Our Take on the Spring Break

Spring Break has descended upon the world this week, and I just want to let it be known that almost every holiday that involves some kind of "break" gets a little lost on parents with young children. Nevertheless, I think my family actually captured the essence of Spring Break this week!  Part of it had nothing to do with me- the weather here has been absolutely AMAZING this week, and on top of that, the Magnolia and Cherry Blossom trees have started to do their Spring thing... which also means the the oh-so-squeezable baby leg chub has made it's round two debut!

                            

However, the other part of what made this week so awesome I think I will take credit for. This week, I decided we were dropping the morning nap cold turkey. Bella was starting to show all the tell-tale signs, and when I saw Daylight Savings Time approaching, I thought, "Why not throw another wrench in to this child's schedule?  It's already going to be messed up anyways."  I know that doesn't really sound intelligent, but paired with the weather we've had this week, I now think it was genius. ;)

This week, our mornings have been full of go-go-going, don't stop 'til you drop activity.  I was really anxious about changing up our nice little morning and afternoon nap schedule we had going on there, but I must admit, I have actually loved not having the morning nap.  Why, you ask? Well, for one...

                                  

We have spent hours at the park this week, making friends...

                                 

... and sharing chocolate pudding.

And we've even found some friends who busted out their kiddie pool for the first time this year.  It was kind of an impromptu get together, but Bella still jumped in... fully clothed.  

 

Bella loved the water, and she basically hated me when I made her get back in the stroller. I see how it is, Bella.

We also read a few classics on the back porch...

                                  

...although I'd be lying if I didn't say that Bella usually tired of this quickly and went straight for the dirt in those planters.

                       

And oh, how we've enjoyed the view from our warm rooftop with family and friends.

And the result of all this activity? This girl has slept come the afternoon.  She passes out in my arms each day and sleeps a solid three hours.  It looks a little something like this...

                               

Victory!  

But this is Spring Break people, and the fun does not just take place in the day time.

So last night, we went on an after dinner stroll to the Sweet Lobby.  Best cupcakes and macarons out there.  Period. (The loose leaf tea is actually amazing, too.)

And the view from Bella's stroller wasn't too shabby either. 

But perhaps the strangest coolest thing we did this week, was take an after bedtime trip to witness the elephant parade.  I know.  I couldn't believe it either.  Elephants parading through DC?

Oh yes, believe it. I actually took no good pictures from the evening, but thanks to Sarah the professional, I actually did get an amazing one! Yes, that's me with my iPhone up in the background... on the wrong side of the street. Photography rule #1: Good pictures begin by positioning yourself with the monuments/Capitol in the background.

Bella and her buddy Behr thought the elephants were awesome interesting... um, not really worth the trip.

But that's okay. We got a good laugh out of it.  And by the time the last miniature pony scampered through, we felt like we had seen all of the circus that we really needed to see.  I mean, elephants are cool and all, but the clowns that jumped and wheeled around behind them gave me the heebie jeebies.  Me and clowns, we've had a rough go at it throughout the course of my life.  We'll just leave it at that for now.

Anyways, happy nap dropping to us, and a happy Spring Break to all you out there!

My Little Bookworm

Hey Bella!  What are you doing hiding over there?

Oh, just reading.  All by myself.

Oh. Well then, how about playing with your friend who came all the way over here to see you?

Um, no thanks. I think I'll just climb up in this chair where I can't be bothered and read this good book.

Okay... well then, why don't we put on this tutu and practice our dance moves? 

Um, no thanks. I'll just sit right here and read.

While some parents might worry about such behavior, I think these first signs of a potential bookworm is a dream come true.  I love imagining this little girl curled up next a window completely lost in a classic girl's novel. 

So, read on, little Bella.  There are bigger and better books ahead!  And while we're at it, why don't we show the world what else you've been reading lately?

That's right. Rock on, little Bella.

Lovin' Birds & New Words

Favorite Bella memory of the week?  Feeding the birds down at the Capitol's reflecting pool.  The weather was cool enough for a sweater but sunny enough for Bella's sun hat.  Picture perfect!

This girl is in love with birds.  So in love in fact, that every now and again she'll share her Joe's Os with them. It's pretty hilarious to watch the look on her face as she determines whether to throw them to the birds or shove them in her mouth.  She's clearly a Mannina and doesn't really enjoy sharing her food. ;)

Most un-favorite memory of the week?  The post nap, clingy, whiny, temper tantrum.  It's here.  In my house.  Let's not spend time dwelling on it.

Yes, so moving on, Bella is picking up words right and left.  Get ready, because this girl's attempts at her own name are pretty funny:

I think she's just about got it!

And yes, our rocker is officially a jungle gym these days.

Happy Friday!

I Love Lucy & Girls in Tutus

I hope everyone had a fun Valentine's Day out there!  I've enjoyed hearing about all the fun things people did out there: from traditional dates, to "nerd themed" dinner dates, to heart shaped pizza dates, to fancy family dinners with the kids. Valentine's Day takes on many shapes and forms for people out there.

For Bella, it looked a little something like this:

That's right.  A play date with our man, Behr!  They had a romantic, candle-less picnic date with plastic sandwiches and huge, red forks.  

Mike and I actually celebrated on Monday night with a special trip to the Hill Country for real Texas BBQ (yes, we actually think that BBQ sauce dripping off our chins and elbows is romantic).  And then we threw off the whole Texas vibe by heading to Adams Morgan for coffee.  And just to let you in on a little secret, we actually celebrate our engagement anniversary the day before Valentine's Day.  Every year, we kind of feel like we steal Valentine's Day's thunder.  Take that, Cupid. :)

Celebrating early also freed us up to invite some college friends over for dessert and "I Love Lucy" episodes on Valentine's Night.  No joke, more guys showed up than girls.

Must have been the chocolate cake.  And yes, those are our wedding napkins.  How many of you out there are still trying to get rid of those things?

One more quick sidenote: thank you for bearing with me I while I have way too much fun applying all sorts of funny filters to my pictures.  Instead of flowers, Mike got me my first iPhone for Valentine's!!  I'm currently in iPhone app wonderland and loving it!

Finally, to complete our Valentine's Day news, Nana sent us a little tutu so we could get our twirl on.  I think all our practicing has paid off.  Check it out!

So there's our report.  Lots of love going on in this house the past few days.  And as I've celebrated all my various relationships-- Mike, Bella, extended family, and various friends-- I keep coming back to how grateful I am for the love I've been given in Christ.  He basically makes these holidays possible for fallen people like me.  

What great reason He has given us to love!

Cozy Coupe Love

Does everyone know what a Cozy Coupe is?  They generally look a little something like this:

Except without the face.  Must be a new thing since Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater made their debut.

Well, one faceless and very special Cozy Coupe found it's way to our local playground during late summer this past year.  It arrived looking all shiny and lightly used, and Bella immediately fell in love with him.  Cozy Coupe arrived right around the time she gained an interest in walking, and so she loved using him as a walker.  She would spend her whole time at the playground pushing him in circles around the other kids and toys.  And if another kid jumped in, she would just push harder and give that kid a ride.  She couldn't get enough of him, and the playground experience was not complete unless she had an encounter with Cozy Coupe.

Cozy Coupe back in his prime.

But months have since passed, and many a child has loved him, driven him, kicked him, fought over him, crashed him into a tree, and knocked him over trying to dump their little sister out of him.  Yes, I've witnessed all these things.  He's aged quickly, Ol' Cozy. And I'm sure at this point in his life, his hair- if he still has any- is gray and wiry.  His eyes are worn and googly from all the tumbles. He's not mentally stable.  And for this reason, I've stopped encouraging my child to play with Ol' Cozy.  In fact, I'm just waiting for the day when we show up at the playground and witness him being hauled off by the city.

I mean, just look at him:

His door fell off months ago.  There's a crack in the seat from that big kid that tried to sit in him.  The awning is held up by one shaky support.  The gas cap is missing.  And his front, left wheel... well...

... the tree stump got him.  It got him bad.

So yes, I confess that in more recent days, I've done my best to help Bella avoid Ol' Cozy.  Upon arrival at the playground, I've put her down to play as far away from him as possible. I've hid him behind trees to no avail.  I've even encouraged other kids to give him a try so I can have a legitimate reason to tell Bella "no".  I know.  I've been mean and manipulative.

But Ol' Cozy isn't going away.  Every time we visit the playground, kids continue to fight over who gets to sit in his broken seat.  Kids still jump at the opportunity to pretend they're driving him, because you see, he doesn't move anymore.  He just sits there.  Sometimes he squeaks out a scoot or two for old time's sake, but really, he's had it.  He's done.

And still, sweet Bella remains faithful to Ol' Cozy.  I'll never understand why she looks past all the awesome toys on the playground and b-lines it to him... every single time.  She loves him, mental instability and all.  And truth be told, my child has helped me find a place in my heart for this beaten down friend.  I'm sure it won't be the only time my child causes me to see life a little differently.  

Ol' Cozy, you've been good to us.  You and I may think you're on your last leg, but you're not.  These kids will love you until you magically sprout an engine and speed off to bigger and better things.

Because that still happens to all the extra loved toys.  Right?

Playing with Cow Patties, Spaghetti, & Fire

Here's the latest collection of happenings from our world:

Last weekend, we gladly accepted an invitation from some of our dear friends to do one of our most favorite things... escape from the city to wonderful, rural Virginia!  Bella loved it.

See?

No really.  She loved it.

I think she and that cow are channeling the same sentiment: "Get me out of this cold, cow patty minefield." 

Okay, so Spring can't get here fast enough for this girl.  Back to our warm, little nook in the world...

So, I've got this new strategy when it comes to spaghetti: 

Spaghetti in the nude!  It's working out great for everyone involved... um, everyone being just Bella.

 And there's that smile we've been looking for!

 Also, new at the dinner table this week:  Bella's adopted a love for blowing out candles.

They don't even have to be lit, and she practices all the same. That equals extra peace of mind for me.

Daddy's coaching her for her next birthday.  

I hope you're able to enjoy the simpler things in life this week.  

From farm to tea table, it's pinkies up from our world!

Happy Soup Sunday!

This Sunday, I hope you find yourself full of gratitude for every promise fulfilled in His Son and for his crowning grace:

"My heart is filled with thankfulness to Him who walks beside

Who floods my weaknesses with strength and causes fears to fly;

Whose ev'ry promise is enough for ev'ry step I take;

Sustaining me with arms of love, and crowning me with grace."

-My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness, Getty and Townend

In the Recording Studio!

 

 Guess who's hanging out in a real recording studio these days?

Yep!  Your's truly!  I know.  I can't believe it either.  Over the coming year, a dear friend in my church is putting together a wonderful church curriculum for kids, as well as a parent/child devotional that includes songs.  I could not be more excited or humbled to be a part of it!

Today was our very first day of recording, and while I am happy to report that we feel really good about what we completed, we still have a good number of sessions to go.  So I'll keep you updated along the way... you know, on all the ins and outs of being a recording artist. ;)  It should be a fun ride, and we're praying this project bears much eternal fruit in some sweet, little lives for many years to come.

I also promise that I'll keep you posted as resources become available for all you parents out there. And finally, I promise that before all our recordings are done, I will get a picture of me belting out some crazy Mariah Carey note... because then I can check that off my bucket list.

In the meantime, how great is this?

There's a sign above that reads, "Please remain seated for the entire performance."  

Never thought I would have a favorite toilet... but here it is!

Oh, and look who else likes to sing these days:

She'll be in a studio before we know it!

Happy Friday from our world to yours! 

(And yes, Bella is actually saying "Cheeeze!" for this picture.  Love it!  Love her.)

Lost in Translation & Loving It

So, Bella has started talking.  Sure, she says things like "up" and "hi" and "cheeeeese(?)", but when I say she has started talking, what I mean is that she has this language that only she knows, and she's serious about it.  This language- which is a mix between cute and crazy and just plain loud- has taken over our household.  It has taken over our dinners, our Bible study group (who gave it their best shot at talking over her last night), and yes, even nap time:

So, what do you think she's saying?

I just love how her best shot at "boo!" sounds like a mouth explosion.  Oh, and her hair... naps do such a wonderful number on that head full of hair.

I find I'm smiling and laughing more in these days of parenting.  It just keeps getting better and better.

A Special Trip to the Mailbox

The Manninas are in love with the month of December!  Especially this year...

Last year, we had a one month old baby and were behind on everything.  This year, the decorations were up the weekend after Thanksgiving, and our Christmas cards had already been picked out and ordered.  I'm so tempted to pat myself on the back when I think about such accomplishments.  But let me tell you, after last year's experience, I have learned that "being ahead of the game" is a gift from God.  Well actually, it's all a gift from God.  Last year, we were constantly playing catch up, but I also have memories of feeding a newborn at 2 AM by the light of our Christmas tree.  What a wonderful gift that was!

So whether behind or ahead of the game this season, I hope you, too, are experiencing the gift that this season is and represents.  While Mike and I are having great discussions about what it will mean for us to center our thoughts and family activities on Christ's coming both this year and in years to come, we are also loving the simpler gifts of the season.

Saturday, I hosted a table and sang a Christmas tune or two at our church's annual Christmas Tea.  It is such a wonderful time for fellowship and for hearing the gospel message.

[Insert pictures here that I forgot to take.  Boo.]

Monday night, I had my Bible Study over for cookie decorating.  I actually attempted homemade cookie dough & icing, and it turned out great!

I've so loved getting to know these sweet faces this past semester.

And last night, we put the final touches on a batch of Christmas cards.  Mike and I have so enjoyed sitting at our table and talking about our family and friends as we address each envelope- complete with sweet treats and Christmas music, of course.  It is such a tangible reminder of the gift God has given us in our family and friends over the course of our lives.

And guess who walked our cards to the mailbox??

Impressive, especially considering that I bought her "Ronald McDonald size" shoes that she will have to grow in to.  Oops! :)

My Apple Pickin' Adventure

Guess what I got to do yesterday?

Pick me some apples.  It was awesome.

Mommy and Daddy dwove us out to this place with lots of twees, and lo and behold, there was weal apples growin' on them!

We even got to take some of our best fwiends... like "Uncle" Danny.  It's so cool to have other people who wuv hanging out with me.

See?!  I'm a master picker... and eater.  Well, I twied, but Mommy's going to have to make me some applesauce so my gums can handle all this goodness.

She also loves making this wecipe during apple pickin' season.  It's the perfect breakfast with a dowup of yogurt or the perfect dessert with a wittle homemade whip cweam:

Cran-Apple Crisp:

Filling:

8-10 apples, cored and sliced (I tend to leave the peels on)

1/4 cup honey (approximate)

1-2 tablespoon(s) all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon (or more) ground cinnamon

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon lemon juice (not needed if you use craisens or cranberries)

1 cup craisens or cranberries - optional; if you use cranberries, add a little more honey

dash of salt

Topping:

1 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup wheat germ

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degree C).

Place the sliced apples in a 9x13 inch pan. Mix the honey, 1 tablespoon flour, lemon juice, craisen/cranberries and ground cinnamon together, and sprinkle over apples. Pour water evenly over all.

Combine the topping ingredients (oats, flour, wheat, brown sugar and softened butter). Crumble evenly over the apple mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 45-60 minutes.

What's your favorite apple recipe??

Anniversary Tea for Two!

Yesterday, Mike and I celebrated TWO years of marriage.  Yay!  We made it!  As my mom and a few others said, "It's only been two years?"  I know.  A lot has happened to us in two years.  

All the more reason to celebrate!

Mike began the day by waking me up with Georgia and Texas biscuits served on a "WE are special today" red plate.  Ha!  Georgia suffered from some Texas pride before I took this picture. :)

Bella celebrated by asking for "more" cheerios.  She's getting really good at her sign language.  But she kind of asks for more of everything.  More food, more toys, more of me, etc.  I think I've created a monster.

After breakfast, she proceeded to perform a knife show for us in the dishwasher.  Come to find out you don't get to take a break from parenting on your anniversary.

Then, Mike was all romantic and left me this note as he rushed to his busy Monday.  Tea for two?!  At the Mayflower?! Yes, please!

A tea party anniversary, complete with champagne!  Mike really has come so far in only two years. I think mountains are in our future for next year. (Sorry, even the fanciest of waiters always take fuzzy pictures.)

But may I just point out that Mike loved the clotted cream?

Mike brought pictures from the last two years to our tea, and we had so much fun going over all the Lord has done in such a short time.  It's such a great thing to step back and take a look at the big picture in a marriage.  Remembering God's specific faithfulness to us left us encouraged and looking forward to the years ahead.

But then, our coach turned in to a pumpkin.

Or perhaps I should say that our child turned in to a gremlin.  A special thanks to our dear friend Jennifer for helping us celebrate!

It's been a wonderful two years full of love and trials and joy and new life!  So much of our conversation these past few days has revolved around all the friends and family that made our wedding and these last two years of marriage and parenting a real success.  We are so thankful and truly indebted to you all.  

Let the fun continue!

Oh wait!  Just one more very important thing about today.  A special Happy Birthday to my mother in law, Gigi!

I love celebrating you right around our anniversary because you gave me such a wonderful husband in your son.  So thankful for your life and how it blesses our marriage.  Happy Birthday!!