Happy Happy Halloween!!! (blast from the past)

Well, let me be the first to tell you:

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

I will say this holiday sure is different having a 15 month old little man - and it sure is fun!  We have some big plans for today/tonight.  Complete with mom attending a school Halloween party, a neighborhood costume parade, hitting up just a few of the neighbors houses (just to meet them - good excuse being new to the neighborhood!) and handing out candy - all with my sweet little Charlie Brown.

While I haven't had the time to get into the decorating (too much) for the season - we do have some decor and pumpkins of the porch, so that counts, I do count this as a "card" holiday.  Even though I work for Hallmark, I think you should too!  If not now, but next year.  It sure is a fun way to send love to some family and friends and show off your kid(s) cute costume(s).

And we have had a Halloween card now for the last 4 years.  Yep - even though this is only Charlie's second Halloween...my friends, I sent out cards with just my dogs.  I'm that lady.  At least you know I loved something else a lot before my sweet boy.  

So the 2013 cards and coordinating costumes?

Charlie Brown and his gang 

(Snoopy - kind of, Schroeder and Lucy Van Pelt)

However, the picture this year was darn near impossible with so many little beings in it that wanted to move everywhere.  So after a few attempts - mom and dad had to jump in to corral the bunch.

Luckily Jimmy and I had showered, right?  I was happy!

It's not the best picture, but it sure is the darn truth at what our family looks like these days!  And I love it.  I know that my grandma loved getting it too!  (see, people like cards!)  I do limit this list to about 30 people so it's not super expensive to send out - and I think it's totally worth it!

I was disappointed when looking back at 2012 to pull a link to my blog post with that card, but now I realized I literally had gone back to work after maternity leave about 4 days before Halloween - hence why there was no official blog post.  So here you go: the Carter family Halloween card recap over the years:

2012: Charlie was 3 months old and our house really was a ZOO!!!!

2011 - Toby's costume was my favorite.  And I was learning how to use Hallmark's print on demand - hence the weird card.  But still cute.

 

2010 (dog post, people post): We had been married for 6 months.  Essentially I went to Target and bought these costumes for the dogs and they hated every minute of it.  And I just printed these off as pictures and sent them.  I really like the quality of the postcards better!

2009: I purchased this amazing costume for Willy.  No one else "got" to dress up.  This is still my favorite. 

2008: this blog didn't exist and I had just had my dogs for about a month and a half, so I wasn't quite yet crazy dog lady.  Just took a few more months for that!!

The best part of the 2013 pictures?  The outtakes of course.

My parents were over because we were on our way to Charlie's school trick or treat that night, so since he had his costume on, I figured it was the perfect time.  Well thank goodness they were there.  Because I'm not sure if we would have ever gotten ANY decent shot with the dogs.

Milly's costume/dress I got at a consignment sale and is a baby girl 0-3 month; Jimmy found it in Charlie's laundry and thought I had something to tell him.  Willy's is an 18 month shirt that you will likely see Charlie sporting this winter.  Yes, my toddler and wiener dog are the same size.  Toby/Snoopy.  Well that was a disaster.  I thought in my head I would just throw a white undershirt on him and then get a white beanie hat for cheap - cut holes in it and then put Jimmy's black dress socks in the holes as ears.  Welp - that didn't work because apparently I forgot to realize that Toby's head is not quite shaped like a human's.  So after I went to 2 Wal-Mart's looking for a hat and then sent my parents looking - it didn't even work.  #fail  And he looks nothing like Snoopy but oh well - at least I didn't waste $50 on a Snoopy head.  I really wanted to though!

 

My parents were trying to get everyone nice and in place...

Charlie is just holding his pumpkin as good as can be...

Then he starts to escape and my dad stops him...

Then it was time for mom and dad to jump in and wrangle everyone {attempt to}

Nope - very little compromise.  These kids.

This was the one we used.  Notice Jimmy's tight grip!!

And he's over the whole thing. 

 

See?  I told you

And off to explore...

And hang with Nana.

And swing the beach ball that is in our yard from his first bday party!

But then Charlie Brown decided to give Shroeder some loving...

As usual, not reciprocated.

So we just sprint...

And finally give mom a smile.

Happy Halloween everyone!!  Here's to a great rest of 2013!!

Five things!

Wahoo!  FRIDAY!  I'm sure you are just as pumped as I am.

So I need to sit down and write like 12,000 posts.  Ok maybe not 12,000 but at least 12.  About Charlie being 13 months...then 14 months...and soon to be 15 months.  And my feelings about when we stopped nursing.  I mean big things have happened and are happening.  My sweet baby is a full out toddler that says words, understands things, has a personality and RUNS everywhere.  yes - runs!

But here I am, another quick five things and linking up with Darci and friends.  Someday.  Maybe after December 13?! #mbalife

{ONE}

Well - a year ago yesterday - I ended maternity leave and went back to work.  And on that same day, two of our good friends both delivered their baby boys, Bo and Bennett.  October 24 will always stay in my brain - mainly because I was so worried about going back to work.  A year later - here we are.  As busy as ever and trying to "have it all"!

And happy birthday yesterday to sweet Bennett and Bo - so excited to celebrate with you both!

{TWO}

Friends.

Oh my goodness - I realized this week how much I have missed my friends.

I feel like the weeks just fly by and I'm thrilled to make it to Friday in one piece that I literally don't remember the last time I got to see, spend time and catch up with my friends.  Well - what a week it was and it just reminds me how thankful I am for all the wonderful friends in my life.  Tuesday, I went to visit new-mama Lauren and meet her sweet baby Will.  SUCH a cutie and it was so good to have such real conversations with her about the challenges and joys of being a new mom.

Then Wednesday, I went to dinner with a group of Pi Phi friends after class.  I was so upset about not seeing Charlie that night I called Jimmy almost in tears and he was like, you need to go, you need this time with your friends.  And boy was he right.  The best conversations, laughs and friends.  So lucky!  (and some pretty good food - we went to Tavern in Mission Farms!).

Then the weekday nights capped out Thursday with a special visit from Vanessa and Arden and Emily (we missed Jackson - but got to facetime!!).  They came over and Charlie and Arden played and played and the three of us talked and talked.  Just like old times (minus the kid thing).

So blessed.  I needed this reminder so bad! 

{THREE}

Blog design - I need a new one.  Or to make my own that I can edit the pictures easily and even change the theme throughout the year.  Any ideas??  I had someone design one for me a while ago and I loved it, but I really wanted to update my pictures and not have to pay every time.  Is that possible?

Thanks!

{FOUR}

So it's finally fall and starting to even feel like WINTER right?  Well I have to admit something.

My name is Brittany and ALL I want to wear on the weekend is leggings and comfy boots.  AH!

BUT I need some long shirts that somewhat cover my booty.  Any ideas on where to snag some?  I've been on the lookout for a while now and find some here and there, but would love any suggestions if anyone has found a place to find them.  Because looks like this:

Source

 And this....

Source

 Are what I need to wear.  None of these real pants!  Haha.  I'm horrible.

And I wouldn't mind if this little ensemble was added to my winter work wardrobe either.  I have the skirt already and black sweater, just need the colorful scarf and belt for a nice pop!!

Source

{FIVE}


We are FINALLY making it out to the pumpkin patch this weekend!!

Confession - I'm cheap and already picked up some pumpkins at Target last weekend.  But that's ok, right?  Oh yes, it is.

The Matlocks and the Carters are headed to the pumpkin patch again this year together.  Needless to say it will be a LOT different than last year when Charlie was just 3 months old and Jackson was 7 months.

Pumpkin patch trip 2012

 Pretty crazy how old they are now!!

We are going to check out Deanna Rose Farmstead and their Pumpkin Hollow pumpkin patch this year.  We think the boys will really enjoy Deanna Rose and all the animals and activities and then the pumpkin patch will be an added benefit (plus it says you get a free pumpkin too!).  Win win for all of us.  Cannot wait to keep up this tradition with them!!

Happy Friday!

TGIF: Five on Friday

Freaking T.G.I.F.

After 2 tests, lots of work deadlines and recovering from sickness - let me say TGIF!!  Wahoo!

Linking up with Darci and friends for another Five on Friday since I missed it last week.

 

 

{ONE}

We haven't done TOO much to get into the fall spirit around here.  A few decorations, but planning on getting more in the spirit soon.  This cool KC weather is sure helping - love breaking out those sweaters.  But I did make this little concoction this morning.  A twist on my normal cheese ball

{TWO}

Plans for this weekend!? I'm excited to be going to a good friend's baby shower for her sweet baby girl to be AND going to see Wicked with my mom, sister and grandma.  We've seen it once before but I cannot wait to see it again!!!

Source

{THREE}

Soooo- our new house? It's kind of in the country.  Like kind of. To me, it's the perfect mix of close enough to the "city" (not downtown of course, but like restaurants, grocery stores, etc.).

But to get to and from our neighborhood, you get off a highway and drive by forest and land and crops and cows / horses.

And I kind of love it.  Yes, it's further from work, but I really like the scenery like this:

on the way to work. I've never lived in a small town, so kinda feels like it.  And the sunsets? Obsession.

{FOUR}

Speaking of our house. 

I need to decorate. Like we have been in our house 3.5 months now and I've done nothing (eek). However, I'm leaving the actual decorating to AFTER December 13.

But doesn't mean I can't brainstorm and dream now, right??

Playroom ideas: Source

Love these prints

Nice for folding: Source

Entry way ideas: source

 Now if anyone has any ideas how to put and KEEP things on table tops with a toddler running around - let me know.  Because that in itself might be demotivating me!

{FIVE}

A couple weeks ago I asked if anyone had ideas on good toddler snacks/meals.  Jimmy to the rescue. Here are a few great websites he found that we are going to try out some for Charlie. Really need to get him to eat some protein...going to start trying black beans and peanut butter!  Check out these websites!

Wholesome Baby Food: Meals

Wholesale Baby Food: Finger Foods

Parenting.com: Wholesale Baby Food (love the pics on this one!)

Happy Friday everyone! We made it one more week!!!

Charlie's one year...errr thirteen month pictures

One upon a time (and really this does feel like FOREVER ago), we were lucky enough to have our pictures taken by the super talented Allison Corrin.  While this was not the original plan, it worked out quite nice.  

So what was the original plan?  Well - I actually planned somewhat ahead (for once) and scheduled Charlie's one year photo shoot for the weekend following his birthday.  They were set to be Saturday morning.  We were still living with my parents and it was going to be great because I had that to focus on and not moving quite yet.  Mr. Charlie had other plans.

The Friday night before his originally scheduled photo shoot with the wonderful Amanda Malone...we were outside at my parents house and he was having fun running up and down my parents grass and driveway.  We were waiting for Ali and Lora to arrive to play with Henry.  Welp - they arrived all right.  Charlie was so dang excited about it he started sprinting towards them and while going down the decline of the driveway too fast literally fell FLAT on his forehead.  Like it literally bounced off the driveway.  Ouch.  And embarrassing {for me, not him}.  

Poor guy had a good cry and then seemed to be just fine.  Our one year pictures?  Yeah - those were not going to happen the next day.  I called Amanda to tell her we needed to postpone and she said she understood and to let her know when I wanted to reschedule and she'd fit us in.  

So on went the weekend and I emailed her about rescheduling mid-week the following week.  And guess what?  She broke her arm in the mean time and can't take pictures.  OMG!!  NO!!  I was so upset.

In come Allison!  She and I were high school classmates and I admired her work that she posted on instagram, facebook and her blog of her sweet family and thought that this was just the opportunity.  She was so sweet to fit us in as fast as she could and we went on a Wednesday morning before work and school and got some great light, some great weather and some AWESOME shots!  

In the end, it worked out great - but that teaches me to plan anything a month in advance I guess!!  Charlie will have something else to say about that.  

Without further adieu, I give you Charlie's 13 month pictures, because yes my friends, he was over 13 months by the time this debacle of unfortunate turned fortunate events worked out.  But guess what - no one will ever know except you and me!  And I seriously love them so much - I'm happy we waited a bit.  Thank you thank you, Allison!  Now I need to decide which ones to hang up on the walls at our new house!!!

The colors in this picture are amazing!!!

I love this one!

This one is PERFECT!!  Charlie is obsessed with bubbles...

My little mover walking through the wet grass.

I guess he thinks I'm funny?!

I just love my huge grass stains in the one on the left - but seriously, anything to get them to laugh!

As you can tell - Charlie was just thrilled to be shirtless. 

But then the cake arrived

and he was VERY happy.

And just like that - he was off. 

Thank you again Allison!!!  I love every single one of them and you captured our family so well!