Oh, Audrey!

Who doesn't love to ride a horse with a colander on their head and socks on their hands?

Birthday Weekend

Well, I have officially left my 20s. I have to admit, I'll miss my 20s. I had many life changing events occur in those 10 years and really learned who I was (still am?). I graduated from college, made some of the best friends I have today, had a successful and rewarding teaching career, got married, had Audrey, learned that taking care of 1 child is even harder than being with 18 every day, learned that being a stay at home mom isn't as easy as it sounds, etc etc. Of course, there are many more things that encompassed those 10 years but I thought I'd stick with the highlights. So, while the 20s shaped me into the person I am today, I look forward to learning and growing even more in my 30s.

But if this weekend was any clue as to how the next 10 years go, I think the 30s will be quite nice. :) My sweet and thoughtful husband, along with the help of my sister, Ashley, threw me a wonderful surprise birthday party. My youngest sister, whose birthday was also this past weekend, was even flown in from college for the party. Sneaky, very sneaky.

the moment of surprise


a little bling to celebrate the big day


we love cake- actually, we love the special plate :)


Even harder to believe than me being 30 is that Natalie (l) is now 20 and Ashley (r) is having a baby girl in August!


Next party- Audrey's 2nd. I think she was taking notes.




It was a great evening and I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and family who put this all together. Lucky for me, the birthday celebrations aren't exactly over. Now, the countdown begins for the next big party- a girls weekend in New York City! 43 days and counting...

Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles

It's hard to believe that this time last week, Audrey was all bundled up playing in the snow.





Today, it was almost 80 degrees and we were wearing short sleeves and chasing bubbles. Oh, how we love bubbles! And I can say "we" because I love watching Audrey chase them around the yard shrieking at the top of her lungs (the kind of shriek that had you been in Walgreens this morning, you would have heard first hand... except it was accompanied with tears and wasn't so cute...). Anyway. I finally had to break down and buy the spill-proof container because little Miss Independent always wants to "do it" (aka hold it and precedes to spill it). But I just love the look of pure joy and excitement as she blows the bubbles and watches them fly away.









Unfortunately, it looks like our spring weather will be short-lived with a high of 47 degrees on Thursday. Gotta love March (insert sarcasm). :)

Ok, Natalie...

I know, I'm slacking in the blogging department. It's not like Audrey and I are just sitting around staring at each other (well, not MOST days) but I haven't been so great at taking pictures lately. Here are some random pictures that show a little of what we have been doing.

Audrey's become addicted to my laptop. If I'm not using it, she pulls it on her lap and requests "Cars," "Pooh," or "Barney."


We've played in the snow (while it lasted- it's 70 degrees today). Actually this was a few weeks ago but I love this picture. Audrey likes to sing as you do all the work (she serenades me with the "clean up" song while I clean) so while Brett was rolling the snow into balls, she sang "Once There Was A Snowman."


Audrey has also found a solution to staying warm without wearing clothes. If only I knew what goes on that head of hers...


I have been reaching deep into my inner craftiness (only to find I don't have much). After seeing these hairbow holders at a crafts fair, I thought that it couldn't be that hard to make. And I was right. Seriously, this requires no crafty talent at all. Just some paint, ribbon, and a hot glue gun (you can buy the wooden letters at Hobby Lobby). This is what Audrey's new hairbow holder looks like. Next project... new pillows for my couch.


And of course, one of the best things about having a girl is messing with their hair. Whenever I have a ponytail in my hair, Audrey brings me a hair tie and says, "On." Her hair still isn't long enough for a ponytail so we pulled her hair up high. She then brought me the clip to add to her new "do." Definitely made for a good laugh.


So, while our life currently isn't action-packed, Audrey and I are definitely staying busy. Even if it's not all that exciting... Spring needs to hurry up!!!

More Funnies

Some of you have already heard this but since not much is going on lately, I thought I would share with all of you out in blogland.

I love listening to Audrey talk and hear all the new words that she is learning. I have also been learning how closely she listens to me. It's easy to figure out that there are certain words and phrases you don't want to hear your toddler repeating (especially in public), but I have to admit, I have neglected focusing on songs. Audrey loves music and loves to dance. Most recently her dancing has expanded to shaking her little booty. So, naturally(?), the first song that pops into my head to sing as she shakes is the classic "Shake, Shake, Shake... Shake, Shake, Shake... Shake your booty..."

Oh, you all know what happens next. Sunday morning rolls around, we are sitting in church at the quietest part of the entire service (the passing of the sacrament), and yes, Audrey decides to start shaking her little booty and sings quite loudly, "Shake, Shake, Shake... Shake booda." What's a mom to do? I chose to laugh. Quietly, of course.

Treat For Me

For my latest project, I ventured into the world of bags. I have been dying to make something with my new sewing machine and so I thought I would make myself a bag for church. I teach the 9 year olds so I needed something to carry all the things I need to teach the lesson. I'm so excited with the way it turned out! I loooove the fabric and will be curious to see how much the bag can hold. That'll be the true test... :)

Tuesday Funnies

Now that Audrey has mastered folding her arms and bowing her head when we say prayers, Brett and I thought we would start teaching her how to actually say a prayer. Of course, we have to go really slow and have her repeat 1-2 words at a time. Most of her prayers go something like this, "Help me be a good girl and sleep all night long." I like to throw that last one in since I believe prayers can be answered. I'm just hoping it will be answered in this lifetime. ANYWAY, yesterday morning I thought we should add "thank you for mommy and daddy," but when we got to the word, "for," Audrey decided she would take over and finish the prayer by saying "five, six, seven, eight." It was sooo funny we decided to just skip to the "Amen." Thank goodness for the funny moments.