Labor Day

We had a great labor day weekend! It was full of new and exciting things with old friend, I also realized by baby isn't a baby anymore.

Saturday, we drove out to the lake for the evening and had dinner with my parents and friends. We took Gwen to the park, where she showed how big she is getting. She refused for anyone to help her do anything, she climbed up all the stair to the top and sat down on that tall slide and let go. I was holding my breath the whole time, occasionally glancing at B, of course he was calm and cool, not worried about her at all. She slid down that slide like she had done it a hundred times.

Sunday, we met up with my good friend who I have known since I was 3. We were inseparably as children but now live 3 hours way from each other and I'm sad to say we haven't seen each other in 2 years. She has never met G and I barley know her 2 girls, Hallie and Lily (5yr. & 2yr). We met up at Cabela's (our husbands need something to do while we talked.) Gwen and Hallie made friends in no time and went off exploring, holding hands, not at all worried about what their moms were doing. After the boys were done shopping we took the girls to the T-rex Cafe for lunch. Poor Lily was terrified of all the moving dinosaurs but Hallie loved every minute. Gwendalyn was somewhere in the middle, not to sure about it. We had plans for the evening so we didn't get nearly enough time together but loved every minute I got to be with them. When we went to say good-bye G and Hallie gave each other a big hug and then held hands and refused to let go. I thought I was going to cry as I pulled Gwen's hand away from her so we could go. (I didn't take very many pictures, as we were having too much fun.)

We left the restaurant and headed to Brandon's grandparents' for a fish fry. B's cousin/best friend was in town from Minnesota so their family was getting together. Their grandparents have a beautiful house with an amazing view in the country. The boys spend the evening riding dirt bikes and G and I played outside in the gorgeous weather.

I'm late

I'm a day late, our wedding anniversary was yesterday.

To my husband:
2 years ago we were in an emotional state. My grandpa died 3 days ago and in June, we decided to move our wedding date up from December to August due to a surprise that will be the best thing that has ever happened to us, our daughter G.

I know more and more each day what I great choice I made. Not only are you a wonderful husband, you are the greatest father anyone could ever imagine. You work so hard to provided for our family. I know everyday the love you have for me. I love you with all my heart!

Now that the cheesiest is over, though I do mean it all, here are some of my favorite wedding pictures. (Even though I have none printed!)

Cousins are our first friends

Last month, my sister and I had G and D's first photo shoot together.  Amy Innis Photography took their pictures and she did a wonderful job. We did it early in the morning so it wasn't too hot and the kids would be fresh and ready. Well, as all moms know, you can't predict how an 18 month old and a 8 week old will behave and of course, they were both grumpy and wanted nothing to do with the camera. After the session my sister and I were both a little frustrated and disappointed, we were really excited to do this. Later that night, Amy started editing and posting the photos on Facebook and they were amazing! I was so excited to see what great shots she got. She did an awesome job. Here are a few of my favorites!

County Fair

Last week was the county fair. I have never paid much attention to the fair but now with G, I'm always looking for free activities. So, my sister and I packed up our children and headed to the fair grounds.

Most of time, I see myself in G but the other times I'm not sure who she belongs to (actually those time I totally see her father, but I hate to admit it) :) Taking her to the fair was one of the time I asked myself where this child came from. She was in heaven!! Her face was priceless as we went from barn to barn, she couldn't get enough of the animals. The only way she would leave one animal was in search for another. She "baa-ed" or "moo-ed" at everything and went around shouting the names of each animal. She loves animals of all kinds. My heart melted at her happiness.

But.....this is such the opposite of me. I do not have a love for animals. I like them, sort of. I'm kind to animals but have no deep connection like my mom and sister. I would be fine with never having a pet. We do have pets and I love them and take care of them but do not have the same love that my husband and daughter have for them. I also have no desire for country living. I love living in the middle of our (small) town. I love people and love to be on the go. B would love to live in the middle of nowhere with a small farm but I couldn't imagine. I want the grocery store seconds away and neighbors close enough to have conversations over the fence (and no big animals such as cow, pigs or horses near.)

Back to the fair. B felt so left out that we went without him, him and I took G back on Saturday. We had a great time. We decide to make it a big treat and eat dinner there. We had grease fair food for dinner and it was delicous!! We fed the animals at the petting zoo, walked around the carnival and listened to some live music. We had a great time!

I loved watching my baby's face light up at each animal we saw. Maybe there is some compromising in our future :)

G and Daddy petting the camel

Feeding the goats

Baby zebra

Aunty and G

This is how D felt about the fair

Summer Fun Show-off

 Since my summer is official over (I started work today) I'm linking up with Things I Can't Say and showing some of our summer fun!

We started the summer by meeting Daegan Clifford (my nephew.) He arrived May 25 and was the best part of the summer.

 We spent some time on the boat at the the lake.

 When we weren't at the lake, we tried to stay cool by playing in the crab pool and water table at home.

 We spent lots of time with cousin Daegan.

And we had a great time at the county fair!

Time Out

I have a beautiful, independent, bright daughter. She is also stubborn. I love her strong personality, most of the time. Lately though, we have been doing lots of time-outs. The one issue that gets her in trouble the majority of the time, hit, kicking and pulling the dog's hair. You would think she would stop. Every time she does it, she goes to the time-out spot and has to sit with no toys for 1 1/2 minutes (I know I'm evil, NO TOYS!) It is a never ending circle! The kid is driving me crazy. She was in time-out before 9am today! Tell me there is hope at the end of this dark tunnel. And the fits, the girl can throw fits like no other. I think we have enter the terrible two's at 18 months. Oh my!!

Indoor fun

I know everyone says it, but just to remind you, it is HOT! I love summer, the hot weather, the lake, the pool and all the summer fun but since G has come along I have really notice the heat. When the heat index is over a 100 degrees, I can't drag my poor girl around outside. She is soooo busy and loves to play especially outdoors so the last couple weeks stuck inside for the majority of the day is a bummer. Now most people who know me personally know how un-creative I am. I scrapbook but that is stretching my creativeness! So I googled (you have to love Google) indoor activities and most were a little to advance for us. Then I stumbled upon play-dough! I'm sure one time in my childhood I have made home-made play-dough but I don't remember. The thought to make it with G never crossed my mine. So we headed to the kitchen and made the 3 ingredients play-dough. We had so much fun (yes we, I enjoyed it as well!)

Helping pour in the salt

Wordless Wednesday

I follow a few blogs that do wordless Wednesday. I love the idea!

She loves bath time!

My beautiful daughter and perfect nephew!

Motherhood

I entered motherhood thinking I knew what I was doing. I mean, I have my bachelor's in Education, I have worked with children since high school and I researched and read for a solid 9 months, I thought I was an expert. :) Well, I was wrong! I was clueless. Here is my view of motherhood in a nutshell.

Being tired beyond belief! I'm not talking about "I stayed out partying to late and had to work the next day" tired. I mean, so tired that when you look back you aren't sure how you survived, barley functioning tired.

Your body will never look the same, therefore your clothes will never fit the same and don't look nearly as cute as they did pre-baby.

Those cute heels- see-ya! Carrying a baby, and infant seat, a diaper bag and anything else you might need on 3 inch heels isn't possible (or safe.)

You will see, touch and wear more spit-up, poop and other bodily function, then you think possible. You will be so tired, you won't notice the huge spit-up stain on your shirt until you are in the middle of the store.

Your social life drastically decreases, as well as quality time with your husband.

No more dinner conversations with your spouses or eating a full meal or even sitting for an entire meal.

You will say things you never imagined. Such as, don't carry my shoe in your mouth, please don't eat the dog food or don't put that in your mouth, nose, ear.

Showering, going to the bathroom or any other normally private thing, is not private any more. They are either opening the shower door or screaming for you.

Nothing is just yours anymore. Everything you eat or drink, will be shared with a little person usually leaving you a treat at the bottom of your cup.

You didn't realize the first moment you met, you would fall so deeply in love it is impossible to explain. Or that your heart would now forever be on the outside.

After a horrible day, one little smile, hug or kiss can make all your problems go away.

 Seeing their face light up when you walk in the room, like you have been gone for ages and you are the best person in the world.

When you finally do get out and socialize, you miss them so much you can't wait to get back to see their sweet face (or more like dirty face.)

When they crawl up on your lap for some cuddles or hold your hand, the world freezes just for a moment.

Rocking them to sleep and they look up at you with those tired, love-filled eyes makes your heart melt.

Watching them first crawl, walk, hearing the first word or anything other milestone makes you so proud and sad at the same time.

Motherhood is far from glamorous, it rough, hard and some times ugly but man, it's an amazing thing! What's motherhood to you?! :)

Bragging

Disclaimer: This post is a huge brag on my daughter! I figured since this blog is for family and dear friends, you all would forgive me:)


I can't believe the vocabulary that Gwendalyn has developed. It is crazy. She knows over 100 words, easily and starting to say phrases. Every day she says at least one new word. She can communicate her wants and needs most of the time. The majority of her words are very clear. At her 15 month check up, even the doctor commented on her speech and vocabulary. He told me she talks more like an 18 to 20 month old. It made my day!! :)

Now maybe this isn't something to brag too much about. There reason Gwen talks so well is she comes from a family of talkers. Her mother never shuts up (just ask Brandon)! We talk all the time, all day. Everything we do, we talk about from walks we take to the trip to the store. But I am so proud of the little girl she is becoming and how fast she learns!

Summer

We have been enjoying our summer, especially me! We have done anything too exciting, just playing outside, swimming, taking walks and relaxing. Here are some pictures of all of our fun so far!

busy weekend and bible school

Last weekend was a busy one. Brandon took off Friday and he and Gwen spent the day together while I worked. When I got home we drove out to Clinton lake and had dinner with my parents and some friends. Gwen had so much fun playing.

At the camp ground

Saturday afternoon, Brandon, Gwen and I drove back out to the lake to spend the day on the boat. This was the first time this summer. Gwen was a little unsure about the boat ride but Uncle Chase was going pretty fast. She was such a trooper. We spent the rest of the time parked in the cove and swam. Gwen was pretty freaked out by the water, after sitting with me on a raft, she realized it was pretty fun. Then Brandon took her and they swam a little. It was a great, tiring day.

Daddy and Gwen gettin' some sun

Having a great time swimming

   My boat baby

Sunday, we spent the day with Grandpa Mike. We grilled out, made homemade ice cream and spent lots of time outdoors.

Petting Grandpa's baby kitten

Daddy caught a fish

walking to the pond

This week has been vacation bible school at our church, 8:30-11. I am leading the preschool class of 3-4 year olds. Gwendalyn has also been going. Since I have a class I haven't taken any pictures of her. Gwen spent Monday and Tuesday in the nursery, she had a lot of fun. Wednesday, she spent half the time there and the other half roaming around. My mom is doing a class and Gigi is in charge of snacks so Gwen just made her rounds. Today was a rough day. The nursery teacher took her to the classroom and within 10 minutes they brought her back, we tried this 2 or 3 times, finally she spent the rest of the morning with my class. I think she has teeth coming in because she was off all day. Tomorrow is the last day and I am glad, it has been fun but I forgot how much energy 10 three and four year olds are. Tomorrow night we have a little program. Gwen loves watching the kids sing their songs. I will have to take pictures and post them later.