Music 101

Bedtime routines at our house are usually a dual parenting task but recently we decided that while one parent puts the kids down to bed the other takes on the task of cleaning up the kitchen. It is going to help me keep up with the house and have more quality time with the kids during the day (and can I just mention that it was Dan's idea! I love that man!)

Anyways, tonight after singing the song "A Child's Prayer" to Kiera tonight at bedtime she turns and says, "Mommy can you teach that song to daddy?" I love it!

New Favorite Emma Photos

Just a couple of my new favorite shots of Emma

 

Memorial Day Weekend. Rain Rain GO AWAY!

This is sort of a long post but I hope you enjoy laughing at my expense anyway.

Yesterday Dan got off work just a tad early so that we could go camping before the "real" Memorial Day weekend rush hit. I spent ALL day packing and let me tell you that is NOT an easy feat with two toddlers and a newborn pulling and spinning circles around you all day. But I somehow managed. The weather forecast was not promising by any means, but we decided to go for it regardless. We decided that if we waited for the weather to get nice we may not EVER get the chance to go. When is Spring going to decide to stick around?! It's almost June and it is still acting like winter around here!

Anyway, we got everything in the car and were off. I don't know how long it took us to get to the campground but it wasn't too long. The kids didn't have the chance to get restless, which was nice. We chose the Verlot Campground off of the Mountain Loop Highway. We were practically the only people there besides the camp host and one other. It was so nice. Tonight I'm sure is a different story though because every camp spot had a reserved sign on it for the 27th. We may not have had a reservation but the "first come, first serve" sure worked for us this time.

The rain actually held off pretty well for us that evening. We roasted polish hot dogs on the fire and made s'mores. Dan picked up some strawberry flavored marshmallows and they made some AWESOME s'mores! Especially when I am the kind who likes mine without the chocolate (I know, I know, don't judge).  But we probably shouldn't have let the kids have more than 2 because their night kept on going, if you know what I mean. But hey at least they had fun.

My night however, was horrible. It was Fffffffrreeeezing! It would have been fine but I was so worried about keeping Emma warm that I couldn't stay tucked away in my sleeping bag. I tried having Emma in the sack with me but she wouldn't have it. Then on top of that our air mattress decided to retire on us. Within 30 mins of laying down, I ended up touching the ground on all parts of my body. And let me tell you...These hips weren't having that. I gave up.

I went to the other tent where Dan, Kiera, and Ethan were sleeping and got the car keys. I slept in the drivers seat pushed all the way back, and leaned as far back as the food gear behind me would allow. Emma was finally satisfied in the upright cradle position and I drifted off a couple times. But let me tell you...there is something about car seats that my body doesn't like for sleeping because, when I woke up for the 3rd, 4th and 12th times in the night my feet and legs were asleep. It HURT! And then Emma sleeping on my right arm caused that limb to go numb as well. Ugh. But at least Emma slept well.

It rained all night. It was sort of creepy sleeping in the car alone, in the middle of nowhere, listening to the pud pud pud of every drop on the car top. Surrounded by towering green giants, dressed in their green coats of moss, swaying in the wind, reaching out to grab me...zzzz... Brittany wake up! Sorry, where was I?

Oh yes, morning finally came and it was still raining. Great! Especially when your car is no longer big enough to fit your canopy AND your family of the now 5. Soggy pancakes and bacon it is! It was a good thing we were the only ones there because I sent the kids to eat their breakfast underneath the bathroom overhang. By the end of breakfast the kids were telling us they wanted to go home.

"I'm right there with you guys!" Oops did I just say that out loud? Who planned this trip anyway. :)

We broke camp and literally stuffed all the wet gear in the trunk. Sorry there are no pictures of our camping adventure. There is something about the rain and hauling your almost 3 month old around that does something to always occupy both hands.

We headed home and what do you know? The rain stopped! Are you serious? Ok maybe this trip didn't have to end so soon. We decided to take a scenic drive and see what else we could see. The view was gorgeous! We had everything from, Gray and rainy, to sunny with blue sky, to...

Snow? See what I mean about spring? Just kidding this was at the top of Mt. Pilchuck. Where are your snowshoes when you need them?

We drove until we couldn't anymore because we ran out of cleared road. The kids wanted to get out so we got out and played in it for a little. Well, Dad and the kids went and played in it. Emma and I stayed in the car. It was short lived though, because we weren't exactly dressed for snow. It was fun while it lasted.

We drove back down the mountain and stopped along the way so I could get some pictures of the scenery that had caught my eye on the way up. Just beautiful! And probably the one thing in nature that actually causes me to cry. These pictures don't do justice.

Thank you sunshine for coming out and letting us enjoy some of the pretty forest. And for allowing us some wonderful family memories.

Hopefully our next trip will be a bit warmer and a lot less wet. But til then I will enjoy my pillow-top mattress. Speaking of which...zzzzz.

Emma Update

 She's Getting so Big! I am loving those rolly polly legs!

Swings, Slide, Sanity!

This past weekend we got our playground equipment! I have been waiting for this day for a long time! I needed something to keep the kids busy and entertained so I could get more done and be able to take care of Emma. We ended up buying it from a Zumba friend of mine whose daughter had outgrown it. We got a saawwweet deal on it and the kids LOVE it. But probably not nearly as much as I do! It has already helped to keep me sane. Especially between the 4:00-6:00 hours before dinner and when daddy comes home.

Swings + Slide = Sanity!

 Now if we could just get the good weather to stick around. . .

He Loved It!

The desk redo was a huge hit! My nephew absolutely loved it. And his first response when he saw it was "A Desk! Finally!" He quickly ran to his room and brought back a magazine with the same image of Yoda that I had used and said it was just the one he wanted. It was funny since I don't think he had a clue it was even coming. So I done good :)

Here it the Before again just for fun

 

And the After!

Isn't she lovely?

And Kaleb was very pleased

Happy Birthday Kaleb!

Sling Success

It has been awhile since I made this sling. I ended up mading one for a friend too. I thought since there was enough fabric for a second one why not make one for myself? I hadn't posted a picture yet because it took me awhile to adjust it to the right size. Note to self: Don't attempt to get your size yourself while pregnant. Apparently the friend I made it for had the same problem and her mom had to take it in for her. Oops.

Well here it is.
Emma seemed to really enjoy it if you can't tell. 

Wordless Wednesday

Blog 2 Print is My New Best Friend

I am so excited and relieved! Today I finished editing my blog book that I make every year. This is the third one I've done since I started the blog in 2007. I finished it and submitted the order today! I can't wait til I get it. I should have it by early June. The book consisted of all my blog posts from January-December of 2010. Total pages were about 136. That is a tad shorter than my book from the previous year but mostly due to formatting. This time around instead of using Blurb.com I went with Blog2Print. It was so nice and the way it loaded up was great! With blurb it takes up a lot of computer memory and I sit there for days editing and reformatting everything. Blog2Print formatted everything for me and it looked great, so great in fact that I hardly changed a thing!

I am not being compensated for mentioning Blog2Print. I just wanted you all to know in case anyone out there was looking to put their blog into book form. I love doing it so I have a family yearbook for every year without all the time and money it would cost to scrapbook it all. For the 136 pages, 8.5X11" size, soft cover (very cute I might add), on high quality glossy paper, and full color it only cost $55.55! Sure beats the heck out of scrapbooking for sure. I'll have to post a pic or two when it gets here.

Mother's Day Interlude

Today was a good day! First, my  husband woke me up and presented me with a gift, church was filled with talks on mothers and incredible women, I was given handmade gifts made by my children, the sun was out and I got to enjoy a relaxing walk with my incredible family. Dinner was so easy and yummy (I love my crockpot!), and my little Emma slept and let me enjoy a quiet nap. It all made for a GREAT Mother's Day!

Strolling around in blogland tonight I saw lots of posts on mothers, and women who have impacted our lives. It made me think of all the incredible women in my life. I have been so blessed with strong, righteous women in my life. I would not be where I am today without my Grandmother, Mother, Mother-in-law, aunts, cousins, sisters and friends. Each of them have touched my life in one way or another and have made me who I am today. 

My Grandmother is an amazing woman. She is the rock of my family. She has been through a lot and no matter the situation she's in, she is optimistic and radiates happiness to those around her. She taught her children to follow the Lord and to rely on him for everything. She raised 6 strong, incredible women who all walk tall and have raised families of their own. I am proud to be her grandaughter.

My Mother also known as Grandma Tutu is an incredible woman. I am so thankful to have been raised by this amazing woman. She taught me how to give of myself, to look at people from the inside and see the potential within, She taught me how to hold my ground and stand up for what was right. NO MATTER WHAT! She not only raised her own 4 children but took over 40 foster children into her home from the time I was 10 till my second year in college. What better example of love is that?! I am proud to be her daughter.

My mother-in-law is a remarkable lady. I will be forever indebted to her for the way she raised her son who is now my husband.  She raised a man who honors his priesthood, and knows how to work. She has become a trusted friend and I can always call her up for advice, a recipe, or just to chat. I am proud to be her daughter.

My Aunts are all amazing women who I look up to so much! But one aunt I consider to be my second mom is my Aunt Melanie. She is the aunt I am the closest with. You could say I grew up at her house and it probably wouldn't be that far of a stretch. My family was always at her house. Summer-time sleepovers, birthday parties, holiday dinners, you name it we were there. We were always together. We'd probably get together to celebrate someone loosing a tooth!  She taught me selflessness, patience, because her home was and is always open to anyone. And for me she sets the example of what a husband and wife should look like together. I want to be just like her when I grow up.

For all the other women in my life, my cousins, sisters and friends, I wouldn't be what I am without these girls! They have shaped, molded, supported and stood by me through so much and continue to be my strength.

So for all the incredible women in my life. I have been so blessed with strong, righteous women in my life. I would not be where I am today without you! I love you all so much!

Happy Mother's Day!

Desk Update

It is coming along! I couldn't wait all the way to the end to show you what I've done with the desk so far. It is turning out so good! I am so proud! Here's a little peek at the top of the desk.

Doesn't he look cool?!

I am so glad I had all the colors I needed in my craft paint stash. Just a lot of color mixing and 4 hours of fun! The house is a disaster since the kids ran a muck while I worked, but I think it was worth it. Don't you? I hope my nephew appreciates it. I had fun doing it. 

Now I just need to fix one of the drawers, get some plexiglass and fasteners for the top, and put the hardware on.

Take What We Can

The Sun was out again yesterday! It is gone today but it was WONDERFUL while it lasted. I was inside tending to Emma when I looked out the window and saw this...

 Oh to bask in the sunshine! The kids had no idea I was taking pictures of them. I did it all from my dining room window. But once they decided to go lay down in the empty kiddie pool (which is totally dead now) they caught me. Kiera couldn't help but flash a smile.

Also yesterday was so nice that I put the second coat of paint on the desk I am working on. Now to the details! 

Oh and before I forget here's a picture of the garden boxes so far. I hope to have the dirt in them this weekend, but we still need to turn them the other direction and level them into place.

I love my baby girl!

Just thought I'd share a picture I took of Emma the other day. I love my babies. All of them, but nothing compares to a newborn. Emma makes me so happy. When you hold her as soon as she locks onto your face and sees your eyes she smiles and occasionally coos now. Makes my heart melt every time.

I can't believe she is already outgrowing her clothes! This was the first time she wore this dress and it is already getting too small.

Just an Ordinary Day

Man today has been interesting. Well not really. It is more like what it usually is. It hasn't been all bad, but it hasn't been all good either. Do your days go like this?

It was pouring and gray this morning when I took Kiera to preschool. I am so tired of rain. But then I took Ethan and Emma to playgroup. We just met up at the local McDonalds and let the kids run around on the playground. It was nice to chat with my friend Elise. When we were done with that we headed back over to pick Kiera up and go home. The ride home was pleasant and the kids didn't fight! That was nice. Then we got home. Sigh. What to do what to do....?

I was going to let the kids do a craft that I originally had planned for FHE (Family Home Evening) last night but ran out of time for. But then Kiera started the pouting and whining all because I asked her to stop coloring and hang her coat up on the rack first. Then Ethan started to wear down and had an accident in his pants. Help! So I decided maybe we needed to have nap time ("quiet time") first. Ethan is fighting me all the way. He wanted a story but decided the one we were now half way through wasn't the one he wanted and threw a fit. I wasn't going to have that so I said, "ok no more story" and left. He's been crying and banging on his door ever since. This is not fun. Oh and the sun decided to come out! That is nice...

My New (updated) Photo Wall

Today my package of pictures I sent for arrived in the mail! I was so excited. Can I just say I love Snapfish! I upload the pictures I want, request the various sizes and they ship them to me. I love it! No standing there at the photo kiosks forEVER. Which is great since I can't shop with two toddlers and a baby let alone stare at a kiosk screen with them in tow.
So today when I got my package I opened it up and just had to put them up. My photo wall has been a little out of date and it was about time Emma was on the wall with the rest of us.

What do you think?

 

I don't know what is wrong with my camera settings. All my pictures have been turning out kinda pixely lately. But you get the idea. All the frames I got at goodwill anywhere from $.50 to $1.00. I just spray painted them all black to match. The "FAMILY" frames are done in vinyl lettering and I took out the back cardboard pieces so the wall shows through. Unfortunately my letter "a" frame broke in the move so right now it is a temporary paper "a" scotch taped to the wall. I just printed it from Word and cut it out.

I love updated pictures! Looks so much better and I so enjoy looking at them. It is probably a good things since I spend a lot of time doing that lately with nursing Miss Em.

My New Favorite Toy!

Pure Love!

Oh and this too..

These two together are so much fun!

This past weekend Dan and I got to play with our new toys and made four of these...

Doesn't look like much, but once they are all leveled in our freshly cleared garden spot and filled with dirt they will be the cutest little garden boxes. Can't wait to show you. But first I need to finish my other little project (the sad little desk) I showed  you earlier.