September!

September is generally a busy month for us. But, this year we added a new item to the calendar. 1st day of school.

Our little dude starts preschool today. I've got a bunch of mixed feelings. I'm excited for him to meet new people, learn new things and to grow more independent (if that's even possible for this little guy). But, damn, it's hard. I've always known, trusted and loved whoever he was being watched by. I know who he hangs out with. The people also know me, they know our house runs a bit differently than most and they don't judge us, try to change us, or punish my kids for being themselves. That is what I'm struggling with. I believe children must have manners and show respect and not be little asshats throwing fits. We also embrace our kids personalities, and enjoy the funny things they say and do. I'm certain some of these things will not go over well in school, and it's just something we'll learn to adapt to. We don't lie to our children, and we are ourselves all the time. We do not believe in hiding that we enjoy having wine and beer, and we don't censor our language. This is the way we are, I want my children knowing me, not an uptight, hidden version of me. So, sending him somewhere that's generally not acceptable will be interesting to say the least. We've met his teacher Miss Debbie, she seems pretty cool and loves her job. I'm going to keep an optimistic outlook and hope she can see the beauty in my child the way we do.

Happy 1st day of school my awesome little guy. Don't let anyone ever dull your light, you're a beautiful person inside and out and I wouldn't change anything about you!

Shit, I hope there's a bottle of vino chilling in the fridge!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALISON!!!

Ok, ok... So, it's almost Rex's birthday and I'm now just getting around to writing about Alison's birthday.

Starting to wish I was better at the scrapbooking stuff so at least you kids would have something to look back on. But, it is what it is!

I knew Alison was going to have a great 1st birthday. I also knew that this party was more for me than it was for her, since she wont remember it! We threw a nice party for Rex's first as well and knew this had to be just as good! And it was. Her birthday way AMAZING! All the important people in her life were able to attend, she was happy and of course spoiled!

I had gotten a dress while in SLC when I was still pregnant. I had decided that would be her 1st birthday dress. So, then I needed a theme. The dress has a Parisian scene on the bottom so Paris was chosen as the theme. I started shopping and planning early. Like usual! And as usual, I probably went a little overboard. But Daddy was so nice just letting be do whatever. Rex helped a lot and was excited when packages were delivered for "My baby girls birthday" (that is what he calls her now, it's so sweet)

We are so thankful to have our little "Chuggy" she's so full of personality! She's very smart, stubborn, LOUD, silly and of course loving. She babbles a lot, but is able to stay a few words. She still only had 2 teeth! Which sort of sucks, because she wants to eat whatever we are having and it's not always an option with only 2 little teeth. Her brother is her favorite person. I think he always will be, they have a heartwarming bond that makes me thankful and happy every single day.

Love my babies so much. What a great life!

Here's a few photos of the party Becky took before the party started!

Testing... Testing... Is this still on??

Ok. So before when I said I was really slacking, yeah, now I reallllly have missed a bunch of time. It's been 6 months since Grandpa Don passed away and this is the first time in 2014 that I'm blogging. Wow. Sorry about that kiddos.

I really do feel bad I haven't kept up with this as much as I want to. Jadon's first year is much  better documented than Alison's. I feel guilty for that. I don't know if this will make sense to anyone besides me, and that's ok....with Jadon, we didn't think we'd ever have a child and held strongly to every 1st and waited anxiously for each new milestone. With Alison, my cheery on top, again, we thought we'd never have another child and here we are with another beautiful person. How truly blessed are we?!? This time, I know she is my last child and I KNOW how fast everything goes and just how fast babies grow, learn, and gain independence. I love watching my kids grow and learn, it's really amazing. But, I know it all goes so damn fast. And I just wanna keep her little, a little longer. With Rex we always encouraged him to crawl, walk, do whatever as soon as possible. And now we know, they will grow, they will learn, they will crawl, they will walk, they will talk all in their own time and there's no reason to rush it along. It already goes by way too damn fast. It makes me a little sad. Sad that I rushed my boy along to all of his 1st's as an infant and sad that I haven't documented Alison's because I am in some sort of denial that she's no longer a tiny baby that needs her mommy constantly.

Our baby Alison will be 1 next month. This past year has been one of the most challenging in some aspects, but also the happiest. Seeing my babies smile, love and interact warms my heart and soothes my soul of whatever ails it. My favorite thing right now is to say to Rex "I love you!" because I know right after he will say in a voice of love and sincerity that I hope to always remember "I love you too Mom" When his baby Alison cries he is right there to sooth her, or offer ideas as to what he thinks she wants or needs "I think Alison needs her baba" Alison loves her brother so much. She calls for him, she can actually almost say "brother" so if he or her daddy are not within eyesight of her you'll be hearing her call out for them. And as soon as she see's them her little face lights up with joy. It's simply amazing.

I don't want to get into any of the not so awesome parts of the year, not that I don't acknowledge them, but I do not feel like writing about it right now. Right now I'm counting my blessings and I know the trials have made me appreciate them.

If you haven't gathered, I am a little sad my baby's first year is almost here. She will no longer be considered a "baby" (well, that is to anyone except me, my children will always be my babies). So, to take the sting away we will be having an awesome Parisian themed party for her. I love my children's birthday's. I really do. I like to plan them and make invitations and enjoy the friends and family who get to celebrate with us. So much fun. That's what I'm getting to do now. I have already started planning, the invitations have been made and are in the process of being delivered. The location has been selected and booked. Her outfit is chosen, Carrie has even made her a custom bow to match. Now, it'll be time to put all the plans in action. Only 1 month left until the party!!

Hope everyone is doing well! Love you all!
D