things that make my heart sing

Yesterday, my mom and I started our summer pottery class. It's a class once a week for five weeks. I'm really excited about taking this class with her and look forward to making lasting memories (and pottery) together. While we were in class, my mom's friend watched Grady. He was a stinker! It was his first time being watched by someone other than the gma's, and he didn't do so well... We're hoping next week he transitions better. If not, we may have to figure out another arrangement.

Last weekend, I had my first yard sale since getting married. I had to move it up a weekend and decided to have it with just four days to get everything gathered, priced, and set up. Whew!! My house was a wreck and crowded! Not having a garage made things a little difficult; however, I'm very happy to say I'm almost $500 richer because of it! A big THANK YOU goes to my wonderful mother for coming up and helping all weekend! I couldn't have done it without her. Also, thank you Karen, Pawpaw, Hilda, and mom for "donating" some things for me to sell.

I ran Sunday during the day and really just couldn't push myself to run more than three miles because it was so hot. So, Monday night I decided to go run at about 7:45 pm. It was amazing! The sun was setting, the temperature was nearly perfect, and there were lots of people out playing softball/basketball/walking for me to watch. I ran five miles and pushed myself enough to run the first mile in a little under 11 minutes, the next 3 in a little over 11 minutes, and the last one in just under 11:30 minutes. I was hoping to run it all in less than 56 minutes but was 5 seconds shy. I am a little disappointed; however, I seriously shouldn't complain. In the past, I've barely been able to push myself to run 12:30 for the last three miles. Anyway, I'm extremely happy about the progress I've made so far.

This little man definitely makes my heart sing. I can't believe he's already 6 months old, grabbing my phone/keyboard/remote regularly, and starting to eat solid foods. Time is flying by quickly!!

The job search is hopefully coming to the end soon! My hopes are up for good things to happen ASAP :).

Grady is SIX months old!

I can't believe little man is officially closer to being one year old than he is being born. The past six months have flown by and have truly been such a blessing! I'm so glad I've gotten to spend the last half a year home with Grady.

- He wears size 3 diapers and reusable diapers occasionally. I'm a little disappointed in how much the reusable ones leak. Oh well!
- He still wears some 6 month outfits but primarily 9-12 month clothes. Grady now has several larger sleeping outfits thanks to my cousin Cory and his wife Angela and a giftcard to JCPenney's.
- He is really such a happy baby! He loves to look around at people, the dogs, and the TV. Lately Zac and I have noticed that he looks at his hands a lot. He is content playing by himself but really doesn't like to be left in a room to play alone too long. He likes to be around people a lot. Zac did "the lemon test" recently, and Grady will most likely be extroverted like his daddy.
- He usually sleeps wonderful and all night. I lay him down between 10:30-11:00 and he sleeps until 9 most days. Occasionally he'll wake up in the middle of the night (like he did the last two nights), but I can't complain.
- He has literally just started several days ago rolling over regularly. He'll even attempt to roll over when we lay him on his stomach over our legs. It's about time!!
- He has been sitting up by himself for several weeks now. It's really so cute watching him learn to do things on his own. I love seeing the lights turn on as he observes the world around him.
- He has started grabbing anything within reach. Right now I don't mind it too bad; however, we have to be more caution about what is within his reach. I feel like he'll be crawling around in no time! (scary!!)
- He has the cutest head of hair! It's soft and light brown, even strawberry blondish maybe. Zac still says he has his hair line, but it is definitely growing in.
- He has finally stopped spitting up SO SO much. It is truly wonderful being able to wear normal clothes and not worry as much about my messy child being held by others.
- He still looks like his momma! :)

He wanted to read the sign :)

gotta start young

Winston and Grady snoozin' on the couch

I love sleepy baby faces.

"What?!"

Doesn't know what to think about carrots...

loves to play

laughin' at daddy

happy baby

how my child likes to sleep...

just chillin' eating my banana at Grampaw and GranMolly's house

riding around on Pawpaw's lap

such a sweet Grampaw

Sara and Grady

playing with toys

visiting Grandma Wesley

Great Grandma and Grady

stacking cups

one of my favorite pictures - he has the sweetest smile!

hanging out with daddy waiting on the doctor

trying to eat the paper

He was OBSESSED with that paper!!

Grady is such a joy to be around. He loves to grin and stare at strangers. He babbles all the time. Zac and I can't wait until we hear him say actual sounds that resemble words. This next month will bring lots of changes and new experiences for little man! Grady is getting more fun and entertaining every day. I must say I'm loving this before crawling/walking and after colicky/sleepless night phase!

Much love,
Em

Brining Chicken

Zac and I have lately been on a brining chicken kick. If you haven't tried brining, I highly recommend it. The chicken was so moist and flavorful! It also helps the chicken cook quickly and completely when grilling. This time I brined it using a Shock Top seasonal beer called Honeycrisp Apple Wheat. It added some amazing flavor to the chicken! When I brine, or really do any type of cooking, I usually don't measure a whole lot. That may seem crazy considering my mom is the exact-o cooker and recipes/measuring cups are her best friends ;)... but that's just shows how different we really are. Anyway, so first I pour some water into a pot (about 8 cups I think) and turn the stove eye on high. Then, I add about 1/4 cup of salt (I actually think I added more than that... but most people probably wouldn't want it as seasoned as my husband likes his food.) Everywhere you read says to use about 3/4 cup of salt for a gallon of water. I boil all of it until the salt is dissolved and set it aside to cool. While the mixture cools, I cut the fat off of about 5 lbs of chicken and place in a big bowl or pot. Most recipes say let the brining mixture cool completely so it won't cook the chicken; however, I don't usually do that because of time and wanting to be done prepping the chicken. So, once the brine cools some I pour it over the chicken. Then, I pour a bottle of beer on it and add some other seasonings and a splash of Worcestershire. Make sure the brine completely covers the chicken breasts and place it in the fridge for about 2-3 hours. Then, grill the chicken and enjoy! It was seriously some of the best chicken we've ever had. It pairs nicely with vegetable shish kabobs, too. Tomorrow I plan on brining some chicken with my parents and having a nice early Father's Day grill out. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend celebrating with your families. Happy Father's Day!!

Much love,

Em

Life is Beautiful

It's mornings like this morning that I have to remind myself that life is beautiful. I woke up and remembered a man was going to be coming over about 8:30 to start some repair work on our house. That also meant that I'd be stuck inside with my three crazy dogs all day. Don't get me wrong, I love my dogs.. but they do not do well with strange noises outside. Let's just say by 9:15, Grady and I were loaded up and in the van going to kill some time.

After lunch when the dogs were still inside, I noticed Winston looking at the back door. I should have known something was up because he rarely acts like he "has" to go outside. Well, not 10 minutes later I smell something terrible. At first I about blame Grady, but then I see a huge pile of poo... :(

I really need a coke zero with vanilla...

Anyway, enough complaining. Zac and I had a wonderful weekend. Life really is beautiful even when dogs poop inside, and I feel extremely pudgy because I ate way too much the day before.

Friday while Zac rode his bike, I ran 3 miles and walked almost 2. The sky was gorgeous and the temperature was perfect! Then, we went back home and got ready for our date to dinner and a movie. We went to Varsity and saw the movie called Now You See Me. Our night out was just what we needed!

Then, Saturday morning we met up with Jade and Chris and walked 10 miles at Mt. Magazine. It was a great hike and an awesome workout. Let's just say that Zac should have worn other shoes... his calves are still burning and look like he's constantly flexing. Also, he's taking two days off working out which really never happens. We also went to bed a little after 10, which is probably the earliest we have ever gone to bed.

It was really nice having the weekend without a baby; however, I was so glad to get Grady on Sunday. I think he had a wonderful time with all of his grandparents and his Aunt Hilery and Uncle Kyle. He literally took about a 3-4 hour nap after we got home!

Much love,
Em