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.