Cool Tag from Katie!

Katie McCrary tagged me with this fun (and a little challenging) tag so, here goes......

Hobby I have that no one really knows about: OK, my family probably knows about this one but I absolutely LOVE puzzle books. I don't get near as much time as I used to to do them now that Baby Caris is here, but I still enjoy sitting down with a Dr. Pepper, some chocolate and a good "brain bender" book. I know, I'm SUCH a nerd!!

Best bargain in my pantry at the moment: Well, they probably aren't really a "bargain" per se, but we MUST have these in the house if there is to be ANY peace from the little red-head. She LOVES these things. I am ashamed to say that some nights I just give in and these are all she eats for dinner. Some nights I just don't have it in me to "do the right thing" nutritionally speaking.


Place I blog from: Well, I'm not lucky like some people are to have a "home office" so I make the best of it and use the kitchen table. We never eat at it anyway because either Patton or myself has to feed Caris while the other one eats. The "feeder" gets their turn after Baby Caris is satisfied. Hopefully, this will change as she gets older because I think it is really important to have quality "family" time in the evenings at dinner. Please excuse the mess!!

A tool my husband uses everyday in his job: Patton is a realtor here in Columbus, so he is ALWAYS on his phone. I am not exaggerating here, as anyone who passes him driving down the road can testify. This thing should be surgically attached to his ear! I can't really complain too much because these massive amounts of phone calls DO pay the bills. I love you, Boo! You are hands-down the best realtor I know!! Seriously, if any of you need help in this area, please give him a call! He will do an OUTSTANDING job!
Best toy my child has: She's just beginning to walk in spurts by herself, so she doesn't play with this as much as she used to. However, Caris loved this when she first got it. It was a real improvement over the box of Huggies she used to push around the floor!


A tool I use in my job: I am a CPA and the Controller at TrimJoist Corporation in Columbus, so obviously I am VERY attached to my calculator. My laptop is also a complete necessity.


My marriage anthem: I am not as "technically savvy" as most of the people who blog so I can't figure out how to post the video of the song. Anyway, my anthem is Sade's "By Your Side" and it is THE song that puts into words how I feel about Patton. If you've never heard it and want to listen, it is in my playlist at the bottom of the page!

An inspiration to my marriage: Watching my husband interacting with our daughter. Those are the sweetest, most sacred moments of my life. Those moments push me to be the best wife and mother that I can be.

Wow, like I said this tag wasn't as easy as most! It was fun, though. Now I tag Celeste and Heather!

Letters to Caris (9 Months)

Well, my girl, I have gotten behind on my monthly letters to you and for that I apologize. Let me see, where has the time gone? You are such a busy little wonder. You are walking now and it is so fun to watch! You aren't a pro yet, but you are getting better by the day. (Your room at daycare is aptly named the "Wobbler" room!) You are getting more and more verbal. Trust me, I wish we could understand what you are trying to say as much as it seems like you wish we could. You recently had your first ear infection which interrupted your most glorious accomplishment of sleeping through the night. No worries, though; I think we've cleared up the infection and you've slept through from 9:30 until 6:00 the last two nights. (Gee, I hope I didn't just jinx it!!) You are eating just about everything we put in front of you especially french fries, banana pudding and Goldfish crackers. That flows nicely into my next factoid - you are now in 12 month clothes! You have 4 1/2 teeth; 2 on bottom and 2 1/2 on top. Your hair is FINALLY long enough to put in 1 small ponytail on top of your little head. It is absolutely THE cutest thing ever! You look just like Pebbles from the Flintstones! It's awesome! You can say "Da-Da", "Uh-Oh" and you are really fond of making a "Ttt" sound. Those are all of the stats that I can think of at the moment, so on to the mushy stuff.....
You are a constant amazement to me. I have learned and continue to learn so much because of you. You make me strive to be such a better person because I want to be an example of what I hope you will become. I am constantly aware that you are watching my every move and each word I say and move I make will shape you. It is terrifying and wonderful. I truly believe that you are a gift from God.
Hugs & Kisses,
Mom