Princesses and a Birthday

This weekend we got to spend time with some of our good friends. They live about half an hour away, and are in the first trimester of expecting twins (so exciting!!), so we haven't seen them as much lately. We are so glad that despite the distance and not feeling well, they came to visit. There is always alot of fun and laughter when we get together, and our kids and their daughter Quinci love playing together. Q loves to play dress up, so it wasn't long until the girls were transformed into little princesses. As soon as they had their chosen outfits on, Q requested that I take their picture. Here are the princess friends...

Collin even got into the dress up fun. I didn't get any pictures of him, but he thought he was pretty cute with a princess hat and veil. I guess we should invest in a pirate costume or something. I just love seeing kids being imaginative and not so self-conscious as adults.

Today is Dave's dad's birthday, and we wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday! We are so excited that we will be able to see him soon! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful father-in-law! He is such a smart man who always has amazing insight into situations and other people, and I appreciate his perspective. He is one of the least judgemental people I know. He is an amazing dad to his kids and he is a fun grandpa to our kids. Hope he has an extra good day today!!

Good Thing They're So Cute

Little Man has been getting into EVERYTHING lately! He is quite a curious little guy, and it seems like everytime I try to get anything done around the house, he has created a new little mess for me to clean up. I'll admit, one of today's messes was in part my fault. I gave him a little container of yogurt for breakfast and hoped he would be able to feed himself a bit, while I attended to the huge pile of dishes that had been accumulating in the sink. Within seconds, I realized that my little break to do dishes had cost me some extra laundry, a bath, and some extra cleaning. Here's how I found Little C:

By the time he was done with the yogurt (OK, by the time I was done with it), he had it up both arms, all over his shirt and shorts, and in specks all over the floor, wall, and the blinds. Our little princess tries to alert us to his messes, but meanwhile she has often created a few of her own. I have been trying to teach her that although I appreciate her trying to help clean up her spilled (insert messy food here) by smearing it around on the table with her spoon, it would really be better to just wait until I can wipe up the little blob of food. Seriously, she's got some skills, because I still can't figure out how exactly she can make one drop of applesauce go far enough to "paint" half of the table. But I have to agree with my mom. She says God gave me two extra cute kids, because they would need that to keep me from getting so upset at the things they do. I mean look at that face...

More Funnies from Brynn

About a year ago, I started writing down funny little things Brynn would say. Since I plan on printing my blog at some point, I thought I should write some of them here, so we can have them documented for future generations (OK, so we can blackmail her with them when she's a teenager). They may not be funny to anyone but our family, but they gave us a good laugh.

July 28, 2007--Collin (who suffered from reflux) spit up all over and Brynn kept running around in a panicked, disgusted tone saying "horrible mess".

July 31, 2007--after singing "3 Little Monkeys" for the hundredth time, Brynn finished the song ("No more monkeys jumping on the bed"), paused for a moment, and then stated, "I jump on the couch!"

Aug. 2, 2007--Brynn was watching me feed peaches to Collin (the pureed kind) and he was getting messy. Brynn looked at him and exclaimed, "That's a saucy one!" That's also how Dave describes some of C's diapers.

Aug. 2007--Brynn was trying to get in the rocking chair, and I was in her way, so she put her hand on my shoulder, leaned around to look in my face, and said "'scuse me, hon" in a completely sweet and serious voice.

Aug. 29, 2007--Again, C had spit up all over me, so I asked Brynn to get a burp cloth for me. She could see I was a little anxious about it, since I was carefully holding C from trampling in it and getting spit up all over. She ran in with a burp cloth, and as she handed it to me, exclaimed "I freakin' out!"

Sept. 10, 2007--Brynn was on my lap while I was working on the computer. Her head kept blocking my view of the monitor, and I told her to please move her head. She then said, in a silly voice, "Move your noggin'!" I guess she's heard me say that a time or two.

Oct. 2007--We have been trying to get Brynn in the habit of eating/drinking in the tiled area (kitchen, at the dining table, etc). One day she had a snack and was eating on the rug in the family room. The rug is nearly the size of the room, and only 4-5 inches of tile can be seen on the edges around the rug. Of course, being a smart girl, when I told her we don't eat snacks on the carpet, she immediately took her snack to the 4 inch space of tile on the edge of the family room and continued to eat.

Oct.? 2007--Brynn had been potty training for a few months, and after a good start, she decided she didn't want to use the toilet any more. She wanted to be a baby like Collin, and Collin doesn't use the toilet. One evening when we were out for dinner, she suddenly got antsy in her chair and muttered something quietly. It took me a minute before it suddenly hit me that she probably had to go potty. I asked her if she had to go to the potty, and she paused before answering, "No. I just go in my diaper!" She was pretty proud that she came up with a solution all on her own.

Nov. 22, 2007--Brynn's friend Quinci spent a couple of days at our house while her parents were out of town the previous week. While she was here, she taught B to say "Cheers" and tap their cups together (like a toast). B didn't completely understand though, because now she says "Share!" and taps her cup against ours (or toothbrushes or suckers).

Nov. 2007--Brynn informed my mom while she was over that she "needs a little space."

Dec. 1, 2007--Brynn was at my parents' house and suddenly became very concerned. We asked her what was wrong, and she said quite seriously, "He naughty" and pointed to a talking stuffed reindeer that my mom had out for Christmastime. Soon we understood her concern. The rocking, talking reindeer's batteries were almost drained, so the reindeer was talking veeeery slowly and his voice sounded deep. He sounded scary, rather than full of holiday cheer. B kept insisting "he being naughty."

Dec. 9, 2007--Brynn (and Collin) had been sick, so I asked her shortly after she woke up if her tummy and throat still hurt. She responded with "No. They're happy today." She did remind me later, however, that she's still "berry sick."

Jan. 13, 2007--While we were driving in the car, Brynn apparently became frustrated with another driver and said "Come on, dude!" (Hmm, wonder where she's heard that one before, DAVE!)

Jan. 2008--Brynn's response when she's done with something lately is "I'm full of that." For example, when Brynn wakes up from her nap, she informs me that she's "full of sleeping."

Jan. 15, 2008--While I was taking C's 1 year photos, Brynn was really wanting to help out too. She was trying to help me get C's attention, so she told him "Focus!!"

Jan. 2008--Brynn got a play kitchen and play food for Christmas. She "made" me a sandwich and a glass of pretend lemonade (an empty cup). When my cup tipped over, she told me she spilled and then left the room, saying she would be right back. She came back with a stack of napkins and insisted on "cleaning up" the spilled imaginary lemonade. This went on several times until I decided the lemonade was all gone and I wasn't thirsty any more.

Jan. 16, 2008--When I asked Brynn what she wanted for lunch, she answered "chicken and dip. I want pepper, but no stinkin' 'roni." (She had pizza the night before, but picked off all the pepperoni.)

Jan. 23, 2007--I saw Brynn lifting the blinds at our bedroom window. She was still doing it a few minutes later, obviously looking outside for something. I asked her what she was doing, and she answered, "Lookin' for snow!" in a what-do-you-think-I'm-doing tone! Funny thing is, she's never even seen snow in real life. We live in the desert!! (She's been watching an episode of Barney that is about winter/snow.)

Feb. 2008--Brynn loves watching "doggy videos" (dog bloopers or dog challenges/shows). When we were watching a TV show with dogs going through obstacle courses, Brynn wanted to know the name of every dog. As the show ran scenes of upcoming challenges, Brynn asked me the names of the two dogs shown. I told her I didn't know their names, because they didn't say them yet. Just then the commentator said something about it being "intensely important...". Brynn sat up and said, "Mommy, their names are Tensley and Portant!" She was excited to have figured out their names all by herself!

A Little "Me" Time

So lately I've really been realizing the importance of taking some time to do things that are not necessarily mom/wife related. I remember before we had kids thinking about how some women became so caught up in being a mom that they seemed to lose all the other parts of themselves in the process. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being a mom, and am grateful each day for the time I get to spend with my kids. However, I've had moments lately where I've felt like I was losing a little of my identity outside of that role. Fortunately, I have a husband who encourages me to take some time for myself, and he's been putting in a little overtime as a dad recently in order for me to do that.

Last weekend, he got a pretty good taste of what a normal day is for me. I went to a photo workshop all day while Dave spent the day entertaining the kids. It was so much fun to spend an entire day around a bunch of other women and learn more about photography. I've realized how much I thrive on creativity and being inspired by others' creativity. I feel lucky that all those years we were trying to have a baby that I was able to "stay at home" and really take the time I wouldn't have otherwise had to explore some of my interests and talents. I took classes on painting and drawing, I learned how to refinish furniture, I got started in photography, I scrapbooked every picture we owned up until that point...I just got to discover what things I enjoy doing. Many of those interests have been put on the backburner for awhile, but I have maintained an interest in photography. I got to learn more about natural light photography at the workshop and learned some fun new tips for working on them in Photoshop. Its fun to see my outdoor photos improve already.


Yesterday I had some more "me" time as I attended a cousin's bridal shower, did a little shopping, and then met up with a friend for a girls' night out. My friend Kelly invited me to go with some of her neighbor friends to dinner at Cheesecake Factory (one of my faves) and then a movie (a chick flick, of course!). It was a great group of girls, and we had so much fun!

One of my favorite parts of "me" time is how much it makes me miss and appreciate my family. It makes me a better mom and wife. When I get to step back from those roles a bit, I see some of the little things about it that I tend to take for granted. Its a win-win for all of us!

Happy Birthday Sarah!

We just wanted to wish our niece Sarah a Happy 1st Birthday!! We wish we could be with her and her family to celebrate.

Swimming Lessons

Brynn started her first swimming lessons today. She did so good! At first she didn't want to let go of my hand and get in the pool, but within five or ten minutes she was having fun. I am so proud of her! Sometimes its hard for her to try new things or get to know new people, but she did so well! She is growing up so fast already.

Here she is waiting to leave with her trusty dog nearby.

Happy Mother's Day!

Don't let those pouty expressions fool you, today has been a wonderful day! I feel so blessed to have a mother who is an incredible example to me, as well as my best friend. She has such a quiet strength to her and always provides little gems of wisdom that give me the perspective I need. Her life is full of helping others and she does it without expecting anything in return. I can only hope that one day I can become like her.

I am also very fortunate to have other wonderful mothers in my life. My mother-in-law Cheryl and my step-mother-in-law Ida, as well as our grandmothers, all play such an important part in our families. I am so thankful for each one of them and the love and support they give us.

Mother's Day is also an extra special day, because of my two sweet little kids. There were several years when Mother's Day was a difficult day, because it was a reminder that we still didn't have the blessing of children in our home that we so greatly desired. Now, the day is a reminder to me of just how grateful I am for my kids and the opportunity I get to be their mom. Dave, Brynn, and Collin really made this Mother's Day so nice. Dave had arranged for his mom to come watch the kids earlier in the week, while he took me to get a massage. Then he had the kids all day Saturday while I attended a photo workshop (which was so much fun!). While I was gone, he bathed them, took them to the park, and helped them make a big poster (see picture at top) for me for Mother's Day. At church today, he would take the kids out in the hall if they were too disruptive and let me stay and listen to the talks. In the evening, we went to my parents' house for dinner with my side of the family. The men had planned the meal, and they cooked for us. It was not only a thoughtful gesture, but a delicious meal! Since I didn't have to help prepare dinner, I took B and C and their cousins M and T outside to practice some of the photo tips I had learned the day before. Good thing my niece M is always up for having her picture taken, because my kids weren't in cooperative moods. It really was a happy day for me, and I hope our moms had a Happy Mother's Day as well!

Here's my cuties today:

My niece M with Collin

My niece and nephew

A willing model!

Brynni-Bop and Buddy

In our family, it is pretty rare that you hear someone being called by their actual name. Each of us has several nicknames. It all started because Dave has always had nicknames for everyone. When Brynn was born, a few people expressed concern that she would be confused about what her name really is. Well, she takes after Dave in so many other ways that it hasn't really surprised me that she always knows what nickname belongs to whom. She even has her own nicknames for others. She is always referring to Collin as "Buddy". Its so cute, because he really is her little buddy. Collin absolutely adores her as well. From the time he was a newborn, Brynn could always get him to smile so easily. They just have this connection that makes me so happy as their mom. I hope they always remain close. I love how they interact with each other and the different sides they bring out in each other. They are both at such fun stages (most of the time). And just look at those sweet faces:

Collin just figured out how to pucker his mouth and make a kissing noise today. He was so excited about this new skill that he was going around the room kissing Brynn and I...and the dogs...and the door...you get the point. He's such a sweet kid!

After Collin ran out of kisses, Brynn wanted to read to him. She got out one of the illustrated scripture books for kids that we have and would point to each picture as she "read" about the prophets and Nephi. Collin loved the storytime. Gosh, I love those two!!

Weekend in the Pines

Beware of some serious photo-overload ahead! We had such a nice weekend up at my parents' cabin. We haven't traveled much since Collin was born, so it was especially nice to get away from our schedules and responsibilities and just relax (well, as much as you can relax with two little ones). The kids absolutely love my parents, so they were happy to spend so much time with them. It is fun to see my kids getting their own memories there, since I grew up going to that same cabin. The cabin used to belong to my dad's side of the family, so I have many memories of my own grandparents there. I remember when we all met up there, and somehow crammed about 12 people into the 2 bedrooms and family room. It was like one huge slumber party with my siblings, our cousins and my grandparents all sleeping in the family room. I don't think I will ever forget just how loud my grandparents could snore. Between their snoring and all of us kids talking, we never really got much sleep. The next morning, both of my grandparents would always insist that they didn't snore. I remember my grandma putting together little boxes of craft items or games to keep the grandkids entertained. I love occasionally finding something at the cabin that still has her handwriting on it. I remember sliding down the neighbor's steep driveway on sleds in the wintertime. (I was a little sad to see that neighbor's little place being replaced this weekend by a new, much bigger home and that driveway gone.) As a child, I used to complain about having to leave my friends and home and go spend time at the cabin where there was "nothing to do". Now I appreciate the quiet and the time where there is "nothing to do" but be together as a family.


My dad in the hammock with Collin. Both of my kids love swinging in the hammock with their grandpa. It's my dad's secret weapon for a fussy baby, and it works almost every time.



Brynn taught Collin how to dance this weekend. They spent many hours perfecting their moves, and even added some singing to their routines. (Aren't C's pajamas the cutest? Dave calls them his "Hugh Hefners".)




Brynn loved having TWO dogs to play with (ours and my parents'). She was so excited when we told her that we were bringing them both to our house for the next week (we're dog-sitting for my parents). This picture is horrible from a technical aspect, but look at that smile on her face--sheer happiness.



My mom had fingerpuppets for the kids to play with. After some serious concentration, C figured out how to make it move by himself.


Laughing with his grandma.



My dad with his little buddy.



Story time with their grandma. All weekend, they would bring books to my mom to read to them.



Peek-a-boo!

Brynn appreciated having a few moments to herself.

Of course, moments all to yourself never last long in our family. Good thing these two love each other so much!