I took Braxton to get a haircut this week. I can't believe how fast it grew since the last time we cut it a few months ago! The lady was going to buzz it, but thankfully I stopped her in time and she made it a little longer. Its still shorter than I wanted, but now that its done I like it alot and it will be nice and cool for the Summer.

I can't believe how different it makes him look. So much older, and more like my side of the family! (At least I think so.) Braxton is starting to talk alot more. He is saying small sentences a larger variety of words. Its so nice to be able to communicate better with him and know more of what he wants. I love seeing how his personality grows more each day too and the fun new little habits or facial expressions he picks up. I think he understands that there is a change coming, but of course he doesn't grasp how drastically our lives are going to change. I am worried about how he is going to cope with having to share me and not get all the attention he is used to, but thankfully I have family near to help. He will be a good big brother though, once he has adjusted. Every time he sees a baby, he strokes his face and says "soft," (knowing that he has to be soft with little babies) and he always gets concerned when there is a child crying. He loves playing with kids of any age, but especially those younger than him. He pats their heads and tries to help them crawl or walk or give them food or toys. Its so cute, and I'm glad he has that caring side to him. Just gotto get past the first few weeks (or months) after she is born!


We went with some friends over to a splash pad in one of the near communities a couple weeks ago. Braxton had a ball and loved playing in the fountains and with the other kids. He is such a fun-loving kid. How I love him!

Surprise Baby Shower!

Last weekend my good friends Cori and Heather threw a surprise baby shower for me! Justin took the day off (first time in FOREVER-it was much needed for both of us!) and we had planned to go to Macudo's Island in Chandler (an indoor jungle gym) with Cori and her family. I had absolutely no idea what was really happening, so when we knocked on their door to pick them up and instead I got a huge "SURPRISE" from all my friends in the ward, I was pretty shocked! It took me a second to realize what was happening. I was so overwhelmed I even got a little emotional! (I know, I'm a baby.) Justin took Braxton and went off for some "guy time" with Cori and Heather's husbands and kids, and I got to stay and enjoy the fun. We had a good time, and I'm so grateful for friends who go out of their way to make me feel loved. Thanks again Cori and Heather!

The "spread!" Yummy cheesecake bites, muffins, cream puffs, an adorable fruit basket (made by Heather!) that looked like a baby carriage, and candle party favors. YUM!!

Corynn and Tenille enjoying the party

One of my favorite gifts! This baby girl is going to be so dang cute in all the clothes and summer dresses I have for her. Wahoo!

Diane, Mary and Lisa. Love these ladies!

Heather (also prego!) Me and Cori. These are my buds!

Julie and Jayna - probably laughing at how flustered I still was after the initial "surprise!"

I have no idea what I was laughing at, but its a funny picture. :)

I had a wonderful time, and it was so nice to spend some "girl" time with some good friends. And its always nice to have help in getting ready for a new baby! You guys rock!

Harvest Time!

Anyone know of any good veggie recipes??
(And this is just from ONE DAYS harvest! I have veggies coming out my ears!)


Check out those light green cucumbers! Crazy, eh? HUGE!

I found a great recipe for zuccini quiche the other day. It turned out really yummy, and its pretty much fat free, minus the crust. Wahoo! 2 zuccinis down, about 30 more to go! :)

Summer Days

Braxton has a new quirck. He has gone from laying on the dogs to laying balancing on balls. Any ball...big, small, bouncy, hard. As soon as he sees a ball he gets really excited, yells "Ball!" and runs to it and does this...

He is so silly! He seriously does this all day long. At least it keeps him entertained for awhile! Maybe its relaxing for him...like a yoga pose or something. Silly kid.

Alisha took some cute pics of him outside playing in the water the other day. If only I could get that binkie out of his mouth more often. Its gonna be tough when the time comes to give it up!

Playing in the sun makes ya thirsty! (The water runs down the hose, and some leaks out of the hose reel. He loves drinking it out of there.)

I love this kid!

My wonderful sister Alisha has been coming out a few days a week to help me. She helps get things done around the house that I can't get to now that my belly is nice and plump, and she helps take care of Braxton to give me a little break every now and then. Its so nice to have help, not to mention the great and fun company! :) This last week we accomplished alot. We made our first attempt at homemade salsa, and I must say we did a pretty darn good job! It was so fresh and yummy!

Yuuuuummmmmyyyyy...

We also got a lot done to the baby's room. We put up some really pretty purple fairy wallpaper that matches the purple curtains and walls exactly, (pic coming later) and hung up a shelf to decorate with pretty fairy stuff. :) Who says women can't use power tools?!?!

My hot sis

All hung and perfectly straight. Wahoo!

Our little helper

Summertime

"Oh what do you do in the Summertime, When all the world is...." 115 degrees?!?!?!?

Seriously...and ideas??? (Besides playing in the water. We definitely get our fill of that!)

8 Month Comparison

Hmmm...a little smaller, anyways. Its always fun to compare!

8 Months!

I am definitely smaller than I was with Braxton...but I still feel huge! 5 more weeks to go!

Camping Fun!

My younger brother Joseph had his Eagle Project last weekend up at Camp Lomia. He repaired the two bridges in both the main camp and Orchard Camp, painting them and adding supports to the one in Orchard. Almost my whole family was able to go up to help him, and we had alot of support from the ward. It was SO NICE to be up in the mountains in the fresh pine air away from the heat for awhile! The air was cool and crisp and clear...mmm..I love it! And whats better, we slept in the addies, and I didn't even see ONE BUG! Wahoo! :) Braxton definitely had the most fun, though. I seriously don't think I have ever seen him more excited in his life. He was happy and even giddy the whole way up there, and once we got there he just didn't stop for a second. He had so much fun playing in the woods and holding the flashlight (once it got dark). He didn't go to bed until like 10:30, and he was up at the crack of dawn again (5:30!) ready to go out and play. It was fun watching him, and I'm glad he enjoyed it so much. Needless to say, we left around 12:30, and within literally 30 seconds he was out and slept the whole way home. Another Wahoo! :) It was a fun weekend, and I'm glad we got to go. Justin had a good time too hanging out with my dad and brothers while they all worked on one of the bridges together.

Braxton getting his frist driving lesson from Aunt Alisha! We drove back and forth alot between the bridges making sure everyone had what they needed. Braxton loved the rides!

Braxton and Daddy in the creek where they were working.

Justin all decked out and working the power tools! My oldest brother Daniel helping him out.

Ahhh...the kisses!

Braxton and Daddy in his water boots!

Garden Glories

CHECK THIS BABY OUT!!! That is one freakin' huge Zuccini! And you know where I got it from?!?! MY GARDEN!! WAHOO!! I am so proud of myself for keeping my little plants alive and spending hours (literally) out in the heat weeding and caring for it, and the "fruit" of my labor is great indeed! :) It sure feels good to see how work turn into fruition! (And boy was it yummy!)

Braxton was a little nervous of the big green veggie...he didn't like holding it. I guess his dislike of the stuff goes beyond eating them as well!

Here is my little man today after lunch. I guess I didn't get him down for his nap quick enough. He was playing with his chalk while I was finishing cleaning up from lunch, and next thing I know I turn around and he was out! I couldn't resist a picture. What a sweet kid!