Our New Home: An Outdoor Tour

Well I've given a tour of the inside minus the bedrooms so I thought it was time to show you a view from the outside. There is a lot of work to be done to make it ours but most of that will be saved for spring time. We have a lot of wants and big plans for the outside but I'll share that as I take you on the tour. Here we go......

Welcome to our home.....

This is a sideview of the front. Lots of bushes and river rock to figure out a plan for....

Here's a view from the end of our driveway looking to the street.....

An opposite view: looking down the driveway on the west side of the house from the street....

The concrete wall runs all the way down the side of the driveway....

This is a view of the end of the driveway. We will call this Riley's future man cave. He has big plans to build a shop someday right in this spot.....

The driveway curves around to the garage on the side of the house....

Here's a picture of my favorite aspect of the house. The grilling patio.....

Right now it is empty and overgrown with greenery and weeds. That will all change in the spring!

Here's the side entrance to the house from the patio. This goes into the kitchen so my grillin' man is excited about having easy access....

This picture is just for the sake of showing all sides of the house. This is the east side. Nothing going on here. Boring....

And now for the backyard. This is a view of the end of the driveway from the backyard....

A view from inside looking out....

I love these three little trees with the bird bath in the middle....

The left side of the patio....

The middle....

And the right side....

The backyard needs the most work (well besides the awful master bathroom, which I won't be showing you for quite awhile). Lots of holes to be filled (thanks to the previous owners dogs), lots of shrubs and bushes to be ripped out, bricking the pillars (which their dogs so graciously chewed through), planting new grass and installing a new outdoor fan. The entire house and garage door will get a face lift with a new coat of paint (we aren't big fans of the peachiness of the paint now) and we will be searching for several sets of patio furniture for the front, side and back porches. Yowza!! The front porch (which I didn't take a picture of) has lots of space for something pretty....I'm just not sure what yet. Stay tuned for many more house updates...hopefully I'll be showing you the finished product by the end of the summer!

What's going on on the inside of Casa de Fanning? A lot of boxes remain piled in the garage but I'll trying my darndest to make a dent. The living room, dining room, breakfast room and kitchen are completely decorated for the most part. We still need to get the tv mounted and the tiler is coming next week to put the tile on the fireplace front. We picked out a sectional who has made itself at home in our living room. I've gotta say that we are already quite fond of our buddy the couch. Rugs, pillows, side tables, lamps  and a coffee table are in my sights and when that is all done I will show you the finished product. ;)

Tea for Two

You're INVITED!!!

Put on your Sunday best and throw those pinkies up high because it's tea time!

Oh wait, it's Hallie's tea time I'm talking about so it's okay to show up in your pjs.

Aunt Kylie picked out the neatest little tea set for Hallie. Nanny and Hal couldn't resist it any longer and broke open the box yesterday for a little pre-park snack. The pot makes noise when you tip it over to pour so Hal got the hang of it pretty quickly. And drinking the tea was a sinch.....

My sweet little lady at tea time

Last night when we returned from a Fanning family Christmas dinner I decided that I had to see what all this was about. She ran straight for her new Dora the Explorer table (thanks Nanny) which is now where tea time will take place.....

"Gather round friends, gather round"

She had prepared some delicious treats for the dogs and I. Man, she sure knows how to whip up a mean pastry....

Her hospitality is top notch....

"Would you like sprinkles in your tea mom?"

"I'll take extra sprinkles my dear"

I know that I mentioned our relaxed dress code above. But please everyone, don't show up naked......

"I'm in good company"

Oh yeah, and maybe bring a chair along if you can spare one.....

Because she usually has a big crowd......

"Who wants to play some bridge??"

Happy 21st Aunt B!!!

I have this sister.

She's one a kind.

I love her for so many reasons.

And I don't mind telling you why.....

The girl has the most beautiful smile on this planet.

Her pearly whites shine like diamonds.

She has a certain innocence about her that makes me smile.

She has great style.

She could sleep through a tornado.

She is a daddy's girl through and through.

The girl could fill a house with all of her beauty products.

She once almost burnt the house down cooking Easy Mac.

She could watch ten entire seasons of F.R.I.E.N.D.S in one day.

She always knows what I'm thinking. 

She's famous for taking hour long showers.

She stands up for what she believes in.



Our relationship is one of the things in life that I treasure the most. We haven't always been the best of friends though. No sirree, just ask her. I've got scars on my arms to prove it. Let's just say we had a fight or two or one hundred which involved some pretty intense kicking, biting ans scratching. And that was on a good day. We are seven years apart. The day she was born was one of the most exciting days of my life. She was born a teeny tiny premie. I carried around a Polaroid picture in my coat pocket to daycare every day after she was born. Every now and then I'd grab it from my pocket to show my friends. I remember being so proud and happy that I'd look at her little self in the picture and start crying. I loved her so much before she even knew who I was. She has slowly morphed into an adult right before my eyes and has filled my heart with so much pride over these past two years as she's found a career, a home and a man to share her life with.

And now she's 21?????  I guess if she's gotta grow up she's doing a mighty fine job of it. I love you much sis and couldn't imagine my life without a little sister like you in it. Do me one favor, k? Take it easy on that I.D.

HAPPY 21st SISTER!!!!!!

A Picture Says a Thousand Words

It's funny how one picture can tell so many different stories.

What do I see when I look at this picture of a very curious Hal standing on her tiptoes to see the backyard from her room?

I see a world of endless possibilities.

I see a happy, healthy girl who wants nothing more than to explore her world.

I see a summer day with a little girl running through a sprinkler in her bikini.

I see cookouts with friends and family on the back patio.

I see a husband with plenty of manly home improvement jobs to keep him busy and content.

I see my daughter playing chase with her friends.

I see pots full of colorful spring flowers.

I see green, green grass.

I see a home full of love and fun and never-ending laughter.

I see a very sappy and sentimental mom who probably needs to get some sleep.....


Off to bed I go. I just fell in love with this picture and had to share. Goodnight.

So there's this place.....

Every now and then, right in the smack dab middle of chaos, there is a moment of peace. Today, smack dab in the middle of my "I don't want to unpack all those boxes sitting in my garage" pity party, I got a text from Nanny. Her and Hallie were venturing out and about in the neighborhood on a walk in the wagon. Of course the sight of my baby girl riding in her wagon holding her baby doll tight with her octupus and bunny riding along is enough to make me smile from ear to ear.....but it was where they were going that had me almost giddy with excitement.

Ya see, I forget things sometimes. No wait, I forget things ALL the time. At the top of my list of the forgotten lies the fact that there is a park about 100 yards from our front door. In our quiet neighborhood, up over a hill, lies a large, colorful piece of metal that will keep my baby busy for hours upon hours when the weather is nice again. We were taking a drive around the neighborhood the day that we'd put in an offer on this house when we noticed a little park area up on a hill with a couple of small play toys and a covered picnic area. We never got out of the car to take a look because there really wasn't much to look at at that time. Boy things have changed since last month. They have put in a brand spankin' new play area. I don't think they could've timed it any better. ;) I'm thrilled to say that my little park goer has her very own park right out her front door. I say "very own" because I'm fairly sure she's one of the only younger kids in the neighborhood (although I may be wrong because we haven't met all of our neighbors yet). So for now we are calling it Hallie's Park (named by Nanny).

So why am I making such a big deal about a park?? Well, considering we frequented the park at least five times a week in the spring and summer and sometimes even twice a day, it will be nice to know we won't have to plan on traveling far to play. This mom is all about convenience and it doesn't get much better than this. Here is a Hallie-guided tour with pictures and commentary courtesy of Nanny. Here's a peek at her new stompin' grounds through her little eyes......

"This is how I get to the park. Soon I'll be able to walk there but for now Nanny says I need to take the shuttle"

"Nanny calls this the Blue Line. This is where the Blue Line drops me off"

"And this is where I rest after I climb up these--->"

"Geez, will I even have enough energy to play once I get there??"

"And this is a straight shot to the fun from my driveway"

"And so this is where I stand and contemplate whether or not I'm going to slide down by myself"

"Ah man, I didn't wear my rock climbing shoes"

"And this is where I ride the elephant..."

".....and I can't forget the buffalo."

"And finally, this is where I swing away my troubles."

"Oh one more thing.....I think this is where I'm going to have my next birthday party."

"....we can hang my birthday banner right there....and we can set the cake right over there....."

You heard it straight from the horse's mouth folks. The girl's got it all figured out. I'm just glad that they discovered this little place of peace today. Otherwise I may have never noticed the new playground right under our noses. For now I'll be praying for another 70 degree winter day so that I can go see this place she already loves.

Ya know, it seems kinda fishy that this new playground equipment suddenly appears the moment she moves to the neighborhood. Could it be that somewhere lies a note written in crayon signed "Hallie Grace" asking the neighborhood association for a new park?? Not a chance, but it's funny to imagine it, isn't it?? ;)

Hallie's Cure for the Common Cold

Need to kick that pesky runny nose and sore throat in a hurry?

Well Hallie has the answer......

"Juice box and chicken strips of course"

She had been nursing a nasty cold since Christmas Eve and we finally decided it was time to get her in to see the doctor on Tuesday. Riley, the hero appointment maker, got her in at the end of the day to see one of his providers. I hurried to pick her up from daycare, we ran by to grab a quick bite to eat at Sonic and found our spot in the waiting room. She didn't waste any time digging into her dinner sack. Dinner time can sometimes be a very risky time to take Hal out in public. I was prepared today with something that rocked her world. Who would've thought that a juice box was the answer to all ailments. She sat and chatted with Carol and her dada while sucking down her new obsession. She offered up several bites of her chicken and seemed to be feeling great all of a sudden. After only ten minutes it was time to head back to a room. But first....dun dun dun....the dreaded scale. Oh wait, that's just for women over twenty years old. Hal obviously doesn't understand the importance of shedding clothing, shoes and accessories before weighing. In fact, she thought it completely appropriate to continue munching on her food and drinking down her juice while being weighed by the nurse. Riley and I were loving every minute of it. And Hal didn't seem to mind the fact that she'd gained a whole pound in one week since she weighed at the doctor before a flu shot last week. This ain't no Weight Watchers meetin'.....

"Lay off me people, it's dinner time!"

Her and the juice box were inseparable while she waited for the doc to come in. Oh who am I kidding, she still wouldn't put it down while she was examined. She even decided to take advantage of the nice padded table and reclined a bit while finishing her dinner. My face was hurting from smiling and laughing at her so much....

I'm happy to say that one night with an anti-histamine in her system left her feeling brand new and she finally had the sparkle back in her blue eyes! The old Hal is back and crazier than ever! Besides the obvious trail of chicken strip crumbs and juice slobber, she also left her mark on the family by passing along her cold. Such a generous gift. So far it appears that Gman, Nanny, Carmen and I have all been blessed with her sickness. Next time we will have to quarantine the girl!

Seventeen Sweet Months

Dear Miss Sassy Pants,

These numbers keep getting bigger and bigger. Seventeen months. Hmm, that means next month is 18 months....and that means you, my little nugget, will be a year and a half old. Not possible. Nope, no way. You have brought 17 months of pure joy, excitement and pride to our lives. I can't believe we just celebrated your second Christmas season.

I was just looking back at pictures from the day we brought you home from the hospital. I marveled at how your big crib swallowed your tiny self the day you took your first nap in it. And don't get me started on folding your tiny baby blankets while I was reorganizing your room the other day. These days you are anything buy tiny. In fact you do a pretty great job of filling up your crib. You find a way to sprawl out at wide as you can. How do I know? Because I sneak in on you every night. And last night I was brave enough to take a picture of your funny position. I just couldn't resist....

Woah, woah, woah....did I just start with the topic of sleep instead of food?????? Totally uncharacteristic for your monthly updates but it might be because you now live by your dad's motto "eat to live, don't live to eat." Lol! You still enjoy food for sure but your excitement for mealtime has dwindled down a bit. In fact there have been a handful of mornings this past month that you ate like a bird during breakfast. Granted most of those days came when you had a cold. Other nights you are so distracted by your cartoons that you just graze on your food. You don't dare miss a second of what Olivia the pig is doing on tv....

"We'll talk later mom, this is a good episode"

This is not to say that you don't let me know when you tummy is grumbling. I learned my lesson about taking you to the grocery store before you'd eaten dinner tonight....

"You put me in a basket with bananas and tell me not to eat them?!?! This is pure torture!"

"Do you know me at all mom??"

You've taken up the art of cooking lately after setting up your cupcake kitchen in the playroom. I found you making cupcakes for Nanny this morning....

"This batch looks burnt"

To even further your cooking endeavors we were graciously gifted these matching mommy/daughter aprons from my sweet friend Ashley. I can't wait to put them to good use with you!

Your appetite may not be quite as big but you make up for it with your thirst. You prefer to have plenty of options when it comes to quinching your thirst. If you see a cup, you want it. And when you want a cup, you take it....

Caffeine is off limits except for when you steal grab it from the counter while I'm doing dishes. In this case it cracks me up and I of course take a picture....

"I need a little pick-me-up after the day I had, mkay?"

Ssssssh. Don't tell dad. :)

You have been using your new suction plate when has made mommy's life a lot easier. Less mess and a happier Hal. You love to use your new big girl fork and spoon.....

You always look like you are about to do surgery or something focusing so intently on poking your food with your fork. And what are you trying to pick up with your fork?? A good variety of foods but you are still very partial to your fruits and veggies. Meats have been hard to sell and your interest in bread is something of the past. The word "cracka" rolls off your tongue at least 26,573 times each day. You wake up in the morning with "crackas" and milk on your mind. For as long as I can remember your dad has eaten a package of peanut butter crackers for breakfast every morning...but instead of six we now leaves the house with four measly crackers. You get two my special girl. ;)

Speaking of special, you are the bright spot in our usually frantic morning. Ok, maybe frantic is a bit much but with a very mobile lil girl running around it's a little difficult to stay on task. Your routine becomes my routine and I never really know what that's going to be. Some mornings you are content sitting on the floor drinking your juice and helping me put on makeup. Other days you have your mind of terrorizing every inch of the house and leaving a path of debris that I am forced to clean up before we leave the house. Ok, let's be honest, most days I just give up and leave the debris where it lies. You need to know what each cabinet and drawer holds. And once you find out what's in them you do not forget. Take for example our new pantry where your favorite snacks sit. It took you one morning to learn where to find these so now you've just about worn out a spot on the tile where you stand and bang on the cabinet. My row of running shoes in my closet intrigues you and I usually don't have to worry about grabbing my own shoes because you pick them out for me each morning. When you aren't helping me pick out my work attire, you are selecting your daycare clothing. Your matching skills are impeccable my dear. ;) It may just be a coincidence but I'm calling it the "monkey phenomenon". Without fail when given the chance to pick out a pair of pajamas you always choose a pair with monkeys on them. It's become a game every evening to see if you will continue showing your love for the monkeys. ;)

Over the last few months you've slowly been morphing into a sweet, cuddly girl. I should be specific here though. Your "cuddle" is a bit different than anybody else's cuddle. You will lay on my chest and snuggle your head in my neck which leaves my heart melting. The only problem is that this lasts for no more than ten seconds. Silence and stillness are not your forte. With the small amount of time you spend cuddling you definitely make up for with kisses and hugs. The best part about them now is that they are voluntary for the most part. I often find yo hugging my leg in the kitchen saying "hi mama" and I love getting surprise kisses layed on me while I'm carrying you to your room. But I have to share the love with your animals and stuffed toys.....

Carrying Cookie through the house with you

I often find myself studying your sweet little face. Your perfect little nose and your mouth full of teeth. The way your blue eyes have this sparkle and newness. Everything about you is perfect to me. Slap a cute outfit on you and then I really can't contain myself from smothering you with kisses.

You are always and forever our spunky little girl with enough spark to light a fire and keep it burning, with enough energy to fuel an entire football team for a big game and enough spirit for ten cheerleaders. You are a little ball of fun who is always on the hunt for a good adventure. Here are just a few pictures I've taken over the past month that put a smile on my face.....

"How long do you think this will take to repair?"

A new way of tackling the laundry

"You said it snowed, right?"

Hallie Grace, this is the last time (hopefully) that I will have to tell you about another big move to a different house. Well lover girl, this time it's not another house but instead it's our home!!! Again I was worried once more how you would respond to new surroundings and a new routine. Just like always you were a resiliant little creature and had planted your baby roots before the second night in the house was through.....

"No worries here mom"

On one hand you are the most high maintenance child I've ever laid eyes on.....but on the other I'm happy to say that it doesn't take much to please you at times. Take for example your playdate at Nanny's house the other day. The waste basket seemed to be enough to keep you happy.....

You have been spending some bonding time your cousin Carmen this past month which I think has left you with a new found respect for what she has to offer you. She's someone you can mentor. Here's proof....

"And this is how you sit up like a big girl"

"You have to take small bites and don't mix foods because it tastes nasty that way"

So why did I call you Miss Sassy Pants? Well, it's simple. You are super duper sassy. I have proof of course. Your brand new thing is mocking. Let's just talk about this. First of all, I don't think I've seen or heard anything more funny than this. Second of all, I have to refrain from laughing everytime you do this. Third of all, I am a horrible parent. No seriously though, you only respond to my discipline with mocking these days. I say "no, no, no" and you look at me with a big grin and repeat what I just said in your raspy little voice. I say "go" and you repeat me. I say "now" and you respond with your best effort to say the word while you point in the direction I'm pointing. Physical and verbal mockery from a one-year-old is a bit humiliating. You don't just tell me how it is though....the dogs also hear what you think. They best not try to snatch a snack from your hand because you will set your cup on the floor and shake your finger at them while saying "no, no, no". My plea is: please someone tell me how to be stern with this sweet little face.....

"Just stop trying mom. These eyes were made for manipulation."

Most of your discipline needs have to do with how mobile you are. Standing up in your high chair has become an issue which you now think is a game. Oh boy! You have decided that our new couch is the place to be. Let me tell you girl, it is only the place to be if you plan to fall off and break your arm. You are crazy up there bouncing from seat to seat and nearly throwing yourself off the end. Your waddling has turned into a full on trot/run which means messes get made that much quicker because you can cover more ground in a shorter period of time. I'm scared to say that you have an obsession with ladders. Any kind of ladder, anywhere. Sherwin Williams, our house, the park....any ladder seems climbable to you which makes me wonder how we will ever keep you safe.

I feel like we are able to communicate a little better everyday. Not only is your vocabulary expanding at a crazy rate but you are also becoming very keyed in on our routines and are able to follow them to a T. I usually find myself talking to you constantly about whatever I'm thinking at the time or about what we are getting ready to do. You always surprise me with your responses to my dialogue sometimes. Like just yesterday I mentioned that we were about to go take your medicine. A couple minutes later I found you in your room by your medicine. Same thing goes for your bath, changing your diaper or changing your clothes. You are repeating new words on a daily basis. Mind you these may be one time occurences but it still puts a huge smile on my face to hear a new word come out of your mouth. Here are words that you have heard me say and repeated.....backpack which sounds like "pack pack", go, now, no, cupcake which sounded like "cucake", car which sounded like "ca", ball, food, uh oh, uh huh....well that's all I can recall right now. It's getting kinda late and momma's brain is shutting down. It's tough work keeping up with a crazy girl like you!!

I continue to get so much pleasure and contentment out of writing about your little life and making sure I reflect each month of how much you've changed and all of the new things you've learned. Someday when you read all of my ramblings I hope to bring a smile to your face...and maybe a tear to your eyes. Everyone loves a good love story. And this, my baby girl, is our love story.

Love,

Mama