Thankful Thursday - Baseball Family

When it comes to living in your own home for only five months out of the year ... traveling from one city to the next ... living without your hubby for long road trips ... other baseball wives know just what you're going through and we stick together. I am so thankful for this group of ladies and even more thankful they don't fit the typical baseball wife stereotype. These ladies are quick to offer help whenever you need it, appreciate their husbands work despite how hard this lifestyle can be, and hold on tight to their strong faith in God.

This past Friday night, we hosted a surprise bridal shower for one of the ladies. It's always a fun time when we all get together. (We were missing a few ladies and wish they could have been there!) We watched a little baseball, enjoyed some drinks (Helllllooooo sweet tea vodka!), played some bridal shower games, and shared many laughs. It was just the kind of night I needed! (the rest of the night with my hubs helped too :)

Me & Tara

Five other things I'm thankful for on this Thankful Thursday:

1. My Mom and Dad celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary on Monday. What a special milestone for two very special people! :)

2. Baseball is over in two weeks! We'll be returning home to Sarasota to begin moving into our new home and enjoying time together, as a family.

3. Zac Brown Band. Love the music, love the new CD, and love how his voice can soothe Abby in the car.

4. While I'm on country music, I'm super excited for the Sugarland concert in three weeks. I cannot wait to enjoy a night out with the girls!

5. My husband... for making me feel like we were truly on a date last Friday night. Holding doors, pulling out chairs, holding my hand. I loved that we were able to be with each other as husband and wife, instead of Mommy and Daddy for a night.

Wordless Wednesday - Who says you can't find a princess at a ballpark?

Down at the County Fair ...

Good morning Monday, where's my coffee? I really need to start drinking coffee but that would require me to find coffee that I actually like. Until that day comes, I'll indulge in my midday sweet tea and complain about my too tight jeans later. Anyways, this weekend was a complete whirlwind ... the county fair, my baby-free night, a picnic with family, boat rides, and a baseball game. Phew! Now where is that sweet tea?!

On Thursday, Jim had an off day so we decided to take Abby to the county fair. We were excited about the petting zoo and thought we'd put Abby on a few rides. For those of you that may not frequent fairs often, here are some pointers. Number one - Do not go on Senior and Disabled Day. Abby could have had a stroller race with all of the wheelchairs! I think it's great that they have a day like this, I just wish there had been more families and children. Bummer. Number two - Wait until the weekend to go, not a weekday. No one was working the petting zoo, so we attempted to pet the animals through a small fence. Bummer. Number three - Go at night. Apparently the rides are only open at night. Again ... bummer. Needless to say, the fair was a bust... but not completely. Abby didn't know to expect anything different and she did enjoy looking at all the animals.

Daddy shows Abby the rabbits ... Mommy attempts to get the llamas attention so we could pet him through the fence.

Sheep ... Donkey ...

Abby playing near the baby cows.

1. The pouty face Abby makes when she sees the rooster.

2. The "I'm not so sure" face when Abby hears the rooster crow.

3. Full out cry. Not a fan of the noise AT ALL!

I'll post more about our jam-packed weekend throughout the week. Go grab yourself some coffee (or sweet tea) and Happy Monday!

A little bit of thanks ... and a whole lot of mums!

One of the many reasons I love being back in my hometown is because of the beautiful landscape. Those of you that grew up in the country know that there is nothing like it. Our family is truly blessed to be able to return here each summer and enjoy the countryside. I love that Abby can experience some of the things I did growing up as a child, even though we live in Florida for most of the year. Well half of the year... or a little less actually... wow, baseball season is loooooong. Sigh.

This week we've had some beautiful weather, with cooler temperatures reminding us that Fall is on its way! What better way to celebrate the beginning of Fall than to take a trip to the Mum Farm. My sister Heather plants Mums every Fall so Abby and I tagged along for some fun in the fields. Luckily schools were closed, so Emily got to come along too. Abby loves being around those cousins of hers!

Abby had a lot of fun pulling at the flowers, smelling them, and of course falling into a few of them. It was hard for her to walk on such rough terrain, but thankfully she managed to have only a few wipeouts. The farmer (her name is Cookie by the way), enjoyed watching Abby play with the flowers and said she loved how her Mama didn't mind her getting dirty, especially with such a pretty skirt on. Of course I didn't mind ... I'm a country girl at heart. Forever.

And here's five things I'm thankful for on this Thankful Thursday!

1. Gramma & Grandad giving me a night out on Friday! I am so looking forward to a night at the ballpark with the other wives, a late dinner with my hubby after the game, and an overnight stay at the Hilton! Wahoo!!

2. Getting the keys to our new house. It finally feels official and I can't wait to move in!

3. Jeans that are too tight. That's right, I'm actually thankful for this. It's a reminder that I need to start eating healthier. I even skipped my cookies and milk last night. I'm having withdrawals from the chocolate as I type.

4. No baseball today!! An off day to spend as a family. Abby and I have been looking forward to it!

5. My sweet baby and how she makes everyone around her smile and laugh. And her mad dance skills. :)

Wordless Wednesday + Photo Challenges

Hmm, do you think Abby's comfortable?!

So here I am again ... with more photo challenges! Chelsey's theme over at The Paper Mama is "Brown." I was unsure of which photo to submit for this ... should I stick with landscape, the color brown on the baby, or use a picture of Max? Then I found this photo of Abby that I took last month and I decided to go with brown colors. It's one of my favorite photos - those little hands won't be that small forever.

Over at In a Yellow House, the theme for the week is "Art." For this challenge, I knew exactly which photo I wanted to use so I dove into the archives on my computer to find it. I took this photograph of "The Hammering Man" outside the Seattle Art Museum.

Why don't you show some love for these ladies? Click on the links to enter a photo or check out the other entries!

Nobody likes a copycat ...

Not true. There is one exception. I like a copycat when she's a cute, spunky, animated, almost thirteen month old. I am really enjoying this age, the beginning of toddlerhood ... even though it's exhausting. Abby is quite the entertainer these days and it's all because of what she sees the people around her doing. Each day she picks up something new, something new that is able to give everyone a good laugh.

Abby will stop and dance to any tune ... even if you start to clap, she will start to dance. She knows how to clap, high five, and when asked, "Where's Mama's nose?", she will touch my nose. Thanks to Grandad, she also knows how to pick her nose. Yup, she saw it once and that's all it took. From watching us cook, Abby now pretends she is stirring something in a pot. She puts her (fake) lipstick on and tries to put the leash on Max. She walks around the house with her purse in one hand and a cell phone to her ear in the other saying "Hi" over and over. When passing a stranger in the grocery store, she sure does put on a show. She makes em' laugh and when she hears em' laugh, she shows off some more. It's the cutest thing. I see an award for "Most Outgoing" in my daughter's future.

It amazes me how much Abby can do and understand at this age. I know it's all a part of growing up and understanding more of the world around her. Her personality is really starting to take shape and she is becoming this little person instead of a baby. I guess in this scenario, being a copycat is a good thing ... she just keeps learning and learning ... and that's a good thing. :)

Abby loves her purse ... one of her favorite toys. :)

That's right Abby ... time for Max to go outside!

A little game of tag. I'm it!

Last weekend I was tagged by Torie over at Life with Rylie with a little question fun. Here's the deal ... I get to answer a few questions, then tag a few bloggers with some questions of my own.

1. What does a normal day look like for you? Ahh, is any day really normal?! Abby and I wake up around 7:30 and our daily adventure begins! We usually stick at home in the mornings and have breakfast together, playtime, and then Abby naps around 9:30 or so. While she sleeps, I shower, get ready, sit down to relax a bit... oh wait, what's that? She's up! Abby and I play some more, usually run an errand or two, play, have lunch, then it's time for another nap. In the evenings after her nap, we have dinner, spend time outside at the park or taking a walk. Then comes bath time, reading books, and bed usually by 8! Each day brings something new and exciting :)

2. If you could have any career, what would it be (other than staying home with kiddos)? Well, I love being home with Abby but there are times that I miss teaching. I think instead of being back in the classroom, I would rather have a literacy job, working with children who are struggling readers. If I could help children learn to read, all day, every day, that would be the perfect job for me!

3. What is your favorite type of music, if any? Country. I grew up in the country listening to this type of music. There is a song to match every kind of mood, and that I LOVE!

4. What is the best compliment you have ever received? Someone once told me I had a big heart, with a lot to give to other people. I know I have a big heart and a sensitive, sappy side and I'd like to think I use my heart to give and help others.

Now I'd like to tag these ladies ...

Meredith @ Figuring It All Out

Melissa @ Hanging with Mr. Cooper

Amy @ Just Another Manic Momday

... and here are your questions!

1. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

2. How may children do you want? Do you want them close in age or further apart?

3. What would your favorite date night look like?

4. What do people say is your best physical feature?