5 Things He's Loving Right Now {2 Year Old Edition}

Riding his big chair like a horse...

His water bottle {that's just like Mama's}

Helping Papa with breakfast in the mornings

Dipping like crazy...

His lights that W put up in his room when we did our decorating!

Happy Birthday, Little Man!!

5 Things I'm Loving {C.B.Swenson Edition}

One of the many reasons I love visiting and spending time with beloved, like-minded families is comparing notes. I'm able to learn many more tips, tricks, and helpful hints in a short amount of time than online researching/surfing alone. Here are some of the new things one of my sis-in-laws, Carolyn, shared with me during our way-too-short weekend together.

1. TJs Microfiber clean-up cloths

How did my kitchen survive this long without these quick drying things?! And why am I still shelling out cash for paper towels?!

2. Homemade Toothpaste Recipe

 All natural, chemical free. Ok for my little Buki to swallow. And it actually makes your teeth feel so smooth and clean. We were hooked after using it for the weekend. Will definitely be buying the ingredients and whipping up a batch as soon as we get re-settled with life!

3. This health food recipe website

We ate the delicious meal above, but what I most love about the site is its break down of all the nutrients in each recipe. And the recipes posted are not only tasty but packed with lots of minerals and vitamins!

4. The Jesus Storybook Bible Videos

Had no clue that our kids' bible has a website that posts new videos on a weekly {?} basis. Since we haven't really started the whole sitting in front of the tv thing yet, this would be a great training ground for it. ;)

5. Baby Underwear

The Carter's brand "Just One You" undies are carried by Target. Charis fits in them during the day besides sleeping times and I may just have to get a few pairs to try with E. I didn't know they came in sizes small enough for little bums. We are not aggressive enough in his potty training to do undies just yet, but these could be great incentive for me to get going!! His little tush would be so cute in them!

5 Things I'm Loving Right Now

1. Video Coffee Dates

I'm running the risk of making myself out to be a total technological cave-woman, but we only just got a computer with a camera in it. I've been skyping with some distant family/friends lately and it's been lovely. My sister-in-law showed me her growing belly {due in June} and the garden bed that her husband built for her. The Jenkins who are now in Spain chatted with us for a few, only days after getting settled. And Ezra & I can 'see' Papa during the day with his new iphone. So great to have the added benefit of seeing distant loved ones while catching up!

2. Feeding My Felt Addiction

with this little book!

3. The More the Merrier

When I was pregnant with E, I had a sister-in-law, and two close friends to be prego partners with. Not going to lie, it was looking a bit lonely on the #2 frontier. Who was I going to update, complain, marvel, and gab to this go-around?! Welp, I was beyond excited to hear four friends are joining the pregnancy ranks!! Last time, I was bringing up the rear in due dates and this time I'm the front runner!! Whoo hoo!

4. Google Docs Presentation: Inspiration Board

So with my current project {E's room} dilemmas, I was in need of a visual presentation of all the mumbled ideas floating around in my head. I didn't have PhotoShop {I know, shame shame, Mama} but I found a super easy alternative. Within a few moments, I had uploaded all my bookmarked pictures onto one piece of "paper" to see how it all looked together. I even 'shared' it with W for him to check out too. This could totally work with anything visual you're working on: party planning, room re-decorating, etc. Very fun. Very easy.

5. W being in one and local location

{Getting tickled by Stacy}

We've been visiting W's office at least once a week during lunch to hang out with him. It's so nice to be able to see him and the office ladies just love on Ezra! Since W's been going in so early too, he's usually home at 4:30 or earlier. It's great to have those extra minutes with him before E goes down for the night. A few days ago, we even got in a family walk before dinner.

5 Things I'm Loving Right Now

1. My new iron

W is going through collared shirts like it's his job. Oh wait, yes, it is part of his job. So that means I really can't get away without ironing anymore. My mom took me to a Macy*s two day sale and I snagged this for $4.50 instead of the original $75 price tag. Thanks to sales and the 3 gift cards I'd be hoarding. So the only iron that we've had our entire marriage, W's thrift store vintage travel iron, will be laid to rest. Unless, of course, anyone is interesting in inheriting it...anyone?! Don't be shy...

2. Strawberries are back in full swing at our local farmers market!!

We bought three crates on Saturday morning and had three empty ones out in the can on the curb Sunday night for trash day. Poor hubby only got a few from the batch. Guess we'll buy more this weekend.

3. E's obsession with hats and shoes!

He seriously can't get enough of them. Any toy that could be put on his feet, goes right on. Like he's practicing or something. Every time we walk by our coat-rack with Papa's hats, he squawks and points until we get them down for him. His favorite is Papa's cowboy hat.

4. This adorable boys' bow-tie tutorial

I've been itching to make Ezra something and thought this would be fun. Maybe in time for Easter Sunday?


5. Dog Days Are Over

Current favorite song! Reminds me a lot of Adele whom I also love. Anyway, it's the song that plays on the preview of "Eat, Pray, Love" and I heard it on the radio again last week. Have been playing it ever since! Sample it here.

Five Things I'm Loving Right Now

My Anthro MRS series "S" cup

{I've been drinking 3-4 cups of hot tea a day...I often go through tea seasons and this makes me feel remotely proper!}

One of the newest books E and I have been reading.

Another really cool kid's purchase. One to be sent with Flat Stanley all the way back home to Indiana and one for us too. 

This super simple DIY silhouette tutorial I'm going to try so I can add one to my almost complete wall gallery.

This other super simple DIY project: Under-the-bed-train-table. We have storage issues and this would be perfectly hide-able.