Brycen's shirt pants

Tonight I noticed Brycen take off his jeans and then heard him go in his room. You never know what that kid is up to. Next I find him with his shirt on like pants. It made me laugh. He did too. Probably because I was laughing.







I have the cutest story about Brycen and Kaylie last week. We went to the grocery store after the daycare kids got picked up a little early and the sun hadn't gone down. You could see the moon. Brycen said, "What is that?" and I said, "The moon." Then Brycen said, "Get it mom, reach it." and I said, "I can't reach it. It is too high." Then Brycen said, "Get a chair." It made me think of Kaylie when she was about the same age and wanting me to get a ladybug that flew away. I thought it was adorable. At home he is constantly moving our kitchen chairs to get in our "junk" drawers in there and stuff on the counter so he can reach so he thought it would work the same way.

Tony and I at McGrath's for our 8th first date anniversary

Tony and I met 8 years ago at the McGrath's in Salt Lake. We just found out this year that they went out of business so we went to the one in Layton. We try our best each December 13th to go on a date there. It has been a fun tradition. He still is a good date.

"Ogurt" Painting anyone?

Tuesday, December 7th
My mom gave me some good advice today that if Brycen does something that drives me crazy and I want to shoot him I do it with the camera. That is what I did today. Yesterday Brycen dumped his lunch plate all on the floor. Ketchup every where (which is weird that he didn't eat it all gone - he usually tries to drink ketchup). Then he laughed. Jayla had to go potty so I helped her and while I was in there helping I heard Kaylie scream (which by the way is a daily occurance caused by Brycen either biting or hitting or body slamming her) and ran into the kitchen to see what was wrong. Brycen had dumped her plate of lunch all over the floor. All I know is that Brycen is driving me a little crazy with his biting and hitting and endless teasing of the girls. I am doing all I can to keep sane while maintaining some sense of humor with this little boy. He is cute though. I need to remember that. When you ask him to show you his eyes or smile he squints. Silly kid. I am sure I will learn more patience over this I hope. If not I am in trouble.It is interesting that Kaylie seems to be going through a growth spurt or something because she is eating a lot more lately and Brycen is the opposite. We used to call him our garbage disposal. He would often go and finish eating Kaylie's food when she was done. Now he isn't eating as much. Maybe Kaylie's growth has sped up and Brycen's has slowed down. Who knows. They change weekly it seems.

Snuggle up...

Sunday, December 5th
Here I was on the couch watching a Christmas movie on Hallmark channel which have loved to do in December and Kaylie comes to cuddle. Brycen then saw me with Kaylie and got jealous and I told him he had to sit nice on the other side of me. They lasted for a little while. Tony snagged the camera and got a picture of us. Not very many Sundays do we stay home and just veg as we usually go to family to visit them. Today we didn't as my parents had other plans. We did go visit our old neighbors, Donna and Dewey Pearce in Layton as Tony suggested. I love that about Tony that he thinks of Sunday as a day to visit. It was fun. They where so nice to my kids. They are like a second pair of grandparents. They are so positive even with all their health problems. So fun to talk to.

November

November 16th - Kaylie has kind of outgrown her naps but today she must have been extra tired. Although she usually falls asleep on Sundays on the way to Grandma and Grandpa Roberts house. She fell asleep on the couch watching her show after Jayla left at 5 p.m. I got to snag a picture of Brycen interested in something. Maybe it was a spider that came in. I have no idea. I couldn't figure out what he was doing on the floor.

November 18th - I feel so blessed today for the technology we have and the good medical care we have. I took Kaylie for a follow-up visit at Primary Children's Hospital after her surgery in June on her urinary reflux. It is all healed and we don't have to back. Yeah!!! I have a great appreciation for my parents and all the time they spent at the hospital with me through my surgeries. While we were at the doctors and they were putting in her IV Kaylie cried like crazy of course but kept yelling to them, "Thank you, doctor!" It made all the nurses kind of laugh. They tried not to laugh and just smiled. I don't know if she was saying that because she thought it would make them stop doing what they had to do. I don't know.Kaylie is so imaginative. She loves pretending that she is either the mom or the baby with the daycare kids that I have over. Xander is always the dad of course. The girls switch off being mom and baby. I listen when they play and it makes me realize what kind of mom I am when I hear them try to pretend they are moms. All I can say it that I probably need to work on my tone of voice and maybe be a little more patient. Isn't that what we all have to do as parents.She also loves to pretend she is a dog and gets down on hands and knees and barks. She does this with Brycen more. It is funny. They pretend to feed each other. Sometimes if they have a cup of crushed ice they throw some on the carpet, one at a time, and say "here doggy" and the other one eats it with just their mouth. Not too sanitary but hilarious.

October 7th - climbing Brycen

Brycen has been such a climber and a little mischievous by nature. I wonder were he gets that from. Maybe it is just the boy in him. Although, I don't know a 2 year old that doesn't love water. He loves just playing in the sink. Maybe I should just let him do the dishes. Rather than get mad at him for getting out the stepping stool, setting it up and climbing up on the counter and turning the water on I just shot him with the camera. Brycen ever since he has been crawling has pulled out the vents in the floor. It was great the day he discovered he could put things down the vent. Only a couple of months ago he figured out that mom stores the toaster and the electric can opener in the lazy Susan and that he can take them out and plug them in the outlet!!! No so smart on moms part. He even started plugging in popcorn popper until mom was smart enough to put it on a higher shelf. I just love how we is talking full sentences and loves to sing I am a Child of God. "Lead me guide me walk beside me" I think are his favorite words because that is how he starts it every time. A couple months ago when you asked him for a kiss it was like a baby bird opening up for dinner. Full open mouth with tongue (typical boy). Now he has learned how to pucker up a little.

October 21, 2010 - Nap time and a movie

During nap time (well nap time for Brycen) we head downstairs while I get bills and paperwork done on the computer and the kids watch a movie. I thought this was so cute that they got out the blue chairs and made a row for them to watch Tarzan. It has been good for Kaylie and Brycen I think to have friend their age to play with. They usually have their sippy cups and either Cheez Its or pretzels for a snack while they watch. After nap time we went to Island View Park right by our church. Not my favorite park but it is a little closer that Chelsie Park since we didn't have a ton of time before parents came to get the kids. Brycen has no fear on the playground. Goes up and down the slides and climbs up the little worm. It scares me. Brycen kept insisting that he take off his shoes to play in the dirt. Oh well, you just have to pick your battles. I can always wash socks. As long as he is having fun. That is what matters most.

September 15th - Sock hands?

Saturday or Sunday mornings are always fun when the kids climb in bed with us. It usually ends up with tickling and cuddling. Then the kids start jumping on the bed. Oh to be 1 and 3 years old again. The life. Kaylie thought it was fun to put socks on her hands like gloves. She just walks around with them on. Luckily these ones were washed and not just used. That would be "yucky" as Kaylie would say.

September 4th - Sleepover at Carlee's house

Here the kids are duck feeding with Carlee in Sugar House. I was not there as I was at home re-cooperating from gall bladder surgery on September 2, 2010. Carlee was so nice to take them for the day and let them stay overnight. It was so weird, for a week at the end of August I had bad heartburn that progressively got worse for a week. I finally said enough is enough and went it to get checked. I thought I was going crazy. My doctor felt my stomach and could tell that either my liver or gall bladder was enlarged. He scheduled an ultrasound for the next day. Sure enough, my gall bladder was diseased, enlarged, inflammed and had sludge but no stones in it. Yuck!!! So that night about 7:30 p.m. I got it out and the next day at 10:00 a.m. I went home. I couldn't believe how fast it happened and that they were able to have me home so quickly. I thought I would have been in the hospital longer. All I had to do was pee and eat. No problem for me it appears. We were bummed because we missed our annual Lake Powell trip we were supposed to go on for Labor Day week. We will have to do something fun to make it up.

July 23, 2010 Yellowstone

Our big trip this year was to Yellowstone with the Roberts's family. We went over Pioneer Day weekend. Tony's dad got some cabins to stay in at Mammoth. Don and Tenille came with their kids and Don's mom. They drove and met us there. We drove as well. It was a long drive but I think the kids did well. We hiked some 300 stairs. I thought I was going to die. I really need to get my cardio in and do stairmaster or something so I can keep up with the rest of the Roberts family. I like to blame it on my heart. I know it hinders me a little but boy I should be able to at least keep up with Brycen and Kaylie. Mom and Dad Roberts took Brycen up the stairs while I rested a minute. They were so nice. You can see them in the picture walking up the steps. The view from the bottom of the stairs was worth it. Look how beautiful.

July 17th - Sugar shaker

I guess we forgot to put away the sugar shaker again (remember Kaylie's incident?). This time I got a picture of Brycen playing with the sugar. He looks guilty doesn't he? I guess rather than getting mad and wanting to shoot him I can shoot him the right way with the camera instead and laugh. I will look back and laugh at this. I just can't resist this cute face.

June 17th & 18th 2010 - Midway

My dad had his State Farm mid year retreat at Midway, Utah and he invited all of us to come for the weekend. Tony and I both took Friday off work and went for a couple days with the kids, my parents and the Maylett's. We went fishing at a local pond. They had a ton of ducks there. Brycen loved the ducks. He kept wanting my camera though. My parents stayed at the hotel and my dad borrowed a home from the Mettenet's who we use to be in the same ward in Sandy and they have kept in touch with. It was a lot of fun.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Boy, life changes in a year. It has been a tough year. Went back to work Mondays and Fridays at State Farm. I watch kids Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I got daycare licensed March of 2009. It has been fun watching kids around my kids ages. Tough work. A lot easier to work but rewards are not priceless like being with your kids. It is fun to see Brycen and Kaylie's personality and how they interact with kids. Twenty month old Brycen can talk so well. I think as least. I'm prejudice though. He is a typical boy though. Such a cuddle bug. I have been wanting to keep up on the cleaning, laundry, etc. I don't feel I am the best housekeeper. It is such a job and the little ones are hard to it with them. Plus they make most of the mess. It is like shoveling the walk when it is snowing. Almost impossible. I should just realize this and just enjoy. they are only little for so short of a time. I really do love their ages. Pros and cons to every stage of life. Brycen calls drinks juice, even i if he doesn't have that in his cup. He loves chocolate milk. Kaylie's favorite drink is still regular "white milk" as she calls it. I agree. My favorite healthy drink. Dr. Pepper being the not so healthy favorite drink. I call Brycen my little cuddle bug. He just has to be held and cuddled. Probably not more than Kaylie use to want but I guess I have gotten busier and have not spent as much time just cuddling. Brycen and Kaylie can get each other laughing so good. I feel sad some times that I have to work and sometimes glad for the break. For the most part sad. Brycen is so good with his manners right now. Always saying please and thank you. Kaylie loves giving him hugs and kisses.

Mother's Day 2010

April 30th - Andrew and Katelyn's wedding

April 27, 2010 Brycen's milk chugging party with Jayla

I went in the kitchen one day and noticed that Brycen and Jayla (one of my daycare kids) took the couch pillows in on the kitchen floor and were having a little milk chugging party. I thought it was so cute. Jayla likes to immitate everything Brycen and Kaylie do. She is the only child in her family. She has been a fun friend for our kids to play with. She is 4 months older than Brycen.

April 24, 2010 - Mowing the lawn with the kids

Tony and the kids mowing the backyard. It takes him longer to mow but the kids are entertained and having fun. Isn't that all that matters? I love having this backyard except for mowing it. I guess I shouldn't complain about the workout it gives you. We all need that don't we?

Saturday, April 2nd - Easter egg hunt detour

Tony and I thought it would be fun to take our kids to the Clearfield City egg hunt. Well we both thought each other checked out the time. I we arrived just in time when the people started leaving. We missed it. Oh, well. We even told my parents to meet us there at the wrong time. Well of course Kaylie was devastated because we kept telling her we were going to go to an Easter egg hunt. We went with plan B and I ran home and got some eggs and filled them with candy I got that week and we did a hunt in my parents basement. Tony had the job of hiding the eggs while I entertained them upstairs. The kids liked that. Next year we will just have to plan better. Lesson learned. Kaylie kept finding all the eggs. Brycen kept stopping to open the eggs and eat the candy. He did not want to search for more. He was more interested in eating the few he had.

March 26th 2010 - KateLyn's, my cousin Andrew, bridal shower at Aunt Bonnie's

I have this theory about Kaylie. She loves Andrew, Uncle Lee and my friend Ben. They are all really tall. She is just drawn to them. She just must like tall guys. Whenever we got to Aunt Bonnie's she asks where Andrew is. Like she has a little crush on him. That is what my mom and Carlee say. I guess it is okay for a 3 year old to have a little cousin crush. No harm done. Afterall, Andrew is so cute with her. Kaylie loved "helping" Andrew and KateLyn open their bridal shower gifts. She kept bringing the gifts to them. I hope they didn't mind too much.

Sunday, February 21st - Celebrating my 31st birthday

Celebrating my 31st birthday at after at my mom and dad's house. Wow! I can't believe I am this age. Lots of fun years though. It seems Marie Calendars always has their pie sales in February so we get one instead of cake. I would pick pie over cake any day. I always love a good Dutch or French Apple pie. Yum!We made brownies to go along with the pie. Kaylie loved blowing out candles. We let her blow out one on her brownie.

Sunday, February 14, 2010 - Valentine's Day in St. George

- Cassie had a soccer tournament in St. George and Mark asked if they could use my parents second home in Ivins. My parents rule is they can't stay there without Tony or I going with so we went with them. It was a fun weekend. We visited the St. George temple grounds too. Brycen loved playing in the dirt here at Pioneer Park with Jayden. A fun free thing to do on a Sunday. The weather was so nice we didn't need our coats on. It was probably 60 degrees.

January 27, 2010

I don't know a kid that doesn't like to hide and go seek. They loved hiding in our entertainment center. They kept having me close the door and find them. Hmmm.... Where did they go?It's so funny. Kaylie loves to hide. She keeps telling me, Mom, you count and I will hide. By the time I count to 10 she already comes out of her hiding spot and finds me. I never have to search for her. Too funny.

January 13th

Brycen is so cute. When he is interested in something or concentrating on something he sticks his tongue out a little. Absolutely adorable I think.

Kaylie's Photography (January 13th)

Kaylie loved to take my camera and take pictures. I didn't know she took all these pictures until I downloaded them on the computer. Did pretty good I think. Tony and I joke about how she says camera. She calls it "cameer."Brycen just loves the vacuum and my mop. He screams a happy squeal when I turn the vacuum on and wants to vacuum. He calls it "bacuum." These pictures of Brycen she did was really cute I think. Maybe better than I could have done. A funny picture of me mopping. I guess this is how I look from Kaylie's point of view.