Brooklyn 1 Year 11 Months

Brooklyn Riley I don't know how it happened but you are going to be TWO YEARS OLD NEXT MONTH! How is my baby going to be two and how do I not have another baby already? So far Mom has always had a baby before the next turns two years old but Brooklyn you are my baby girl and always will be, I love you! Brooklyn at 1 year 11 months old...

1. Brooklyn is Jake's little bud. I don't think I have ever seen siblings who love (and hate) each other more. Brooklyn and Jake play together all the time and for the most part talk gibberish to each other too and I love watching every moment of them bonding.

2. Brooklyn loves markers. Brooklyn is a little artist just like the other girls in the family and I love that. Markers is a favorite with Brooklyn and they aren't safe from her. She will color with them but never add the lids back on. So of course they all dry out and then its a vicious cycle because she wants more markers but they are all dead, Brooklyn gets mad and we buy more and it starts up all over again.

3. Brooklyn is still binky obsessed. This is going to be a hard one to break for this girl as I think she was more obsessed then Andie was and I thought that was bad. I hope by the time Brooklyn hits two years old we can start to break this habit.

4. Brooklyn loves cleaning with wipes. Brooklyn is basically my only child who is always willing to lend a hand and clean up the house, of course Brooklyn's favorite chore is to hand her a wipe and she goes crazy cleaning anything she can reach. Brooklyn is the cutest little cleaner I ever did see!

5. Brooklyn is my little cook. Brooklyn loves to play in the playhouse with the pots and pans. Brooklyn is constantly making food into these pans and exclaiming it is hot and not to touch. This girl is the cutest!

6. Brooklyn loves dancing. Brooklyn for as long as I can remember I have stated loves any sort of musical beat. Dancing obviously comes with the beat of any music and Brooklyn is so adorable when she dances.

7. Brooklyn has the softest heart. Brooklyn his like her parents and will do anything to make those around her happy even if that means doing something she may not have wanted to do in the first place. Brooklyn will comfort those if they need comforting, she will laugh with those who need a good laugh and everything else. I love my soft hearted little girl!

8. Brooklyn watched Conference. Brooklyn is such a cute little girl and during Conference then one of the prophets states, "We can heal spiritually, even when it seems incurable." As soon as the quote was finished being stated Brooklyn started slow clapping. It was the most perfect coincidence EVER!

Brooklyn I love everything about your sweet spirit. You have a contagious fiery personality and I know with that you will have such an amazing life. Your life you have ahead of you is going to be full of blessings and happiness. Brooklyn you are so perfect my girl, my baby girl!

Andie 5 Years 4 Months

Andie Noelle your almost 5 and a half years old, just another month. You made me a mother and have been the perfect first born. You have shown me all I know and continue to show me all I need to know to be the best Mom for you and your siblings. I love you so much my princess. Andie at 5 years 4 months old...

1. Andie loves wearing skirts. Andie asks everyday if she can wear skirts, she loves them. I figure if it isn't cold outside why not? When it comes to school though I am a bit hesitant of her wearing a skirt since in Kindergarten they do so much playtime and modesty is somewhat of an issue.

2. Andie is a craft-o-holic. Andie is constantly wanting to do some sort of craft, the dollar store is our best friend. Coloring is a favorite and it doesn't matter if it is a drawing for her teacher, drawing on balloons or even on herself. Andie loves any sort of crafty thing and I don't see this fading anytime soon.

3. Andie loves coach McDonald. Every Friday in Kindergarten Andie gets to go to gym class and she is opposite of her mother (hides face) because Mom hated gym class. Andie LOVES Fridays just for the fact she gets to go to gym class and her teachers name is coach McDonald. I love that more then I can admit haha.

4. Andie is scared of flooding. We have started to have a few heavy rainstorms and with any moisture comes the fear of flooding. How can you not be afraid from flooding when you were flooded out of your home three times in a matter of months, earlier in the year. Poor girl shouldn't have to worry about this at such a young age.

5. Andie is loving Vampirina. Just a few days ago we watched the premier of a new Disney show and Andie is in heaven. Andie of course says that she now thinks that Vampirina is the prettiest name ever and one of her children will be called that. That means as of now Andie's children will be two girls, one named Celestia and the other Vampirina. I love her!

6. Andie had another wart procedure done. This stubborn wart has been giving us grief for coming up on what is it 2 years. We finally said enough is enough and Andie had the dreaded freeze happen. We have used the liquid in the past to create the blister and it hasn't been working how we would like. Finally we had to hold Andie down and the screaming was horrible but the big freeze happened and now we cross our fingers in hopes that it worked.

7. Andie loves General Conference. I don't know how I lucked out with getting a daughter who has such a strong testimony at such a young age. I think Heavenly Father knew I needed this sweet girl especially at this moment in time.

8. Andie is a mini-Mommy in taking care of her siblings. Andie, being the oldest sibling, takes her role very seriously. Andie is usually pretty willing to guide her brother and sister in the right choices or assist them however they made need help, even if she feels sometimes that help is disciplining haha. Andie is very good at making sure her siblings are well taken care of either with food, blankets, toys or even getting them dressed.

9. Andie said some funny things I happened to write down (this happens rarely). Andie loves to get drinks out of Grandpa and Grandmas water fountain. With this you can get the cold or hot water. Andie then says, "If I get cold and hot water it tastes so yummy, like the bath water ocean." I couldn't help but laugh because apparently every bath she takes is called and ocean and that water tastes so yummy, better then just cold water I guess.

When we were looking at old Disneyland photos from when Andie was little she made a remark on one of the photos. "Mom why do we have a picture of Iron Man taking a shower" This was hilarious.

10. Andie started texting. Andie kindly gave her iPad to Brooklyn to use all the time which means Brooklyn has now claimed it. So instead of getting an additional iPad at this time we pulled out Mom's old phone. Andie has been having the time of her life being able to text Mom and Dad now when we are away at work. It's fun to get these cute messages from my girl. I can't believe how fast Andie is growing up.

Andie you have a joy for life that I think I mention every month. This joy is contagious and I strive to have such an outlook on life. Andie your sweet smile is something I never want to go a day without. My sweet princess I love you so much and I hope you never forget the love your mother has for you each and everyday. I want the best for you in your life and I know great things are in store for you!

General Conference October 2017

I love Conference weekends, they are some of my favorite. This Conference didn't disappoint. I love that I got these trays for the kids last conference because it helps so much with snacks and coloring as they watch. I always feel so motivated after each Conference is over, it's like a brand new fresh start to improve and make goals. Here is to the next six months of improving ourselves!

7th Anniversary

Zachary and I have been married for seven years, how has it been that long? It seems like just yesterday that Zachary was out on his mission and we thought our Wedding Day would never come but yet here we are. Time sure does fly!

We had big plans to go to a hotel, but to take the kids with us. Since we are working wonky shifts right now with both our jobs, school, clinicals and everything else going on in our lives our plans kinda fell to the side.

We did make it to a quick dinner to Wingers for some delicious salad. We may not have a lot of money at this time. Our time together is VERY limited. We are stressed beyond belief but there is no one I would rather experience life with then my husband of seven years (almost 11 years together, our mini seven eleven). Here is to many more stressful, and hopefully some happy, years together haha.

Jake 3 Years 6 Months

Jake Oliver is another month older and I can't believe my baby boy is growing up so quickly. Jake is such a perfect little boy who definitely keeps us on our toes. His car loving crazy self is the best little boy I could of even asked to be a mother to. Jake at 3 years 6 months (three and a half already)...

1. Jake is finally, slightly, letting Mom take pictures of him. Jake has never been a fan of photos and when you have a Mom that wants to document everything in your life this makes it very hard. Your sisters have many pictures, all the pictures I try to take of Jake never really turn out. Jake is FINALLY letting me take pictures but I have to capture them fast or I miss my chance. I will take any  chance I get to capture your cute self my boy.

2. Jake is my picky eater. I haven't quite decided if he is so picky because he is a little boy and that's just what they do OR if he has gastric problems. Jake's pediatrician did refer us to a gastric doctor and we haven't gone yet so there could be something more. Jack has always been so picky and of course everything he says hurts his tummy. Poor kid.

3. Jake likes building with Lego. We have had Lego's since Andie could play with them and besides here and there using them they usually don't get touched much. Jake is now loving building more and more towers. Jake is our little builder for sure!

4. Jake is starting to talk more and be understood. There is always that sweet spot between 3-4 that your kids start talking clearer and understanding more. Jake is at that stage so others can understand him and his questions and love about life is outstanding. Jake never leaves a day with a dull moment, he is always up to something. I love my little mischievous talker.

5. Jake is having a harder time with Andie in school. Jake had a hard time when Andie went to preschool because he missed having someone to play with. Now Brooklyn is old enough so Jake isn't having a harder time with that per say, rather Jake is having a hard time that he can't stay at school too. Jake wants to be able to go to school and hang out with friends all day long, especially when there is a playground right outside the classroom.

6. Jake is a good sleeper. Jake has always taken after his Daddy when it comes to his sleep pattern. As soon as Dad's head hits the pillow he is falling asleep. Jake is the same way and if you lay that boy down he usually won't give you a hard time and he will be asleep within minutes. This kid loves his sleep! Jake is also our morning riser though and he doesn't like to waste the daylight sleeping in so he is definitely I will rise when the sun rises kinda kid. Dad's little mini me.

7. Jake knows all the Disney Cars characters names. Jake has loved McQueen for a long time that is plan to see but he outsmarts me when it comes to knowing all the cars names. Jake has a poster in his room and he can point to all the characters and tell me exactly who they are, smart boy I got here!

8. Jake plays well with other kids. Jake loves going to playgrounds and as soon as he gets there he has to go to other kids, especially boys, and start playing with them. He is surrounded by girls at home so he will take any boy time he can get, poor kid haha! Jake loves to chase the kids and playing tag is a favorite when it comes to young kids on a playground.

9. Jake loves spinners. I don't know if I have mentioned this spinner loving little boy but he is definitely a fan. Jake has a few different red spinners and of course we couldn't deny him something that will go down in history haha. We got a light up spinner and Jake loves it!

Jake, my boy, you love life and I am still learning from you each day on how to see the positive in all our experiences. Jake you bring me so much joy as you bring out your smile more for others to see and warm up to them. You have such a great little spirit and I believe you will do great things in life. I love you so much my Jake Oliver, always and forever!

Brooklyn 1 Year 10 Months

Brooklyn, baby girl, you are a year and ten months old. My baby is growing so quickly! Brooklyn is definitely the light of our home and at 1 year 10 months old...

1. Brooklyn loves rhyme songs. Brooklyn is the cutest because she dances and tries to sing along with any rhyming songs that she hears. I would have to say that Daddy Finger is her favorite and she loves placing anything on her fingers to be able to sing this song. Wheels on the bus and Five little monkey's jumping on the bed are some great tunes as well.

2. Brooklyn loves Grandpa and Grandma's rocking horse. Brooklyn is such a crazy little one and gets that little horse moving so fast. It's hilarious so watch but also makes Mom a little nervous as I think the worst that she will throw herself of that moving machine.

3. Brooklyn is still baby obsessed and says there is a baby in her tummy. I don't know how Brooklyn got this idea of babies in peoples tummies because we haven't been around any pregnant people. Brooklyn will always pull up her shirt and push her stomach out and then say there is a baby in her tummy. It's the cutest thing!

4. Brooklyn loves building tracks. Brooklyn has discovered the Vtech tracks and is loving building ramps off the couch or wherever else a ramp can be made and playing with cars. It's cute to watch her imagination shine through.

5. Brooklyn loves outside play. Brooklyn I bet will be my little sports playing super star. Brooklyn loves to play outside and will explore for as long as we will allow. Brooklyn is our little adventurer for sure.

6. Brooklyn has a little creative artistic mind. Brooklyn loves to sit at her sisters desk and put her imagination to work. Coloring especially with markers is Brooklyn's favorite. Maybe one day in a couple years we will have to get Brooklyn her very own desk too. Creative artistic love runs in our blood.

7. Brooklyn loves Let it Go. I am pretty sure Elsa and Let it Go will be mentioned in every post through this young girls childhood. Brooklyn is such a fan of Frozen and I can't wait to watch Frozen 2 come end of 2018. Woot Woot, Brooklyn will love it! Watching Brooklyn dance and really get into her favorite song is the best. Brooklyn basically knows all the words and definitely puts her heart and soul into singing it. I love her!

8. Brooklyn had her hair done for the first time. Mom has been kinda slacking with Brooklyn's hair because she has never been a fan of any bows or anything else for that matter on her head. For this fact I haven't even tried to do anything. I finally broke and did her hair but don't count on it happening all the time, because Brooklyn is still Brooklyn haha.

Princess we love you so much. You love life and never cease to find the joy in all things we do. Brooklyn is the happiest, cutest little girl. Brooklyn Riley you really bring laughter and lots of smiles to your family. We love you oh so much!