Good ol times

Brielle has had this little tikes toy for a long time. I originally bought it because I liked the swing which we didn't really use because the first night I brought it home she face planted and refused to get in it. However she has always climbed on it and played with it, never really touching the swing. A new discovery this week has been the swing. She loves to push it back and forth, sit and try to swing, put her stuff animals in and push them on the swing, swing with her stuffed animals and blankets. She does anything imaginable on this swing, it's fun to watch her play. Her other top favorite with this toy to to stand on the slide and lift the end up. She thinks it's pretty funny.

Rice crispy treats

It's been some time since I tried baking with Brielle. Today I thought I would try something new and see how she would respond. I had her dump the marshmallows into the bowl which she LOVED! We kinda made a mess on the floor, step on and kneeled on others and made a marshmallowy mess. Brielle discovered the marshmallows are very sticky and liked picking up the ones off the ground and putting them back into the bowl (don't worry I cleaned the floor prior to doing this!). It took some convincing for her to actually eat one marshmallow. She liked to play with them more then anything. However our baking together stopped there because once I stuck the bowl in the microwave she wanted nothing to do with it. She kept running away and crying "hot!" With each step I tried to show her: the big blown up marshmallows, the dumping of the rice crispy cereal, and mixing. She didn't care, she was done. In fact she refused to even eat a rice crispy treat once I was done. It was pretty funny, I would have it up to her lip and she would open her mouth and last second turn her head and say "NO!"

Happy Birthday ERIN!

Today is Erin's 22nd birthday and to celebrate we went and watched a movie and ate lunch. Julie was kind enough to watch Brielle while my mom, Erin and I went to the movie. Then Matt and Dad met up with us for lunch. It was nice to get everyone together and celebrate. It was really nice to eat without worrying about Brielle. Thanks a million Julie for allowing us our girl time to celebrate without the little one. Sure glad we had another year to celebrate Erin's birthday. She has grown up so much and I am grateful to have her as my sister. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Someone saran wrapped Erin's car. They did a good job!

The 3 musketeers.

The family!

Miss Smiley

Brielle has always been a smiley baby and her smile is very contagious with dimples that are irresistible. She melts your heart when she shares her big grin. I couldn't resist, I had to share what she shares with me everyday. I love you Brielle! Thanks for being my ray of sunshine.

Oh Brielle

Today Brielle was in rare form. She woke up tired and stubborn. In fact when Matt tried to get to get her dressed she REFUSED! She picked out her own outfit and wore it for several hours despite the fact that it was SNOWING outside. Silly girl. I told Matt we had to capture her outfit and once he pulled out the camera she started posing. It was hilarious. Here are a few different poses and her lovely outfit.

I don't know how Matt did it but he was able to get a dress on her (after several attempts and 3 hours later). She still wore her jacket but she was willing to give up the hat (after her nap).

Girls night out

I am a little embarrassed to admit this, but tonight was my first girls night out since Brielle was born. Normally I am at work. I had SO much fun. Matt gave me a hard time all day that I was leaving him, going out to eat without him and making him miss basketball. I was feeling bad so I made sure I had dinner cooked and ready before he walked through the door, cleaned the kitchen, did the dishes, swept the floor and made sure the house was picked up before I left. I was in such a frenzy before I left I was sweating. He was impressed with how hard I worked before I left, he said he needed to send me out more often.
Several ladies from the ward went to Chili's for dinner. I didn't go home until 10:30. It was fun getting to know some of the ladies better. Thanks girls for a very fun and relaxing evening.

Cabella's

It may be the month of May but it's still wintery weather outside. We wanted to get Brielle out of the house and do something different and free. We went to Cabella's. I have forgotten how well done their animal displays are..they beat Scheels. Brielle loves animals and really enjoyed herself.

It was super cute. She was calling the animals to come to her, she doesn't quite understand they aren't real.

I can't believe we were able to walk out without having to buy one of these dogs. She was in heaven and sat there wanting as many doggies as she could get. I stopped at three.

Mothers Day

I really wasn't too sure how much of a Mother's Day I was going to have. I thought I was going to have to teach a young women's lesson, then discovered I was teaching the following week. We decided to go to Fallon and spend the beginning of the day and church with Norma and then head home and do dinner for my mom that night. The plan was to get up and go, however Matt surprised me and made breakfast for me which was super yummy. He also surprised me with a few gifts-a camera bag and camera protector case with cute cards from Brielle and Matt.

I was enjoying my breakfast and was surprised Matt pulled out the camera.

Brielle was happy to eat with Momma.

Totally shocked me he bought a camera case, I have wanted one for awhile. YIPPEE!

I couldn't resist Norma's breakfast even though I already had breakfast.

We stopped at Grandma Miller's and Aunt Judy was there. It was nice to catch up.

I was able to capture a couple cute close up of the neices and nephews.

I tried to get Brielle and Grandma together but Brielle was getting TOO tired and didn't want to take pictures. This was the best I could get.

We went back to Norma and Merlin's to visit before heading home. Brielle loves their swing and Brookie enjoys pushing her.

However, she was done after not napping most the day. It was time for us to hit the road so she could get a nap.

That night we had my family over and showered my mom with love, gifts and food. Matt cooked dinner which was a Mediterranean themed dinner with appetizers. We had lots of food.

I love Brielle in the background. Oma was reading the card Matt bought for Brielle to give to my mom. It was cute.

I think they look alike.

This year I feel more like a Mother than I did last year. I am starting to feel more comfortable in my role as a Mother and what that means. I feel I have so much to learn still but I have grown so much since she has been born. Brielle has made our home feel like a home instead of a house. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for trusting me enough to have one of his children and what she has taught me. I am super grateful to have my mother around that I am able to watch and learn from her as she spends time with Brielle. Happy Mothers DAY!

Things that have made me laugh

This last couple of weeks she sure has become whiny and fussy. I contribute it to many factors a few of them being teething (I think she is getting 4+teeth including molars) and the start of the terrible 2's! It sure has been a joy around here, constantly saying "I can't understand you when you whine." However, There are some adorable moments and I wouldn't trade her for anything. This last week she sure has done something that has made me just laugh out loud.

1. I jumped in the shower and at the end she came running up to the shower. She had to show me her new addition to her outfit. Check it out!

By the way this face is a minor whiny face, but it was the only picture I could get before she took off my bra.

She has wrapped it around. It was too cute.

2. I was cooking dinner and had her help me pull out some ingredients. Before I know it she is pulling the zucchini out of the plastic bag and eating it. She LOVED it. She snacked on it for a good 15 min, trying both sides skin and all.

3. When looking at this picture you can't imagine her being whiny. Don't let the looks fool you. However this week she has been such a cuddle bug, I have sure enjoyed it.

4. She really likes to lounge around. We just recently purchased a table/chair set for her and she thought she would kick back and eat a snack.

5. Brielle took her potty chair out of the bathroom and placed her feet between the seat. She walked around the living room with it around her feet, laughing and taking very small steps.

6. I haven't capture video or a picture but I need to. Brielle likes to sneak up on you and scare you. She will crouch down and put her index finger up to her lips and whisper "SHH" and when she gets to you start yelling "AWW" It is super cute!

7. Matt pulled out our water foundation that we have had in box in the garage for over a year and a half. He decided to hook it up in the backyard until we find where we want to put it. As a result Brielle is one happy camper. This is a picture of her saying "wawa" (water) the first time she saw the fountain.

Doris Fireside

Tonight Aunt Doris gave a little fireside for our family, and another excuse to get together with the family. Douglas, Angie, Aunt Beth and Uncle Norman were able to be there (they missed out on Parren). Douglas and Angie have a 7 or 8 week old boy and are going to be living next to Aunt Beth and Uncle Norman for a little while. It will be so fun to have them home for a little while. Brielle was in rare form and Matt took her home and put her to bed while I stayed to visit. It was a nice way to end the weekend.

Norman, Gpa Ross, Gpa Ross, Douglas and his son Avery

It looks like the discusses what outfits to wear prior to the photo shoot.

Douglas playing with Ray and Eliza

Aunt Doris during the fireside.

Avery, Nan, Jacob, Douglas

Brian and Crystal came up for the baby shower and had to capture the few moments they are together with the whole family!