Reading

In high school I started reading LDS romance novelist Anita Stansfield. My mom would buy me her books whenever she went to Deseret Book. I would ask for them for Christmas and Birthdays. I guess I am just a sucker for the dreamy fairytales. Anyways, when I moved to college I brought all her books with me. After we got married, Josh has complained about how he has to move these books every time we move. I keep the books in a big plastic tub for Brooklyn and all the other girls that we may someday have so they can enjoy them as much as I did. Well I decided to get all my books out when we moved and thought that I should read them again since I loved them so much the first time. I have to say that I never get old of her novels and the struggles that she shows in marriage and in real life. I know it is all DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA, but I love it! So if you are looking for a good book to read and help you recognize how blessed you are to love your husband, I recommend reading one of hers. I am anxious to read her new novel about Emma Smith and see the insight she has to offer.

Yesturday we explored .... We had the chance to get out of the house and have some fun in the sun with other med school mommies and their adorable kids. Brody had a great time and I loved the adult conversation. I hopefully am finally making friends out here. For some reason I have always had a hard time making friends. It is probably because I am shy at first and I know I need to overcome that...so my challenge to myself is to invite people over. Everyone needs a friend, right?

Today we discovered...


Today was full of fun at home with the weather being a little colder and Brooklyn in not so good of a mood. We did venture on a long walk this morning to enjoy the fall air and the changing leaves on the trees. I love autumn...It is probably my favorite time of year.

Tommorow we will...

We will go to the playgound to run off some energy and play with some of Brody's buddies.

Two Year Old Drama

Okay I am officially hating the two year old stage! Everyday I swear all I do is say no, no, no and put Brody on time out! He just started this a few days ago where he talks back and yells "No" to me. I do not know what to do or how to handle it because I don't think he understands that he cannot talk like that to me or treat me that way. He also has a healthy habit of throwing tantrums up the wazoo. Lately they have been worse especially when he cannot figure something out on his own. Then he throws whatever toy he is playing with and runs around screaming, usually waking Brooklyn up or making her cry. AHHHH!!!! I used to be able to stop a tantrum before it happened but that is not working. So if any mothers have advice of how to handle this please let me know. Time outs are not working quite as well as they used to. I just want my sweet little boy back.

Brody loves his little sister

Brody loves his little sister soooo much!!! He has adjusted so much better than we ever thought he would do. Especially since he was the apple of our eye and we spoiled him with all our loving attention. He helps me take care of her everyday. He tries to make her laugh by jumping up and down, although he usually scares her and makes her cry. He takes all her diapers to the trash for me. He has attempted to change her diaper by himself when I wasn't looking. He also has picked her up by himself when she was crying and I was getting a drink in the kitchen. He tries so hard to help me. He is such a good little boy. Lots of kisses from big brother
"He wares me out!"
"But I cant get enough of him"
"He is just so much fun to look at"

My adorable kids!
Brody cant quite get that he needs to hold her head up
Holding hands
Brody got his hair cut today. Mom did it for the first time. I am not quite sure how I did, but who cares he is a little boy.
Miss Brooklyn is learning how to smile at her mommy. It is really hard to learn how to lift such chunky cheeks though!

My Fall Wreath

I have wanted to make a wreath for about three years now and I just have not had the time with being in school to do it. Finally, I was able to make one this year. Also with Josh being gone I was feeling lonely so I needed something to keep me distracted and something that I enjoy doing besides just changing diapers, playing ball with Brody, or feeding two kids...one of which never seems to get full. I was hoping that it would take me a long time to make, so I could enjoy it more and it would distract me for longer, but unfortunately it did not. Oh well....on to the next craft project!

Mini Candied Apples

For our Family Home Evening activity and treat last night we made mini candied apples. Brody loves to cook in the kitchen and I found this great idea on a blog, so I thought we would try it. Here Brody is getting some fuel to energize him even more...yippee!
Here are the apples getting ready to be dipped.
Brody dipping the apples and eating them at the same time. He made such a big mess. But that is half the fun and what boys are supposed to do!
Josh was helping Brody dip the last of the apples in chocolate and Butterfingers.
The finished product! It was a fun family home evening activity. For the lesson, I didn't think about this till now but you could tie it in somehow. We are trying to teach Brody his numbers so we had a gospel lesson on the number one. Although, I don't think we had much success last night. When you ask him to say one, he says nine. Ask him how old he is and he says nine. I guess his favorite number is NINE!

Oh, here are the directions if you want to make them yourself.
Ingredients:
Green granny smith apples (one apples makes about ten mini apples)
Chocolate for dipping (we dipped the apples in butterscotch chocolate chips, white and milk chocolate)
Toppings (we crushed up Butterfingers, Reese's peanut butter cups, and sprinkles)
Styrofoam (to put them on after you dip the apples so they can be refrigerated to harden)
Lollipop sticks cut in half at an angle so their is a pointy end- this will go in the green part of the apple (you can find the sticks at Michael's craft)
Melon baller

Directions:
Gather all ingredients
Using the melon baller, scoop out pieces of the apples and place them on the sticks
Pat the apples dry so the chocolate will stick better
Melt the chocolate according to package instructions
dip apples in chocolate and topping
Place in Styrofoam
Refrigerate to harden (optional)
Enjoy!

Mom

Well now that I have a few seconds I need to write my mom a much needed thank you. Thank you for all that you do for me and Josh. Having you come out and help me take care of Brody and Brooklyn was such a blessing and for me a much needed bonding time. It is a lot harder to be away from family and friends than I ever thought it was going to be. When you were here you helped fill in the void of loneliness and made celebrating Brooklyn's birth that much more special. You are such an amazing mother, grandmother and woman. Thank you for your shinning example in the gospel and the life that you have lived. I hope that I can be like you someday. Thank you for listening and comforting me in my fears. You are everything and more that a mother should be. I love you and cannot wait to see you for Brooklyn's blessing. Thank you again for all that you did while you were here.


What can I say...aren't moms the best!!!

Birthday Boy Brody!!!

Today we celebrate Brody's 2nd Birthday. I can't believe that I have a two year old and a newborn. I am so blessed to be a mommy to a wonderful little boy. Brody has learned how to walk, talk, color, climb stairs, feed himself, solve his own problems, and give the best hugs and kisses a little boy could ever give over the past year. Josh and I just love him so much and we are grateful that our Heavenly Father sent his sweet little spirit to our home. He brings us so much joy and happiness. If you were to ask him "who is your favorite?" he says "daddy!" If you ask him "who do you love?" he says "mommy!" Brody has brought a lot of smiles and laughter into our home and we are so grateful to celebrate him this day. Here are pictures of him over the past year. Happy Birthday Handsome, Mommy and Daddy love you soooooo much!!!

First Week Home

Our adventures of the first week have taken us to.... ....bonding time with daddy when he gets home from school
.... looking gorgeous as a little baby should
.... sleepless nights which make daddy very tired
.... lots of kisses
.... very little awake time

.... our first bath
.... after our first bath
.... a big brother that adores her and loves to jump up and down in front of her and make silly noises to get her attention
.... a lot of sleep for her
.... late night feedings till mommy's milk came in (thank goodness for grandma!)

Among other things we have gone to the pediatrician, shopping for groceries, on walks around the neighborhood, a trip to the beach, a medical school labor day get together, shopping for Brody's birthday gifts, and getting Brooklyn's pictures taken. Those can be seen at http://mystudio.kiddiekandids.com/viewshare.asp?c=623004966M4W7NTFG We have had a very busy first week for mommy and baby but we have also enjoyed every minute with a new little one in our home.