Sunny with a Chance

Moving

2011-10-23T23:11:00.000-07:00

Friends, I know I have essentially disappeared from writing on this blog. (Sorry mom :))

I am having a hard time keeping up with being a mom and wife and restoring furniture and managing the blog for that. So I am officially moving all family related to post to 551 East. Come by and see what we're up too!

Love you all!

Do you know what this means?!

2011-09-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

It means no more backpacks by the front door!!!!!

And a lot of other good stuff. :)

P.S. The first guy I ever kissed was sitting in front of me at Jake's graduation.

Kind of awkward but some how it felt like everything had come full circle. :)

Month 13

2011-09-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Rhett,

You have turned into a handful. You are SO independent. SO head strong. SO stubborn sometimes. But it gives you so much personality. You are a busy little man. When you wake up you insist on me pulling your stuffed animals off your shelves and giving each one a snuggle and a kiss. We'll play in your room, read a little of every book and then we go knock on our bedroom door to go see dad. He's your favorite in the morning.

Since it's so ridiculously hot here we go play outside almost right when you wake up. You can go down the slide by yourself now and you love swings. Swimming is your absolute favorite. You love to jump in and play on the stairs. You dunk yourself like to drink the pool water.

We watch Blues Clues while we eat breakfast. We take showers and you take a nap. When you wake up we have to kiss all the stuffed animals again and we eat lunch. We discovered that you'll eat anything if it's on a fork. We went to P.F Changs last night and you inhaled fried rice. Inhaled it.

You don't walk anymore, you run. You say hi to everyone when we're out. You insist on pushing the cart and the grocery store and picking out your snacks. Although sometimes the decision between Nilla Waffers and Teddy Grahams is too hard for you. You LOVE shoes. You carry one around most of the day. You take them from our closest, from other kids and the park and from shoe stores at the mall.

You're favorite word is "No"...which drives us crazy. You run away naked and hate being dressed. You've learn to take your diaper off and you seem to have a stash of cotton balls somewhere because you randomly have handfulls of them.

You give us lots of kisses, you dance to every song, you share your food and sippy cup with everyone-even strangers.

We love you little man so much.

( And we apologize for apologize for all the timeouts lately. :))

Rhett's 1st Birthday

2011-08-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

For Rhett's 1st birthday we chose the theme "Rhett's Favorite Things."

Because a birthday should be everything you love!

So we had carmel apples.

Strawberries

Dirt cups

(The fingers in the background are because Rhett loves to point)

Fig Newtons

(We go through a pack a week. Easy.)

We used toilet paper as decorations.

Rhett loves to unroll it. He gets a roll of his own every other week or so.

And we brought a special guest.

A dog!!

He was a happy happy happy boy. :)

He didn't hesitate at all with the cake.

But probably his favorite thing was banging on the shed doors.

Sometimes I wonder why I planned so much. :)

Month 12

2011-08-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Rhett,

You are one year old. 365 days ago you were born.

I've thought a lot about what I wanted to say in this letter.

What would mean the most to you when you are older.

So your dad and I have a list of 52 reasons/memories of why we have grown to love you so much this year.
One for each week you've been our little man.

1. You refused to sleep in your crib until you were 3 months old. You only would sleep in your swing.

2. You will only eat strawberries whole and won't touch them if I cut them up.

3. We loved how you would coo in the car seat when we were driving around.

4. You dance now. Love.

5. You have always had a thing for toothbrushes. Especially mine.

6. We would prop your bottle up with blankets when we couldn't hold it for you.

7. And because of that you love to rub a blanket on your cheek.
8. You love to carry a pair of shoes around, one in each hand.
9. When you get excited you wave your arms like a little bird.

10. You love to stand in front of the air conditioning when it's blowing.
11. To get our attention in the morning you bang your bottle on your crib.
12. You can say "Hi dad!", "What's that?", dog and ball. Sometimes we can make out other words too.
13. You are entranced with Sesame Street.
14. You can get the giggles and you can't stop.
15. You love to be chased and chase us.

16. You used to love to hold our hands and toddle. Now you do it all by yourself.
17. You defiantly have an opinion.
19. In the shower you love to take the scrub brush and scrub the floor.
20. You always try to eat the dirt I sweep up in the kitchen. Yucky.
21. Your favorite little friend is Jo Barlow. We hope (fingers crossed) you guys get married one day. :)
22. You know where everyone's nose is. And you like to grab it.

23. When you see a dog you go "Oooooo! Ooooo! Ooooo!" and lunge for it.
24. You love swings and especially slides.
25. Home Depot is one of your favorite places.
26. You are usually pretty grumpy when you wake up from your afternoon nap.
27. You say the words "No" and "Don't" the most.
28. You LOVE to swim.
29. You recently discovered you are a boy. Good job.
30. When you were a little guy you would kick your legs so fast when you got excited.
31. You love to be naked.

32. And you have learned to take your diaper off.
33. You like to feed us your food and sometimes you pretend to hand us a piece and then you put it your own mouth and giggle.
34. You love to bring us your shoes to put on.
35. You love to doorknobs and light switches.
36. You know when you've done something your not supposed to because you look and then run.
37. You are scared of squeaky toys.

38. Although you loved veggies in baby food form you won't touch them now.
39. You love the picture of the temple we have right outside your room.
40. You are always pointing at everything. Even when it's not politically correct.
41. You have managed to ruin 2 of my phones.
42. You will only poop a little in your diaper, wait to be changed, and then poop more.
43. You always try to eat out of the garbage.
45. You have a secret stash of cotton balls somewhere because you randomly have handfuls of them.
46. When you get so angry you arch your back with amazing flexibility.
47. All of your toys become cars.

48. You love empty milk cartoons.
49. No matter where I put my bras you seem to find them.
50. In public you'll wander off and never look back.
51. You have developed an ear splitting shriek for when you are super happy.
52. You love us and we love love love love love you.

We are so so so so lucky to have you.

We adore you, love you, are amazed by you and can't wait to see who you become.

Happy birthday Mr. Man!!!!

Owie

2011-07-17T17:13:00.000-07:00

Door frame meet Rhett.

Rhett meet door frame.

Holy goose egg right?!

On the move

2011-07-17T17:06:00.000-07:00

Rhett's been walking for over a month now.

Little stinker.

He's so fast.

I was getting shoes the other day and I looked up to find him pulling men's shoes off the rack.

On the other side of the store.

When he want's to run (power walk) he sticks his arms out behind him.

Little penguin.

And we finally found a pair of shoes that he will keep on.

And Rhett LOVES to play chase.

And be chased. :)

P.S. He spend most of the day half naked.

Waking up from Sunday naps

2011-07-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

First we hear Rhett babbling.

Then him banging his bottle on the side of his crib.

Soon to be followed by, "Mamamamamamamama!!"

And then we see this happy face!

Month 11

2011-07-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

Dear soon-to-be-not-so-little man,

You are 11 months old. You are a walking machine. We call you the tin man because you are so stiff when you toddle around. Your knees don't bend. And it's adorable. We love when you you flap your arms as you wander and when we hear you babbling in different rooms of the house. You will just take off and not look back.

You love to take walks outside. You LOVE all things dog. When you see one, your little body goes ridged with excitement and you start bouncing and pointing and saying "dod, dod, dod!" We want to get you a dog as soon as we can because you love them so much. But for right now you have your stuffed animals. Which you also adore. I love when you squeeze them and bite their noses. I think you're trying to kiss them...in your own way.

On our daily walks you love to collect treasures. Sticks are your all time favorite but leaves and rocks also make the cut. You all so have a knack for finding any and all garbage littering our path. You're such a little squirle, gravitating toward any shiny wrapper.

You've started throwing tantrums. If we take something away or say no you go limp or stomp your foot and scream through your teeth. Love it. Especially when we're in public. Or better yet at church.

A few more little details. You fell in the tub in Florida and got a nasty gash above your eye. Poor little man. You hated the ocean at first, but loved it at the end. You must eat a whole strawberry at once and won't touch it if I cut one up. You love to look at pictures of your dad when he's at work and when he get's home you are attached to him. During the rest of the day you follow me around telling your stories. You think you're pretty funny because I hear you giggling to yourself when I'm not with you.

We love you more now than ever Rhett! And I'm SO excited for your first birthday...you're going to have so much fun.

Love, Mom and Dad

Watching the storm blow in

2011-06-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

Little Rhett loves loves loves to be outside.

Probably mostly because he loves when people walk their dogs in front of our house.

Yesterday we had an amazing summer storm.

I'm so grateful for our front porch so that we can watch these.

Every time the thunder rolled by,Rhett would put his hand on my leg, tense, then relax and clap.

Maybe he'll be a storm chaser when he grows up.

For Dee-daw

2011-06-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

There is a children's book titled Air Mail to the Moon that was a favorite in our home. Ora Mae Cotton is the little girl whom the story revolves around and she calls her father, dee-daw. I don't know why I thought of that as I sat down to type this, but it seemed fitting since this post is for my dee-daw.

Dear Dad,

I am now almost 26 1/2 years old. I have a baby, a husband, I big move coming up, a living room full of furniture ready for the farmer's market, and sometimes I feel really nervous about what the upcoming future holds. But do you know what's funny? Whenever we need to make a decision or stubble upon a new situation, I automatically think to what you would do if you were here. Truly. I know that I can always trust your advice to be sound. I know that you will always live with integrity. And I always know that you will put other's wants before your needs.

I know that you love my mom. I know that you almost sacrificed your sanity to earn your Ph.D so that you could provide a full life for us. I wish I still had that copy you gave each of us when you finished your dissertation because I know it would mean more to me now. I know that you have a real relationship with Heavenly Father and that you turn to Him to help you be a father. This has been an example to me and Jake as we became parents.

I know that you have given up things you enjoy like playing golf, to have more time and resources for us. I know you always ask for peace and hugs for Christmas and if that's all you got you really would be happy. I know that you spent 2 hours preparing a meal for Ginger because you want to make sure that she is getting the best treatment...even though she's a cat. I know that you love Rhett and hearing how he is growing and learning.

I hope that you know I love you so much. I hope you know how much I respect you. I hope you know I chose to marry Jake in part because I saw qualities in him that I knew you had so I felt safe that he would be a great husband and father.

Happy Father's Day dee-daw! See you soon.

Julia

Le Bucket List

2011-06-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

Before we leave Provo for Gilbert (which we have been told is like little Provo) we have a few things we want to do for the first time and in some cases do again.

We've divided our bucket list into 2 categories, food and activities.

Food

Siegfrieds

Gandolfos

Café Rio

Zupas

Burger Supreme

India Palace

Goodwood

Communal

Walk to 7-11 and get a slurpee (classy right?)

Activities

Jump on It

Lagoon

Hike Timp

Hike over the Y

Nickelcade

Riverwoods surf place

Farmer’s Market*

Temple Square

7 Peaks

Make out in the library

Bike Provo River trail

MTC

Provo Temple

Park City

Go to the Quarry

Starmill Antiques

(The best part of this one is that we will be part of it this year with a shop for my furniture!)*

If you have any suggestions about places we should try let us know!

Oh you crazy in-laws

2011-06-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

I absoultey LOVE my in-laws.

I would go see them every month if I could (even without Jake).

Last time we saw them we did have a slight incident of sorts.

My in-laws (and husband) know that I really don't like the word moist.

Something about it just makes the skin between my fingers feel gross.

Blah.

So anyway, one evening they kept saying it over and over again to bug me.

So I might have poured less than half of a water bottle on my in-laws to make them...moist.

(It really wasn't that much water)

And how did they retaliate?

They put me in the shower.

Yes, they really did.

But we still love each other. :)

I'm planning my retaliation at Thanksgiving. :)

Furniture blog $25 cash giveaway

2011-06-07T19:41:00.000-07:00

So on my furniture blog I'm doing a $25 cash giveaway.

Go here to check it out!

Faces I'm going to miss

2011-06-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Barlows

The Kings

The Cranes

The Havicans

The Johnsons

The Pretes

The Von Niedas

It hit me on Sunday that we are really moving.

Away from all of our amazing friends who we have been so grateful to know.

Why can't we all just buy a whole neighborhood and be have our kids grow up together?

Please?

Month 10

2011-06-02T20:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Rhett Rhett,
10 months ago I thought we would never live to see this day. Our first night home we spent the laying on the floor with you on our chests because if we put you down you cried. And now you are crying yourself to sleep because you are so past tired. Oh how things change.

You are such a little boy. You love all things ball, eat like a horse, love to be chased, wrestled, and you don't hold still for much longer than 30 seconds.

This month you have learned to stand on your own, point, give kisses, say "mama" and "dada" usually correctly although Jake is often "mama" too. You wave hi and bye.You run when we hold your hands and zoom around pushing your walker. You love to share your bottle and food with us. You think it's beyond funny when we pretend to eat the food you're offering. You dive (literally) to anyone who is close enough to catch you. Stranger anxiety hasn't hit yet so everyone is your best bud. You love piggy back rides from your dad. His ears make excellent holds for you. :)

I'm so excited to start planning your birthday party!!

Love, Mama and mama (dada)

May Madness

2011-06-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

In the month of May we were home a total of 9 days. That's a total of only 216 hours. The rest of the time we were in Arizona, North Carolina, and Oregon. As much as we LOVE traveling we are more than ready to not be living out of a suitcase. When we got home last night Rhett was so happy to be home. He went straight for his toys and then proceed to crawl to all of his favorite spots. My shoe rack in our closet, the shelves in the bathroom, the vacuum in the laundry room, making sure every thing was in order. So cute.

Here are some of the stats of our travels.

Hours spent in airports: 26+

Number of miles traveled: 7332

Times dinner was at Wendy's: About 9

Diapers changed in an airport: At least 2 dozen.

Here's a map of our travels.

Rhett is an amazing traveler. He loves to look out the window of the plane and eat his snacks off his tray and play with the people behind us. We somehow managed to lose track of him on our flight to Oregon. We were letting him play on the ground between our seats and he power crawled under then to 2 rows behind us. Gotta love it when some stranger says "Ma'm this is your kid?" and your kid then blows a raspberry at you.

We were grateful not to have him when we went to North Carolina. Probably it was the worst experience we've had flying ever and we travel a lot. Our flight was delayed out of Salt Lake which meant we would have missed our connection in Colorado. They tried to get us on a flight to Chicago, but after running frantically threw the airport, the Southwest lady realized she had told them to hold the wrong flight. Ridiculous amount of running wasted. So we got a flight 5 hours later to Baltimore where we landed at 2AM had to pick up our bags from baggage claim, got ready for bed in the bathroom, couldn't get through security or check our bags because their's no one their at 2AM to help. So we spent the rest on the night on a wooden bench by the ticket counter with the security terriorst advisory announcement going off every 5 minutes. So we gave up sleeping and played with the wheel chairs. We found out that Jake gets REALLY friendly at 3:30AM. He started enthusiastic conversation with EVERYONE. Then around 6:30AM he get's really paranoid and skeptical. We were in Barnes and Noble (still at the airport) and he started going off on how every book in there was a conspiracy theory. Poor Jake. We were so tired when we finally made to NC.

But now we're HOME. For at least a month. For the weekend of the 4th of July we'll be in Florida. We're really excited to introduce Rhett to the ocean. :)

Maybe I have style

2011-05-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

I know this is going to be a pretty shallow post, but let's face some times life is a little shallow.

We are BIG Modern Family fans.

So when I saw Claire wearing this sweater in season 1, I was really excited.

Because I own this sweater too! Thank you Gap.

And as lame as it is, it made me feel a little bit cool. :)

And then when I watched a preview for the Bachelorette last night I saw Ashley crawl into bed...a bed with the same comforter that we have!

I know it's silly but it's not like I'll ever see a picture of Angelina Jolie and say "Oh I have that very same Vera Wang evening gown." so I'll chose to be excited about my Gap sweater.

Jake is kind of nerdy sometimes

2011-05-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

But in a good way.

Jake has a couple of lunch boxes from when he was 8 years old.

He has a G.I. Joe lunch box, a Flinstone's one, and he had a Transformer's one that he gave to his friend Tij.

They share a love for such things.

The best part is that Jake takes his lunch in it everyday.

His dress shirt, tie combo wouldn't be complete without G.I. Joe.

He also finished his FIRST crossword puzzle the other day.

I haven't seen him to so proud of himself in awhile. :)

Room Redo Completed! Finally.

2011-05-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

Finally. Our. Room. Is. Done.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can check it out here!

http://551eastdesign.blogspot.com/2011/05/redoing-room-whole-room-on-budget.html

My Pool Boy(s)

2011-05-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

Rhett is a little gupy.

He LOVES the pool.

He LOVED the big splashes.

He LOVED doing the doggy paddle.

Most of all, he LOVED being thrown in the air.

He LOVED trying to drink the pool water.

Yum...chlorine.

He LOVED playing with dad.

And dad's splashing sound effects.

I love my pool boys. :)

Nothing says I'm a mom more than

2011-05-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

Loving watching Rhett sleep.
Missing him after Jake's given me only a 20 minute break.
Emptying my pockets at the end of day and finding them full of half chewed baby snacks and cheerios I picked up off the floor.
Maybe being more excited that I'm wearing sexy jeans and heals than the fact that we have a babysitter and are going out to dinner.
Thinking that Rhett has the CUTEST little bum in the world.
Realizing I've had a fairly long babble conversation with Rhett....with me babbling back at him.
Listening to talk radio simply because I like feeling like I'm having an adult conversation.
Discussing poop more than I ever have before.
Doing anything (and I really mean anything) to get Rhett to giggle and clap for me.
Feeling like the absolute coolest person ever when I do get him to laugh.
Looking at pictures of Christ with Rhett and feeling so beyond grateful for His example and love for me, Jake and Rhett.
Not caring how slobbery a kiss from Rhett is...but if Jake ever kissed me like that...
Not wanting Rhett to grow up to quickly. And at the same time being so ready for preschool.
Praying daily that I can raise Rhett to know he is loved beyond measure by us, by Heavenly Father, and by our Savior.
Letting Rhett chew on my flip flop because I'm too tired to take it away.
Leaving a list a mile long for the babysitter and having Jake push me out the door because I'm leaving too many instructions.
Being really excited, despite everything I say contradicting this, to have another little one.

It's kind of a big deal...

2011-05-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

to me anyway. :)

For a couple of years now I've been redoing furniture and I've gotten kind of addicted to it.

Especially to using my power sander...

So I'm starting a little business.

Introducing

551 East Furniture Design

!!!!

Go check it out!

(Humor me please :) )

Only 821 more days

2011-05-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

Till Rhett goes to preschool.

Yes, it's one of those days.

Is it to soon to make a paper chain?

P.S.

2011-05-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

Rhett I forgot a few things I wanted to write in your 9 month post yesterday. Silly mom. I was worn out...it was my afternoon nap time too.

But in a nutshell:

You've started trying to share your bottle and other snacks with us. Although we're not big fans of formula and half chewed Gerber snacks we appreciate the gesture.

You also seem to have no fear of strangers. Everyone is your best bud. I love this about you. I love how you are so friendly, how you smile and chat it up with the mailman, the old lady who walks her dog by our house, everyone. You will literally head dive toward anyone and want them to hold you. Some people think it's adorable...some people don't know how to react. Either way I'd rather have you be friendly than skittish. :)

Finally you can take a few steps when you have something to push. A few steps by yourself. Such a big boy!!

Love, love, love you!

Month 9

2011-05-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

Little man,
You are the best thing in our live. We just love you. You are so adorable. So stinking cute. I'm not saying me or your dad are bad looking people...but we're not sure how we got such an adorable little man.

This month you have developed so many new talents. You wave, clap hands, give kisses and high fives. All are conditional on you of course but we live for a big, slobbery, open mouth kiss from you.

You love to sit at the front door and watch the world go by. You especially love when school lets out and all the kids walk home. A lot of them say hi to you and it makes you feel awesome. :)

Ever since you got so sick and we had to take you to the hospital you've been extra cuddly. You lay your head on our shoulders, you sit on our lap and play with a toy. We've always loved your high energy but we also love this new side of you.

You've gotten so much better at independent play. You love to babble and tell us everything on your mind. You are growing up little man!

We love you so much Rhett,
Mom and Dad

Subliminal Messages

2011-04-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

Jake likes to leave me little notes. Usually they're really sweet.

But Jake has started to leave notes that have more...subliminal....messages.

Self-explanatory

Notice the note attached to Jake's Easter bunny.

It says "I'm watching you."

Jake put my jelly belly's in the bunny's box.

He thinks I've eaten too many this week.

3 bags isn't that many.

Sometimes being little means you get stuck

2011-04-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

The "List"

2011-04-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

I don't think it's really hit us yet that we're moving. Like moving like grown ups do. Packing up the house. Leaving the state. Probably paying an outrageous sum of $$$ for rent...or hopefully a down payment on a house. (Eeeek!) Making new friends. Leaving old ones. Actually having to pay for a baby sitter.

Yeah I don't think this has sunk in yet.

With Edward Jones we get to chose where we live. Which is a huge bonus. But it's also overwhelming...sometimes I wish we were just told were to go...so long as it wasn't Montana, North or South Dakota or Wyoming.) Where we move will be where we raise our kids. Where we'll be till Jake retires. So we're talking about the next 25 years.

We started off with a fairly long list of options.

California (Northern)

Arizona

Washington

Texas (Dallas area)

Nevada

Oklahoma

North Carolina

New York

And now we've gotten it down to two...Arizona (Gilbert, Mesa area) or Cary, North Carolina.

We complied our list from searching top places to live lists and then looking up the towns that interested us. We want a younger population, job growth, good schools, community unity, affordable housing, close proximity to a temple and mild winters.

So in May we are traveling to both AZ and NC (pray that Rhett doesn't go crazy with the time changes. We're doing both trips back to back) If you have any advice, thoughts, experience with either of these 2 states PLEASE share. :)

Just sittin' here

2011-04-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

Just sitting here on the front porch while Rhett naps.

Watching paint dry.

Literally.

(More on that soon.)

Talking to our mailman.

I probably should ask him his name...

Thinking about where on Earth we are going to move.

Watching videos of Rhett because for some reason I miss him when he sleeps.

Drinking my black cherry Fresca and trying not to eat too many sour patch kids.

Wondering why I love dandelions, but I really don't like tulips.

Thinking I should have worn a skirt today, but was too lazy to shave.

Dreading emptying the dishwasher (my least favorite chore)...maybe Jake will do it.

I think I hear Rhett.

Maybe we'll go on a walk.

It's too nice out to be inside.

Just a thought

2011-04-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

I've loved this thought for a long time.

"What do we live for if not to make life easier for one another."

I think it's a great mantra.

Jake Needs a Man Purse

2011-04-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

How many times has Jake lost his wallet this month?

Twice.

How much time do we spend looking for his phone?

Everyday.

Has Jake lost a set of car keys?

Yes.

I think he needs a man purse.

It's a lot harder to misplace a purse.

And if Usher has one, they have to be cool right?

Or maybe this door mat would be better.

The man purse/doormat solves the key, wallet, phone problem...

but Jake also forgets the CAR a lot.

He forgets that he took it to school and walks home, leaving the car on campus.

I'm really not sure how to solve this problem....tattoo it on his hand?

Attach a zapper to his ankle that goes off when he gets to far from the car?

???

Call me Mrs. Jones

2011-04-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

Jake. Got. A. Job.

!!!!!!!!

With

!!!!!!!!

He'll start September 12th.

But we don't know where we'll be living yet...they let us chose.

It's a little overwhelming to chose, but we have a list...that changes everyday.

...

I'm SO proud of Jake.

He knows what he wants, and works his butt off till he get it.

We're really really excited. :)

Skunk Boy

2011-04-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

I only have 2 things to say about this:

1. I rediscovered my gag reflex.

2. Apparently Rhett's poo does not follow the rules of gravity.

Someone call Sir Newton.

Security Objects

2011-04-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Jake recently re-found this.

Yes, it's a hamburger pillow.

Was I hiding it from him...maybe.

He insists on keeping it on our bed.

It doesn't match.

He says it's only fair for him to keep it because Rhett and I have "security objects".

Tornado

Mama Bear

Because I love Jake I induldge the creepy hamurger pillow,

but I think I might start praying it gets lost when we move...

Anyone else still have a "security object"?

Nap Time

2011-04-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

We are currently napping.

Glory, glory hallelujah.

Please do not disturb.

Month 8

2011-04-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Child of mine,
I've put off writing this post because...we'll...you've been kind of a punk lately. I don't know if you're just being a little boy, or turning into a little hellion. Now that you can pull yourself to stand, anything that holds still for 5 seconds or more you will use it to stand. That includes other children and their faces. And they don't like that. Please stop. It's a little embarrassing every time you try to maul other children at play group.

Also...the excessive whining...it's not my favorite. I miss my happy, smiley little man. You've gotten 2 teeth this month so I know that teething is rough on your poor little gums. But it still is wearing me out. You are so cute with your little teeth. You LOVE your tooth brush and sometimes it's the only thing that will distract you long enough to hold still so I can change your diaper. Most days it seems like I spend so much time chasing your naked little bum around your room trying to get your diaper, pants, shirt, and socks on. You love the chasing. :)
You startled crawling this month. You've really taken off with it. I' amazed how fast you can go now. I always know when you're coming because of how loud you breath. You're such a little piglet...you snort and grunt all the time. And you babble constantly. You have something to say to everyone and everything. You blow a lot of raspberries and growl. One evening your dad said raised his voice at you and you responded with a deep growl. Classic.

You love your bath more than anything else. When you hear the water filling the tub, you come crawling in and pull yourself up on the tub walls and watch the tub fill. You love to knock all the shampoo bottles into the water. You love when we poor water on your head. You love to pee in the tub too. Sigh.

Your favorite foods are blue berries, beets, sweet potatoes, apples, avocados, hummus, cheese, ice cream, green beans and anything we are eating. You love blue berries so much that one day I fed you too many of them and you had a very blue poopy diaper the next day. Sadly it did not smell like blue berries.

We've gone back to swaddling you at nap time. At night you've been sleeping fine unswaddled but after 2 weeks of terrible naps and tantrums I decided to follow your lead and swaddle you again. And now you do wonderful. Thank goodness.

This has been a difficult month for you but I love how you are growing. Sometimes I wish I could send you to Neverland and keep you my little boy longer. Maybe this month was harder because I haven't been following your lead enough. I don't think I give you enough credit for you knowing what is best for you. I am your mother, but I will promise to follow your cues and lead as you grow up.

We adore you Rhett,

Mom and Dad

Happy Sunday

2011-04-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

Time to show a little leg

2011-04-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

Remember this post?

Well now it's time to get my pasty legs some sun!!

And sadly they are currently oh so pasty.

My most beautiful day

2011-03-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

I remember the day that we got out first set of wedding prints in the mail. We had two amazing photographers, Leslie Barnts and Melanie Mauer who's work took my breath away the first time I saw our pictures and...even now, 2 years later.

Leslie Barnts

We have the pictures matted and framed around our house. If there was a fire I would grab our albums first because they mean so much to me. If I was to be totally honest with you, I would say that one of the main reasons I love them so much is because I love seeing how beautiful I looked that day. When I saw our pictures for the first time I told Jake that our wedding was the most beautiful I'd ever....and would probably ever...look.

Melanie Mauer

Now the picture on our walls and on top of our dressers remind me of how unbeautiful I feel some times. Especially recently. I feel like I look...worn out. I try to wear make-up every day and do my hair and get dressed in something that makes me feel cute and limit my sweat pant days to a minimum. Jake is wonderful and telling me I'm lovely. I know that confidence does not come from how we look, but I also know it does play a role.

Leslie Barnts

So I decided to put my wedding dress back on. It just sits in my closet which is sad because I dress so lovely needs to be worn. As I pulled it out of the box it really took my breath away. It is the perfect dress for me. I love the weight of the silk. I love the tiny buttons running down the back. I love the bustle and the shimmer of the beading. I love how I felt when I put it back on. I felt beautiful.

I still had a little bit of baby food in my hair. I'm not as tan as I was then. I didn't put eyeshadow or liner on today. But my dress made up for all that.

I'm so glad to still have it. I loved holding Rhett and having him play with the beads and giggle as I twirled. I love how it was the first thing I wore when Jake and I came out of the temple and started our life together.

I'm pretty sure I'll feel not so beautiful again, but I'm grateful that I got to wear my wedding dress and for an hour or so feel just as pretty as the first time I wore it. :).

A Life in Verse

2011-03-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

In a faraway place, where horses run wild

Lived a beautiful girl, with the heart of a child

She grew up right, always saying her prayers

So to go on a mission

And save Germans from snares

But then she came home

And off to college she went

Where she dated each day

And her time was well spent

In biking, in baking, in climbing on ropes

And through it all, she had highest hopes

Of a wonderful man, so handsome and strong

That would come to her rescue

She couldn’t be wrong

For she was in Provo

A BYU student

To not get married? Well that wouldn’t be prudent.

Well that “one day” did come

And with it her prince

He asked her to marry, and she was convinced

So off they struck, on their newest adventure

To love and to cherish

Whatever the venture

They laughed and they played

Oh their life was a breeze

Then they started a family

A new life if you please

Along came a son so handsome and cute

But they must admit, there were trials to boot

Diapers, and crying plus the sleep they were craving

If they were observed, you’d think they were raving

But they passed through the trials

And with that new life

Came laughter, and giggles, and a beautiful wife

Oh before she was gorgeous and wonderful too

But now as a mother, these words just won’t do

This daughter of God, now a parent become

Was never more fit for an eternal kingdom

Her family loved her and her Father did too

Because as a mother, there are very few

Who love, and devote all their life so completely

For this and much else I love her so deeply

So now who knows what the future may hold

But with her by my side, it’s a sight to behold.

Happy Sunday

2011-03-27T20:34:00.001-07:00

Contentment

2011-03-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

Most mornings we bring Rhett into bed with us when he wakes up. We've done it since he was itty-bitty. Originally it was so that we could doze while he drank his morning bottle, but now that he's crawling dozing isn't really an option. He loves to crawl on top of Jake's face and hit him till Jake responds with tickles and growls. He plays with my hair and sees how close he can get to the edge of the bed before we grab his feet and pull him back. And it's our favorite time of the day.

And Saturdays are especially wonderful because we get as much morning snuggle time as we want. I know one day we won't do this. That Saturday morning cartoons will steal my kids (and my husband) and I know I'll miss these lazy hours.

I guess that's why I'm typing this...because I know I can't take a photograph that will really capture the giggles from Rhett and Jake's deep breathing (snoring) as he tries to sleep a little longer. It couldn't capture the comforting sound of the heater coming on. A photograph can't find the security of me tucking my feet in the blanket around Jake's feet because mine are freezing. Or the sounds of our neighbors dog barking when he's let out for the first time that day. Or how fuzzy Rhett's hair is in the morning. And even though Rhett isn't quite 8 months I am still afraid of forgetting how much I love our life, my husband, my son and these simple moments of contentment.

Quote of the day

2011-03-24T22:18:00.000-07:00

If there was a heaven for bobby pins, I would be their savior.

-Jake

(It's true....my bobby pins usually end up with the dryer lint.)

Splish Splash

2011-03-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

Sad Day

2011-03-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been trying to edit my music preferences to be a little more kid friendly...

(because I'd like to put off as long as possible explaining to Rhett what Ke$ha means when she says she wants to take a ride on your disco stick...)

Anyway, Rhett and I were dancing in our kitchen

and I went and played some old songs that I hadn't listened to in awhile.

And I was trying to dance and I just couldn't get into my old groove.

I mean I was never a backup dancer for Usher, but I could dance.

It was totally gone...I could only find my rhythm when we were dancing to anything pre-Britney S.

I feel like an old frumpy mom.

What's next....high elastic waistband pants and sweater vests??

Sad sad day.

A post from a 7 month old

2011-03-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

Dear blog buddies of my momma,

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Love, Rhett

So maybe I am turning into one of those moms...

2011-03-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

But I can't help it!! I get this email this morning:

Congratulations!

Thank you for sharing your photo with Parents Photo Faves while visiting TheCuteKid.com. Your photo is currently in the running to become a weekly winner. The photo with the most votes in each category will take home the honors!

EEEEEE!!! Silly I know...but still...can you blame me for being just the tiniest bit happy about it? :)

(If you would feel so inclined as to vote for our little man follow this link!!)

My Hero

2011-03-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

"In the Lord's plan it takes two - a man and a woman - to form a whole." Elder Richard G. Scott

Well as of late I've felt like Julia has been about 80-90% of our whole. This semester has been very busy and because of that Julia is with Rhett all day with minimal help from me. Sometimes I don't even get home until Rhett is asleep. Yet through it all she has been a champion. She always tries to put me first even when she really needs a break. Sometimes I often have to stop and remind her that she needs some time to herself and that she deserves a break. I'm so grateful for everything she does in our family. For how well she does with Rhett, for how much she loves me, and for how selfless she is. I'm very lucky to have her and felt like I needed to post this so everybody could know how amazing she is and to remind other husbands to always remember how much their wives do for them. We're very lucky.

Winner winner chicken dinner!

2011-03-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who voted for a picture of Rhett! The winner of the gift card was Laura Brown! Congrats Laura!! If you could send me your address either through Facebook or to my email (julesholbein@gmail.com) then I'll get that gift card for you in the mail. Also, please tell me if you would prefer the Jamba Juice GC or the Coldstone GC.

(True Random Number Generator Min: Max: 23 Result: 7 Powered by RANDOM.ORG)

Picture D was the clear winner.

It's one of my favorites too...it makes my momma heart happy. :)

Thanks again for taking the time to vote!!

Old friends...it's been to long.

2011-03-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

Dear long warm shower,
It has been too long since we spent quality time together. It was SO wonderful to get reacquainted this evening. You always make me feel so good about myself.

Dear deep hydrating hair mask,
You are secretly my favorite. You make my hair soft as silk and smell like oranges. My ends were in desperate need of your generous service. Thanks for your help tonight. :)

Dear body scrubbing salt,
All I will say is that Jake will be extra grateful for you tonight when he gives me my leg massage tonight. Let's meet up again SOON.

Dear new razor blade,
You are AWESOME!! I didn't realize how dull your former friend had become. She was horribly dull. (No pun intend.)

Old friends...lets do this again soon. Maybe tomorrow...

Strolling with the Stroller

2011-03-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

Sundays like today were made for family walks. Warmth, a breeze, budding flowers, other families and couples out together, laughing, dogs fetching balls.I'm so grateful for a Heavenly Father who created so much goodness for us.

I love this look...taking it all in.

He saw Jake.

Such a little boy.

I'm going through an ugly phase. I refuse to be photographed until I get my hair done.

He saw me. :)

Jake, Rhett and Tornado the trusty horse.

Entranced with the traffic.

The only picture we managed to get of the two of us.

I am very excited for next Sundays stroll. :)

A Picture's Worth 1000 Words

2011-03-12T09:29:00.000-08:00

So I've been debating something for awhile. Debating whether or not I want to become one of those moms... a mom who goes a little crazy about her kiddo because she thinks her baby is God's gift to the infant world. This is what I've been debating. For years now I have loved the morning talk show Regis and Kelly. (I was destined to be a stay-at-home-mom) Every summer they do a cute baby contest, and I've been toying with the idea of entering Rhett's picture. I know what your thinking...I'm becoming one of those moms. But don't judge please. It's more than a cute baby contest. It's a scholarship program. :)

So this is where I need your help. Below are 5 pictures of Rhett. Vote for your favorite one. (Please only vote once.) Then leave a comment below telling me that you voted. On Wednesday I will use a Random Number Generator to pick a winner of a $10 gift card to ColdStone Creamery or Jamba Juice...your choice...from those who told me they voted. If you want to have 2 chances to win, start following my blog and tell me in a separate comment that you are now following.

Thanks for your help!
And I promise I won't let my child turn into something like this.

My Fellas

2011-03-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

Love. Love. Love.

Home Improvement Mama

2011-03-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

I had some people ask what I am spray painting in the pictures from this post. I am desperate for a matching bedroom set...I'm a little OCD...so I found this project idea on this blog.

It's a DYI Draper Chest

$29 at IKEA!!!!

Finished product

So I'm planning on Craigslisting my current dresser (for cheap !!! let me know if you want to look at it) and replacing it with 2 of these. Then I'm going to sand and paint Jake's dresser and our nightstand to match mine. And I've priced it out and I can do all of our furniture for less than $150. That's including the cost of buying the 2 from IKEA. (Happy dance! :) ) I've been finding all these ideas I want to do for our room and I'm going to toot my own horn here, but I can do almost all of them on my own for a fraction of the cost of buying the stuff new. !!!

P.S. Does anyone know of a place that does custom stencil patterns for relatively cheap? That's one thing I'm not super comfortable having be a DYI.

P.P.S I'll keep posting what project I'm working on as I go. :)

a picture or two an hour

2011-03-08T20:46:00.000-08:00

7AM

8AM

9AM

10AM

11AM

12PM

1PM

2PM

4PM

5PM

6PM

7PM

8PM

I love my life.

(Post idea from bleubirdvintage.typepad.com)

When Grandparents (and 7 month-olds) Text

2011-03-06T22:05:00.000-08:00

A text to Rhett from Grandpa Holbein:

Dear Rhett,
Please tell your mom and dad that your grandpa loves you tons and tons forever. ;-)
P.S. Is this your first text message?
Grandpa

Rhett's response:
Dear Grandpa,
OJuvk
Love Rhett

He typed that himself. My 7 month old is about as tech savvy as I am. I'm anticipating he'll want his 1st iphone when he's 3.

The best part of baking is wearing really cute aprons.

2011-03-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday evening I got a message from by darling friend Jessica. It went something like this..."Did you remember we signed up to do a cake walk for the carnival? On Friday? Maybe we should get on that..." Good point Jessica, because as we all know cakes don't bake and decorate themselves.

So at 2PM on Thursday afternoon the baking began. Total cupcakes baked: 6 dozen.Total sheets of Mississippi Mud brownies baked: 3. Total extra large containers of icing used: 4. Number of spoons,spatulas, and bowls licked: It's too embarrassing to say. Number of sprinkles used: Infinite. Time finished baking, decorating, and plating cupcakes: 11PM

Despite the sugar high we experienced from all the sugar in the air, and the icing I found in my hair and behind my left ear, and the ridiculous amount of dishes created it was a really fun time...baking, gossip, sneaking candy from the toppings and using our creative skills...all in all a great 8 hour cupcake marathon.

P.S. Isn't my apron cute? My little brother picked it out for me. :)

Haircuts and Lolly Pops

2011-03-02T21:49:00.000-08:00

I had some reservations about Rhett getting his first haircut...it seemed like such a milestone and I had a hard time grasping that he's already 7 months. I love his hair. It's so soft and downy...like a little gosling. I love to rub my face on on the top of his head. I love how it stands up after nap time. I love it's sandy color. But it was growing so much faster on the top and sides than it was on the back and it was getting a little out of control.

So we went to our friend Laura who also cuts Jake's hair.

She had these organic suckers for Rhett to help him sit still.

He LOVED them.

After an awesome comb over

the snipping began

Now we can do a faux-hawk...so much better than a side part.

My Mr.Handsome Pants

Scouted

2011-02-28T11:03:00.000-08:00

So the other day at IKEA, in the couch section, a woman approaches us. She tells us that Rhett is a beautiful baby. (I smile inside knowing that it's true :)) The conversation goes like this.

Lady: Have you ever thought of having him do some modeling?

Us: We've thought and joked about it...but we don't want to exploit him or give his pictures to some pervert.

Lady: I totally understand. I have kids too. I just wanted to tell you that I work for a talent agency and I wanted to ask you if you would be interested in coming in for an interview with your son.

Us: Umm...

Lady: How about I give you my card. It has our wesite on it. You can check it out and if you're comfortable with it we'll call you in a few days and see what your thoughts are.

Us: (After a quick conversation with our eyes) Sure that sounds fine with us.

We exchanged numbers and went our ways.

We think that Rhett is the cutest little man ever...but it is nice to hear it from other people.

And if he becomes the next Gerber baby...well that's fine too. :)

Month 7

2011-02-28T10:03:00.000-08:00

Dear little man,

Happy 7 months Mr. Handsome Pants!! Oh you are oh so fun. So fun. When you go to sleep we love to watch you. We love how you sleep with your little bum up in the air with your knees tucked under you. We love your little yawns and snores. We especially love that you sleep through the night and you don't need to be swaddled anymore. That's the best.

We love how silly you've become. Everything makes you giggle with delight. And scream. You've learned to scream with delight. It's so adorable. You love when we squeeze your chubby thighs. You love when we kiss your cheeks. It makes you grin ear to ear. You love when we flip you up side down. You've become so social. You squeal when we see your friends. You love to pat their hands and heads. You still love your little friend in the mirror. We went to IKEA the other day and when we passed the mirrors you looked so surprised and thrilled to see your friends there with us. We had to stop so you could have a little chat. Sometimes I have to avoid mirrors because if you see your little buddy we have to stop and play for a long time. :)

I am amazed everyday with how much you learn. I can see it your big blue eyes. You take everything in. In just the past few days you've gotten a tooth, started waving, rocking on your hands and knees, holding yourself up on the edge of chairs, you can walk across the room when we hold your fingers.

We love you Rhett!!

Julia Smash

2011-02-26T10:25:00.000-08:00

I don't know how many of you are familiar with Marvel Comics the Hulk,but when he get mad he yells"Hulk smash!" and then proceeds to do just that.

Jake also likes to yell "Jake smash!" before he tackles me. So fun.

Last night I clearly remember putting my glasses on my nightstand, but when I woke up my glasses looked like this...

Kaput

(Thankfully I have a spare pair)

I haven't a clue how this happened.

Julia smash!!

Unofficial Stalker

2011-02-24T10:59:00.000-08:00

I absolutely adore wedding photos. I'm mesmerized with the joy they capture. I remember seeing our wedding pictures for the first time. There were moments captured that I didn't remember. Those are some of my favorites. Honestly if the house was on fire the first thing I would grab (after Rhett) would be our wedding albums. Sometimes I wish I could back and recreate our wedding day because I have so many ideas of ways I'd like to have them shot.

Maybe this is why I love looking at other peoples wedding photos. I love seeing how happy they are. How much unadulterated joy and love they have in their eyes. I love looking at the bride's dress, the groom seeing her for the first time. I love seeing how his hand rests on her waist. I love seeing him twirling her during their first dance and the sparklers showing them the way to their getaway car.

And FB has opened a whole new world of wedding pictures to me. I don't even have to know the bride and groom,I just have to know someone tagged in their pictures. At first I thought it wasn't a problem. Looking at peoples special day when I didn't even know. But now I'm seeing these people who I've "stalked" on FB around town, at church, at the grocery store, pumping gas etc. I the problem is I'm having a hard time telling if I know them or not.

Bahah!! It's becoming an awkward problem. I just stare at them wondering if I need to say hi because we know each other or if they don't know me from Adam.

I think this makes me an unofficial stalker.
But what bride doesn't want everyone to woo and ahhh and her pictures?

From Rhett to Dad

2011-02-16T16:46:00.000-08:00

Rhett "drew" this for Jake.

(I drew the squiggles)

He loves his dad.

He also chewed on the crayons...he's such a 6 month old.

Rhett's New Favorite Game

2011-02-16T10:16:00.000-08:00

We slowly open the door halfway and say Rrrrrhett!

Then we jump out and shout "I'm HOME!!!"

He thinks it's fantastic.:)

He also loves to help get the mail.

And then chew on the junk mail.

He's a big help around the house. :)

My Casaova

2011-02-16T10:01:00.000-08:00

I love my husband.

And I love knowing that he loves me.

He wrote this poem for me.

Love spoken but once is as the ineffectual prayer.

In times of deep emotion its song is heard but soon forgotten.

This is not what I seek.

Our love. My love. As the faithful heart will always find joy in its song.

For it sings of you.

And knows in your love it has found home.

And he got me flowers.

Can I get a collective awww?! :)

The Most Important Birthday of the Year

2011-02-15T21:50:00.000-08:00

Today is my mom's birthday. Every year on my birthday I feel like I should give my mom a present. I haven't yet...but one day I will. If it weren't for her my birthday wouldn't mean very much. She and my dad decided to try and get pregnant when my dad didn't have a job because they knew it was important to start their family. When I was born and my mom and I were getting acquainted in her recovery room she was so excited to have me there with her, that she couldn't sleep. She sang "I am a Child of God" to me. She's always taught me to follow my Heavenly Father. I've seen her on her knees praying when she didn't know I was watching. She as taught me to but others first. Honestly it is so hard to say no to her when she wants to do something for you because she loves to serve others so much it hurts her feelings when you say no. She posses the sweetest smile. Her cheeks were made for her smiles. They are perfectly round when she gives you a genuine one. She always smells like...comfort...I don't know how to describe it any better. She has the perfect motherly shape for hugs. I know she'll hate me for saying that, but it's true.

She came from a broken home, but she has been a bridge with my dad to a better life for me and my siblings. She joined the church even when it meant she was disowned from her family. She served a mission for our church in Brazil. I said my whole life that I would serve a mission, but when it came time to start my papers I said I wasn't going to go. It broke my mom's heart. She cried. Honestly, it made me mad at the time, I thought she was being unfair. But seeing how much she wanted me to go, it really touched me and so I reconsidered. I am so grateful I went. I am so grateful for her example and caring.

She is a beautiful woman. People said she looked like Audrey Hepburn when she was younger. And it's true. She always gets so excited about Christmas and birthdays that she can't help but give us some presents early...and then she goes out and buys more. She laughs the hardest at her own jokes. When we're all together as a family, she loves to have us go around the dinner table and say nice things about her. It's endearing. :) She "cheats" at our family game nights...and we love her more for it. :) She has always loved our pets...probably more than most people do. She "talks" for them. She has a voice for each of them and they love her more than anybody. She can't ever get our names right. Sometimes I'm Julia...sometimes I'm Ginger, our cat. But it doesn't matter. I know she loves me more than anything, and I love her. I love her for being a life line as I've become a mom. I love her for her being her.
Happy birthday mom! I LOVE you!

Love,
Ginger, John, Jane, William, Winne, Rosie, aka Julia :)

Month 6

2011-02-15T16:20:00.000-08:00

Rhettford,
You are 6 months old now. I spend time each day just staring at you trying to take in all of your cuteness, your smiles, your unconditional love, your energy, your giggles, everything. Everyday I look forward to seeing you achieve your milestones. Every month I think that that month is my favorite time of your life thus far, but then the next month is my new favorite. Each day you seem to grow more and more and I love it.

You are hands down the happiest baby I've ever seen. You smile smile smile at everything. And the best part of your smiles is that they make your already chubby cheeks even chubbier and more kissable. Love love love it.

You can blow raspberry's with your lips. You have the cutest pout. You pull your upper lip in and push your bottom one out, just like I do actually. :)

You've made a very special friend in the past few weeks. You get so excited every time you see him the the mirror. I don't have the heart to tell you it's your reflection. You give each other high fives and kisses. Dad says that your head butting your little buddy, not kissing him since you're a boy, but I think I'm right.

You can get on your hands and knees by yourself. You can't crawl yet but you can scoot. In fact you scooted right off the bed one day. Opps. But you were OK...after snuggles. And now that you can roll both ways you have come dangerously close to rolling off the bed. But we keep a much closer eye on you now.

And you can sit on your own. You still tip over on occasion, but you love the easy access to your toes.

We love your little quirks. We love how you grab our noses and think it's so funny. We love how when you face plant on our laps it means you want to be flipped upside down. We love how much you love having your cheeks kissed.

We absolutely adore you little dude!

Mom and Dad

Green beans

2011-02-15T16:19:00.000-08:00

If you can't tell Rhett thoroughly enjoyed his first round of baby food.

We're going to need some more paper towels.

Lovefest!!

2011-02-15T16:07:00.000-08:00

Here's to everything mushy gushy-lovey dovey-snuggley wuggely-cutesie wutsie.

Happy Lovefest Day!!!

Rhett's embarrassed of us.

(I know this is a day late.Our computer was having issues yesterday.)

Kamikaze Poop

2011-02-11T11:02:00.000-08:00

I have bad luck with getting our car washed.

Without fail, every time I do a bird poops on our car within 3 hours of getting it cleaned.

And usually we don't get too many gifts from birds.

It frustrates me SO much.

Makes me want to give those stupid birds the bird.

Dear Friend

2011-02-11T10:49:00.000-08:00

When I wrote the post about my frustrations with money, I was doing it to just vent. I honestly didn't think that anything would come of it. But you read what I wrote and you did something about it. How do I begin to thank you for the box of crafts, of books, of ideas for me to have an outlet during the day? How do I begin to tell you how much it meant to me to come home and see that box with your note? I love everything you chose for me. The yarn is beautiful, the colors are perfect. The felt is also just what I would have picked out. I love the books. I've started "The Translator" and I'm really enjoying it.

Thank you for going above and beyond. There need be more people like you. You are so sweet and although we've never met, I feel like I know you a little bit better now. You really were and are a ray of sunshine. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face. Thank you for the time and effort you put into the package. Thank you so so much!

Love,

Julia

I've got a fever...

2011-02-06T20:36:00.000-08:00

for Justin Bieber.

Does that make me a creeper?
Maybe.

But if I was 12 I would totally have a major crush on him.

Now I just have a minor one.

And I really want to go see his movie that's coming out.

Does anyone know a 12 year old I can take to see it so I don't get too many weird looks?

A Little Note

2011-02-06T20:26:00.000-08:00

Before I got married I thought I wanted 6 kids. When we got married we decided 4 would be ideal. After spending the past week watching 5 kids for a family friend I think I'll take 3. It's a good solid prime number. Anyway, the kids I watched were wonderful. Really, they were adorable so stinking cute and I loved watching them.

So to sum up the adventures of the week, here's a little note I would have hypothetically written to the kiddos.

Dear Children,

No, you cannot have 10 Oreos. Yes, you are all the baby's favorite. No, I can't give you all a piggy back all at once. Yes, that was a really funny joke you just made up. No, I don't want to go dance with Chuck-E-Cheese. When I ask you to put your plate on the counter, that doesn't mean put it on the floor. How have you not heard me calling your name 12 times just now? Yes, I can beat that level on Mario for you. Has anyone seen the kitty? No, I have never met Santa Claus. How about you ask your mom how Rhett got in my belly. Girls, I'm sorry I only know how to do a pony tail. Please don't run around in your underwear. Please put your PJ's on. And please don't ever forget I think you are all absolutely wonderful. :)
Love, Julia

Little Hands

2011-01-26T15:47:00.000-08:00

Last Night...

2011-01-26T08:23:00.000-08:00

Last night...

I felt something grab my bum in the middle of the night. Scared me to death. Turned out just to be Jake. He likes me. :)

The night before...

Jake was asleep and was reaching out saying "I want it, I want it!" Apparentl he can throw a temper tantrum in his sleep.

And the night before that...

Jake told me to stop being such a "she-bear" (???)

He has also woken himself up from his own snoring.

And he wonders why I wear ear plugs.

He drew me this picture as well. :)

I'm one lucky girl.

BAHAHAHA!!

2011-01-23T22:46:00.000-08:00

So after the downer of the previous post, I feel obligated to post something that will uplift your Monday morning.

Watch this. Now. Do it.

http://www.wimp.com/animalvoiceovers/

I feel a strong desire to perfect my British accent.

Yet another reason to love the BBC.

Happy Monday!

You're welcome. :)

$$$

2011-01-23T22:16:00.001-08:00

I am frustrated. What about? This: $$$$. Right now I just want to go rob a bank so I can FINALLY get to some of the projects, etc, I have been day dreaming about. (Side note if you are poor, limit the amount of time you spend reading Real Simple and Martha Stewart in the grocery line. It will only further the feelings of poverty frustration. And I would never rob a bank in real life.)

I know, I know, money doesn't buy happiness...but I'm sure it helps.

It's 11:30 at night and I can't sleep because I just feel...frustrated. It seems like any time we start to get a little ahead, something happens that puts us right back where we started. I know I have SO MUCH to be grateful for. So much that so many people dream of having. I have an absolutely adorable son. I have a handsome, caring, quirky, hardworking, sings in the shower husband. I'm healthy. We rent a fantastic home. I just need to vent.

So here it goes. If you continue to read, please don't judge, I just need to get it off my chest.

1. I'm frustrated that my ideas usually get put on a figurative shelf until some later ambiguous date.
2. I'm frustrated that Rhett and Jake often have legitimate needs that use a lot of our resources.
3. I'm frustrated that if I do get something for myself to do, read, study, try or wear it almost always gets returned because something else comes up.
4. I'm frustrated that my personal "allowance" usually ends up going toward Rhett and Jake.
5. I'm frustrated that in a week I'll be taking a week long job, which will be pretty demanding, which I will have Rhett with me the whole time, and all the money I'll be earning will be going toward buying Jake new suits.
6. I'm frustrated that I just found the most amazing dress that made me feel so pretty and sexy and confident that was on an amazing sale and I had to return it.
7. I'm frustrated for the time it takes to cut coupons and shop the sales. (Although it does feel good to save at least 60% every time we grocery shop.)

That's enough for now. I know this must make me sound like the worlds biggest whiner and ingrate. I guess I'm just looking forward to the day when I can go to Joann's or Star Mill Antiques or Home Depot or Nordstroms and not have to count every single penny (literally). I don't need a huge house. I don't need to go to Europe every summer. I don't need to get my nails done every week. I just want to be able to feel like it's OK to buy something for myself.

Thanks for listening. :)

I see you...

2011-01-20T19:28:00.000-08:00

Reading my blog. And I wanted to say thank you!

(P.S. Isn't this a fabulous picture? If I could pull it off I would totally wear this hat.)

I'm always amazed when I look at my stats and see who is reading and where they are from.

So far the breakdown looks something like this:

United States: 5,940 Canada: 210

Germany: 194 Mexico: 74

United Kingdom: 68 Finland: 53

Japan: 28 Russia: 21

Taiwan: 21 Egypt:17

Spain: 15 Saudi Arabia: 12

Really, I feel humbled and grateful to see that our little life is being read all over the world.

I'm pretty sure I don't know anyone in Saudi Arabia, but if I do and I'm forgetting your name I apologize! :)

And as a side note, please don't be afraid to leave a COMMENT!!!

Because we all know the more comments you get, the more awesome you are. :)

And who doesn't need a little validation in their life?

Jake thinks he's so funny

2011-01-20T19:12:00.000-08:00

So the other night I was watching the Bachelor (Yes I like that show. Although I'm not so much a fan of Brad Womack, the current bachelor. Something about the way he talks rubs me the wrong way. But more on than later.) and enjoying the romance, as planned and unrealistic as it may be. You've got to admit though, that going on a date in a helicopter, to be serenaded by Seal while wearing a custom 55 caret diamond necklace, would be totally awesome.

Anyway...tangent...

So I'm watching this and I get up to get a drink and a snack and I leave the laptop next to Jake. I come back and wiggle the mouse to refresh the screen and what's on the desktop? Not Brad with his shirt off, not a girl crying because he kissed another girl, not another pool party with everyone drinking champagne by the bucket. No, not anything slightly romantic.

There was this man staring at me.

Totally freaked me out.

And Jake could not stop laughing.

***

Jake has also recently discovered you can create pick up lines using diaper brands.

For example: "You're love is like a diaper. You give me Huggies. "

"Luvs ain't got nothing on your love baby."

He finds himself quite witty.

I bet Brad would never say that on a date.

To my future daughter in law

2011-01-19T14:03:00.001-08:00

Remember-I loved him first.

Please don't forget that.

And I'm sure we'll get along fine. :)

It's Never too Early

2011-01-19T13:52:00.000-08:00

To have your kiddo learn to help around the house.

(a.k.a pull his weight)

Today Rhett is learning to fold laundry.

Or more like roll around in it.

And yes I mixed my whites and my darks.

Don't judge.

Swept Off My Feet

2011-01-15T21:11:00.000-08:00

Jake is a usually wonderful at being romantic.

He leaves me little notes.

He rubs my feet.

He loves to cuddle.

He gets my car door.

He twirls me in the grocery store.

We slow dance in the kitchen.

But some times he misses the mark.

The other night I mentioned how much I would love love love to go back to Mexico for a second honeymoon, have him bring him a Pina Colada and to wear a really cute (sexy) bathing suit that made me look like Ms. America.

His response: "How about we go eat at a mexican resturant, I get you some Pina Colada flavored gum, and you can wear your favorite bra."

So close honey, but not quite the same.

Please watch this clip and one day take me to Mexico.

Here's to happily ever after. :)

Plastic Surgery

2011-01-15T16:58:00.000-08:00

As a disclainmer I am honestly, truly very happy with the way I look.

But....if I could look like Gloria from Modern Family...I would seriously consider it.

I even have started to call Jake "Yake" (use a spanish accent)

just in case one day I look a little more ethnic.

P.S. If you haven't seen Modern Family we HIGHLY recommend it.

I Love My Ducks

2011-01-11T09:06:00.001-08:00

Poor Oregon Ducks.

They came so close to the National Championship. Sniff.

Here's to a GREAT season!

P.S. Jake's a Beavers fan.

We're a divided house.

I just like the Duck's uniforms better.

And we all know how important that is.

Bye bye college football season.

(Now I get my husband back)

For Holley

2011-01-10T08:03:00.000-08:00

My friend Holley has told me how much she laughs at Jake's middle of the night conversations. And since it's a Monday, and I know she's at work, I'm posting this in hopes of brightening her snowy, cold, Monday morning.

Around 1:52 AM last night...

Jake bolts up in bed and starts waving his hands in front of him as if he was defending himself. I ask him what he was doing.

Jake: "I'm blocking." (Starts to laugh)

Me: "Are you awake?"

Jake: "I LOVE you!" (Very enthusiastic)

Me: "I love you too honey. What were you blocking?"

Jake: "Everything!"

He then looked around the room, sighed, and went back to sleep.

Love love love him. :)

Update

2011-01-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

The mailman just came and purposely knocked some of the icicles down.

I'm pretty sure Jake would have chased after him if he had had shoes on.

He is currently outside trying to salvage what is left.

Yes, that is Rhett's nose boogie sucker.

He's filling it with water and having it drip down the icicles.

He just came in and informed me he's going to repeat this process tonight.

I think the postman won today.

Jake's Goal

2011-01-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

Is for these icicles

to grow so long

that they turn our front porch into an "ice prison". (His words.)

The longest one is currently 31 inches.

My goal: To avoid being bayoneted by one of them when coming and going.

I wonder how much longer the mailman will keep delivering our mail.

Month 5

2011-01-07T11:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Rhett,

How did you get to be 5 months? How did yo get to be so handsome? You get more and more fun each day. We love the little boy you are becoming. In the mornings you wake up cooing and babbling and usually squeal with happiness when you see us. There is nothing that boosts my confidence more than that.

One of my favorite things about you is your chubby thighs. Your Michelin man rolls are so kissable. You are a hefty little man but you're more solid and thick than plump. Weighing in at 16 lbs 10 ounces you are wearing 6 to 12 month clothing. I love shopping for you. We go together and we get which ever option you reach for. Which is sometimes both, but that shows you've got my genes. :)

You are our little jumping bean. When ever you are standing you start pushing off whatever surface you're on and start jumping. You love your Johnny Jump-Up. You bounce like your life was depending on it. You bounce in circles, you bounce on one foot, on both feet, with your hands in the air, while sucking on your fists, while cooing, while crying.

You love your toes more than we ever thought anyone could love their toes. You get so frustrated if for some reason they are out of your grasping fingers. You're so close to getting them in your little mouth but your Budda belly is a little too round. Still, you're more flexible than either me or your dad. Our favorite is when you are grabbing both sets of toes and then roll onto your side because gravity takes over. So long as you can still see and grab your toes you'll lay on your side for a long time.

One morning when we were having morning cuddle time, you decided to roll from your back to your tummy. I don't know who was more proud, us or you. Now that you can roll, we can't keep you on your back. Problem is you can't roll the other way yet so you get frustrated after awhile.

And you are so gung-ho about learning something new that already you are starting to scoot. You look so surprised when you push yourself forward. I'm counting the weeks till you start crawling. I'm predicting 8ish.

I think you've inherited a little bit of your dad's love for gadget with buttons. You love our cell phones. You love watching the screen light up when you hit a button. You love to try and grab the phone when we're talking on it. When you're really fussy when we're out running errands I turn no my ring tone playlist and you have a happy little jam session in your car seat. And I swear you're starting to put the phone to your ear like you're talking on it.

You're our favorite. Thank you for coming to us. :)

Mom and Dad

Things we talk about when we're tired

2011-01-07T10:31:00.000-08:00

Does the amount of nose hair a man has relate to the amount of ear hair he'll have when he gets older?

Answer: The only conclusive proof we could find was a picture.

If we were an animal, what kind we would be.

Julia: "You would be an ostrich."

Jake: "That might be the most unflattering thing you've ever told me."

Julia: "OK...you would be a lion."

Jake: "And you would be a tiger and I would name you Sheba."

Julia: "You've thought about what you would name your pet tiger?"

Jake: "Of course...you haven't?"

As for the rest I think we both fell asleep mid conversation.

The Little Piggys

2011-01-03T22:43:00.000-08:00

I don't think anyone loves their toes as much as Rhett does.

Nicknames

2011-01-03T20:43:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I don't know why we worried so much about choosing Rhett's name.

This kiddo has so many nicknames.

Rhetticus

Rhettford

Mr. Handsome Pants

Tiger

Buck-a-Roo

Mr. Man

Mamma's little one

Chubster

Snuggle Monkey

Little Fella

Dad's buddy

Jumping bean

Little Bug

No matter what we call him, we love him.

Our Marriage Medley

2011-01-03T15:23:00.000-08:00

730 days ago Jake and I became husband and wife.

And we were happy.

Now two years later we are even happier. :)

This might be a little quirky, but as a tribute to our 2 years of marriage and our 3 years of being together I've complied a list of songs that memorialize our relationship over time.

It's our "Marriage Medley"

Twitterpated:

Dating and Pre-Engagement:

Engaged!!

Married and for the rest of our lives :)

Love true love.

My Jolly Little Jumper

2010-12-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

He's so proud of himself.

An Internal Struggle

2010-12-15T21:19:00.000-08:00

I have principles.

I don't eat gloppy melted cheese.

I always put lotion on after a shower.

I always give Jake 4 kisses before we go to sleep.

I only drink diet when I have soda.

And the kitchen needs to be clean...and right now it's not.

We hosted a Bachelor party for one of Jake's friends tonight.

They ate and then ran. Including my husband.

I told him I wasn't going to clean the kitchen.

But I'm having a really hard time knowing it's messy and not cleaning it.

So which principle do I stand by?

The kitchen needs to be clean, or I said that I wouldn't clean up their mess?

And on top of it all our house smells like 30 lbs of beef brisket.

Jake may not get 4 kisses tonight.

An Obituary

2010-12-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

Rhino "Sheer Awesomeness" Miller passed away on Monday December 6th.

He was 15 months old.

Rhino was an aggressive little beta fish.

An enthusiastic eater.

Sometimes he would jump out the water with enthusiasm at dinner time.

Loved hiding under his plants and rocks.

Always avoided getting his tanked cleaned.

Sometimes we called you Rhett and called Rhett Rhino.

Wasn't a great conversationalist, but was a good listener.

Rhino you were our first pet and you will be missed.

(More by Julia...she talked to him the most.)

Pillow Talk Continued

2010-12-15T14:43:00.000-08:00

Jake had a lull in in sleep walking and sleep conversations.

But the past few nights he's been quite conversational.

For example:

I woke up the other night when Jake shook me and pulled me over to his side of the bed.

Jake: Did you hear that?

Me: Hear what?

Jake: The count down. What it's for?

Me: A rocket ship...?

Jake: (Starting to laugh) You sound evil. Go away.

I try to humor him.

And last night...

Jake sat up in bed and started rummaging through the sheets and blanket and was really agitated. He was talking, but I couldn 't understand him. All of a sudden he stopped. Sat up straight. Sat on the edge of the bed, turned on the light, said "Oopsie!" and then laid back down and fell asleep.

And he never remembers any of this.

Yummy

2010-12-08T19:52:00.000-08:00

A little apprehensive about what's coming.

First bite of rice cereal!

Thinking about it...

Not a fan. :)

He's got a mustache :)

We're pretty sure he got more on his chin and bib than in his mouth.

I want

2010-12-08T17:45:00.000-08:00

These

I can't find them anywhere.

But I'm not giving up.

Mary

2010-12-06T17:06:00.000-08:00

I love this picture of Mary with her newborn son. Recently I have been thinking a lot about Mary and her beautiful baby boy. I love how closely Mary is holding baby Jesus in her arms. And I love the emotions that are portrayed on her face, "concern and peace...concern for what lies ahead for her child, yet peace in knowing that this Child's Father in Heaven is over all" as a friend put it.

For as long as I can remember I have stood in awe of Mary...her worthiness, beauty, care, obedience, tenderness, love, selflessness, and purity. She was blessed to have the privilege of carrying and giving birth to her little boy, and the Savior of man kind. She had the opportunity to love him, to teach him, and to be his Earthly mother. She was able to see her baby grow into manhood and watch him choose a beautiful path and live a perfect life. I imagine she was filled with pride as her son paved the way and made it possible for all of God's children to make it back to Heaven to dwell eternally with him.
However, this year Mary means much more to me than a beautiful mother that brought the Savior into the world. She is now an extraordinary example of a valiant daughter of God who not only did these beautiful things, but a valiant daughter that did some very hard things.
I'm not sure, but I can imagine that growing up Mary might have pictured the path of her life taking a different course than it did. I can't imagine the heartache Mary felt as she was looked down upon by society for carrying this heaven sent son of God while being espoused to Joseph. While Mary had the joy of feeling her sweet baby grow and come to life inside her womb, she was faced with ridicule and judgement by those that surrounded her. Although the timing may have been difficult, she willingly accepted the call to be the mother of Jesus.
As the baby grew and the date of Jesus' arrival grew near, I imagine that just like me, Mary was filled with great anticipation and excitement at the thought of meeting her first born son, and bringing the greatest gift the Earth has ever known into the world. As she planned and prepared, I am not sure that the thought ever crossed her mind that she would bring her baby into the world in such humble circumstance. I've been wondering what Mary thought as she learned there was no room for them in the inn...was she disappointed, worried, or concerned? Regardless of how she felt, she went forward in faith. She followed her loving husband to the stable where she would soon give birth and lie her newborn son in a manger of hay. She took the most modest of circumstances and made the best of what she had. I wish I could go back to that night and see the light...the love that surrounded them.
I can't even comprehend the pain Mary must have felt as she watched a ruthless crowd shout at her son, mock him, beat him, place a crown of thorns on his head, and nail him to a cross. I don't understand the anguish that must have consumed Mary as she learned that her son was to be crucified, and that he would be leaving her so soon. I am sure there was a wrenching of her heart that was intense and real. And although I think Mary knew this part of his life had a special purpose, and that her son would be okay....I don't think it took away any of that pain. I'm sure that she did a lot of crying, and I think she must have missed her son every day she was here without him.
Mary had to "let her son go". I am thankful for her valiant example. I am thankful that she accepted hard things that she may not have wanted or pictured for herself, and followed the plan God had for her. The beautiful, joyous moments Mary shared with her son, combined with the painful, heart-wrenching trials she faced turned out to be the most beautiful Christmas gift we celebrate. The birth of her son, his perfect example and teachings, his sacrifice in Gethsemane, his Crucifixion on the cross, and his resurrection from the tomb...all the things that make it possible for me to live with my husband and little Rhett forever!
I pray I can be more like Mary. I hope that like her, I too can accept every part of the plan God has for me, even the parts I had pictured differently. I'm grateful beyond description for my first born son. I am filled with pride because of the path he choose to come to Earth, and I pray I might be the kind of mother to him that Mary was to Jesus.