Irrigation Days

Last week we had irrigation again for the first time in awhile. We normally have it in the middle of the night, so it was nice to be able to turn it on and off at a more convenient time. And of course, what fun is irrigation unless you can play in it?!? It was definitely a bit chilly, but this kid has some thick skin and didn't mind it a bit. These were taken on my phone, so sorry about the quality and the blue lighting.

I like this picture below here. It looks like we are in a forest!

My little man has to pick a tangerine every time we go outside, then he carries it around for hours until I can finally convince him to let me peel it for him so we can eat it.

B-rax is starting to try to pick Bella up on his own. She is not sure what to make of it, whether to laugh because her brother is playing with her, or cry because he is not all that gentle about it. So far no catastrophes to date. We are loving playing outside everyday and enjoying this beautiful weather. We are soaking up every minute while we can. Heat will come all too soon.

Pleasures

Things that get me through the day/I look forward to/help keep me sane:

* My T.V. shows:

-The Bachelor (I know, I know. Don't ask me why I love this show so much, but I do. I am addicted!)

-American Idol

-Lost (Its gettin' crazy! )

* Nap Times

*Bedtimes

* Spending time with my mom, sister(s), or my family

*Monday night Family Nights with my whole family

* Nap Times

*My "Justin Time" after the kids go to sleep at night. My day isn't complete without it

*Play dates

*Bedtime

* Making/finding new friends

* Mesa Fro Yo (can't live without it)

*Watching movies with my sister

*Naptime

* Anytime anyone comes over for any reason (sad, isn't it?)

* Date nights with my lover (don't happen nearly enough)

*Bedtime

*Beautiful, windy days

*Picnics at the park

*Holidays

*Did I mention Naptime?

:)

Nursery

So, Braxton has been going to nursery now for, what, 7 or 8 months? And STILL, every single Sunday, it is a battle with him. He is completely happy and content and loves to play with the toys and the other kids, but only if mom or dad is in there with him. The second he thinks we are going to leave, he FREAKS out and starts screaming. We have tried everything - staying in there with him, leaving and just letting him cry, coming and going throughout the 2 hours...most of the time I stay in there with him for about 30 min and then leave, but they always end up bringing him to Justin or I because he is screaming so much. I don't get it. He LOVES to socialize with other kids and loves to play play play, he does fine with babysitters that he is familiar with, and I think he is a pretty well adjusted kid. So why are we having this issue with nursery? Any suggestions?

My Apple Tree

I have an apple tree, an its dying. I've tried everything I can to save it, but no matter what I do it still keeps on dying, It makes me so sad. Every time we drive by it when we are coming or going, Braxton sees it and says, "Apple tree? Dying?" And I say "ya, the apple tree is dying. That makes momma sad." Yesterday, after this exchange, he said, "Kiss it (the tree) better! Muah! All better. No sad, mamma." I thought that was cute. And oh, if only it were that easy.

Bella is crawling now. She started last week and just gets faster and into more stuff every day. She is eating solids and drinking out of a sippie and is already pulling herself up onto anything she can! I can't believe how fast she is growing. Braxton didn't crawl til nine months. I love this stage she is in though. I think six months is probably my favorite age. They are so rolly polly, their personalities are starting to really come out, they are semi-independent and can entertain themselves for awhile, but still a baby and the best snugglers at this age. I am loving every minute of it.

Braxton finally figured out he can get out of his crib. I am amazed that he has lasted this long without trying to climb out since he climbs on anything he possibly can, but up til yesterday he hadn't tried it. (No complaints here!) I put him in his crib and told him I would be right back, I had to go lay Bella down, and when I turned around from Bella's crib he was standing in the doorway with a huge grin on his face. It freaked me out for a sec! So of course all during the night when he woke up he would climb out and then just stand in the hallway and cry cause he wasn't sure what he was supposed to do next. I am glad he has lasted this long, but guess its time to get out the toddler bed. Darn. There goes my time out spot, too. That was the only place in the whole house that he couldn't get out of himself. Hmmm.

Simply Joys

I think of a hundred different things a day I want to post about, and then I finally have time to sit down to write something and my brain is empty. THere are so many little things that happen throughout my day that just makes me smile and I think, "Life is good." Like everytime Braxton wakes up from a nap, or is having fun with his toys, or gets a booboo kissed better, or is just in a good mood, he will give me this huge toothy smile and say "I happy!" Those two little words, so simple, just make everything worth it. Or when I am feeding Bella and she looks up at me with her big beautiful eyes and gives me her "flirty" smile. Or when I hear her laugh. Or when I see Braxton sharing his toys with his sister. Or when she falls asleep in my arms and snuggles into my neck. I can't help but think that "life is GOOD." I am so blessed and no matter how hard it is to be a mom sometimes, no matter how little sleep I get or how much I have to sacrifice for my husband and children, it is all SO worth it. There truly is no greater calling than being a mother.

Family Pictures '09

We finally had some family pictures taken, the first since Bella was born, just after Christmas last month. My sister Alisha took them, and I absolutely love 'em. The hardest part is choosing which ones I want to hang up in the house and share with people! There are so many good ones. These are some of my favorites though. Thanks again, sis. You're awesome!

My beautiful little sister Alisha got her mission call last Wednesday. We all gathered over at my parents that night and as soon as they got home (they had been out of town for their anniversary...she had to wait 2 days for them to get home to open it!) she opened it. It was an exciting and a sweet experience. She was a little worried that she might be disappointed in where she was going to serve because she really wanted to go somewhere that would "expand her horizons," and by all means she got what she wanted. She is going to KINGSTON, JAMAIICA!!!!! Can you believe it? She was nervous and excited as she was opening it, and as soon as she started to read it she got really emotional. We were all in tears as she read where she was going. She is going to be such a wonderful missionary. We are going to miss her, but are excited for her and know the Lord is adding a strong and dedicated servant to his army.

Christmas '09

Christmas came and went so fast this year, but I just accepted the fact that it would and tried to make the most out of every day. It was so fun watching Braxton kind of understand what was going on. He knows who Santa is and learned some fun Christmas songs and kept saying "Santa?Presents?" all the time. I tried explaining to him the real reason for the season and why we celebrate this special day, but I think he is still a bit young to fully understand. It was so fun watching him open presents Christmas morning and get all excited about what each box held. Some of his favorites were some heavy duty CAT trucks he can play outside with, a tent-like car from Grandma Bebe, and his present from Santa Claus, a trampoline! Wahoo! Bella got a sea horse that glows and plays music and a big stuffed giraffe and blanket also from Gma Bebe, Justin got a Iso-cool pillow that is supposed to stay cold all night long (we are still trying to determine if it really works) and I got the best present of all! Ready?? Drum roll please.............................................................................................................................................

A DYSON VACUUM!!! Wahoo!! Justin brought it in after we were all done opening presents, a beautifully wrapped big box that I had seen the night before at my parents house. I just thought it was something for my mom or something. (He is sneaky!) I wasn't expecting one, (but secretly hoping) so I was way stoked to open it try it out. My dogs shed like crazy and I am so tired of having their hair everywhere and never wanting to put Bella down on the ground or play on the floor with my kids cause of all the junk down there, and I know my old vacuum picks up squat. One turn around the room with my dyson and the bin was full already!! This beautiful piece of machinery looks and works and feels like a dream. I LOVE IT! THANKS SANTA BABY!! :)

Opening presents Christmas morning. Gotta love the Berenstein Bears!

This was so funny. He loved his candy necklace he found in his stocking, and he wouldn't stop eating it to open presents. It was too cute.

Helping Sister open her presents. He is such a good big brother.

Bella's toy from Gma Bebe. She loves it! Thanks Mom!

This toy car from Gma Bebe is AWESOME. The kids love playing in the back, and it is perfect for containing Bella if I need to put her down for a minute while I get something done. Braxton sits back here while he watches movies, eats his Christmas candy, plays with his cars...everything! And it was a huge hit with all the grandkids last night when everyone came over for dinner. Definitely a great Christmas present. Thanks again Mom!

Here it is...the big gift from Santa...the trampoline!!! The face he made when we brought him out and showed it to him was classic. He was so excited! And this is definitely one of the best investments we have ever made by far.... Braxton spends half the day out here on this thing, and best part is I can zip him up and he is nice and safe and contained and I can go do other stuff while he plays! We got an AWESOME deal on it. Gotta love Black Friday!

Hope everyone had a safe and happy Christmas. Happy Holidays!

My Kiddos

I love my children. Yes they can be frustrating and messy and cranky and lots and lots of work and many sleepless nights, but they are worth every second of it.

Braxton is such a good big brother. He loves to makes Bella laugh and has started to just go up to her and give her kisses. He gives her toys and talks to her when she is crying and has only tried to sit on her twice now. :) He thinks it is so funny when she touches him. I don't know why, but its a crack up to watch.

This is the first time I put her in his lap, and he wouldn't stop laughing! She had no idea what was going on, but I was laughing pretty hard just watching B-rax. He cracks me up.


Just within the past month, he has started to tell me he loves me. I say " I love you baby," and he will respond with "I wuv too, momma." The first time he said it I about cried, and everytime since then it still makes my heart do a little flip to hear him say it. I don't know why, but there sure is something special about hearing your child tell you they love you.
He is talking up a storm and making his sentences longer and saying more words now. He is such a smart boy - he can count to twelve already and is startin to learn his colors and some letters.

Bella, as always, is a joy. She has been having some rough nights and keeping momma awake for hours at a time, but despite that I can never stay frustrated with her long. One look at her precious face and a wet slobbery kiss on the lips or cheek and I am putty in her hands. She is almost sitting up all by herself now, and she will be crawling soon at the rate she is going. I love snuggling with her fluffy little body. I have tried to start her on solids, but so far she isn't having it. She gags everytime I feed her rice cereal, no matter what I mix it with or how I make it. Today, though, I actually fed her frozen yogurt and she ate it happily and wanted more. Thats my girl! :)

Bella Rose, my beautiful flower! How I love her!