3 Down 0 to go!!!

I had a goal to accomplish by the end of the year and I am happy to report I succeeded!!! 

My first Goal was to Get Audrey potty trained. Audrey was so easy to potty train. Seriously everyone that I talk to say I was beyond blessed. This makes me nervous what my next child will be like potty training. 

My Second Goal was to get Audrey in a Toddler Bed. Audrey adjusted quite well. She is really easy to put to sleep so we made a huge deal of having a big kid bed and she bought into it

My final goal was to get rid of the bottle. I know I am way behind when it comes to this subject. However, it was so hard because the bottle is a total comfort to her. I felt like I was taking that away which was not an easy thing to do. At least Audrey sleeps in her own bed and potty trained really easy. We are still having issues with the bottle but she is almost over it... I hope. 

Audrey's Best Day!!!

This was a day that was priceless for both Audrey and I. Audrey loves trains. She gets excited when we go over train tracks just to give you an idea. I found a local train company that was running some holiday train routes and could not resist. When we pulled up to the train station Audrey was beyond excited she was yelling a train a train look Grammy a train. It was so cute she sounded like she just won the lottery. And in her little world she probably did! I will let the pictures do most of the talking...

They had carolers on the Train. They asked Audrey what her favorite song was and she told them Jingle Bells. So they gave her some bells and she sang her little heart out. 

Audrey and Santa on the Train. She LOVES Santa this year!! 

Audrey and Santa at the North Pole! (She kept pulling on his beard it was pretty funny)

Audrey and Santa at the North Pole. They had a little village for the kids to see, cut outs of snowmen and the reindeer, Milk and Cookies, Mrs. Claus dancing with the kids, a bon fire. 

What a priceless Day. When it was time to go Audrey started to Cry. She said she wanted to stay. She loved the Train. The only way I got her off was by telling her that we need to get a Christmas tree so Santa can put some presents under it for her. 

I never realized how big a train really was. It's huge!

I'm Convinced

I have finally decided that life is not going to slow down for awhile. I feel like I have a million things on my plate. Just as soon as I get one crossed off two more things get added to the list. I always tell my self when I get caught up I can call my family and chat or read other peoples blogs. I have realized that I am going to have to slow things down a little and make time for what is really important.  I am grateful for a HUGE family. I am realizing how blessed I was to live so close and now it is a little harder to see everyone. So starting Monday (just kidding I am one of those who likes everything to start on Monday) starting tomorrow, I am going to be a better daughter, wife, parent, sibling, and friend. I am really blessed. I need to not take advantage of what Heavenly Father has given me. 

Update

I finally found our housing. What a pain to say the least. I have been looking for months. I finally had a place all lined up and I drove up to rexburg with Audrey and my mom to sign a contract. I met the lady the night we got in a was suppose to meet her the next morning but she backed out. When I got the call from the last place saying that the owner decided to sell the place instead of rent I wanted to cry. I was so frustrated. I had one back up place picked out just in case but it also got rented out. So you can see the frustration. If you have been to Rexburg you know that it is a small town. There is not a whole lot to choose from which makes it all the more fun. We found a house the next day that I love. It has tons of upgrades. It is everything that I was looking for.

Things have been going good here. I have been able to get a lot of school work done which is great.

I am really missing Dennis right now. It is hard being away from him. I defiantly appreciate him alot more after being away for so long. I can't wait to see him in a week in a half. Audrey is doing great. She is really grouchy right now. She got a cold and she is someone you want to steer clear of when she is sick. Luckily she is not sick that often! I will post pictures soon. Audrey is going to see Santa tomorrow. I love this christmas season. Audrey is understanding more and more. I am excited for christmas to see the look on her face! I know this post is random. My brain is gone though, I have been staring at the computer screen all day.

My best friend from college is also staying in Rexburg for awhile which I am beyond excited about. We are actually in the same ward. Which is crazy considering how many wards there are. This was not planned it just happened.

Grateful

Thanksgiving this year is a little different. I am at my mom's house and Dennis is at home. It's hard being away from him. I am grateful for so many things this year. First, I am so thankful for my family. I am blessed to have a truly amazing husband who is my best friend. I could not ask for a better spouse. I am grateful that we have never yelled at each other. Don't get me wrong we have our tiffs but we have never raised our voice at each other. It is something I am grateful for. I am grateful that Dennis is so caring and compassionate. He would do anything for me or his family. Dennis's brother brian was in a car accident and Dennis just picked up some extra responsibility to help his brother out. He never complains. He just calls and says hey Brian needs some help with things around the house so I will be home late. Dennis leaves around 6:30 am and he usually gets home at 6pm. When he gets home he is so willing to help me around the house or with Audrey.

I am grateful for Audrey. What a blessing she is in my life. Sometimes I think that life would be so much easier if we had a chance to get on our feet before we had a kid. however when I think of life without Audrey I don't know what I would do. I love that little girl. She makes me a better person. She has taught me so much this year. I am grateful to have her sweet little spirit in my life.

I am grateful for my health. A few years ago I had the nickname as a "lemon" I was always sick. When I was pregnant with Audrey I threw up at least 9 times a day and got hospitalized a few times. This last year I have been really fortunate to be really healthy. I am grateful that the whole family has been really healthy.

I am grateful for so many things and this is getting really long. So I am going to list a few. I am grateful for the gospel in my life, I am grateful for extended family, I am grateful for the chance to go to school and continue my education, I am grateful for my church calling I loved serving in the Young Women's presidency. I am really blessed in life.

The Daily Routine with Papa

Everyday Audrey goes and helps papa feed the dog and the chickens. I have been meaning to get a picture of this for quit some time now. You would think this could be a job for anybody. However, one time I tried helping Audrey while Papa was out of town. It was a disaster. I guess I did not have the routine down right. This is only a job for Papa. When Audrey is in a bad mood and she hears Papa say, " I guess I have to go feed the chickens" Audrey's mood instantly changes. Everyday they go feed jake (the dog) get the scratch and go feed the chickens. Audrey has to get the scratch and she takes her sweet little time sprinkling the scratch. Papa is nice a patient waiting for her. The chickens just started laying eggs which make helping with the chickens all the more fun. This is something that Audrey, Papa and Mommy are defiantly going to miss.

She's defiantly a girl!

Audrey loves to help me bake. Last night we were baking a cake. I turn around to put the cake in the oven, when I turned back around I saw Audrey licking the bowl. She really got into it.

mixed emotions

My life right now is full of mixed emotions. On one hand when I think of school I get so excited. There are going to be so many positive changes. Dennis and I will have our own home, we will be making a positive move for our future, we will be in a church environment, we can make some friends our own age. I can keep going. However I am feeling overwhelmed at the moment. There is so much to do before we move. My mom flew in today to help me with the drive to school. It just put it into reality that we are going really soon. To top it off I am feeling really sad. It is hard realizing that we will be farther away from family. I guess I always took it for granted having family so close. If I ever needed anything I could pick up the phone call and have help. Now it will be harder living so far away. Audrey is going to miss playing with her cousins. I know this is a weird blog but this is what blogging is for. To write about the happy, the sad, and the confusing and I guess this one falls under all three categories.

It feels Like Christmas

A friend of the family the McDonalds, currently has a baby up at childrens Hospital waiting for a new heart. She is four months old and has been fighting for life ever since she was born. She has had good days and bad days. FINALLY last night they got "THE CALL" as Mimi describes. A heart was on it's way. I am so excited I could not sleep, I felt like I was 5 years old waiting on christmas eve for morning to come. Though this is better than any present anyone could ever give. I also feel sad and grateful for the family who lost someone and was willing to help Mia out. Mia went in for surgery this morning at 6:15am the surgery will take 5 hours. I am anxiously waiting to hear. I am so grateful there is a happy ending.

CINDERELLA!!!

I took Audrey to the South Hill Mall today to let her play on the new toys. Out of the blue Cinderella shows up. At first Audrey was not sure what to think, about 30 seconds later she had a huge smile on her face and kept saying it's Cinderella, It's Cinderella! Cinderella sang a couple of songs and Audrey stood right in front of her watching just memorized. On the second song Audrey was telling the little boys who were busy playing who could care less about Cinderella, "Hey it's cinderella come on come see." It was so cute it totally made Audrey's day I only wish I had my camera. The picture is from my phone. When Audrey got home she HAD to watch Cinderella.

REALITY CHECK

So Dennis and I were figuring out when we are going to leave to go down to school and all the fun moving stuff. I am really really nervous driving in the snow in December. We decided yesterday that it would be best if I drive down the end of this month and stay with my parents for a few weeks. Then I will fly home a week before we move down to school to help pack and say goodbyes that way Audrey can stay with my mom and not have to make the drive when the roads are so bad. In a few weeks Audrey will be over there for good. It's Crazy we always talk about things with plans and what we would like to do and what would be nice. But this is actually happening we are actually going and starting the next chapter. I am really excited to go. Some sadness set in today with the reality of leaving family behind. I love having a big family and Audrey so close to all of her cousins this is going to be harder than I thought.

TRICK OR TREAT

Audrey choose to be a kitty this year. We went to a trunk or treat. (Our church does this every year members go to the parking lot, open there trunks and pass out candy. It's safe for the little kids, which I love). Audrey was so excited about getting candy in her bucket. Once she realized what was going on she was running up to everybody. After the Trunk or Treat we went to my brothers house. It was nice seeing my side of the family. I don't know why but we do not get together that often. Anyways we took the children Trick or Treating around the neighborhood. This was a priceless moment. Audrey and her cousins (none over the age of 3 by the way) were knocking on the door saying trick or treat. They kept knocking until someone came to the door. When the lady opened the door Audrey said Trick or Treat and walked right in her house. It was so funny. The Lady was so nice about it. I tried getting Audrey to come out but she would not until the lady gave her candy. What a kid!

P.S. Audrey hated the paint on her face and kept wiping it off. Oh well maybe next year.

A BIG DECISION

Dennis and I have FINALLY made a big decision for us. We have been married for almost four years now and have felt stuck. While Dennis has a good job, it is not something he wants to do for the rest of his life. I know that I am suppose to go back to school. We have thrown out the idea of school several times. We were unsure how to finance school and thought it would not be an option until we had more money. Well, I have found a way that we can go. I am really excited to make a change in our lives.

We are going to be attending BYU-I this January. I am more than excited to go. There are so many things that appeal to me about this choice. First, we will be taking a step closer to the career that Dennis wants to do, we will be in a church environment, if you have ever been to Rexburg you know what I mean. I think the spirit is so strong there. We will get to make some friends our age. We honestly do not have that many friends our age here which makes it hard. Finally, we can grow closer as a family. I am sad to be leaving so many family members in Washington but this will give Dennis and I a chance to only have each other to rely on when times are tough. I think this will bring us closer together as a family.

Happy Halloween

Audrey has really gotten into Halloween this year. For family home evening we painted Audrey's pumpkin and made cookies. Audrey mixed all the paint together and then painted the pumpkin we made her paint in her undies to avoid paint on the clothes. We were trying to get her to smile and the fake smile came out I was waiting for the day of the fake smiles. I had to paint a face on the pumpkin it to make it a true pumpkin. Maybe next year we will carve some pumpkins.

AUDREY'S NEW BED!!

We have been talking about getting audrey a big girl bed for awhile and yesterday it finally happened. I asked Audrey what kind of bed she wants and she said Einstein's. I kept trying to convince her of something girly and cute like princess, or Dora, or My little pony but she wanted Einstein's. We went to the fabric store in search of Einstein's. I could not find any Einstein's and then audrey shouts "There it is mom I found it". The fabric was between two other fabrics that were the same color blue. How she saw it is beyond me. So we got Einstein's and i was able to back with other material to try and girly it up.. We got the bed up in time for a nap yesterday. I was curious if she would realize that she could get out of her bed or not. Anyways she laid down for her nap and about ten minutes later i hear boing. boing...boing. She had discovered that jumping on the bed was fun. so needless to say no nap. Bed time was a success last night she crawled in and went right to sleep. Lets hope for a nap today!

Some more photos

I could not get all the photos from our trip on the last post so here is some more!

I was also able to see my Good friend Blair from college. It's crazy how fast the time goes. In a few years we got married and had kids crazy.

A trip to Grammy and Papas

Audrey and I were able to go over to my parents for almost two weeks. We had a great time. One of my favorite things is watching Audrey Run to my mom at the airport. It's priceless. We had a great time. Audrey loves Grammy's house it has all the animals audrey wants to play with. My parents have to big Labs mixes in there house that Audrey LOVES playing with. There are rabbits, ducks, and geese.

One of the highlights of the trip was going out to eat at Texas roadhouse and going to an amazing pumpkin patch. We found this pumpkin patch that looks like it is out of a movie. we were trying to find this place and we are in this valley with mountains around, surrounded by farmland and all of a sudden we see this HUGE barn that is all lit up. The pictures don't do justice. When we got there Audrey was so excited. There was cow barrel rides, hay rides, inflatable toys, farm animals to feed, pony rides, a pumpkin patch, and fresh made mini donuts. The night was perfect the only thing that was missing was Dennis:(

My dad had his birthday while we were there. I am glad that we were able to celebrate his birthday Audrey kept singing "Happy Birthday" to papa all week long. We made homemade pizza's did cake and ice cream and opened presents. My mom spoils Audrey rotten. Example, my mom bought audrey presents for my dad's birthday so she would have something to open as well. Audrey got a DVD and two puzzles. Thanks mom!

My mom and I went up to Rexburg to look for housing. On the way back to my moms we hit a snow storm. It was so bad we did not think we were going to make it home. cars were spinning out, and alot of cars were in the ditch. Here it was the beginning of october and it looked like December. CRAZY!

I have to say thank you to dennis for letting us go. i feel guilty asking to go and he always says, "No go I want you to go it will be good for you and Audrey." I am so lucky. Thanks babe we love you.

The Puyallup Fair

Every year about mid august I remember the fair and get so excited! The Puyallup Fair is one of the largest fairs in the Country. IF you have never gone it is well worth going. This year was really fun with Audrey. Dennis and I were able to enjoy the day together. Some highlights at the fair were, the animals, eating her favorite thing in the world Corn on the Cob, ice cream, and the canoe ride. The best thing at the fair was the Giant slide with Audrey. She laughed the whole way down it just made me laugh. People who were next to us were laughing because they heard audrey laughing.

Brian's Car Accident

On Monday Dennis's brother Brian got into a Motorcycle accident. Brian had immediate surgery on his right foot and now has plates screws, and more screws in his foot. The doctors say it will take him about a year to year in a half until he can walk as normal as possible again. Along with the foot he has both wrists broken and his right hand is broken as well. It has been quite an experience this week. Dennis is now running the business and trying to be there for Brian as much as possible. I always wondered how close Dennis and Brian were and this week definitely answered that question. Dennis and Brian are really close. Dennis would do anything for Brian and it has been proven this week. We are grateful Brian is going to be okay. We know he has a long road ahead of him but. Brian is strong and will probably be able to walk in half the time. We love you Brain hurry and get better.

BLAMING IT ON PAPA

So the other day Audrey was suppose to be taking a nap. Jerry got home and informed me that Audrey was making noise in her crib. Jerry offered to go get her ( I was in the middle of Canning). When he brought her up she said, "Mommy I'm jumping in my bed and singing la la la." I asked her why she was not sleeping and she repeated that she was jumping and singing la la la. I said I know but you are suppose to be sleeping. (Jerry was holding her the whole time). She then looked and Jerry and said, "papa got me out." It was SO funny. Learning to put the blame on someone else already. I am in trouble.

A little time away

Dennis and I were blessed to have a little mini vacation. We went to leavenworth for a few days. Jaime took Audrey for us(THANK YOU AGAIN)It was nice to have some time alone. We went to our favorite little fruit stand. It's amazing they have a ton of produce, cute little decorations, a petting zoo, tractor rides, huge sunflowers, corn mazes, and other things. We also went through the shops,went fishing along the river, and took some time to relax. I am so greatful I had this time with dennis. It is nice to spend some one on one time with him. I feel like I never see him lately.

HURRAY AUDREY IS POTTY TRAINED!!!

So I am told that Audrey was the dream child to potty train. I have to say that I agree. Audrey had two accidents the first day, no accidents the second day, and one accident on our first trip out of the house. She has done amazing. You don't even have to ask her if she has to go she just goes in and goes all by her self. If I only knew it was going to be this easy....

It's Potty training time

So I finally got brave and stuck with the whole potty training thing. Audrey did great I was shocked. Had I known it was going to be this easy I would have stuck with it along time ago. Audrey had two accidents at first, Then she wet her undies a little bit the next two times but caught herself and we made it to the bathroom. The last few times we made it to the bathroom with dry undies! Yeah Audrey. Today is day two so we will see if I am still saying it is easy.... Audrey is getting to be such a big girl. I cant believe she is almost 2 1/2 where does the time go.

Millions of peaches...peaches for me!

I attemped my first canning experience. I love canning it was so much fun! Granted I canned one of the easiest thing possible it was still fun. We canned 42 jars and have peaches that we are dehydrating. It was fun spending the time with my mother-in-law. My next canning adventure is PEARS

Fishing with Daddy

We went to Jim's U Fish which was awesome. Audrey had a blast. She went in the petting zoo and fed the animals, went on a little hike through the woods, and then Audrey went fishing with daddy. It was priceless.It was so cute watching her and Dennis together. When they caught a fish she was so excited and scared of this fish at the same time. Now Audrey keeps asking to going fishing and pet the animals. Daddy has a girl after his own heart. I am not sure who enjoyed the fishing more daddy or Audrey. If you have a chance you should go!

The story of the Ugly Duckling...

So there has been this craft store that I have been dying to go to. So one day Audrey and I finally stopped by. Audrey found this little duck that she immediately had to have. From that point on Audrey and her duck were insepperable. She took it everywhere with her. Within the first 48 hours of Audrey owning the duck it had half of its feathers plucked, lost it's head, lost a foot, had sugery so we could fix the head and the foot. (Got to love superglue), Had a bath in the sink, and got toweled off where it lost even more feathers, has had some snacks and some juice, and finally went to bed.
I had to stop by this cute little gift shop and purchased another duck so we could see a before and after. I think I will wait a little while until I let Audrey own a real pet! Although it has been really cute watching her mothering side come out.

Happy Fathers Day Babe!

Dennis you are an amazing man. I am blessed to have you in my life. You are so thoughtful. You always put others before yourself. I can't imagine my life without you. When I married you I thought there was no way I could love you more than I did that day. However I love you more and more each day. I Fall in love with you all over again when I see you wrestle with Audrey, or call just to say hi, and all the little things you do for me. Thank-You for being such a great Dad and Husband. Audrey is truely blessed to have a dad like you. I know right now Audrey is a bit of a Mommy's girl, but one day it will change. I love you babe

AUDREY LOVES CORN!!!

Audrey loves all of her veggies. However, when it comes to corn I don't know any other kid who could eat more than her. Last week we made corn on the cob. I made Audrey a whole ear of corn thinking that it would be more than plenty for her little body; but I was wrong she ate 3 ears of corn!!! Your crazy kid! We had corn on the cob again for dinner tonight and yet again the girl ate soo much corn. Where does she get her love of veggies?

Audrey Turns 2!!

Audrey turned two on May 15, 2008. Audrey had a great birthday. We spent the day at the Zoo, came home and Audrey found her birthday present...a sandbox. Audrey loverd the sand box. She played and played until she was soo sandy an tired. We had audrey's favorite meal for Dinner,chicken nuggets and mac and Cheese. We finally ended the night with a homemade Mickey Mouse cake! On Sunday family and friends went to the Park for a little party. Audrey had a blast playing with her cousins, having cake, and best of all getting lots of new toys. It was a beautiful day. Her party was perfect just the way I imagined it.

I can't believe Audrey is already two. Where did the time go? Audrey has been two for almost a month know. Man... if the last month is how the two's are going to be I am not sure I can handle a year of this.... Audrey, let me say first that I love you. Now with that being said, Audrey has turned into a little monster. I don't know what happened to my sweet little girl. She is independent and EVERYTHING IS HERS AND SHE CAN DO IT ON HER OWN. Audrey has gotten this mean little face down so when she is not happy with you, you get THE LOOK. Oh man hopefully this is just a month phase. I heard the three's were worse! I love you Audrey, so please bring the sweet little Audrey back I don't like this mean stage