Creative Thinking...

Aaron and I were talking in the living room when all went quiet. Usually that means trouble so we walked into the kitchen to see Brookelyn acting very odd.. as you will see by this picture.

We watched her for a few minutes as she proceed to put her mouth on every handle.

We finally asked her what she was doing to which she replied, "OOOoo!" (Open) I guess she thought it was more fun to use your mouth to open the cupboards or drawers! The drawers were too hard but she found the cupboards easy to open. Maybe thats why she put her mouth on every single one.. had to find one easy to open in her new creative way!

Trying to get these two to sit still so we can take their pictures is an impossible  task! I ask Brooke to smile and this is what I get...

I think I have Momma Mindy to thank for that lovely face. Bubba's tooth finally popped through and now we are waiting for the second tooth to break the surface! He has been found the last couple days either chewing on a biscuit or frozen mangos. Or Mommy & Daddy's hands. His ears must hurt as well because he won't sleep laying down. The swing has come to the rescue again!

Go Vikings!

Aaron bought himself an early Christmas present this year.. A vikings jersey!!! He has wanted one since he was a little kid so I know he was thrilled to finally get one!!

One of the moms in my mom's group is married to a crazy Vikings fan as well.  We invited them over, another Iron Range Vikings fan and then an old friend from the Navy to watch the game with us and eat lots of good food. It was fun to have a full house and cheer on Minnesota!

The couple have a little boy that is 3 so he and Brookelyn ran around the house destroying it, of course :) The escaped outside and crawled up on one of our guest's motorcycle! It was too cute not to hurry up and grab the camera.

A Day to Give Thanks!

This year was our first Thanksgiving in California! We were going to do it at our house but then my best friend Marion invited us to her house. Marion and I have known each other since high school and the Lord orchestrated us to both move to Orange County. It has been wonderful being so close to her again. Anyway she lives in a big house with roommates   who are just wonderful. My kids adore all those girls and love going over there. I was excited that I wouldn't have to cook. Last year Aaron and I hosted a BIG thanksgiving and it wore me out!  My Thanksgiving morning was very relaxed. I only had to make sweet potatoes and Pumpkin Dump cake (Aaron's favorite) The sweet potato recipe was from the Stinchfields and boy was it DELICIOUS!!! 3 sticks of butter and 2 cups of sugar gives you an idea of how tasty they were! Had to run extra long the next day to burn off all the calories eaten. Brookelyn was really well behaved all day which shocked us! She has so much energy, spunk and stubbornness in her that it can make taking her places difficult so I was worried how the day would play out. Bubba ended up being the baby to stress me out! Poor baby is cutting two teeth so he was very grumpy.

Our lovely hostesses

Brooke found flowers outside

Brooke's new best friend!! It turns out we know mutual people from the Iron Range!!! Crazy how small the world is sometimes. Raschelle is so good to Brookelyn! She colors with her, plays with her and chases her around so Mommy can have a break.

 Bubba has a favorite in the house as well but I didn't get a picture of those two. Last time she was holding Bubba, she had to hand him back to me, he looked at me and started crying!! She walked back over and as soon as he saw her, his little face lit up under the tears.

Aaron sat Bubb up in the high chair and he loved it! I gave him a biter biscuit and gnawed that whole thing down!!

Not our best family photo but it shows our thankful faces!! The Lord answered a HUGE prayer for us ON Thanksgiving!!!!

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

  Worship the LORD with gladness;

       come before him with joyful songs.

  Know that the LORD is God.

       It is he who made us, and we are his ;

       we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

  Enter his gates with thanksgiving

       and his courts with praise;

       give thanks to him and praise his name.

  For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;

       his faithfulness continues through all generations.

All about my Bubba-Chubbs

I haven't really been paying attention to how big Brayden is. With the whirlwind of the past few months I kind of lose track of how old he is, how much he weighs and what size he wears. I didn't realize how bad it was until the other day... You know how pack-n-plays have the higher level for when the babies are really little? Well mine started to bow in the middle. I was so confused and frustrated because its a brand new pack-n-play! Brookie slept on the high level til she was 7 months (she was very petite) so I thought Brayden would be the same. I kept calling Aaron over to it to make sure I put it together right. I was very stressed that once again I had bought one that needed to be sent back because of defects. I called the company to see what could be done. As I was talking to the lady she very nicely asked me how much my child weighed. I contemplated that question and responded, "12 pounds... I think." Her response.."Honey, Did you know the weight limit is 15 pounds? Since your child is so close to the weight limit that could be the reason for the mattress sinking in the middle." Of course I was defensive in my head because I would never be that careless. Psh I think I know how much my child weighs. So as you can imagine I was SHOCKED when I went to the doctors a couple days later and my little boy weighs 16 going on 17 pounds!! Wow I was way off  :) Thankfully my crib was under warranty so she sent me a new mattress and sheepishly I lowered the mattress to the lowest level.

He just turned 5 months so I thought I better hurry and take some pictures of him before he turns 6 months. I remember with Brooke I would have a photoshoot every month. Now Brayden is lucky to have even one photo. Aaron helped me take these and I think we got some pretty good ones.

His newest trick is rolling over tummy to back and then back to tummy. He loves to push himself up and look up at everyone and whats going on! He has been able to hold his head high since he was born. Mom has a picture of when he was hours old holding up that big ol' head.

This smile just melts my heart!!!!! He definitely has his Daddy's dimples which makes me thrilled!!! I always said I just wanted a mini Aaron and my dream came true!

I love how he is looking at Aaron.. Big adoring eyes. I have a feeling these two are going to be inseperable.

Bubba also started jabbering and making sounds! His first sound is "Ma" so hopefully soon he turns it into Momma! Brooke's first word was "Da-Da" so I am counting on Brayden's to be Momma! His first two teeth are trying to pop on through! He was out of sorts for two days but is now back to his old smily, happy self! He is the most content sweet baby! I love him to pieces and never want him to grow up.

A cup of tea with some peace and quiet...

This is my second favorite time of the day. Both the babies are snuggled warmly in their beds, dreaming of how to make mommy crazy the next day, sucking on their nukies and clutching their taggies. Now I can relax with my stress relief tea and no interruptions! Well, unless someone wakes up in a confused stupor , naked, blanket-less and mumbling for her "De-De". But for the next few moments I will enjoy the peace and update you all on our family.

I have decided blogging stresses me out. I read everyone else's and mine seem to fall short. I am not the most creative writer and alot of times Aaron will come in and help me write the whole thing because I suffer from a severe disease called Writer's Block. While everyone else's may be stories told in very clever and creative ways, I have decided I am just going to stop stressing and just use this as a journal. If you are reading this you truly care about my family so you will forgive my lack of creativity and lack of story telling abilities. :)

Brookelyn seems to think that if she closes her eyes, we can't see her!!!!!! She loves getting herself a snack from the fridge which is a BIG no-no. Here its yogurt with cereal, and when she heard me coming down the hallway she closed her eyes real tight so she would magically disappear and I wouldn't see the awful mess she made! Late at night when Aaron and I are watching a movie or doing homework, this little ghost wanders down our hallway trying to skip out of going to bed. That little ghost turns out to be a Brooketrout hiding under her blankie of invisibility :)  

 She also loves to sneak into the office whenever she can and try to play with Daddy's computer. We caught her this day and when we walked in and asked what she was doing she, in a very serious voice, said she was emailing Grandma! It was one of those moments you are very upset at her but can't help laughing because it was the cutest thing! So while warning her not to touch anything Aaron ran and got the camera so we could capture the moment. I took her outside the other day to put my new camera to good use. The sun was at a perfect position and after many bribes and cookies I got a few really good ones! This one is my favorite. Her hair is so long and gorgeous! My little doll face :)

We are trying to get her off of her nukie and taggie but it is a difficult struggle! Taking away a child's most precious possession is a heartbreaking process for both sides. I wanted this picture to look back on because someday we will forget how precious these two items were for her!

Brayden is my little Bubbs!! He looks exactly like his daddy and has a smile that melts your heart. (Just like his Daddy) He only whines when he in hungry or tired or poopy. Very easy to have around and so content! It is hilarious thought when he does cry hard. He has a high pitch girl scream that sounds like a little whining puppy. It is impossible not to start laughing when you hear him howl!! Here is his sad little poochie lip...

He is getting very active and aware of his surroundings. He will roll from tummy to back and then back to tummy when he feels like it. I can't leave him on the couch anymore! He loves toys and attacks them aggressively as he tries to chomp them to pieces. He is a slobby drool face as well. Must be working on some teeth in there! He will smile and giggle as soon as you look at him! He also love to watch his big sister run around and play. I think that is his favorite activity... he will watch

her for the longest time following her every move! He giggles when she giggles and coos back to her when she tries to talk to him! It is so special to see this bond starting so young. I am praying it continues and working on ways to keep that bond going. There is nothing like a little brother!! I have two of the greatest ones  ever and I hope Brookie can say the same!

This is another one of his tricks. He chews on his nuk upside down! It is the funniest thing to watch! He will pull it out all by himself and turn it this way and chew away! It must feel good or something because he does it quite often! It kind of sounds funny as well cuz it makes a squeaky noise on his gums!

Well lets see what else is going on.. Aaron is trying to register for second semester classes already.. I am trying to train for my half marathon in February! I get worried because I don't always have to time or energy to run and I want to be able to get a good time. But Aaron and the kids are my first priority so I just run when I can and try not to stress about race day! Our friend Angie from Minnesota is coming down especially to run this with me and I am SOO excited to have a running partner! It will be a blast even if Aaron has to push me in the stroller! Aaron is doing an awesome job with his classes!! He works very hard and the reward is good grades! He is so excited to get done with generals and on to the stuff that actually has to do with his career. Monday night church league softball starts pretty soon so he is excited to play and meet some new guy friends! We are also looking for some city league baseball teams that he could play on and not take up as much time as college ball would. I know he would LOVE to play college ball but for right now he is being Mr. Wonderful and putting us first. I hope soon he can get a chance to put that arm to use but for right now I love having him around so much!!

He is the best husband ever. I know almost every wife says that, but seriously, I DO!!!!! I never really grasped it when girls said they married their best friend. He wasn't my best friend when we first met, but   he has sure grown into my bestest friend! He is so loving, caring and such a Godly leader in our family. He is always there to lend a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, turning my frowns into giggles and listening to me even if he would rather be watching football. He treats me like his princess and the kids absolutely adore him! As soon as Brooke hears the car pull in the driveway she jumps up and down screaming DADDY!!!!! Makes a mommy's heart melt. And I am sure it melts his as well.

Well, I am getting sleepy and I still need to go throw breakfast together for tomorrow morning. I have been craving french toast casserole so I am putting all my old bread to good use :)

Brooke's New Wheels

We have two little neighbor boys that LOVE Brookelyn. Every time she is outside they come running out to play with her! They tell me all the time how they wished they had a little sister. The other day they brought over a little play fire engine that they had found out on the curb because the owners did not want it anymore and gave it to her. She was so thrilled!!!!!

I love her angry face in the picture on the right. She was quite frustrated she could not get the car to move by herself so instead of asking for help in a sweet little girl voice, she continued to wave a fist, yell and scream at us. It was one of those moments you are shocked she is so naughty but trying so hard not to laugh because she is just incredibly too cute. After we worked through the tantrum and showed her how to move the car she was once again excited and wanted to share with Bubba.

These two are my favorite of the whole day....

It is so awesome how the Lord provides for us! I love toys, a trait which I MOST DEFINITELY inherited from my Mother, but sometimes practicality takes over what I wish for. These cars can be spendy and the kids really don't play with them for that long, but I still wanted one.  Asking the Lord to provide toys for your kids seems so odd because why would He be concerned about toys?? But  I believe when you have faith that can move mountains, anything is possible. Trivial or not.  He loves us so much and loves it when we cast every care or concern on Him. Providing this little red car for Brookelyn reminds me that when big trials or concerns come my way, I need to go to Him!!!!!!!! If He is willing and able to provide the little trivial things, isn't He WILLING and ABLE to provide big things?

John 14:13-15

 And whatever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If you love me, keep my commandments.


1 Peter 5:7-11
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care on him; for he cares for you.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brothers that are in the world.  But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Got Milk and some encouragement

Brookelyn's newest accomplishment - getting into the fridge! I never thought the fridge would be something I need to child proof but after the past two days, I think I need to. Yesterday I heard some noise and called for her to come here.. this is what I saw

She had found the bottle of heavy cream and drank it!!! Today I dozed off on the couch while she was watching her morning movie and I awoke to a gallon of open milk sitting on the floor. I picked it up and started looking for the cap when I realized there was cilantro floating in it!! Thankfully the cilantro wasn't in there long enough to infuse the milk but still, she can drink that milk and I will drink from the fresh gallon :)

A friend of mine posted this on their facebook and it encouraged me so much I want to

share it! Hope you are encouraged as well.

(courtesy of Keith Trevolt)

This reverse of Psalm 23 sent to me by Mr. Nick Middleton was a solid reminder to me of God's goodness and benefits that we have in the Authentic and Unchanging God. Sometimes I think we cherish the real thing when the opposite is compared and contrasted.Though, it's not necessary to have to experience the opposite of God's goodness to embrace His richness. I included the real Psalm 23 below. David Powlison wrote this anti-psalm 23:



I'm on my own.
No one looks out for me or protects me.
I experience a continual sense of need. Nothing's quite right.
I'm always restless. I'm easily frustrated and often disappointed.
It's a jungle — I feel overwhelmed. It's a desert — I'm thirsty.
My soul feels broken, twisted, and stuck. I can't fix myself.
I stumble down some dark paths.
Still, I insist: I want to do what I want, when I want, how I want.
But life's confusing. Why don't things ever really work out?
I'm haunted by emptiness and futility — shadows of death.
I fear the big hurt and final loss.
Death is waiting for me at the end of every road,
but I'd rather not think about that.
I spend my life protecting myself. Bad things can happen.
I find no lasting comfort.
I'm alone ... facing everything that could hurt me.
Are my friends really friends?
Other people use me for their own ends.
I can't really trust anyone. No one has my back.
No one is really for me — except me.
And I'm so much all about ME, sometimes it's sickening.
I belong to no one except myself.
My cup is never quite full enough. I'm left empty.
Disappointment follows me all the days of my life.
Will I just be obliterated into nothingness?
Will I be alone forever, homeless, free-falling into void?
Sartre said, "Hell is other people."
I have to add, "Hell is also myself."
It's a living death,
and then I die.

------------------

Psalm 23

I. A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; (That's Relationship!)

I shall not want. (That's Supply!)


II.He makes me to lie down in green pastures; (That's Rest!)


He leads me beside the still waters. (That's Refreshment!)


III. He restores my soul; (That's Healing!)


He leads me in the paths of righteousness (That's Guidance!)


For His name's sake. (That's Purpose!)


IV. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, (That's Testing!)


I will fear no evil; (That's Protection!)


For You are with me; (That's Faithfulness!)


Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (That's Discipline!)


V.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; (That's Hope!)


You anoint my head with oil;(That's Consecration!)


My cup runs over. (That's Abundance!)


VI. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; (That's Blessing!)


And I will dwell in the house of the LORD (That's Security!)


Forever. (That's Eternity!)