.  I don't want to do the silly little songs and dunk him under for 5 second then kick around the pool together.  He is not afraid of the pool at all, he loved it last year, so I think he's too old for the intro to water type of class. I want him to actually learn something if he takes swim lessons.  Obviously he's not old enough to learn real strokes, but I really want him to be able to learn some water safety.  

I know kids usually forget what they learn each summer anyways, so do you think two it too early to start swim lessons? Should I just wait until next summer when he is three? 

And......if you live in the Dallas area, where have you done swim lessons? And were you pleased with them? 

Thanks for all your help!!

meal planning monday

Monday: Cranberry Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans and Rolls 

Tuesday: Taco Salad

Wednesday: Chicken Pot Pie & Salad 

Thursday: Meatloaf Meatballs, Macaroni & Cheese, & Salad

Friday: Date Night at Taste of Italy's

Saturday Breakfast: Pigs in a Blanket 

Saturday Lunch: In & Out 

Saturday Dinner: Oven Tacos & Rice  

 Sunday Lunch: Pizza Quesadillas  

Sunday Dinner: Super Bowl Party @ The LeBlancs
And a Foodie Bowl
Katy-Chicken and Potato Florentine Soup
Pearson-Hummus & Pita Chips
Matt-Chocolate Cherry Brownies

a visit from Grammy

Yesterday Grammy came to visit us for the day! Matt's parent's only live an hour away so we get to see them atleast once a month, but not near enough.  We were so happy that Grammy came down for the day to spend time with us.  Pearson literally read every single book in his room with Grammy. 

 Grammy used to teach Story Time at the Library where they live so we headed up to the library so she could experience Story Time with Pearson!!  He had to have a front row seat when they did the felt board activities.  He loves Story Time so it was fun for Grammy to get to see him enjoy it!!

After Story Time, we went to get a slice of Pizza for lunch then headed back home for more books, puzzles, and playing with trucks.  Pearson and Grammy made quite a few laps around our "race track". Pearson loves to drive his cars around the wooden edge of our coffee table so we call it the race track.

Thanks for coming to play with us Grammy.  We can't wait for you to come see us again!!

Head & Shoulder, Knees and Toes

I have been working on body parts with Pearson forever and he just hasn't been interested. I would say point to your nose and he would just quickly point to his cheek. He knew what I wanted him to do, he was just too lazy to do it right. We've been going over them a lot this week and he now finally has hair, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, tongue (with a little help), fingers, tummy (he says "mummy") and his feet. He can say elbow but he still hasn't figured it out where it is. I didn't get it in video, but when we ask him to find his belly button, he looks for it, but he can't quite see it because of his big ole belly!!!

a benihana birthday

Tonight we went to Benihana's with my whole family to celebrate my Mom's birthday!!

{Drew, Ryan, Olivia, Ashley & Carson}

{Matt, Me, Pearson, Nonnie & Lolly}

{Me & my handsome man}

Pearson enjoyed sitting by Nonnie.  They colored together and had lots of conversation.

Carson was so cute in his chef hat. 

He even got his Daddy to put one on. 

As soon as the chef started cooking, Pearson was totally into it.  He loved watching him and kept pointing to everything. 

 Mmmm......the fried rice is soooooooo good!!

 I got the Benihana Excellence. It came with soup, salad, and colossal shrimp, grilled onions, zucchini, mushrooms & teriyaki beef julienne.  And it was all incredibly delicious.  

 Happy Birthday, Mom/Lolly!!

We love you so much! 

my new little job

So a couple of weeks ago the perfect little job fell right into my lap.  

A sweet family at my church needed someone to watch their three girls (19 months, 5 and 7) on Wednesdays, 2 during the day and all 3 after school. It's the perfect set up because I am getting paid to take care of their kids, but I get to have Pearson with me! Their youngest is the exact same age as Pearson (they were born in the same day) so they have everything I need for him during the day......age appropriate toys, snacks, food for lunch, whole milk, a changing table, a pack n play for naptime, a double stroller, a wagon, baby gates on the stairs, an extra monitor, and did I mention tons of toys that we don't have. Seriously, it's the perfect job for us!!

The only thing I'm going to have to get used to is getting out a littler earlier than we are used to and getting in a little morning traffic.  We have to leave at 7:30, which is the earliest we ever get out of the house for anything.  Pearson doesn't even usually wake up until 7:30 or 8, so I have to wake him up which is something I rarely do.  Thankfully he's a happy camper in the morning, even when I have to wake him up!!  As far as the traffic goes, they don't live far from us, I just haven't found the quickest way over there yet.  We'll figure it out though.  

Last week we stayed at home all day because it was pretty cold and I wasn't so sure I was ready to venture out with three kids. We had a fun day playing but it was a pretty long day being cooped up inside all day. Today we loaded up and headed to the library for Story Time.  It's crazy how small my car feels with two cars seats and a booster seat. And it's also crazy how much longer it takes to get out and about with three kiddos.  Even though it took us a while to actually get into the library, we had such a good time!!

It's definitely a different world at their house with pink EVERYWHERE.  Even with all the pink, Pearson stays pretty happy.  He knows where all the wheels are in the house!!

He has a ball playing with all of their toys that we don't have at home.  His favorite is definitely this Step 2 slide.  He goes down face first everytime!!

 In the afternoon both of the babies take a nap and I get to do things like tea parties and Barbies with the middle child!! Such a different world from the balls, trucks and tools at our house.  Also, since she is going into Kindergarten next year, I get to do some reading and learning activities that I used to do with my old Kinder kiddos.

They live right around the corner from the bus stop so we just walk over there in the afternoons to pick up the oldest. is this not the sweetest picture if them holding hands.  She so funny because she calls him "Pearston" or sometimes she even calls him "Max".  It is a neighborhood friend and she gets them mixed up.  I try to correct her and tell her that it is just Pearson, but she just can't remember so he's pretty much "Pearston" over there.

They also live right around the corner from an awesome park, so today after homework and after school snacks, we headed to the park for almost and hour. Other than me sneezing my head off, we had a great time playing outside in the beautiful weather.

Like I said, this really is the perfect job for me. I have been so blessed to be able to stay at home Pearson full time, but now I feel extremely blessed to have been given the perfect little part time job. It's so nice to be able to bring in a little money but still never have to leave Pearson!

greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is the thing these days, and Pearson has definitely hopped on the bandwagon. 

He is a true toddler though and loves a food one day and then won't touch it the next day.  However, I can always count on him to eat some Greek Yogurt.  He LOVES it!!

 I love that it is so healthy for him.  It has half the amount of sugar in it than regular yogurt and twice as much protein.  

My favorite thing about it though is that it's so thick and creamy.  It makes it really easy for him to feed himself with a spoon and it's not near as "drippy" as regular yogurt.  Obviously, he still knows how to make a mess with it, but it's not anywhere near as messy as regular yogurt.

Now if only I get myself to hop on the Greek Yogurt bandwagon.  I'm still learning to like the texture. It's just so different and I haven't quite found the brand and flavor I like best.  

meal planning monday

Monday: Farro & Apple Chicken Sausage, and Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Tuesday: Fajita Pizza & Salad

Wednesday:  Meatball Subs & Chips

Thursday: Benihana's for Mom's Birthday

Friday: Breakfast for Dinner- Sausage Gravy & Biscuits

Saturday Breakfast: Homemade Donuts

Saturday Lunch: Boys: On their own Me: Lunch w/ MOPS girls

Saturday Dinner: Sweet and Tangy Meatballs over rice & Green Beans

 Sunday Lunch: Biscuit Pizzas

Sunday Dinner: Leadership Mtg at Church

video overload

Wow, this week was so crazy!!  We had stuff going on every single day this week, including me starting a little one day a week nanny job.  We had so much going on that I just haven't had much time to sit down and blog.

So here's what our little man has been up to lately since I haven't really taken any pictures with my camera this week.

I know he's just repeating me in this video, but it's so funny that he saying his letter sounds.  It sure makes this former teacher's heart pretty happy!!

Pearson's new trick that is pretty darn cute if I do say so myself. 

I am absolutely amazed how quickly Pearson can put a puzzle together.  He always know just where each piece goes and most of the time he has it in the right direction too. 

This video is really long, so it's mainly for the grandparents and great-grandparents to see.  I know every parent thinks their child is so smart, but I KNOW my child is smart! Ha!! I'm turning into that parent.  Anyways, it just amazes me how his little brain is like a sponge and he is learning what all of these pictures are so quickly.  We spend lots of time during the day naming everything in these "dictionary books", so he was showing off all of his knowledge to Lolly the other night. 

sarah huffman photography {winner}

Thanks to all of you who entered my giveaway.  Be sure to check out Sarah Huffman Photography for all of your photography needs in the future!! She's great and comes highly recommended from The Link Home!! 

And the winner of the FREE mini session is....

Comment #18- Allie from Counting our Cupcakes

Please e-mail me at katymlink {at} gmail {dot} com and I'll hook you up with your prize!!

pearson {19 months}

Oh P-Man, you make us laugh every single day but you definitely keep us on our toes.  It's crazy to see how much you have learned this month. I know we are a little biased, but we think you are pretty dang smart.  You amaze us everyday with your knowledge.  You are a little sponge soaking up everything we say and do.  We can't wait to see what you learn this month!! We love you sweet boy!!

Measurements: Not totally sure, but he is so stinkin' heavy!!

Clothes:

• shirts/onesies: Mostly 24 months but a few 18 months still fit.
• shorts/pants: Mostly 24 months but a few 18 months still fit.
• pjs: 18 months and some 24 months
• diaper: size 4's (5's at night)
• shoe: size 5ish (it really depends on the brand)

Sleeping: You typically nap from 1-3pm.  You go to bed around 7-7:30pm and wake up around 7:30-8am.  Over the holidays you went to bed late almost every night and slept until 9am! It was wonderful!!

Eating: You drink 3 sippy cups of milk and eat 2 snacks and 3 meals a day.  You are a snack-aholic.  You would eat snacks and crackers all day if I let you. Your favorite foods are bananas, greek yogurt, turkey, cheese, avocados, mandarin oranges, & yogurt raisins.


New Tricks: Blinking your eyes, pointing to body parts on his face

Words: It's crazy how many words you have!! You are almost learning a new word a day! You are such a smart boy!!!

Da-De (Daddy), Go (when he waves), Doh (dog), Da ("dat"), Woah (hello), Mommy, Duh(Duck), Wah (Water), GoGoGoGoGoGo (when we mention going somewhere), Nuh (milk), Ah-Oh (when he drops something), Di-Dle (Bible), Ca-Ker (cracker), Go-Go (anything with wheels), Doo (Peek-a-Boo), Shhhuh (Shoe), Cah (car), Nih-Nih (Night, Night) Trac-Ker (tractor), Na-Nuh (Banana), No, Gee-Suh (Jesus), Nack (Snack) Di-Da (Diaper), Bye-Bye, Sha-Ta (Shasta-my parent's Dog), Izz-oo (Izzie), Jo (Joseph), A-Tal (Apple), Truh with a rolled "r" (truck), Woooaaah (Wow), Yah (Yay), Buh (Book), Coh (Cow), Pah (Pops), Trac-Ker (also train) New this month: BeBe (Blueberry) Bo (Boat) Too-Too (Choo-Choo) Ba-Be (Baby), Uh (Up),  Eeeee (Eat), Pappi (Paci)  Ba-Tuh (Bathtub), Yo-Yo (Yogurt) Yo-Ya (Lolly), Cah-Se (Carson), Cuh (Cup), Boh (Ball), Soh (Sock), Coh (Coat), Pee-Suh (Pizza), Tuh-Dle (Puzzle), Cuh-Cuh (Color), A-see (Aisley), Ah-Yi (Alice), Mi-Mi (Naomi

Teeth: 13 (seven top/six bottom) You were fussy for about a week and then finally your top right canine popped through.  You're still drooling like crazy so I think another canine is not too far behind.

Likes: Books, trucks, cars, stacking toys, The Adventures of Chuck the Truck, eating, snack-time, puzzles

Dislikes: Getting your diaper changed, brushing your teeth, waiting for your food when he you're hungry, getting in and out of the car seat (still sitting rear facing).

Other Random Things:

• You are obsessed with crackers.  You usually wake up saying crackers and ask for them just about all day long.  At church, the nursery workers say they have to just cut you off because you would literally eat them all day long. 
• You got in trouble for the first time at school last week.  You were pushing and head-butting your friends.  Ah-Oh.  Looks like the terrible two's are already upon us. 
• You love to look at "dictionary books" with us. We can tell you to point to so many things and you know just where they are. You can also say what alot of the pictures are.  Smart boy!!
• You seriously amaze us when you do puzzles.  You can do them so fast and you know exactly where each piece go in a matter of seconds.  It's crazy to watch you. 
• When you were 18 months old we took away your paci outside of the crib.  You have done just fine and I think this month I am going to go ahead and take it away before you get too attached. 
• You are obsesssed with this Steering Wheel garage sale toy that I got for you and put under the Christmas tree.  You play with it every single day for atleast 30 minutes. 
• You have a shape puzzle that you love to do. You think the square is a cracker and the yellow circle is a moon.  Silly boy!!

Look how you've changed....

meal planning monday

We have a few meals this week that are going to carry over since I ended up not making some if them.

Monday Dinner: Minestrone Soup & Garlic Breadsticks

Tuesday Dinner: Dinner @ The Havard's (bringing Caesar Salad)

Wednesday Dinner: Fajitas, Rice & Beans

Thursday Dinner: Toasted Ravioli, Green Beans, and Garlic Toast

Friday Dinner: Fish Tacos & Layered cornbread Salad

Saturday Breakfast: Homemade Donuts

Saturday Lunch: Biscuit Pizzas

Saturday Dinner: Out

Sunday Lunch: Sweet and Tangy Meatballs over rice & Green Beans

Sunday Dinner: Small Group Dinner

parent's night out

Our church has a wonderful ministry called Parent's Night Out.  On the first Friday of the month the church offers 4 hours of childcare for $11.  ($18 for 2 kids and a max of $25 per family) It's seriously the steal of the century when it comes to babysitting!!  We definitely plan on utilizing this every month as one of my New Year's Resolutions was to have a kid-free date night each month!!

Last night we dropped P-Man off at the church and headed to BJ's for dinner.  We love BJ's.  It's one of our favorite restaurants.  There are so many things to choose from on the menu and it's all sooooooo good.  We even had a gift card from Matt's birthday so that made it even better!!

As we were finishing up dinner I told Matt that I wanted to get a crepe.  I have no idea why I thought of that, it just sounded good to me.  So we got on our iPhones and googled "Crepes in Dallas, TX" and we found this awesome place called SweetMix in Richardson not far from the church.  We got a Banana's Foster Crepe and it was to die for.  Seriously........Best.Crepe.Ever. I think we might make SweetMix our go-to dessert place on our Parent's Night Out date nights!!

I'm already looking forward to next month's Parent's Night Out!!