Date Night

More like date weekend really. Last month for my birthday/Valentine's day, Leon surprised me with a night at the Alluvian and Date Night at the Viking Cooking School in Greenwood. It was something I've always wanted to do, but something I NEVER would have done for myself. I am way too cheap :)

It was a fabulous weekend and I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a short getaway. We stayed 1 night and I could have easily stayed 2 (if I could have A) afforded it and B) been away from my sweet boy that long!) I think it would be an awesome girls weekend location as well. The whole weekend was full of fantastic food and great shopping. LOTS.OF. FOOD.There was so much to do that we didn't get a chance to do the spa. It looked awesome though! Maybe next time!

Super cheesy (awful) photo above. Sorry.  Note that it is the ONLY picture of the two of us together from the whole weekend. Whatever.

Moving on, we had time for some shopping before our class and I am now in love with Mississippi Gift Company.It is a store filled with pottery, gifts, jewelry, food, art, and anything else you can think of all made in Mississippi. Be warned though, you may want one of everything! There are also children's and adult's boutiques, antique stores, art galleries, a stationary store, and much more fun stuff.

Next we headed across the street to the Viking Cooking School, where I also wanted one of everything.

OUR MENU

• Lobster Bisque with Brandy Cream
• Baby Greens with Candied Pine Nuts and Champagne Vinaigrette
• Pancetta-Wrapped Filet Mignon stuffed with Spinach and Boursin Cheese
• Merlot Demi-Glace
• Oven-Roasted Truffled Frites
• White Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake (made by our awesome teacher Loren)

Everyone working away at dinner...except me, I am the one in the back talking and drinking wine ;)

Saturday morning we slept late (8:00) and ate breakfast at the Alluvian. I just have to say that it was the best hotel breakfast that I have ever eaten...and it was free (or not extra, shall I say)!

We had heard from several people that the Delta Bistro was a must, so despite the fact that I could hardly even walk after breakfast, we decided to stay and shop until lunch. You know, so we could eat...again!

We did more downtown shopping for a while, but then we decided to drive around and look at houses. There are some seriously beautiful houses in Greenwood, MS. We ended up finding a antique/junk store that would be a Pickers dream. I brought home a set of glass cookie jars, a lamp, and a set of 12 antique green glasses for $25. I was pumped.

Waiting around until lunch turned out to be a great decision. The Delta Bistro was D.E.L.I.C.O.U.S

Such a cute little restaurant with a fun, laid back atmosphere.

Really makes me wish there were something like this around here!

We ended our trip with a bit more walking downtown, gawking at all of the Viking displays. Ever since I met Leon, I have had a slight appreciation for the Delta, but after this weekend, my appreciation grew even more!

Red Wagon

We have had a some faboulous weather this weekend! We spent most of it at home playing outside and getting a few things done around the house. After a ridiculously COLD winter, it is finally spring!! We have been itching to use the red wagon we got last year from my Aunt Ray when Bishop was born. We have already had so much fun, and we have only played one weekend! I know we are going to have lots of fun it it this summer..and for many summers after. I think it would have made her very happy to see him playing in it!

Sweet boy!

The Zoo

Bishop's first trip to the zoo was not as grand as we would have liked. The weather forcast for my days OFF during spring break was not the 70-85 degrees we have been having the past few days...while I was WORKING. I'm pretty sure the day we went it did not reach 50. Despite the fact that we were cold and most of the animals were no where to be found...we still had a good time.

I, of course, had to make him an outfit for the occasion....which was not seen 1 time at the zoo underneath his coat and blankets!

We had to go buy hats and gloves when we got there...

 He and I both liked watching the Panda eating his bamboo

 An attempt at a photo of Granna and the boys....and Bishop pulling off Jonah's hat.

 Watching the elephant show

Taking a break to warm up...and eat a snack.

Watching the sea lions was one of his favorite things. I've already started thinking of an aquarium trip for this summer!

This ostrich followed Jacob the entire length of his cage...I think he liked his bear hat.

The gloves weren't a wasted purchase...they also doubled as a pillow.

We were all very tired, but we had a good day! AND, WE WILL BE BACK WHEN IT IS WARMER!!

One month

Until the BIG birthday!! YIKES! I have said it and said it (and said it) but I can't believe I am posting that my sweet boy is 11 months old already! It just doesn't seem possible. It doesn't seem possible that I could love him any more either, but every day I do. I never want a day to end and I can't wait to see his big grin every morning. This child has made the last 11 months the best of my life! I'm sure I'll get all teary and sappy over the next month, but I'm guessing that would be normal. (normal for me at least...I get teary over everything he does!)

He is certainly becoming a little boy whether I like it or not! Every day I see something in him that I didn't see the day before. He's quite amazing really. It's fun to see his little mind work!

11 things about my 11 month old...

• Is like Houdini with his bib. He hates it, and the second I leave the room, it is off. Every. Single. Time.
• Still a picky, picky boy who loves his babyfood and grilled cheeses. He will try just about anything, but getting him to take more than 3 bites is the problem. He LOVES those squirt Happy Baby food pouches that I found in Jackson at Target...but of course, I can't find them around here (suggestions??) He just doesn't do different textures well. Maybe next time I will try Baby Lead Weaning? Or maybe it is just because.....
• He still only has 2 teeth. I'm looking for a top one any day now though.
• Still loves the same Sesame Street video. Can sit still for a very long time if it is on. He even loves to look at the box it came in.
• Can quack like a duck, roar like a lion, and bark like a puppy dog. He wakes up quacking and roaring.
• Can say "nnnnnnnnnnnnnno" It  is hilarious. It sounds like a struggle to get it out...but he gets it! If you ask him to say something, he will try and imitate you...although it may or may not resemble exactly what you said. He has mastered "uh oh" "oh weee" and  "HEY" but he doesn't really like to say "bye bye"...although he can. He can also say momma, dadda, and Elmo.
• Had to start formula some. This makes me sad, but he never skipped a beat so that made it a little better. He seems to like it just fine. I am the one upset about it! We have tried the cup a few times but I have no luck.
• Is still too scared to walk by himself. He can stand for a very long time and walk anywhere as long as he is holding on to something, but he doesn't seem interesting in taking any steps without me holding his hand which is 100% fine by me! I chase him enough as it is...he can certainly get wherever he wants!
• Gives the best hugs and kisses imaginable. He gives hugs very often (and pats you on the back when he does...so stinking sweet!) but is a little bit stingy with those sweet slobery kisses. I'll take either. Any. Day.
• Gets called a girl most days...even when I dress him in tractors. Can boys not have curly hair? After 11 months of this...I'm getting pretty used to it tho.
• Still loves to read and be read to. I hope he always loves to read as much as he does now.
  
  
  

The Outfit

Originally I wanted to have a gown so  that all of my children could wear it, but considering we waited until he was 10 1/2  months old, I figured I better not put him in a gown. After looking at several [expensive] outfits online, I decided surely I could make one on my own. I wanted it something simple anyway...how hard can it be, right? Let me just say...there is a reason heirloom clothing is expensive!!

I started by going to my favorite store where the ladies were a huge help, as usual. They tried to help me find a simple pattern that I could do since I have only sewn simple rompers and such. Well, non of those were good enough (of course), so I picked this one and they offered to help walk me through any steps that I couldn't figure out. They did advise me that it was a bit advance for my sewing skills. Did I listen? Of course not! I mean, it said Easy to Make. Whatever.

After hours of sewing, ripping apart, re-sewing, tears, ugly-word-saying, and threatening to throw my machine out of the window I decided I would actually take them up on their offer to help me out. I was slightly embarrased to take my work to a professional shop with people who know what they are doing...but I just saw no other way. I had the outfit and I had the collar butI couldn't figure out to save the life of me how to get them to be one unit. Thankfully, they did not laugh at it or tell me just to throw it out and start all over (my biggest fears!). They were very encouraging and told me tales of their first experiences....which made mine actually not seem so bad. Not sure if they were just being nice...but it made me feel much better anyway!

At one point, I whipped up B man a pair of shorts just to take a break from the fine fabric, tiny needles, lace, and ridiculously-hard-to-deal-with thread and to prove I actually can sew! It felt so good to be able to finish something!

I didn't give up though. I finally finished it..after hours and hours (and HOURS) of work, it was done! I'm not sure it saved any money or is anything to brag about, but it was DONE! It was certainly a great learning experience! Even though his outfit was not perfect, it was precious on him for his special day and it will always be something special to me.

And perhaps one day, I'll get a picture of him in it by himself...since that did not happen the day it was worn.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....Right?!?

Baptism

Bishop was baptized at our church this past Sunday and it was a very special day. Not only was it his baptism, it was also the day we joined First United Methodist Church Booneville as a family. We have debated which church to go to ever since we moved to Booneville. We tried First Baptist, East Booneville, FUMC, and even though about somewhere outside of town. Sunday after Sunday we have been drawn to FUMC. We have just felt more at home there.  We finally feel like this is "our" church, despite committment issues that I have at times. I have always been a baptist, so this is a bit different for me, but I really like it. I love the traditions. Sometimes I miss the music at FBC, so we agreed that we can visit when they have their big Christmas and Easter programs :)

Invitations by MG paperworks, aren't they fabulous!?!

It was so special to have our families there for his baptism. This is one loved little boy! My mom, Gerald, dad, Kathy, Kenny, Wendy, Chris, Cole, Heather, Jacob, Jonah, Pojo, Karen, Page, Max, Kaleb, and Sarah Glen were all there for the service.

Bishop did great for the baptism and I would honestly expect no less of him. He happily went to Rev David and was not so interested in coming back to me after...which made everyone laugh. Typical!  He jabbered the whole time too and was just pure sweetness.

Why did we baptize Bishop?

This was, at first, a struggle for me. Once again, I have been a baptist my whole life and to me, baptism refers to believer's baptism. Believers baptism is a public profession of faith. It is something that we do in response to accepting Jesus into our hearts.  Infant baptism is not the same. Infants can't exactly make decisions on their own.  Infant baptism is symbolic of God's grace and it does not regenerate you nor does it cleanse you from you sin. In infant baptism, we recognize that God is the one doing the work. He has already begun well before the baptism. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart" Jeremiah 1:5 Baptism is another way we remember what God has done for us, and what he is going to do in our lives if we believe in Him.

It was also a time for us to make a promise to lead Bishop in the right direction. Not only did we, as parents, make a promise to nurture and teach Bishop by example so that he may be guided to accept God's grace for himself, but also the church made promises to live by the examples of Christ, to surround him with love, and to pray for him. Leon and I both loved that part :)

It was a very sweet and very special service for us!

I'm off my soapbox now....

After church, we all came to my house for lunch. It was a bit crazy with 8 kids in my house, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. My house was turned upside down, in fact, it STILL is :) but it was all worth it to have our family here to be part of such a special day.

I did manage to snap a picture of the cake, which turned out to be delicious...thanks to RoRo's (J.J's mom) recipe! This picture was after I smushed the bottom white icing layer...oh well!  I didn't take a picture of the food, but take my word that it was all good! Leon used his sandwich making skills and made us a fabulous sandwich tray. I didn't really do much but open bags of chips, chop up some fruit, and made super easy artichoke dip (thanks to Mag's recipe) but it was still all good!

Being pushed around in his car...

Bishop had so much fun playing with all of his cousins!

These girls had so much fun playing babies together...they had so much fun playing with the cradle...and with Bishop! I caught them several times picking him up and playing with him like he was a doll.

Family chaos love...gotta love it!!

What a wonderful day it was!