All in a Year's Time

Sometimes it takes the beginning of the year for people to do some serious soul searching and re-evaluate their lives. It is no different for me. I have been pondering 2009 over the last few weeks, and I can gladly say that I've been doing it with a smile.

How could I not when the biggest event for me was bringing my perfect little Annie Kate into this world? My tears are starting. It's because she is so precious AND life altering. Babies are no easy thing and I have been so grateful for friends to share the journey with, a sister to call about coughs and sleep habits, and my lovely mother, whom I adore, that I have had to do nothing but blubber to and she is dropping everything she is supposed to do so that she can come rescue her own sweet girl. (I know I'm taking liberties here saying that she thinks I'm sweet so I hope I'm being accurate). Even though Annie is hard, she is so so so good.

And there are the little moments- which happen to be my favorite kind. They are filled with kisses, funny scouts, meeting amazing new best friends, embracing my love for cooking, spontaneity, hugs from my Daddy, laughs with Sam, watching art, creating art, seeing Dallas really smile, taking risks, missing out, potty charts and bedtime stories, hide-and-seek, chocolate chip cookies, late nights and playgroups, and everything else that helps break up the monotony and sometimes the loneliness that comes with being a stay at home Mom.

And just like every year, there are the tough things. Some of these things aren't solved in a year's time, or even several year's time at that. I'm hoping when I look back at them that I will be proud also. There has been major losses in our family, one that will heal and one that just seems to fester. I have learned even more how another person's choices can affect so many others- for the good or the bad. But with all these hard things we have learned that it's best to let go.

Overall 2009 has been a year of growth, and that is what life is all about. So, whether the events of 2010 bring sadness, trial, or joy, I will welcome them as I try to make the best with what I have.

6 Months

Sometimes I lack originality... kind of like with this post. Some things just need to be documented, so excuse me for my lack of wit.
Annie is 6 months! I can't believe it. She is such a munchkin! We love her to bits. She makes me so happy. I'm so glad I have my baby girl to snuggle and give me love, and it is so rewarding to have her show that affection back now. She'll give kisses, but she'll scream at you if you have whiskers!
Will and Annie still have the cutest little love affair going on- always cuddling and holding hands. I hope it stays that way.
She hasn't grown that much in the last few months- only 4 oz since her last check up actually. It has made me a little nervous. She is the picture of health otherwise, so the doctor is just going to watch her growth curve. Annie hits all of her other milestones- rolling all over the place, grabbing at things, interacting with others, sitting supported... the works. Plus she's the cutest girl I've ever had the privilege to birth, so that counts for something.

Confession

I don't know how to spell the word definitely. I spell it wrong 99% of the time. It usually is spelled like this- definately.

Ode to Joy

All of the hard work getting ready for Christmas (and literally working myself sick) was worth it when I got to see this:
I didn't need to go as far as having Santa bring a dragon castle though, I could have just stopped at the stockings. He opened his stocking up and got a 39 cent puzzle, a teeny sticker book and a Christmas pencil and exclaimed, "Wow! Look at all of my stuff!" I should have saved a buck or two.
I feel like the highlight of the holiday was when we went sledding with my Dad and my brother, Clay. Christmas Eve couldn't have been a more gorgeous day! Our faces in this picture as we were racing my Dad pretty much says it all (you'll have to double click to enlarge it):
Annie was sweet- unless you took the wrapping paper away because then she would throw a full blown tantrum. (Yes, I would do it because it cracked me up. Nothing like torturing your children for personal enjoyment.)

Overall Christmas day was... peaceful. Just like I had hoped. It was glorious to stay home as a family of 4 and let things go at our own pace. I think we may even try it next year. But, as my Dad says, nothing is over like Christmas. At least we have digitally frozen a few memories to look back on.

My Dallas

They always say to give credit where credit is due, right? Well, Dallas deserves a lot of credit. The guys has dealt with a hormonal wife, a new baby, three-year-old temper-tantrums, work, taking care of his grandparents, household chores, commuting (I hate this so therefore I'm counting it!), and major dental work all while maintaining an A- GPA while taking classes like calculus, engineering and biology. He's pretty amazing, if I do say so myself. The best part? He does it with the most incredible smile on his face and nary a complaint out of his mouth. I hope to be more like him one day. Keep it up, Dallas. You never cease to amaze.

What love looks like.

I just found this picture. Will was one. And perfect.

Sugar Cookies

At church on Sunday Will was very reverently looking at the picture of Christ on our sacrament program. He turned to Dallas after a few seconds and said, "Look Dad, Jesus has a roller. He's making sugar cookies!"
roller= rolling pin :)

FairyBerry TuTu's

My very cute friend Leslie has a very cute business. You should most definitely check it out! It is called FairyBerry TuTu's and you should go so I can win one :).

All Things Christmas

Why is it that I cry at the drop of a hat lately?
-Watching The Polar Express with Will and he starts dancing when Santa makes his big appearance.... And then there's me, crying.
-Putting Annie's Christmas dress on her for the first time..... Me, crying.
-Sitting upstairs on the couch with the room illuminated by colored lights.... And there I am, crying, again.




GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF AMY!!!!






My parents always made Christmas special. Whether it was getting that gift that I had been dreaming about all month, or riding around in the car with my Dad on Christmas Eve trying to spot Rudolph in the sky (while my Mom was home, busily wrapping presents.) I loved doorbell ditching neighbors and leaving cookies, endless Christmas parties and activities, singing the Christmas hymns in church, listening to FM 100's 100 hours of Christmas every year, Wilson Family parties and Grandma Lola's crazy gifts (Reindeer broom, anyone?). It all feels like magic. I love the season.










It was on Sunday that I finally realized why my emotions are right at the surface: It is because I can feel Him so much easier. Jesus is everywhere. At the grocery store, along the street corner, and even on Charlie and Lola. It's one of the only times I hear songs praising my Savior consistently on the popular radio stations. We are all in praise of that very silent, holy night. And I am grateful. I am grateful for a season that allows us to worship with no need for an apology. I am grateful for the cheer that is in every ones hearts and the kindness that is found in the most random of places. I am grateful for the birth of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In the most humble of circumstances he came to this world with a mission to save us all. Thank you, Lord. May we all remember to praise You, and feel You, this lovely Christmas Season.

Feeding Babies

Does anyone actually like feeding babies baby food? I know I don't. I was hoping it would be better with Annie than it was with Will, but alas, not so. Instead of crying I get gagging. I was hoping that if she started on solids that she would sleep better..... nope.

"Kill me now," Annie mumbles incoherently through her mouth full of tasteless rice cereal.

Annie and Will also had their first bath together. I remember liking to be in the tub with my little brother Clay... that is, until he left a "present" for me. Hopefully Annie will spare Will that surprise.

Siblings? I think yes! Don't they look so much alike in this picture?