Rain Gutter Book Shelf

Check out this adorable DIY project.

I love it! I wish our bedrooms were bigger because I'd totally add a few shelves in Harper's room.

So simple and so cute!

Confession...

I have a confession to make.....I am not ready to potty train Harper. Emotionally or physically. Potty training is not an easy task, especially if your child is not ready. Yesterday I decided that I would give potty training a shot. Harper had 2 accidents in the first two hours and that was enough for me. I know I shouldn't have given up on her so quickly, but she clearly isn't as ready as I thought. After her first accident, it did not bother her one bit to be walking around in wet underwear. And as we were practicing sitting on the potty/trying to pee, she thought it was a game. Harper would sit down for a few seconds and then run off, sometimes taking the chair with her. So after her 2nd accident, I strapped a diaper back on her and she didn't care one bit. Like I said previously, I probably should have given it more (way more) time. However, I don't think I'm emotionally ready for her to 'grow up.' Last month I read a blog about enjoying your baby as is...quit trying to make them grow up faster than they already do, and enjoying each new milestone. I learned that I need to make the most of each and every day with Harper. We will never get these sweet and precious moments back. For example, I need to enjoy the fact that Harper cannot keep applesauce on her spoon to save her life, instead of critiquing her spoon handling skills. Sure, I am Harper's teacher, I am responsible for her learning, but I want HARPER to be the one to do the exploring and learning. I don't' want to force anything upon Harper that she is not ready for. Therefor, I am going to hold off on the potty training. She will let me know when she is ready, not when mommy is ready.
Actually, mommy isn't ready either. Physically, I can see how exhausting it is to potty train a toddler. Honestly, I'm feeling a little lazy and I'm not looking forward to putting in the work that goes along with potty training. Really, what parent looks forward to chasing around their toddler and taking them to the potty every 30 minutes?!?! If you find someone that does enjoy this, please send them to my house in about 6 months! I'm hoping that by 2 1/2 Harper will be ready!

PS - Harper turns 2 in six weeks. How is that possible?!?!

25 years!

Tomorrow is my parents' 25th Wedding Anniversary! 25 years people! What a huge AND a.m.a.z.i.n.g accomplishment! My parents were high school sweethearts, had me at the ages of 16 and 18, and got married at the ages of 19 and 21. They beat the statistics of divorce and teen pregnancy and they've overcame the 50% divorce rate in American couples. I am so proud to call these two wonderful people my mom and dad. They are setting the perfect example of love and marriage for my brothers and I. Thank you!

The Love Birds on their Wedding Day

July 26, 1986

...25 years later...still perfect!

My brothers and I hosted a surprise party for my parents last Saturday night. It was a lot of fun and we had a great turnout. I hope we created some memories that they will never forget!

I hope Adam and I will get to see a 25th Wedding Anniversary! We both have great parents as role models that have demonstrated an unconditional love for one another, as Adam's parents have been married for 33 years! 5 years down, a lifetime to go!!!

Happy 25th Anniversary! We love you both very much! Have a fabulous time in Vegas!

PS - Happy Birthday Dad! Harper and I will trying skyping with you again tomorrow!