a little project

My sister and I had discussed this decorative project while I was visiting last month and this is how my work came out. The letters are for Brody's nursery (Brody Jay Ashton), which is actually finished now! I can't believe we actually have a room done, it's so exciting! The letters were actually pretty easy to decorate and it's a really quick project. So big sis, I look forward to your results!

cruisin'

Well Justin's grandparents have been super generous and have taken the whole family (children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren included) on a cruise every once in a while as a way to get the whole family together, all 25 of us. Last year Justin and I couldn't go since I was a couple weeks from my due date, but this year we were sure to be there! So the whole family boarded the boat for a three day cruise to Ensenada, where there would be plenty of food, fun and family. My favorite part of the trip? Having TONS of food to eat without having to prepare or clean up a single thing. Brody was a trooper and LOVED having familiar faces to run into all over the boat. It was so nice to see each other and catch up, the only bummer? We missed Ryan who had to work!

date night

Between school, traveling, Brody's teething and Justin's boards, things have been a little hectic. So when the Ashton's offered to babysit, Justin and I took the opportunity to go out on a date together. First we went out to dinner and made sure we both tried a new dish (that's about as adventurous as I get) and we both enjoyed our selections. Afterward we went miniature golfing and I'm pretty sure that I won, although I bet Justin will plead his own case. Later we just hung out and did some old fashioned talking. It was so fun to have some time for just the two of us. Justin is so fun to be with and he's such a sweetie. I love you Justa and can't wait for our next date!

trip to utah

This month Justin takes his boards, so Brody and I headed to Utah to visit my family so he could have some time to study. In a rare treat, the entire immediate Hatter fam was all present (there's always a son-in-law missing, this time it was Justin)! The first half of our trip was a little bumpy since Brody was having some major teething pain, but after a few days he came around and we were able to get out a do some stuff (okay really we got out and did some shopping). We had a fun trip and it's so fun to visit with all my nephews and nieces (including newest edition Emily, she's so cute!) Having the whole family together is so fun, but next time I'm definitely bringing Justin to complete the pack!

unfortunately all in a day

There are days when by the time Justin comes home I have reached my max. And then there are days, like today, that max you out just hours after you've climbed out of bed. Today included:
a teething baby (that's a reoccurring one all day)
an ant infestation (I actually just cleaned last night, go figure)
re-cleaning the house
food tantrums from Brody who won't eat
having yogurt smeared on my shirt right after I got dressed
finally getting Brody to sleep and maybe a full minute later
an EARTHQUAKE shakes him awake and freaks me out (I HATE them!)
not being able to get a hold of Justin until an hour after the earthquake had passed
Body waking up and hour and a half early from his nap
Brody climbing out of him crib and falling to the floor before I could get him(a new development)
the dvr recorded extended news coverage instead of one of my shows
another food tantrum
Brody climbing under the table and standing up, bumping his head
spilling water on my ipod.

Ok so individually not that bad, but in a seven hour period, it's a bit much, at least for me. Anywho, we went on a walk in the afternoon and everything seemed to calm down after that. Our last hour before Justin came home was pretty fun, so maybe the day will balance out after all. Hopefully I'm not alone in having totally stressed out-patience exhausting days! Now.. where's the chocolate?!

I need a little help...

So as a preschool teacher I received TONS of candles as gifts, which I have steadily been trying out. However, I haven't really come across a candle that continually gives off a lasting great scent. So, any suggestions of candles I should try? Thanks for the help!

the big day

Last Thursday was the biggest day of the year for our family, since we celebrate both our anniversary and Brody's birthday. Ok, so the anniversary hasn't actually been celebrated yet (although I did get my present) but we did celebrate Brody's first birthday with a little bbq party with family and friends. Lately it seems that Brody is getting to be a lot more kid and a lot less baby. He working on walking, trying to climb up slides at the park and even thinks he can swim by himself in the pool. I think he sincerely believes he's as big as three year old, except for the tiny little fact that he only one. Brody is such a funny kid, and he if he's ever at your house he'll explore it ALL! He's so fun and I can't believe how fast this year has gone. As a sum up: I LOVE our little guy!