It's been a couple of weeks and both kids are down for naps so I had better get my blog on while I've got the chance! Hmmm, family update:

Ellison is almost 6 months old ALREADY! That means I'm 6 months behind on her first year scrapbook. She now has two teeth and knows how to use them, let me tell you! She eats anything we put in her mouth including our fingers (and occasionally Camdens toes. I know, disgusting. I didn't say I like it or permit it). Ellie is all smiles...and chubs. Doesn't get much better than that. Oh wait, it does; she also loves kisses and snuggling! (Still not as much as Camden did as a baby). She is usually super content with anything and everyone...unless she's tired. Then all she wants is peace and quiet. Ellie ADORES Camden and that's an understatement. It's crazy how aware she is of him. If he's in the room she has to watch his every move (which makes it difficult during feeding time). Camden is the only one I've seen really make her laugh. Ellie is my sunshine and biggest inspiration these days. I feel calmer around her.

Camden is officially 2. I feel like I've been calling him two for the past 5 months (Probably to avoid the comments about haveing two babies in under two years). Cam is smart as a whipper snapper. He loves Thomas the Train, Elmo and his ABC's. He's always pointing out letters to me in books, on signs, tee-shirts etc. Camden sleeps in a big boy bed and has us sing the same three songs to him every night: "You are my Sunshine", "I love to see the Temple" and "I am a Child of God". In that order. He has quite a few friends that he talks about all the time (not that I understand anything he's saying but their Names every now and then). He really needs a hair cut, but I don't want to clean up after it so it looks like he's growing it out :). Camden is really into saying Thank You which is a good thing but sometimes it gets a little annoying. Like when I'm on the phone and give him something he wanted and then he continues to say "Thank You Mommy!" over and over and over until I say "Your Welcome Camden". Sometimes he wont leave it at that, I have to look at him and say it...with feeling. What a sweetheart.

I've been having way too much fun lately and my dusty house proves it. My girl friend and I have been sewing little girly stuff and I've been completely sucked into the world of hand made craft. I can't get enough. I'm losing sleep over it. I didn't know there were so many blogs out there about the trade. My mind is racing with all of these adorable things I could do and make. I had to create another blog just to bridle my creative anxiety before the right side of my brain exploded. I post pictures of things that inspire me, things I want to make, things i've made...mainly to save time. I have to share everything I love with at least one other person and it takes a lot of time going back through websites and blogs to find what I'm trying to describe. My friend and I are doing it together and I love it! (Maybe someday we'll open it up to the public :).

I love being a Mom but sometime I feel so blah when that's all I see myself as. Rekindling this creative flame is really lifting me up and giving me ENERGY! I could go on and on...but I won't. Life is good!

Pat is doing his work thing, trying desperately to find balance and joy in what he does everyday. I'm proud of him for following his heart and trying honestly to have "joy in the journey". He still goes mountain biking with his buddies a couple times a week. He's either being more careful (less stupid) or getting better because I haven't seen broken skin for a few months. Way to go Pat!!

We are so so blessed and are so grateful for these good days!

So this is long. I'll never know if you decided to skip the blabber and just check out my cute kids. I've probably done it to you...more than once :)

Camden is TWO!!

Last Saturday Camden had his big 0-2 Birthday! He totally understood it was his day (I was afraid he'd continue to sing Happy Birthday to him self every day for the rest of the year!). We had a little party for him that afternoon and it was a hit. 5 of his buddies (ages 1 to almost 4) came over with their mommy's and daddy's for painting, munching, gifts and a choo-choo thomas cake!

The Dads helped the kids paint their masterpieces. Oh yeay!! Even Uncle Jared flew in for the Party all the way from Salt Lake! (Well, the party and a few work mtgs. THANKS UNCLE JARED!! Way to represent the family!).

Thanks again to all of the fun gifts and nice phone calls!!

Birthday Parties for my kids are a perk/happy moment of motherhood for me! It's so fun to celebrate my children!

Halloween 2008, part A and B

This year we were all Cowboys/girls. No pictures of Me...darn it. :)
We had some friends over for dinner and went to a few doors in our neighborhood. Effie, Camden's girl friend was a ladybug. They had a good time going trick-or-treating together.

Ellie was a Butterfly Fairy and Camden was Nemo (again) for the ward X-mas party. I was a Cowgirl and Pat a Mnt. Biker. The Party was a week before Halloween. Camden got some good practice treak-or-treating. Fun Fun.

Just doing our thing

So this is how I avoid using a double stroller. We bought this Car seat/Stroller set because it looked sturdy and easy to use. I've fully tested out it's durability and I still give it 2 thumbs up. This is us going to the Zoo. I know some of you readers have this same stroller but would never try this with your two year old but it works for us so I thought I'd share the idea. I've thought about creating a safety strap and something a little more comfortable for him to sit on but until then, this works just fine. I just keep a hand on him.

Is Ellie not just the cutest thing you've ever seen?! Don't you just want to squeeze her!!? Hal, thanks for this adorable outfit! Love the hat.