Adam, Kelly, Brody, and Brooke

Christmas 2011

2012-01-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas here in Missouri this year. We visited my family in Virginia for New Years (pictures of our trip out East to come...)

A pair of new Wrangler jeans for Brody (from Adam).

Christmas morning -- Brody and Brooke with the stack of gifts Santa left for them.

Santa brought Brooke a doll house -- she loves it!

Brody got an animal trap -- he's still waiting to catch something (I'm afraid everything might be hibernating for the winter...).

Now we're in "get-ready-for-baby" mode. Hopefully he'll be here sometime at the end of next month. We're getting excited!

Back to Blogging

2011-10-30T12:25:00.001-07:00

Our most recent family picture.

Adam and I took a trip (without the kids!) to Colorado for a week to celebrate his 30th birthday (a month late).

Brody's first season of soccer.

Pumpkin patch.

Our carved pumpkins -- Brooke's, mine, Brody's, Adam's.

It's been way to long since I've blogged, and I can't catch up on everything I missed. I'll try to post more soon.

And by the way, we have baby #3 on the way -- and it's a boy (due around March 9th)!

Our summer so far...

2011-06-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

Brody is done with his first year of preschool. Here he is at his class picnic with his wonderful teacher, Ms. Ginger! I'm so happy he'll have her again next year!

We've started our summer with a bang -- literally. Brody's had 2 major falls so far (within about 6 days of each other. This one happened when he fell off a little tractor he was riding in the rocks. He had a fat lip for a few days.

This one scared me -- he fell out of the back of Adam's pick-up truck and landed right on that spot on his head in the gravel. It's one of the worst feelings to have your child come in the house screaming with blood running down their face. He's all better now!

I went home for a week in May for my little brother Tony's graduation from GMU. I talked Tim and Tony into taking me to Georgetown cupcakes. It was so fun! These are our beautiful cupcakes. (don't worry -- we shared the cupcakes with Dad, Mom, and Janine when I got home)

Tony, me, and Tim outside the shop. I'm so glad I went.

We went to a fun farm while I was in Virginia and the kids had fun catching a few fish. It was mostly fun because it only took 2 seconds to catch a fish -- no waiting!

We picked strawberries there.

I'm so proud of Tony! I'm so glad I was able to be there to celebrate his graduation and see him one more time before he left for Egypt for a year.

My parent's have chickens and my kids loved them (especially Brody). We also loved spending time with cousins!

Our Growing Kittens (that need a new home!)

2011-05-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

Brooke's favorite kitten -- the white one.

The boy grey one.

The girl grey one.

The one that we don't know what to call -- but cute!

Kittens!

2011-03-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

Our cat, Shadow had 5 kittens on Tuesday of this week. Here is Brody with the 2 grey ones (these two look just like their mama).

She's such a good mama -- and she's only a year old herself!

Here's Adam holding one of the calico kittens (2 are calico). This one is our favorite -- it's calico with some white on it. It reminds me of my childhood cat, Patches.

This is all 5 of them bundled up together. The 5th one is all white! 2 grey, 2 calico, 1 white.

Brooke is overjoyed with these precious little kittens. She begs many times a day to hold and pet them. And she's suprisingly very gentle and sweet with them. We are so happy they're here!

Brooke's 2nd Birthday

2011-03-08T17:55:00.000-08:00

Brooke turned 2! We celebrated once the night before her birthday at our house with some friends from Adam's work and once the night after her birthday at Adam's mom and dad's house. It was a fun weekend.

Enjoying a cupcake at the first celebration.

Her birthday morning, playing with the new magnetic letters/numbers she got for her birthday.

Ready to open a present -- all in Dora wrapping paper, of course.

Blowing out the candles at her second celebration (with a horse cake). I sure love my two-year-old Brooke!

Baby, It's cold outside!

2011-02-03T14:23:00.001-08:00

We've had a few snows already this winter, and the kids have enjoyed playing in it. Good thing Brody asked for a snow shovel for Christmas!

Brooke all bundled up -- she actually doesn't like the snow for too long (she gets too cold, even in all that gear).

He's such a great worker -- I hope he'll still do this kind of stuff for me when he's a teenager!

Snow angels!

Brooke's snow angel with no wings (she didn't move her arms).

This picture is hard to see, but it's our cat and dog all snuggled up sleeping in the crate on the back deck (they have to snuggle each other to keep warm in these subzero temps).

Brooke loves to wear undies (especially since they have Dora on them). She's doing suprisingly well with potty training. She never has accidents in her undies, but she doesn't wear them all the time.

I always loves the way kids look when they first start wearing undies.

This is one of the new books Brody got for Christmas from the Andersons, and he loves it! He's memorized most of it so I usually read it wrong to get him to say the right words. (He took this picture.)

Christmas 2010

2011-01-10T06:35:00.000-08:00

Housewright family pre-Christmas celebration in Missouri.

Housewright cousins.

Both kids' first time sitting on Santa's lap and they both loved it (even though Brody looks unsure).

Goode family nativity in Virginia -- Brody was the Inn Keeper.

Brooke running around like crazy with her cousins.

Thanks to Adam's sister, Jen, I was able to make our family coordinating stockings this year.

Opening presents Christmas morning.

Brooke in her new dress-up shoes and Dora undies over her jammies.

The crazies in the family (including Brody) got in the hot tub while it was snowing!

Brooke and my dad, Grandpa Tom.

Brooke has an interest in using the potty, but it's not as easy as brother Brody makes it look.

Brody and Brooke each got these chairs from us for Christmas. They love to sit in them to watch cartoons!

I'm a lame blogger....

2010-11-15T19:30:00.000-08:00

The newest decoration in Brody's room -- Adam bought them at an auction last weekend.

Brooke's haircut done by Brody. He said he didn't like the way her ponytail stuck up. (compare to the picture at the bottom before the cut). She didn't need any help with the mullet she already had. Good thing hair grows!

Our new puppy -- Tuff.

Brody's first school field trip -- to the firestation.

My girl (notice the ponytail before the haircut). I miss that founatin ponytail.

Newest Happenings - September 2010

2010-09-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

Brody loves to catch and play with frogs. This one was his buddy for a while until it finally escaped.

Our favorite time of day -- when Daddy comes home (or "doggy" as Brooke calls him).

My hard-working husband building a fence around our property.

Brody is his sidekick and a really good helper (he holds the tape measure).

At the Steelville parade.

Ready to get candy!

At the Steelville Rodeo -- the highlight of Brody's year!

Brooke playing with her pacifier that "broke" (I cut it, but don't tell her that!)

Brody stacking wood (just because he wanted to). He's a hard worker.

His new obsession -- his belt buckle! He even sleeps with is under his pillow.

He decided his stack of wood should be in a different place so he hauled it with his tractor.

Brody's 1st day of preschool!!!

2010-08-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to go to school -- the sun was too bright.

Hugs! They missed each other.

Not sure what that face was for....

All set with his backback with a "B" for Brody!

This is when I picked him up -- running to the car. And that's his teacher, Ms. Ginger, but you can't see her very well. He had a GREAT first day and can't wait to go back next Tuesday!

Virginia Beach!

2010-08-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

Me and Brooke at the beach.

Brooke loved digging in the sand.

My dad and Brody jumping in the waves.

Brody boogie boarding.

My parents with all 10 of their grandkids -- none of which wanted to pose for a picture!

We had an ocean-front house this year for the first time. It was incredible. This was the view from our house.

Brooke relaxing under an umbrella.

Brody loved all the jellyfish -- with no tentacles.

Beach bum!

My husband and kids loved jumping in the waves.

A few more to come later.....

2010-07-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

Meet Shadow, our new kitten. She looks a lot like our old cat, Tilly.

Adam's vacation

2010-06-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

My silly girl.

Sleeping at Six Flags.

Cousins : Nick, Jared, Brody, and Justin.

On the swings at Six Flags.

Disappointed that he couldn't make his airplane go up!

Our get-away to Branson without the kids.

Relaxing on our riverboat cruise.

Yakov Smirnof -- so funny!

Dinner at a Japanese steakhouse.

Came back home to our sweeties!

Lately....

2010-05-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

About a month ago we took a trip to the St. Louis temple with our ward. It was on a beautiful spring day and all the flowers were in full bloom. Somehow we didn't manage to get a family picture at the temple, but here's Brooke picking some of the flowers (naughty girl!).

Meet Dottie! She's a calf that ended up without a mama, so we're taking care of her. This is what the kids and I are doing every morning around 7:30am -- feeding Dottie her morning bottle. We love her.

Silly Brooke.

Brody asked me to take a picture of him doing a cowboy pose.

Such a handsome little cowboy we've got. This cowboy's not too tough to wear Wal-mart stickers, though (the two blue circles in the middle of his shirt).

Easter in Virginia

2010-04-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

The kids and I spent Easter with my family in Virginia this year, but we celebrated a week early with Adam and his parents here in Missouri.

This was Easter morning at my parent's house. Brody and Brooke digging in to their Easter baskets.

This was the first egg hunt of the day -- still in pajamas. He must be saying "I need ONE more."

Then we dressed up in our Easter outfits and went to my Aunt Jen's for Easter dinner. We had a big crowd there, but the weather was beautiful and we spent most of our time playing outside. It was so good to see my extended family again (minus several who weren't there too)!

And we did another egg hunt there.

Aunt Jen has an awesome slide too. Nice action shot, huh?

Me and my girl (who wouldn't leave my side without screaming hysterically the whole time we were in Virginia). She had that scowl on her face most of the time. Poor girl -- she's getting 6 new teeth, 4 of which are molars, plus she was constantly surrounded by strangers (strangers to her at least). I might be scowling too if that was me.

I think this is my favorite picture from the whole trip. This is Brody with his cousin Katie. The played so well together (they're only 3 months apart).

The only time Brooke left my side while we were there was when she was chasing my parent's dog. She would follow him around and say "Baby!"

We went to Burke Lake park one day.

We walked around a small portion of the lake and Brooke got to ride on Grandpa's back (which she wasn't too happy about). She wanted to be wondering around off the trail and too close to the lake.

Brody liked the geese in the lake.

Brody and cousin Megan having a snack together.

I think this might have been one of Brody's favorite things to do at Grandma and Grandpa's house (besides riding the kid motorcycle Grandpa picked up off the side of the road and fixed up). He loved to do it solo or with any cousin that would ride along. I think we need one at our house!

Brooke and cousin Laura, who is 5 months younger than her. I'm pretty sure Brooke stole Laura's food most of the time. Sorry Laura!

Spring

2010-03-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

Brody's first haircut at a salon (except my sister Janine's). Adam and I have been cutting his hair, but after several pretty bad cuts by us we decided it was time to take him in for a professional cut. He loved it and sat perfectly still the whole time (a far cry from what he does at home for us). Well worth $10!

Brody's first shower. He loves to take showers now instead of baths (I think he partly likes that he doesn't have to bathe with Brooke -- she's quite the splasher!)

Brody and his friend Nate.

It's so nice that Brooke can walk now -- she's so happy roaming around outside when the weather is nice.

This picture doesn't do justice to how messy she really was. Thank goodness for beautiful weather, but it sure does make for some dirty kids! Nightly baths and showers.

Party # 2

2010-03-09T12:29:00.001-08:00

Wrong order of pictures, but Brooke stuck her foot in her cake while I was trying to have Adam take a picture of me holding her by it. Oh well.

This is her enjoying her birthday cake (for the second time).

This is the cake I made for Brooke's party with Adam's family.

She got lots of CUTE spring/summer clothes that she (and I) love. We're so ready for warm weather and cute clothes!

Singing Happy Birthday.

Party #1

2010-03-06T12:19:00.001-08:00

The birthday girl with a present that came in the mail from cousins Megan, Katie, and Laura -- a purse with a cell phone, lipstick, debit card, mirror, wallet, and keys. Thanks girls!

We had Brooke's first birthday celebration the evening of her birthday. A few of our good friends (Adam's co-workers from the bank) came over to help celebrate. Tammy made this mini size cake that was just perfect for Brooke -- so cute!

All clean and ready to dig in to that cake!

A family photo -- imagine that!

Her first taste -- she stuck one finger in the frosting and licked it, realized she liked it, then tried to shove it in.

Then she dug right in!

Cutest mess you've ever seen! At least the frosting was light pink (unlike the bright orange and black that was on Brody's first cake).

Cleaned up and opening presents -- she loves this little glow worm and she was dancing to the music it plays.

Playing with the ribbon is sometimes as much fun as the presents -- thanks for the phone, Amy!

It was such a fun first birthday party! And we get to do it all over again tomorrow with Adam's family. My family -- you can just pretend you're here -- miss you guys! Happy birthday, Brooke!

My Girl....

2010-03-05T05:15:00.001-08:00

March 5, 2009

March 5, 2010

is ONE today!
We can't get enough of this fun, energetic girl that joined our family one year ago today.

Brooke, we love you like crazy!

(more to come later ... after the festivities)

February 2010

2010-02-24T09:47:00.000-08:00

Some days we (mostly Brody) can't stand to stay inside any longer, so we've been spending a little time outside, even when it's cold. Brody loves to get muddy. The picture below is one Brody took of me and Brooke. It will be easier to take her outside once she can actually walk! She spent a lot of time each rocks.

Brooke fresh out of the bath.

Brody jumping on his bed.

Here's a rock-eating picture.

Another picture taken by Brody -- that's about the only way I ever make it into a picture.

One day it was actually warm(ish) and the kids really enjoyed being outside that day.

We can't wait for SPRING! Brody snuck out the back door with no clothes on while I was on the phone.

Catching up

2010-02-13T13:24:00.000-08:00

Last month we had a WONDERFUL visit from my mom. We never left the house the entire time she was here, and we enjoyed every minute of it. Lots of book-reading (thanks to the library card made possible by my mom).

Brooke warmed up to Grandma as long as I was close by. Thanks for making the trip, Mom!

I can hardly talk about the snow we've had here in Missouri with the crazy amount my family got in Virginia, but we got enough to make a snowman -- it was Brody's first snowman and he insisted on a real carrot for the nose. He's checked on it every day since to make sure he's still there.

My mom gave Brooke an early birthday present and she loves it. I think she's doing a little jig in this picture -- dancing to the music.

My blue-eyed girl -- can't believe she'll be 1 in three weeks.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-08T10:50:00.000-08:00

Despite my best efforts to get these pictures to post in the right order I have failed, so I'll caption them the best I can. This first one isn't from Christmas, it's our first morning back home after all the festivities (including New Year's) were over. Brody and Brooke were snuggled together in our bed watching a morning cartoon.

A Martha Stewart triple layer chocolate cake I made for Christmas day. It was good!

Brooke after her Christmas bath.

This was the Housewright side cousin gift exchange.

Santa brought Brody this new John Deere tractor. He just had to try it out even though it was frigid and snowing.

Brooke in her new Christmas pj's from Adam's mom.

Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Housewright's in their new Christmas jammies.

Me and Brooke just before she went to bed on Christmas Eve. Too bad she didn't know what was going on yet -- maybe next year.

Coming down the stairs on Christmas morning.

Santa couldn't fit Brody's tractor in the living room with all the other gifts so he had to go find it in the storage room. He opened the door and just froze there. Brooke's new kitchen was in there too.

Brooke in her Christmas outfit for church.

Two kids ready for church in their Christmas clothes.

This isn't a Christmas picture -- it's just a classic Brooke picture. Bow in her hair, paci in her mouth, playing under the kitchen table.

Christmas Eve all the cousins were getting their stockings ready -- they thought it was funny to wear them.

Getting ready to open Christmas jammies -- tradition.

Brody's 3rd Birthday Party

2009-12-14T13:15:00.000-08:00

Brody wanted a cow birthday party, so that's what he got!

The birthday boy!

Even though it was cold we had a hay ride with his friends.

All of the party guests with their animal party hats on.

We had cupcakes with farm candles on them. Each of the kids got to blow out the candle on their own cupcake. It was a fun party.

Thanksgiving in Dallas

2009-12-01T09:12:00.000-08:00

We drove to Dallas, TX for Thanksgiving this year to visit Adam's two sisters and their families. We enjoyed our trip so much, even though it was short. Brody is showing the marshmellow he picked off his jello.

Brooke's first taste of pumkin pie -- she LOVED it!

Brody and cousin Justin (7 months apart) watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse together on Uncle John's computer -- the both got to stay up later than all the other kids because they took late naps!

Making gingerbread houses on Saturday morning.

Brooke enjoyed eating the graham crackers while the other kids used them to make gingerbread houses.

Farm Kids

2009-11-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

Brooke in her overalls driving a tractor (even a farm girl needs a bow!)

Brody and Brooke on an old John Deere (it's not ours).

Brooke and Grandma Bev (Adam's mom).

Brody and Grandpa (Adam's Dad).

Happy Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T19:06:00.000-08:00

Brooke the pink leopard.

At the bank with our friend, Amy.

Brody the bull wanted Brooke to ride the bucking bull.

The loot from our chuch trunk-or-treat.

Catching up ........

2009-10-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

Brooke's mohawk

Brody having fun in the bath

Brooke is trying really hard to crawl (this picture is from a while ago -- she's still trying!)

Another bath picutre

The kids and I went home to Virginia for a visit because all my family was in town -- this is a picture of me with all of my siblings (Tim, Anna, Tony, me, Steve, Janine, and Roland)

Brooke at Cox's Farm (the most awesome pumpkin patch ever!)

Brody loved the pigs (there was a mom and about 14 babies) and he kept saying "I need to climb over that fence and wake up those baby pigs!"

Brody wanted to catch each of his cousins as they came down this frog slide.

We tried to do a cousin line-up on this slide, but it didn't work out too well (there's 5 of the 9)

Brody was in his element with the calves.

The goats were cool too.

Me and my boy

All 9 grandkids (ranging in age from 4 1/2 yrs to 2 months)

Me and my girl (on the hayride at Cox's)

My gorgeous little sister, Anna, with my Brookie girl.

Brody driving the train with passengers cousins Katie, Marie, and Spencer

Brody thought it was fun to slide down the slide backwards.

Brooke liked cousin Sophie's wand (very princess-ish)

My sister, Janine, and Sophie put on a great "tea party" for the cousins. Even the boys were invited!

Brody and Katie loved playing together!

Neither of the kids were in the mood for a picture but I bribed Brody with M&M's -- Brooke on the other hand wouldn't be bribed.

Brody and Katie shared M&M's

Back at Home:

I finished a sign for Brody's room (above the head of his bed) so his "cowboy room" looks a little more complete.

First Tutu

2009-09-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

This is the cutest little tutu outfit from Adam's sister, Jen. Brooke loved the tutu.

(About to tip over ...... she thinks it's fun!)

What's with the thumb?

2009-09-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

I can't figure out why Brooke has to suck her thumb after every bite of baby food, but we think it's kind of funny. She only does it when it's something she likes, otherwise she just gets really mad! Has anyone every seen a baby do this?

Rodeo and more

2009-09-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

Brody at the rodeo last weekend.

He picked an ice cream cone with chocolate ice cream for his treat at the rodeo.

One of Brody's favorite buddies, Grandma Bev, let him watch the rodeo up close.

Family photo from the rodeo (minus Brooke who was sleeping in her carseat next to me - as shown in the next picture). Brody making a funny face -- I think he had candy in his teeth.

The rodeo started at 8:00pm so Brooke slept in her carseat the whole time. Maybe next year she'll be old enough to enjoy it.

The parade Saturday afternoon. This was the constant candy scramble -- Brody and his cousins, Abby and Nick.

Brooke and I watched from a shaddy spot just behind the rest of the family.

The many moods of Brooke......

There's a smile!

Just chillin'.

Brody put his old cowboy hat on Brooke. The toilet paper in the background was about to be used as bales of hay to feed his cows and horses.

Little cowgirl.

Brody was walking around with a pressure gauge that he stuck in the back of his undies. He's such a little fix-it man.

Brooke mastered sitting up by herself this week. She is SO much happier now that she can sit up and play and see the world instead of laying down all the time.

Yea for a happy, sock-eating baby girl!

Stats

2009-09-11T05:38:00.000-07:00

Brooke's 6 month stats:

Weight: 16 lbs. 6 oz. -- 60%
Height: 26 inches -- 60%
Head: 17 1/4 -- ?? (don't know what %)

6 months

2009-09-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

March 5, 2009

Our little Brookie 6 months ago ........

........ and here she is now -- 6 months old.

This girl LOVES her bottle! She only gets one bottle a day (every night before bed) and I nurse her the rest of the time, but when she sees her bottle she goes crazy! She's learned how to hold it by herself now too.

It's nice for Adam to be able to feed her every once in a while, or at least hold her while she feeds herself I guess.

Still loving her jumperoo.

She's got the biggest, brightest blue eyes and cutest little ears that stick out. If only her smiles weren't so few and far between these days (I hope we survive this fussiness!).

We love our little Brookie!

I love my kids

2009-08-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

My kids first thing in the morning.

My Brookey girl is growing up.

Kirate kick.

Sweet girly. (I should print this pic and put it on my fridge and look at it when she's screaming and fussing all day long so I can remember that she really is sweet)

"Say what?!?"

I thought this picture turned out really cool. This was out at our farm having a picnic. Up close it makes her eyes look really blue. She almost blends into the picnic blanket.

Brody loves special occasions when he can drink a soda, especially if it's his own from a can!

So happy! We had a really fun time having a picnic with our friends.

Brody's already learning to drive his daddy's truck. Scary.

Brooke taking a fourwheeler ride. We start 'em young!

Brody-ism for this week:

Brody to me: "Honey, don't talk at me!"

After I got Brooke dressed for church Brody exclaimed: "Her look like a princess! Her is a princess!"

On the way home from church I asked Brody about something that happened at church. He explained what happened and then said: "That make any sense?"

Random Update

2009-08-18T14:08:00.000-07:00

Happy, smiley Brooke.

The love to play together already. He loves her and she loves him!

Brooke loves to eat her toes.

Can't resist those toes....

Daddy and Brooke.

We had to say good-bye to one of our favorite missionaries, Sis. Fuller. She went back home to Idaho. Bitter-sweet.

Adam's birthday cake. German chocolate with homemade frosting and hot fudge. (Random amount of candles)

Happy 28th Birthday to my sweetie. I hope it was a good birthday -- but we've come to the conclusion that birthdays aren't nearly as fun when you're grown up -- you still have to go to work and there's no big party with lots of presents.

Brody caught a frog (or maybe a toad). He loved that little thing.

So fun for a little boy.

*By the way, Brooke is sleeping much better on a regular basis. She goes to bed between 7:30 and 8, wakes up between 3 and 4am to eat and goes back to sleep until 6:30 or 7. It's so nice!

2009-08-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

Some of the funny things Brody's been saying lately:

Yesterday he was sent to time-out a couple of times throughout the day for various things. Sometime in the afternoon he lost his patience and hit me so I sent him to time-out. His reply was "Again?!?" My thoughts exactly, Bro. I about couldn't hold back the laughter.

He really likes to list off stuff and he's always talking about things he wants to do when he's older or bigger. Most days he says, "When me older me ride bulls, cows, horses, drive tractors, fourwheelers......" and the list goes on. I'm not sure how I feel about the bull riding part.

He has reached the "why" phase. He asks "Why?" at least a million times a day. One day he said to me, "Me ask lots of questions all the time." No kidding.

One day I raised my voice at him for getting in to stuff I'd been asking him not. He went off into the living room to pout and from the kitchen I told him I was sorry. In exactly the same voice and tone I use when I want him to apologize he said to me, "Come here, Mom. Come here." I went in and again I told him I was sorry and he said, "That's alright" and he gave me a hug and kiss. I'm grateful that's he's so quick to forgive!

Last night we were enjoying some cooler weather and playing outside. Adam and Brody were playing a little bit of T-ball. But half the time when Adam was trying to teach him how to hit the ball Brody was off picking "beautiful flowers" for me. So sweet.

Just some random stuff about my boy:

He loves to play hide-and-seek.
He loves worms.
He prefers to sleep in just a diaper.
He loves his sister.
He is obsessed with cows and anything and everything farm related.
He is an excellent eater.
He loves to swing on the big swings at the park, and he likes to go really high.
He loves his "cowboy bed" and he sleeps like a champ.
He is crazy about his dad.
He can make a cow pen out of just about anything.
He is all around a joy to have as a son!

I love our Brody!

2009-08-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

5 months

2009-08-06T19:12:00.000-07:00

Our little Brookey-girl turned five months old yesterday. It's amazing how much our love for her grows so much every day. I am so crazy about her!

She is such a smiley, happy girl. Unfortunately she's not usually so happy in the middle of the night. She used to be a good sleeper, but lately she's up a lot at night crying. Last night was actually a better night than normal and it went like this: she nursed and went to sleep at 7:20pm (her normal bedtime), she slept until 10:30 when she started crying just as I was dozing off to sleep, I burped her and she went back to sleep until 3:30am! That's the amazing part - that she slept from a little after 10:30 pm to 3:30 am! At 3:30 I nursed her then she went back to sleep, woke up at 4:40, 5:45, and 7:45.

I think her problem is stomach pain for some reason. I've been trying sleep training, but it's so hard for me to just let her cry, espeically because it usually seems like she's having stomach pain (she usually needs to burp). Usually when I decide that I'm going to let her cry it out she cries for an hour without stopping so I end up picking her up and getting her back to sleep. A few nights ago I finally turned off the baby monitor in my room at 11pm because she wouldn't stop crying and I couldn't get her to stay asleep. So I fell asleep and woke up at 12:15 and turned the monitor back on and she was still crying! I couldn't believe it and I felt terrible.

Needless to say I could use any advice anyone can give me. I'll try almost anything. Sleep training went much better with Brody, so I'm not sure what to do with this cute little girl that I love so very much but I don't want to hear from 10 times a night.....

But seriously I really do love her like crazy. She's so delightful during the day. When she wakes up for the final time in the morning (usually around 6:30) I just hear her in the monitor jabbering and cooing. She started baby talking all the time and buzzing her lips and sticking out her tounge. I'm trying to get a video of her to post but she gets a little confused when she sees a camera and she stops doing whatever she was doing. We'll have to catch her when she doesn't know it. Happy 5 months, Brooke!

Back from the Beach!!!

2009-07-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

We got back from a week at the beach with my family in Virginia Beach. It was wonderful!!! This is my brother, Tim, with Brody at the beach. We didn't have swim suits on because it was Sunday and we were just going to walk down to the beach and walk around for a little while, but then the kids couldn't resist getting in the water so Brody ended up in just a diaper.

Grandpa (my dad) showed the kids how to catch sand crabs. In this picture is my sister, Janine, my dad, Brody, and Janine's kids, Sophie and Spencer.

Brody playing in the water.

You can't see the sand crab in this picture but Brody's holding on in his hand and the others are looking at it.

I can't remember why but Brody went off to pout at some point and he looked really cute doing it.

There was a lot of this going on during our vaction. I'm glad Adam could rest and relax and enjoy his time away from work.

Peter, Brody, and Sophie liked eating all their meals together at the island in the kitchen.

Me and my kids.

Adam and Brody playing in the water.

Brooke did a really good job of sleeping while we were down at the beach. She would just sprawl out on a towl and sleep for a few hours while we played and relaxed.

Brody and Spencer playing in the pool we brought down to the beach.

Adam and Brody rode go-carts together. We don't have a picture of me and Brody riding bumper boats together, but that was fun too.

All of the cousins loved Brooke like crazy, especially Sophie, and they wanted to hold her and play with her.

Girlie cousins!

The grandkids buried Aunt Anna (my little sister) with the help of Grandpa. She was such a good sport. Aunt Anna is the BEST!

Once again, Brooke napping on the beach. Looks like she was born to do this!

Someone (I think it was Grandpa) buried all the kids' feet in a big hole in the sand.

So fun!

Brody played a velcro catch game with cousin Peter.

Grandma Melinda (my mom) is the BEST! She was taking Brody for a ride on a boogie board.

We had a GREAT time at the beach this year. The weather was perfect -- it couldn't have been better. We were so glad to see my family and spend the week with them. We missed Uncle Rolly, Aunt Erika, Megan and Katie and hope they'll be there next year with their new baby. I'm at my parent's house now for another week and Adam had to go back home to get back to work. We miss him tons already and will be glad to get back home on Saturday. We can't wait for next year!

Better, Tammy?

2009-07-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

Family four-wheeler ride -- Brooke's first ride!

4th of July breakfast at church -- her dress says "All American".

Cute dress from Aunt Shawna -- the picture doesn't do it justice!

Brooke has learned to roll over from her back to her stomach so she likes to sleep on her side or stomach.

She woke up and rolled all the way over -- I love the way her feet are crossed! She keeps her pacifier in her mouth better this way and actually sleep a lot better.

*My friend Tammy couldn't stand seeing the snake picture every time she looked at our blog so she requested some new pictures to take the place of the snake ones. Here you go, Tam.*

Random Summer Fun

2009-07-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

Our good friends, the Waltons, have a pet snake that they let us hold when we go over. Brody loves to hold it and isn't afriad at all.

Even Adam overcame his fear of snakes and held it too. He said it wasn't so bad and it was actually pretty cool.

Happy girl in her bumbo seat. We often put it on the kitchen table so she can be part of the family meals. This was the day that our airconditioner was out when it was about 100 degrees outside.

Brody ended up in just his diaper after breakfast as well.

Two of Adam's nieces, Jessica and Emily, spent the night at our house a couple of nights last week. Brooke enjoyed having her girl cousins around to pay so much attention to her. It was fun!

Brooke's new favorite trick is grabbing her toes. She does it all the time now!

I love this outfit from my Grandma Margaret and the flower headband I made to match it. She just can't resist reaching for her toes.

All the cousins love holding Brooke, even the boys. This is cousin Jacob holding Brooke on the gigantic beanbag chair in Brody's room.

Brody snuggling Brooke while he watched cartoons on Dad's bed. He liked it more than she did!

This one's for you, Aunt Jen

2009-07-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

This is an ADORABLE dress my Aunt Jen gave Brooke. I had to post a picture of her wearing it for Aunt Jen (and everyone) to see. Sorry my hand is covering some of it but you get the idea. This was right after church on Sunday. So cute!

Life Saver

2009-07-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

I love this Jumperoo!!! The top picture is Brooke in it just a few days ago. She loves it, and it allows me to get a lot done without having to hold her all the time. The bottom picture is of Brody in it when he was just a little older than Brooke is now. He loved it too and used it until he was about a year old. I've been trying to post a video of Brooke in it but haven't been able to get it to work yet. I'll post that later.

Giggling Girlie

2009-06-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

I just love Brooke's giggles. Please ignore my silly voice -- it's the only way I can get her to laugh. And sorry for the light behind her head.

Housewright Family Reunion

2009-06-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

We had a week long family reunion with all of Adam's family. One day we had a bounce house that was a lot of fun.

One day they made and played with mini marshmellow guns made of PVC pipe. Brody walked around picking up the marshmellows off the ground...

... and eating them. Sick!

Brody with Aunt Jen (Adam's sister). (Sorry to catch you on a no makeup day, Jen, but you still look cute!)

Brody wearing a hand-me-down swim shirt that makes him look like a real surfer (to go with the bleach blonde hair and tan skin he gets in the summer).

Brooke looked perfectly festive in her hula girl swim suit for cousin Jessica's birthday pool party at the end of the week (being held by Grandma Bev -- Adam's mom).

Brody really enjoyed swimming in the pool this year. Here he is in his fish floaty.

Dad's so fun!

Check out this awesome pool party ice cream cake Aunt Jen made for Jess's party. Those are teddy grahams in gummy savers -- one representing each cousin! So cute, Jen -- and delicious!

Camping at Onondaga

2009-06-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went camping with all of Adam's family. It was so fun! This is how Brooke spent most of her time while we were camping... she seemed to enjoy it!

We were lucky to have electric at our campsites so we had a fan blowing on her (and she's laying on our airmattress in our tent).

This our our Coleman tent we bought recently at a garage sale in St. Louis for $15!!! It was awesome!

What's camping without a little street baseball?

Whoops! Missed it.

Lots of cousins to play with!

Brody was trying to hide from me because I was taking too many pictures of him.

Once again, Brooke in her normal position... this time sporting her Housewright Family Reunion shirt that she spit up on as soon as I put it on her.

Brody with some of his cousins riding in the back of the truck to go tour the cave. We all wore our orange family reunion shirts that day. Cousins Brandon, Emily, and Justin.

Touring Onondaga cave. It was nice and cool in there!

Look-a-likes

2009-06-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

BRODY

BROOKE

BRODY BROOKE

Seriously, could my kids look any more alike? Crazy!

"Holy Cow!"

2009-06-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Brody's favorite new saying is "Holy Cow! Can't believe it!" Every day he also says to me, "Guess what! Saw snake in water!" because one time when he was at his grandparent's house Grandma Bev told him that she saw a snake in the creek one time and he thought she was telling him that there was a snake in the water. That's what I was trying to get him to say at the end of the video but he was too busy eating his lunch. Every other time I tried to take a video of him he ran away.

I love this girl!!!

2009-05-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Brody update

2009-05-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

Playing with the hose -- making mud...

... in his underwear no less.

A "trickster" on his fourwheeler -- he's riding standing while going under the swing set.

Cutting the grass in heels (totally NOT ok with Adam).

Working cows with Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa.

Brooke update

2009-05-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

Cousin Abby loves to hold baby Brooke.

She LOVES her bumbo seat. She's all smiles. Thanks Aunt Janine.

Tummy time.

Eating her fists.

Wonderful Weekend

2009-05-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

A lot of my family came to visit this weekend from Virginia for Brooke's blessing. It was a great weekend. Here is my mom and Brooke the day they got here.

Cousin Sophie holding Brooke.

Brody being silly with a pretzel up his nose. He totally loved having everyone around all weekend.

Brody and cowgirl Sophie reading a book together. It was so fun having cousins to play with. It was great!

Aunt Anna (my sister) loves to ride the fourwheeler. She even gave Sophie a ride.

All of the cousins loved Brooke and smothered her with attention and love.

Everyone in my family who came out (minus Spencer who was taking a nap). I love my family!

Brody had fun taking a bath with cousins Sophie and Peter.

All the kids (except Brooke) on the tailgate of Adam's truck when we went to see our cows at the farm.

Seeing the cows.

Brody holding Brooke in her blessing dress.

Adam and Brooke.

Proud daddy.

Our beautiful girlie in her amazing blessing dress. It was so beautiful. My mom and sister Janine made it for Sophie when she was blessed and now Brooke got to wear it too.

Aunt Anna with Brooke.

Beautiful Girlie

2009-04-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

Oh, Mom! I totally forgot about this cute outfit you sent for Brooke and now it's just about too small. It is Newborn size. But it was very cute and I'll have to save it for our next girl.

She is such an amazing baby. I love her so much.

Growing girl and boy

2009-04-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

I love this little cotton dress I bought Brooke. It was so warm the other day so I put it on her when I took the kids to the park.

Does she look bigger yet? I think she is really starting to get big fast now, but I don't know if you can tell from this picture. What do you think, Mom?

He still sucks his fingers and snuggles his blanket. Any suggestions on how to break that habit (sucking the fingers)?

He's looking so grown up these days. If you can't tell those are black rubber boots he's wearing -- he wears them with everything.

Can we say regression? Not really. He just likes to play with baby's pacifiers -- especially when I'm nursing the baby and he knows I can't stop him.

Boy oh Boy

2009-04-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

Brody got a kick out of trying to spray Adam with the hose when they were washing the tractor together.

A very wet Brody and a very clean tractor.

What is with him and lining things up? He said these are his hay bales.

As you can see he used the cream of mushroom soup from my food storage as his hay bales. That kid can turn anything that's somewhat cylinder in shape into a hay bale.

Chatter Box

2009-04-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

Brody has started to talk so much. In fact, it usually seems like he never stops talking. And most of the time he keeps repeating himself until you acknowledge or repeat what he said. But I realized that I need to start writing down all the cute and funny things he says. I wanted to post a few of the funny things he's been saying lately. Things we say usually end up coming out of his mouth.

The other day I laid him back over the sink to wet his hair down so I could comb it. When I sat him up he said, "Freakin' out!"

I'm afraid since the baby's been born I have told him I'm busy too often because any time I ask him to do something or to come here he says, "Can't... I'm dizzy (meaning busy)".

His favorite question to ask is "Where?" even if it doesn't make sense.
Brody: "Where'd Dad go?"
Me: "To work."
B: "Where?"
M: "At the bank."
B: "Where?"
M: "In Rolla."
B: "Where?"
And so on, and so on....

Sometimes I wish we had a toddler translater. The other day he kept saying, "Fiper box" and I couldn't figure out what he was saying until we were watching Dora the Explorer a few days later and he said "fiper box" when Swiper the Fox came on.

Whenever we ask him "Why?" about something his respone is "Pwise" or "Pwus", which both mean "because". ("Pwise" took me a while to figure out).

Unfortunately he has also repeated the words crap, dad-gummit, hate and a few other not so nice words for a 2-year-old to be saying. We really have to watch what we say around Mr. Repeat. He definately provides a good laugh daily. We love our little chatter box.

Easter

2009-04-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

Adam's family has the tradition of hiding Easter baskets and having to find them Easter morning. So we told Brody to go look for his Easter basket and this was him thinking of where to look (he's got his finger on his cheek).

He found it in the dryer! (We had to tell him to look in the dryer)

This was the best we could do for a family picture. Brody wasn't in the mood to cooperate. I didn't even get any individual pictures of the kids. I told my mom I'm going to have to put them back in their Easter outfits and take pictures of them.

We didn't do all of our Easter festivites in the right order, but we dyed Easter eggs on Monday night. We had to tell Brody we were "coloring" Easter eggs because he has recently started to learn what "die" means (because of dead cows) and we didn't want to confuse him.

We didn't do very many eggs, but it was still fun.

Misc.

2009-04-17T14:42:00.001-07:00

Mr. Fix-it likes to do what his dad does.

We thought the view from our front porch was particularly pretty one foggy morning.

Brody is still a little afraid to be up close to the cows (I would be too if I only weighed 35 pounds -- the cows weigh over 1,000), but he feels safer when he can hold on to Dad's loop.

Brody got sidewalk chalk in his Easter basket. He calls them crayons because they actually are shaped like giant crayons.

I think it's so cute to see him do stuff like this. He definately has some of his dad's perfectionism.

"Twinkle Star"

2009-04-07T07:01:00.000-07:00

All of a sudden one day Brody started singing "Twinkle Star" (Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star) and "Jingle Bells". I never even knew he knew how to sing. I think he learned those in nursery at church. Now he sings them to Brooke whenever she's crying. In this video he's singing "twinkle star" -- those are the only words he knows and he doesn't know the tunes to the songs. But it's very cute and sweet when he sings to his sister.

FHE Fun

2009-04-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

Brody was having "tummy time" with Brooke. She's still working on getting that head up. Maybe if she watches Brody long enough she'll figure it out :)

We made some chocolate muffins for FHE (family home evening) dessert. Adam and Brody had fun smearing the batter on each other's faces.

I guess it was actually just Adam helping Brody smear it on his own face.

Brody loves to snuggle Brooke. I hope she'll like it someday too (she doesn't mind it now but she doesn't have much response to it either).

One Month Old

2009-04-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

This was Brooke on the day we brought her home from the hospital (one day old).

This is her at one month old. I don't have any idea how much she weighs now, but she has really grown. Her face is really filling out and she's got rolls on her thighs already. Very cute!

I don't know why this picture didn't flip right, but you can see her face a little closer up in this one. She was one month old this past Sunday. She is such a good baby!

Day at the Spencer Farm

2009-04-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

Brody and Grandma Bev watching the guys work.

Brooke's first trip to the farm. It was a beautiful day. We watched from the back of the Jeep.

Farm boy.

He has picked up the horrible habit of chewing his fingernails all the time now.

What's more fun than jumping over a big log?

Our House

2009-04-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

I have had a few requests for a picture of the outside of our house. So here it is.

Cow Watching

2009-04-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

My two boys watching the cows behind our house after Adam came home from work one evening. (I know you can't actually see the cows in the picture, but it would have made Adam and Brody too small in the picture.)

My kids

2009-03-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

I had fun doing a little photo shoot with Brooke today trying to get a good picture for her birth announcement.

Too bad she can't smile yet -- I'm sure she was really having fun.

And we can't forget about Brody. He's such a good, fun boy. He's really doing amazingly well with his new sister.

Brotherly Love

2009-03-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

Brody and his baby sister.

One week old

2009-03-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

Brooke was one week old yesterday. This picture is from a few days ago, but this is a typical sleeping position for her. And she's a very sleepy girl! I have to wake her up every three hours and make her eat. It's amazing.

This was after church last Sunday. Adam was worn out after wrestling Brody at church by himself. The first thing Brody wanted to do when he got home was hold the baby. He loves her and loves to hold her. I'm not so sure how much Brooke loves it though.

These are the beautiful lillies my mom and dad sent me when Brooke was born. They are my favorite flower and they were our wedding flowers. They are so gorgeous!

Unfortunately after a few days I had to enjoy them from the kitchen window. They had to go outside on the back deck because they were making Adam sneeze his head off. Somehow they didn't bother him when we got married, but he couldn't handle having them in the house.

Adam asked me to get some more pictures posted of Brooke, but I told him they all look the same because all she does is sleep! But here's another picture of her, this time with her hands out. She has been so wonderful and amazing this week that we've had her. She is an angel!

Brooke is born!

2009-03-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

As you might know by now our baby girl, Brooke Lauren, is here! Adam did the last post with the first few pictures of her while I was still at the hospital and he didn't know how to add text. So now I'm home and wanted to share some more pictures and birth information about her. She was born yesterday morning, Thursday, at 10:06 a.m. I had a very easy labor and delivery again and everything went perfect. She was 8 lbs and 20 1/2 inches long. She looks exactly like Brody did when he was born. That might just be because most babies look about the same when they're born, but we compared how she looks today with his first baby pictures and they really do look exactly the same. She is healthy and doing well. I'm feeling wonderfully well. I can hardly believe I just gave birth. Enjoy a few more pictures from today and be sure there will be more to come soon.

Check out Brody's new hair cut that Adam gave him while I was in the hospital! Short!

2009-03-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

Guess Who???

2009-03-05T19:28:00.000-08:00

Birthday Wishes ...

2009-02-23T09:58:00.000-08:00

"I Cowboy"

2009-02-23T09:15:00.000-08:00

One of Brody's favorite things to say is "I cowboy". I don't know if you can hear it very well in this video but it's pretty cute.

What was he thinking?

2009-02-23T09:11:00.000-08:00

This is the rock Brody put up his nose on Friday evening, and these are the needle nose pliers I used to get it out. For a little while I wasn't sure I would be able to get it out and thought we might be making a trip to the ER. But eventually the rock got turned just the right way so I could get a hold of it with the pliers. Thanks to my little brother, Tony, who did something similar when he was little so I remembered my parents using the same tool to get something out of his nose. All is well again.

Buddies

2009-02-23T09:05:00.000-08:00

This picture makes me so happy because it's been a long road to Brody and his cousin, Nick, becoming buddies and being able to play well together. They still have their issues at times, but it's a big improvement over what it once was. Look how happy they both look.

Swollen Feet

2009-02-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

This picture doesn't do justice to the swelling I've experienced lately in my feet and ankles. It got bad for a while until the doctor told me that eating too much salt was contributing to the swelling. I had been craving a ton of salt and didn't realize it was contributing to the swollen feet and ankles. Now I've switched the chocolate and I have no more swelling! Also notice the toenail polish from two months ago. I did manage to remove the old polish and repaint them myself last night. Yeah!

The other two sets of feet aren't swollen, but Brody wanted a picture taken of his feet too. It's crazy to think we'll be adding another set in a few short weeks!

Kid's Bathroom and Brody's room

2009-02-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

This is in the kid's bathroom at our new house. I put this saying on the wall with vinyl letters. You can see the red shower curtain in the mirror. I think it turned out pretty cute.

Here's a view of the whole bathroom from the doorway. It's pretty small, but it works just fine. It's pretty much only used for bathing Brody and when guests are over and need to use the restroom.

I put this saying on the wall in Brody's room. I like the font because it looks kind of like rope writing. You can't really see what the photos are, but they're ones I took around our farm. One is of a tractor, one is of Adam and Brody, and the last one is just one of our cows. I wanted to have artwork in his room that was personal to him.

This is a view of Brody's room from the doorway. It has evolved into a cowboy themed room, and he walks around the house saying, "I cowboy!" This is his "big boy bed" that he sleeps in now. He calls it his "boy bed". He uses the stepstool at the end to climb up. He also takes the stool beneath the light switch to turn it off or on as he pleases. I'm going to make a wooden sign to go above his bed that has his name spelled out in rope.

This is his closet door. Self explanitory.

Snow Day

2009-01-28T08:40:00.000-08:00

Like almost everyone else we got snow. These pictures always post in backwards order, but here's Brody drinking his hot chocolate after we played in the snow this morning.

Mommy's hot chocolate!

I'd say we got about 4 inches or so.

He wanted me to pull him around in the wagon because it was hard for him to walk in all the snow. But pulling him was hard for me.

This is a view from our front yard. Across the road from us there are horses. I thought it looked cool in the snow with the horses and barn.

Little Cattle Herder

2009-01-28T06:38:00.000-08:00

I wanted to get a candid video of Brody playing with his toys. He started herding his animals onto the stock trailer, making the sounds just like his dad does. He's saying, "Hey! Hip! Hey! Hey! Trailer!". At the end of the video he realized I had the camera and he paused and said very quietly, "Cheese".

33 Weeks Pregnant

2009-01-27T10:56:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I'm actually posting this picture, and I can't believe I'm this big! I don't feel like my body can take getting much bigger. I'm not sure if I was even this big the day Brody was born! And I have 7 weeks until my due date!

This picture isn't that great, but here are some of the dresses I have for our little girl so far. And these are just 0-3 and 3-6 month sizes. Some of them are from my sister, some from a friend, and a couple I bought.

My awesome friend Emily bought this one for me because I told her that I saw it at the store but didn't let myself buy it. She is so thoughtful!

This is one I couldn't pass up. I think it will fit her perfectly this summer.

This is a 0-3 month size. It should be perfect for some of the warmer days this spring. I'm getting so excited!

2009-01-27T10:47:00.000-08:00

Brody fell asleep in the car on the way home from feeding the cows last night. We thought it was so cute the way he had his hands behind his head like this.

I let Brody help me make cinnamon rolls on Sunday afternoon while Adam was taking a nap. He ended up laying in the floor on the counter where I had rolled out the dough. Every time he sees this picture he says, "Mess!". And that it was!

2009-01-24T11:51:00.000-08:00

Apparently Brody just learned how to do a thumbs up and he does it all the time now. He was helping me make mini muffins one morning. He loves to help.

These are some awesome blocks Adam's sister, Jennifer, made for the baby's room. Aren't they adorable?!? I'm getting so excited about so much pink. And check out the adorable pearl bracelet in front of the "S" block. Too CUTE!

We've been in our new house for 2 months now and these are the first pictures I've posted of it. I only took pictures of the dining room (above) and the living room (below) because they were the only two rooms that were both done being decorated and that were clean. I'll post more rooms as soon as they're presentable.

This is the living room, the room you walk into when you walk in the front door. The front door is on the right. And another wonderful gift from Jennifer is the star in the wall box and the blocks up there that say home. She is so talented. The doorway you can see at the back left of the picture is the nursery. To the right of that is the kids' bathroom and then Brody's room, which is basically behind where the recliner is.

Our future BYU student / missionary

2009-01-23T05:49:00.000-08:00

This is a pink BYU bib that my awesome sister Anna got for me for our baby girl that will be here soon. But since she's not using it yet Brody found it in the kitchen drawer and insisted on wearing it. But he didn't wear it while he was eating, he just wore it around the house while he was playing. When Adam got home from work Brody was still wearing this pink bib and Adam asked him, "What are you wearing a pink bib for?"

I have been looking for a tie that would fit him for a while and finally found one. It's a clip-on and he wore it to church on Sunday for the first time. I think he knew he looked good! He put his hands in his pockets on his own too. What a stud. And he kept it on through all of church! It was also his first time staying in nursery without me and he did great! He's growing up!

Random Brody

2009-01-14T10:59:00.000-08:00

For Family Home Evening we colored and made these crowns. Brody had fun wearing his around. I had to bring in the full length mirror so he could keep checking himself out. (By the way, he's saying "cheese!").

We probably shouldn't encourage this kind of behavior by laughing, but how can you not laugh when your 2-year-old son puts a piece of popcorn in his nose! He always laughs at this picture too.

He loves riding this new horse we got him. And he always has to wear his hat when he does it. He jumps around and says "Neigh cowy", then he puts the horse's face to the ground and says, "Eat grass."

He put on my knee-high panty hose and my new shoes and walked around the house like that. Not a great look for him, especially over his pants!

I just thought this picture was really cute of him. He was watching the cows walk up while Adam was dumping out feed for the calves. He actually gets really nervous when the cows get close to him, and I guess I can understand that. They must be HUGE to him.

We're back!

2009-01-02T07:11:00.000-08:00

All of the following pictures are basically in backwards order. So you can start at the bottom of this post and scroll up or just look at them in this order. I've been so behind in my blogging so this should make up for it. I still don't have pictures from Brody's second birthday because they're on Bev's camera, but I'll post them later. These are mostly Christmas pictures and a few from before that. I'll also do another post with pictures of our new house once we're done setting everything up.

Adam and Brody at Frying Pan Park in Virginia on a nice and warm day.

Brody and cousin Katie saying cheese for the camera.

The entire Goode family. No one is missing. This was taken Christmas day. Back row: Tim, Steve, Eric, Roland. Next row: Kelly, Ellie, Marie, Anna, Janine, Spencer, Erika, Katie. Next row: Adam, Dad, Mom, Tony. Bottom row: Brody, Sophie, Peter, Megan.

The kids decorated sugar cookies. At first Brody just scooped up a spoonful of frosting and tried to eat it instead of put it on the cookie. We at least got a dab of frosting and some sprinkles on the cookie before he was done decorating and ready to eat!

Adam helped Brody unravel his "Santa Ball" that my mom made for all the kids.

All the Goode grandkids opening cousin presents Christmas Eve.

The was our little navity skit. It didn't go so well because none of the kids wanted to cooperate, but it was fun. Brody was riding his shepard's cane like a horse.

Me and Adam on Christmas Eve.

All but the two youngest kids coloring together.

Brody and cousin Megan playing the piano together.

I think Megan said she was playing princess songs.

Who put those butterfly wings on Brody? I think it might have been Uncle Roland.

Brody was very cold and ready to go home at this point at frying pan park.

Family photo. 6 1/2 months pregnant. I'm starting to feel like a cow! I'll post a better belly picture later.

We went to Frying Pan Park when we were in Virginia for a little taste of home.

Anna took some cute family pictures for us.

Adam and Brody petting the horse.

Me and my sister Anna. Love ya, Nanya!

Uncle Adam was a fun jungle gym for Sophie, Spencer, and Brody. The had so much fun climbing all over him.

Christmas with the Housewrights. We did Christmas with Adam's family before we left for Virginia. He really loves this new tool set from Adam's parents.

Brody and cousin Nick opening their traditional Christmas pajamas. They were sitting so close to each other that when they opened their boxes they grabbed each other's pj's and thought they were their own.

Abby, Ryan, Nick, and Brody in front of all the presents at Grandma's house.

One of Brody's favorite meals is spaghetti. Whenever I make it for dinner he will eat three or four plates of it. I think getting messy must be half the fun of it (for Brody anyway).

Yummy noodles!

Update

2008-12-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give a quick update and let everyone know that we're still here. Our camera is broken right now so we haven't had any new pictures lately. Which is too bad because we celebrated Brody's 2nd birthday this week on the same day as my 24th birthday. We also moved to a new house two weeks ago. So we've had a lot going on lately and will continue to be busy through Christmas (which we'll be spending in Virginia with my family this year!). We'll probably post tons of pictures after Christmas. So Merry Christmas!

Just like Dad

2008-11-17T06:27:00.000-08:00

How do you like this look? Rubber boots and no pants. I guess this picture doesn't exactly go with the title of the post because I'm sure Adam's never worn an outfit like this (since I've known him anyway), but Brody likes to wear boots like his dad.

Dang it, I hate when the pictures post in the wrong order. Why do they get mixed up? Anyway, this was just a cute picture Adam took of us last night while we were trying to take some family pictures for our Christmas cards. I won't post those pictures so they'll be a suprise when everyone gets their Christmas cards!

This is another one that's not a "just like dad" picture, but Brody really likes bugs. This was a little cricket (or crick, as Brody calls them) on our kitchen floor. I always ask him to get the bugs and throw them away for me, which he always does. This one kept jumping away from him. I just thought it was very cute how he was laying on the floor looking at it.

One evening Adam and Brody were outside burning tree limbs and stuff while I was getting some things done inside. They both came in the house looking like this! At least they had fun.

Brody likes to put Adam's boots on and try to walk around. It's so funny because Adam wears a size 13 shoe and these boots are very heavy. He can usually make it a few feet before he falls.

Halloween

2008-11-07T12:10:00.000-08:00

Brody was a firefighter this year for Halloween. It was a really hectic day for me so I didn't get any good pictures of him in his costume. But here are the few I did manage to get.

We just went to the trunk-or-treat at church which was on Halloween night. It was perfect for Brody because there wasn't too much walking to do.

Thanks to my mom's neighbor in Virginia for letting us borrow this cute costume.

IT'S A ....

2008-10-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

GIRL!!! We had my 20 week ultrasound done today and found out that we're having a little girl! We are so excited, especially me! She'll be here sometime around March 16. Adam was right for the second time. He's good. I had to pick up this pink onesie while I was at Wal-Mart. Can't have too much pink!

Cox's Farm

2008-10-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

Brody and I took a fall trip to Virginia last week. It was so wonderful! We tried to cram in as many fall activites as we could while we were there. We went to a pumpking patch called Cox's Farm. This is Brody and I on the hayride with my sister Janine and her two kids, Sophie and Spencer.

There was this huge milk cow there that the kids could pet. Brody was afraid of it though.

Brody and Sophie had fun climbing on the big stakcs of hay.

They had lots of big, fun slides that Brody and I could go on together.

This was one really huge pumpkin!

When we got home we let the kids paint their pumpkins they got at the farm. Sophie wanted to paint hers all green. Brody mostly just wanted to play with the paint.

I had to take this picture for Adam. I don't know exactly what he's sitting on, but I thought Adam would appreciate this picture.

Brody especially like all the baby pigs.

Day at the Farm

2008-10-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, we do live on a farm. But we don't have any cows here right now so we have to go to our other farms to see them. Last Saturday Adam, Brody, and I spent a beautiful fall morning riding the fourwheeler around, looking at and feeding the cows, and throwing rocks in the creek. It was a wonderful day!
We love to ride the fourwheeler, especially Brody!

Can you see the crawfish? Adam is good at catching them.

Our Big Boy

2008-10-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

I really have no idea why Brody was laying in the middle of the kitchen floor. It doesn't seem very comfortable to me.
We converted Brody's crib into a toddler bed to help him start getting used to sleeping in a "big boy" bed. He doesn't like it like this, but so far he hasn't gotten out of it until we go to get him when he wakes up. Every time he wakes up he says, "Broke!" He thinks we broke his bed!
Brody got a hold of Adam's power drill. It looked pretty heavy for him, but he kept looking for something to "fix" because he had seen Adam using it to take apart his crib.

Beautiful Fall

2008-10-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Well, these pictures are out of order, but oh well. The last five are supposed to be the first five, but here is Brody playing with the beautiful fall leaves at the city park.
Taking a snack break.
He has two favorite toy trucks and a trailer that he had to bring everywhere we go. He made a fun game out of sending them down the slide to me before he came down himself.
Here he comes!

One of Adam and Brody's new favorite things to do is for Adam to tell Brody a story while Brody lays on him like this. At this moment Adam was telling Brody a story about cows and bulls and how Brody swung them by their tails and flung them out the window. Brody is always very intrigued by Adam's stories!
The weather is beautiful so I took the opportunity while I was in town running errands to stop at the park and let Brody feed the ducks. He loves it so much.
I thought this picture was cute because I told him to smile and look at me and he did this little pose where he turned his head to the side.
There was one enormous tree at the park with bright yellow leaves. A lot had fallen to the ground, but there were still tons on the tree. It was beautiful.
Brody found one of the thousands of big yellow leaves.

P.S.- Sorry there aren't any pregnancy updates. Not much is happening yet. I'm 17 weeks and I haven't started to show enough to take a picture of my belly yet. I'll have my ultrasound in 3 weeks from today, so I'll definitely post that day and let everyone know if we're having another boy (which I think it is) or a girl this time (which Adam thinks it is).

Kid's Club Party/ Lizard

2008-09-19T13:53:00.001-07:00

The bank had a Kid's Club party that Brody went to this week. It was a rodeo theme. They were having horse races with these fake horses, but Brody just wanted to let the horse eat the hay instead of run around it. We had to remove him from the course!
There was also a "shoot out" with a little nerf dart gun. Adam helped Brody knock the cans down.
Brody caught his first lizard last night. He had been trying to catch one several times. This time he finally suceeded. I was impressed that he was so brave.
I don't think he was gentle enough with it though because when I made him set it down it didn't move much.
It was trying to bite him, but I don't think it had ant teeth. Adam said Brody was braver than he would have been because Adam wouldn't have picked it up!

2008-09-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

One of the things Brody really likes to do is line up his tractors and animals. He actually does a really good job of it.
Here's another day when he did the same thing in a different location. Maybe he'll be a perfectionist like his dad.
Hurricane Ike hit us all the way up here in Missouri. It was pretty wild, but this was the only damage we had. We were lucky it didn't fall on the house, but we couldn't get out our front door that morning for church. We had to use the back.
Adam got it to where we could use the front door and Brody loved playing with all the sticks. He would also crawl under the branches and try to hide from me.
Adam gave Brody a WarHead candy (the really sour ones) to see what his reaction would be. I took a video of it too, but it takes too long for me to post videos so I won't. But Brody never really even got it all the way in his mouth. He knew it was too sour.

RODEO

2008-09-09T09:44:00.001-07:00

The rodeo was the same night as the parade, so I think it was Brody's perfect day. We got there early to get good seats so Brody had a lot of time to walk around and look at all of the horses and cows.
He spent a lot of time watching the horses riding around the arena (warming up, I guess).
We had great seats ont he back row. We also had all of the candy from the parade to keep Brody occupied.
I think the best part was that Brody got to ride a pony! He loved it, and they even let him take two rides for the price of one because Adam missed it the first time. He cried when he had to be done.
Brody and I standing by the calves and steers before the show started. He kept saying "Baby cow!".

Steelville Parade

2008-09-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

Brody loved the parade we went to on Sturday. He was waving hello while he and Adam waited for the parade to start.
He couldn't believe they were throwing candy to him!
He got into it pretty quick and was competing with the kids on both sides of us for the candy. Luckily there was tons to go around.
He was grabbing as much at a time as his little hands could hold and bringing it back to the bag.
We're not sure which he liked better : the candy or the HORSES!

2008-09-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

We took Brody to see/feed the ducks at the park in Steelville. He loved them so much. One even ate out of his hand.
This is how he had to ride home from the park because he decided to lay down in a puddle when we weren't looking for two seoncds!
We went to Meremac Springs on Monday evening for Labor Day. It was a good place to let Brody run around and play.
We walked around the river where a lot of people were trout fishing. Brody had Grandma Bev all to himself. Later we fed the fish in the hatchery. Brody wasn't as thrilled by it as I thought he would be.
I took this picture of him today because I love this shirt they gave him at the tractor dealer in Steelville. Kubota is the brand of tractors we have that are bright orange. I couldn't get him to make a normal face. Oh well. The weather has been in the low sixties for a few days so I had to get out the long sleeve shirts.

Pudding and Pickles

2008-08-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

One morning Brody woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I don't know what was wrong, but everything made him mad. I was trying to give him something for breakfast, and finally after giving him the option of just about everything in the house he picked chocolate pudding out of the fridge.
And forget about letting me help him eat it! He had to do it by hiself, and this was the result. Needless to say, that was a rough day for both of us.
One of Adam's co-workers gave him this enormous jar of pickles for his birthday because she knows how much he loves pickles. Adam had the jar out and was eating them while we were watching the Olympics on evening, and Brody thought it made a good seat. It was just his size.

This is his favorite way to watch T.V. It looks pretty uncomfortable to me, but whatever suits him

Odds and Ends

2008-08-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

Adam captured this precious face on camera one night at dinner. If only he'd be that photogenic when I take him for professional pictures!

This was fron our trip to Harpers Ferry to my Aunt Jen's house. Brody and Spencer enjoyed all of her fun toys!
Adam's mom and dad got a new puppy. Brody's still not sure what to think of Boomer. He likes him from a distance, but he gets overwhelmed when the dog jumps on him and nips at him. He is very cute though.
I'm always amazed at how much Brody seems to put two and two together. This morning he found this straw hat that was from his Halloween custome last year and said "hat" (which I didn't know he could say), and then he said "cow", like he knew it was a hat you wear when working with cows. He wore it for a while whiile playing with his cows.
Okay, these pictures got out of order, but this was also at Aunt Jen's house. Brody loved having me swing next to him. Cousin Maggie was pushing him.

FYI

2008-08-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

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MARCH 16, 2009