An Amazing 18 Months

Where in the world has the time gone?!

My little girl turned 18 months this past week.

18 mos

Hard to get an 18-month-old to pose...

18 months.

1.5 years

Wow.  Time sure does fly.

(Cue cheesy, sad remarks.)

Birth

I knew parenthood would be quiet the 'adventure', but no one could have explained to me how amazing it is to have a child.  I am so completely blessed to be the mother of such a smart, beautiful, joyful little girl. And blessed to have an amazing husband and partner on this journey.

Don't get me wrong, we have our days here at the Whitesell household.

Hannah is at that phase where the only way she knows how to express herself is to launch her cup across the room or throw her crayon at my face when I tell her she can only color ON the paper. And it is easy to get frustrated and mad, but then I remember that she doesn't know how else to tell me she is done eating and doesn't understand that you don't color on the carpet.  I love watching her learn knew things and express her personality.

(just waiting for a crayons on the wall incident....)

And the good days far outnumber the bad. I mean FAR outnumber.

She stacked those all herself!

Double-fisting the waters.

The time spent reading countless books, playing Tickle Time, having dance parties and talking rides in the wagon are so great. Amazing how your idea of fun changes after you have kids. Hannah is really getting into 'coloring' (aka scribbling) - what is more relaxing then coloring?! 

And you should see her dance the moment the music turns on! I need to figure out how to put my videos online. You are seriously missing out on some total cuteness!

Loving on Violet

Each day I spend with this kid, I learn something new. About her. About myself. About the world.

And life couldn't get any better.

Happy 1/2 Birthday Boo!

Love, Mom

Facebook Withdrawal: I just want to tell the world what I'm thinking!

So it's been just over a week since I took the plunge and gave up Facebook for Lent.

I am not going to lie, I've been missing it. 

It hasn't really been that hard, but I definitely wish I could log in. I need my FB fix.

I actually had to log in twice - once to reply to someone about a Relay For Life question.  And another to respond to a message about a fundraiser for a friend with breast cancer. 

Both valid reasons. Both great temptations.

And I am not going to lie - I skimmed that screen shot of the news feed closely.

I didn't scroll, but I was tempted. ;)

This past week, when we've taken a great picture of Hannah or I had one of those this-is-the-greatest-thing-I've-ever-seen-moments, I've longed to type some words in that cute little 'status' bar.

So...one week down.  Five to go.

Bring it.

-M

Life without Facebook?

Facebook. 

Seems like that little 'F' icon is everywhere these days.

I don't think I remember what life was like without Facebook.

I signed up back in college because I was headed to study abroad in Spain, and thought it would be a great way to keep in touch with friends back home and friends I was making overseas.

And I did exactly that. It's a great way to keep in touch with your friends and family. But I didnt' spend much time on it back then.

And then they introduced the News Feed.....

At first everyone hated it.  But then, people realized it was an easy way to stalk your friends and see what they are doing every day.

Admit it, you do the same thing. I admit it fully.

I LOVE the News Feed.

It's addicting. 

I can't get enough.

So why am I talking about Facebook? 

Well, my blogging friends, I am giving up Facebook for Lent this year.

Gasp! Did she just say she was giving up FB!

Yes, I am giving up the world of social networking for the next six weeks.

Might be an unusual thing to give up, but when I started thinking about what to give up this year, it just seemed logical.  I spend entirely way too much time on there - patroling the news feed and checking out my friends' latest statuse updates and photos. Time that could be spent keeping up my household (have you noticed I am totally slacking on Toni's weekly challenge?), spending time with my family, and dedicating time to God.

So, I have challenged myself to stay off of FB for the next six weeks and devote that time to something meaningful.

Who knows, I might have so much free time I won't know what to do with myself? :) 

Not likely.

I'll try and frequently update my blog with my progress! Wish me luck!

What about you - what are you giving up for Lent? 

Or if you don't practice that, what are your thoughts on giving up Facebook? Would it be difficult for you? I'd love to hear from you!

-M