Jump for Joy! It's Leap Year!

I cannot believe February has come and gone so quickly, especially considering there's an extra day squeezed into this month!  I guess time flies when you're having fun!  Or maybe...it's time flies when you don't have time to sit around and watch it because your busy chasing after, cooking for and cleaning up after a twenty-two month old.  Better yet, maybe it's a little of both!  The above picture is from last night's PHS boy's basketball game.  They beat Farragut in the first round of Regionals, go Panthers!  John Thomas had a blast cheering for the team!  I have to say I'm not surprised that he loves being at the games considering I spent most of my pregnancy coaching girls basketball.

Ummm...this is what the dinning room often looks like after John Thomas gets done playing.  He didn't actually throw anything, just gently turned the room upside down and had lots of fun in the process.  I thought the foam letters would be a great idea, but now I'm beginning to realize it is more like a daily puzzle for momma to put back together.  Just think, I used to be one of those people where everything had it's place.  Needless to say, I've thrown that philosophy out the window!  Before too long, I might be throwing the foam puzzle out the window as well!

The good news is that, in spite of his love for making a mess, John Thomas actually loves to help clean up too!  His favorite chore is the laundry.  He will actually go get both my basket and his, push them to the laundry room and then load the washing machine!  Now if he just keeps that up, learns how to cook a meal or two and use the lawn mower, he's going to make some lucky lady very happy in about 20 years!

As I referenced the other day, my book, LYFE (Live Your Faith Every day) will be coming out sometime mid-summer.  Thank goodness my best friend, Sarah, is an amazing photographer and helped shoot a picture of me for the back cover.  Of all the photos, this is the one that I sent to the publisher.  I've actually gotten to see the front cover, but they are still doing some tweaking so I won't share it with you until it's done.  For the five of you all that actually buy the book, thank you in advance for your support!  And no, I don't plan on doing any book signings, since the five of you who buy the book would be the only ones there :).

Isn't this sweet?  John Thomas has been asking for Lola all weekend and today we happened to get invited to the Cole/McAffry Sunday luncheon.  Steak, mashed potatoes, mac n' cheese, sauteed veggies...YUMMY!  After a meal like that I think we're both going to take a great nap this afternoon!  I can't believe the next time I post it'll be the week before Spring Break!

Who Is That Masked Man?

Welcome back to our world of toddler adventures and baby boys that are growing so fast, it's hard to believe. First off, it's a good thing we didn't make a New Year's resolution to lounge around the house, because we would be failing miserably.  We have been busy busy.  John Thomas started "tee-teeing" in the potty a few weeks ago.  He doesn't ask to use it, but whenever he wakes up and before evening bath time, he will sit and go like a big boy!  I know there is still a ways to go before he's officially potty trained, but hey, it's definitely a start! 

He's also discovered a few new favorite things to do around the house.  One of his new hiding spots is in the kitchen cabinet.  He takes all of the pots out to make a hideout that's just the right size. 

 Whenever he comes out, he says, "I see you!"  Did I mention I'm crazy about this boy? 

We've also had lots of time with Gramma, Poppy, Nana Gay and Tony!  My parents came in town last weekend and it's been awesome having them here!  Lots of family time and help around the house.  We're seriously going to miss them when they head back to Wisconsin tomorrow!

Gramma also wanted to see how John Thomas would do at the barber, since he was in need of a haircut.  As evidenced by the picture, he wouldn't even put the cape on.  So it was up to Momma the barber to work her magic again.  When I say magic, I mean try to cut his hair as fast as possible while leaving his ears firmly affixed to his head, all while he tries to get away from me.  He actually did better than ever for this haircut. 

John Thomas has also started wearing everyone else's shoes around the house.  He puts them on himself and, so far, has put the correct shoes on the correct feet.  I'm pretty sure that's just coincidence and not that our nearly 22 month old can tell his left from his right. 

 He's an equal opportunity shoe borrower. 

And he looks equally cute in all of them as well.  I couldn't resist just one bath time picture.  The bath is really more of a miniature swimming pool these days.  So if you ever get to help with bath time around here, you might want to dress appropriately.  On Tuesday, I'll get to celebrate Valentine's Day with my little valentine who will officially be 22 months old.  I simply can't believe it!