March 2012

Addy had a parade at pre-school the first part of March. They were learning about royalty and got to dress up. Addy was so excited to wear a princess dress to school and chose to wear her "Cinderella" dress. The kids all looked so cute. 

Benson and I made sugar cookies together. This was his first time doing everything all by himself. He had so much fun using the cookie cutters and eating the dough. Addy and daddy were so happy to wake up from a nap to some yummy sugar cookies.

The weather was really warm in March so we met up with some friends at the park. It was so great getting the kids out of the house. Benson is really enjoying the park this year. He can pretty much do everything by himself which is so nice for me. They both could sit in the swings forever! 

This is a picture of my family on St. Patrick's Day right before Chris and the kids went to the city. He was meeting up with some friends for a BBQ and to play on the beach of Lake Michigan. They had a blast! My kids are in heaven and could play for hours in the sand. Unfortunately, I had a camp meeting and worked doing hair the whole day.

These are some pictures of Benson playing on the playground at Addy's school. Sometimes he would get to play while we waited to pick up Addy.  Such a happy boy when he can be outside running around.

I am Back!.....June 2011

Now that summer is long gone and fall is on it's way out the door, I thought I would catch my blog up to date. I have wanted to for awhile but all those months of not posting have been hanging over my head! I could just start from today but I have a hard time leaving out our summer and any pictures of my kids. :)

So here is a re-cap of the month of June.......

Shanda came to visit me! It was so fun having her here. We filled our weekend with lots of shopping, swimming with the kids, White Sox game, boat tour of Chicago, sushi, deep dish pizza, staying up way too late, and treats from Rocky Mountain Chocolate. It went by too fast but we sure had fun!

We celebrated Father's Day with a yummy Japanese dinner and a trip to the park. Unfortunately the only picture I took of Christian and the kids all together is the one on the slide. My kids were at their most favorite place to be with their dad.... the park!

Benson started taking his first steps on 6/15/11. My kids and I were at Humanitarian that morning and he just stood up and took about 6 steps. The pictures below are from one evening the next week playing with a baseball. Christian would throw the ball and he would walk to it. I love how he toddled! Now he runs everywhere he goes.

We moved out of our townhouse the last week of June. I have really mixed emotions about it! I never really loved that house but I must say that I really miss it. Our life in Chicago started in that house and it's the only place Addy remembers. It's where we brought Benson home to and spent the last 3 years of our lives. There aren't a ton of things I loved about living there, but I have all the memories we made together as a family. I did love how open it was, the wood floors, all one level, and my appliances. That's about it! The rooms were kinda awkward in the main area, I hated the huge flight of stairs, and I really hated the yellow paint in the kitchen. There were 3 shades of yellow on the walls when we moved in. All the tan paint covered the worst shade. I planned on painting the kitchen but never got around to it. We moved for more space, a third bedroom, and a place for me to do hair. I just don't feel at home in our new place yet. It's hard to be so picky when it's just a rental and it's temporary. I am being picky though! I am worried we made a mistake moving... time will tell I guess. I have a huge list of projects that will make it feel more like me, hopefully.

Here are pictures of the house a day or two before we moved out. Remember.... my house never was this empty or clean! ( Thanks to two kids and all my hobbies!) I had pretty much everything packed up and the landlord asked if I would take pictures for the realtor. I am so glad I did! It isn't much, but it was my house and I will always remember living there!

P.S. That is not my window scarf! :)

March 2011

I am so far behind on my blog. I have the hardest time keeping up! There is just not enough hours in the day to get everything done. Here is a recap of the month of March:

Christian took Benson to Utah with him for 3 days. That was the first time Benson has ever been away from me. It was so fun having some one on one time with each of our kids. Benson did awesome on the flight there and back. He was able to see both of our families and spend some much needed time with Christian.

Addy was a little sad she didn't get to go. We told her that daddy had to go to a meeting and get our taxes done and he would be back soon. We didn't tell her that she was missing out on two family parties with all of our favorite people.

I gave Christian our little point and shoot camera and asked him to take some pictures of everyone. Sadly he failed me! For some reason he decided to just enjoy the time in Utah and not take pictures. What!? Thank you Allyson for snapping some pictures! I was a little surprised to see what Christian dressed Benson in. I sent full outfits in the suit case, but in the pictures above he is missing pants one day and is in only his onsies the rest of the time. Men just don't understand! But he took amazing care of my baby and that is what really matters!

The boys skyped us from my parents house. Benson was so happy to see us! He was flapping his arms like crazy! Seeing Benson made me miss him so much. Addy wanted to leave right then and go over to Nanny Elaine's house. She was sad I couldn't take her that second.

Addy and I had a lot of fun on our girls weekend! Saturday I asked her what she wanted to do and she said, "I want to go to Olive Garden and have some salad and chocolate with no bad nuts." So that's what we did! Olive Garden for lunch and some shopping after. We came home and she played dress up all night. It cracked me up to see her playing in her bee costume. It's from Halloween 2 years ago. It was just a little too small for her, but she didn't mind. Addy also slept in it that night. It's funny what makes her happy!

On Monday we went to the Children's Museum with our friends. Addy loved playing with Madelyn and Ethan. The girls were so silly dressing up and putting on a show for us. They both did some crazy dance moves on the stage! Addy had a great time!

We had lunch at one of our favorite Japanese restaurants and then went to ballet. Addy asked me several times a day when Benson was coming home. She really missed her little buddy! We had a great weekend together, but we sure missed our boys!

Benson pulled himself up to the standing position for the first time on my furniture! He was so excited at first, but then couldn't figure out how to get back down.

For playgroup one week we met up at the park. It was a beautiful day and we were all so happy to see the sun. Benson's morning nap is right when playgroup starts, so after 10 minutes in the swing he fell asleep! I was turned around taking some pictures of Addy and her friends playing on a hill and when I turned back around, Benson was slumped over fast asleep. He definitely enjoyed the swing!

I forgot about St. Patrick's Day this year! I dropped Addy off at the park to play with her friend Jackson and I left to run some errands. When I got back I noticed my friend Jami and her kids in green. I had totally forgot to dress Addy in green! Benson lucked out because he had a little green in his shirt. So when we got home I changed her shirt so daddy wouldn't get her! We drove into the city to see Chicago River. It's amazing how they turn it green! It definitely was fun to see, but it was too cold to stay and hang out. Maybe next year!

June 2010

The month of June went by really quickly for us. We have been busy playing outside enjoying our summer. Here are a few highlights of our month.

Benson's First Hair Cut 6/6

Benson had the usual baby hair in the back. Long through the neckline and a big rubbed bald spot above. He has lost at least half his hair through the top so he was getting a little comb over. So I buzzed the back and sides with a number 1 and cut about an inch off the top. I had a hard time blending his bald spot because he was so wiggly, but it looks so much better. He hated the hair cut! He fussed through the clippers so I didn't do as good of a hair cut as I wanted. Oh well! He sure looks handsome!



Benson turned 4 months old 6/18

- Weight: 15 lbs 9 oz 73%

- Height: 25.75 inches 85%

- Head: 17.25 inches 90%

- 6-9 month clothing

-Sleep: 10 hours at night

3-4 1 hour naps through out the day

Brookfield Zoo Dolphin Show 6/19

The brookfield Zoo has a new dolphin exhibit that just opened up for the summer. We took the kids to check it out. Addy loved it! She giggled through the whole show. The best part was when the mom dolphin splashed Christian and the kids. Benson wasn't thrilled but it made Addy so happy. Worst part was when my skirt was sticking to me and I flashed everyone behind me. NEAT! Luckily a nice lady told me right when I stood up.

Fathers Day 6/20

We celebrated Fathers Day on the actual day this year. This was Christians first weekend of not working at the airport anymore. It has been awesome having him home. The kids and I got him a blue ray disc player that he wanted. He was definitely surprised!




Park


We have spent half our days this month at the park. Addy loves to dig in the dirt. She can't wait until Benson can play with her. Addy chose a pair of new sun glasses from Target. She wears them everywhere she goes! Such a stylish cutie!


Swimming 6/28

Addy had several play dates with Ella. They have a lot of fun together. The girls had a little lunch, went swimming in her new pool, colored with chalk, blew bubbles, and ate sugar cookies. They had a lot of fun running around outside. Thanks Erin for the cute pictures!



I am starting to get the hang of having two kids. It was definitely harder in the beginning! I seriously don't know how mothers do it. I guess that's why we have one at a time. (well some of us do!) Now that Benson is a little older he is more content to play on his own. He is a very happy baby as long as he is in your arms. I am really trying to enjoy him being so little because this baby stage is all ready going by so fast! He is almost ready for solid foods. Freedom! I mean that lovingly.

Ready Set Go!

Sunday we had amazing weather! Sadly we wont be having too many more of these days. After watching conference Christian and I took Addy to the park. It was a little cool so she agreed to wear her hat (as long as I gave her a cookie) that aunt Ronna made her. She looked so cute! Addy had her fast running shoes on and was ready to play. She goes up the stairs and down the slide all by herself! Every time she gets to the top she says "ready set go." She is so proud of herself. When she gets to the bottom she runs over and gives us a high five and is back up the stairs again.

Christian took Addy up this big hill to roll down. He held her and they rolled together. She kept saying "again again!" They ran around wild. I really enjoy watching Christian and Addy play together. Addy was able to see some ducks, a frog, and a bunny while we were there. We are really going to miss our days at the park.

I took her back on Monday for 2 hours while we waited for Christian to come home. She met a little friend she kept calling "Buddy." He was a year older and wanted her to watch all of his cool tricks. She followed him all over the park. I love watching Addy interact with other kids. She is so happy to have someone to play with and follow around.

Fun and projects

We have had a lot of fun this last week. There was great weather almost every day. On one of the evenings after dinner, Christian and I took Jellybean to the park. She loved every second of it. Christian ran her around that playground until he was exhausted.

After we got back from the park we sat outside and blew bubbles. This is something Jellybean asks to do every single day. She loves the bubbles!

Here are some more bags that I have made. The first one is for Stacy, the second is for my Aunt Barbra, and the third one is for my cousin Taran. I made all three bags reversible. They turned out pretty cute I think! :)

This year I decided to make something for the women in our families for Mother's Day. I made cute decorative dish towels. It started out being a small project, but I ended up making 20 towels. I gave everyone 2 towels. I love how they turned out! I will definitely be making more. I love anything I can add fabric too! :)

18 months old

Hope everyone had a great Easter. Ours was pretty quiet, but luckily Christian came home at 5:00 so our evening was much better. On our way to pick him up from the airport, I stopped at the park to take Jellybeans pictures in her Easter dress. Of course the wind was blowing like crazy. It never stops! So her hair was standing up in every picture but they turned out pretty cute anyways. We went down by the river walkway. Jellybean couldn't get enough of watching the ducks.

Jellybean turned 18 months over the weekend. I can't believe she is a little toddler and not a baby anymore. She gets cuter by the day. It's amazing how much she understands us.

-She walks around the furniture and with you holding her hands. She is just not ready to walk alone.

-Her favorite songs right now are the wheels on the bus and a silly song I learned in second grade.

-She jabbers all day long but the only words that make sense are "momma" ,"dada", "baby", "papa", "yeah", "ouch" and "no".

-Her 3rd tooth broke through on the top right. 3/26/09

-She loves to play in my jewelry

-She tells me when she is hungry and wants something to drink

-She is still a difficult eater. She loves to dip whatever she is eating into something. Usually ketchup or ranch but she gets creative. :)

-She would eat candy all day everyday if I would let her.

-She still dances when she likes what she is eating. Love this!

-She loves to color

-She likes to drive a little fire engine around the house all day.

-She is in 18- 24 month clothing.

She is learning and growing so much. I love the stage we are in right now. She is becoming more independent but still needs me. :) We love you so much Jellybean!

I finally did it!

I have been putting this off for so long...

I finally cut Jellybeans hair! I have neglected her hair for far too long. I have been so patiently waiting for her sides of her hair to SLOWLY grow. Well they just don't seem to grow. I could only do her hair curly because of how awful it looks straight. So yesterday morning after her bath I decided to give her a little trim. I ended up giving her shorter bangs, which were down to her chin, and cut almost 2 inches off the back. I didn't want her to have bangs until her hair thickened up, but they are always in her eyes. I really wanted to stack the back of her hair but since her sides are not very long I decided against it. I have to round brush her hair in order for me to do it straight. I won't be doing this every day but it is so nice for a change. She looks so grown up! These pictures are really hard to see her hair cut but it's the best I could do. She wouldn't hold still at the house. Plus you get the wind blown look while she swings.

I think the poor girl is going to be cursed with my thin hair. I guess we still have a little time for her hair to grow in thicker. It's not looking good for her though.

I finally got all my pictures together to get updated. It's so hard playing catch up!

Jellybean turned 17 months old 2 weeks ago. oops! We were at the library this last week and I snapped a few pictures of her. It is getting so hard to get this little chic to look at me!

She is a cute little stinker though!

The last weekend in April we went to Las Vegas for Linda's ( blue dress) 60th Birthday party. We had a blast! It was a nice get away for Christian and I. We stayed out really late and had a good time with my family. Check out some more pictures Rookie posted of one of our nights out on the strip. We left Jellybean home with Christians mom and dad. She had so much fun being there and getting to play with some of her cousins. I know she really enjoyed seeing them.

While I was home Alice went through the temple. I was so happy Christian and I were able to be there with her. We are so proud of you Alice!

Christian had a whole Saturday off our last weekend home so we took full advantage of the day. The weather was great. We went to Gardner Village and walked around the shops. I really wanted to check out the fabric shop! Chris and Jellybean stayed outside and watched the ducks while I chose a few last pieces for my fabric stash. We checked out more shops, grabbed a snack at the bakery and headed to Sugar House Park. We had a great time playing at the park. Jellybean wanted to swing but it was making her so nervous. She also loved throwing the bread to the ducks.

We stayed with Alice for the last couple of days of our trip. Jellybean loved to play at her computer desk. She was typing up a storm! She would make one CUTE little secretary!


Since I have been home I have been trying to learn to quilt. I really need to take a class or two to learn some tips. I just finished my 3rd baby quilt top yesterday. I will post some pictures of those next. It's not as easy as I thought it would be! It really makes it rough if you don't have an accurate seem. Well I guess I will just have to keep practicing. :)