Ryan Brittney Skylee Parker

First Day of School!

2011-08-16T11:40:00.005-04:00

This highly anticipated day has finally come! Skylee started Pre-K today!
Here in Georgia, Pre-K is funded by the state Lottery for kids who turn 4 by Sept. 1st, but she'll be going into kindergarten in 2 months when we move to California where she meets the Dec. 1st deadline for turning 5.

We have been getting things ready and prepping her for what to expect for months, and up until yesterday, she sounded like she was getting ready for another trip to Disney World! Last night we went to the orientation and that's when she got a little nervous with all the parents and siblings chaos. After realizing that she wouldn't know anyone, she was a little apprehensive. We did have a great time shopping for her backpack and lunch bag and some clothes earlier in the day though!
This morning I woke her up at 6:20 to get her dressed to make sure she was on time. She had forgotten about the chaos from the night before, and was really excited to see how a normal school day would be.

Up early for hair and wardrobe

She insisted on her nails being painted before she left, blue sparkles, of course!

Ready to go!

The Hello Kitty backpack we searched everywhere for and snatched up the last one from Target, all the way in FL ;)

"Tangled" soundtrack to her life, the right music to kick of this special day

Almost there...

I walked her into her classroom, where her teacher, Mrs. Karen, met her. In her southern accent she greeted Skylee with a loud "Oh honey! Don't you just look beautiful!!!" Skylee had arrived! :) I'm glad she wasn't embarrassed by all my picture taking, I'm sure that will come in years to come, but I've taken advantage of all I can for now.

I made Skylee's skirt and headband for her first day, and lucky for me, she loved how it turned out. I have a couple more things for the school year I'd like to make up for her still, and now that my house is so quiet, I have no excuses. We just can't believe she's in school now, but we know she's going to do great!

Disney Adventure

2011-07-15T13:46:00.007-04:00

Last month I took my kids to Disneyland for two days before we had to come back to Georgia for the Summer. Thanks to Ryan's Dad, Skylee already had an annual pass and Parker is still free so I only had to pay for myself to get in :) We tagged along with my Mom, and Jennette's crew for all the fun. Here are some pictures from our day spent at Disneyland:

Jungle Cruise

Pirates of the Caribean

Train ride

Carousel

Cookies :)

Casey Jr. Train

Storybook

Churros :)

Such a fun day! We took a couple days to recover and then spent a day over at California Adventure. I loved being there with my Mom and Jennette (and her kids), and making great memories with my own kids.

My Girl

2011-07-13T14:21:00.006-04:00

Monday was a lazy around our house, it was my clean up after Sunday, day. I heard Skylee "playing" upstairs, when she came down she told me she was upstairs making my bed and insisted I come up to see. Sure enough she had, and it was pretty darn good! Then she told me she cleaned her room, and Parker's! She did a really good job on each of those too. I could tell she really wanted/needed some positive affirmation, and she deserved it all. Later that day while I was cleaning up after dinner, I heard huge thuds coming down our wooden stairs. Soon after the sound stopped Skylee showed up in the kitchen doorway where I was in her skirt, somewhat matching shirt and a pair of my heels. She was begging for me to find something that she could do to help. Skylee is usually pretty good about helping to pick up her toys and doing small things, but this day was totally out of the ordinary. I was sweeping and that's where I was going to end for the day. Skylee decided that the floor needed to be mopped and started mopping all by herself. She would crack me up when Parker would be running around the house and if he came by a wet spot, she would warn him and tell him to turn around. She's such a sweet little girl. I'm hoping next time she gets in one of those moods, I can have more that needs to be done :)

Beach Day

2011-07-13T09:21:00.003-04:00

Ryan had the day off yesterday so we headed to the beach crossing our fingers that our day wouldn't be ruined by rain/thunderstorms. Our crossed fingers worked, it was a beautiful day in Fernandina Beach! The kids had a great time playing in the sand, finding shells, and jumping waves. It was really hot outside, but the water was perfect temperature for cooling off.

-love that sand on my lens...

Hope you're enjoying your Summer too :)

Singing In The Rain

2011-07-10T18:28:00.004-04:00

One thing that I will miss when we move from the South is the rain storms. Almost daily we have great thunderstorms, crazy lightening, rains buckets, and loud rumbling thunder. It's pretty fun. While in CA I found these cute rain boots at Target on clearance for only $3.75 a pair! I knew the kids could get some good use out of them.Usually it's too dangerous to go outside during one of these storms, but today it was just rain. We had a great excuse to use those boots and splash around in the puddles on our little porch here. Skylee has always been my more adventurous one, no fear kind of girl, I knew she would love it. Parker is my more apprehensive one, he's not the kind to just jump into a pool or even go in the water at the splash park, but he warmed up to the idea and ended up having lots of fun. It's the little things in life!

"Parker-man"

2011-07-09T20:26:00.007-04:00

My baby is growing up. I really notice it on days he starts talking more like a kid than a toddler. While I'm so proud that he is learning and developing like he should, it makes me sad that my baby isn't really a baby anymore (relatively). Just this week he has started to pronunciate the "r" sound in some words, almost over pronunciates them, which is kinda funny. "CaRs" and "ShoRts" are my personal favorites :) He's also changed from saying things like "whas dat!?" to "Mom, what is dat!?" (of course in his sweet little voice). "I no wanna" to "I don't like it". He has been putting some great sentences together, which still catch me off guard that it's coming from him. I often wonder if I could just stop them from growing, would I ever get sick of them at that age and be ready to let them grow a little more before freezing their age again?! Random thought, I know... I feel so blessed to have such great kids, special little people that bring joy to my life and help me to fulfill my most important purpose in life. Being a mother is such a blessing.

Better (really) late, than never!

2011-05-09T18:57:00.010-04:00

I won't even tell you how many attempts I made at trying to update this little family blog of ours. It's just pathetic. I guess I started to think that everyone was on facebook like me and kept up with us there, but I've learned otherwise.
We have made some pretty big decisions the last few months, specifically since the beginning of the new year. Currently, I am living in California with the kids while Ryan is still in Georgia working with the Coast Guard there like he has since we moved there over 3 years ago. We packed everything up in February and drove 4 ridiculously long days out to California. The plan was to see Alton before he left on his mission and instead of making two big/expensive trips out to CA (one to see Alton, and the other actually moving here for another job we anticipate) we decided to just to make one big trip. Based on the knowledge that we had at that point, things were looking pretty solid. As the last couple months have progressed, things of course aren't happening as WE planned them, but I have to have faith that it will all work out like it should.
The kids and I are missing Ryan, and our friends in Georgia a lot. We do love being so close to all our family and making some new friends too. We look forward every few weeks when Ryan gets to come see us, and I especially look forward to the help, and date nights!Parker turned 2 years old last month! To celebrate we had a double b-day party with his cousin Seth who is 3 days older. In proper 2 year old fashion, it was all about trains, and we had so much fun! The last two years with him in our family have been pure bliss. He had a little incident on the trampoline and fractured his wrist, but luckily that healed up really fast. Having your arm in a sling for a 2 year old is not fun! We're so happy it was for such a short period of time. He loves to be funny and make people laugh, he has so enjoyed getting to know his family here in California, loves playing outside, always wants milk, just recently given up his beloved pacifier, has a great vocabulary, has a great fake laugh, and loves his family so much. He is a typical little boy that loves to throw a ball, play with cars and trains, and get dirty. Anything round is a "baskeet ball", and I just love the way he says "yes" with a slight lisp on the end of it. He melts my heart everyday.
Skylee turned 4 years old in November, just goes to show how long it's been since I posted anything. She is a typical girl, maybe more dramatic than most, but still typical. She loves playing with dolls, princesses, wearing dresses or skirts, having a bow in her hair, loves to be tickled, can't get enough of reading, and she especially loves coloring. Skylee is also very thoughtful, she is always coloring a page or making a card for someone else, and offers such sweet prayers. She has been having so much fun with all her girl cousins since we moved here. There are 4 other little girls on my side of the family, it's almost like having sisters. She's a brave little toaster, she'll jump right into a cold pool or give just about any food a try (and usually likes it!) It's been so great to see her grow up to be such a happy little girl. We are so excited to see her in her first official dance recital next month!Ryan is almost at the end of his Coast Guard/military contract, and the last 8 months since he graduated he's been trying to line up a different career once he gets out later this year. For me, it's been such a roller coaster of emotions; things look hopeful, then disappointment- back and forth...it's starting to drive me loco. Before we moved, Ryan surprised me with a little 5 year anniversary trip to Washington D.C. He organized it all without me knowing about it, which included flying his mom to Georgia to look after our kids for the week. It was so sweet and a great opportunity for just the two of us to get away. We really had a great time!

As for me, I'm just in the middle of it all. Being a partial-single-parent has been an adjustment but, I have so loved being in California again, there really is no place like home. Since we've been married and in other states with the military, I missed spending time with my parents, my sisters and their families (and little visits from my brothers), old friends, the endless options of things to do in California, and great weather!
Of course a ton of things have happened since my last post, but there's just no way I'm going to go through it all. For now, generic will have to do, I'll just resolve to do better from this point on :)

Skylee and Parker's Halloween Costumes

2010-10-16T22:26:00.003-04:00

We got back from Disney World last week and had a blast! One trip I'll never forget! I'll get some pictures posted soon... as for now here's what I've been working on :)

I took my time with these costumes, I knew there would be a thousand opportunities for mistakes ( I made my fair share!) but they're pretty much done. A couple last minute finishing touches on Skylee's, and I'll call it good. With Parker's, I'm not very happy with the hat but his is so tedious that I just don't have the time and patience required for my toddlers one time use Halloween costume! On a positive note, at least everyone knew what he was without asking! Skylee's wings are still a work in progress and I've got to figure out what to do with her hair. I may never make costumes again, so this has got to be documented well ;)
Tonight we had a trunk or treat activity on the Navy base that we attended. It was for me so I had a deadline to finish the majority of the costumes, and to give them a try. I found out that Skylee's isn't so potty-friendly. I had to take the entire thing off, ha! Oh well, she looks beautiful in it :) The kids had a fun time and i couldn't go home without a couple pictures!

I'm also working on a glow worm costume for a friends newborn baby. I'll show it to ya when I'm finished :) Almost done!
Happy Halloween!

P.S. What should I be?

September 411

2010-09-28T13:44:00.007-04:00

Life keeps us super busy around here!
Ryan has finished school!!! He has worked SO hard earning his B.A. in Sociology, and I couldn't be more proud. He has accomplished this goal while working full time (and then some), taking some of the crazy accelerated courses, and family life that included my pregnancy with Parker, and now our-always-loud-family-of-four! :) Congratulations, Ryan! I love you and admire your dedication to keep focus on your goals! I'm also very excited to have a husband again that can come home from work and help/hang out/play with kids!!! (I need a picture of him, don't I!?)

No news is as exciting as Ryan completing his degree, but we continue to keep busy with dance, preschool, callings at church (Ryan is the 1st counselor in EQ, and I'm the 2nd Counselor in RS), and everything in between. I also try to have friends/new members of our ward over for a play date each week and on the weekends we like to get together with good friends for game nights or a good movie. In my "spare time" (Ha) I still try to create, my latest project I've taken on- both Halloween costumes for Skylee and Parker. Here is a sneak peak, they're not finished yet...

You can see some more pictures and info on my other blog, about the costumes :)

*Ask me what's happening next week...Ok, since you asked...
We're going to DISNEY WORLD!!! 4 days, 3 nights of Disney bliss! I've never been, but have always wanted to go! Where we live now in GA, we're only about 2 1/2-3 hours away, and since our time left here is short (hallelujah) we've got to take advantage! The bonus part, my Mom is joining us on our adventures! She comes next week and we're all so excited! I'll have loads of pictures for you when I get back, betcha can't wait ;)

Craft Blog GIVEAWAY!

2010-09-02T08:44:00.007-04:00

Hey there! Hope you're all doing great :) We've been keeping super busy with preschool, dance, play dates, running errands, and Ryan's crazy schedule. Oh and did I mention that we got a puppy!? Yeah, I know I'm crazy...

Skylee going to her hip hop/tumble class

Parker playing with his buddies, Gunner and Gordon

Daisy (bulldog/basset hound mix)

She is super sweet and great with the kids.

Ok, there's a little update, but the title of this post has the word GIVEAWAY in it (sorry I'm not giving my kids or the dog away...today at least ;) )
I've reached 100 Followers over on Brittney's Budget Crafts and decided to celebrate by giving away my latest creation, this bracelet: your choice of aqua (as shown) pink, or black.

To enter go on over to Brittney's Budget Crafts and leave me a comment there. You have until Monday September 6th @ 9:00 EST. Good luck, and thanks so much for all your support :)

Skylee 1st Day of Dance

2010-08-25T09:34:00.003-04:00

Monday Skylee started dance! She was great, and had a great time. I think she's the only one in her little class that hasn't had any classes before, but she had the best technique once she understood what she was suppose to do ;) I'm not biased at all *wink*wink! I think it will be great for her to listen to directions, remember steps, make friends, learn coordination, and have fun!

Ready to go!

loving every minute of it :)

Lookin' GOOD!

Pumped after class

We've got class again today, and Ryan will get to attend! I know Skylee is excited to get to show her Daddy how she can be a little ballerina :) It's so much fun to have a little girl!

Hello out there...there...there...there...(echo) :)

2010-08-16T14:45:00.009-04:00

It's been a long time since I've slacked THIS bad with my family blog, I'm sure you've cried yourself to sleep at night wondering what in the world the Allen family has been up to :P Well, I'll fill ya in the best, and shortest way I can.
At the end of June through most of July we took a trip out to Las Vegas/Lake Mead and California. We had such a great time and wished it would never end. I have to admit that those trips home are really good in some ways and others, really bad for me. I just feel so homesick almost the minute I get back "home" to Georgia. It makes me HATE this place even more than all the reasons it naturally gives me...yet, I DO try to be positive and keep perspective! (some good news, I hope about that later...).
Anyways, the trip was full of excitement and opportunities to be with the ones we love. Parker and I flew out to CA 5 days earlier than expected, for my Uncle Jim's funeral, while Ryan and Skylee stayed in GA until our original trip planned to Vegas the following week. The funeral service was really nice, and although it wasn't a circumstance that anyone would have chosen for a family reunion or sorts, it was just that. I am SO grateful I was able to attend. My Uncle Jim was an amazing example to me and I'm glad I could be there to show my great love, and respect for him.

^Baby Brinley, Kayla, Jennette, Me, Laura, and Michelle

^Parker and I at my Uncle Jim's grave site

^Almost the whole (Bob/Kathryn) Skaggs family minus Ryan and Skylee

Once Parker and I were reunited with Ryan and Skylee in Vegas, we kept busy while staying with Jennette (my sister) and her family, who reside there. Mini golf, bowling, dinner, Mandalay Bay Shark Reef, shopping, and a visit to the slash park kept us busy and entertained! It was great to spend some quality time with them, thanks Jennette and Steve for having us! :)

^Seth, Elenna, Eliese, and Skylee at the Shark Reef
^Parker enjoying the sights at the Shark Reef

Black light mini golf at "King Putt" in Vegas

^Cosmic Bowling- strike a pose!
^Cookies!

Ryan's Dad invited us to join them on a houseboat on Lake Mead for 5 days over the 4th of July weekend, and we could never turn the offer down! We had a blast! Jet skis, wake-boarding, swimming, water slides, great food, not a care in the world, boating, Ryan's birthday, and inner tubes! We made lots of memories and really enjoyed our week with family :)^Parker in his "Rex Kuan Do" swim shorts

^Ryan blowing out his sparkler candles on his b-day (4th of July)

^Ryan and Parker at Lake Mead^Skylee and Parker happy little campers

^Ryan in his element :)

^Ryan cliff jumping...

^Skylee on the 4th doing sparklers :)

After the Mead trip, we headed out to California for the remainder of our trip. Laura (my other sister) and her girls came out to spend the week with us too. Skylee especially, loved playing with them! We had park days, trips up the the Santa Rosa Plateau, lots of visits from long time friends, family time, ate out WAY too much, movies, pool parties, bonfires, Chuck E. Cheese and Soak City. Thanks Mom and Dad for having us there, we loved spending the time with you :)

^playing at the park

^A visit with Holli, Carder, and Jake (not pictured)

^Out to dinner with Ashley

^Skylee in heaven at Chuck E. Cheese

^All the Skaggs fam cousins/grandchildren

^Skylee and Papa making popcorn

^Parker, poolside!

See why being THIS far away from family is so hard? There's always so many fun things I could be doing with them if I were closer...one day *sigh*

Since coming home from our vacation, we've settled back into our routine. I participate in a preschool co-op for Skylee a couple times a week with other friends, that she really enjoys. She is also starting dance classes this month... I may be a little more excited than she is, if that's possible?
^Skylee posing after bath time, while dancing

Skylee also loves to pretend everyday is a birthday party, she's getting really into Barbies, and she's also a really good little artist! Parker is 16 months now, and really not the chunky monkey little man anymore that he used to be. We owe that to him walking! He's a mobile little monster now ( I say that with love). He's been one to skip a few "normal" steps in his little life like no baby food, straight to regular solids, no crawling, straight to walking...I expect him to just skip straight to high school :) He is learning new things all the time and such a joy to be around. Ryan and I are trying our best to figure out what will be best for the future of our family, we have a lot of really important decisions coming up, and trusting that prayers will be answered. We'll keep you posted :)

Holla at ya girl

2010-07-11T22:06:00.003-04:00

I've been a major blog slacker lately! I've been hopping back and fourth from CA to Las Vegas area for the last couple weeks having a blast. I'm done hopping, and now staying in CA for the rest of our vacation. For those of you that live around here and want to get together (lunch, play date, visit...) let me know. We'll be leaving back to GA on the 19th and would love to see some friends while we're here :) For all you non-California friends and family, don't you worry, I'll have a slew of pictures for ya when I get back :P Hope you're all enjoying your Summer as much as we are!

Toy Story 2- Skylee style

2010-06-23T20:19:00.003-04:00

This is purely for my own memory, but read on if you'd like :)
Today as we were running around town like crazy people, trying to accomplish a thousand things before I leave town tomorrow, Toy Story 2 DVD was on in the back for the kids...

1.
S: Mom, we have a Woody toy! "There's a steak in my boot!" (Skylee's little voice trying to sound like Woody, lisp and all)
Then we I told her it was "snake" she thought that was the funniest thing in the world and laughed about it for a good 10 mins.

2.
S: There's Woody, and Buzz Lightyear, and Slinky, and Tomato Head, and Piggy
We then reviewed the names...Mr. Potato Head, and Ham- she didn't believe me.

I can't wait to see Toy Story 3, but didn't take Skylee to see it, Ryan and Skylee are staying behind this weekend, while Parker and I head out to CA, and Ryan wants to take her on a "date" to see it. He wins :)

Not Toy Story related, but it's hilarious how Skylee says "situation", "hilarious", or "ridiculous", just want to remember that when her 3 year old lisp is gone, I think I'll really miss it :)

What do you want to be when you grow up?

2010-06-09T18:05:00.003-04:00

Skylee- Mom, what do you want to be when you grow up?
Brittney- I'm already grown up
S- What do you want to be?
B- I want to be a Mom
S- Oh! You wanna clean all the dishes, and you wanna take care of me, and play with me! You could pick flowers, and go on walks!
B- Yep, sounds about right :) Skylee, what do you want to be when you grow up?
S- A magician

Summer Fun

2010-06-09T15:17:00.007-04:00

*Swimming at the pool:
Both Skylee and Parker love swimming!
*We found blackberries growing in our backyard!
Made some strawberry/blackberry sherbet with them.MMMM :)

*Georgia Turtle Center on Jekyll Island with friends:

*Came home from running errands and Ryan and Skylee had built this fort: "Fort Skylee" updated from my fort days, this one had a movie playing inside!

*Skylee started her first swimming lessons this week!

She's doing really well after 2 days, she's a bit of a girly girl...she doesn't like getting her hair wet :)

* homemade popsicles (this one was orange with strawberry slices) on really hot days :)

A busy and exciting week!

2010-05-27T13:53:00.006-04:00

We've been keeping real busy around here, and been having so much fun. Good things happening in our family lately!From the previous post I mentioned that I was going to put Parker back in physical therapy for the extra nudge. He's been going for 3 weeks (once a week) and has made some great progress! Last Friday, got him to crawl to me. Of course I was so excited that I wanted to show Ryan when got home...well, you know how it goes, he made a liar out of me and refused to do it again :) Tuesday he had another physical therapy appt and did so well at his crawling skills that he was willing to show Ryan. We were so proud. He doesn't like doing it at all, but the fact that he can is great. Parker has been able to take steps for quite a while now, and cruise along furniture, but yesterday, he decided to take the leap and let go. Off he went walking on his own!!! I was cleaning up after a sewing project and he just walked on by! I was totally shocked, but so happy. Now the little punk doesn't even want to hold my hand. From crawling to walking in 5 days, go Baby P!In other exciting news, Ryan made second class in the military. For all you non-military folks out there ( pretty much everyone) that just means that he moved up a rank from petty officer 3rd to petty officer 2nd class. He's been eligible for 2 years, and we've have been waiting that long to advance. Needless to say, we are really relieved the time has finally come! I got to go into his work this morning (a rare treat) and switched the pins on his uniform that symbolizes his rank. This also means a pay increase, a very welcomed one at that! :)

Fantastic family picture >>>insert sarcasm here<<<

As for Skylee and I, we're just excited that the boys are progressing in they're lives...almost catching up with us ;) Skylee will be starting swimming lessons soon, and is still in preschool. My craft blog is doing well, I've had fun making new friends, getting a little recognition from the pros and getting great feedback. We've been enjoying spending time at the pool and days at the beach. One thing I'll never complain about with being in the Coast Guard...always being close to water :)
We've booked a trip out to Las Vegas/Lake Mead and California in July. We'll be gone for 3 weeks, and the most exciting part is that Ryan will be with us the whole trip! Usually he only can come for a fraction of the time, leaving me with flying back alone with the kiddos...this time, he'll have to endure it with me! Haha!
*I'm working on getting some recent videos uploaded, they just take for-ev-er!

We really feel very blessed that life is treating us so well. Thanks everyone for all your words of support, and love shown toward our family :)

Parker Update:

2010-05-14T11:16:00.002-04:00

How lucky am I!?!

A curious little man

Got all of Parker's lap work, and x-ray results and everything is A-Okay! My initial concern came from the doctors I think. The idea that there was something "wrong" with him, I'll admit, freaked me out! I got over that, even before the results came back, but it's a relief to know he's just fine! He's been making progress on getting himself around too! He's figured out how to scoot himself around on his bum, even "crawl" a little, and still taking a few steps here and there. Thanks for all your supportive comments. I'm sure it won't be long til I post a video of the little guy walking, he's close!

Trying to figure this little boy out...

2010-05-04T15:34:00.003-04:00

This little man a.k.a. "Baby P", still isn't crawling, pulling up to standing, or walking. 13 months old, and I feel like I still have an infant. He is lively, funny, and eating really well now.
A few months ago, when he was around 10 months, I took him to his regular pediatrician appointment and at that point when he wasn't doing any of those things, she referred us to see a physical therapist. We went for about a month. Each Wednesday morning at 8:45am we would show up for a 45 min scream-fest. Parker is a major Mama's boy, so any time he feels uncomfortable he flips. We went for the first month without any improvement, then stopped going for multiple reasons. I didn't think anything was "wrong" with him, just a bit slower in his motor skills than the average baby.
The therapist explained that because he had respiratory issues for a while, it may have just been really uncomfortable for him to be on his tummy, therefore setting him back to work building up those muscles for crawling. Made sense to me...
Here we are 3 months down the road, and still nothing.
At the next regular pediatrician appointment, I mentioned that he's got some constipation problems, so after asking me a few questions she referred us to a Gastroenterologist (GI) to check it out.
This last week we made the trip to Nemours Children's Hospital in Jacksonville to discuss his bum issues. This doctor wanted to ask me questions just to "rule out" possible causes. He mentioned that children that may have a thyroid problem at his age wouldn't be able to pull themselves up, may have low muscle tone and such. Red flag, so we got an x-ray and blood work. Still waiting on the results from that...
Since all this, I've put Parker back in physical therapy. I just have to remember that even if he doesn't like it and it seems pointless, at least I can continue to learn more of what I can do at home with him.
I hope this isn't coming off as a complaint post, it's more of an update post. I will admit to be a little frustrated, confused, and hopeful all at the same time that nothing is "wrong" and that he/we will make progress. Don't know what doc. to believe if any? I don't want to be the mom that denies or ignores a problem, but I also don't want to be frantic about nothing too. Ya know?
Enough rambling. ;)

Here She Is!

2010-04-30T14:30:00.004-04:00

Thank you, thank you, thank YOU for all your encouragement, support, and comments!!! I got the most votes for "Brittney's Budget Crafts". I also got some GREAT suggestions that really had me thinking!
I just finished my first post! Hop on over and check it out here! I hope to keep the crafts coming, and continue to improve the site :)

Craft Blog

2010-04-27T08:16:00.007-04:00

So I've been thinking about starting my own craft blog. Ironically, I can't think of a CREATIVE name, especially one that hasn't already been taken! :o)

Name Ideas:
1.Obsessive Crafting
2.Brittney's Budget Crafts
3.Britt's Happy Place
4.Starter Crafts
5.Wanna Create
6.Craft Cuz I Can
7.Inspired To Make
8.Made By Britt
9.If I Can Do It, So Can U
10.Creativity Garden
11.Little Time, Little Money
12.Resourceful Crafting
13.Brit's Bits of Crafts

Leave me a comment and tell me what your favorite blog name is! OR if you've got a better one, I'll check to see if it's available (I've tried about 100) but I'd LOVE more ideas :)

THANKS! :)

Skylee's Room

2010-04-24T13:59:00.003-04:00

I decided it was time for Skylee and Parker to have their own rooms. Simply because their schedules are really different and we have the space. We moved our office into our closet (believe me, it totally works since it's the size of a small bedroom) and now Skylee's got her own big girl room again :)
I've had a lot of fun doing her room, and although it's not completely finished, (I still need to accessorize) here's what we've got so far:

^This is simply scrapbook paper folded to look 3D... Cost:$1.50
first found the idea here then simplified

These hanging pom poms found at Martha Stewart, I made from tissue paper and hung with ribbon. Cost: $4
This pillow I made from a store-bought pillowcase I trimmed to size and sewed the little owl on. Cost: $ 3.50 (for 2 pillowcases, although I only used 1)

I made the tree from an old brown sheet that I "upcycled" and used spray starch to paste it to the wall, and felt I already had (the felt pieces are taped...we rent :P) Cost $3 (for the spray starch, and a couple extra sheets of felt)

I must admit that I'm pretty proud of myself, my vision was really intimidating, and I didn't know if I could actually pull it off. I didn't use any patterns, I just started cutting and pasting. The BEST part for me is that it is transferable, since we're in the military, we can expect to move soon! The only thing I wish was different: The tree trunk is too slim, really wish I would have cut it bigger... oh well... Hope you like it!

A Visit from Mom

2010-04-16T14:43:00.008-04:00

Last week my Mom was able to come out to visit. We had a ton of fun, everyday we kept busy going to local hot spots! Here is a picture recap:

Day 1: The Jacksonville Zoo

Sting Ray Bay- where we got to pet and feed sting ray!

We wore her out!

Day 2: St. Mary's Waterfront/touring our town

Day 3: Went Shopping at St. John's Town Center in Jacksonville FL (no pics)

Day 4: St. Simon's Island GA/Fort Frederica

Skylee's photography: Her deal now is she'll agree to smile so I can take a picture, only if she can take a picture of me :) (Fort Frederica)

Ice cream on St. Simon's pier

Parker loving the swing at the park

Day 5: Sunday :)
Day 6: Savannah GA

Forsyth Park Savannah

We took a horse-drawn carriage tour through Savannah's Historic District-it was beautiful!

Day 7: Jacksonville Zoo, again since it was close to the airport and my Mom didn't take off until 5pm.

Parker's first carousel ride, he really liked it by the end :)

Thank you Mom for coming to see us! We LOVED having you, and had SO much fun! Many memories were made, and thanks to you we'll be attending the zoo regularly for anytime fun! Love you!!!

Parker's 1st B-day!

2010-04-16T13:13:00.006-04:00

The Birthday Boy!

Words cannot express how much happiness Parker has brought to our families lives this past year. He is the sweetest little guy, and I love being his mommy :)

Parker facts:
*Has 4 top teeth,2 on the bottom- grinds them on occasion :/
*Loves his walker, and he's pretty talented in it!
*Laughs at most anything Skylee does
*Enjoys driving in the car
*Has had 3 little haircuts, and needs another!
*Is a good dancer
*Says "Dada" for just about everything
*He's finally eating solid foods, and likes most things except fruit
*Recently started "cruising" (walking along furniture)
*Splashes like a crazy man in the bath and loves throwing ALL the toys out
*In addition to the last, I loves taking things out of drawers/baskets...
*Gets a kick out of banging things together or throwing things
*Loves being outside
*Doesn't have much patience when it comes to reading books, but we're working on it :)
*Still a major Mama's Boy!
*Learning how to use his teeth, sometimes on Skylee's leg
*Uses his walker as if he were on a skateboard. He'll gain momentum then hold his feet up to glide across the tile.
*Loves making us laugh
*Doesn't like to be inconvenienced: getting dressed, getting his diaper changed...
*Seems to really like "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse"
*Likes to brush his teeth
*Has decided to skip crawling, working hard on walking
*Has a slight under-bite
*So SWEET

Things I made for the party:

This B-day banner I covered with coordinating scrapbook paper (not the best pics)

made these pom poms since I slacked on balloons

Made this cupcake stand out of formula canisters, cardboard, ribbon, hot glue, and buttons

Parker's personal cake

Party time:

Didn't do too well taking pics of the actual party, but we had fun. When I get a chance I'll upload the video of him eating his cake :)

Happy Birthday Baby P. We love you sooooooo much!

Easter with the Allens

2010-04-16T09:18:00.006-04:00

The week before Easter we took Skylee to an egg hunt on base. There were lots of other little kids, and although we did our best to explain to her what to do, once she was out there on her own she froze. She managed to get 4 eggs, but that wasn't satisfactory to her, she was very upset. I would say "You did a great job honey!" and her reply every time with tears in her eyes was "No, I didn't", broke my heart! She did have fun though, we just told her it was practice for when the Easter Bunny was going to come to our house :)

Skylee wasn't too sure about this Easter Bunny. I think he looks pretty scary too though!

Skylee was so excited to color eggs, and did a great job!

This is the only non-screaming picture of Parker from that night. He was miserable from being tired and teething. Needless to say, I put him straight to bed after this shot. He'll help us out next year :)

Skylee waking up to the basket the Easter Bunny left

I made these hooded towels to throw into the kids baskets, seriously only took a couple minutes. Not too bad for never making one, and going off of memory from what I've seen I guess?
^Ryan's Easter basket included his favorite candies and a bird feeder (He had been wanting one)

The Easter Egg Hunt was on!

Parker just playing with his favorite item in his basket, a red shiny ball :)

General Conference doesn't start here until 12, then at 4pm so we go to enjoy the morning hunting, playing and eating crepes. After Conference (which I just loved) we enjoyed dinner with friends and neighbors. We had a great Easter :) Hope your Easter Sunday was just as wonderful!

Our little Turtle Friend

2010-04-15T12:49:00.004-04:00

that's a spinach leave to give you an idea of scale (He's super small)

Here in Southeast Georgia, there are lots of crazy creatures that come right up to our house on a pretty regular basis. In the last year we've encountered snakes(even inside!), crab, scorpions, and turtles to name a few. This little one we've named "Tuck", we found right outside our front door last night as Ryan was leaving for a meeting. He's SO small, we just had to take him inside! After doing some online research (don't you just love the internet?!) I think it's (can't tell the gender yet) a yellow-bellied-slider. We're really not sure what to do with this little guy...let him go, or keep him for a pet? I think this turtle will out grow our home, and I have no idea what to do with a large turtle??? Not sure if I'm up for that :)

It's beginning to look a lot like EASTER!

2010-03-24T11:44:00.006-04:00

I realized that I had next to NO Easter decorations for our little home. Last year I practically skipped the holiday since I had just delivered Parker days before, I don't think I really cared or noticed :) Plus, it's been this past year that I've tried to develop my crafting skills. I call myself a "wannabe"...but this is what I came up with on my small budget :)

^ This isn't much, but it adds a burst of "spring"

^For the kitchen table I used spanish moss (from off a tree outside) for the "nest", plastic eggs, flowers,birds and placemats from the dollar store, and the "E" I had on had from Skylee's old room decor (already painted pink too!)

I made this little Easter Tree from branches I spray painted, a cheap bag of plastic eggs, ribbon, then ties these babies on. Skylee loved helping with this one :) You could also paint the egss, but I just don't have the time this year for that, not yet at least (I'm blogging instead!)

I

I'm not a huge fan of fake flowers, BUT this is what I had on hand, combine with some of those little eggs again, in a glass vase/container.

Trashy to Flashy...

2010-03-23T15:19:00.005-04:00

Classy for a kid's table right?

I forgot to take a before pic, so I took a "in the middle" shot :)

So, for those of you out there that keep in touch with me on FB too...a couple weeks ago I mentioned I went to Lowes to get supplies to build a table and chair set for my kids. I've wanted one for a long time, but buying them new is kinda expensive! 2 days after I bought all the supplies, I found this little beauty on Craigslist for the the same price. That meant I didn't have to build it, just refinish it! I picked it up, and starred at it for a couple more weeks until just yesterday sanded this baby down and painted it! I must admit that I don't love the color, it's not as dark as I wanted it. For now it will have to do, I'll fix it when I get another chance to, but in the meantime Skylee can enjoy having her own little table :) There's just something about doing things yourself, making it YOURS!

Spring has sprung

2010-03-21T13:31:00.005-04:00

Yesterday we had the perfect weather, sunny 74 degrees with a light breeze, nothing but blue skies! Ryan also didn't have to work, which is a miracle these days...the man is never home it seems! We took advantage of the two and packed up a lunch picnic, then drove to a lake close to wear Ryan works on base. There was a small park with an old slide and swing set, and a trail that wrapped around the lake where we enjoyed taking the kids on a walk. I couldn't resist taking some pictures of my kids, since recently I've been lacking in that department! I'm always a little biased, but I think they turned out SUPER cute ;)

Male Bonding

2010-03-16T17:10:00.004-04:00

(Go ahead and ignore those hideous cords, and clutter of things on my entertainment center for now... )

I'm not a big fan of video games, but Ryan is off of school this month and so this is what he does in his free time. Of course I would rather spend his school-free days doing other, more productive things, but I'll let him enjoy his break. Parker was entertained too, and so it begins...

I'm FREE!

2010-03-09T13:12:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we were at the car dealership purchasing our new car (I'll post about that one later). Skylee sees a sign that had the word "FREE" on it in big letters. She asks "What spells E-E-R-F?"
Me: You mean F-R-E-E?
S: Yeah, F-R-E-E!
Me: That says FREE
S: Oh, I'm 3!!!
free/three pronounced the same by her!

Just a moment I wanted to remember :)

4 Years!

2010-02-11T15:59:00.005-05:00

(Wedding Day Feb. 11, 2006)

Today is our 4th wedding anniversary. It feels like it's been a lot longer sometimes, and others I can't believe everything that has happened in such a short period of time.
Ryan and I met at a church youth activity when he asked me to dance. Ryan was a senior in H.S. at Chaparral, I had just turned 17 and a junior at Murrieta Valley H.S. Ironically, I had just broken up with a loser boyfriend the week before, thank goodness! Our first date was soon followed after spending that weekend at the youth conference, I found him hilarious, witty, intelligent, and handsome.
We dated casually for a few months, then didn't really talk for a couple months, then got back together for the last 6 months or so before his mission...I know...kinda ridiculous :)
We each wrote weekly letters while he served his mission in Brazil from July 2003-July 2005. Those letters were my weekly delight, and to this day when I look at our binders full of letters it makes me so happy :) Ryan surprised me when he came home. His entire mission he told me he would be home the 21st ( I think) and he showed up on my doorstep a week early after I had come home from work. Biggest shock of my life!
He proposed to me the weekend before Thanksgiving in 2005. It was such a great day! The night before, he made sure I was in bed early. Called me somewhere in the crazy early morning hours and told me I had an hour to get ready. I did, and when he picked me up he blind folded my eyes, and drove me to the church where he first asked me to dance. A little sappy, but he turned on the song we danced to that first night and had another dance under the morning stars in the parking lot. lol. that's kinda funny. but cute. He blind folded me again and drove me to a winery in Temecula where a hot air balloon was being set up. That was SO cool! THEN, after the balloon ride, he drove me up to Idywild (where he first saw me, before the dance that same night) and took me to the same camp, got down on one knee...and I got a big question and a diamond ring! What was I supposed to say? Obviously, it was a YES!

(engagement picture)
Four years ago, we were married and I've been so happy to be with him each day. Real life came fast when we found out we were having a baby that same year, he joined the Coast Guard, and now we're in Georgia with another little man!

Thank you Ryan for loving me, and making me so happy. I love you, and look forward to spending forever with you :)

My New Pink Toy

2010-02-08T21:36:00.002-05:00

I don't think I blogged about my computer crashing recently, well...it did! Ryan's laptop went down a couple months ago, then mine. GGGRRRR! I of course needed to back my files up when it happened, so I lost things I will forever be sad about. BUT out of the sadness comes a fun new PINK laptop for me! You can officially welcome me into this new decade, I got photoshop too! I'm so excited to learn all kinds of fun tricks.

A Little Love in the Air

2010-02-08T20:58:00.005-05:00

If I had the money, I'd go crazy with decoarating my house for each holiday. My goal now, is to just get a few things each year, then that dream will become a reality over time. Today I finally got around to putting up a couple Valentines decorations up around my house!

Need a easy/inexpensive idea to show some love?

Here's a good idea for your Valentine this year: (I'm doing it for Ryan, but it could be for kids, parents, or anyone else you LOVE, just adjust it accordingly;)

1. Buy some candies (preferably v-day, but not neccessary)

2. Have a jar or other container they can keep their candies in (I'm using that mailbox on the table, got it from Target for $1)

3. Leave a note that explains how to play this little game:

4. The idea is to hide, put out, or give out candies throughout the days leading up to v-day. Your valentine will have to save up the treats and keep them in their container. The candies will later act as money (so to speak) and they can "spend" the money how they'd like. This way your valentine can recieve what HE/SHE would like, instead of you having to come up with something and hope they like it :)

Example:

10 Hershey Kisses= 15 minute massage

15 Hershey Kisses= Breakfast in bed, made by me

8 Hershey Kisses= Homemade Chocolate Chip cookies

You get the idea, I haven't made my list yet, so if you've got some good ideas send them my way!

I just gave Ryan his mailbox, with a rhyme inside explaining the objective and gave him 6 kisses to start!

Love ya! Happy Valentines Day :)

Amateur photographer

2010-02-06T11:34:00.006-05:00

I gave Skylee one of my old cameras when I got a new one for Christmas from Ryan. For some reason, she still wants the one I use! As I was looking through my camera to review some pictures, I noticed there were a lot that I hadn't taken, especially blurred, side ways, fingers on the lens pictures. Skylee has been swiping mine! This is some of her abstract work :)

^Our dinning room/ kitchen area

^Our new t.v. and homemade t.v. stand (it used to be our entertainment center, we took a saw to it!)

^Parker getting into toys

^Me looking rough at the end of the day, thank you Skylee

^We asked her to take a picture of us after our date last night

Not too shabby for a 3 year old ;)

10 Months

2010-02-06T11:05:00.003-05:00

Bath time= Happy time :)

All clean!

If you look real close you can see those little teeth

Parker is a 10 month old wild boy! If he's not sleeping, or smiling and laughing, he's screaming and crying (usually the latter). There is no in between with him these days of teething. He's been teething really bad, but has two bottom teeth to show for all that misery. He's also got two on top that are just about in! I hope all his teeth come fast, he's been miserable, and almost driving me crazy some days!
Even though he's had a rough time with teething lately, he loves going places. If he's in the car, he's so happy. He's in a toddler car seat now, forward facing along with Skylee.
Parker doesn't seem to be interested in crawling yet. I think he'd be a happier if he could follow me around and get to things he wants, but right now screaming will eventually pay off for him just the same.
He has always had a deep, wet cough since he was born and I finally took him in to have it checked out. They took a chest x-ray and only found he had RSV (a common virus that infants and young children get with cold like symptoms). He was put on a nebulizer (sp?) for about a week and a half of treatments, and steroids as well. That really seemed to help.
Parker also protests eating solid foods, STILL! He'll snack on some, but won't eat a full meal. That means he's still waking up at least 3 times a night to drink a bottle. We're work'n on it!
He's got a few little tricks that he likes to show off, they make us laugh every time. My two favorites are his fake laugh, and shaking his head like a crazy man. He has such a great relationship with Skylee, they really love each other a lot.

As many challenges as this little boy seems to have right now, he is such a happy part of our little family. It's crazy to think that he'll be a year old in a matter of a couple months! There's nothing better than easing his pain/discomfort by just picking him up and holding him, he's a mama's boy :) I love this little man!

Happy Birthday to Me :)

2010-01-27T11:18:00.006-05:00

I had a great b-day this year! Just about every year since Ryan and I have been married, he's had to work! This year he took it off, made me breakfast and told me to get dressed for the day. After I was all ready to go (not knowing what was going on) he put me in my car, and told me to go to the mall or wherever else I wanted to shop and do just that! He stayed home to watch the kids all day for me so I could have an enjoyable time shopping! I loved it! I can't even remember the last time I went out shopping ALL BY MYSELF, for myself! I did feel a little strange not having to worry about little people, but I got over that real quick :) I went to a mall down in Jacksonville and shopped for a few hours, got some cute stuff, then headed back home.
Ryan, the kids, and I got ready to go out to dinner and I decided on Osaka, a Japanese Steakhouse. It was a lot of fun, it's the kind that they cook the food right in front of you. I was bummed to find that my camera was low on batteries once we got there, I had plans of taking some video and take some good pictures, oh well. After some great food (including sushi, which I LOVE) we came back home for the traditional cake and ice cream! Gave the kids a bath, and had watched American Idol :) A girl couldn't really ask for more!
Thank YOU for your warm birthday wishes. It made me feel so special to know my friends and family thought of me :)
Thank you Ryan for making my 25th one that I'll never forget, and feel free to do that every year ;) I love you so much, you make me so happy each and everyday.

Parker at Osaka

Skylee at the restaurant

A trip to the zoo

2010-01-27T10:49:00.005-05:00

Last week Ryan had Wednesday off of work, rather than Monday (MLK Day) because he was out at sea that day. It was a beautiful day, so we decided to head to the zoo! It turned out to be a perfect day; amazing weather, we were practically the only people there, active animals, and happy kids :) We packed food and had a picnic for lunch, Skylee had so much fun in the play area, she got to brush goats, and we rode the carousel. Here's a few shots from our lovely day.

^being free

^Mama monkey holding her baby

skylee going down the slide

^Skylee brushing the goat
^

^Ryan helping Parker brush the goat

^Parker with the giraffe

^Skylee enjoying every minute :)

HOLY CATCH-UP!

2010-01-17T19:07:00.001-05:00

Daaaaaaang, it's been a long time for me! But, I'm BACK :) Missed me right?

We had such a great trip in California, super busy, and fun filled! Here are some slideshows to highlight our adventures:

Here are some of the things we did:

*Skylee turned 3 there and we had a little party with family
*Thanksgiving
*San Diego Wild Animal Park
*Disneyland/ CA Adventure
*Looked at Christmas lights with my parents, got dinner,cookies, and peppermint shakes :)
*Saw the movie "The Princess and the Frog"
*Park days
*Picnics with cousins
*Saw "The Nutcracker" ballet
*Took the kids to get their pictures taken
*Christmas parties
*Christmas Day/eve with family
*Tom's Farm x2
*Spent time with extended family and friends
*New Years
*Holiday baking and eating :)

-I realize my slideshows are a little thrown together, and some of the same pictures appear a couple times, but I just wanted to get these up since it's been so long. Sorry for not editing :P

Holiday Fun

2010-01-17T18:51:00.005-05:00

Christmas Day

2010-01-17T18:51:00.004-05:00

Playing in California

2010-01-17T18:50:00.005-05:00

Disneyland

2010-01-17T18:50:00.004-05:00

San Diego Wild Animal Park

2010-01-17T18:49:00.002-05:00

Greetings from California

2009-12-11T10:50:00.002-05:00

It's been a while, I know! Since the 25th of November we've been out in California spending this holiday season with our family. I haven't had much time in the last month to spend blogging, but I have missed it. Just wanted to post real quick to wish you all happy holidays, I'll be updating soon with all our comings and goings. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are having fun getting ready for Christmas!

Don't skip Thanksgiving!!!

2009-11-08T19:15:00.004-05:00

I love, Love LOVE Christmas time...really I do, it's my favorite time of the year. I love everything about it. The fact that Christ is the center of the holiday,the music, lights, gift giving, baking, family time, traditions, the list could go on and on! I have one little problem though...

What about Thanksgiving? We seem to get fixated on the commercial side of holidays and since Thanksgiving isn't hyped up as much as Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and others, we seem to forget that it's so important to be thankful for ALL the blessings we have.

I have to admit that when it comes to holidays it's all about family traditions, and for Thanksgiving there aren't really too many that come to mind beyond what's on the dinner table that day. That being said, this year I wanted to focus on our everyday blessings and start a new tradition in our family. I went here (you should too)and downloaded the little tags, made our own little autumn-ish container, and each evening we pick something out and do what the tag says. It's not much, but it helps us to serve others as a family, be grateful everyday, and learn/teach new things.

I know you just can't wait to pull out those Christmas decorations, start playing that music, and baking those goodies...but try to remember and FOCUS on Thanksgiving first. It's REALLY important. I think it's great that we even have a holiday where at least once a year, people that usually don't stop to think of the good things in their lives, do! It just kinda makes me sad when it's almost viewed as a "ugh, gotta wait til Thanksgiving is over...til Christmas!" kinda thing. Ya know??? Christmas is an uplifting,exciting and magical time of the year, but I think if we can remember/find new things to be grateful for, it will make our Christmas that much better :)

Happy 50th Birthday Mom/ Nana!

2009-11-05T18:17:00.003-05:00

This is our card this year :) You don't have to feel guilty or debate when your b-day is over, if you should throw it out or not. It'll be here forever!

We love you so much, and like I've said a million times, and probably a million more, we just can't wait to see you soon! You are so beautiful and I love so many things about you. Hope you had a great day at Disneyland with Jennette's crew :) (we colored this card before we knew you were going to D-land, it was meant to be!)

Side note: Skylee continues to ask when we're going out to CA and I would have to say a couple months for the longest time, and she would correct me and say "No, NANA said a couple WEEKS!" Now she's right! See you soon, we'll celebrate this day again together!

Happy Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T20:33:00.005-05:00

can you tell we wore this shirt as many times as possible this month? lol

Baby P's first Halloween :)

Ready to go!

Skylee's pumpkin

Parker with his kitty pumkin

Kissable I tell ya!

Happy little monkey

Silly kids ready to trick or treat!

Skylee was so excited to wear make up!

Isn't she cute?

Brittney's and Ryan's pumpkins

Looks delicous doesn't it?

Skylee and Parker

Skylee cleaning out her pumpkin

Parker's first Halloween :)

Did you get all that? Enough pictures for ya? We really had a lot of fun this Halloween. 3 parties, carving pumpkins, and trick or treating with Skylee this year was really cute. Since Ryan and I got married Halloween didn't really seem to feel like Halloween, until this year. No pregnancies, or moving...just tons of fun! Parker's costume was a full body suit with a tail, but it's still so hot here(even when the sun is down), we had to improvise and he wore brown shorts and one of my brown shirts along with the head peice and booties, it worked I guess? Next year hopefully I'll plan a little better ahead of time and get coordinating costumes for our family! Hope you all had a great Halloween!

October Visiting Teaching

2009-10-27T18:53:00.004-04:00

Last month I shared what my comp and I did for September, and thought I would do the same for this month. Usually we do our V.T. on the second Tuesday of each month, but this month one of our sisters that we teach was out of town, so we did it today. A little late, but it's done ;) This idea can be used for any month or season of the year. Sorry, I didn't get a picture of the finished, all put together project but here's the idea...

Made some "witch shoes" from scrapbook paper found here
Mine were more like Halloween shoes instead of "witch shoes"

Whipped up some cake pops of all scary sorts

Pumpkin pop!

I wrapped the cake pops in little treat bags with a black bow, then stuck a few inside the shoe for our gift this month. You get the idea right!?!

P.S. I actually only dipped a few cake pops, I had the Sister Missionaries over, they wanted to learn how to make them, so I let them have at it :) Skylee had a great time helping to make the faces too!

Pumpkin Pile

2009-10-25T17:55:00.004-04:00

Yes...A Pumpkin PILE! These pathetic places don't even deserve the term "patch", it's just sad around here. As tradition would have it, we took the kids to pick out a pumpkin this weekend. We found a good one, over priced of course, but a good one.

.

Halloween Party

2009-10-25T17:21:00.005-04:00

Skylee our Witch

Parker the Monkey

I was supposed to be a judge (it's all I could come up with last minute!)
Fun Trunk or Treating!

Ryan the Skeleton

So sad...

2009-10-24T20:38:00.002-04:00

Just have to vent a little here...the other day Ryan came home from work, went to his laptop to work on a research paper for his current class, and the computer's hard drive had CRASHED!!! I was sad for him since he had a lot of really valuable documents on there, but was happy it wasn't our main computer. Then I realized that ALL, I mean ALL of the pictures/videos of Parker's birth, hospital stay, coming home, and so on were only on HIS computer! They are GONE. It's been a couple days and I'm still so sad. I just had backed up all our other pics/videos recently but not the ones on his computer, since it is pretty new still. We've been through losing pictures before (when our moving truck was stolen) but I at least got most of my pictures back, this time they are gone. Thank goodness for blogs, all 5 pictures are better than nothing I guess.

A Rare CG Treat

2009-10-17T15:46:00.004-04:00

Today our Coast Guard station had a morale event for all the families. They brought out their 64' boat and took us for a fun ride (that's the rare part), had great food, bounce house for the kids, and good company at the St. Mary's waterfront park. Summer decided to stick around here for quite a while, but today finally we had some really nice weather! Skylee thought the boat was so fun, it was pretty cool to go out on it and check it out! It was nice to meet other wives, and some of Ryan's coworkers.

Seriously so easy and YUMMY!

2009-10-16T18:17:00.004-04:00

Don't let this picture scare you :P

You've got to try this recipe. I found it here at Skip To My Lou and knew I had to give it a try and I'm so glad I did! Ryan LOVED it and I thought it was pretty tasty too :) The recipe calls for kosher salt , I didn't have any so I just tried using regular salt. Don't do that, it's better left without the salt if you don't have the kosher. Believe me...I usually salt everything, but this doesn't need it!

Roll out Pillsbury pizza dough to a rectangle. Top with favorite toppings (mozzarella, pepperoni, spinach). Tightly roll like a long cylinder, keeping the filling inside. Tuck in ends. Coat with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Place cylinder, seam side down, on baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees for 12 – 14 minutes. Let rest. Slice on the diagonal and serve with pizza sauce on side.

Easy right? RIGHT!

Little Man and Crazy Face

2009-10-10T20:26:00.004-04:00

Recent pictures of the munchkins:

Today's Creations

2009-10-10T20:11:00.006-04:00

Not many days like today exist around here, or most homes I assume...but I has some SPARE TIME! *gasp* This week I worked on organizing the places in my home that usually I don't have time to keep on top of, like my closet or office. I spent some of my day making these little things with Skylee. She loves to make things along side me, it's pretty fun to see some of her creations!

Chesecloth Ghosts from Martha Stewart. You can find the instructions here. (Thanks Aarean for sharing these a while back! Told you I was going to make them.)
*For these little guys, liquid starch is required...I didn't have any on hand so I mixed up 1 cup water (cold) with 1/2 cup cornstarch. Stirred while it heated up on the stove, worked like a charm :)

small Fall wreath: I used things I already had. I didn't really have a place to put it, so it's hanging on my front door til I find a better home.
Now, if only I could find a REAL pumpkin patch around here...

Tickle Time

2009-10-10T19:15:00.002-04:00

Like most kids, both Skylee and Parker love to be tickled. I've been told that when I was little I would say to my Dad "Daddy, let's laugh"... code for- tickle ME! Like most adults, I can't stand it now :) So while the fun lasts, here's a sample:
Sorry for the horrible audio, I must have had my finger over the microphone,my bad :(

6 Month Comparison

2009-10-05T15:03:00.007-04:00

Getting ready for Halloween...well not really

2009-10-05T13:53:00.004-04:00

Skylee has been so excited for Halloween. She however, cannot make up her mind what she wants to be. When I ask her, there's a different answer every time. So I'm making up her mind for her this year :) We've been having fun with her dress up clothes to get in the mood. Here are a few pictures from the other day:

Parker is 6 months old!

2009-10-05T13:32:00.003-04:00

I just can't figure out where the time goes! These 6 months have gone by so quickly, and he's growing up so fast.

Parker:
*still loves his bottles more than solid food!
*enjoys being able to sit up
*loves to talk and squeal
*loves his "ducky bouncer"
*still a Mama's boy
*smiles at everyone
*happy baby
*loves Skylee and thinks everything she does is hilarious
*enjoys watching our dog
*loves books, songs, and playtime (especially with Daddy)!
*wants to eat every 3 hours at night
*puts everything in his mouth
*won't have anything to do with baby food
*is keeping his blue eyes
*loves water
*loves to be tickled
*has the best toothless smile and laugh
*is my favorite little boy in the whole world :)

These last 6 months have been great, he makes us all so happy. He is a joy to be around! The next 6 months will be full of learning: how to crawl, walk, maybe speak even a word or two,and eat and sleep better! So many things to look forward to! We love you Baby P!

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear how much I love you
So please don't take my sunshine away!

Beautiful Sunsets

2009-10-05T13:28:00.003-04:00

This week we've had some gorgeous sunsets. I managed to snap a few shots a couple evenings. And thought I'd share. Enjoy :)

A few Fall crafts

2009-10-05T13:12:00.004-04:00

I was so excited to get my Autumn decorations out this year, ready for a change and looking forward to this holiday season! I went looking in my attic and all I found were a couple cheap items from Halloween last year that I put up, and realized that I had NO DECORATIONS! It gave me a really good excuse to find some simple (and cheap) crafts to liven up my home!

This is twigs with glittery leafs hung with clear thread. I put it in a vase I already had

Didn't really make this little pumpkin basket but got it for a couple dollars on sale and Sklyee and I collected the pine cones on a walk one evening

This is just a styrofoam ball with silk flowers. I ran out of flowers to make the entire ball ( you need a lot!) so I just put it in a bowl (I know, kinda ghetto :)

Don't laugh at my salt dough pumpkin, it looks smashed :(
it was my first attempt and it wouldn't really stay in a ball!

and this little creation was because I had nowhere else to put this little birdie, I know...kinda strange.

Since these little things around my house, I've purchased a medium size pumpkin (from Wal Mart for $4, probably would cost $20 at a patch), and we've hung some window clings up. This week I'll be making a Fall wreath and whatever else I have time for :)

Almost Sitting Up!

2009-09-29T13:15:00.004-04:00

I just love this little diaper baby!

I often wish I had a blog when Skylee was this age, so I could look back. It makes me so happy that I have one now and for myself, to document these little stages in life! I snapped these last night after Skylee went to bed and he was just chillin, happy just playing with his toys :) I don't quite trust him enough to not have the pillow behind him, but he's doing great!

Aww MAN!!!

2009-09-29T12:08:00.002-04:00

I did this to myself yesterday while washing dishes...go figure. We had a glass that had a crack, and when I went to put the sponge in there to wash it, it busted and cut me pretty deep. It's my right hand and in a terrible place so I feel a little handicap right now. Maybe I'll get a cool scar from this, a mother-battle wound of sorts? :)

Enrichment Night:

2009-09-27T21:06:00.002-04:00

"This Little Piggy..."

I pulled off our ward's Enrichment last night...lots of challenges come up last minute with these things, but everything seemed to turn out pretty well. Here is what we did (sorry no pics, I was a little busy!)

5 mini classes (turned out to be 4 since one teacher got sick the day of)

"...went to market"- class on smart money saving ideas (Relief Society room)

"...stayed home"- class on things you can easily make at home rather than spend money to buy (Primary room)

"...ate roast beef"- quick and easy recipe ideas/ food samples (Cultural hall section)

"...had none"- class on what to do when you have "none" as in when an emergency happens what to do: where to go... (this is the class that fell through, so we had no "had none" class, guess it still made sense!)

"...went wee wee wee all the way home"- a spiritual lesson on returning home to our Father in Heaven. (back "home" in Relief Society room)

*The sisters received a "market bag" in the first class and each class had a handout of tips, or reminders from what each class was on.
*We printed and cut out pig hoofs and taped them to the floor to show the path to follow to the next class.
*A dinner of pulled pork sandwiches was prepared and the sisters were asked to bring other side dishes.

We had great teachers, they were all so talented! I've seen similar ideas, and our evolved as we planned it, but I'm pleased with the result. Of course some of the classes were just how I imagined, and others were a little different, but I think that's just the nature of my calling. Got some good feedback again, and had a good turnout (maybe my piggy pops worked?)

Piggy Pops!

2009-09-19T23:26:00.003-04:00

I made these little beauties today to bring to church as a reminder for our Enrichment Night this next Saturday. Hopefully they work! If you don't know what cake pops are, they are like cake lollipops, there is cake in the middle of those little pigs. I used the Starbursts for the ears (thanks Michelle for the suggestion, total life saver!) and pink m&m's for the snout, colored pink dipping chocolate and strawberry cake on the inside :) Our theme is "This Little Piggy" as in "This little piggy went to the market, this little piggy stayed home..." Next week I'll share how it went and other details! Wish me luck!

P.S. To check out the real master and creator of cake pops click here Bakerella has a million variations of these things, not pigs yet though!

First Refinishing Project Reveal:

2009-09-16T14:34:00.006-04:00

Before:

After:

It wasn't awful to start, but I was going to go crazy with another dark piece of furniture in my house! I originally wanted to replace the hardware, but that alone cost more than I wanted to spend on this project, so I decided to spray paint the existing hardware. It turns out that it was a good decision, it's the same style as my bedding. We got this dresser for FREE from a friend that was moving and couldn't take it with them, so their loss, our gain :) I also figured "why not take a risk with the color", it's like a really light mint green, also to match the bedding in our room. I'm happy with the way my first refinishing project turned out. Yay me :)

I'm blushing...

2009-09-14T09:57:00.002-04:00

Since I started doing little craft projects about a month ago (give or take) and posted them here on my blog...I've gotten a couple comments on the posts from real crafters! Like the ones that are super good at this stuff!

"What a cute quiet book! I've been wanting to make one forever, but have been too lazy... I love your's, it's adorable!" From Sew Much Ado- Love, love, LOVE her blog! Check it out here

"That diaper cake turned out to be great. Love the flowers." From Natalie at the Diaper Cake Mall

It's actually a little embarrassing, I just thought my friends and family were looking, not these super talented ladies that I don't even know. I have to admit I'm flattered :)

Believe me, all the little things I do are seriously so easy, I'm no pro! But if you ever see something that I do do, and want to know how to do it yourself, let me know!

Date Night

2009-09-13T21:34:00.003-04:00

Date nights around here only happen like twice a year, so it's pretty exciting! We hadn't planned on going out but a good friend offered to take the kids for us! It was a last minute thing, but we had a great time. We went to dinner at Applebees (exciting right! It's about all this little town has to offer) and got our dessert "to-go". We took it to the Saint Mary's waterfront where we went for a walk and sat in the swings looking out into the bay and ate our dessert. It's amazing that we live together and still don't really get a chance to talk about things other than kids, job, and callings.
Funny little story...At dinner I ordered a strawberry lemonade, Ryan usually steals mine and I constantly need refills. So the waitress brought me another one, I take a drink and realize it's not the strawberry lemonade I had ordered. After I told our waitress,she came back and asks if I was 21...you guessed it, it was "Southern Punch" as they call it, an alcoholic beverage...tasted like cough syrup. We thought it was pretty funny, Ryan joked that I should have drank the whole thing and said I was under age just to scare them.
Thank you Leisel and Randy for taking our little punks for a while! It's amazing the things I learned about my own husband. We need more date nights!

Another Diaper Cake

2009-09-12T18:13:00.003-04:00

I had another baby shower to attend today. Wil and Mindy Andrew are expecting their first baby, a little girl in December. I had planned on making a diaper cake for her a while ago when I made the last one, so I bought a ton of diapers! Here is how this one turned out:
This is the only picture I got, after I had already arrived at the shower. This one is a little different from the first. I anchored the cake with a cylinder and put other little gifts inside, so they're hidden away instead of being in the cake. I made this one in an hour, I only had that much time, just glad it came together!

Remembering September 11th

2009-09-12T17:33:00.005-04:00

Recently, we've switch Skylee's preschool days to Tuesday/Friday, and this week it just so happen to fall on September 11th. Leisel, another mother in the group had a great idea for the kids to make a card, and cookies and take it to our local fire station to thank the men and women in our area for all they do. They were nice enough to let the kids get in the fire engine and ring the bell and gave them their very own firefighters hat!
September 11, 2001 was a day we will all remember, I will never forget where I was and the days following that tragic event in our nations history. May we all remember those service men/women who put their lives in harms way, those who lost their lives and loved ones.

Last Beach Day 2009

2009-09-12T17:22:00.003-04:00

Ryan took this week off from work, he worked a lot on school, but took some time to go to the beach on Wednesday. We had a great time. Both Skylee and Parker were so content to be outside. Skylee had fun collecting assorted beach treasures like shells, driftwood, sticks, and whatever else she could find. She also had fun chasing the birds! We built sand castles, had a picnic, and jumped the waves.

Visting Teaching Idea for September

2009-09-12T17:12:00.002-04:00

Visiting Teaching can be one of those things that we know we're supposed to do every month, and somehow it slips our mind and all we can do, if anything, is send a card. It's been a goal of mine to be more involved, and get mine done early in the month. My companion and I, and the two active sisters that we visit have set up that on the second Tuesday of every month between 11:00 and 12:00 we visit. That way it's already on the calendar and there's no missing it :) Since General Conference is in a few weeks, before our next visit, I put together a "Conference Kit". Things like paper, pens, highlighters, candy, juice, popcorn, and tissues (for those talks that really get you). Conference doesn't start until 12:00 here on the east coast, so the usual breakfast things would be cute if that applies to you. The point is...go do you Visiting Teaching this month! When you do yours, it reminds and encourages the sisters that you teach to do theirs too! I think I'll start posting what I'm doing to help you remember too :)

I was thinking today...

2009-09-07T22:21:00.002-04:00

Sometimes when you look at blogs of your friends, and they post about all the great things they're doing with their spouse or kids...doesn't it make it seem like everything in their life is PEACHY? I catch myself wondering what could be improved in their lives, when everything looks perfect? I can't help but compare my life to the life I see on the screen. Posts about how great/cute/sweet their kids are, fun activities, vacations, wonderful perfect husbands... the list could go on and on. I realized that I'm totally guilty! I'm sure there have been people that come on to my blog and thought that everything is totally PERFECT. I've got things pretty darn good here, but I'm human. I have my bad days, days when I am impatient, irritated, and things I do that I wish I could take back. I just don't blog about them. Blogging for me is somewhat of a journaling experience, so I like to put all our comings and goings here, for the record. I totally understand why most don't blog about their ugly days, or an argument with a spouse....those things are private, and you probably don't want to sound like your complaining or want pity!
For the record, don't try and compare your life to mine, the life you see on this blog. I am so blessed, but we are not perfect...obviously :)

The Fab 5

2009-09-07T17:12:00.003-04:00

The first 5 people to respond to this post will get something specially made by me for you! Of course, there are some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make - its from me, so you should like it!

2. What I create will be just for you.

3. It will be done sometime this year.

4. You will have no clue what it will be. It could be ANYTHING from a story, to an article, to something baked, sewn, or painted!

5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

6. I will send it anywhere! It doesn't matter where you live! SO if you're one of the 5, e-mail me your address at britstar26@hotmail.com so you will get it!

The catch? The catch is you have to repost this on your own blog and offer this to the first 5 people who do the same on their blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did will win a FABULOUS homemade gift by ME!!!!

Oh! And be sure to post a picture of what you won when you get it!

Sleeping Handsome

2009-09-05T18:11:00.003-04:00

^Taken today at his nap time

A few days late here, but Baby P is officially 5 months old. Where did that time go, seriously? I can't believe it! These days he is a major mama's boy and loves, loves, LOVES his bottles more than ever. So much so, that he refuses to eat any solid foods...So frustrating! He is able to roll from his back to his tummy, but does it because he can, not because he wants to. He doesn't enjoy being on his tummy, so he gets kinda angry at times :) One of these days he'll learn to roll back the other way. He continues to smile at just about everything and everyone, he's a happy little guy, and he makes all of us so happy! He is 18lbs, and is just about grown out of all 3-6 month clothes, he's a big boy. If you can't tell from the pictures, just try carrying him around all day :)I know this next month will most likely bring sitting up, and eating solids *fingers crossed* and more hand-eye coordination. Lots to look forward to, not just this month, but for the rest of his life. I love my Baby P!

a finished work in progress;

2009-09-05T17:32:00.004-04:00

So, I got a really good head start on Skylee's quiet book a couple weeks ago, and made little progress in the weeks in between then and now. This week I decided I needed to finish it, at least enough for her to use it. I'll add pages when time permits, and even some of the pages in it now aren't completely finished...BUT a two or three year old doesn't care right? It took a lot of work, and I'm pleased with how it came out on my slim budget. I got creative with things I already had, used lots and lots of FELT and HOT GLUE!!! Took a lot of time, I hope it last a long time :) It didn't turn out like I had imagined it would, but it's good enough! I only added the oven/cupcake pages since I first posted about it, and the cover, but here's the "finished-enough" product:

^Oven/cupcake page: not finished

^Empty page for a reminder I need to finish :)

^The End

3 Years in the Coast Guard!

2009-09-01T20:58:00.002-04:00

Ryan has been in the United States Coast Guard for 3 years now. He enlisted while I was pregnant with Skylee and we were both working and trying to go to school at night. I knew it would be a great blessing, and it has taken us on an adventure that seems to be never ending.

He entered basic training in August 2006 and completed his 8 weeks in October. After bootcamp graduation in 2006, we were stationed in Coos Bay, Oregon. We had a lot of "firsts" there: Christmas, New Years, Anniversary, and Baby! It was a real small fishing town, and it seemed to always rain. Ryan's schedule was difficult for me to adjust to, he was always gone, leaving me with a little baby.We figured we would be there for 4 years, but only stayed for 7 months when he enrolled to a training school in Petaluma, CA. We were happy to leave, and excited to be a little closer to family in CA. Petaluma was great, I still daydream about being there. We were only there for 6 months, but in that short time we made great friends and loved the area (near SF bay). Ryan worked hard in school there becoming an ET (Electronics Technician) mainly dealing with radar and radios for the boats and stations. Since "A School" (training school) we have been stationed at the Navy Submarine Base in Kings Bay, Georgia. We've been here for over a year and a half now, and have been in two residences.This place is interesting! The east coast has been an adjustment, hot AND humid, storms like Armageddon, bugs bigger than my face, and being SO far away from any family has been really tough. It has taken us a while to settle in here, but we're used to it now. We have good friends and neighbors and we both enjoy what we do. This station is VERY unique in the C.G. since we're on a Navy submarine base. It keeps him really busy, and many times away for days at a time. I still haven't adjusted to that part, don't know if I ever will? Most things here are highly confidential, so the schedule changes constantly and it can be really frustrating at times. He always has great stories to tell from work. Ryan is also able to complete his degree online while working and the military pays for every cent, it's great...no student loans! He works so hard and is so disciplined!

His plan has always been to complete his years in the military and work for a federal agency ie: FBI, DEA, CIA, Secret Service...you get it. Things are still looking that way, and he's making great progress to accomplish those goals once we're out of the CG. Until then, we're not sure what other adventures the CG will bring, but we are truly blessed to be where we are now! I'm able to stay at home with Skylee and Parker, we don't have to worry about job stability, health insurance, or where our next meal is coming from. I love the Coast Guard! It is the smallest branch of the military, but it does SO much more than most people know about. As of January of 2010, we'll have 2 years left, and we still don't know if we'll be here, or if they'll move us somewhere else, guess we'll just have to wait and find out!

Today:

2009-08-30T13:33:00.004-04:00

Well, let's back up just a little bit... Last night after bath time I put Skylee's hair in curlers for the first time and this is the result:

Here is my sweet little boy after church. Happy as can be :)

I gave a dreaded talk today in sacrament meeting on President Hinckley's 6 Be's.

1.Be Grateful
2.Be Smart
3.Be Clean
4.Be True
5.Be Humble
6.Be Prayerful

It went pretty well, got lots of good feedback, but who would tell me otherwise? haha... I'm just so happy it's OVER!!! Safe for a while now :) I'll challenge you the same as my ward: Look up the 3 other "Be's" and do a Family Home Evening lesson tomorrow!

7.Be Positive
8.Be Involved
9.Be Still

From "Way To Be" by President Gordon B. Hinckley, he added these be's in the book...check them out!
Although it was a message for the youth at the time it was given, it can apply to all of us, to BE better! For FHE, teach how it applies to your family =)

What do you think?

2009-08-28T22:11:00.004-04:00

Along with the diaper cake I just posted, I had a little "Time for Baby" basket: bathtime: baby wash and washcloths, Bed time: blanket, Play time: toy rattle, and Eating time: bottle and a bib...but the basket wasn't coming together so well, so I tried putting them IN the cake instead...What do you think? Do you like it just cake, previously posted, or with the stuff included? Let me know!!!!

"Baby P" doin the C-walk

2009-08-28T19:53:00.005-04:00

This is how we roll... old skool

*Can you tell I need a new camera? ;)

Diaper Cake...sounds strange???

2009-08-28T19:18:00.004-04:00

For some reason the flowers look red, but they're hot pink?

This is today's creation. I am going to a baby shower tomorrow for a first time mother :) I've seen these for sale online, but figured I could make one myself for a much better price! I thought it would be a great gift: no doubt it will be used, ribbon/flowers can be made into bows or headbands for the little girl, and the presentation is pretty cute. This was super easy to make and affordable! I used size 1 diapers, so she won't have to destroy it right away (assuming she'll like it) And... hopefully she doesn't look at mt blog ;)

She thinks she's so clever...

2009-08-25T18:37:00.003-04:00

These days Skylee is becoming quite the con artist, ever changing her strategy. I've learned with her to never give her a drink with her food. If she had things her way she would be a on liquid only diet for life. She would rather drink milk, water, or juice all day, than eat food...maybe with an occasional fruit snack or chocolate treat mixed in there somewhere! She has been able to fool me a few times, only on her first attempt with a new way of getting her beverage. I catch on to 2 year old tricks pretty quick I guess? Recently her technique has changed again. "Can I have a snack and a drink?" is what I hear all day long, even 2 minutes after she has "a snack and a drink". So now she'll ask for a snack and a drink, but only to get the drink and not eat her snack. Tonight for dinner, she asked for a drink too, I told her when she finished her dinner THEN she could get a drink. So, I go in to my room to get Parker, and Skylee fed her food to the dog and tried to tell me that her food was "all gone, now I can have my drink!"...She thinks she's so sneaky! I just hope as a teenager she'll be just as obvious about her "sneaky" ways :)

A couple weeks ago, Skylee got into the office and made a mess with all my craft stuff, she knew she shouldn't have done that. She came out to the family room, acting as if she did nothing wrong. I had no idea what she had done, but needed to use the computer in there. On my way to the office, she starts running up to me yelling "Don't go in the office, don't go in the office!" as she pulled me away. Naturally, I go into the office and there was a disaster! She's always been a smart little cookie, but this time...not so much. I'm sure she'll learn to at least clean up the evidence later in life!

Parker's Tricks

2009-08-22T19:27:00.005-04:00

Here are just a couple videos of Parker, I'm sure you're all just dying to see ;) He had been in the ducky bouncer for a while, so by the time I got him on camera he was just about done. And the second one was fun because it captured a "first" for him! He's getting so big, he'll be 5 months old next week and already 17 or 18 lbs! He's my little tank :)

*Don't mind how lame I sound! It's kinda embarrassing to hear yourself "baby talk"! lol

My latest project... Skylee's Quiet Book!

2009-08-19T13:22:00.006-04:00

Last Sunday was Stake Conference at our church and that means, 2 HOURS with 2 KIDS ALL BY MYSELF, trying to keep them quiet and happy, AND for me get something out of it? HA! It was a disaster. Anyhow, this is when I realized I needed something like this...(shown below). When I got home from church I started looking for inspiration so I could make one myself for Skylee. I found some great ideas, and this is what I've made so far. I'm not at all finished, by any means, but I thought I'd share what I have so far. I know that now I'll have to make one for each of my kids ;) I already have great ideas for Parker's! Hopefully this will help break up the monotony of the usual crayons, snacks, and books while we're in a meeting, those aren't very exciting to her anymore. I constantly hear "What can I do now?"...ugh! Here is my solution!

Tic-Tac-Toe page: (bejewled) pretty self explanatory, with a little pocket to store the pieces for safe keeping. Sorry the pic is kinda messed up.

Dress Up Closet: just for fun.

Flower pot: flowers come off to practice learning how to button and unbutton ;)
Purse: just for fun, mirror, lipstick and beaded necklaces inside.
Hair page: To play with, comb, braid, and tie. The little shirt/pocket holds hair ties/clips
Bead page: Practice counting and learn patterns.

Doesn't look like much YET, but hopefully when it's all done you'll be amazed ;) Skylee at least thinks it's pretty special, and that's all that matters...so there! lol

Other pages to come:
- Peek-a-boo
-Puzzles
-Gumball matching
-Shoe (for tying laces)
-Oven with cupcakes to bake!
-Shapes

Two kids are crazier than one...

2009-08-13T13:56:00.003-04:00

It seems like life with one kid wasn't so crazy or busy. Maybe I just don't remember what life was like with just Skylee, or without Parker? I can't keep our lives straight without a calendar these days! Everyday we start by going to the gym, it's the one thing I do for myself each day, without the kids, I highly recommend it (didn't really feel I needed a break with just one, but two...I'll take it!) Monday's and Wednesday's Skylee gets to go to preschool for a couple hours. I started a preschool group with a few other friends that switch off at each others home's, it's working out really well! This last week it was my turn so for the next couple weeks I get a bit of a break ;) Thursday's are Story Time at our library, Friday is grocery shopping day, and then we usually try to do something fun on the weekend when Ryan is home...well, that's IF he's home! In between it's trying to fit in a shower, feeding the kids, working on my calling at church, other random errands. Heaven knows that I don't only make one trip to the store a week! Cleaning up the house and doing the laundry are my activities while the kids take a nap, then dinner prep, eat and clean up, baths and bedtime routines. By the end of the day I'm exhausted, not to mention Parker still wants to eat every 3 hours at night! I can only imagine what it will be like with more children SOME day...waaaaaay far away!
I remember my Mom always saying that as she looked back on the years that she had lots of small children, she really enjoyed that time in her life. As tired as I am most days, I really love what I do. May sound kinda strange, but I feel more like an official mother with two kids now. The craziness has begun :)
Last night Ryan was away for work and I had already put Skylee and Parker down for bed, I went into my room and Parker was wide awake @ 9:30pm and just wanted to talk. So I pulled him in bed with me and we stayed up for a while just playing. It just made me reflect on what a special thing it is to be a mother. I am so blessed, I have two healthy, happy, beautiful children and a great husband with a job I shouldn't ever complain about (shhhhh, sometimes I do!) So although this season in my life is nowhere close to being complete, I like my mother really enjoy it. I know these years will go by so fast, I feel it everyday.

Sweet Skylee

2009-08-13T13:51:00.002-04:00

I wasn't in the room when Parker started fussing, but Skylee was. She decided to get a few books and read to him. I had to sneak up to take a few pictures. He was entertained and happy about the attention and calmed right down. As you can tell by the other toys on the floor, she was brushing his hair, and pretending to wash his body with the soap. She always does these kinds of things to make him happy. She is such a good big sister =)

My attempt at a craft...

2009-08-07T10:30:00.005-04:00

I'm not a crafty/creative person...really wish I was, but I figure it's just like any other talent, it can be developed! I had to start somewhere, so I picked this simple, simple, simple little wall art/decor for my kid's room to make. Their room has been a work in progress for me for a while now, in fact, my entire house is... I am pleased with the way this little project came out considering I can't remember the last time I tried a craft!

Videos Skylee at CG Day...

2009-08-04T19:55:00.006-04:00

Upon our request, "Single Ladies" by Beyonce was played, Skylee LOVES that song. She made a friend while dancing, and had lots of fun, but you can tell on her face,it's serious business to her! The two girls shared some awesome dance moves :)

Coast Guard Day!

2009-08-04T19:07:00.006-04:00

Today instead of going into work, Ryan got to bring the whole family along to a celebration in Mayport, FL for Coast Guard Day. We had a hard time finding it, but when we did, we had tons of fun! It started off with a BBQ, music and lots of different inflatable slides, jumpers,and obstacle courses.It was right on the beach, so we headed that way for a while before going back home. Here are some pictures from today! (pictures not in order, and for some reason, blogspot won't let me move them around?)

^Making a sand castle

^...He finished!

^Making his way through...

^Going in the obstacle course

^Skylee playing at the beach

^Ryan trying to teach Skylee how to swing the bat

^Parker showing off his new tatt.

^Ryan thought getting Parker a tattoo was hilarious

^Skylee wanted a tattoo on her ankle, this is her in the jolly jump.

Happy 219th Birthday Coast Guard!

Halo?

2009-08-04T18:49:00.005-04:00

This is our monster of a two year old, we call Skylee. She wanted to dance to this song (she loves Beyonce) but when I turned it on, she changed her mind and wanted to play with her dress up clothes. When she realized that I was recording, she wanted to get behind the camera to see herself. I couldn't help but laugh :) I find it ironic that she's throwing a little fit while "halo" is playing...

Post Braids:

P.S. Sorry about the random "booty" at the end there, Skylee has been going through this phase that she'll say that out of nowhere, for attention I'm sure!

Parker is 4 months old!

2009-08-02T18:06:00.004-04:00

Today it's official, he's 4 months! He wishes he could do more than he's actually capable of, but growing up so fast!

Parker:
*smiles at everything/one
*loves "pat-a-cake" and the "itsy bitsy spider"
*can hold his bottle
*tries to sit up and roll over
*laughing more all the time
*doesn't like eating anything besides his bottles
*pretty good sleeper
*really good eater-I think it shows :)
*brings so much happiness and love into our family!
*is very entertained by Skylee
*Mama's boy
*increasing good hand/eye coordination
*always like to be standing

Attention Please

2009-07-31T20:17:00.002-04:00

Scene: Skylee is sitting at the table doing something, eating a snack or coloring, can't remember...as I'm walking by doing housework...

Skylee: MOM, Gimme attention!

Me: Give you attention?

S: Yeah, Give ME attention!

Me: Ok, what kind of attention do you want?

S: Ummmmm...Princess

I guess it makes sense? Don't think she really knows what she's saying sometimes, but she's pretty entertaining either way. She had never said that before and hasn't since? Maybe I really do need to give her more "princess attention"!

Not Quite Yet

2009-07-28T15:20:00.002-04:00

He's a big boy for not even 4 months old yet, but not big enough for food yet. We had a little taste testing time, to experiment if he was able to eat solids. Not so much. He was eating so much and wanted to constantly eat, that I thought "maybe if he gets a little more solid food, then it will hold him over a little longer, and he'll be happier?" It was just a growth spurt and he's back to normal. We won't try solids for a few more weeks until he shows signs that he's able to handle it! He's so big, I think the time is going by faster with him than it did with Skylee. He's such a good little boy, I just love his guts!

Yummy Blondies!

2009-07-28T14:50:00.004-04:00

In our house, we bake A LOT! This particular night we decided to make Blondies! Skylee was eager, as always to help out in the kitchen, mainly because she gets to help taste-test. This time I gave her her own bowl with flour, and sugar in it so she could mix it all by herself. It obviously was a mess! Why did I let her walk around the house stirring this bowl? It got everywhere!
Here's a little interview: (Sorry it's so dark!)

Pancakes? Potatoes? SUGAR! Classic.

Little Bonquisha...

2009-07-28T14:37:00.004-04:00

A little version of my alter-ego "Bonquisha" for those that know me well :) Really, Ryan wanted me to try this do out on her, and since we were having a quiet Sunday evening, I gave it a try. It brought back some girls camp memories too! She has such fine hair, it was a little challenging, but she likes it and Ryan and I get a kick out of it ;)

I GOT It!

2009-07-21T09:34:00.002-04:00

I got the first LAUGH out of this little guy yesterday. I got some good advice while our water was off (thanks Sister Hathcock), to relax and play with my kids. Well I couldn't really relax, but I did have extra time to play with the little ones...and it paid off. BIG TIME. I've been waiting to hear his little laugh, and it was GREAT! He is pretty ticklish!

Oh Water Where Art Thou?

2009-07-21T09:03:00.002-04:00

I don't know what's going on..."they've" been doing contruction around here for a few weeks and last week they broke our water main...GREAT! Luckily we were out for most of the day, and it was back in the evening. YESTERDAY it happened AGAIN, or at least that's what I'm guessing, since I haven't had water now for 24 hours! I've tried calling the water dept. but no answer, they probably figure it's someone else calling about it and they're already working on it? Maybe?

How does this happen on a Monday, when I allow myself to be lazy on Sunday and not do the dishes so I can spend time with Ryan while he is home, therefore, I have a lot of cleaning to do every Monday. Not to mention, laundry, cleaning the bathrooms, doing the dishes, running the dish water, brushing teeth, washing hands(thank GOODNESS for Purell!),and bathing! I got a shower in yesterday before this all happened, so I'm not too smelly yet, but I'm not going to the gym today since who knows if I could get clean afterward! And here we are, now Tuesday, still without water!

Ever thought about how much you rely on running water? My life revolves around it!

2009-07-08T14:33:00.001-04:00

Our 4th...

2009-07-08T12:27:00.004-04:00

The 4th of July in our house is more special than it probably is in yours because it's also Ryan's birthday! This year he turned 25...old man!
Ryan and I celebrated his b-day the night before by getting a babysitter and going to a movie, then dessert afterward. It's nice to have a special reason to get out! Skylee had lots of fun with the sitter and we took Parker, thankfully he slept the whole time!
Since it's his b-day, he gets to decide what we do every year on the fourth, which I kinda don't like :) We let him sleep in a little while we blew up balloons and made a breakfast of an omelet, bacon and fresh fruit. I spent the morning baking the cake, and other goodies(those hamburgers in the slideshow above. They kida look more like sloppy joes!). Once we were all dressed, we headed to Crooked River State Park, here in nearby St. Mary's GA. We had a nice little picnic, Skylee played on the playground, then we found a little beach. We really wished we would have known about the beach part, we would have come prepared. Skylee dove right in and got filthy in the sand and couldn't resist going in the water. Parker was having a rough day so he and I stayed in the shade and took the pictures. Ryan brought his fishing pole and even caught a little fish (actually his first one!) We tried to use it as bait, but didn't have as much luck with that. It was a really nice day, and we're planning on going back prepared next time, we look forward to having more fun there.
When we finally made it back home, we fired up the BBQ and had ribs, garlic mashed potatoes, and a fruit salad. That's what the birthday boy requested, and it turned out delicious! He also wanted a chocolate birthday cake with chocolate frosting (one of the many reasons I married him), he blew out all 25 candles and then we went in our yard to let off our own fireworks. Ryan's not a big fan of big crowds, especially with two very tired little kids, so we didn't go to the big show. Having them at home was a lot of fun, Skylee loved holding the sparklers. We had such a nice family day, a little late but...HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN. And Happy Birthday AMERICA!