The Hill Family

Brooks & Addy

2010-04-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

I am a forever bad "Hill Family" blogger - in fact, I doubt any one reads this - but I use it to update about my kids life, so that (I will hopefully print it ) and they will have something to look back on since I'm also not always the best baby-book-keeper or journaler.

Brooklyn - 30 Months:
- can count objects (how many stars are there brooks? one, two, THREE! (get's real excited about saying 3!).)
- huge huge language explosion - he can or will try to say ANYTHING and EVERYTHING
- loves elmo, gabba, dora, ADDY!
- loves to draw & color
- loves puzzles - his favorite is a fish puzzle and he will put the wrong color fish piece and say "Silly Fish" and laugh/giggle - so CUTE!
- loves "hand songs" - (the itsy bitsy spider, twinkle twinkle, the wheels on the bus, etc).
- loves to sing songs - can sing ABC, Twinkle, Wheels, The More we get together, & more by himself and most songs that he's heard more than once he can sing with someone.
- bites when angry :(
- pushes---> he does not get the idea of sharing/taking turns.
- at the end of prayers's he knows when we say "thank you, JESUS" & says really loud & happy " A_MEN"
- loves 'may may', 'ro ro', and cousin steven.
- can count to 10, but skips four & six.
Addy - 51 months (need to stop counting months!):
- loves preschool, playing with friends, our neighbor CiCi/Erik/Terry
- calls people "chocolate"
- loves the princess & the frog it's "my favorite movie"
- plays blastball - daddy coaches with Assistant Coach Chuck Willis
- takes ballet
- loves planting/gardening after planting onions & potatoes at keeper's hosue
- loves winnie the pooh, making crafts, playing outside, going to the library
- love's megan/ronda/steven
- Preschool/3's program/ SPUMC Nursery School with Mrs Patruska (Becca, Chole, Chelsea, Rachel, Bryce, Christopher, Caleb & John).

Christmas

2009-12-29T09:24:00.000-08:00

This year never really felt like "Christmas" - probably because Brooks birthday is so close (the 19th). But I think the kids really enjoyed it. Addy got a big girl bike - and loveloveloves it, I can't wait for the weather to not be windy & freezing so she can actually go on long rides while I push Brooks in the stroller - hello workout! :)

Brooks got a wooden train set from Santa - and loves it. But I also think Addy might like it a lil bit more...

The kids got lots of 'other' gifts too - but those were their big "santa gifts". I actually made them each a gabba gabba blanket, Brooks being Brobee and Addys Foofa (their favorite characters). I also made them scarves. Addy keeps telling me Merry Christmas hoping that if she says it, it will be Christmas again... Not for another year Addy!

It was SO fun this year having children who really got into their Christmas. Even though it didn't entirely 'feel' like Christmas, it means the world to me knowing my children are happy.

Brooks turns 2!

2009-12-20T15:42:00.000-08:00

Saturday was destined to be all sorts of ... wonderful? :) Last time Maryland had an official blizzard (that I lived through) was 1996. Apparently there was one in 2003 or 2004 - but I had moved to Utah. Moving foward - Brooks birthday also happened to be Saturday! Freaking 2! Holy cow - the amazingness of the past 2 years blows me away. I love this lil' kid so much, and can't believe he's a 'kid', not a baby, nor a toddler. A KID!

Mitch spent 4 hours driving (which should have been an hour round trip driving) to pick up my sister and her girlfriend & son so that they could come over for Brooks birthday (bless Mitch's soul....).

It was such a fabulous day, regardless of the weather. (Have I mentioned how much I despise snow?). I hope Brooks knows how much we love him and how grateful we are to have him in our life for 2 years now!

Brooks obviously loves all things "Yo Gabba Gabba" - his favorite character being Brobee. I knew I wanted to make a Brobee cake, but I am no cakebakewhiz. (Even though I did work in a cookie decorating store for 2 years...). I was determined to only use ingredients I had in the house - and running out of cake mix, I ended up using tinfoil for the horns - but otherwise, I think it was a success because at least you can tell what "it" was supposed to be? :)

The favorist thing I made was this pretty rad (for a non painter/talentedcreative type) was this frame... til I realized they all had their hands up like suliting Hitler... Ha... Uh..

Happy Birthday Brooks!

2009-12-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

It's been quite a while since I updated this - and tons has taken place! (But I will save that for the Christmas card...). Alas, it's a good place to update on my kids lives so that I can eventually print it out and they can have a mini-update book on their lives. Or Such.

Today was calling for freezing rain (Icing). Scared to death to drive anywhere - but not wanting to keep the kids stuck in the house all day - I bundled them up, and outside we went. Of course it turns out, it's sunny and probably in the 40's... But some silly photos for fun (all off of my phone, so not high quality at all...):

2009-07-22T14:59:00.001-07:00

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child.

There are seven million.

~Walt Streightiff

Sometimes I do silly things that make my children think I'm not too awful - or was it that I was trying to avoid homework.... Either way, for them, it's a win - win situation! :)

****Obviously my talents do not lie within construction paper art.

The Damage:

2009-07-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't read, or I haven't cried to you - Addy chopped her hair. All of it. Here's some of the 'damage'. I don't have any "post-damage trytofixit" photos for now because I'm still trying to take it all in that, that my daughters hair is gone. Addy's her hair cut once (November 2008), and it was mostly just to be like "Hey You've officially had your hair cut before you turned 3". But now sadly her long lucious hair is gone. But don't worry - boyish looking or not, I still dig the kid :).

Brooklyns Word's

2009-07-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

I absolutly love toddler-hood. It's by far my favorite stage - and mostly because the toddlers don't think of picking up scissors and chopping their hair off - because yes, yesterday my 3 year old did that! :( (P.S. my flash card works in my camera, but if I put it in my computer, it says that I must reformat, or that no photos can be found--- any one know whats going on!?!)

Anyhow, Brooks says "Baba" for bottle, "bebe" for brobee (his stuffedbrobee from yogabbagabba) 'blankee', shoooe (Addy used to do this too, SO SO STINKING CUTE!) and his favorite - "ELMO". We got him a stuffed 'Elmo' Yesterday and he immediatly grabbed it, 'kissed it', hugged it, and said "ELMO". heart. BREAK. Love that kid.

I wish I could post photos but since I can't retreive them off my flash card right now - so deal with a cute silly video of Brooks .

My lovely little friends:

2009-07-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

I was just going to write an entry about how I don't really like kids (other than my own), but then I realized I tear up a lil bit every time I see a newborn, or a first time mother holding her newborn.

Or thinking about how cute toddlers are when they are exploring and learning about everything in their atmosphere surrounding them (thanks to Brook for this one right now!).

I think about the little kids at Addy's daycare who play and love on my daughter each and everyday. (Which also reminds me of the amazing teachers who love on my children in my absence everyday... I freaking love & will miss their daycare.)

I think about the "person" that bared me an amazing sweet and deep 6 year old nephew and ex-step-niece that first taught me how much I really do love children and how they would come into my life and save me. Because Carly Rita Smith - you saved my life. And I will forever again, love you and be grateful for you.

And then, swearing I would never have kids - ever, I got pregnant. And I miscarried, and I secretly cried because everything I had so fastly become to love left me, but I couldn't tell anyone that I was hurting - I felt like the world would not understand... And just barely two months later I got pregnant with my daughter (I was on birth control the first time?! I am sounding scandalous...) Addy, who taught me so much about loving others before myself, teaching and raising, helping me understand who I wanted to be. I started with a niece who saved my life, and a daughter who helped me focus.

A year later, I got pregnant again. I was working at Mervyn's and the Mayors Office at the time, and Mitch was in Miami for work. I remember walking into the bathroom at Mervyn's and seeing it again. I called a really good friend at the time, who came and got me and helped me get my daughter, so that we could go to the hospital to have a D&C. Tears. I must get really fertile after miscarriages, because I then got pregnant with Brooks. The time between my miscarriage and while I was pregnant with Brooks was one of the hardest, most unstable and most trying periods of my life. Not "THE" but pretty dang close.

I had no idea how I would cope - how could I care for my daughter, a newborn and still manage to take care of myself? But to my suprise, that little ball of joy came from my womb and the tears fell - I was so in love, again. Brooks has taught me patience, that my heart is never too small for more love, and has helped build on Addys lesson of focus, with ambition. I have desire and dreams because of my two children - two children I never ever thought I would have.

I think of all the many nieces and nephews Mitch has, and how sweet and loving they are to my children. How great their mothers are. I am grateful for seeing such a compassion of mothering through the love those children have shared.

I have no idea where I wa sgoing with this, it was supposed to be about how 2 kids is more than enough and how I don't like any kids other than my own, and that the world is overpopulated... but it became this.

♥

(Oh and P.S, the kids discovered they love each other the past couple of days. It all started at Wal-mart. Brooks was being a handful, so Addy went and took his hand so he would walk with her... and since then, they have been inseparable, loving on each other. I lovelovelove it!!)

Addy & Brooks

2009-07-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

Updates...

2009-06-09T17:55:00.001-07:00

I don't have any photos, I will have to do that later....

But, I wanted to announce some big news!

At nearly 18 months old, Brooks got his first tooth! We noticed it popping through around early May, but in the middle of May it finally came through – the front center one. Next in line was the second front center one, and a molar! He has 3! Getting 3 teeth in a two/three week span, and still being a joyful happy baby? I know, I know – I'm very blessed. I was also blessed that I only had one vampire child, and that Brooks was kind enough to not get vampire teeth – and stay with vampire teeth, until he was 2 (Addy on the other hand....)

He's also starting to mimic everything we say and do. Tell him to get a diaper? Off into his bedroom he zooms and back to wherever I am when I asked him to get me one. If he wants more to drink, he brings his cup to the edge of the kitchen and waves it like “Hey fill this up lady!” haha! This morning on the way to daycare Addy and I were singing the “I love _______” (enter someones name) song, and we were singing I love Daddy, and Brooks goes “Love Daddy”. SO CUTE, especially since he still does not have much vocab (and I didn't talk til I was 2, so I'm not worried about it....)

We've been very sick around here – and poor Addy is feeling it the worst, the mornings she wakes up and just begs to be snuggled, & is all sad. Once she takes some medicine, and is finally convinced into eating breakfast – she eventually feels somewhat better, but it's still hard seeing your kids so sick – especially when you are so sick and kind of secretly craving the ability to just taking care of yourself. Oh the joys of parenthood!

I'm taking my last official undergraduate classes, with hopeful joy that I will get into graduate school. Mitch is heavily (more so, most likely) considering the marines, which would put him in northern Va, while I would be in grad school in baltimore (90 minutes away). We would have to commute to each other on the weekends, but with such a short grad program, and it allowing us both to benefit our own lives, while benefiting our married life in the long run – well, it would be a great good thing ;).

That is that for now, I think.....?

Addy's Dance Recital

2009-05-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

Addy had her dance recital tonight. She LOVELOVELOVED dance, and will be sad once she realizes it's "over". Hopefully we can find another class to sign her up for soon!

2009-04-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

Updates?
Updates...

Brooks CAN walk, and HAS walked and WILL walk if you make him -but he's still in the "I can prove you wrong, and can crawl much faster than I can walk" phase.

He can feed (and prefers to feed)himself with utensils. Unless it's macaroni & cheese, and then he will use his hands.

Addy has been in a dance class, and loves it. She will mimick what she learns the whole week until she goes back and learns more.

It's the end of the semester, and Mitch graduates next weekend, and I the following weekend. Insanity! College Graduates? Check. College Indebetees? Check Check! :)

Now for the fun stuff:

2009-03-22T20:54:00.000-07:00

There is beauty all around, when there's love at home.

There is joy in ev'ry sound, when there's love at home.

Peace and plenty here abide, smiling sweet on ev'ry side.

Time doth softly, sweetly glide, when there's love at home.

Chorus: Love at home, Love at home.

Time doth softly, sweetly glide, when there's love at home.

In the cottage there is joy, when there's love at home.

Hate and envy ne'er annoy, when there's love at home.

Roses bloom beneath our feet, all the earth's a garden sweet,

Making life a bliss complete, when there's love at home.

Chorus: Love at home, Love at home.

Making life a bliss complete, when there's love at home.

Kindly heaven smiles above, when there's love at home.

All the world is filled with love, when there's love at home.

Sweeter sings the brooklet by, brighter beams the azure sky.

Oh, there's one who smiles on high, when there's love at home.

silly addy...

2009-03-16T19:27:00.001-07:00

I was just trying to teach Addy one plus one, so I was showing one finger, and then hiding it, and then bringing out another finger on my other hand.

Essentialy showing one finger + one finger, then there is two fingers!

So addy one finger plus one finger equals how many? "MANY FINGERS MOMMY!"

Making Easter Craft:

2009-03-11T16:57:00.001-07:00

This afternoon we made an easter/spring craft, mostly because I am SO excited for bright colors and spring to hurry up & come! :)

Addy turns 3!

2009-01-29T13:23:00.000-08:00

Addy turned 3 on January 24. I can NOT believe it. 3 years ago, I was braced with this beautiful little angel, who has absolutly changed and helped mold me to in such a more patient, calm, loving, compasionate person --- all the traits she herself has. I hope that one day she is able to know how much I love her, and how grateful I am for her in my life, and I know Mitch feels the same way.

We celebrated a couple days early at Lou Lou's house, since Lou Lou is Addys favorite person the world practically! hehehe, but Addy does love her Lou Lou. We got to say goodbye to Uncle Dustin who is going to Austrilia for Dralion, a cirq de sole show.

On Saturday, her "real" birthday, we just made a cake, and enjoyed family time. We are pretty much suffering birthday/christmas blowout (so really, not a good excuse I know this now...) and didn't wrap Addys gifts, but suprised her with them one by one. She loved it too, that way she could see each one and enjoy it before the next was delivered. I had to work that night, but it was very pleasurable being able to see my little girl so happy for her day.

That night, Mitch was going to take Addy to Chuck-E Cheese, but apparently they went to Lou Lou's house, and Addy didn't want to leave. Yeah, she REALLY likes her Lou Lou. Ha! I told Mitch to take some pictures, and when I was going through our camera, all I could find were these, obviously from the way home. Oh well, at least he took something ;)!

I have lots of videos to post, but Youtube is being slow, so those will have to wait!

Holla!

2008-12-31T12:36:00.001-08:00

So, i craved it, and I did it.

I created my abode', where I can be the true, tractless, rude, and blunt BLAIR that I am! I'm so excited. Seriously folk's, my best friends can attest for me, my family can attest for me, and even more so, my mother in law, can most graciously, tell you that I am a tactless person!

So if the F word offends you, or if you don't like sugarcoated things, where I discuss inappropriate details about my life - you should probably just keep reading the sugarcoated Family blog here!

But if you want, you can come on my journey with me:

http://www.iamblair.blogspot.com

HAVE A GREAT 2009!

Brooks is 2!

2008-12-29T09:30:00.000-08:00

Natalie has been keeping tabs on what her kids do on her blog, and I think thats a great thing... So here's a couple of the cute things Brooks does (more of a record for myself).
- Brooks loves Diego "Eeego!", Yo Gabba Gabba " Yoo GABBA!", & Elmo is hip too - he will occasionally want to watch Elmo, but he gets really EXCITED for Diego and Gabba.
- He's starting to speak EVERYTHING, he says every word you say, and even if he can't say it correctly - he tries.
- Addys working on teaching him to count to 10! (Sibling love, so sweet♥)
- He loves noodle foods - Macaroni & Cheese, Spaghetti, Lasagna - but he also really loves Pizza and French Fries. ( I swear I feed my kid good food too...). Mostly he loves anything that he can eat - which is a lot now that he finally has teeth.
- On that, Brooks finally has teeth - and a lot! It took forever to get them, and in the past 2 months they have just popped out like CRAZY!! In August, he only had his top 2, now he has teeth all over (I need to count, but I know he has his bottom 2, some molars, etc).
- He still remains my happy health (unvacc'd!) baby - but he grew up too. He's still wearing 18months, but SOME of them are almost too short. But his 2t's still swallow him. And he can't even try to wear 2t pants. Addy was always super tall & off the charts, Brooks is just the opposite:)
- He loves water! He LOVES to take baths, loves to brush his teeth, loves to play with toys in the sink, loves to get near water in the sink, loveloveloves water. Seriously, I will never have to worry about him being Dirty! :)
- Brooks also loves to clean (but he's better at making huuuuuge messes, EVERYDAY, in his bedroom). He wipes his mouth ( but is insistent that it's with a new clean napkin only) and will THEN use his dirty napkin to try and wipe your mouth. He loves to use baby wipes so that he can pour his bottle out (like a cleaner) and then 'wipe clean'.
- He also LOVES to color. It's one of his favorite things to do - most CERTAINLY an artistic brained child.
- He is definantly a boy - he is overflowing with energy, could gogogo if you let him. He loves going down slides at the park, running around, - but you also know when he's tired because of his downfalls - he will throw things, hit(ugh!), and just be a grumpy guy.
- He hates shoes & socks. He will take them off as fast as you just put them on. Though for his birthday he got Yo Gabba Gabba shoes, which he will actually bring to you to put on - so we're getting there... (I just turned around and he was taking his socks off...ha ha).
- Cute names for things:

Ro Ro & May May (Aunt Ronda & Aunt Megan)
Bro Bro (brobee from gabba gabba), and though he says it 'correct' Mitch & I love the way he says "Plex"
Ahee (Addy),
Pway (play)
NO! He loves to say No! For the longest time (when he still couldn't communicate as well) he would say No! for everything, even if it meant yes! That was a confusing time period ha! - But now he also will shake his head and say "ya!" which is almost as cute!

- He also loves BUBBLES! (Which he says, so cute!). I can't believe I almost forgot this, he loves bubbles and will hide them and then 'find' them and bring them to me so I can't ever "put them away".

- He still likes to imitate Addy - since Addy got a new bike for Christmas, Brooks has been riding the trike which he showed little to no interest in prior, but now he loves it.

- He's still a mommys boy - except when Mitch gets home from work and then he will run to Mitch saying "DADDY UP!" So mitch will hold him.

- He still sleeps with us - kind of. We've at least got him on a mattress on the ground, but still in the same room - baby steps... But if he gets scared in the middle of the night, he will climb up with me and sleep and once he's asleep I make it a habit to put him back on his mattress. Occasionally he will fall asleep in Addy's room, but it's a minority.

- He LOVES Ro Ro (My sisters girlfriend). She's the one person Brooks might just run to before me occasionally!

- I will add more as more happens, or as I remember more, again just so I can have a little reference for myself! (12/29/09)

Christmas 2008

2008-12-28T13:42:00.001-08:00

Christmas came & went, and that's probably a good thing. I'm most certainly ready for 2009 - and more so than that, I'm ready for freaking Spring. I forget how depressing winters in Utah are, and we've still got at least 3 more months. BOO!

Anyways, here's a video from Brooks today, I have been horrible about capturing his first year, but here he is at 1 year + 1 week old! I Can't believe how DIFFERENT he is, even from at 6 months old!

And for those who desire, some C-mas Photos!

Oh, and I pretty much give up on trying to do indoor photos, manually, at 6AM, with no sun,

and the windows shut, and only the Cmas tree on, so yes, yes I did use my OCflash! (though

the blue manual photos were cool too...)

Brooks turns 1!

2008-12-19T20:04:00.001-08:00

I can't believe my baby boy is 1. Looking at him, he looks nothing like I thought he would at 1 - blonde hair! Brooks hair was pitch black when he was born. Even at 6 months it was brown, and he was a scrawny beanpole. Now he's close to 18 freaking pounds, blonde haired, crawling everywhere, chasing cats, pulling his sister's hair, just your typical boy baby. I love him so much, and I'm so SO glad he's in my life..

We were going to have a bigger party, since we've never really had a "big" birthday party for our kids, but we decided against it, and good thing because it ended up being one of the biggest snow storms I've seen since living in Utah. We had hamburgers for dinner, and homemade yummy-licious chocolate icing cake thanks to Mitch!

P.S.
Boohyah.

hahahahaha

2008-12-11T17:11:00.001-08:00

Virginia

2008-11-30T14:50:00.001-08:00

Virginia was a ton of fun. Seeing family, being in the slow tempered south, seeing my granny a ton, eating good foods, etc. Not so fun was missing our 10 minute, on the other end of the airport, connector flight after getting at the airport in SLC at 3AM, and then not getting into Regan til 8, and not getting home to my moms til well past midnight ---- well it was much tiring;thus having to fly into Regan instead of BWI and then having to drive to Charlottesville the next day to get our luggage. Oh.. and the South? They really, really, REALLLLY like Jesus. Odd. I wish I could say I'm glad to be home but I miss family and I just really don't care for Utah. It will be good to get back into a pattern however, face reality, etc.

Addy also got her first hair cut ever! (Brooks got his first one at 6 months!) Sadly I didn't take pictures, as it was seriously a spur of the moment, Addy wasn't paying attention and actually let me touch her hair (an extreme rarity in the Hill household...), but it's short and adorable, and she looks much more "3".

The worlds most conservative man --- no truly, boy is he RED!, (but I like him lots anyways...), my Uncle Bill & I

Aunt Patty & I (Uncle Bill's wife, Aunt Patty is my mom's sister)

Aunt Donna & I (My moms other sister)

The Sisters + My Granny (their mom....., and yep on camera flash, lazy blair!)

Brooks + Granny

Granny

My Sister doing my moms hair...

Adios!

2008-11-21T17:06:00.000-08:00

We're off to the south:

Land of the few, home of the good cooking, sight seeing of the Amish!

I CAN'T WAIT! Southern Virginia is the most beautiful, amazing, peaceful place. The people are like no other, ooooooh see you in a week!

Brooks, 11 months

2008-11-20T15:26:00.001-08:00

I think I forgot to do Brooks 10 months, which means I failed. I never did any of the "months" with Addy, and I was trying my hardest to be good at it with Brooks... but alas, we all fall short at something.

At 11 months, Brooks stands, crawls (well bear crawls), does "push ups",is still a very much hold me now, lapbaby, i cry if you set me down, etc.

Just a few quick snapshots i took, 1 day late!

and on the second one, yes i realize where the focus is, but again, these were QUICK snapshots!

Addy wanted to take part, which she never allows me to actually take pictures. Apparently they had cupcakes for Cassies birthday at daycare!? (assuming cassie, since she keeps singing happy birthday cassie!)

HA!

2008-11-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

In May, I'm flying out to D.C. to go see the off broadway cast of RENT, with my lifelong (seriously, I met her when I was 4!) friend Liz! I'm so SO excited. I first saw Rent (and actually, the only time I've seen rent...) 13 years ago, with Liz & her brother Joseph, at the National theatre in D.C.

Well this conversation lead to Liz and I discussing how we could take the metro to the white house after the show, which lead to me saying how I think Obama is sexy! (Oh come on, anyone who denies it is lying to themselves!)

googooettegrl: you have random taste...
me: whats my taste?
googooettegrl: young morman boys and obama

:)

And just because, here is an awesome version of Jonathan Larson's "Louder than Words"from tick tick boom....

They always said not to talk about Religion, but I'm Blair....

2008-11-12T16:23:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I hate living in Utah, and knowing so many LDS/Mormon people... Because I feel like I always have to do disclaimers when I discuss my spiritual journey. It's not that I don't love and respect the many LDS people in my life, my in laws are LDS, my very bestest friend in the whole wide world is LDS, (so mormon in fact that she invited me to sacrament meeting on Sunday, no I'm not going, yes I laughed... but don't worry, Stephanie gets me, so she understands that I mean no harm when I laugh at her, she also knows that I want her desperately to go on a mission, etc (p.s. STEPHANIE! GO ON A MISSION! xoxo, blair).

Moving foward, with that being said, like I mentioned, it's hard to discuss my spiritual journey without either getting the mormons in my life happy or sad, getting my mom (oh Lord does she define Southern Methodist!) happy or sad, etc. It's really hard to soul search! My mom is on my case everyday telling me to get the kids in church, etc. I'm sure Mitch's parents would be too, but they pretty much know how crazy I am, and that I flipflop, AND that Mitch would never go back to the 'church' (Another reason I want to get out of Utah, I hate "the Church", it should be "What church?" not "The Church", The Church should be a band or something..., wow, you can so tell I have ADHD in this post...)And I mean, sur eI think being raised a belief, in an open sense, is good. I was "Raised" Episcopalian (a.k.a "Catholic Lite"), and though my mom cried when I got in a huge fight, begging her to not make me get confirmed (By the way, thanks Mom, even at 13, you allowed me to make choices, and I love and respect you so much for that!), eventually she gave in, I started going to a rock & roll praise the lord (PTL! baby!) church where I wore jeans, etc. and though I don't necessarily (which I will get into later...) believe in anything anymore, by going to that rock & roll church, even though I had a horrible teenage life (will get into that in another post), having Church, Religion, & Beliefs in my life, got me through the extremly hard times (well, plus my neice Carly, which again is another post.)

I would post my heart felt entries that I once wrote into my journal, but I think it just may be too deep and personal for people to understand outside my life. But just know, that even though I was probably a huge hypocrite, I passionatly LOVED Jesus Christ, I was an "on fire" Christian, and I wanted everyone to love my homeboy Jesus with me. I was strongly passionate about Christianity, and even though it wasn't cool, I upheld and stood by my faith.

Now who knows if I had never joined the LDS church, if I would have wavered so much in my beliefs. Did the whole "Blair is Mormon" experience turn me off to "religion"? I don't know. Or perhaps if I had never moved to Utah, would I still be mormon... again, I do not know. But I do know where I stand in life now, and thats a big freaking clueless. Sorry Mom!

I know I love nature, I love Mother Earth, I love the humankind, I love our world. I believe in the power of prayer, whether you are praying to a stone in the earth (which yes, I have done) or to a "God". I believe prayer is a very strong and real personal form of meditation that gets many people through life. Do people get "answers" from prayer? In the sense can prayer cure cancer, sure. If you pray your chances of getting through a life terminal illness are much higher. But does some almight man upstairs say "Blair I heard your prayer, here is your answer:....", I don't know. I also firmly believe that we all have a personal belief, and that whatever I may believe prayer is, is different than what prayer is to you. Maybe you believe a "God" answers your prayer, if he does? Then I'm glad you have that prayer in your life! For some people their personal belief is that prayer is fake, and for them I respect and can notion that.

I believe that there is a greater need to living than self gratification, that we are sent here for a reason. Perhaps fate/destiny. I believe in everything I do, each day, each circumstance, every trial good and bad, there is a purpose and meaning behind it. I have a long way to go to be the person I want to be, but I believe that their is a path laid out for me, and though there may be stones that will stump me, mountains that must be climbed, etc --- in the end, my life will be just the way it was intended to be. (Wow that was a really lame analogy, sorry, but you get my point!)

With that said, with 2 (beautiful may I add...) children that depend on me (at least for now), to teach them. What do I teach? Do I teach them that by hugging a tree they can grow confidence and become wiser, or that by accepting Joseph Smith they will gain eternal salvation,(or on the flip side, that by accepting Joseph Smith, they are doomed for hell), etc. It's a hard spot to be in. Addy knows who Jesus is, well the thought of him at least (though I think she thinks Jesus is her Uncle Jason...), she prays on her knees everynight, a simple prayer telling God who she loves, thank you Jesus, Amen. I suppose if I had to take my Children to a church right now, it would either be the Episcopal church, because it teaches basic foundation beliefs of Christianity, is a church known for the open arms + acceptance on very important/dear things to my heart (homosexuality, priesthood to women, etc) or the Unitarian church..... I just want my kids to have a belief, to get them through the hard times, so that they can have SOMETHING to rely on, when PEOPLE aren't reliable. When it feels like everyone in their life has turned their back on them, whether it means going to that faithful tree and crying, or praying to a God, I want so desperately for my children to have something to turn to.

With that said, I am going to go hug a tree now.

Adoption + Prop 8/121

2008-11-08T10:24:00.001-08:00

First, how our country can make such a HUGE step towards positive change, and vote for the first ever african american president, and then the very next day pass a law that bans marriage for homosexual couples, perplexes my mind.

It makes me sad for so many reasons, but mostly because we are taking valuable, tax paying, citizens who live in a country that was founded on FREEDOM, and telling them that they can not be with who they love. And no, a civil union does not entitle the same securities that a marriage liscence does, such as health choices, taxes, death benefits, immigration rights, etc. I won't go into how saddened, and disguted this makes me.

On that, I read a ton of adoption blogs. YAY for adoption! It's a wonderful thing, and reading so many blessed families stories has really built a soft spot in my heart for adoption. It started with a dear friend I met in a photo class a few years ago, and from her it his spiraled into a blog obession! Reading about failed adoptions, infertility, etc is heartbreaking and makes me so thankful for my body and family.

On that, I'm very against (again) things that eliminate the possiblity for homosexual couples (or any couple, person, etc for that matter) to be treated equal and fair thus in support for adoption, I have added a link to our blog on the right -----> that links to an equal rights adoption agency. I will not support any agency, company, person, etc that does not believe in equal rights, including the obvious church sponsored agencies.

Did You Vote?

2008-11-04T07:56:00.001-08:00

The End.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T15:19:00.000-08:00

We had a witch and a devil. Addy got to go trick or treating at daycare as well as at Mitch's parents neighborhood that night, and she had a blast! Though towards the end of the night, she decided she'd rather be minnie mouse than a witch! :)

Someone very frightful came trick or treating at Mitch's parents house, and we all had nightmares shortly there after :

Hope everyone had a very happy Halloween!

Learning + Playing

2008-10-28T10:56:00.001-07:00

Addy & I "did each other's hair & make up" last night. Unfortunatly, I believe she got the better end of the deal. She is such a natural beauty :

Meanwhile, Brooks found a pen and thought it would be fun to partake in the festivities, and drew all over his face!:

My children!

A Faithful talk...

2008-10-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

Mitch's little brother, Jeremy, leaves for the MTC today. Well looking at the clock, I suppose now he has arrived. 2 long years! It is hard to think that when he gets back I will have a near 5 year old and 3 year old. That sounds so very different than a near 3/1.
Obviously, I don't believe in the LDS faith, or any thing (at least that I know of at this point in my life, not to rule anything out that may jump at my face in the future.) But I must admit that its very impressive to watch 19 year old young men devote 2 years of their lives to something they do believe in, when most 19 year olds are out doing very different things. Not to say that all young male adults are doing awful things, but again also 2 years is a very long time, and I am proud of Jeremy. I know that he does believe what he is going out to do, and that is admirable. Who am I to say that what he is doing is wrong? Does religion not bring peace and comfort to those that are search for it within the walls?

I know that when I joined the LDS church (at 17) I was at a point in my life where I was lost, hurting, and confused. The church allowed me to find peace, change, and comfort within myself. It also provided a way for me to trust people again, develop a deeper desire to learn what I thought was true, and so forth. If it wasn't for the LDS church I would have never moved to Utah, gone to university, met my husband, had 2 beautiful children with my husband, etc. So again, thankfulness for that.

hahaha!

Good Luck Jeremy!

I feel the need to say that many religions/talks/songs/hikes/etc can bring peace, harmony, happiness, etc. That each individual human finds peace in his or her own way, and that I am glad that Jermey has find his own way and is going out to share his way with others. I do not believe there is one way. The end.

Disney World

2008-10-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

We went to Disney World over the weekend - yes you read that correctly, who only goes to disney world for a weekend?

But none the less, we got to see Mitch's brother in the circus on Friday night, which was freaking awesome. Though emphasize the freaky - because holy cow, who can do that stuff! I loved the music as well though, amazing.

Saturday we went to the Magic Kingdom --- sooooo many people! Addy loved it, especially Cinderella's castle, oh my heck!

Sunday we hung out around Uncle Dustins house, and swam, and just chilled from the overwhelmingness of Saturday and then we went to Epcot where I saw my beloved Figment!

Yesterday we came home at 5AM, insanity. But a fun time! I only had my camera on Saturday, because prior I didn't have batteries, and on Sunday they died. BOO! But thats ok :) It was really awesome to see Mitch's brother, which is the reason we went down there.

So I wasn't tagged...

2008-10-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

But I still wanted to do it! : (I went to 3 different high schools my freshman/sophomore year and then was homeschooled the remaining/went to community college... so this will be confusing :D)

1. Did you date someone from your school? Yes, freshman year, Matt Knadler @ Arundel.

2. What kind of car did you drive? My moms white crysler seabring or my black VW Jetta (loveloveloved!)

3. Did you pass your driver's license test on the first try? HAHA! No. It took me 5 times! The 4th time I would have passed, but I got so excited I ran the stop sign at the end. I suck at parallel parking - I have never done it since that stupid test!

4. Were you a party animal? Uh yes, a little bit too much!

5. Were you considered a flirt? I don't think so... I was probably too shy or anti-social for that.

6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Band and choir freshman year.

7. Were you a nerd? I had a ton of friends, in all different types of "groups" but, Yes... Yes I was a nerd. I still am.

8. Were you on any varsity teams? Field Hockey

9. Did you get suspended/expelled? At Annapolis, I had in-school suspension one day, because 7th period (my last period) I was failing a class, with no hope, so I just stopped going. So I got "caught" and had in-school suspension for a whole day - MOST BORING THING EVER. Not only that, I was the only half -decent kid in the class, I was in it with a bunch of thugs/gangster kids. Good Ol' Annapolis High. There was a reason they were the panthers...

10. Can you still sing the fight song? No.... But I'm sure if I heard Arundels I'd be able to chime in a little bit.

11. Who were your favorite teachers? Mr Butts (band) - though I was horrible for him. Mrs Shupe - My geometry home school teacher, and Mr Quickle (Algebra).

12. Where did you sit during lunch? With the "punks" outside.

13. What is your schools full name? Arundel Senior High School, Severna Park Senior High, Annapolis High School, Homeschool of Blair Pettrey?

14. School mascot and colors? Arundel - Wildcat kelly green + White, Annapolis Panthers no idea, I think blue & burgandy?, Severna Park - Falcons, gold + blue

15. Did you go to Homecoming and who with? Freshman year, with Ryan Monohan:

16. If you could go back and do it again, would you? If I had the knowledge and maturity I have now? Yes, because I was awful during high school and it was the most traumatic experience of my life. But if not, no, because it was such an awful experience for myself, and such a hard period of time that I don't think I could handle it again.

17. What do you remember most about graduation? I was already at the community college when I graduated, so I just remember getting a piece of paper and thinking ok?

18. Where did you go senior skip day? If I was cool, I would have gone to Ocean City, MD - but I wasn't so I didn't do this :D

19. Were you in any clubs? I was in SGA (SBO for you Utah folk's), concert band, marching band, field hockey, bible club (hahahaha, I was even in charge of it), color guard, etc etc etc. Even as depressed and crazy as I was, I at one point was active.

20. Have you gained some weight since then? Uh yeah. try a 100 pounds:

21. Who was your prom date? I did not goto prom or any other dance besides freshman homecoming.. I was too "cool" For that!

22. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion? My graduation would be from homeschool, but if it wasn't still - no. Repeat on the whole traumitic experience/so much happier where life is now ;)

23. Did you have a job while in high school? Great American Cookie - kiosk in the middle of Annapolis Mall!

I tag: Amy, Megan, Tammie, Amanda & Marne!

Weight Loss Update

2008-10-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

I have a TON I "need" to blog about, but I am so excited to post my progress on weight loss. With simply adding water (~ 1 gallon a day), adding breakfast + eating a smaller lunch, I have lost 16 pounds! I haven't been to the gym in like 3 weeks because of work schedule/breastfeeding, and unfortunatly probably won't be going til the end of December, but i'm staying active in other ways..

But yes! 16 pounds! 80 to go!

I like to write about my in laws a lot huh...?

2008-10-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

Whats a huge difference between the rest of the world and Utah?

Family Size! Growing up, I always got told I had a huge family! There were 3 kids... it seemed like a ton, when we ate dinner, there was 5 people to feed, when we went out, there was 5 people to take, 5 plane tickets, 5 pairs of shoes (10 shoes!), 5 people's laundry, etc. Insanity!

Then I moved to Utah, met my lovely husband who told me he was 1 of 9 kids... nice joke? No! HA! INSANE! Though, I seriously love each and every one of Mitch's siblings and it would not be the same with out them! Thus I am glad there are all 9... but oh my heck! Can you imagine?

One day when Brooks isn't screaming I will write about why I love each and everyone of them for those specific reasons :)

....

2008-09-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

Brooks turned 9 months on the 19th, he's officially been out of the womb longer than he in! Thats so strange! It's a bittersweet feeling watching him grow, it's amazing watching him learn and become the little boy he is - but it's also sad since he's our last baby.

He's about 18 pounds now, which puts him in 25% which is HOLY COW amazing, considering for MONTHS & MONTHS & MONTHS he was off the charts. So he has just grown like crazy! He is so extraordinary. I love my children so much! (Shush mom)!

This is a busy weekend! It seems like the past couple of weekends have been everything short of restful! My birthday weekend was a blast, but go go go. Then last weekend we moved into a new place. Then this weekend is family pictures (which, by the way I've never been 'nervous' for a photoshoot before... but I'm freaking out about taking my own inlaws pictures!) + mitch's little brother's fairwell + their brother (5 of them!) boy scout eagle court of honor + his moms birthday. Yeah! And then next week Mitch leaves for San Diego with his work, which means I have to wake up earlier to get the kids ready/drop them off at daycare. Woe is me :)

Anyhow! I thought I would update, even if this is all a ramble!

23 Years!

2008-09-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

So last night we celebrated my birthday! I had never been to a "bar" or anything of the sort, and for some reason I really desired to do so. So we got a babysitter, and headed out into the town with 2 of my friends. We went to the tavernacle, which is a piano bar, and seriously - I wasn't even drinking,since I don't drink, and it was THE. MOST.FUN. EVER! SO MUCH FUN! We had "Barbie Girl" played, ahaha and the pianoist was so upset that he had to play it, and the way it works is however much you pay to have it played (I.e. we paid $10) to stop it someone has to pay $11, which took more than halfway through the son, and was only one of 3 songs that got stopped the whole night. Wow, I'm a dork, but seriously such a fun birthday.

Though, I stayed out too late, and I reaaaaaaaally missed my kids and I couldn't get to them fast enough, and I was so glad to come home and snuggle with my baby boy. So I don't think we'll go out for a while! (Once every three years is a good record, right?)

(He was so mad he had to play Barbie Girl!)

Afterwards we headed over to the poplar pub, for some drinks (mmm coke!) and fries, yum! Hi Jason!

We're A Rainbow of People

2008-09-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

I wish I remember his name, I want to say something Johnson - anyhow, 2 years ago, during one of my classes at SLCC (with the most AMAZING professor ever, seriously if you goto SLCC, Weber, or the U since she teaches at all 3, take a class from Diedre Tyler in the sociology departments), she had a man come in, that was 90+ years, who was African American, and had lived his years here in Utah. Being from Maryland, where there are quite a bit of african american people, I'm used to the "culture", however in Utah (exluding the refuge Africans that are now more prominant in the past few years), the african american/"black" culture is very limited, so the fact that this man has lived 90 years in Utah, as a black man, seeing the differences and times come and go - well you can only imagine that his talk was amazing.

One of the most amazing things he talked about, was how he LOVED the west part of Salt Lake, because every time he went west, there was a "rainbow of people", hispanic, african american, tongan, etc. He loved not just seeing one shade of people - and I can't describe it as amazing as he did, but just imagine how beautiful this man described a rainbow of people.

I don't mean to get 'political' on my blog, but I feel with the upcoming election, there is a definate need to discuss something.

First - I hope that everyone realizes that the first "immigrants" to the United States were the white people. The white man,who "befriended" the Native Americans, bascally created a holocaust and mass murder for the natives. So before you start to think that we should build huge walls between Mexico and the U.S., or that we need to "tighten" our boarders, remember that we came to the United States for freedom, and that is the same reason these immigrants are coming here. Instead of being hateful, spiteful that they are working and "not paying taxes", perhaps we should take the time to make coming to the U.S. easier, so that those who do come, can come legally and be law abiding citizens.

Second - Homosexuality, whatever your religion/personal choice may be, whether you are straight, gay, asexual, whatever - that is your own personal choice, and we need to realize that, people whether they are "born gay" or something in their life happens to "make them" gay, thats the choice they make. Who are we to say that is right or wrong? If loving your partner and promising a commitment to them, regardless of who they are, is too much for you to handle; then don't do it. But by all means, don't deny someone else to have that love and commitment just because you think it's "wrong". The divorce rate in the U.S. is almost 50%, so obviously "heterosexual" marriages, aren't all they are claiming to be either. It's really hard in Utah, and especially within my families, to see that there are people who struggle with their choice of partner preferance, simply because they know that their family and friends would oust them.

I feel very strongly about many topics, but I feel those topics (Gun Control, Censorship, Taxes, Health Benefits, etc etc) but those I understand that there are many views and that is a good thing (in my opinion.) However, when it comes to people, and the rights of man, that I don't think should be taken away, whether man loves man, man is red or white, etc.

45:25.1

2008-09-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

I was a whole 20 seconds off ;).
Here's to running my next 5k (December 31!) in 35 minutes!

I did it!

2008-09-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I ran my first 5k. It was mostly jogging/walking, but I did it. My goal was 45 minutes, and I did it in 45.45, when I saw the 45 on the clock I got so bummed, but I at least hurried up and sprinted, so I would at least finish it in the 45 minute. I stayed in the middle the majority of the time, I wasn't even last :)!

Mitch with Addy & Brooks kept up with me and rooting me on, they rock!

Mitch forgot to meter the camera, but here is me running/finishing!

and FINISH!:

September 6 - 5k

2008-09-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

September 6 ( i.e. next Saturday ) I am running a 5k. Ok, so really it will be jogging/a ton of walking, but it's a start! It's the Salt Lake "Love your Body" 5k/10k, but I'm pretty sure I'm doing the 5k.. ANYHOW!

www.wasatchwoman.com It's at 9AM, you can come support me and all my slow glory! I'm aiming for 45 minutes ~ We will see!

A bit too honest? Weight...

2008-08-28T13:22:00.001-07:00

So... Maybe if I realize that everyone on the internetz and those that know me in "real life" know my struggle with weight - I'll be more embarressed and start making the attempts to what needs to be done.

Now, don't get me wrong. We can all be beautiful at any size, however I feel like theres a point where healthy chubby and unhealthily obease intersect, and I'm unfortunatly aiming towards the latter of the two.

So, heres a quick backstory, and then I'll have the current story, leading to hopefully a new story! :)

My whole life I was the 'fat' kid, living in an area with a bunch of rich snobs. Really, I was not fat. I was very active, always playing sports, playing outdoors, etc etc etc. I perhaps was meaty, and not stick and bones, but by no means fat. Well in 8th grade, this really started to get to me, so I started skipping breakfast. I lost some weight and realized that whole "less you eat less you weigh" thing. I started encoorporating a running routine of 6-10miles a day, which I guess isn't awful because exercise and activity were normal for me (I played field hockey, softball, soccer, etc.) But then I realized if I skipped lunch too, and only ate one meal a day, I'd be set. So obviously from this I lost quite a bit of weight. I was eating dry cereal once a day, but probably about 500-600 calories worth, so it still wasn't "that bad." I was about 125-130 in May, I remember this because I remember "how fat I was " when I first met Mike Malinin. ( goo goo dolls drummer, my "love" at the time and for like all of my teenager years.)

Anyhow, that summer came, and eventually I discovered that I could eat very little, but still have energy. My eating habbits consisted of eating 10 pretzal nuggets and a small cup of orange juice every/other/day. Yeah. So obviously from Jan/February of when I started this "diet" til the summer, I had seriously, lost nearly half my body mass. I went from 160-170, to 99 pounds. It was a HUGE deal to me, because I was double digits and I couldn't remember the last time that I was ~ not only that, I was double digits in pants (00).

So ok, yes obviously I had my little spurt with anorexia. Then I gained weight, back up to 150-160, (it took about 2 years to gain that much back) but I was taller, so it still "worked" though I was still on the chubbier side.

So from about 16-19 I was about 155 we will say. Well, once I got pregnant with Addison, it's like all of my desires of bigmacs, cokes, cakes, junkfoodgalore came in to reality, as I gained a TON of weight with her. When I gave birth with Addison, (I can't believe I'm admitting this) I weighed 231 pounds. AHHHH. Yeah. The smallest I ever got back down to was 190, when I got pregnant with Brooks. Brooks, I took a lot more care of myself, tried to exercise often, resisted most of my temptations, etc and I only gained 20 pounds, of which I lost immediatly. However, I'm currently still stuck at this "post-Addy weight", +/- some. Which sucks.

I am freaking miserable. I hate being fat. I don't want my kids to resent me because I'm fat. I do not want to be the fat mom. I want to be the hot mom. I want to be happy with myself and I will never be happy with myself until I am happy with my body. And... theres one thing I have ALWAYS wanted, that I have saved/am saving up for, that I WILL GET once I loose this weight - so there are many benefits to this. Not to mention heart failure, high cholestoral, and diabetes run in my family.

SO dear blog world. I am going to tell you, right now, I am a fat whale. I might be fat for a while, but it's coming off. I'm going to be active, and healthy, and fit. I'm going to run a 5k.

April 18, 2009 Salt Lake City 5k.
(http://www.saltlakecitymarathon.com/5K.148.0.html)

I know I know, people run half marathons and marathons in my family (well Mitch's) all the time. But I AM GOING TO DO it, which will take me yes the 7 months to train.

Good bye dear fat, it was not a pleasure knowing you, it was not a pleasure having you make me huff and puff, it was not a pleasure having you clog my heart and arteries, I wish I never met you. But alas, you will be gone.

Brooks first hair cut

2008-08-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

Brooks had his first hair cut today, he looks COMPLETLY different. It's amazing. He beat his sister to the first hair cuts!

Brooks pre hair cut, long, brown hair:

Chop Chop:

Post Chop:

Dry:

Holy different baby!

Brooks ~ 8 Months

2008-08-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

Brooks is 8 Months Old! Holy Cow! Time FLIES people!!!!!

Brooks absolutly LOVES carrots! We just barely started solids in the past week or so, and they are still not up to pace, but Brooks would eat smooshed carrots all day if he could! He also loves black raspberry milkshakes --- I know, I totally just started my kid on solids, and let him try sugar? I was anal that Addy never had sugar until 18+months. Woops! :)

He also loves to play with paper, magazine paper/ads he loves to scrunch them up, rip them apart, etc.

He's still loving mommy milk + formula for now!

He is getting stronger and bigger everyday, I look at him now, and can't imagine (nor would anyone EVER believe) that this little boy had a weight problem, and that he was too little, and not even on the charts.

Brooks simply amazes me, more so the relationship that Brooks + Addy have already created, the bond, thats AMAZING to watch as a parent!

2 Videos of Addy

2008-08-19T10:16:00.001-07:00

My friend Stephanie took these of Addy, so cute! Addy LOVES to dance!:

The Ranch

2008-08-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

It's been a whiiiiile. Mitch and I+kids went to his families ranch over the weekend, which in addition to the gorgeous weather, the gorgeous location, and the wonderful break, was amazing because we got to watch some of the Olympics! (We don't have television at home!) Heres a few shots I took, I can't wait to go back, and am so glad I got to spend time with my family, it feels that it's been so busy lately.

A fun one :)

2008-08-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

Here is Brooks in his jumper, he didnt go at it as hard as he normally does, because by the time I Thought "Hey I should video this" he had been in for like 15 minutes already! BUt still cute; ignore my EXTREMLY messy living room, and my acne-fied face :) K ? ENJOY NANA!

My Mitch...

2008-07-31T08:50:00.001-07:00

It's no secret, that Mitch and I have been through a lot in our marriage. But lately my heart has just realized, how much I truly do love him, and how thankful I am that he is MINE.
So for fun, here are some silly photos of us through the years! :)

Getting Married...

Mitch and I being silly on our "honeymoon" in Las Vegas

(On the way to the hospital to have Addy)

(Addy, sadly I didn't want photos in the hospital with Brooks because of how poorly this turned out, and I don't have any of Brooks and I until he was over amonth old. Silly moms.)

2008-07-24T17:26:00.000-07:00

Just some quick photos of the kids, nothing special, but aren't they adooorable. LOVE THEM! ♥
Obviously the chalk idea didnt work out as fabulous with Addy as it did Brooks, its ok.... we'll try again :D

7 months, and then some....

2008-07-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

I forgot to update when Brooks turned 7 months last Saturday, but alas, here we are. I don't have any pictures, and I didn't do a formal "HELLO BROOKSTER you're 7 months!" like I normally do, but I got some, but again, those will come later.

Anyhow, Brooks, what are you doing at 7 months?
He is engaging in conversations, trying to scoot, not wanting anything to do with solids (though he eyes down mommys and daddys food!), he LOOOOVES his jumper and exersaucer, and you know who can make him laugh like NO one else? Nope, not Daddy ~ ADDISON! I guess Addison realized "OH hey I have a brother, I might as well take interest in him..." and it's been ADORABLE. ♥ ♥

I love my Brooks, happy 7months!

Brooks laughing ~ 7 months

2008-07-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry the lens was dirty and I was unaware... :

2008-07-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

Can you tell whats wrong with this image.... (or funny, rather)

wall-e

2008-07-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Mitch and I (well... mostly Mitch), got the brilliant idea that we should take the kids and go see wall-e. I've wanted to see it, but you know, with 2 young kids, we just assume we will wait until it's on DVD to ever see movies. Well we decided Addy was old enough to "handle" a movie, as she is fine with them at home. So we, last minute, gather everyone up, make sure we have everything we need, and drive to the theatres out on 33rd South. NO. WAY. It was SO busy, there was no way I was going to deal with that, when I have 2 young children. So we decide to goto the Bountiful theatre, which was an awesome idea. We hopped by the dollar store, picked up some candy, and headed to the theatre. For all of us, plus popcorn/drinks/candy it was like $27, which was way less than anticipated. A nice splurge, and a ton of fun.
Brooks was relatively good, until he decided "hey I want to play..." and that he would not stop eating. Addison was good until maybe the last 30 minutes, and then wanted to go run around,w hich was fin because she was still quiet. There was maybe 10 people total in the theatre, and it was just a blast. I'm glad we adventured to do it... though I doubt we will do it again for a very.long.time.

Happy Birthday Dad...

2008-07-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

My dad would have turned 58 today. It's strange to think he has been dad nearly 5 years, this year his death date being on Thanksgiving day, just like it was originally 5 years ago.

Though my dad and I had a lot of issues, in the end, I had learned to love and develop a relationship with my father, and I do miss him a lot. As I was trying to goto sleep last night, I was thinking about the last moments I had with my father, when he couldn't talk any longer, but he could still understand, and as I was telling him my goodbyes, and how much I loved him - and tears were rolling down his eyes. It was a really hard moment, but I'm glad that we got to have it. Even at 18, my priorities weren't straight, and I did not goto my own fathers funeral, however looking back, I don't think I could have handled the actual realization at that momemnt, and I think that everything happens for a reason - and there was a true reason behind that.

I hope my dads in a better place. It's hard to think about all that has happened in the past 5 years that I would have to tell him - a marriage, 2 children, school, jobs, Virginia Tech vs UVA football games, etc.

Love you dad. Happy birthday.

facials

2008-07-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

Just so everyone knows, its a lot easier to photograph something that isn't mobile, than a 2.5 year old who can run like crazy! There is no child preference!

The 4th of July - Pettrey Style.

2008-07-05T17:02:00.000-07:00

The4th of Julyis my absolute favorite holiday. I love the parades, the fireworks, the atmosphere - its just a really fun time that is meant to be spent with family, outside, enjoying life. ♥ love it!
I debated whether or not to call it pettrey or hill style, as its more of a pettrey tradition to go all out, that mitch has been drug into...

Thursday night, we went to Granite and (oh my heck it was SO) HOT) watched fireworks, ate pizza, cotton candy, all the junk. Brooks hated the fireworks, so we ended up leaving, however when we were walking to our car, we realized we couldnt because it was right by the stadium we were setting them off, and Brooks had calmed down, so we got to watch, which was a ton of fun.

Friday, we woke up bright and early to goto Layton's parade, and anticipated staying for the fireworks, however after being there for 10some hours, decided we'd go home and drive past the fireworks in Sugarhouse later. It was a lot of fun either way, and it was really cool, and I'm glad we got to enjoy it as a family.While at Layton park, Mitchs parents and 3 youngest brothers came and visited for a bit, which was really nice seeing them. Now that we live in SLC, we don't see them as often, so it's always nice seeing them. Addison alway LOOOOVES her LouLou so I'm glad mostly that she got to see her.

(its really hard to take a picture of yourself, on manual, sans a flash, in complete dark, without autofocus lens...)

I once worse this shirt, when I was 5... but none the less, how fun :) Addy was dancing along to the band "Crash Pontiac", and kept turning around to make sure no one was looking at her.

Hello zit in the middle of my forehead...

Children grow much too fast...

2008-07-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

Everything she sees
she says she wants.
Everything she wants
I see she gets.
That's my daughter in the water
everything she owns I bought her
Everything she owns.
That's my daughter in the water,
everything she knows I taught her.
Everything she knows.
Everything I say
she takes to heart.
Everything she takes
she takes apart.
That's my daughter in the water
every time she fell I caught her.
Every time she fell.
That's my daughter in the water,
I lost every time I fought her.
I lost every time.
Every time she blinks
she strikes somebody blind.
Everything she thinks
blows her tiny mind.
That's my daughter in the water,
who'd have ever thought her?
Who'd have ever thought?
That's my daughter in the water,
I lost everytime I fought her
Yea, I lost every time.
Daughter, Loudon Wainwright III

2008-06-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

So I've been in Mitchs family for almost 4.5 years now, so his younger brothers, and well lots of the siblings; I'm pretty close with. So when Jeremy got his mission call to ARGENTINA!!! I was sooo excited! How fun is that! And he will come home and know this amazing language that is so popular here in the states, I must admit I'm jealous!

I can't wait to smother him with letters that will never be responded to, packages full of american cereal, etc. Not only that, it's crazy to think, that when he gets back, he will probably come home to 2 or 3 new nieces and nephews ( at least!), a married brother, a brother about to leave on a mission, I will be 25 - ADDISON will be nearing 5!, etc. It's crazy all that happens in 2 years!

Congrats Jeremy!

Brooks 6 months (+2 days!)

2008-06-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

*chalk photo idea credit to Tara Whitney

See more here

Fathers Day 2008

2008-06-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Father's Day, which was celebrated by Addy making a hugeeee mess, probably the biggest mess a 2 year old could ever make, for Mitch and I to clean up. We went over to his parents house for a few hours, and had dinner, which was fun. Addy just adores her LouLou (Mitch's mom), so she loves going to see them.

Happy Belated Father's day to all the dads!

The Redmond's

2008-06-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

My very greatest friend growing up, who I met when I was 5 - I was sitting on the edge of my driveway while our moving trucks where moving up to our new house in Maryland, and this lady came and said "OOOH I HAVE A DAUGHTER YOUR AGE" and ran home and got her - she brought me the most yummy cookies ever, and who knew that that little girl and I would become the bestest of friends. 17 Years later, we still talk, and they (Liz, the daughter, and her parents) mean the world to me. They are practically my parents. I love them so dearly.

Well they came to visit with us this past weekend, and it was SO nice seeing them again. I haven't seen them in 4 years! WAY. TOO. LONG.

We went to temple square, obviously, you can't come to Utah and not see that. Well Mr.Redmond saw this picture and we all thought it was creepy and silly looking :

Well he asked one of the sister missionaries who it was, which then lead to a 20minute sales like - discussion of why they love the church:

Oh, how nice it was to see the Redmonds. ♥ ♥ ♥

and 1 for fun, because i love my these 2 lots&lots:

A silly quick Brooks video...

2008-05-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

I need to get batteries for our videocamera desperately, so this is short and simple. IN fact, it's not even that cute. Well, of course it is, its AMAZINGLY cute because its my Brookster... but for now, it will do :)

Addisons Love for Brooks...

2008-05-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

What can I do, there's a baby in the house
Nibbling at my mother and pulling at her blouse.
I wanted a brother, but how was I to know
I'd have to share my mother now I wish he'd go.
He sits upon her lap and gets bounced upon her knee,
But they'll never have a baby as nice as me.
They'll never have a baby as nice as me.

What can I do, there's a baby inside.
He's in our house and he even tried
To grab my blanket and to grab my clothes.
He makes a lot of noise and I suppose
He's gonna be the center of our family.
But they'll never have a baby as nice as me.
They'll never have a baby as nice as me.

What can I, there's a baby in my room;
He's sleeping in my crib and I presume
He's gonna get my clothes, he's gonna get my shoes,
My toys, my books and my grandmother, too.
They'll even let him pick the shows on TV
But they'll never have a baby as nice as me.
They'll never have a baby as nice as me.

~ Barry Louis Polisar

If I were 2, I'm pretty sure this song would describe the "love" Addy has for Brooks right about now. She's been acting out a lot lately, reverting to things she hasn't done in over a year. It's been a hard and trying time, but I suppose thats what parenting is all about, right? :)

She's got 'tude let me tell ya!

Brooks 5 Months

2008-05-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

Brookster never wants to smile with a camera in his face, I suppose thats why Candid shots exist, however I'm a slacker, well, a busy slacker. But these will have to do :)
Happy 1 day before 5 months baby boy, I love you!

Brooks 5 Months

2008-05-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it has been almost 5 months (on the 19th) since Brooks was born. My little baby boy, that has taught me so much more than I could have ever thought. He is so amazing. He's starting to gain weight ( at least I think, I'm not sure, we don't goto the doctor, but his legs instead of looking like tooth picks look more like popsical sticks?) He is such a happy baby. Talks/babbles, smiles, loves to eat numnumnum, etc. We are still breastfeeding in the mornings/during my lunch/and in the afternoon/evenings. During the weekend I try to breastfeed more to give me a jump in my milk, but he is getting supplemented. I think thats working best for us too, because there is a problem with my milk not containing enough fat in it - but thats another post and long story. However, it explains why he wasn't gaining weight/was loosing weight when I was exlusively breastfeeding. So now we have the best of both worlds. I thought I would only nurse til 6 months, and I'm not sure when I will stop, because I really need to go back to school and finish classes, but I can't nurse and do that and work... so I think I will aim for August. Thats about 9 months. And then if he wants, after that he can just comfort nurse and all that fun stuff.

No solids yet, no way. Maybe at 6 months, we'll see. He needs to learn to sit up on his own first in my book. Anyhow.

Happy 5 months my beautiful baby boy. I love you so SO much.

Pictures to come.

Lots & Lots of Pictures...

2008-05-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

So Mother's Day has come and gone, and thank goodness. I always feel like it's a big humble jumble for nothing - I'm a mother, I ♥ my kids, and that is that. There is no need to celebrate! Mitch got us dinner on Saturday and then we went on a really nice walk with the kids. On Sunday we went and visited his family, and then came home and crashed. Well, there was really more to it than that... We had gone to the mall, wal-mart, the bank, and other various earrends and by the days end, we sorted clothes and that was that! Happy Mother's Day (belated) to all the mamas out there!

Here's Mitch trying to be Cody with his son Bryce...
Brooks is wearing an outfit Mitch once wore as a baby~ too cute!

The LouLou (grandma) has the touch? I think yes!

Finally, the weekend!!

2008-05-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

Mitch is done with school, I finally am getting my energy back (going back to work full time with 2 kids is a hard adjustment!), we're done moving, etc. Just some quick pictures I took because I actually remembered to run inside and grab my camera!

Addys been loving having a yard and being able to play outside! She also loves having neighbors to play with, though she's learning some not so nice things from daycare (sticking her tongue out, saying mine, spitting, etc.. :( ) But we will work with it!

The duplex we live in is on the STEEPEST hill ever. This picture does not do it justice, but oh my heck! It's also got such a fun view of Salt Lake, I can see the captiol if I look up (I guess thats why they call it Capitol Hill? Ha,...) and the valley when I look down, I'll have to take a night shot when I remember:

Mitch and my 2 loveable kids:

One of Mitch and all the kids:

And one of the neighbor family (sans the dad who is away this weekend, she was doing yard work, they are a fun family:

my kids...

2008-04-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

It wouldn't be normal for my kids to smile for a camera, my usually joyful happy children... I sware, the second I stopped taking pictures, both were happy, brooks was cooing away, etc. COME ON NOW KIDS!?! :)

Brooks looks the same, just longer... still scrawny:

though, thats just his face. but come on now i'm trying to unpack and get my house in order, i don't have much time for perfect pictures!

addy was wearing her Virginia Tech ( GO HOKIES !) cheerleader outfit, and would not smile, so much ado:

from a photographers aspect, i hate centered pictures, and these suck. from a mamas aspect, these represent my children oh so well!

Brooks is 4 months!

2008-04-21T08:43:00.001-07:00

I really need to get new pictures up of the kids, but it's been hard and busy a lot lately, so I haven't even taken pictures TO put up! However, Brooks turned 4 months on Saturday!

He is so freaking amazing! SERIOUZLY! He is rolls over to get what he wants now, loves to play on his back, is still nursing like champ (obviously with bottles while at daycare during the day), etc. I'm not sure how long he is, but he is 11pounds 9 oz. He's not on the charts, but he's doing SUPER for him, and thats what counts!

I can't believe how quickly time goes with kids! Addison is doing super too, she has a horrible ear ache and spent the entire night screaming, which was REALLY FUN FOR ME let me tell you! haha.

On a lighter side...

2008-04-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

This is a really good, heart felt, upbeat song. It's a good lift-me-up.

I'm a new soul.
I came to this strange world hoping I could learn a bit ‘bout how to give and take.
But since I came here…..felt the joy and the fear.....finding myself making every possible mistake.

la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la...

I'm a young soul in this very strange world hoping I could learn a bit ‘bout what is true and FAKE.
But why all this hate?
Try to communicate.
Finding trust and love is not always easy to make.

la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la...
ooh

This is a happy end.
'course you don't understand.
Everything you have done......
why's everything so wrong?

This is a happy end.
Come and give me your hand.
I'll take you far away.

[Refrain]:
I'm a new soul I came to this strange world hoping I could learn a bit ‘bout how to give and take. But since I came here…..felt the joy and the fear…..finding myself making every possible mistake.

I feel so...
in this very strange world
making every possible mistake
possible mistake
every possible mistake
oh mistakes
mistakes, mistakes, mistakes, mistakes, oh mistakes

la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la...

la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la....

Easter & Brooks Turns 3 Months

2008-03-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

I tried taking the kids to get their pictures with the Easter Bunny, because everytime we have gone to the mall Addison just stares and waves at him, wanting to meet him sososo badly. I got everyone all dressed up, and cutified (well, it doesn't take much work... :) ) But when we got there, the Easter Bunny Was a NO SHOW! They were trying to find a replacement bunny and costume, but who knew how long it would take... Poor Addy.

Mr. Brookster is officially 3 MONTHS! Thats crazy, This has flown by, really, flown! I put him in the newborn outfit we got for his "Coming home outfit" today, and it still swallows him. He's such a little guy.

Now for the hords of pictures!

2008-03-11T15:35:00.001-07:00

Today we went on a walk, made a noodle necklace and bracelet, colored, blowed bubbles, and more. I am LOVVVVING the nice weather, and Addy is reaping the benefits! :)

2008-03-04T13:45:00.001-08:00

Excuse the fact that I commited photographer suicide (used my on-camera flash), but I was being lazy and didn't feel like adjusting my meter and opening the blinds.

Anyhow, proof that I did Addys hair today :

She SCREAMED BLOODY MURDER the entire time. She also pulled it out 5 minutes later. However it was cute while it lasted.

2008-03-03T11:08:00.001-08:00

The Brookster//Silly Mama

2008-02-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

2 months!!!

2008-02-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

Holy Cow, time flies by when you have a baby, which is much too sad! Brooks will be 2 months tomorrow! We will celebrate by going for a check-up, avoiding shots like the plague, and playing with his big sister. Addy also has a check-up, and unfortunatly for her, now that she is 2 she will be getting shots. Wish me luck...!!!

2008-02-14T11:47:00.001-08:00

Hopefully your valentines isn't full of crying babies too!!

8 Weeks!

2008-02-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness. Time has gone by too quickly. Brooks will be 8 weeks on Wednesday, can you believe it? Addison has become the biggest little helper. Everytime he cries she will run to find a blankie or pacifier to give him to try and calm him down. She's constantly kissing him, rubbing him, trying to pick him up, etc.

The other night, he was crying, and Addy lifts up her shirt to "feed him". HA! :) I love being a mommy of 2. At first it was so difficult, but now I couldn't imagine it any other way. I can't wait to watch them grow up together!

Addy Turns 2!

2008-01-25T07:26:00.000-08:00

Our beautiful little girl turned 2 yesterday! I can't believe how quickly the past 2 years have gone by. She is growing up to be such a delightful child, and I'm so glad I have her in my life!
Enjoy some silli-ness from the event! :)

(Ok, so usually Mitch does the cake baking, however he had work - so I made cupcakes thinking I Can't fail this! They tasted GREAT! but look wise? Oh my... You would never suspect I used to work in a bakery!)

And here's one from a celebration we had at our grandparents house on Monday night:

Happy 1 Month Baby!

2008-01-19T17:36:00.000-08:00

Brooks is 1 month today. I can't believe how quickly this first month has gone. It's exciting to watch him, (and Addison!) grow and change, but at the same time I'm going to miss these first days - getting to know my baby, learning who he is, his tiny-ness, etc.

Addison will be 2 on Thursday. This is going too quickly!

Visits from a mom...

2008-01-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

My mom came and visited for a week and left today. It was sad to have her leave, as it was such a delight for her to be here. It's always especially nice to see my mom since the opportunitys are so far and few inbetween. She may kill me for posting some of these because she is sans makeup and was rather tired, but it just prooves how much of a loving grandmother she is. My children absolutly adore her. And Mitch and I's apartment looks more like a home now thanks to her, but thats another post as well... :)

Oh Goodness...

2007-12-29T15:44:00.000-08:00

I suggest waiting 10 years between kids. No lie. However, the fact that I'll be 40 when both my kids have graduated high school keeps me going... :) But this isn't easy. Addison isn't adjusting well at all; I can't count the number of times she has chucked things at poor Brooks head. And when she isn't torturing her baby brother, she's making huge messes on purpose, or throwing temper tantrums on the ground. I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do when Mitch goes back to work in a week... But this too shall pass, right??

But other than that... I'm loving having Mitch home, and having Addy be super cuddily, and enjoying the comfort of a snuggly newborn. Things are hard, but I wouldn't want them much different! :)

On a more random note, for those who don't believe me that Mitch's family is massive, take a look at this photo from their family Christmas. Everytime they all gather it's bound to be loud and crazy, but also a ton of fun.

We're missing one brother - whose missing due to the circus. (No really, he's in Cirque du sole).

And just for fun, my lovely baby boy!:

He has Arrived!

2007-12-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

So for those of you who may be unaware, our gorgeous and lovely bundle of joy has arrived! He was born December 19, at 12:44 AM at 7lbs4oz and 20 inches. Unfortunatly, he was not the anticipated VBAC I had so desperately dreamed of, but after a short stint in the NICU (for dehydration, a high temperature, & because Mama's milk decided to not come in...) he is doing wonderful! The only time he ever cries is during a diaper change. To let us know he is awake and ready to be fed he simply grunts and makes a few winey noises. Addison is.... adjusting, but sometimes she's absolutly adorable and can't stop kissing him, and patting his head - even constantly trying to put his binky in his mouth! SO cute!

It's Christmas Time.... & I'm Overcookin'

2007-12-18T11:25:00.000-08:00

So, my due date has come and gone and no baby. However, there could be much worse things to happen - the only negative side effect of an overcooked baby is a more anxious mama!

Over the weekend we headed to Ogden to do one of my alltime favorite holiday things - look at Christmas lights! Ogden has the cutest little shop/village area(as most of you Utah native's know...) that local sponsers set up and decorate each shop differently. It was freezing but we had a blast.
It was a ton of fun to take one of our last gatherings out as a family of 3. Addison and her dad always have so much fun together - mostly because Mitch isn't scared to get down and act like a kid with her, and Addy thinks she has her own personal playmate at hire 24/7. (Perhaps this is why they can't sleep together...) So instead of looking at my extremly overblown photos taken with the wrong lens (wideangle in dark sans your flash is not a good combination...) enjoy the silliness of my gorgeous little family.

Getting Personal With Blair....

2007-12-11T12:53:00.000-08:00

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby #2, has made me realize - even more so - how much I love baby #1. Addison came at such a rocky point in my life, and no one knew (including myself) how much of a wonderful impact she would have on me and my world.

My entire life, I never ever imagined myself being a stay at home mother. I had always known I would have "one child (that miraculously in my mind, woke up one day being 10 years old...)" and I would work, and we would be best friends, and all would be grand. I forgot that there would be a first 10 years, but even when I comprehended that people had children, I always assumed that for my own self, I either would never have children, or that if I did they would goto daycare full time. I had it in my mind, that stay at home mothers were a waste of time to society and worthless. This was a rather weird take on things to have, because my own mother stayed home with me and my siblings until I (the youngest) was in 8th grade. I got so caught up in being a “feminist” that I never saw that there could be any possibility that stay at home mothers had a purpose, and were worth while humans.

For the first year of Addison's life, I stayed home. We played together, we learned together, we both taught each other things... when she would cry, I would cry. But I most certainly wouldn't give it up for the world. I went back to school twice a week once Addy was 1, and she went to daycare – which she absolutely loves and it's one of the best things for her – part time. Being an only child, she has learned how to play with others, how to deal with strangers, and it has helped her grow up. I look forward to my last semesters of school approaching, so that I can go back to being that full time mama she needs and loves so much.

It's just odd, looking at what I thought my life would be and what it is. It's far from what I ever saw it being – a mother of 2 at only 22, married for the past 3 years, and so forth. But I love my life, and though there are some trials, I am so grateful for my little family!

... Now just come out baby boy #2!

Thanksgiving 2007

2007-11-23T13:57:00.000-08:00

Mitch and I had our first thanksgiving together that we didn't share with our extended family members. It was quite a bit of fun, but a lot of work and a tiring day. We woke up at 7 to start the cooking, and by the end had a fiest to fill at least 10 people. Turkey, broccolli casserole, baked macaroni and cheese, ham biskets, mashed potatos and gravy, stuffing. Then for dessert there was banana cream pie, dutch apple pie, and strawberry cheese cake. I have no idea what Mitch and I were thinking, but it was a lot of fun. Especially becase a lot of the recipes were from family members so we were able to have a piece of them with us, even as we celebrated on our own. Oh, and to fill the wine glasses and sippy cups we enjoyed Martinellis Sparkling Apple Cider and Dr. Pepper.. haha :)

(Taking after mommy at 2, how fun! And for those who realize, you can see my past post about not making reasonable life choices when I was younger, hence the canon camera...) ;)

Gracious Gratitude

2007-11-16T12:13:00.000-08:00

Perhaps this isn't pertinent to Mitch and I's family per say, but in a number of ways it is:

Life travels rather quickly, and sometimes I have to stop and catch myself from all the excitement, and quickly changing atmospheres that occurs.

I am far from being a perfect person. It has taken me many years of difficult travels, journeys, and mistakes to get to the point I'm at. And I've still got quite the journey to go. However, I feel that its necessary that I take the time to share how gracious I am for the family I have. Not just my immediate family, but my in-laws as well. Moving 2200 miles across the country was one of the hardest, yet best things I've ever done for myself (Thanks Mom!). Less than a month after turning 18, which should have been during my senior year of high school, I chose to make the trek to Utah, alone. Leaving behind my friends and family that I had grown so accustomed to. I was living a really horrible life at the time, with no one to blame but myself. And somehow, moving to Utah, though it didn't make me perfect, made me aware of the choices and decisions I was making, and how much I wanted to step away from the person I was.

I met Mitch in February, 3 months after moving here. Getting to know his family at first was horrible, I'm sure much of my own immediate family has heard me gripe and groan over the situations. But eventually I have grown to care and love each and every member of Mitch's family in such a special way. We may not always agree on things, and most certainly won't see eye to eye on many things probably ever, but they are such fantastic people. They have welcomed me into their home, knowing what and who I used to be. And though it's taking a little nudging, I believe we have created a bond that I wouldn't ever have saw happening.

It's hard living across the country from my immediate family, but I'm extremely grateful that Mitch's family has allowed me the opportunity to have a “family” here as well.

In addition, I'm so grateful that moving to Utah has allowed me to see the love in my own immediate family. I have the greatest mom anyone could ask for, seriously! I know we all say it, but I do. I can talk to my mom about ANYTHING, and theres no need to feel embarrassment, or that she's judging me, etc. She's my best friend. My sister, who I kind of refer to as my younger older sister is amazing as well. She has gone through so many of her own trials and yet she has turned out to be an amazing woman and mother. She's taught me the valuable lessons of independence, hard work, and how to have fun all at the same time. My brothers even more fun to watch, because as time goes on he continues to amaze me and shock me at how amazing he's turning out to be. My grandmother. My granny is the most amazing woman I have ever met, and probably ever will meet. I have never once heard her spoke negatively of anyone. She is full of strength, and love. She is my hero, and I could only hope one day to be half the woman she is.

My dad died 4 years ago this month, after struggling with diabetes, heart failure, kidney failure, and more. I miss him more than anything. I wish that he could have met Mitch, and my children. But more so, I wish he could have seen the person I've become – to know that I didn't stay stuck as the person he knew when he passed on. I don't have any strong beliefs about afterlife, what happens next, etc. but whatever may be true, I know he's out of pain and thats the most wonderful thing I could know.

So in closing, I just want to share how grateful I am to each and every member of my families. My husband, my children, my immediate family, Mitch's family, and all of our many extended family members. I love and care for each of you.

The Introduction

2007-11-15T16:07:00.000-08:00

In reality, I simply wanted to be as hip as Natalie and the rest of the Hill/Flamm families, so I created a blog for Mitch and I’s little family. However, its practicality is more than that, considering most of my friends and family live on the better half of the coast, and can keep up to date with my family this way.

Following in the footsteps of Miss Natalie again, first I’ll explain the oh so beloved story of how Mitch and I met. It’d be a more unique story if we had gotten into a car accident, and when we stepped outside of our cars knew it was instant love – but that’s not at all how it happened. I write about my life on a site called Live Journal, I have since I was 14. After friending (adding her to my “watch list” so I could reach her journal when she updated it) Mitch’s girlfriend at the time, who we’ll call Elf, Mitch found me. Mitch and Elf weren’t exactly dating, but they were, I’m not quire sure of the details however Elf decided she wanted to get her freaky on with lots of other elves not just Mitch, and one day Mitch contacted me on yahoo messenger. The rest is history. Yes, it’s completely lame; I met my husband on the internet. Though I justify the situation by focusing that it wasn’t some findyourlovepartner website, I hardly ever got on yahoo messenger so the odds of Mitch getting a hold of me were pretty miraculous, and uhm, I’m cooler than said Elf? 

Moving forward, Mitch and I met a few months later, rushed everything as super fast as we could, moved in together into our first apartment in Layton, had our crazy ups and downs, and got married exactly 1 year of the day we first began to talk. Aren’t we so cool?

Addison Elisabeth was born 11 months later, on January 24 2006. We are expecting a boy, who will complete our family, in the middle of December.

For future references, because I’m sure it will bring confusion and chaos from the "millions" that will read this blog; I introduce you to our families by name:

Mitch’s Family
Mom – Sheri
Dad – Jay
Sister - Shannon
Brother – Jason
Brother – Dustin
Sister – Natalie
Staring as himself – Mitch
Brother – Matthew
Brother – Jeremy
Brother – Daren
Brother – Nano
(Holy cow, yes my husbands 1 of 9 kids, very good Utah Mormons! I’m kidding… kind of?)

Blair’s Family
Mom – Ruth/Lee
Dad – Jack (R.I.P. 11/27/03)
Sister – Megan
Brother – Evan
Staring as myself – Whitney Blair
(And I’ve got the stereotypical east coast family, so woohoo!)

I believe that’s all. I don’t feel like getting into any further back history, and this is quite lengthy?