F.O.U.R

Last Wednesday my little girl turned 4!

What?!

Yes, I said 4!

It just doesn't seem possible that I have a 4 year old.

She had a fun 2 days celebrating...

First, the breakfast of birthday girls...heart pancakes! And they were even pink!

Then Nana picked us up and we played at the pool. Brit is getting to be quite the little fishy in the shallow water. We'll see if she freaks when swimming lessons begin...my vote is yes. :)

Nana treated us to Sonic, too. Brit's fav? Ice cream cone and fries. Smart kid!

For dinner we let her choose anywhere she wanted for dinner. Applebee's it was. She had spaghetti and they even sang to her. It was cute.

Last we stopped at Coldstone for a treat.

A few pictures of the Birthday girl in her newly painted room...

On Saturday we celebrated some more with family!

 

We invited cousins to the pool for swimming and cupcakes!

It was a cool(ish) day, but the pool still felt nice,

and it was a fun way to spend time with all her cousins.

That evening, Brit's grandparents joined us at our house for dinner.

Jason grilled burgers for us and it was delish.

It was nice visiting with just our parents...it's not often we get to see the 4 of them at once.

Later that night, aunts, uncles and grandparents came over for cake and ice cream.

Brittney is a very loved little girl.

She got some fun toys and cute clothes.

Oh, and Peter Pan and the Little Mermaid on DVD from us...

They're her favorite. Yep, we rock. :)

 

I get choked up when I pause to think about this beautiful happy girl of mine. She made me a mother and fulfilled a dream that I waited a long time for. I'll never forget the special day that she arrived to make us a family of 3. Brit has been through a lot of changes in the last year or so with becoming a big sister, moving to a big bed and conquering the potty. I can't believe how much she has grown! She is a good helper to both her parents and is such a sweet sister too.
Happy happy birthday Brittney babe. We sure love you!!! ♥

ONE Year

I haven't cried in awhile.

But Monday night as I closed my day with a prayer and climbed into bed,

I bawled like a baby.

It was Wyatt's first birthday on Monday

and as I spent the whole day reminiscing about the events of this time last year, the tears just flowed.

I thought about my sweet, amazing boy and what a wonderful addition he has been to my life. He is quite possibly the happiest kid e.v.e.r to walk this earth and I'm the lucky enough to be mom. It was just us and Brittney for 3 whole years before Wyatt arrived, and he has quickly filled a void as momma's boy that I didn't even know existed. The boy has the sunniest, sweetest smile I've ever seen. He just melts my heart.

Then my thoughts were turned toward our house...I can't think about Wyatt's first year without remembering that we've been in our house for a year, too. I left for the hospital from our apartment, but brought Wyatt home to our house. I would never actually choose that timing again (I didn't choose it in the first place...can we say short sale?!) but I'm so glad it happened. Being here has been such a blessing. We love our location, we love our ward. Heck, my husband even loves taking the trash can out to the road twice a week. Well, maybe not really, but it's funny how you take those kinds of things for granted when you live in an apartment.

The tears I cried were happy tears.
Tears for the amazing year it's been for my little family.
Tears for the the chain of events that put us into our house at the right time
and brought Wyatt into our family.
Tears of over overwhelming gratitude for my many blessings.
I shall never forget the crazy month of May 2009,
when 2 of my greatest dreams came true!

Happy happy birthday to my sweet Wyatt boy.
I love you to the moon and back...

And even when you're covered in the bluest of blue frosting!
♥

Look at me!

Our Wy guy is walking!

In the weeks since our trip to Disneyland and at about 11 months, Wyatt started walking here, there and everywhere. He is pretty motivated and usually only crawls until he can find place to pull himself up and try again. I think he figured out that walking allows him to keep up with his big sister and get into more mischief!

Oh he is so dang cute! He's still so wobbly and kind of walks like a drunk and I love it. Brit didn't walk until 16 months, so this is definitely early for me. It's still weird to see him follow me into a room or come around a corner on just his feet!

---

Dear time,

You are moving much too fast. Can you please stop, like, NOW?!?

Thanks.

Easter Weekend

Easter weekend was near perfect...Lots of family time, happy kids, and beautiful weather. The only thing I would have changed is not having Jason so busy at work. But, such is the life of a wife of an {almost!} accountant. He was there for the important stuff, so that's ok.

In the week leading up, we went to the Easter pageant with my family. This year was extra special because we got to look for my brother and his wife on stage. Brianne was in the multitude and Ty was a shepherd and also multitude. Pretty fun to see them all dressed up! Then Friday night I took Jason on a late date for his birthday to Jesterz Improv Comedy Club. We love that place and always have a good time.

Saturday morning was our annual Easter Chicken breakfast with the Judd side of my fam. The Easter Chicken never disappoints! My grandparent's backyard is a sight to behold with candy and snacks EVERYWHERE. I know they spend a furtune on this every year, but this is totally my Grandpa's thing and they wouldn't have it any other way. We walked away with 2 grocery sacks filled to the brim. We won't even need to trick or treat this year! Family traditions are the best, and this one is a favorite for sure!

...

Saturday afternoon I spent some time with my Brittney girl making a fun treat and then we dyed eggs after daddy got home.

...

Easter Sunday was perfectly relaxing. I loved having Conference and Easter together. What better way to remember the sacrifice and resurrection of our Savior than listening to our leaders testify of Him?! The Spirit seemed extra strong to me during this conference. Halfway through Sunday morning Brittney awoke with a huge smile on her face, quickly remembering that we were anticipating Easter Bunny treats. The look on her face when she saw the Princess nad the Frog DVD in her basket was priceless! Wyatt got a new outfit and some treats just for him. Holidays just get better and better with more kids! :)

...

We spent the whole afternoon at my parents' house just playing and watching Conference. Brit did a hunt for some money eggs and both kids got cute Easter outfits. That night we stopped by the Packers for more treats and visiting.

This time of the year of renewal and growth adds to my feeling of love and appreciation for my Savior. His sacrifice for me is almost incomprehensible but I am filled with joy and relief that my imperfections can be forgiven if I simply try my best to do what is right. What a wonderful gift He has given to all of us!

Donuts, dudes with guns and the desert...a great combo!

First off, my favorite part of the day...this picture of my brother Tanner with Wyatt.

♥ this!

{Oh my gosh, 2 of the cutest boys I have ever seen! Seriously what girl could resist this?!?}

On Saturday we spent the gorgeous morning with my family out at my grandpa's ranch in the desert. The guys brought their shot guns and clay pigeons and my mom brought donuts and fruit for everyone. It was a blast. Mostly the girls sat and talked while the guys shot but I did capture my grandma giving it a try. That is a priceless picture for sure! I shot a few times but didn't hit anything. My kids loved being outside...Brittney playing with Nana in the dirt and Wyatt winning lots of attention from the girls and playing in the stroller. I wish we had more beautiful days like this! 

Brit didn't really understand that the shooting was for the big people, especially since we are always telling her that she is a big girl. She did get to put some ear plugs in and help daddy shoot the gun...and she didn't even flinch! After that is was out of her system and she was content to play.

Wyatt picture overload...

What can I say? I just can't get enough of those 2 little teeth and his chubby cheeks!

Brit was pretty anti-camera for me, but I did manage to get this.

The girl loves her Nana!

I am so thankful for my family and the time we get to spend with them!

A small victory...

 I am in a really great mood today.

My sweet mom came over today just to take Brit to the park and then to Sonic for a little treat.

My family is going out to the desert on Saturday for some breakfast and shooting.

We have a fantastic trip to Disneyland to look forward to in less than a month.

Tomorrow is FRIDAY!

But mostly I am excited because all that weighing out of carrots and every other tiny morsel of food I consume has paid off...

I have lost 10 lbs!!!

I am jumping for joy and feeling really good. And the hubs has lost 13! It's great to do it together so we can keep each other motivated. It's a slow process but seeing that number on the scale drop is a wonderful thing! Hooray!

Pictures from my day...

I don't take enough pictures.

My picture program would disagree,
{since when I do take pictures I take 1.5 million of 1 single event}
but it's true.
My kids are growing up faster than fast and when I want to remember them this small, all I will have is pictures to jog my memory.

Since we don't get out much without a car (have I mentioned that?) my picture taking has almost totally vanished.

And let's be honest...I have tons of pictures of 'events'.

When we go somewhere fun and are all dressed up with our hair combed, looking civilized, it's easy to take pictures.

What I do not have are pictures of life,
real life.
Pictures on the days when we have messy hair; or days we spent {almost} totally in jammies; pictures that tell what we do more often than not...
...pictures of us doing our daily thing, just hangin' out and being comfortable here at
home sweet home.

Princess Brittney eating her eggs. The crown is a common accessory. Always glamorous, this girl!

The second of 2 vertical blinds that Wyatt has attacked in the last week. They have been hanging there since before he learned to crawl. Why he decides now to destroy them is beyond me. Frustration!

Wyatt pulling up to the fridge, playing with the magnets. That smile could charm you into doing anything...like forgetting the broken blinds...

It hailed! This cool, rainy weather has been heavenly.

Back on the weight loss wagon. Lately I've felt like a slave to this dang food scale, but it is helpful in measuring out portions. Yes, I even measure out a serving size of carrots before I eat them. Now that's dedication.

I guess naptime is over. I think I waited longer than he would have liked to get him out of bed. Look at those tears!

Brittney and I figuratively stare at this door all day, waiting for our favorite guy to walk through it. Unfortunately today there was only enough time for a kiss and quick change of clothes before he was off to his presidency meeting. Oh the joy of Tuesday nights.

Whether I'm working at the computer or drying my hair, Brittney loves to play on our bed. It works out great at naptime since it's the farthest place in the house away from Wyatt's room.

My view from the dishwashing post. If I'm in the kitchen, so is Wyatt. He's my little shadow.

Ah, bedtime at last! I take the cuddles when I can get them!

Staying at home and being a mommy to these 2 kiddos is hardly glamorous and not usually super exciting, but it's what I choose and it makes me happy. Sometimes the days are long and the messes endless but I hope I will be able to look back and remember the little things...the things that brought a smile to my face, the little successes that brought me joy, the things that remind me many times each day why I love being a mom.

"Remember the little things in life....For one day you may look back and realize they were the BIG things."

A little update...

My little neglected blog has been nagging at me but I don't have much motivation these days to keep it up since I am quite behind. My life as a mom of 2 isn't very condusive to blogging lately. I know those of you with more than 2 kids are laughing at me right now. Oh well :).

We don't get out much these days and are still down to 1 car for awhile. I can take Jason to work and then have the car for the day, but sometimes taking and then picking him up is more trouble than it's worth. You'd think that because I am without said car on most days that my house would be sparkly clean all the time. WRONG. My biggest challenge every day is keeping my house clean while also keeping my kids happy. Usually I can have one or the other...Kids: 1, House: 0.

I started working for Jason's boss a couple weeks ago. Thanks to technology I can remote into a computer at their office and work from the comfort of home, sometimes in my jammies :). I do tax returns for some HOA communities for a few hours during the week. It's easy and the money is much needed. It's a great opportunity and we couldn't pass it up.

Jason and I are using a trip to Disneyland with my fam at the end of tax season as motivation to eat better and drop some lbs. It's so freakin' hard. I never thought I'd be this our of shape and fighting this hard to get back. I think being at home all the time makes it harder for me. I love to snack during naptime and late at night. Ice cream and sweets are me weakness for sure. I am not totally cutting those things out, but having the self control to stop eating them after a teeny-tiny-little-serving-size is hard. Really hard. Wish us luck, it just might be the death of us.

Our Valentine's Day was nice. My mom and sister tagged-teamed it with the kids on Saturday morning so we could go out. We saw Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief and enjoyed it. I'm no movie critic but it was clean and entertaining. Then we went to Oregano's for lunch. We hadn't been there before and liked it...had to 'stray' from the afore mentioned diet to eat there but hey, it was Valentine's.

My kids: Oh my kids! They are growing up so fast. Funny how when I was a teenager, waiting for all the "exciting" things in life to happen, life seemed to pass by so very slow. Now as a mom I can't slow it down enough. Here's the latest...

Wyatt...

is almost 9 months and into everything!

goes where he wants and pulls himself up on almost anything.

is almost off the charts for his height. (yay Flake genes!)

has 2 cute little teeth and is working on more.

is still the happiest little guy ever and his smile and wide blue eyes just draw you in.

is quite the momma's boy, which I secretly love 99% of the time.

Brittney...

will be 4 in just 4 months. 

is a big helper to me! 

adores her little brother and loves entertaining him.

is quite the little artist whether it be drawing, singing or dancing.

is finally having some great success with potty training...'nuff said!

cannot wait to go to preschool and talks about it almost daily.

These pics define my kids so well...

Brittney, whose first impulse when she sees the camera is to make this crazy, goofy face before she will smile pretty for me, and Wyatt who is all smiles, even with food all over his face...and body...

Well, I'm sure I left out a lot but that's what I could come up with for now. I have a new resolve to take more pictures and update more often. Thanks for reading! 

Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving was pretty traditional for us, except of course that it was Wyatt's first! Wednesday night we gathered with the Judd side of my family for a delicious dinner. My mom's cousin and her kids came to visit from New Mexico, so it was especially fun to catch up with everyone. Our little Wyatt got his first taste of real food while sitting on Papa's lap. Papa's mashed potatoes are so smooth, they can be fed to a baby! :)  Brit got to spend the night at Nana and Papa's house that night, so she was super excited.

Thanksgiving morning I headed to my parent's house for pie making lessons. This has become tradition now as my dad is most definitely the world's best pie maker. If you haven't tasted his peach pie, you are really missing out! Of course a bonus to our 'lesson' is that each of us kids who participates walks away with our own pie. Definitely worth waking up a few minutes early for on Thanksgiving morn! In the afternoon we spent time with the Flake side of my family then went to Jason's aunt Cheryl's for the rest of the day. We ate 'til we couldn't eat any more, played some games and then went with some of the cousins to see The Blind Side. We loved it. Definitely a great story.

Brit loving the swing...If this is not pure joy, I don't know what is!

It is great to have a day set aside to reflect on my many blessings, even though I try to be mindful of them all year long. One of our cars had recently broken down, which was a big blow for us. Then we found out that it was going to be too expensive/not worth it to fix it, so it was especially good at this time to remember the things I have, instead of focusing on the things I don't. My Heavenly Father has given me so much, and there's not much I can to do repay Him, but be grateful and do what He asks. I am truly thankful for my many, many blessings!

A Ride on The Polar Express!

There are 2 things that Brittney loves in THEORY...

trains and Santa Clause.

Theory, meaning that she talks about them,

watches TV shows and movies about them,

and pretends with/about them,

BUT these things in person...not so much.

(Ever since we moved to our home where a train runs fairly close, she has not exactly loved it.

This has resulted in several instances of her running into our room at all hours of the night slightly terrified.

We have worked on this but have only gained a little ground.)

This being said, The Polar Express is, of course, centered on these 2 things.

All in all, we had a great time. Brittney absolutely loved the train ride.

We enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies, sang Christmas carols and endured lots of pictures.

I think this picture explains how she still feels about Santa in person...

I guess we know how daddy feels about Santa...:)

Santa gave Wyatt a bell too, and Wyatt gave him the biggest smile ever.

Santa sure thought that was cute.

I'm glad we decided to go. It was fun for Brit to do with all the cousins and it was fun for us as the parents of a child that is starting to understand the excitement of Christmas.

And this sweet little girl who is afraid of trains and Santa hasn't stopped talking about our trip since.

Score one for the parents!

And just 'cause I couldn't resist...