Wednesday

The kids were so excited when I told them we were going to the pool. I got them lathered up and then decided to let that soak in while I went to my room to get myself lotioned and dressed. Well, Brady freaked out trying to get his diaper off while I was gone. When I came back, he frantically led me to the door, lest I had forgotten our initial pool plan. What a funny little coppertone baby.

The Mormon mom crew was there as usual which was tons of fun. And when that died down after noon, Jodi came and we sat and hung out while the kids played. I keep feeling like I should be watching more kids. But then I remind myself that I only have two. So tht makes things easy. And Abigail has arm floaties so she's happy to play in the baby pool or float in the big pool... Just doing her own thing. And Brady? He never leaves my side. Literally, I sit on the side of the baby pool with my feet in the water and he does the same (although his feet don't quite touch). Occasionally he'll sit in my lap, sometimes snuggling, and sometimes he just walks around me, just never strays more than a foot or two. When I get up to get snacks or a drink or check my phone, he just follows right along. I call him my little duckling. Anyways, it makes the pool really easy. And it's great. When Abigail was 12 and 24 months, I was constantly following her around the pool and on constant guard that she wouldn't crawl face first underwater in the baby pool. With Brady, he just stays right close to me. It's a nice perk.

But this girl?  So cute. She keeps telling me that she likes going to the pool so she can practice swimming in the big pool with no floaties. But then when I ask for clarification it's basically that she likes to swim with floaties so that eventually when she's as big as I am, she'll be able to swim by herself.

I think that's the gist of it.

We got home at 2 and the two neighborhood girls came running straight over. "Abigail!!! We've been waiting for you forever!  We kept ringing your doorbell like every five minutes!"  They played for almost two hours until Elle came to pick baby girl up to play at her house. Then she came home around six. And then the tantrums started. At first I was all "what?!  But we've been getting along so well today!"  And then the thought popped into my head, "I get along with Abigail so well when she's not around."  Ugh, this kid is totally me. Happy and agreeable with friends, rude and defiant at home. Sweet. 

I tried a new recipe tonight and I very highly recommend it. It's from allrecipes. I literally typed something wonderfully vague like "tortellini recipe" and clicked the first allrecipes link. It had almost five stars and almost 1000 reviews so I just made it. Didn't even read the reviews or scope alternative recipes. I almost never do that but I was in such a hurry since I'd already gotten Chris's 20 minute text. Anyways, it's some creamy tomato spinach recipe and it was insanely quick and easy. Seriously. I didn't have cream so instead of the 3/4 cup it called for, I used the 4-5 ounces of cream cheese I already had open in the fridge. Everything else was following the recipe. Except that I actually forgot to add the Parmesan cheese. Whoops. I had some fresh spinach that I'd thrown in the freezer several weeks ago. I'd spread it thin before freezing it, so I actually just crumbled it in the bag and didn't even have to chop it or anything. I'm super lazy so I appreciate shortcuts like that more than I should. Also, I kept my sauce separate. Because I prefer that when dishing up dinner. 

Honey had a presidency meeting and basketball at the church. I was lazy and played on my computer forever while the kids wandered and played in the great room with me. We had a crazy lightening and hail storm around 8:30 that actually had me worried for a bit. And I sang to Brady tonight before bed which resulted in him crying when I finally put him in his crib. That boy sure loves to be sung to. 

Honey and I watched an episode of impractical jokers on the sofa when he got home. Lately I've been loving that show and loving watching tv in the great room (as opposed to in our bedroom before we go to sleep). Anyways, it was a marvelous day and I even got laundry and dishes and stuff like that done and haven't been feeling my travel anxiety too deeply. 

Now I'm just trying to get myself pumped for packing and a road trip and a whole lot of fun in Utah with my parents!!!  It's gonna be amazing. 

Tuesday

Chase came over at 8:45. Super early for me but I set my alarm and showered and got dressed first so it actually made me feel like I had a head start on the dy instead of the day having a head start on me. After he left, we went to the library to return some things. Mainly because I had a book that was overdue because I never got around to reading it. 

On my way to and from the library, I picked up a hocking backpack (the kind you put a baby in) and an ergo. So now we're all set for hiking at the cabin. I tried Abigail in the ergo since that'll be her ride. She thought it was great. 

Meanwhile, Brady found chase's sippy that I'd searched high and low for when kylee had come earlier to get chase. Now we'll never know where it had been. But glad to have it located since it was full of milk! 

Surprise surprise, Brady wasn't a fan of the ergo. I didn't try him in the backpack but I'm guessing it will be similar. Lets say some prayers that he'll cooperate for some hiking next week! 

Brady likes shoes. He likes when everyone is wearing shoes (likely because it normally means we are about to go outside) but also enjoys playing with shoes. I remember Abigail had a shoe fetish around this age too. Anyways, while Abigail was at Lucy's house (for multiple hours... I told her dad I was going to have to start paying him for childcare) I continually assisted Brady with these purple fairy slippers. 

And read this book. The one that was overdue that I meant to return. Because I came home and found is left it on my nightstand. So I'll be paying some late fees. But the positive side is that I'm a pretty quick reader and was able to speed read the whole thing (well, the parts applicable to me. Because apparently Abigail is a type 1... So the rest wasn't necessary. 

Brady is the cutest ever. He loves praying. Even if I just say the word... Like "yeah Abigail, I said a prayer this morning for breakfast" then he'll automatically fold his arms. He's so quick and now it's like a game to me if I say prayer in a different context, then I immediately glance to him to see if he heard and is already folding his arms. Like this:

Like I said in a previous post, he grabs the middle of one forearm. Most often the middle but frequently just above the wrist. In these pictures it's actually strange that he's so close to his elbow. Regardless, it's always so cute. 

Also, I love his legs. 

I'm so obsessed with this kid these days. 18 months is the best age ever. And it's great to know that I'll likely love him for at least another year because I like 2's too. 

Christopher and I had so much fun hanging out tonight. Eating tacos and just talking about kids and whatever and then hanging out in the yard while he weeded and I texted and just being together. It's amazing to me how sweet and easy our home life is when work for him isn't as horribly hectic and stressful as it usually is. This is the least busy time of year for him and it totally shows. 

I love it. 

No pictures

We went to the pool today with my long lost friend kylee. It was wonderful. Going to the pool is extra great because you just wake up, eat and go. And then after a few hours (munching and lounging poolside), you just go home and it's nap time. I rarely nap during naptime (mostly just on Sundays) but I love that Brady naps and Abigail has frequently earned a movie so I get that time to do whatever I want. Like cleaning out the laundry room cabinets and various little home projects like that. I swear I'm ever so slowly chipping away at the disorganization in our home. And honey came home really early. 

I put him to work folding laundry, doing dishes (from the weekend... If I don't clean the kitchen before I go to bed at night, it's still going to be a disaster all of the following day. I just never have time to catch up with it), and playing with the kids while I ran all over the house putting things in order. 

Abigail played at Lucy's for a while and then even went to the playground with her. I was super social as a kid, always begging my mom to let me go play with friends. Abigail could give my childhood self a run for the money. She was so thrilled I said she could go to Lucy's. tonight as I was telling her goodnight, I told her that chase was coming over to play on the morning. Without saying a word, her whole face lit up and she gasped as she sat up and threw her arms around my neck. It's the moments like this that make me feel good about the preschool decision. I think it will be the right thing. 

After dinner, we gave the kids a bath (even though I've half resigned myself to the fact that they're just going to be a whole mess of dirt, sweat, and sunscreen all summer long), and got them to bed at 8:30 (which feels so early because it's still so bright outside... I can't get used to it) so we could watch a million hours (well, two, two hour episodes) of the bachelorette. 

It was a good day. I didn't take any pictures, and I can't exactly tell you all of the productive things I got done, but I spent virtually no time on my phone and that part was amazing. I had energy and i just went with the day. Now I'm just excited for a good night of sleep and another fun day with the kids. 

Granny and Papa's 67th

My grandparents recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. I can't even wrap my head around what it would be like to be married to someone for that long. Chris and I just celebrated our 7th anniversary in may so they've got a whole 60 years on us. I asked my grandmother what advice she'd give me about marriage. I should have written it down that very day because while I can remember the basic essence of what she told me, the only real quote I remember is about not running to someone else's bed. Which is still definitely valuable advice to follow. ; )

Anyways, she kept telling me about how she's always felt comfort with papa, I think in terms of him always being there for her. She told me that while they've disagreed before, they've never had anything so big, it couldn't be resolved. She had only sweet things to tell me about her precious sweetheart. About his humility and the safety she's felt with him. 

At this time in my grandparents' marriage, it is my grandmother that takes care of my grandfather. There is no doubt for me that she considers this a huge honor for her and she does it with her whole heart. 

I could go on but I've gotta stop. I just wanted to record a few thoughts from that  conversation last week. I hope my marriage can be even half of what theirs is. They are truly an inspiration to me. 

From bad to good

Friday night I couldn't fall asleep. Until like 2am or something. Saturday mornings was awakened at 6:40 and spent the next three hours in and out of some not very restful sleep. So I woke up tired and with a bad headache and even worse mood. 

Eventually though, I got some breakfast and a shower and Abigail and I headed to party on for a little birthday party. (Side note: we had to stop at target on the way to get gift and I ran into my friend and told her to reserve Abigail's spot for preschool. So now I'm committed. Strangely, I feel very at peace with this and completely excited for Abigail.)  when we got there, I had Abigail sit on the floor to take off her sandals and I threw her her socks to put on while I filled out the medical waiver. Next I looked and she was gone, so I assumed she'd already run in to join her friends. She's so social and whatever that I never expect her to even bother to say goodbye to me in these situations. But then my friend came out and was all "no, I never saw Abigail go in" and then her husband was like "oh, I saw her heading down the hall to that other party room."  The lady that worked there was like "well I'm sure she would've come out if she didn't recognize anyone" and I'm all "umm, not my kid."  So then my friend comes walking out with Abigail, having retrieved her from this other party. My heart immediately just melted and I got that semi sad feeling when I saw Abigail's face and realized she'd been afraid and was embarrassed. I gave her the option and she actually told me she wanted me to walk in with her to the bounce house party room where her friends were. Then she found a friend, gave her a crazy long hug, and never looked back at me. Short lived but I was glad it didn't faze her too long. I just want her to be happy and confident forever. So I left... But not before searching for and finding her sandals on the floor of that other party room. Ha. I wonder what those people thought. I went to Walmart to do some shopping  and when I came back, I found this. What a great look. 

We went to the wedding reception of my oldest laurel. And wrapped her gift in a bag we received at our own wedding seven years ago. It was sentimental for me. Like most things are. 

The reception was gorgeous. So perfectly quaint. Burlap and lace and mason jars and hydrangeas and twine wrapped antique floral cloth napkins. It made me wonder what i wasn't dressed in complete jane austen era clothing. I would have loved to have gotten more/better pictures. It was wonderful. 

This was our table. 

And the food was superb. 

It actually reminded me a lot of my brothers wedding reception. But his was in a big barn and this was more like an old school house. 

On the way home, Christopher and I drove through a few neighborhoods looking at homes. We're not planning to move in the near future but it's nice to look around and I always love when my honey and I talk about plans for our future together. And Abigail had passed out in her carseat so that part cooperated with our house hunting joyride. It was a lot of fun. I could do that all day. 

Abigail is a little furnace (she seriously is me... Just born 25 years later) so I have to sneak in her room at night and pull the covers off of her sweat drenched little body and move her soaked head to a dry space on her pillow. 

And of course I snuggle with her and tell her how much I love her. Because she's dead asleep and won't wake up for anything. What more perfect time to hold her close and stroke her hair? I mean, she's not really into that during the daytime. 

And then Jodi called while I was snuggling Abigail. She was bringing by my salad bowl and dressings and of course we stayed outside talking forever. Talking to Jodi is always so uplifting. But eventually I went back inside to snuggle Abigail some more before heading to bed. So really what started as a pretty miserable day, turned out to be so wonderfully happy. 

Sunday

We actually got to church before it started! 

Yesterday was the first day I've pulled Abigail's hair half up and that's what she requested this morning when I was dressing her for church. Who, from my childhood, is really loving this right now?!  For the record, I used no product. Especially not the kind with the same name as a certain animal with antlers. 

This guy is precious. And lucky for us, he adores snuggling. 

And he adores his dad. 

After church, I asked Abigail to stand on the carpet so I could take a quick picture of her. She instantly started crying and throwing herself on the floor. Drama much? When I told she'd be happy if she just listened, she gave me this. What a gem. 

Eventually though, she lost her balance and fell down. Which was apparently hilarious because then life was fun and happy again. 

See? Thank goodness for minor falls. 

Three of us took a nap while Abigail played/trashed the house. Then when she heard Brady wake up, she went in and read stories to him/demolished his room. It's all worth it though. And I'm getting faster at cleaning up. 

We dropped off a slice of cake for my friend's birthday today and a Pocahontas cd at the library and then headed to the Hilliers for Kelsey's birthday dinner. She turned 25. We got seven candles and spaced them appropriately. Instead of cake we had rice Krispy ice cream sandwiches. Tell me you've made them before... They're delicious! 

I told Abigail I wanted to take a picture of how pretty she was and she was all for it. A little too enthusiastic actually. 

But she was sweet and happy and I'm needing to do a better job of capturing those sweet and simple moments.

The ones that really aren't emotionally charged in either direction. I would love to insert myself into this picture just as I would into a happy easy read of a book.  

And because I have a short attention span and fear of commitment/failure, I'm going to try to focus on this:

One day at a time. For hopefully a week. 

Also, speaking of beholding...

Brady has, just within the last week or two, started consistently folding his arms for prayer. He crosses his arms and holds onto one wrist. Abigail used to clasp her hands to pray, so it's especially cute to see Brady's own little version. Especially when he folds his arms while holding onto a ball and then, during the prayer, throws it, folds his arms while he retrieves it, half folds his arms while he picks it up, and then repeats. Seriously adorable. Also, he loves when Abigail says scriptures for him at night. He always does his little laugh that means "yes" when we ask if he wants to hear one. 

Abigail is really into princesses and "beautiful."  As illustrated by these quotes I recorded earlier today...

6.1.14 (as I find Abigail in her closet pulling up her undies) "hey,  what're you up to in here?" "Oh, just gettin' beautiful."

(Picking out clothes) repeatedly... "no, I don't want that. It's not beautiful. I need to look beautiful."

Driving into the church parking lot to pick up Christopher from a meeting after church "we can look for friends that are as pretty as I am." (later told daddy... "We didn't find any.")

And this was all within the space of about ten minutes. Should I be worried? 

Friday

Thursday softball and book club