Sweet Dreams

I love it when my little man sleeps.  It makes me feel like I'm doing something right.  Especially when his naps last longer than 45 minutes and he sleeps for 11 hours at night with out waking up too much.

I started to take pictures of him when he sleeps because my MIL loves seeing babies sleeping peacefully with their arms above their heads.  So this post is for her.

Just recently he's started sleeping in funny positions.

Sometimes I catch him with his hands under his head:

Which leaves a funny hand print when he wakes up:

Then he started rolling to his side to play with the crib rails &
try to catch us when we would
 peek in to check on him.... 

and he would fall asleep that way.

 Next, he started to migrate.  We knew it was time to get a sleep sack.

Now, he has started rolling over to his tummy and falling asleep that way.

This really freaked me out at first because a) In my opinion it really isn't comfortable to sleep on my stomach, I would probably get a kink & b) because it increases the risk of SIDS.

I know I shouldn't worry because I can't do anything about it, but just to be safe I flip him back over when he is out.  I probably wouldn't worry so much if I knew he was really good at rolling over tummy to back, but he isn't yet.  He's done it a few times on accident,
 but hasn't mastered it.

Plus, side... he seems to really like it and he falls asleep faster.

Almost

It starts with sitting up... CHECK!

Then making a tripod with your arms..

& putting more weight on your arms.  Always nice to have a buddy.

Next up onto all fours with a little rocking, & some encouragement from Daddy.

Then some intensive to move forward... hmmm that toy looks fun to play with.

He's getting close.  I caught him taking a couple steps with his hands today and inching those knees forward.  It won't be long now.  Stay tuned he's ALMOST crawling. 

So This is Christmas

The past 8 Christmas seasons I have been employed at Great Harvest Bread Co.  If you have been inside their store during the latter half of December you know that you are lucky if you don't find a long line.  This means that they have to up their production of yummy breads and sweets to accommodate for all the people wanting to share their favorite treat with friends and loved ones.  As an employee you are reminded that you will be putting in longer hours and to be more flexible and patient with your own schedule.  In other words, you won't have much of a life in December.  You won't have much room to carry on with all the traditions you once had or time for the festivities you like to participate in.  Don't get me wrong the compensation you get back is well worth all the long hours!  That was my life then, but since I don't work there anymore, this Christmas season was much different.
I enjoyed Christmas music.  I made sweets (just not for everyone in my hometown).  I watched some snow fall, and played with Andrew in it.  I went to Christmas parties, and stayed the whole time.  I had time to make Christmas presents.  I slept at night.
To be honest, I had almost forgotten what a Christmas season was really like.  Some days it was kinda weird.  But I liked it.

I still helped a little by making signs and doing the board.

The weekend after putting up the Nativity, we put up the Christmas tree.  Andrew got to put up this years family ornament...

Andrew liked Santa!

For Christmas this year, my Mom gave us the 12 Days of Christmas.

Day 5...  5 jars of jam!  YUM!

 Concentrating on unwrapping Day 6... 

A block (6 sided) with all my siblings family pictures on it!

 He loves it!

During most of November and December I worked on knitting Andrew's Christmas Stocking.  I finished it on Christmas Eve at 6PM.  Just in the nick of time.

We had a wonderful Christmas.  We were able to Skype with Briant's parents while they talked with his little brother serving a mission for our church.  He has changed so much, and we can't wait until he comes home next May.
Then, we had Christmas morning as a family.  Santa brought Andrew a fun ball, and Briant's parents gave him an Activity Walker.  He got some other fun treats and toys from Mom and Dad too.

Briant got some socks.  He needed some.

Briant has permitted me to learn how to cut his hair.

Thanks for the clippers Tiffany!

We only had 1 hour of church since Christmas fell on a Sunday, and the musical program was amazing.  We felt much joy & the Spirit warming our hearts.  Definitely a wonderful part of our Christmas this year.  I love our Savior, and I know he loves us.

We spent the rest of Christmas with my parents & Aunt Pam.  We had a wonderful dinner featuring  ham (and might I add... it was the most delicious ham I've ever had).  Then we played an Apple & Pear game that Chris and Chantelle gave us for Christmas.  It was alot of fun!

We had a wonderful Christmas!  Thanks to all who made it special for us!

The New Adventure Coming Our Way

The time was ticking down to the time when Briant would get home from work.  I was antsy.  I had been waiting all day for him to walk through the door so we could finally open his email.  He had promised to wait and open it with me.  This was a special email... one that would tell us alot about our future.  We were hoping for happy news, but of course it could always go the other way.

Then, I heard the door knob turn and then a happy, "Hello!"  The excitement overcame me and I could feel the adrenaline surge making me want to jump up and shout for joy!

Finally, the moment came and he double clicked the link that would tell of our future.  Almost instantly, he jumped for joy!

"There it is!  We're in!!"

We both jumped for joy, hugging and shouting.  We looked down to our son, who much to our surprise was wearing a frowny expression and a look of dismay.  In all of our joy, we had scared him.
We were both very excited because...

BRIANT GOT IN TO DUKE!!!

We are grateful for this wonderful opportunity.

I am very excited too.  I get alot of comments like, "It's going to be very different for you."  And, "You are going to really miss your family."  I have to just smile and say, "I know, but I know it's the right thing."

I will miss some things for sure. I'll miss, duh MY FAMILY (and the newest little one growing up)!  Snow for Christmas (well, I guess if we visit Briant's parents, we won't have to worry about that one).    I'll miss our Melaleuca Independence Day Fireworks on the Snake River.  My Mom.  Going into GH.  My friends. Going to see my Aunt Pam's flourishing garden.  My flower & veggie garden.  Seeing people everywhere that I know and stopping to have a conversation and catch up.  Family dinners & reunions.  I'm going to miss going to go see Yellowstone.  The list could go on and on.
It all makes me tear up thinking about it.  But, whenever I think about this I'm reminded of the song in the movie Fiddler On The Roof--  Far From the Home I Love.  It really does describe my situation perfectly.  I'm going because Briant is my Home.  I love him. I would be lost if I wasn't by his side.
I really have to look at the positives.
I'm very excited to see a different part of our country.  I'm excited to meet new people.  I'm actually really excited to see what it's like to be in a state that isn't a predominately Latter-Day Saint Community.  I'm excited for 70 degree weather in December.  And I'm excited for the opportunities this all brings us.  I'm so very grateful for Skype, my computer, and cell phones.  And, I've already been reassured that we will come back for many visits.
I knew this would happen when I married Briant, I've prepared for it for 4 years.  And I'll end with something I learned long ago when I got up tight about this topic.  What doesn't matter in Eternity, doesn't matter.

2011 Annual Christmas Newsletter

Hello to all and welcome to our blog (for those of you who have never been here)!  We've had a very exciting year!  So without any further ado...

The greatest, most spectacular, and life-altering event this year was welcoming our little son into the world and our family.  Andrew is a joy to have with us.  The first month was a huge adjustment for all, but we are so excited to have him and all the joy that comes from being parents.  It has been really fun watching him learn and grow.  He is almost 6 months old now, he makes us laugh every day, and his little personality is starting to shine!  Some of his favorite things are: singing songs, bouncing, going for walks, sitting up and reading books!  Look close you can see his cute little teeth!  

Briant, is still working for Melaleuca, which is a great company and has been so good to us.  Briant's big task this year (other than becoming a dad) was to research and apply to MBA programs. If Briant wasn't working on that he was planning and preparing for events and Sundays with the Young Men in our church.  Along with all of his responsibilities, he has the new responsibility of being a dad.  Briant is a terrific daddy and husband!

Melissa, had nothing on the brain this whole year but the baby.  Early in the year, she did all the researching, reviewing and buying of baby stuff.  She also made some curtains and blankets for the little guy's room and had a fun baby shower.  She spends most of her time taking care of and figuring out the little man (he changes so much and so often).  But there are always moments that she has time to spend doing what she wants.  She learned how to knit this year, and is currently working on a stocking for Andrew (lets hope she finishes before Christmas).  She also enjoys making cards, taking pictures, and making desserts she's never made before.

Having a baby really brought us down a notch from all the things we normally do every year.  But considering that, we still did a lot.

Early in the year we bought a new car, got smart phones, had fun with family (especially all those who came to stay with us), had a  Baby-moon  (two people + having fun together before baby comes = time well spent) in Utah and braved a surprising event (Briant had surgery). Melissa said good bye to her job, and had pictures taken.

Summer brought us joy, heat, and big responsibility!

The two months after Andrew was born slowed to a crawl. Melissa really didn't do anything but feed, change, watch, hold and take pictures of Andrew.

Briant, on the other hand, was very busy.  First he went to Bear Lake with the young men in our ward (for High Adventure), then when Andrew was 6 weeks old, he wen't to Minneapolis, MN, for his work's annual Convention (thank goodness for family to come stay with Melissa).  He was always doing something... even when he was "relaxing."

September was a busy month.

  Briant blessed Andrew,

 we went to Jackson Hole with Briant's parents,

harvested veggies, Briant went on MBA visits, and Melissa cut her hair off...no, not all of it!

Fall was a blur too with Andrew learning all kinds of things, having pictures taken,

and taking pictures, going on walks (while the good weather lasted), football, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.  Melissa started all kinds of baking once the cold weather hit, and then more baking during the holidays.

We look forward to 2012 and the many adventures that await us as Briant attends school.  New places to visit and new sites to see.  But for now we are most grateful for the times we will share close to family and friends.

We are so grateful for this holiday season and the fun that comes with it.  It is packed with traditions, good food, candies, spreading cheer and giving gifts which makes us all love it so much.  But most importantly, we remember it as the time of year when we think of the greatest gift given to us by our Heavenly Father.  It is the time we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  We remember and recognize the matchless sacrifice He bore for us all, and spread the joy that His gospel brings us.  How grateful we are for Him, and the miracles He performed and can perform in our lives.  There are many forces around us that will deny the sanctity of this season, demoralizing it in so many ways and the true purpose behind it.  Even though we were not in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus to witness His birth, the angels singing, or even the wise men, we know that He came and is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  We have felt in our hearts the love He has for us, and the special feelings this season brings.  We know that He lives, He brings us peace and joy, and He is the true source of happiness.

Merry Christmas to you all, and may the following year be one of joy and happiness for you and those you love!

Love,

Briant, Melissa, and Andrew

Thanksgiving Week

WOW!!!  What a week it has been for us!  I'm so grateful for this time of year, the family we get to spend time with, and the feelings that come with being more aware of the blessings we have.

Recently I made a new wall decoration for this special season 

(actually a friend did the vinyl lettering for me... THANKS CINDY!!):  

Each time I see it, it reminds me to consciously think of what I'm thankful for.  This Thanksgiving I'm especially thankful for 3 things:
#1 - My baby boy.  
He brings such joy to my life.  He is growing so fast, and we just love his personality.

He loves his highchair and eating oatmeal!

Loves grabbing Mommy's hair when she is close.  

Makes for some pretty funny hairdos.

He just learned this week how to sit up.  

He's getting better each day, but still face plants sometimes!

Sitting in the big chair, like a big boy!

He loves to chew on anything he can get his hands on.

He's getting really good at grabbing EVERYTHING!!

He's wearing 9 month clothes now... yet he is only 5 months old!

#2 -  My husband.

What an incredible man! He has so much on his plate.  Then, after all of that he still makes times for us, makes me and Andrew laugh, & helps me stay caught up with the things I don't get done.  I love you, babe!

#3 - The many things we all take for granted. 
A roof over my head, warmth inside my home, food to eat, and the ability to get things that aren't essential.  Along with this, I'm very grateful for something we don't think alot about most of the time.  Those who have gone before us.  Our forefathers, who went through many trials just to make it in this land.  Our ancestors who worked their tails off.  They faced so many physical hardships and because of them I am here, living a much easier life (in some ways) then they did.

This year for Thanksgiving my brother Devin and his family came up from Utah.  Yeah!!!

Wednesday evening, we had a birthday party at our place for my nephew Nicholas who turned 1 that day.  All of my family (in Idaho) came and we had lots of fun together!

  It was so funny to watch Nicholas eat-- demolish his cake.

 What a cute boy!!  

This is what it did look like... CUTE!!

Thanksgiving was awesome.... as always.  I made 2 Pumpkin pies and 2 Gram Cracker pies (my favorite).  Funny story, while I was making the custard filling for the Gram Cracker pie I accidentally put Cream of Tarter in instead of Cornstarch.  I couldn't figure our why it was starting to curd up, and it wouldn't thicken.  Good thing, I redid it and figured out the problem.  I don't think my family would have ever let me make our favorite pie ever again!
A new Tradition I love, is our Thankful Moments around the table when we finish eating.

We didn't get any sleep that night.  Let me tell you why.... BLACK FRIDAY!  We went to Old Navy at 12AM and was out by 12:30 (well I guess we stood in line for a good 30 minutes before they opened the door).

Then we went to Kohl's and the line was supper long so we left and at 4am went to Shopko.  My SIL found what she was looking for and the line wasn't too long (turns out they opened at 12am) so we were out shortly after.  Then me and my other SIL stood in line at JoAnn's for a good 1 1/2 hours till they opened at 6am.  We were out of there in 10 minutes!  We got a good system!  Then we went back to Kohl's once the lines we gone, and got our stuff.  We got home at 7am and our kids were up shortly after.  So, no sleep... but worth it.  We have some good tips and secrets of how to shop in record time.

On Saturday, we all went to my brother, Kyle's house to help sheet rock his basement.  I love working with my family. We did alot of it growing up so I feel like we are a great team.  Briant helped most the time while I watched the little one, but later in the afternoon he took over so I could help.  Let me tell you,  I never knew how fun it could be to use power tools!  Thanks Kyle, for letting me help.... even though I'm sure there are half a dozen screws that aren't all the way in...

All of us minus 1 brother.
We missed you Gene!

Side thought:  For years now I have been totally against Christmas music before Thanksgiving.  I just felt it  robbed Thanksgiving.  Then this year, something happened.  My favorite radio station is the one playing the Christmas music early.  I decided to listen anyway until I felt irked enough to change it.  After all, I reasoned.  "Let it snow", and "Jingle Bells" could be seen as "seasonal" songs.  Right?  Then, "The Little Drummer Boy" came on.  This song just happens to be one of my favorites because  it pulls at your heart strings.  As I listened to to it I got those same feelings I always do.  I felt love for my Savior and peace in my heart.  Then, I realized something.  I didn't want those special feelings of Jesus Christ to be limited to just once a year.  I love the happiness that Christmas music brings me.  So if that means I want it a little early, than so be it.  Don't get me wrong, I still think that "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer", and "Santa Clause is Coming To Town" can wait till after Thanksgiving.  Don't even get me started about how how sad & annoying it is that the commercialized Christmas sometimes takes over the true meaning.  Jesus is the reason for the Season... and I want to remember the happiness he brings to us all.... even before Thanksgiving.
So there you have it.  I know this was long winded... but hey I'm a long winded person!

I happen to think that Thanksgiving is the perfect lead in holiday to Christmas.  So let the Christmas Season begin!!!

Oh and P.S.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!!!

Fall-isms

Everybody knows that with Fall comes football (college football in our house).  

Briant loves it, and he is teaching his son to love it to.  

But, Mom is doing her fair share of persuading him to
take interest in the piano as well.

We've been trying to go out and walk as much as 

we can before the really cold weather hits...
Where will I walk when it is really cold???

...This is what that usually results in.  

We know that he will wake up if we take him out,

so instead we just bring him in and leave him there 

(with the wheel lock on of coarse)

 Mom needs to get things done.  

Sometimes Andy isn't content to just be by himself, 

so I take him along and let him help.  

This is how we get him and the laundry up the stairs in one trip.

He loves his warm cuddle 

bug blanket the Grandma B gave him.

So nice and warm!

We've started solids.  We are just doing Rice Cereal with a little

applesauce right now but he is really starting to take to it.

He really likes to watch us eat too, 

and sit on my lap at the dinner table.

If he isn't with us at the table, he just sits and begs (like and dog)...

Boppys are awesome!!!

Melaween with Daddy!  Who's with me, how

 bout something else besides the Pope next year?

In all actuality, the theme was medieval 

times and they had a cathedral so he fit right in.

Andrew was Mr. Halloween!

 For actual Halloween, Andy and I went to the Library for story time and a parade!

The crowd was huge!

Briant gave me the great idea the other night when Andy wore this sleeper.

He said that he looked like a jailbird right out of prison (his crib).

So that's what he is!

My new Halloween tradition... Orange Fudge.... to share of coarse!
It's yummy!

Our latest fun thing!  Andy has teeth!!!