Reflections of a Southern Belle

Baby Boy Has Teeth

2013-02-12T07:01:00.001-05:00

So this post is extremely overdue since his teeth actually came in on January 18th HOWEVER, he is super sneaky and refuses to let you take pictures of his chompers... until he smiles. I caught these adorable shots while sitting at my desk. He is such a happy kid.

Antler Spray, Calf Blood & Catfish

2013-01-30T21:41:00.001-05:00

What happened to sports heros? You know, the guys and gals who kids can look up to, strive to be like, mirror their play and practice after? Where did they go, or at least why don't we hear all about them?

Today the ESPN talking heads chant about those who admits to using performance enhancing drugs, those who lie about using the boosters and one idiot who was "catfished" (liar). It is heartbreaking that these morons and thugs are what our kids are shown as folks to look up to. Really? I don't want my son looking up to someone who was once involved with a murder and who uses banned substances, no matter how great he plays football. I don't want him looking up to a cyclist who sues people for accusing him of using 'roids when he actually was. And I REALLY don't want my son looking up to someone who is either a part of a huge scheme OR is just an idiot.

Am I wrong that I want MY son to strive for more? To strive for something so much greater than any of these low lives could ever achieve? No. I'm a mom who wants the best for my son - especially his heros. I want people my son can look up to for guidance and structure, for greatness and so much more.

Sadly the mediocrity of today's society calls for kids to excel but lie and cheat while they do it. Not my kid. No way. I'm setting his standards higher than you Ray Lewis. His goals bigger than you Lance Armstrong. His smarts years ahead of you Manti Teo. You three are today's news but there are others... There are so many others.

It's time kids AND adults learn to ask more of their heros and sports "idols". What are you asking for?

Let's play ball Mom

2013-01-29T19:04:00.001-05:00

Although I'm slammed with design projects (a great problem to have), I do enjoy my play breaks with little man. Not a lot to report, just some fun pictures to browse. Enjoy!

Dedicating Wyatt

2013-01-28T06:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we celebrated our little gift from above with his dedication at church. Our family gathered with us for the occasion along with Wyatt's Godparents. Such a meaningful time making a promise to God, to Wyatt, to our families and to our church that we would raise Wyatt in a loving, Christ-centered home. Reflecting on it this morning gives me such a feeling of honor. What an awesome role Brandon and I play!

Here are some photos of the fun!

Brandon reading a portion of the letter we wrote to Wyatt on stage. He did GREAT!

Daddy & Wyatt

The Wallace Family

Wyatt's Godparents

The Hunt Family

Here come the teeth

2013-01-21T14:03:00.001-05:00

Exciting news out of the Hunt house - we have 2 new teeth coming through! The pearly whites broke through on Friday & have been the topic of many conversations since. (Who would've thought that chats of baby teeth would be so interesting to me...)

This kid is always fast to smile & now has something new to show off when he does. I hope he always has such a great attitude.

Sweet potatoes with a side of smiles

2013-01-15T10:14:00.001-05:00

Super mom here reporting that I finally attempted & successfully made baby food for little man! I don't know who was happier with the end result - him or me.

Brandon's sweet Memaw gave us some of her home grown sweet potatoes which neither of us eat. Wyatt, on the other hand, loves sweet potatoes. Instead of letting them go to waste I decided to bake them up, blend them soft & feed my ever growing boy. Success!

Even though baby food doesn't break the bank, I may give other items a go just for kicks & giggles. If you're interested, here is how I did it.

1. Take sweet potato(s) & poke holes into them with a fork. Wrap in aluminum foil.
2. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes. Let cool when finished baking.
3. Once cool, scoop sweet potato out of skins into a blender. I used my husband's favorite appliance - his Magic Bullet). Add water as needed to achieve proper consistency.
4. Store in containers & feed that baby!

Wyatt says this recipe rocks... See?

Oh how they grow: 5 Months

2013-01-13T17:23:00.002-05:00

I can't even believe that I'm sitting here writing this blog post - he is 5 months already? I feel like I just got home from the hospital with my 7lb bundle of joy. Now, he is 14lbs of spunk. We are so blessed.

I'm 5 Months Old Today!

Look at what I can do!

Hey!

Too cute.

Charlie gives too many kisses!

2013 Resolution Makeover

2013-01-11T10:06:00.001-05:00

I received the latest issue of HGTV Magazine in the mail a few days ago. (I know, be jealous or better yet, get your own subscription... It is my favorite!) the editor, Sara Peterson writes about how she always ends the year with unfulfilled / unreached resolutions. Sound familiar? Yeah, for me too. She then said her resolution for this year was to make more obtainable goals/resolutions that will help make her year & life better.

I love it. So stealing this idea.

Here it goes. My list for 2013. The things that I will put into place to make this year a great one. (Of course, they are in no special order.)

1. Coffee, latte & in between: I'm taking a stand. If I want a special coffee drink then I'm having one dang it! I get tired of the same ol' coffee with milk & sugar. This year I will learn how to make the Starbucks inspired drinks & enjoy cafe brews anytime I want. (I already made my first latte & know this was an excellent choice for my list. That drink was gooooood!)

2. Get up when the alarm goes off: No more snoozing for 9 minute intervals. When the alarm goes off I'm jumping (ok sliding) out of bed & starting my day! So far, so good. I'm 11 days in & going strong.

3. Turn off the phone: This one will be a doozie for me. In 2013 I pledge to put down, turn off, whatever my phone & focus on my family time in the evenings. No more "quick checks" of Facebook updates or Tweets, no last minute design emails or order filling. When it is family time, my work is put away & my husband & son are top priority.

4. It's time to grow: This year, I want to grow - personally, spiritually, financially. I want to build Inspired Marketing into a beautiful small company that people know & trust for their marketing, design, writing, & social media needs. I want to further my walk with God, developing habits He wants in my life. I want to breathe easy knowing my finances are in order & we are ok when the bills come in. I want to grow!

5. Inspire the world: Well, at least a small part of the world. I want to become an inspiration to someone this year. Whether it be through my superb parenting skills, (I' kidding, work in progress folks. But seriously? Who isn't.) my growing design business, my friendship, my stopping to help a stranger at the grocery store... Whatever! I just want to inspire someone to get up & do what makes them happy.

I think five is a nice starting point, don't you? The list can build as I master these items, but I don't want to overwhelm myself or set myself up for failure (like every year I say I'm going to exercise).

What are your goals for 2013? KISS (keep it simple stupid) - it makes for a much more successful & happy world!

Happy Friday,
Steph

Baby Prayers

2013-01-07T17:29:00.001-05:00

Today I don't have much to say, just a photo to share that I like to call "Baby Prayers". Enjoy readers.

Mom Photography

2013-01-06T14:57:00.000-05:00

I recently received a "new" (to me) SLR camera & have been busy snapping shots of my beautiful little family & home with it as I learn all the nobs & buttons. Here are a few that I love most. Enjoy!

Savin' Space

2013-01-03T19:05:00.001-05:00

Our house is officially kid-friendly as of today. The arrival of the Fisher Price Space Saver chair marks the final piece of the "items needed" puzzle. I've heard amazing reviews of this thing, but will hold out on my own until we use it a few times.

Let's EAT!

NYE Nap

2012-12-31T15:26:00.001-05:00

In preparation for tonight's festivities, it is nap time at the Hunt house. (According to Wyatt, there is no sleep better than on Daddy's shoulder.)

Happy New Year y'all!!

2012: A Year Full of Blessings

2012-12-30T19:53:00.001-05:00

Wow. The year is coming to a close. I cannot believe what amazing blessings 2012 has brought to our lives. This year we bought & house, enjoyed an awesome family vacation in Tybee, attended three beautiful family weddings (congrats Grant & Lauren, Jonathan & Madison, Logan & Chelsea), celebrated our two year anniversary, became an Uncle & an Aunt and most importantly, became the parents of a precious little boy named Wyatt Briggs. Such wonderful things.

This year we also celebrated the lives of Brandon's Pawpaw & my Grandaddy as they left us to enjoy eternity with our Lord. Although we miss them dearly, we know they continue to watch over us as we grow our little family.

Here are some pictures from our 2012. Wishing you & yours a BLESSED 2013!! Here is to new adventures, new opportunities & a new year!!

The "arteest"

2012-12-29T17:52:00.001-05:00

Wyatt has learned to "finger paint" with one of my iPhone apps. I think he may give Jackson Pollock a run for his money.

iKid

2012-12-28T20:53:00.001-05:00

I know the younger generations are always more technology equip but I never thought that my four month old son would surpass me so soon. Already he plays with his "Wyatt" apps, takes pictures of himself & today he even switched apps from the kiddie one to ESPN. Yep, that's my boy.

My guys

2012-12-28T20:50:00.001-05:00

My favorite Friday nights consist of couch time with these two fellas. Of course, you can see why...

The boy goes bananas

2012-12-26T18:25:00.001-05:00

Today we added another food to the boy's menu - bananas. Saying that he loves them may just be an understatement. After taking the spoon so he could feed himself (yes, he is just 4 months old) he decided he would lick the spilled drops of banana off his tray. I think we may have an eater ladies and gentlemen.

We wish you a Merry Christmas

2012-12-26T18:22:00.001-05:00

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, The Lord." ~Luke 2:10-11

Merry Christmas from our little family to yours. As I sit and think of the amazing year we have had, I feel incredibly lucky. From our new home in April to the birth of our angel on earth in August, our jobs, our friends and our family we couldn't have asked for a better 2012. Of course, at Christmas we reflect on the wonderful gift God gave to us that blessed day in Bethlehem, but this year I think of the gifts he fills our lives with every day. We couldn't ask for more - health, happiness & His love.

Our families joined in our celebrating yesterday where we opened too many gifts, ate too much food and had too much fun (if that is even possible). The love that filled our home yesterday was heart warming. A huge thank you to all who joined us - we love each of you and wouldn't have imagined Christmas without you.

Of course, I'm a mom now, so I will close with too many pictures of our beautiful family. Again, Merry Christmas. I wish love, prosperity & happiness to each & every one of you!

Hunt Family Christmas

2012-12-24T18:47:00.001-05:00

The Christmas fun continued today with the Hunt family. We enjoyed the company & the food. Mr Wyatt was spoiled beyond belief - got a horse, a sock monkey, a stacking toy, clothes, a puppy & this awesome ball/monkey thing that makes noise which he adores. Always a good time at the Indian village.

Wyatt enjoyed himself so much that he had to take an extra long nap with Memaw.

Wallace Family Christmas

2012-12-22T18:21:00.001-05:00

'Tis the season to be jolly & full... Very full. Today we kicked off our season of joy with the Wallace family. We gathered at our new house this year to eat & be merry. We do both of those very well.

Of course the family is well on its way spoiling the boy. He got new shoes, new jeans, a new vest and a firetruck to ride on. Of course that is only the gifts we opened today. There are more to come.

Such an awesome time, sharing Christmas meals with family, hearing stories of Christmases from generations past & just watching four generations of Wallaces be together. See? I told you the season was about being full... Full of food, full of love, full of hope, full of rejoicing. And for the first time, full of spoiling the boy.

Merry Christmas!

Let's Eat!

2012-12-21T13:20:00.001-05:00

The boy's adventures continue with his latest feat - beginning to eat solid foods. Being a good ol' southern gent from Georgia, we got his eating habits off to a home style start with peaches.

He likes them... I think. Or maybe he just likes to wear them.

{I hate to do this but I must... Please know that we are following our doctor's advice on when to start food. I do understand some parents have differing opinions & that's excellent. Together with our pediatrician we decided to give food a go - please honor our wishes as parents as we honor yours. Thanks!}

The boy is growing...

2012-12-13T13:13:00.000-05:00

Cannot believe my sweet little man is 4 months old. Tell me it ain't so! He is so vibrantly full of life, always has a smile on his face (unless he is hungry) and has such a contagious curiosity for life.

This kid will move mountains.

Best meal EVER

2012-11-14T13:37:00.001-05:00

Today's prompt is about the best meal I've ever cooked. This is a tough one because I like my cooking. A. LOT. I'm actually working on trimming down a bit so it has been a little difficult to chow down on everything I want. I do still enjoy my "waist friendly" cooking, but not as much as my best meal EVER!

Let's set the scene... Valentine's Day. Husband is on his way home from work and candles are lit. Wine is poured and the house (apartment at the time) is filled with amazing scents of roasting lamb, roasted tomatoes and Parmesan asparagus. Oh. My. Mercy. That meal was BY FAR the yummiest thing I've ever made!

Want to make it? Check out my post about it here.

Oh how they grow: 3 Months

2012-11-13T15:28:00.001-05:00

This kid is amazing...

Change Your Life

2012-11-12T13:39:00.000-05:00

The NaBloPoMo prompt of the day asks if I could change one thing about my life, what would it be. Although my life is FREAKIN' AMAZING, there is still one thing that I feel holds me back. Financial peace.

When I was in college I made poor financial decisions which have me sitting on some credit card debt that seems to weigh us down every month. I hate that I HAVE to work to pay this debt instead of being able to be a stay-at-home-mom for my little precious. One day...