To Charlie: A Letter to My Two Year Old

Photo by Little E Photography

 To my sweet Charlie, 

Our Little Chief, Turkey Leg, Chicken Nugget, Charlie Horse, Slick, and all the other names we come up with for you at the drop of a hat.

You are the biggest blessing to our family & you have changed so, so much in year two.

When people told me, before you were born, just how fast children grow I didn't know how true that statement would be-but it is so unbelievably true.

You learn something new each day; your colors, counting, letters, animal sounds, names of animals, types of machinery, tractors, and equipment. You can recite parts of books as we read them, which never ceases to impress me.

Your favorite book right now is Roadwork, with Jamberry being a close second.

I don't doubt that you'll know every single word to Roadwork within the next six months, you love it so, so much.

You are such a hand on the farm. We wake up each day, eat breakfast and then get ready to go farm. You're right beside me, checking cows & horses, feeding the calves, and all the other things that go along with farm life. You love every second of it. I know all too soon, I'll be the one tagging along with you and the thought of that makes me choke up just a little.

Your fearlessness is inspiring. As just a little guy, you climb fences and gates, you'll climb to the top of the cab of the pickup truck and just grin. And you can get yourself down too, you don't need anyone's help.

You will face down cows with nothing but a cow flag and your voice, "Get back cow!"

You are adventurous, independent, fierce, and brave.

Photo by Little E Photography

But you are also cuddly, snuggly, and love to pretend to be "tiny baby Charlie" and have me cradle you like I did when you were once that tiny. I soak up those moments because I know that just like the days when you were a tiny baby, the pretend moments will pass by too.

You love to climb up on my lap and us read together or watch "Hudson" on YouTube. In fact, that's pretty much the only TV you'll allow because you're just too busy for all that.

We are always brightened by your smile and happiness, although there are some fits had too (but you get those honest, on both sides of the family).

And most of all, we love the future we see in you.

How smart you are, we hope you love learning and are always interested in books and "figures" as you call them. I hope that you always look forward to exploring the world around you. I've seen you interested in reading, history, geography, and sciences already even at such a young age. I hope to always foster that love of learning in you.

Photo by Little E Photography

I love to watch you at the farm, how you already know things that people much older than you don't. You're passionate about equipment and learning the proper names for things, you want to learn how to drive them and how they work. You are learning how to care for the animals and are so kind and gentle with them.

Who knows, maybe that will be the career path you choose one day?

Your daddy & I pray that you will always be hardworking, honest, kind, and generous. We want you to be the kind of man that inspires those values in others. We hope that you always choose to help others that need a hand. We want to encourage you to press forward and be a leader, to choose the right path-not just the easiest path. We love your heart and how you are compassionate and caring and hope you always retain those traits.

We hope that you know no matter what path you choose in life, you'll always have us cheering you on. We'll always be there to offer sound advice and encouragement.

You're our son & we can't wait to watch the boy and then the man that you will become.

We love you so much, Charlie Man!

Happy second birthday!

Father's Day Gift Guide: 2020

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Y'all, these are some wild times that we are living in!

I kind of dropped off the face of the blogging world in March, but to be honest I didn't quite know what to share here. 2020 just keeps throwing punches at us, doesn't it?

I'm thankful to still be pushing through & finding solace on our farm, working together daily as a family and keeping our routines despite the madness that's going on around us.

Today is all about the upcoming celebration of the men in our lives; not only our actual father's, but I think father's day is a great day to thank any influential man in your life-grandfathers, uncles, mentors, etc.

I'm also sure that if the men in your life are anything like the men in mine, then they don't actually need or want a single thing...but ima get them something anyway, right?! 😂

Here are a couple of ideas that I found and gathered up for you. . .

Hopped Up Coffee

You've probably heard of a stout with coffee notes in it, but I had never heard of coffee with beer notes in it before this one! It comes in a few different flavors and would be a great gift for the coffee drinker in your life.

Urban Map Glass

There are tons of different cities available in these rocks glasses, so it would be fun to start a collection for cities he has visited or buy him a set for the city he loves or the one he lives in.

Nomad Rugged Case for EarPods

It seems like everyone & their mom (or in this case, dad) has AirPods now and with such an investment, you want to make sure they have a case...even better to have a personalized case so they don't get confused with anyone else's.

Citizen Stainless Steel Watch

This beautiful black, stainless steel watch will make sure Dad is never late again. Or if he is, at least he'll be fashionably late.

Stainless Steel Ice Cubes

If he's tired of his drink getting watered down, these stainless steel ice cubes are a must.

Toss them in the freezer, throw them in your glass with your favorite drink and never worry about ice watering down your beverage again.

The MeatEater: Fish & Game Cookbook

If you have a hunter or fisherman in your life, this cookbook is a must to keep them out of their cooking ruts. It has beautiful illustrations in it as well!

Anker Soundcore Portable BlueTooth Speaker

Everybody needs a good portable speaker for summertime, weather you are at the pool, the lake, down by the grill, or working in the garage, this speaker will keep the music rolling loud and clear.

Smoked Bacon Salt
I have heard so many people rave about bacon salt & think it would be a great gift idea for any guy in your life that likes to cook! This is great to season all types of meat as well as for rimming bloody mary glasses, too.
Yootech Wireless Charging Pad
If he has wireless charging compatible AirPods or an iPhone, do yourself a favor and pick him up this affordable wireless charging pad!
I have this and love it because I don't have to worry about those crappy iPhone charging cords anymore, I just lay my phone down at night and it charges-easy peasy.
Personalized Baseball Leather Travel Pouch
I'm a big fan of giving dopp kits as gifts because every guy needs one & not every guy has one.
This is such a great place to corral all of those travel sized products and then he can just grab it and be ready for a trip at a moment's notice!
This particular bag can be personalized with his monogram and is made from the same leather that is used to make baseball gloves.
Dog Blueprint
If any of the guys in your life are as obsessed with their dogs as I am with mine, then they need this blueprint for their office for sure.
This comes in tons of different dog breeds and is beautifully crafted & framed.
Yeti LoadOut GoBox 30
This waterproof & dustproof box isn't your average Yeti cooler.
It's not a cooler at all, but a storage box which would be great for any of your outdoorsmen!

I hope this was helpful & you're able to treat all the men in your lives to a little something nice to show your appreciation.

Until next time. . .
xoxo,

7 Books You Should Read This Spring

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Hey friends!

It's crazy to think that I haven't been in this space since the beginning of March, but the world has been in such a different place I honestly wasn't sure what to share. When this all started, I didn't want to push products because honestly, who has the money to spend recklessly right now. But as I feel like we are on a upward trend (although nowhere near out of the woods yet), I would like to come back to this corner of the internet and start sharing things with y'all again!

My last book post was back in October & I've been dying to share with y'all the books that I have read over the past few months-there have been so many good ones, so let's jump in. 

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels

This book was a loaner from my mom & sister, but as a huge Pioneer Woman fan I just had to read it!

Ree is an awesome writer, she's able to capture the reader and really make you feel like a friend.

This book is all about her journey of meeting her husband & all the mishaps that led to their beautiful relationship. It left me wanting a second book really badly!

If you're a fan of hers at all (or just love funny romance books) you should pick this one up. If they have it as an audiobook, I think it would be a good listen.

A Woman's Place

I am always a proponent of picking out books at the thrift store by their name & covers, because when I'm only paying $1 for a book, I'm willing to take a chance.

This was a chance well taken!

It's about four women during WWII and the story is told from each of their points of view which makes for a captivating read.

I loved that this book covered all types of women & how they were able to help the war effort & in turn, how the war changed them in different ways. It was a powerful novel that I really enjoyed and think lots of women should read!

The Lost Lieutenant

Another historical novel, this one is a story about ex-soldier Evan, who through a heroic act finds the favor of the Prince Regent & is given his god-daughter, Diana in marriage as well as a massive estate (& her massive inheritance). Though Diana has been mistreated by her father & brother her entire life, she is able to find the good in this arrangement & in her husband.

It's got suspense, drama, murder, and beautiful imagery (which is a must for me!) and I think there is going to be a second book, which I cannot wait to read.

If you love English history, this one is a must read...heck, if you just enjoy a good slightly suspenseful romance, you should read it!

If you're interested in winning a copy of this book for yourself, you can find a giveaway for it here:

Nights in Rodanthe

Classic, classic Nicholas Sparks-but I found a copy at the thrift store a while back and had to pick it up because I had never actually read it!

It was a very quick read and left me in tears, which all Nicholas Sparks books do, but in the best way possible.

This is a book with characters that makes you think twice about your parents and their private lives...and how we think about them.

The Perfect Couple

I absolutely love Elin Hilderbrand, she's right up there beside Sparks as my favorite novelist. Her books are interesting and some of them suspenseful.

This one in particular kept me guessing right up until the end which I always enjoy and the setting of Nantucket is always a favorite.

This book takes place at a Nantucket estate where a large wedding is set to take place, however the morning of the wedding-someone is found dead at the estate, which obviously sets off a chain of events that unravel throughout the course of the book.

It's a good one that is told through several different characters point of views-which I always enjoy!

Heart of the Matter

I have read a few of Emily Giffin's books before and they are always really, really good-I should read them more often! But this one had a really nice cover and it sucked me in at the thrift store so I was glad that I didn't pass it up! In fact, after going through so many of these books that I picked up thrifting...I wish I could go now!

Anywho, this book takes place between two different women, who through a terrible accident both end up having access (and eventually relationships) with one man...and that man is married to one of the women.

I have to admit, it was a little hard to read because infidelity is tough for me. I hated how one character was rationalizing it and I honestly hated how easy it seemed for the husband to live two lives. But, I will say that the ending seemed to leave something to be desired, it left me wishing for a sequel that will probably never come.

Winter in Paradise

Another excellent, excellent Elin Hilderbrand novel!

This one is about a wife & mother who's world completely goes topsy-turvy when she receives a phone call that her husband was in an accident...and wasn't where he said he would be for work.

She and her two sons have to voyage from Iowa City to St. John to unfurl their husband & father's secret life that he had been hiding for years.

There is a sequel to this coming out in September and I'm dying to get my hands on it already-I love the beautiful imagery of the islands and I absolutely love the side storylines that have formed and can't wait to see where she takes the second book, very exciting!

I hope that y'all are able to scroll through these short reviews & find a book that sparks your fancy, because this is an excellent time to settle down, cuddle up, and read a new book since we're spending a lot of time at home.

I do have one suggestion since we're unable to go to thrift stores right now; if you click on any of those links above it will take you to the Amazon shop page for those books. There are always used options on Amazon & sometimes for 75% off or more! Definitely check those out if you're thinking of purchasing :)

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Ten on Tuesday [No.65]

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Y'all, we are finally into March & I honestly just feel like this year is going to snowball from this point forward and we'll be into Summertime and then Fall and Christmastime will be here before we even know what happens-time just flies as you get older!
There are so many good things I want to share with you in this roundup, so let's jump right on in.
ONE

A moment I've waited a long, long time for finally arrived last month. . .

Charlie's first ride!

The video is only 21 seconds long and it's so sweet, I recommend listening with the volume on.

Charlie has technically been on a horse before, but never really by himself like this and never ridden around. He was just thrilled and since then, every time we're at my parents (where I currently keep my horses) he wants to go see the horses and pet them and really, really wants to ride again.
Living. The. Dream. Y'all!

TWO

Our little family got to have a mini getaway a few weekends ago to Mobile for the Alabama Young Farmers Conference and it was just so much fun!

This was the second year we were able to have Charlie there & taking him along and making those memories is just so special to us-we love raising him around the Farmer's Federation events.

 Of course we stopped at Priester's along the way!

 Former Auburn Coach Tommy Tuberville is the Farmer's Federation FARMPAC endorsed candidate, so we snapped a quick picture alongside him at the conference. He's a really cool guy that we're glad we have gotten the opportunity to know better and to support for AL senate.

 Riverfront rooms are just the BEST!
Also peep his cute propped up foot-I just could cuddle him forever, y'all!

We loved the family time, of course, but we also were so thankful to get together with some of our friends that we only see at Federation events, meet new friends, tour some really interesting agricultural operations, and network with other people in our field that have the same heartbreaks and successes that we have!

THREE

I love to watch Jenna & Hoda on tv in the mornings when I can, they just have such a cute dynamic and I love so many of the stories they share on their show.

One of my most recent favorites is when they shared the Instagram account Accidental Icon.

She is a beautiful, older woman who used to be a college professor & was once accidentally mistaken as a model and the paparazzi began photographing her.

After that happened she started her website/instagram and became a true Icon!

She is beautiful and such an inspiration!

FOUR

Alabama's weather has been so strange lately, with cold snaps & then super warm temps, plus all the rain that we have had to contend with. I'm not complaining about the warmer weather though because we have gotten to enjoy some time outside playing without having to be bundled up.
We've even had some flowers blooming & lots of growth in the hayfields so we are loving it!
P.S. Doesn't Charlie look like such a big boy in the pic above?!

FIVE

Another fun thing we got to take Charlie to do last month was the trade show at the Alabama Cattlemen's Convention!
There we were able to network and visit with our friends from all over the state, but Charlie also just had a complete ball playing on the John Deere equipment and horsing around with the chutes and panels.

SIX

We took Charlie to the zoo a few weekends ago (& also to the state capital which was so fun!) and y'all, he enjoyed it SO much.
The tiger was his (& my) favorite, and since we went on a Sunday there was no one there. We were able to sit and just watch the tiger for the longest time, Charlie didn't want to leave him!

SEVEN

This was technically Charlie's second time to the polls to vote with us, but this time he was big enough to get a sticker. We love sharing the democratic process with him and teaching him how important it is to have a voice in politics!

EIGHT

There has been lots of horse activity going on around here because the weather is getting a little bit better & Charlie is getting old enough now to really enjoy them, so I've been able to get back to it a little bit more.
I even jumped on Willow the other day after Charlie's ride. I was so sore for the next few days 😂 but it was worth it!

NINE

Charlie has had tons of farm fun lately; from splashing in puddles to climbing up on the back of my truck (with help, of course!)

TEN
Just had to do a quick photo-dump of some of the cutest pics of Charlie since my last Ten on Tuesday post!

Sitting on the toolbox like a teenage guy.

Waiting on a bale of hay while Daddy changes a tire...also War Eagle!

And then sitting in the cotton seed while all of his friends eat it 🐮

He's already trying to fill his Daddy's boots-slow down, sweet boy!

Until next time. . .
xoxo,