The Hartfield Files

Happy "I Love You" Day.

2012-02-14T16:58:00.000-06:00

I'm very mixed with today.

I don't ask for anything which drives Evan crazy. I do not care for Flowers or Chocolate but I do expect at least a card and something sweet. Evan used to make Valentines a HUGE thing but the last few years he's slacked and now...he's trying to make it like he used to and in the end you get a frustrated wife and sad/guilty husband.

Today during lunch after being annoyed with how weird Evan was acting I told him today wasn't Valentine's Day and that since it wasn't Valentine's day, he could act normal and go back to being my sweet husband and enjoy our Tuesday lunch date like it was any other Tuesday. So he did, and we had a really good day together before we picked up our true Valentine from MDO.

I did get a sweet card and as well as a gift card to Cheesecake factory. :)

I just hate the idea that people go out of their way to show someone they love them simply because a calendar date says to! If you love someone you should show them daily with your words and actions from the heart. Why can't my husband buy me flowers on any other day besides 2/14? Where does it say I wouldn't like a piece of candy in July? Or even that it has to be for a reason?

SMH....

So there's that. I do hope everyone has a sweet and lovoly Valentine's Day with their loved ones. I just also hope that you share this same hype during the rest of the year as well.

I'm off to spend the evening with these 2 crazy kids...

XOXO-
Brittnye

MIBA

2012-02-13T13:55:00.002-06:00

M.I.B.A

Missing in blog action.

Still alive, promise. Just been busy and devoting more time to my other blog (I know, I know).

Update soon with new pictures to share, promise.

Happy Monday,
Brittnye

Daddy/Daughter Date Night!

2012-02-05T11:53:00.000-06:00

UGH. I wrote a really neat entry last night and then it never saved!! I hate that.

I just wanted to share a updated picture of Evan and Avery. Since we lived in Fort Worth Evan used to take Avery on Daddy/Daughter dates every Thursday night. I loved having a few hours to myself every week but since we moved back to Denton and Evan works the night shift, date nights got put on hold.

So when Evan handed me a receipt for a reservation at Chickfila for Saturday night I was kinda confused...until I read that it was for his table for their daddy/daughter date night. Apparently when I took Avery on a date 2 weeks ago for doing good with potty training, that upset Evan. He felt like he needed to find the time to take his girl on a dates again. So I did Averys hair and she picked out her outfit to wear and off they went.

They had dinner at Chickfila and then daddy took her to Mardel where she got 2 new Veggietale movies (turns out we don't own them all yet!)

And what did I do? I went to MovieTavern and ate dinner while watching a movie. Not too bad at all for mommy time. :)

Happy Sunday,

Brittnye

Couldn't ask for more...

2012-01-30T00:49:00.002-06:00

Hooray for rainy days!!!

2012-01-25T18:54:00.000-06:00

The new year is officially off and running. I've been so busy with getting things back on schedule for Avery and getting the entire family into a routine since being lazy and enjoying free time is becoming a bit over-excessive in my opinion. Avery has been back at MDO and I think she may have missed it more than we did. We're so blessed to have such a wonderful church home where she also gets to go to school at with some sweet friends and amazing teachers.

My monkey girl.

I'm slowly getting used to my glasses, I've loved all the compliments I've received and the only thing I have noticed is when I'm not wearing them, my eyes water a lot. Weird? maybe, but it beats headaches everyday. I've also been down the last 3 days with a pesky cold, started out more sinus related and a raspy voice then hit me hard. Today was the first day since Sunday that I left the house not in jammies. I must say that getting hot tea from the kuerig has been sooo helpful and has made me love this little machine 10x's more than I already did. (THANKS again Mom and Dad)

Other than that life is getting busy yet blissfully the same. Avery and Bailey keep me entertained in the evenings and help the nights fly by since Evan works from 4pm-1am.

Besties: Avery and Bailey

Megan's wedding is coming in April and I am busy with playing hostess for her Bridal shower next weekend and all the Maid of honor tasks that are somewhat popping up everyday. :) I'm excited though, Megan's been waiting for a long time to get this wedding to happen and it's going to be so beautiful!! At least wedding season hasn't freaked me out yet. I only have 3 weddings so far this year and with 20 friends currently pregnant, yes TWENTY!!!! Well...19 since one sweet baby was born this week. I seem to have a TON of baby showers the next few months. Avery and I went to a Sweet friends shower on Saturday and Avery was so good for me. As long as she knew she was going home with a balloon and got a cupcake she didn't complain. ;)

mmmmmmmm

Speaking of babies (No, not pregnant, patience people) I go to my doctor tomorrow to check out everything and go over my medical history and get set up on non OTC prenatal vitamins. We tried last month and this month and if I don't get a positive PT next month we will put baby #2 on hold until May or June and focus on other life events we've been planning for. We're determined not to stress over this or become alarm setting temp checkers as Evan dubs hardcore TTC'ers. Gods got it all lined up for us so whatever happens happens and tomorrows appointment will answer a few fears of mine for our journey back into pregnancy and babyhood.

So there you have it my sweet readers. Life in a update. I promise to blog better I just feel more into my HLC blog these days since comments and followers are kinda dwindling down and I'm also trying to not put so much on FB so this blog can be more fresh and new on the news and life dealings because who wants to reread about something they already know about?

Anyone have anything exciting planned for the weekend?

XOXO- Brittnye

White & Nerdy

2012-01-18T20:34:00.000-06:00

Got my glasses today!!

I didn't really think there was much of a difference until I was driving back home from work tonight after the sun had gone down. WOW, oh WOW. Everything was clear and not fuzzy and I wasn't having to squint against the lights from the oncoming traffic. I will say checking my blind spots and things coming up from my peripheral line of vision terrifies me because it's like something popping out of nowhere since my glasses make things look bigger for me. I'm sure I'll get used to this though.

Yeah, I was low key and had no makeup on...

Have you been following up with with my Healthy Living blog? If not, take a sec and follow it and read a few entries. I'm having a giveaway next week and am really getting excited about it.

Healthy Living Chick Blog

Avery goes back to MDO tomorrow after a month of being gone. I wish she would be completely potty trained before she goes back but at the same time, I am super proud of how well she is doing as it is. I'm aware it's a process and she gets so excited when she is successful but I think we're going to have to back off a little and take this slower. The more we ask her to try or to go sit on the potty the more she would get anxious and almost panicked over it. So not worth her regressing and taking a longer time to complete.

That's all I really have update wise. Gus is purring up a storm and giving me those "sexy" eyes which means he wants my lap free and clear so he can snuggle and since Avery is down and I have nothing important to do as of now...I may just head to bed with a book and let him have at it so I'll have to stay put and go to sleep instead of stay up too late and be tired tomorrow.

Happy Hump day, we're almost to the weekend.

-Brittnye

Randomness is Bliss, right?

2012-01-15T02:26:00.000-06:00

I know, she's pretty awesome.

So this week was pretty basic in boring routine except we started the big challenge of Toddlerhood with Avery. Oh yeah, we started Potty Training!! I'll spare the details but she has been doing better than I thought she would. few accidents the first day but by day 3 she doesn't need to be asked or followed constantly and she runs to the potty. However, that's with going teetee. Avery is terrified to go poopie in the potty. I guess I need to research more on it but she literally runs and hides if she has to go poopie but once she goes poopie she knows where it has to go "in the potty" she has been awesome at letting us know she needs a pull up on to do her business (THANK YOU LORD FOR NOT HANDING ME THAT MESS) and then we go to the big potty and flush the poopie...now, if I can just get her to see that going both teetee and poopie in the potty is the same happiness and excitement level.

I also had my eye appointment on Tuesday. I now have a temp pair of glasses until my new ones come in next week! I must say I'm glad I went. It's been over 6 years since I had glasses due to migraines I would get from a seizure disorder I had for years but once my seizures stopped the migraines did too so I stopped wearing glasses. About a year ago I noticed that I would get headaches at night. I figured it was from being a new mommy and lack of sleep. Then a few things started happening and frequent enough that I knew it wasn't from fatigue. During our trip over the Christmas break it finally caused enough alarm to Evan and I that he made me make an appointment to be safe.

Pretty much I have a slight condition with my right eye that can easily be corrected with glasses. After a year or so I may no longer even need them. Basically, my eyes are fighting each other and need to learn to relax when I focus on something up close. Like reading or driving at night..the longer I'm looking at something the more my eyes fight each other, then comes the blurry vision, eye strain and burning which leads to a headache. Avery told me they make me look like a teacher :) Good thing the temps look like my new frames.

(Again, my daughter is just awesome.)

I guess I have no big entry for this week. We've been homebodies with the potty training process and my eye appointment was my biggest outing this week. I know, I live a wild and crazy life. *shrug*

I'll end with yet another awesome picture of Avery, she was being super sneaky trying to not go to bed last night when I caught her in the hallway wearing one of Evans work hats. "What do you think you are doing out of bed?" I asked her in which she put the hat on her head and raised her head in a matter of fact way and then in the most adorable little bossy way a 3 year old could say. "Mommy, I no go bed! I go work wif daddy, kay!?" So of course I had to do what any good mommy would do....I went and grabbed my phone to take a picture of her.

I know, I know...

-Brittnye

The Secrets Out...If You Wanna Call It One...

2012-01-08T22:36:00.000-06:00

So if you stalk me on FB like you do on here you've probably noticed how so many of my status updates involve babies and pregnancy. I've been asked by a few people if we are pregnant and the answer is NO.

However...

Evan and I have decided we're ready for Baby#2. Yes, Avery is 3 now and she definitely needs a sibling. I mean, with all that cuteness on one little being...if we don't add a sibling to the mix that cuteness can turn into one lethal bratty mess as she gets older! Not to mention she is no longer throwing a huge fit every time we mention getting her a baby brother or sister. In fact, tonight while she was watching the family episode of Yo Gabba Gabba she came over to me and said "You have a baby mommy?" when I told her not yet she kinda stared at me then said "Okay! You have baby mommy." so I asked her..."Do you want a baby sister or a baby brother?" her answer "BRUDDER, BRUDDER!!" When she told Evan this at dinner he simply looked up at me and said "Well that's that. Let's start trying for a boy."

I'm very excited about this new chapter for our family and yet, to be honest..I'm scared. Do I want another baby, you betcha. Do I want another complicated pregnancy? Absolutely not! I don't even want to think of another miscarriage because that alone will have me backing out of this plan. Selfish, I know, but I just don't wish that pain on anyone.

I know God has great things planned for us this year. We're already set for Portland in April and England in August is already scheduled and Evan already has the work time off for vacation!! I just don't want to be really pregnant on either trip nor do I want another Dec. baby so actually getting to plan this out and go about it in an organized and planned way versus "Surprise!!! We're pregnant" will be a nice change for us. :)

So there you have it. Hopefully in a few months I'll be able to share a sweet post with you all. Trust me, I will not be sharing every little detail on this process (I get confused by all the TTC lingo frankly) and I refuse to be one of those weird charting crazy women. God has a baby waiting for me and he'll plant the seed when it's time for us.

Wish us Luck.
-Brittnye

New Mexico, Colorado & NYE Oh My!! Part 3- NYE

2012-01-05T19:55:00.000-06:00

So Saturday we woke up bright and early from a few hours sleep in Dumas at I might say, a very nice Holiday Inn express. Since Evan was super sweet and drove the majority of the evening and into the night the day before to get us safely to Dumas (I can no longer drive at night due to my vision, getting glasses next week since he is now convinced I don't want to drive at night just because...) I took the wheel and off we went.

Pretty much a dull day on the road, we had breakfast in Amarillo and the day was BEAUTIFUL. So much so that we pulled off outside of Childress and let Avery play at a playground for an hour to enjoy the sunshine (and wind!).

Once we got to Wichita Falls we stopped for a late lunch and a little shopping at Kohl's. Avery picked out two very cute dresses and a pair of Hello Kitty jammies and proceeded to walk around the store with them hanging behind her back like a little diva. Evan and I thought it was so cute because she was being so girly and the dresses she picked out were fancy. Evan bought 2 shirts and I got a pair of boots. It was fun, especially since I'm usually alone when shopping because all 3 of us together never seems to work so it was an extra treat for me. :)

We got to Denton around 6:30. unpacked, started laundry, thanked my mom for house-sitting and then hopped in the shower while Gary came over to watch Avery for us. We had two parties to attend despite being on the road all day and we were determined to go to both and be home before midnight. Success.

I'll spare the party details but it was nice to semi-dress up, put on some heels and be around people I don't see often enough. The main party was for a friend of mine who lives in Hong Kong, he was back in the states for the holidays so a NYE party seemed fitting for a going away party as well. I've been friends with Daniel for over 13 years. It's always good to see him.

Evan and I had a lot of fun but we're just not as young as we used to be and were home in our jammies by 11:30 and rang in the New Year with Evan playing a game and me doing laundry (we stopped to share a kiss). Such is the life. Ha!

-Brittnye

New Mexico, Colorado & NYE. Oh MY! Part 2- Colorado

2012-01-03T22:43:00.000-06:00

We didn't get to stay in Colorado nearly as long as we had wanted to but we still had a great time visiting with Evans Aunt Cheryl, Uncle Jim and Cousins Emma and Cal. Evans Grandmother lives with them and we drove her home from New Mexico.

The drive wasn't too bad at all. I drove us the first 3 hours until we stopped for lunch in Albuquerque at this really fun and neat diner called Route 66 Diner.So neat, try one.

After lunch I sat in the back with Avery and we watched several Disney movies and her new Princess and the Pop Star VeggieTale movie. She is seriously a VeggieTale fanatic and we're A-okay with that.

We watched it 4 times in the car to Colorado.

I wish I had taken more pictures but we seriously had a very relaxed and laid back visit. The one thing we did that Avery LOVED was we went to the Denver Zoo and went through their "Zoo Lights". After the zoo closes they re-open later and the entire zoo is covered in beautiful color changing lights through out the entire park. They have hot chocolate and lights for the kids to play with and a few of the animal exhibits stay open like the penguins, giraffes, elephants and hippos. It was really pretty and Cal and Emma were super cute with Avery as they chased after her. We really had a good time. :)

After we went through we meandered in the gift show for awhile where we bought Avery and Cal these neat Tiger light sabers in which Avery quickly challenged Cal to a duel and won. Hehehe

Such sweet cousins she has.

On Friday it was Evan and I's Anniversary. 6 years!!! Hard to believe that we've been married that long but it's been amazing and even thought we didn't get to celebrate it he still sent me off with the other ladies and we went and got manicures and pedicures something I have not enjoyed in months!

I was a happy momma/wifey.

After my pampering we were back on the road and headed to Texas. We decided not to drive all night with Avery in the car so we reserved a room in Dumas and took our time on the road. We also stopped in Pueblo Co. for our Anniversary dinner at Cracker Barrel where we also celebrated Avery going tee tee and poopie in the potty (it's the little things, I tell ya!) all in all a nice Anniversary. We plan on going away a weekend soon and letting Avery hang out with Nina and Pawpa to officially celebrate.

BragBox*

I might add that my 3yr old was FANTASTIC in the car! She never cried, never struggled, never fussed she was so chill and relaxed in her new booster seat. She literally made the trip worth it. She just kept busy with her dvd player and her leapster explorer (best gifts ever!) and occasionally asked for a book to be read to her or for a snack. SO awesome and I am beyond impressed with her. Just sayin'

-Brittnye

New Mexico, Colorado & NYE. OH MY! Part 1: New Mexico

2012-01-03T19:54:00.000-06:00

No need to lie when I say that coming back to reality has been a bit of a bummer. We had such a good time in New Mexico playing in all the snow and enjoying a nice fire every night. The driving part was a bit much but you know, the scenery was like nothing Texas has to offer.

Day 1: Dec.23rd

So Avery left around 6am with Evans parents and grandmother because Evan couldn't get off work. So off she went while we had the car loaded with all the Christmas gifts and every ones luggage. Jarrods flight was arriving in Albuquerque that evening and dad was set to pick him up. So that left me with the majority of the day to finish packing, making my lists and getting amped up over this amazing trip. What we didn't expect was a huge snow storm to hit New Mexico and parts of west Texas...it took mom and dad a very long time to get to New Mexico and due to the weather all 3 main ways to get to Jarrod were closed due to snow and ice!! So dad calls me and asks if we can pick up Jarrod by going north to Amarillo and taking I-40 (an extra 4 hours in the car, no biggie) so I call Evan and explain how mom and dad got to the cabin but the roads were closed and Jarrod was stranded at the airport 3 hours away from them for the night. Evan talks to his boss and within 10 minutes is on his way home and rather than hitting the road at 1am we're on the road by 9:45pm heading to Amarillo to head west on i-40 to get Jarrod. We knew we'd be driving through the night and wouldn't get to the cabin until close to noon the following day.

Day 2- Christmas Eve:

Everything is going great, we're making great time, we realize about Witchita Falls that we forgot Evans coat and the majority of the snacks and plan to stop in Childress to buy what we forgot so we don't have to delay any further once we get Jarrod. The roads are very EMPTY. One funny thing that happened was Evan bought me a 5 hour energy shot (he takes them from time to time for work). I've never had them or had a desire to try them but since we were driving through the night I figured, why not? Those things are so nasty!!! It wasn't so much the taste when you shoot them down but the after taste! Not to mention about 30minutes after I took it I suddenly kept burping and every time I burped I was revisited by that nasty taste that made me shudder and spaz out to Evans delight. By the time we got to the Wal*mart in Childress I was ridiculously jittery, enough to have me worried about being behind the wheel so Evan bought me a water and a snack to eat and took over once we bought what we needed. (We were also the ONLY customers in the wal*mart, WEIRD!)

We got to Amarillo by 2:30am and again I note how EMPTY the hwy is, I mean we were all alone! It was so bizarre to me. We stop in Vega, TX to fill up before crossing into New Mexico and at this point I'm drowsy and in and out of sleep. Evan is super paranoid about things and tells me he thinks the tire on the front passenger side is low and asks around for a air gauge. Checks the tires and figures we're okay and he's just being how he is. (much to my annoyance) So on we go and I am delirious almost since I kept asking Evan about this building on the side of the road and yet we were in the middle of NOWHERE! Seriously he thought it was funny but there's a reason I do not sleep in the car and that was part of it.

We were on the road maybe 30minutes when suddenly....we got a flat tire!
Yep. Flat tire. 4am. Middle of nowhere. Christmas eve. Awesome.
So Evan gets us to this entrance ramp for one of those picnic rest areas you never really wanna stop at and we pull off since the tire is just shredded. We sit for a few minutes, try to asses where we are to begin with, if we have a spare, who can we call, etc. Luckily (so we thought) Evan had just signed me up for AT&T road side service from my cell phone (which had barely any service at all!) so we call them.... TWO hours later they call us back to let us know they are not sure where we are and the nearest tow they can find is 60miles away and it'll be $400. Excuse me?! What are we paying for if it's $400 for a tow driver to come out and help us change a flat?! (apparently it being Christmas eve made the difference) So I tell Evan we'll just sleep until the sun comes up because it's pitch black and we can't see what we're doing anyways.....we also realize we moved into mountain time so it wasn't 6am but really 5am! wonderful.
I didn't sleep. Evan did though and I was so glad because it allowed me to have my inner freak out and to just let the tears flow. I was cold, I missed Avery, poor Jarrod was waiting for us, we had everyones presents and clothes with us, it was Christmas eve...you can get why I got emotional. I also called Evans dad, Gary to let him know what had happened and he was immedietly upset and determined to come rescue us (in true Gary fashion) but I told him I had a plan, we were fine and I'd call him once we were on the road but he would have to go get Jarrod if the roads were opened. Thankfully one way opened up and he went off to get Jarrod very slowly.

I remembered something my friend Beth had told me about the back of your Texas Drivers License having a 800 number to call for help.

Oh. My. Goodness. Never again will I forget this number. I collected myself, called the number and within 5 minutes I had a state trooper dispatch tell me exactly where I was, how far we were to the nearest town and how a Trooper was on the way to help us!!! (We needed a lug wrench to get the spare free and remove the old tire) 15minutes pass when the dispatch calls me and asks me what landmarks are near me because the trooper can't find us, I tell them the mile marker in front of us and he was on his way.

The trooper arrived right at sunrise where we had already unloaded all the presents to the side of the highway (in the melting snow!) and were trying to unlock the spare from the bottom console. The first thing out of his mouth was "How long have you two been out here like this?!" to which I just started crying while Evan looked at his phone and said with a shrug..."4 hours?". In which he stared at us then said "Why didn't you call 911!?" well.....I didn't see this as an emergency to be honest. Sure we were stranded and yes, nobody had stopped to help in the middle of nowheresville but was it an emergency that would require 911? no. He then rubbed my back and told me the dispatch was urgent to get me help because "They said you sounded like you were scared and very young and they thought you were alone." haha

Over the next 2 hours that trooper not only fixed our flat using 2 jacks, OU jokes and pushing me out of harms way when the jack fell and the car moved towards us! but he totally went above and beyond his duty!! He was determined to get us on the road and to our family for Christmas!!! He was so sweet and wouldn't let Evan and I help much, he even called a buddy who owned a towing company in Vega but told him nevermind because he wasn't going to have us towed when he could get the tire off. He was a muddy mess when it was all said an done and he hated seeing me cry as much as Evan did and begged me to stop haha (I was just exhausted and cold). He helped us load all the gifts back in, get the shredded tire where the spare went and then gave us specific directions to the better tire shop for us not the nearest 2 (27 miles away!). He was so amazing and kept us smiling through it all and by 9:15 we were slowly on the road to the NM border. (we got his card and will be sending a gift soon to his PO Box)

2 hours later after the tire shop he sent us too didn't have the tire we needed (but we're waiting for us!). We were in Clovis, NM at a Discount Tire where we got 2 new tires (to go with the other 2 new tires we bought the day before the trip) and warranty on all of them and were headed south to Roswell to get to Ruidoso where Avery and our family were. I passed out from exhuastion and awoke to a very tense evan driving in this!

When we left Clovis, there was ZERO snow on the ground but in the time of my 20minute nap we were suddenly in a white out! To add to that, the roads hadn't been plowed and people were sliding everywhere and going about 15-25mph. We got behind a huge 18 wheeler hauling new vehicles and were stuck behind him for an hour with a huge line of traffic behind us on the hwy to Roswell. I tried to lighten the mood by proclaiming "I spy with my little eye...something white!" but Evan was not amused. After awhile I finally convinced Evan to go around the truck (slowly). Once we did we were soon on our way to Roswell and watched as the snow plow had cleared the other side of the hwy but not ours until we got to Roswell! *Sigh* an hour later it was lightly snowing but we finally made it to Ruidoso only to be stuck by this hill leading us to the cabin since we didn't have 4 wheel drive only 2. Evan lost it then for a few minutes and who could blame him!? 18 hours in the car and we got 100 feet from the cabin only to know we couldn't drive up that stupid hill! We parked at a nearby house that the owner was gone for the holidays and Evans dad and Jarrod (who arrived 20 minutes before us) unloaded the car while we just walked in and grabbed Avery.

We didn't do a single thing the rest of the day except play in the snow with Avery and enjoy an amazing dinner of Dads chili and Jarrods Red Velvet cake balls. I'm pretty sure the hot shower I had that night was the best I've had in years!!!!

Day 3- Christmas Day:

We all woke up around 7:45-8am and set up the gifts by the fireplace. Avery was the last to wake up (she's not a morning person) and then the wrapping paper flew like crazy!

Needless to say I was spoiled yet again my my amazing In-Loves and I have been using my new Kuerig everyday! Avery got so many barbies and dolls and Hello Kitty clothes it's like a mall exploded in her room now. Such a fun Christmas and full of so many sweet memories.

Shortly after lunch it was time to take Jarrod back to the airport. :( so everyone said their goodbyes while Evan, Gary and I did the 3 hour drive there and back for the day but at least the roads were plowed and safe to travel on!

He is so amazing and even though it was only for a day and a half we LOVED getting to have him with us. Avery sure misses her uncle Jarrod and the pictures of them playing in the snow are some of my favorites!!!

Day 4 & 5:
We played in the snow a lot, Avery tried sledding for the first time and is a mountain girl! She is such a pro daredevil and just giggled like crazy every time she zipped down the hill. We had Deer a plenty all around our cabin and I took some neat shots very close to them before a buck rounded everyone up and let me know I was getting too close. :) We also wet into town for a little shopping and I really like Ruidoso, such a fun little town and if you ever go be sure to eat at Grace O'Malleys Irish Pub. Super yummy food.

Day 6- Off to Colorado:
We cleaned the cabin and packed up in the morning before saying bye to Nan and Gary and continuing on to Colorado to take Evans grandmother back home since she was visiting us for the holidays. As we were loading up the deer came to the front of the cabin! Avery was barefoot and in her jammies rushing out the door to say hi to them while I asked dad to give me some left over bread. I started sweetly baby talking them and before you know it this happened!!!

It was so sweet. I loved it and the one brave deer who kept coming right up to me only had half an ear on one side so he was extra adorable. Evan geeked out about how all week I was the only one able to get so close to them and then to feed him I just told him it's because I'm a mom...

Ruidoso is so much fun and our cabin was awesome!! Check out Dan Dee Cabins, you'll love it. I think we're going to plan an after Christmas trip for the family as a new tradition whenever we can. It was so worth it, even with the craziness getting us there. Being a family, having so much fun and enjoying a truly white Christmas was just spactacular! Hard to compete with that for Avery she is so spoiled on Christmases.

Up Next Part 2!

-Brittnye :)

Brace Yourselves....

2012-01-02T12:37:00.000-06:00

I'm off to spend some last minute fam-fam time but prepare yourselves for one MASSIVE blog post coming VERY soon. I'm talking pictures, videos and 11 days worth of catching up. You may even need a snack break in between reading it.

You've been warned.

Xoxo-
Brittnye & Avery
(she's sitting in my lap)

From our Family to Yours

2011-12-31T19:28:00.000-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

May 2012 be a BLESSED year for you and yours.

Xoxo-

Brittnye, Evan & Avery
(Gus and Paris too!)

All About Avery.

2011-12-22T19:08:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday!!

December 19, 2008

4:49pm 6lbs 5.9oz 19inches long

6 months old

My adorable cuepie doll.

1 year old

12/19/2009

"Belle of the ball"

1.5 yrs old

Ready to go to school.

2yrs old

12/19/2010

"Little bit country, little bit rock n' roll"

2.5yrs old

Happy Birthday

12/19/2011

Getting so big on us!!!!!

3 Years and I still get emotional

2011-12-22T18:47:00.000-06:00

I know, I know I am almost a week behind here but it has been one super hectic week FULL of family, friends and adventures!!! Avery and I just got in from an over-night trip to Austin and are currently packing everything up and organizing for our trip to NM and CO tomorrow!!! It's FINALLY here.

Monday was our sweet Avery Claire's 3rd Birthday!

Can YOU believe she is THREE? I sure can't.

We didn't have a party for her in my usual crazy mom fashion but we really didn't have the time with so much family coming in that day as well as over the weekend. We did however, have cupcakes and opened gifts to celebrate her special day.

Needless to say she is one LOVED and SPOILED girl. Who is busy with her new dolls, Doll size pack n play, high chair and stroller, Portable DVD player (for the future trips in the car), cute girly outfits, Glittery red TOMS and 2 new barbie movies. *sigh* Our tom boy is turning into a girly girl!

Avery Claire,

It gets harder and harder for me to accept that you are no longer my sweet baby but that you are turning into a amazingly kind, sweet natured, funny and compassionate Little girl whose spirit lights up any room she's in. You make your mommy and daddy so proud of you! You truly enrich our lives. You are so smart and quick witted, your always so helpful and you make this parenting job more of a reward than a job. I love you more each day and am so proud to be your mommy.

I love your zest for all things, your ability to make someone happy with a smile, a wave or a cute giggle. I also love how you sing and dance to EVERYTHING.

Always remember to keep yourself in the positive, to never back down from a challenge in life and to say your prayers at bedtime. Eating your veggies, brushing your teeth and wearing clean underwear is also a must my dear.

Happy 3rd Birthday Cuppycake,

Love Mommy

YAY!

2011-12-14T17:17:00.000-06:00

Life is busy.

December usually is, I know, but still...WHEW.

As we speak my sister and sweet baby niece are on a plane from North Carolina headed to DFW. Avery and I are excited to pick them up although not in this rain we're currently having but meh. It's going to be so weird having a baby in the house. Glad I kept Averys infant car seat and pack n' play!

Then tomorrow Avery has her class Christmas party and I'll be bringing cupcakes to celebrate her birthday as well. Friday I'll be in NM with Gary for the day, Saturday is prepping for Averys birthday family dinner and last minute Christmas shopping, Sunday is church followed by a lunch to celebrate Avery. Monday is her 3rd birthday and we're treating a few friends kids to free Chuck E. Cheese for a bit but it's not a party. Then a few days to pack and organize for our trip to NM and CO. Then I take Desi to Austin to be with her dad, Avery goes to NM with her Nina, Pawpa and Great Oma while Evan has to work the 23rd (boo) then Evan and I will be getting on the road for NM around 12:30am on Christmas Eve.

Again WHEW.

My Baby is Growing UP!

2011-12-11T17:24:00.000-06:00

Today was Avery's MDO Christmas program during Church. She was sooo cute and PTL there were ZERO tears on stage and we (Evan, my mom, Nan & Gary) all got to sit and watch her perform from a safe distance away and laugh with her little antics. (She is so silly)

While you watching her cute friends perform, she is dead center in the red dress with the red bow on her head. She's also the one who starts laughing with the jingling bells and after EVERY song starts clapping her hands and yelling "YAYYYYYY!"

Sorry about the poor quality, Evan was being resourceful with his windows phone and the zoom is horrible!

So proud of my big girl, hard to believe she'll be 3 very soon!!!!

Enjoy your Sunday,

Brittnye

BRRRRRR

2011-12-04T20:54:00.000-06:00

Baby, it's cold outside!

For Texas, That's huge! Been raining the last 2 days here and with it the temps have dropped, not that I'm complaining. We stocked up on S'more makings and have plenty of firewood on standby for nights like this, I bought and enjoyed my first eggnog of the season, Christmas movies and music are on a lot and Evan and I jokingly say this is to prepare us for our trip in 2 weeks when we're in a log cabin in the New Mexico mountains surrounded by snow.

Have I mentioned how excited we are? Probably, yeah, I thought so....

I still feel like I have a million things to do for this trip and I am trying not to go into panic mode. I know that where we are staying has been getting snow since late October! This weekend alone they received 5-8 inches. So now I'm freaking out thinking how I may need to buy Avery some more pants and thermals and a heavier coat so she can play in it and not get wet. Alas, I'm a TEXAN we don't know how to dress for Snow that actually accumulates and sticks for more than a day or two!

I'll be driving with Gary to Clayton, NM on the 16th to pick up his mom who lives in Denver. I love road trips and even though it's 8 hours in a car only to turn around and drive 8 hours back...I'm totally excited about it. Again, I say this and yet a week from the day we'll be doing the exact same drive only add an hour. Pretty much every destination on this trip from point A to B to C to D is average 8 hours and we're making the perfect square on the map. :)

I just hope Avery will do okay being in the car so much. We have a DVD player and she will have the new leapfrog explorer (A Birthday gift she'll be getting) and we have a TON of Disney audio books to play. Plus side is, we're not in any rush so Evan has mentioned that if we get too wound up we'll just crash at a motel and continue on the next day because this is a vacation and vacations shouldn't be timed to the minute. Again, we're pretty excited.

I still have a few more gifts to make/purchase but so far, I seem to be ahead of the game. I think anyway....

How about you? Anything happening over the holidays you are excited about?

Sneak Peek Megans Bridals

2011-11-29T02:19:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Avery had Croup and the Flu so we didn't get to really have the Thanksgiving we had hoped for. She's doing fine now but last week was rough. Now we're just gearing up for her 3rd Birthday (SERIOUSLY!?) and our amazing Christmas in New Mexico followed by a few days in Colorado and Missouri.

I got to let my Photographer side come out this weekend and take some bridal shots for my friend, Megan. She's getting married in April. It was super windy and cold out but Megan was such a trooper and we got some really good shots. I seriously love doing this stuff, I just need to get better software for photo editing and need to learn the ins and outs better. Still though, it was a lot of fun.

Take a look, tell me what you think(seriously), I still have a lot to edit but these are some of my faves.Her hubby to be can't see these so we're good. :)

Isn't she beautiful? I had so much fun.

How was every one's Thanksgiving? Anyone have fun traditions?

Happy Tuesday,
Brittnye

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2011-11-24T02:59:00.000-06:00

To all my wonderful Friends, Family, Readers & Stalkers (you know who you are)...

Happy THANKSGIVING.

I hope you remember what today is truly about and get to enjoy it with family, traditions, stories, laughter and of course FOOD. ~~If your dumb enough to rush out with the crowds for materialistic items that give you minimal happiness and cut off the meaning of this day~~ I hope you black Friday shoppers are safe as you rush out to find those "Deals" and remember to stay calm and not go crazy.

Avery is sick and we will not be doing anything today that requires us to change from our jammies and get off the couch. I'm a little bummed about this but she comes first and I would rather her get better than drag this Flu and Croup out any longer than need be. Plus side, food is being brought to us and I get lots of snuggle time in. Who can complain about that?!

I'm truly THANKFUL for so much this year, crazy to think this time last year we were so desperate for help just to put food on the table and keep our heat on....wow..... I'm sitting here looking around me at all we have now, how warm I am with the heat on low, how crowded my walls are with family pics, how I know Avery is safe and resting peacefully in her room, how content my 2 spoiled cats are in the respective dwellings on the couch and how ridiculously happy I am.

God is truly AMAZING.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving with those you Love and know I am THANKFUL for you in my life.

-Brittnye

Pinterest: Round 2

2011-11-14T23:42:00.000-06:00

So after the amazing turn out with the cinnamon roll waffles I grabbed another pic of drool-worthy proportions for my Sweet Mother-in loves birthday celebration this weekend and I must say...it was a hit! And I'm not talking about just to my hips.

Nan asked me for a Birthday pie instead of cake (we Hartfields, we're so different). I thought it would be simple, just find her amazing recipe for her Strawberry pie that is a cure-all for a bad day and whip it up for Sunday....not so much. I looked and looked and could not find it and I was not about to call her for it, that'd be just weird "Hey, you said you wanted pie, can I have your recipe for the one you make without even thinking?" Yeah, that conversation was so NOT happening.

So off to Pinterest I went and there it was on the main page, this beautiful picture of a slice of pie that looked like it came straight from Paula Deens kitchen.

Told ya so.

So there it was, the picture, the recipe and all the easy how-to steps.

So Sunday morning I woke up, went to wal-mart, bought the 3 items I didn't have to make this and set off on a mission in my kitchen. Ready for the recipe? Of course you are.

S'more Pie-

What you'll need:

16 Grahmn crackers
8 tblspn of butter (1 stick)
Pinch of salt
10oz. semi-sweet choc. chips
1 bag giant marshmellows
2 eggs
3/4 cup of heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup of milk

What you do:

Preheat oven to 325*
mix melted butter in with crumbled and chopped up grahmn crackers (I did mine in a food processor) in a medium bowl until moist and smooth
in a pie pan spoon mixture and flatten into a thin crust (You'll have plenty left over)
Bake fo 8-12 minutes or until fragrant.
In a medium sauce pan heat up milk and whipping cream to a boil then reduce heat.
Add in chopped semi-sweet choc. chips and stir until melted

Stir it continuously, it'll start outlight then get darker once all the chocolate is melted.
Add in pinch of salt and 2 eggs slowly and blend in.
Pout chocolate into pie pan and bake in over for 25min until pie is set and doesn't shake when lightly shaken. (I ended up cooking mine for almost 40minutes, you may just need to bump up the heat to 350*)

While your pie is baking take half the bag of marshmellows and with kitchen shears, cut them in half.
Once pie is out of the oven, place marshmellows on top and place in over set to Broil.
Brown marshmellows lightly, this usually takes 1-5min so watch them CAREFULLY!

Chill in fridge for 2-3 hours before serving.
Chocolate sauce drizzle optional upon serving.
*side note* when you serve it, you can microwave your piece for 12-20seconds to heat it up and make it more like a S'more.

YUM, YUM, YUM.

Sorry, I didn't get any pictures of it in it's final appearance or while it was enjoyed by the family. Nan liked it and Evan really liked it. To me it was a bit too rich and almost too much chocolate but I'm not a big choco-holic like my family. Even Avery went to town on this pie and she is NOT a pie kid at all, so over all I give this pie a B+.

Any of you try something from Pinterest you really loved?

Try it and enjoy,

Brittnye

Pinterest.....

2011-11-11T10:34:00.000-06:00

If you know me, You know I love Pinterest.

However, what I don't like so much is that half the time I try a recipe I find that LOOKS oh so yummy, it never looks like the picture that I fell in love with.I'm sure you guys know what I mean (all those crockpot pics never look like that when I try them!) and Sure the DIY projects look easy but your end result vs. the professional who mastered it and originally posted it on the web is making them silently mock and laugh at you.

Doesn't stop my obsession with the site though.

This morning though, I tried something I found last night and it was both super easy and also added a new twist on a favorite breakfast here in the Hartfield house. Thought I'd share it with you....

Cinnamon Roll Waffles.

Take a tube of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and open it, spray hot waffle iron with non stick spray and place 1 cinnamon roll on each waffle square (mine has 2) close waffle maker and cook for 2min. ice as you prefer and enjoy!

It makes for mini cinnamon roll waffles! Still chewy in the middle but the outside has a crispy crunch to it.

Super Easy.

Fun to make.

Avery loved them!

Let it Begin, Let it Begin!!!

2011-11-09T20:52:00.000-06:00

Whelp...so much for not getting in the holiday spirit this early..

I've been in debate over what to do this holiday season as far as budgeting for gifts and decorating the house since we won't be here for Christmas at all. We have no big plans for Thanksgiving, in fact...I'm not even sure where we're going or who we'll be with or if I'll be hosting and it's only 2 weeks away! (hmm)

Not to mention, Avery will be 3 in less than 6 weeks!!! Yep, THREE. (How is this possible?!) and 4 days from then we'll be in the car off for 11 days of travel and seeing family and sweet friends in over 5 states.

Christmas this year is going to be beyond amazing and I am so excited for the memories we'll be making since we'll be in a cabin in New Mexico. I know Evan and I will be setting up a small tree in the cabin and our plan (which is already set in motion) is to bring stockings for everyone and fill them up with goodies for Christmas morning as well as make our own decorations for the cabin the night before. I am super excited about some of the things we bought for Jarrod and Gary this year and even though Nan can be hardest to shop for, Evan has total faith in me and I'm working together a few little treats for her.

It kinda makes me giggle thinking that it's only November 9th and I've managed to buy a few gifts already and am getting my lists and details down for our trip for CHRISTMAS but well....it happened this past weekend, traveling home I saw a lot of families and soldiers and business people all mingled together for this slew of reasons but it just brought it into prospective for me of how quickly the holidays will be upon us and how I always, always, ALWAYS procrastinate until the week of Christmas and go into panic mode. I mean HELLO, Thanksgiving is in TWO weeks.

I also got this gem of a magazine today and am suddenly so very ready to start my holiday baking!

(Not the real issue, this is last years Dec. issue)

Don't get me wrong though, I can not stand that stores already have Christmas stuff out already and sales for Christmas and are playing Christmas music....it drives me NUTS. Thanksgiving deserves it's own month for decor and traditions and well, heck simple RECOGNITION for a really wonderful and traditional holiday our country was started on. It's the one time of year you can get together with family, eat some amazing family recpies and give Thanks to God for all your blessings.

So share with me sweet readers.... What's one thing you look forward to at Thanksgiving and what's one gift you received at Christmas that has meant the most to you?

I'm off to do more planning...

-Brittnye

Picture Post.

2011-11-07T01:04:00.000-06:00

Sorry FB Stalkers, chances are...you've already seen these.

Sisters. I have 2 brothers and 1 other sister and Desi and I look alike.

What do you think?

Self-pic.

Desi was fulfilling her fantasy of being Bella Swan.

Desi, Sweet baby Stella and I on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Looking Glass Falls-Pisgah National Forest, NC.

Representing too. ;)

^Happiness.

How cute is my niece?!

I was obsessed with her feet, she wasn't amused with me.

BEAR BUTT!

Pucker- Up Buttercup!

Yeah, I'm not moving for awhile *Contented Sigh*

Safe to say, I had a good trip.

I survived....

2011-11-06T00:35:00.000-05:00

6 days away from my hubby and sweet girl!

North Carolina was amazing and getting to spend so much time with my sister and baby niece with no drama from our other siblings or family was just pure BLISS! (You know what I mean, you get more than 5 people together for too long of a time and the dust stirs)

I posted a TON of pictures on my face book but I'll share my favorites on another entry VERY soon. For now, it's Chinese food and movies with Evan since I spent all day with my Avery. I'm glad to be back home but the trip was very much needed for the 3 of us. I can not wait for all 3 of us to go back up there, the mountains were amazing!

How was everyone's week? It's been kinda quiet on the comment front.

Bigger update soon,
Brittnye

Check out my little Ballerina!!

2011-10-29T00:29:00.000-05:00

Since I leave in a few hours for North Carolina for the week to be with my newborn niece and my sister I got Avery in her Halloween costume to make sure she was set to go for Monday. She looked too cute for words and she knew it!!!!

Check out my sweet girl. (She looks so grown up, where's my baby!?)

(could you imagine if Avery had a twin, whew!)

She had fun twirling in her tutu for me tonight and I'm so excited she liked being in it. Makes me sad to miss Halloween with her but I know she's in amazing hands (Her Pawpa has assured me she'll have a great night with him) and I know she's going to love being with daddy all week too.

Pray for me, I've never been this far from her or Evan or for this long of time.

Enjoy your weekend and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

-Brittnye

World Series Time!

2011-10-28T16:33:00.002-05:00

FOR THE WIN TONIGHT, BOYS. FOR. THE. WIN.

Rangers + Sleeperstar = Awesome night in Texas.

2011-10-24T00:16:00.000-05:00

Last night Evan and I set out to the east side of Dallas to the town of Rockwall to watch our oh so amazing friend, Nick, play with the band he's in called Sleeperstar. (You have no reason not to know who they are)Seriously, go check them out on iTunes if you haven't had the pleasure of listening to them! Go on....GO....I'll wait here........

SEE. Now you're hooked, as you should be.

Anywho, we went to the Harbor at Lake Ray Hubbard where they were having their 4th annual "Rock the docks". We parked, walked around the plaza then made our way to the grassy amphitheatre type area where the guys were on stage with the lake, an awesome sunset and slow moving sailboats setting up for one AWESOME backdrop.

The guys played some of the faves in our household and also added a few new songs which were FANTASTIC. Avery had her microphone and bubble gun and was quite entertaining when she wasn't just standing and staring at God-Daddy Nick jamming out on the guitar. She's been a Sleeperstar fan since Life. No joke.

Here are a few pics....

Yeah, which parent do you think she takes after?

The Rangers were also playing game 3 of the WORLD SERIES!!!!!!! WHOOOO HOOO....although they lost in a major and might I add embarrassing way Evan and Avery still proudly wore their love and support for their favorite baseball team. Avery loves her some baseball.

It was so much fun to actually get to take Avery to a Sleeperstar show. I hope the guys do more daytime shows where kids and entire families can enjoy it together. She had such a good time and by the time we got back home she even put herself to bed!! We haven't had a nice family outing (where it's just the 3 of us I mean) in quite a long time!

Avery and the guys from Sleeperstar

Nick, New Guy Geoff, Jake and Chris (Shaun wasn't there due to being busy rocking his photography skills)

When we were in the car driving home she said "They Wike Me, Mommy!"

Hope you got to have a fun weekend like we did. This weather is so perfect for outdoor activities.

2011-10-20T22:41:00.000-05:00

Well after that game, the Rangers officially gave me a headache and caused my BP to go all crazy like I just finished riding the Texas Giant 3 times in a row and then went bungee jumping.

Maybe not that extreme but that game was too close.
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!!

Trip down Memory lane...

2011-10-18T22:08:00.000-05:00

While cleaning out some files on the computer today I came across a folder marked "Not sure where to put". I thought that was random to be honest and was more than hesitant to open it up and see what was in it....
Yeah, 30 minutes later and I am one emotional mommy.

Pretty much any mobile video from Averys from birth to 3 months ago is stored in this folder and I was unaware about it! I have sat here watching some and just crying over how precious these are to me. Was she really this small!? How could I have forgotten this!?

Maybe it's a mom thing? Maybe I'm just weird?

*shrug*

INTRODUCING!.......

2011-10-14T01:35:00.000-05:00

The cutest baby since Avery arrived!! Yep, my Sweet Niece was born today in North Carolina, She just couldn't wait for Aunt Brittnye to get there in 2 weeks.

Miss Stella Elayne Davis

6lbs 18 inches long

October 13, 2011 @ 6:31 Pm

I can not WAIT to get my hands on her and love on her and spoil her rotten. :)

My sister, Desi, is doing good and was a trooper during her 17 hours of labor with a few bumps along the way. We girls in the family seem to be champs at labor and delivery, we make it seem too easy.

That was pretty much all I wanted to share tonight. It's been quite a crazy week for my family but I don't want to go into it due to certain people who read my blog that I have no control over stopping. (A risk we all take with blogging) But, if you're still alert and awake, swing by My Other Blog and send some love and share with friends.

LOVE YOU ALL.

-Brittnye

It's a Texas thing...

2011-10-13T10:09:00.000-05:00

Saturday I'll be a busy, busy bee. I'll be enjoying a lovoly 5k/1 mile walk with THIS AMAZING WOMAN bright and early. Then it's off to the TEXAS STATE FAIR. Where not only will I walk my booty off, but I'll be eating some of the most bizarre fried foods known to man.

Like some of these things:
Buffalo Chicken in a Flapjack BEST TASTE - A buffalo chicken strip is coated in flapjack batter, rolled in jalapeno bread crumbs, deep fried to a golden brown, skewed, and served with a side of syrup. Crowd pleasing appetizer or a meal in itself! inside the Automobile Building and in the Thrill Way.

Fried Bubblegum MOST CREATIVE - You’ll swear it’s bubblegum! A light as a feather bubble gum flavored marshmallow is dipped in batter and lightly fried to perfection. Decorated with a swirl of icing. A final sprinkling of powdered sugar completes this treat! It will blow you away! Granny’s Funnel Cakes on Coliseum Drive.
Deep Fried Pineapple Upside Down Cake - Fresh and sweet pineapple rings are delicately dipped in cake batter, fried, and coated with a caramel, sugar, and cinnamon glaze. What tropical treat is complete without a cherry on top? Fun Way across from Guest Relations and Nimitz Avenue by the Embarcadero.

Deep Fried Texas Salsa™ - This spicy medley of jalapenos, roasted garlic, onion, tomato, and pepper is rolled together, dipped in masa, and covered in crunchy tortilla chips. Into the fryer and served with warm, deliciously creamy queso. Located on Cotton Bowl Plaza at the Taste of Cuba stand and the Beer Garden.

El Bananarito - In case you are wondering, it’s a deep fried banana rolled in a flour tortilla, topped with whipped cream, powdered sugar, a dusting of cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla extract. Top it off with your choice of smooth, hot caramel or decadent chocolate syrup. Funnel Cake stand on Fun Way.

Fried Autumn Pie - Fairgoers will fall for this hard to resist puff pastry infused with a scrumptious combination of pumpkin, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and fall spices. Deep fried and rolled in ginger, cinnamon, and sugar. Chicken on a Stick stand located on Nimitz Drive, near the entrance to the Embarcadero.

Hans’ Kraut Ball - A conglomeration of taste: browned pork sausage, onion, garlic, a zing of sauerkraut, mustard, and tasty seasonings all rolled into a mouth-watering ball of delight. Covered with seasoned bread crumbs, deep fried, and served with your choice Spicy Mustard, Raspberry Chipotle, or Ranch. Hans Mueller tent next to the Main Stage, in Cotton Bowl Plaza, and at on Nimitz Circle.

Walking Taco - Stroll down the Midway with this concoction of seasoned hamburger meat, lettuce, onion, fresh tomato, grated cheese, sour cream, and tasty salsa. Inventively served up in a Nacho Cheese flavored Doritos® bag! Darn Good Corn stand across from Gateway Pavilion tent on Coliseum Drive.

Yeah....prepare for one awesome photo entry this weekend. Did I mention I haven't been in 3 years and it'll be Averys first State Fair and train ride?! (We're taking the train rather than driving) Soooooo excited.

Had to Share.

2011-10-10T23:00:00.000-05:00

Found this GEM on Pinterest tonight and will be doing all of these soon. Check out her BLOG .

Daniel and I always thought that we would be parents that would get a babysitter and go out all the time. We weren’t going to let having a baby change our lifestyle. Thirteen months after having our little one arrived reality has set in. Good, trustworthy babysitters are hard to find and they are expensive. Sure, our family could babysit and I do ask when it is needed but I don’t want to ask all the time. So we have become creative with our date nights at home after our daughter goes to bed.
I believe date nights are incredibly important for healthy marriages. They build trust and encourage a break from the routine to just stop, relax, and enjoy one another. On the date you should not talk about the kids, work, or bills. Save those conversations for another time. Also, don’t think about the household chores that need to be done. If you are the type that can’t relax if there is a dish in the sink, then do all the dishes before your date and get take out that you can throw away. The point is to relax.

You need to schedule your date and guard that time. We generally have a date (at home) on a weekend night. Yes things come up, but we don’t go long without a date. Sometimes I tell Daniel “I need a date” and he knows what I mean. I crave that time together and I miss it when we haven’t had one in a while. Don’t be afraid to ask or put in on the family calendar.

Here are 30 date night ideas that you can do at home after the little ones are tucked into bed and SOUND ASLEEP.

1. Have dinner in the backyard, patio, or your front lawn.

2. Re-watch the first movie you watched together.

3. Don’t cook and get your favorite take out.

4. Have a theme night. You must dress, eat dinner, and watch a movie with the same theme. Think ‘Western’ and dress like a cowgirl, eat bar-b-que, and watch Tombstone. Think ‘French’ and put on a black and white top, make French onion soup, and watch Amelie. It could be anything!

5. Put a blanket down and picnic in front of the TV.

6. Make a special dessert to indulge in. Bake chocolate chip cookies and right when you get them out of the oven put vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce on top. Even making brownies from a box can warm up any night.

7. Take a shower and get dressed up to go out, but stay in. One night I even put on my dress from my prom. I would never wear it out now, but I still love it and wore it on a night in.

8. Snuggle on the couch and watch a movie. I (heart) my Netflix queue!

9. Try to beat your all time record. (This was my husband’s suggestion for the list.)

10. Wear your old bikini that you would never wear in public again, because your stretch marks glisten too brightly in the sunlight! Ha. Your husband won’t care and will love you in it.

11. Break out the board games. Play it so that the loser has to do the dishes or even a fun strip version.

12. Wear your favorite lingerie under your normal clothes. Better yet wear none underneath.

13. Sit outside and read together.

14. Have a candlelit dinner in the dining room you rarely use.

15. Make a mix CD or playlist to enjoy throughout the evening.

16. Dance! Make room for our own private dance floor and have fun. Don’t worry, no one is watching you dance like Elaine Benes.

17. Write out an invitation card to your date requesting their presence at the VIP Lounge of your private nightclub.

18. Splurge on delicious cheeses and add fruit, crackers, and wine.

19. Make out during the DVD menu music.

20. Give each other a back rub.

21. Share your favorite dating memory with each other over dinner.

22. Set out candles around the room. (I know this is an old idea, but it is really nice to do once in a while.)

23. Dress as a character from a movie and you pick the character for each other (think Tom Cruise in Risky Business).

24. Work out together. Set up a circuit in the garage or in the back yard with a jump rope, dumbbells, push-up, and sit-up stations.

25. Cook together and try a new recipe for dinner or for a cocktail.

26. Go to bed early together.

27. Play video games together
28. Watch a sports game and eat stadium food like nachos and hot dogs.
29. Set up a pair of chairs and stick your feet in the kiddie pool.
30. Make breakfast in bed for dinner and watch TV.

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage, Then Comes babies, Then Comes......?

2011-10-04T00:21:00.001-05:00

Well, we're on a new mission in expanding our Family.

Don't get to excited, we're not pregnant and we are not planning on getting pregnant in the near future. The conversation that started it all happened just before Avery was born. We had discussed pets and were thinking of getting a dog someday. However, with a new baby soon, 2 spoiled house cats and both of us working we realized how silly that would be. We're hardly home as it is! So we said we'd wait until Avery was 3 then go to a shelter or adoption agency and find 1 or maybe 2 friends for Avery to bring home. (2 being one for daddy and one for mommy)

Well, Avery will be 3 in December (CRAZY!) and this weekend the conversation picked up at random when I mentioned how Barktoberfest was happening at the big park by our house and we should go look at the rescue groups and people watch since we obviously don't have a dog. Evan got sooooooo excited and immediately started talking about names for "His" dog and types of breeds that were "Good for us and not good for us".

Whoa, hold up.

So, we are currently doing TONS of research on every breed of dog that gets over 20lbs and doesn't yip but barks. We're thinking we'll decide or start hitting the rescue groups or local Shelter at the end of January. We're doing WAYYYY too much traveling in the coming months and we have 2 HUGE trips starting next spring. Plus, we may move to a bigger place in April. Needless to say, lots to consider and lots to think and research about before we find a new member of the Hartfield family. This just speaks volumes on how mommyhood has changed me. Anyone who knows me or grew up with me would be flabbergasted that I haven't owned a dog since 2004 and that I haven't brought home a million strays. It's a well known fact that growing up we had no less that 7 pets. Even now my mom has 8 animals!

PROS     Vs.   CONS
Play mate for Avery     Vs. Another mouth to feed(vet bills included)
Jogging buddy for me   Vs. Kittos adjusting to the dog
Security (depending on Breed)     Vs.  I'll be cleaning up after it.
Travel companion on family trips   Vs. Allergies (yet to be determined)
We've wanted one for a LONG time.    Vs. Baby No. 2 would be on hold
Teaches Avery responsibility

GOOD Breeds for US  > BAD Breeds for US
* Just because we don't think these breeds are good for us, doesn't mean we don't like them

Labs   > Chihuahua
Golden Retriever  > Yorkie
Greyhound (currently #1 on our list, very odd!)   > Poodle of ANY kind
Husky   > Pug
German Shepard   >  Dachshund
Brittany Spaniel > Pit Bull
Dalmatian  > Papillion
Border Collie  > Rottweiler (my mom has had 4)
Collie   > Great Dane (Avery's scared of them)
Wheaten terrier  > Pomeranian

So we still have a lot to research and figure out in finding a sweet and perfect addition to our family. I'm excited though, even if it's not even happening this year. :)

Try it, You'll like it.

2011-10-01T00:29:00.000-05:00

If your a fan of my blog which means your a subscriber, you comment on here, you get sad without a post from me or are just really nosey or a stalker...then you should do the same on my other blog.

THIS ONE RIGHT HERE!!!

you know you want to........kinda........maybe?

I promise a REAL post soon. :)

Love You All (for realies and trulies)
Britt & Co.

Yeah Well....

2011-09-29T21:22:00.001-05:00

Hartfield Staycation 2011

2011-09-25T22:57:00.000-05:00

We've been home for 5 hours now but I'm still in vacation mood/mindset.

I can not recommend Great Wolf Lodge enough to anyone thinking of a nice little getaway. We went last year for a family reunion and were iffy about a indoor water park with a 1 1/2 year old but Avery had a BLAST. This year...was 10x's better! Any and everything they had to offer for kids 5 and under, Avery did and enjoyed. We never left the resort, we ate, shopped, explored and relaxed and it was amazing. Evan is wanting to try the Kansas City location for our anniversary now without Avery and as much as we joke about being little kids, it's true....we'd totally go without Avery.

There was one little hitch in our weekend vacay but truth be told, I'm no longer furious about the situation because now that I've had a day to reflect on it I think the staff of the waterpark handled the situation the best they could and as much as I wanted to check back and see what happened to the disgusting man we reported....I have to just shrug it off and know we did the right thing and we protected our child first and foremost because, sadly, there are too many dangers to our sweet children lurking EVERYWHERE.

We ended our trip with a visit to this Awesome Aquarium at the Grapevine Mills Mall. Avery loved it but she is all about all things water and "Nemo" related. She even got to touch all the different corals and several starfish as a sweet employee explained to her some cool facts about them. She was hesitant about walking in the water tunnel....the concept of walking on see-through glass freaked her out but was hilarious to watch.

*sigh* I wish we could have stayed longer than the weekend. It was so much fun being disconnected from reality and having fun with Avery and Evans parents. I love those two so much and mom (Nan) and I had so much fun laying by the pool getting tans and talking about nothing at all.

12 weeks until Avery turns 3 and our next vacation starts. 2 glorious weeks in New Mexico, Colorado, Missouri and Kansas!!!

Enjoy some pics from this weekend and say Hello below.
-Brittnye

Me & My Cuppycake

She's such a Daddy's Girl.

Pawpa reading bedtime stories. (same one he read to daddy when he was small)

Sporting the wolf ears.

Junk Food on vacation? Of course!

Playing MagiQuest. (Geek Love!)

The sweet shop. Best Smore's ever.

That's my sweet girl. She needs to stop growing up on me.

This was her last year at the Lodge :'(

She's still so cute.

Stupid Portland being 2,000 miles away mumble

2011-09-22T23:58:00.000-05:00

I'm really missing this guy right here. Just wanted to show him off a bit when he's all "GQ". :)

Love you Jarrod, your the bestest brother ever.

2011-09-18T16:36:00.000-05:00

My latest entry from Healthy Living Chick, I love this idea from a fellow blogger so much I had to share it here as well. Enjoy.

I came across a fellow blogger today and am LOVING her method of sharing life's joy. So...I'm going to go with it. I'm going to post a weekly "Life Well Lived" post, sharing a few things I have done in my life that make my life....well lived.

Check out her blog, spread the word and the love....
http://www.kelseytoney.com/

I'll start with the basics....

I married my high school sweetheart:

Truth be told, E and I didn't start dating until after we were both out of high school. However, we met on the first day of my Sophomore year and his Junior year. We had Chemistry together *ba dum dum*. I had the HUGEST crush on him for years but he acted like a boy and played dumb until 4 years later when he found me on campus at UNT and learned I was there to meet a guy I had just started dating the week before. (funny how that worked out) We were very good friends for those 4 years and people wondered if we were dating so to me I think of him as my High School sweetheart. We've been married almost 6 years, together for 8 and friends for 11!

I'm a MOMMY:

A @ 5months old.

A @ 2.5 years old.

This is A. She is by far my GREATEST accomplishment in life (so far). She came into the world 5 weeks early 12-19-08, tiny as could be and with no instructions whatsoever! She'll be 3 this December. They say parenthood changes you in a thousand little ways and it is the absolute truth. She has made me a better person and has made me think of how I do things in ways I never saw coming. I could not ask for more. It's the best job ever! E and I are pretty cool parents...if I may say so....

I'm a Runner:

If you had met me or known me almost 2 years ago and told me I would be running in fun runs and training for 5ks and loving it, I would have laughed in your face! But thanks to my sweet friend, Therese http://thereseandross.blogspot.com/ got me into running and then moved off to Mission, Ks shortly after. Leaving me with no running buddy or mentor to show me the ropes. :P (haha, just teasing Therese, I love you). Since we recently moved back to our hometown I live in walking distance to North lakes park which has a great running trail and my neighborhood is perfect for my early morning runs! Love it. If you read my blog, you already know my running goals and ambition to do more 5ks.

You got a LWL list you wanna share? Send it my way or to Kelseys blog. I'm also going to pass this over to my family blog. Have you checked that one out yet? It's more personal and me being me in all my mommy/wifey glory. :)

Enjoy your Sunday,
HLC

Daddy Rules.

2011-09-17T23:45:00.000-05:00

(Grab your tissues.)

50 Rules for all Dads to follow for their Daughters.

1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.

2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.

3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.

4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.

5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.

6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.

7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.

8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.

10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.

11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say "Yes".

12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.

13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.

14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.

15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.

16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.

17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.

18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.

19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.

20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.

21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive the car.

22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.

23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.

24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.

25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.

26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.

27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.

28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.

29. Buy her flowers.
30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.

31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.

32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.

33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.

34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.

35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.

36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.

37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.

38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.

39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.

40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.

41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.

42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.

43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.

44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.

45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.

46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.

47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.

49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.

50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.

Get your planners out...

2011-09-15T19:26:00.001-05:00

1 week until Great Wolf Lodge Stay-cation

3 weeks before a big event for me takes place.

4 weeks until the TEXAS state fair where I'll eat more fried foods than legal.

6 weeks until I head to North Carolina for a week with my sister and my soon to be born niece.

8 weeks until BREAKING DAWN! (Yeah, I'm one of THOSE women)

14 weeks until Avery turns 3! Plus, Christmas, and a vacation for 2 weeks involving a cabin, out of state, possible snow, Missouri, Family, Best friend, NYE and our 6th Anniversary....

Just incase you were curious what I have going on.

.......

2011-09-13T21:29:00.002-05:00

HI.

I KNEW IT!

2011-09-08T01:15:00.000-05:00

*Nerd Alert*

I totally just had the biggest nerd moment as I looked to my right and in the first visitor block I saw it....yes....

Scranton, Pennsylvania visited me.

Is it wrong of me to say I had a little fantasy that Jim Halbert visited my blog and is now in love with me and thinking of leaving Pam to come be my lover? I can see it now with our memory cameras and quick wit digs and oh-so-adorable kids with his goofy smirk and height. Not to mention the pranks we could pull on Dwight.... *content sigh*

(I'm aware it's a fictional character, but let a girl dream!)

What was I thinking?

2011-09-05T21:54:00.000-05:00

I almost forgot to update everyone with some Avery pics and videos! Here's a few latest, can you tell someone is in a ridiculous growth spurt? I can barely keep up with her sizes, in the last month we went from a 3T to now wearing 4T/5T and she completly skipped a shoe size and is now sporting a size 8! People do not believe us when we say she's 2 and a half and not 4!

Avery and Bailey playing "Wedding Day".

We finally parted ways with the crib and are now in a "Big Girl" bed. She's doing so good with it.

We had a huge boo-boo on Wed. Bailey slammed Averys head in the door. :( 3 huge knots, a small cut and a bruised eyelid. Poor thing, luckily her bangs covered up 90% of it.

She loves IKEA and loved getting into every bed and testing it out...it was funny.

Avery and Nickel, Baileys dog. Avery loves making him howl, she cracks up when he barks.

And finally, I'll end with a cute video of Avery dancing with Stacy after we spent the day together being girls. Avery loves Foster the People and Loves to dance so it was funny.

Wait, it's actually...cool outside?

2011-09-05T21:24:00.000-05:00

Say it ain't so! Today was absolutely WONDERFUL. High in the mid 80's, strong breeze blowing. Seriously, if you didn't go outside today in North Texas you missed out big! Evan and I took Avery on a long walk after dinner tonight and it was even a bit chilly on occasion around the path by North Lakes. LOVE IT. This means fall is soon on it's way and after the brutal summer of temps over 103* on a daily basis....I think I can say we all are ready for it.

Tomorrow also starts the beginning of my favorite treat. Pumpkin flavored frappes and coffee at Starbucks! Yum yum, although since I'm now watching what I put into my body and trying to exercise more, I may only enjoy it once a month, if that. :(

Life has been going good for the Hartfield clan. We paid for a stay-cation at Great Wolf Lodge come end of September, we're getting ready for the Holiday season. I'm looking to start decorating the house for the Fall thanks to so many amazing ideas via Pinterest. We're slowly taking care of debt we accumulated from last year and that's a wonderful feeling as well. We're still looking for a new home church which has been a bit hard for us to agree on something and also to not conform to a church simply because so many others do but we also know it's not something you pick out of the blue. God has the best new home church waiting for us and we know he'll lead us there soon.

I promise I will not be lessening my blogs here with my new blog up now. Yes, it'll take more of my time but since it's pretty much all about what we as a family are now pursuing as a lifestyle, I like that I can come here and not go into it but just keep this blog as it's always meant to be about for the past 3 years. :)

What are you looking forward to most of all this September?

-Brittnye & Co.

Check it out and add it!

2011-09-04T13:47:00.000-05:00

Healthy Living Chick is up and running!

Add it to your daily reads.

Healthy Living Chick

-Brittnye

Not gonna lie, I'm kinda excited.

2011-09-01T23:41:00.000-05:00

New Blog has officially been titled and started!!

Check it out, give me thoughts and feedback.

Saturday it'll be up and running.

Tell me what you THINK OF THIS?!

-Brittnye

Titles are Lame.

2011-08-31T23:51:00.000-05:00

Yeah, sitting here trying to figure out a title for this entry was like going to the dentist. Not even sure I want to open the can of worms that has been my week but you know, I can't keep things bottled up for too long....

SO.

Since moving back to Denton it has been no secret that I have gained a little weight. What with Evan working nights, I no longer cook like I did in Fort Worth. Add that I babysit in the afternoons, it's just so easy for me to pick something up for Avery and I for dinner.

Add that, my lack in running the past month (thanks ridiculous heat) and some health issues and you get.....15lbs. I'm aware that may not seem like a lot but when you consider that I've had a child and am no longer 18-21 or that I've been overweight by about 10 pounds since I was 16 the weight is very much noticeable in areas I've never had to worry about before. Add a few things said to me by people in a very hurtful way and well....I can't avoid it with t-shirts and running shorts anymore.

Time for a change.

SO....I'm considering a new blog all about my weight-loss/ Healthy living process and perhaps, if I can figure out how to add a tab on my blog, I may just put it all there. Still in debate.

After Mondays horrible revelation on a number of levels. I cried it out over 48hrs, had a fit of denial, texted a few VIP ladies, went into a pity party, got mad and finally took a good, long and honest look at myself then made up my mind. GOODBYE YOU, HELLO ME! I'm making a change for me. I'm doing it for my confidence, my self-worth, my health and ultimately for my family. Start a chain reaction so to speak.

So here's a few things I've decided on and have already written out for my big over-haul this weekend.

Join a Gym (Done today)
Meet with a personal trainer for an assessment (Tomorrow at 11am)
Start a calorie counter app (Myfitnesspal on the iPhone, LOVE!)
Say goodbye to Sodas except 1 on Saturdays
Cut out red-meat
Run at least 4 days a week
Cook dinner and lunch, no more eating out unless on special occassions or with family on Sundays.
Set a goal weight (but a realistic, healthy one)
DO NOT GET SUCKED IN THE AMOUNT YOU LOSE OR GAIN ON THIS JOURNEY.
Get a friend to join in Zumba or some other class. (have one)
Go through closet and get rid of articles with over 4 years of wear.
Buy more organic.
Buy more health concsious snacks and food rather than junk.
Enforce good eating habits, hardcore. (My toddler is super picky!)

Seems like a good start so far, right?

I'll be starting my new tab or new blog this saturday. And I warn you, it'll be REAL honest. I'm not going to hold back at all about anything in regard to myself and my journey. I may throw in some healthy tips and recepies along the way.

Thoughts?

-Brittnye

Just a thought...

2011-08-26T01:08:00.000-05:00

I'm beginning to wonder what it would take to make my Blog more mainstream.

Not that I do not Love my 23 faithful followers mind you, I just want to give more from my blog as well as get more from it. I think of it more than just an online journal.

What would I call it or use it for? I tried the Foodie thing and that was a bust....and I highly doubt hundreds of people would be impressed with tales from a Domesticated Goddess whose main feature is a adorable 2 year old and 2 very spoiled cats.

I can see it now...

Entry #73- Laundry day, or Thursday for you normal folks,

"Today was laundry day, I swear we did this just last week. I love how meticulouss I must be when folding our towels, whoever built our duplex skimped big on storage space in our little bathroom. Thus, I must fold all towels in a weird oblong way to insure they all fit smoothly which gets sighs and eye rolls from the husband and daughter when I go and correct their failed attempts. I also found a good coupon on fabric softner!........"

Yeah, see....that's not interesting at all.

I guess it's just a nice day dream I have. To one day have a amazing looking Blog that is unique and updated often with epic photos and so many followers and comments I feel like a VIP in my little part of the world.

-Brittnye & Co.

It's the little things that tell me I'm BLESSED.

2011-08-22T21:03:00.000-05:00

I am so in love with this latest candid shot.

Just says so much without saying anything at all.

Life is GOOD.

-Britt

101 Things to do with a Toddler

2011-08-17T19:28:00.000-05:00

One of my goals for this year is to do everything on this list at least once with Avery. I've started this awhile ago and so the things crossed out are already done, but how fun!

Color

~~Blow Bubbles~~

Play Hide-and-Seek

Peek-a-Boo

~~Play Chase~~

Do Finger-plays

~~Sing a song~~

Collect rocks in a basket

~~Make an obstacle course out of cushions and/or furniture~~

~~Make a fort out of cushions and sheets~~

~~Go for a Walk~~

Make a Car out of a Box

~~Read a book~~

~~Go to the park~~

Finger-paint

Play with Play-Dough

Toss Bean bags into a Bucket

Play the shell and pea game

~~Dance to music~~

~~Download games for toddlers from the Internet~~

Practice putting things in and taking things out of boxes and bags

Make a temporary slide out of a table leaf and your couch

~~Roll a ball back and forth on the floor~~

~~Scoop dirt or sand into a child's bucket (or use a serving spoon and bowl)~~

Practice climbing by stacking boxes on top of each other (only with adult supervision)

Put on a puppet show

Go fishing with a yard stick and yarn

Make a Horseshoe game

Make a Shape Puzzle

Play paper basketball

Run through a Sprinkler

~~Play with a bucket of water and a sponge (PLEASE WATCH CHILD AT ALL TIMES!)~~

Make a Drum out of an oatmeal box

Play with a kazoo

Wash windows together

Bang on Pots and Pans with a spoon

~~Brush each other's teeth~~

Play dress-up with stuffed animals and your child's clothes

Stack canned or boxed food on top of each other

Let child stack mixing bowls inside each other

Make a playhouse out of a large box

~~Let child play with a sticker sheet (make sure your child doesn't eat them!)~~

Put stickers on fingers for finger puppets

Play a musical instrument together- i.e.recorder, piano, etc.

Go on a Smelling Hunt

Frost Cookies

Plant a flower or vegetable plant together

Roll a tennis ball into an empty trash can or bucket

Draw on a mirror with dry-erase markers

Play hide and seek together- trying to find a stuffed animal or other object

~~Have a splash party together in the bathtub (we did this in the pool)~~

Put a leash on a stuffed animal and walk around the house

Record each other on a tape recorder (great for scrapbooks or journals!)

Make and try on paper hats

~~Give a piggy-back ride~~

~~Play "Horsey"~~

Talk into an electric fan (it distorts your voice)

Play tug-of-war with a blanket

~~Collect flowers (felt, artificial, real...)~~

Make a camera and go on a Safari

Play games with frozen juice lids

~~Disconnect your phone and pretend to make phone calls to relatives~~

~~Leave your phone connected and really make phone calls to relatives- let your child talk too~~

String large beads onto or along a shoelace

Squirt each other with squirt bottles

~~Glue shapes onto paper~~

Make sock puppets

Make paper puppets

Fill an old purse with toys

Use a paper towel tube as a megaphone

~~Make binoculars and go "Bird Watching" or "Stuffed Animal Watching"~~

~~Put snacks in different fun containers (paper sacks, empty canisters, etc.)~~

Act out a story from a book

Walk on a balance beam- use a 2x4 placed on the ground

~~Draw with chalk on the sidewalk~~

~~Sketch an outline of your child on the sidewalk or paper with chalk~~

~~Paint child's palms with tempura paint and blot on paper. Makes a great card for loved ones!~~

~~Put lipstick on child and kiss a mirror~~

~~Make a puddle on cement and splash barefoot in it~~

Let child decorate and eat an open peanut butter sandwich

Make a toilet paper barricade for child to go under, over, or through

Do the Hokey Pokey

Make a super-hero costume out of household items

Do Knee-Bouncing Rhymes

Play "Red Light, Green Light" saying "Go" and "Stop"

Make a shoe-box train for stuffed animals

~~Make a pillow pile to jump on (keep it clear from any hard surfaces, including walls!)~~

Make an easy puzzle with felt and Velcro

Make bracelets or collars for stuffed animals out of pipe cleaners and jingle bells

~~Learn numbers from a deck of cards~~

~~Play the matching game with a deck of cards~~

Make a domino chain

~~Have a picnic in the park, backyard, or living room!~~

Play dress up in Mommy or Daddy's clothes

Make a tin cup telephone and talk to each other in it

Make a nature collage

Mirror each other

Make a "Mummy Mommy" with toilet paper

Make a tape recording of short music selections and instructions to move in different ways

Make and walk along a toilet paper trail

~~TAKE A NAP!~~

Just Sayin'....

2011-08-17T01:57:00.002-05:00

He Gives & Takes Away...

2011-08-14T23:04:00.000-05:00

Evans surgery on Friday went far smoother than we had anticipated. He certainly had it easier than I did when I had my wisdom teeth removed, then again, he only had 2 out not all 4. He also got way better drugs for the pain. Lucky duck. :) I'm relieved he isn't hurting though, who likes to see their spouses hurting?!

This past week was by far an emotional roller coaster for me. Seems like God has just been so busy with everyone around us with so much life being given and taken away in the past 2 weeks and it's truly so hard to see friends grieve and falter and then to turn around and celebrate and rejoice with others.

I know in the past I have referred to how August 8th effects me and this year was no different. Different yes, as in the hurt wasn't as bad and the guilt didn't slap at me like last year or the year before but still....I had my own personal day to reflect and cry and just give Thanks to God for allowing me such a precious treasure in Heaven awaiting me some day and for the blessing that is and always will be my sweet Avery. It comes as a double edged sword for me I guess....on one hand, we lost our first baby before we could really truly know the Love they had to offer us. Then again...if we hadn't of lost that precious one....we wouldn't have had Avery. I can not fathom my life without her in it. It hurts to even try. I'm dealing with this better though and Monday was tough for me but it was also a sweet blessing to hold my child and hug her and laugh as she wiped away my tears while I was in bed in the middle of a pity party and told me in that perfect toddler way "No cry mommy, I'm here kay?!"...followed with "Chocolate milk? You get it, I wait here."

If she only knew what that sweet moment meant to me.....

Just like the lyrics to a wonderful Christian song...

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name.

I have other issues going on with myself lately and I know Gods hand is as always in control of everything and I know it's for a far more greater purpose than I can think of for myself. He loves me that much.

I'll end this entry with that. Nothing much to report on without going into further details of other peoples celebrations and sadness lately and that's not my place. Just know that for me at least, Prayer can do more than you think and although some of my friends right now are hurting and feeling alone in their feelings...I hope you know you are NOT alone. And it hurts now and it's hard right now....but it gets better with each day. No matter where the source of pain or hardships lie...

-Brittnye

Ready to RUN!

2011-08-11T23:15:00.000-05:00

I'm running on E for a blog entry.

......I got nothing.

2011-08-05T02:54:00.000-05:00

This week seems to have been a big blur. I doubt I have ever spent so much time at home this entire Summer. Keep in mind though with 106* being the average temp this week, I had little desire to leave home to do anything while my home is nice and cool.

I am slowly getting more determined to clear out all the lingering boxes in our bedroom and dining room. They just annoy me to no end, then again I have no room to put anything up so I'm in a pickle. I have also come to the conclusion that I hate Averys room as far as the painting. I want to re-paint it so bad and do something fun and free-styled over a Avery-free weekend. I'm also planning on doing something with our mantle, the oh so traditional display of Family photos is charming and all but.....I want something not so common. (Must find a DIY project to do for this)

I also seem to use the word Planning and planned too much. I'm ready to bust out some projects. Here's my "Project To-Do List" that I have decided will be done before September 1st.

Paint a quad piece for baby Gabriel's nursery.
Empty all boxes from bedroom.
Mantle Project.
Go through Averys closet and get rid of all items no longer fitable.
Re-Paint Averys Room.
Get back windshield replaced in Truck.
Find living room rug.

Yeah, that should do it.......

I also managed to do something utterly stupid this week. I managed to set our microwave on fire! Yep, the one appliance I use daily and have loved since we got it as a wedding present and I killed it. Murdered it as Evan jokes. I was reheating a baked potato for Evans lunch and rather than 3minutes, I set it for 30minutes and only realized it after the smell and smoke came into the living room where the 3 of us were playing with puzzles. *sigh* My house still has that lingering smoke smell to it. Thankfully my Mother-in love has an extra one in the storage unit we already have to go through this weekend when we hunt down a missing Avery, dining room and linen box that were left behind somehow.

Nothing much to report other than that. I plan on doing something productive the next few days, tired of sitting around.

What's that you say? Where's pictures of Avery? Have no fear, I'll share a few of the cuppycake since I know she's the only reason I have readers to begin with. Be safe and keep cool sweet friends.

-Brittnye

Oh, Hello!

Just being cute.

Oh Noooooo

My Pretty Girl.

Isn't my dress from Portland Amazing?!

How To Make August Awesome

2011-08-02T03:06:00.000-05:00

My sweet friend, Therese posted this as her blog entry earlier today and I fell in love with it. So with her permission of course, I'm stealing it and sharing it with you lovolies.

This summer has seemed to fly by and although we haven't done too much we have still been very busy. Thanks to Augusts arrival though, I am suddenly aware that we're running out of time to enjoy Summer. Then again it's between 105*-108* this week so how anyone can "enjoy" that is beyond me!

10 Ways To Make August Awesome
(In no order and made up as I please)

1. Have something to look forward to: For me, I think I will have August speeding past be the thing I look forward to most, haha. Seriously though, not much is planned for August and yet Sept-January is full of fun events we've been planning for 6 months! I will just throw out a last minute something..... I'm looking forward to Avery starting her new school and fitting in well. I've been getting some negative feedback for putting her in a Pre-preschool type program when she can be home with me and honestly I understand where these people are coming from but at the same time....it's not like she has to go everyday and I can have her home whenever I feel like it. I just think she needs the socialization in a bad way and this school has a wonderful regime I like rather than sending her somewhere and paying lots of money for her to finger paint and watch TV. I'm aware she's not even 3 and this is in no way enforced, if she doesn't like it, she will not have to keep going. We just feel she will get more out of this rather than being home with mommy 24/7. Sorry, that turned into a rant...moving along....

2. Create A Goal For The Month: I have 2 goals for this month. One is to lose 10lbs. Seriously, since we've moved back to Denton and Evan is now working nights, I hardly cook at all, we eat out way too much and it's starting to show on me. Thanks to Evans job, he is in the best shape he's been in. EVER. So yeah....I'm on a mission. My second goal, is to go from running 2x's a week to 4-5x's a week. I seriously am enjoying my morning runs but I need to do more and I need to start legitimately pushing myself more to get geared up to doing a 5k or even a 10k (which the thought of that alone sends me in a panic and laughing at myself).

3. Plan A Dinner Party: I've been wanting to do this since we moved into our new home. We have had a few people over to BBQ outside on the deck but I'd REALLY like to have a few people over to enjoy some wine, board games and an all out feast made by myself. However, for this to happen I have to have a number of other couples free on a Saturday night (the only night Evan is home besides Sunday) and we also need to finish up a few house projects and buy a dining room table and chairs (on my to-buy list since April).

4. Buy New Clothes For Fall: Evan and I have a closet full of clothes but we can not wear over half of it. Evan has lost 40lbs in the last 8 months!! He needs new duds. I am still stuck in Maternity clothes and HS t-shirts. Yeah can we say upgrade needed? I'd like to own more than one pair of jeans for once in my life. (Sad, I know) Good thing is though, Evan and I have had this conversation twice in the last week and I'm pretty sure the end of the month is looking good for us to go shopping just the 2 of us for a new wardrobe.

5. Get Crafty: Thanks to my obsession known as PINTEREST, I have fallen in love with so many DIY crafty ideas for a home. I'd love to get into it and start making things for the Fall/Winter season to make my home "Pop". Like a Wreath for my front door, a new color of paint in the entryway, Antique hunting for a nice Old lamp to bring the living room together or even dare I say, busting out the Sewing machine and making Curtains for Averys bedroom, my bedroom and the living room.

6: Sign Up For A Fitness Class: The Rec center is literally a 4 minute walk from my home and SUPER cheap. I think I will sign up for a Zumba class or something along those lines so I can have some alone time while also meeting other ladies. I truly do not get out hardly ever.

7. Have a Ladies Night: I think my last paragraph hit on something. I need a good Ladies night. A few friends, some margaritas, a movie or some dancing....and perhaps not in the same town we live in. Any reason to put make-up on and heels works for me. Whose in?

8. Buy a Random Cookbook & Try Every Recipe: Or maybe start an email Recipe swap with friends and get s little book going. I also have several recipes I want to try thanks to Pinterest, so maybe that can be a nice treat to help with some other mentioned items on the list. Try something new and share it.

9. Invest In Some Travel Books: I'm a huge reader, I read all the time, but I think it may be a good idea to buy some travel books on the places we have planned to visit in the next 3 months to a year (Colorado, Oregon, England, Louisiana, etc) to make the best out of these trips no matter how short they may be. It would also help me with the budgeting for them and getting the most out of the money we get saved up. Ideas?....

10. Look Into Spring Programs For COLLEGE: Um...yeah. It's time I seriously got my rear in gear. I have 2 test to take this month (another reason Avery is going to school and I'm getting more free time (AKA-study time) and I need to start looking at the 4 area places I can go to school in the spring and sort out what it is I actually want to pursue for a career and start my PLAN. I need to start making calls, setting appointments and getting to know a few people who can help me with this. Not to mention figuring out financial aid, I seriously doubt it's ever to early to start planning for that!

Wow.... and now August suddenly looks BUSY for me.

I don't mind. How about YOU what is in store for your August and what are some ways you can make it Awesome?

-Britt

Wisdom Teeth?

2011-07-30T21:54:00.000-05:00

Someone explain to me why they are called wisdom teeth? Nothing wise about a set of lazy molars that do more harm than good and are painful from the start if you ask me.

Day 2 after having all 4 removed and I must say, I am doing far better than I thought I would be. I am in pain though, my jaw refuses to open completely, eating is not happening for me, I'm dizzy and nauseous, sleeping a lot, and still look like a chipmunk. I literally fell asleep 3 times while trying to eat my oatmeal this morning. haha it was a lot of work to take tiny bites and eat slowly...doubt I will ever experience sleeping while eating again. I'm still having occasional bleeding, I also managed to bust one stitch while talking (which is hard to do and anyone who knows me now has permission to laugh at the thought of me not being able to talk). It's been interesting to say the least.

Popsicles and bags of frozen veggies are my new best friends. As soon as I got home and settled in bed, Gus was immediately at my side, it was cute, he walked up and down the bed and then laid on top of me like on guard duty. Evan came in to check on me and Gus grumbled at him haha. Evan just laughed and said I was obviously being taken care of. He then came and laid next to my face and gave me occasional kisses on my cheek and nose, like he knew I wasn't feeling good (Gus, not Evan). When I woke up a few hours later, he was gone and Paris was beside me...such sweethearts, all worried over mom.

Evan has done pretty good with taking care of Avery, I've had minimal interruptions while sleeping the majority of the day away. I still feel guilty though, Mommy's are just not allowed to be out of order! Yesterday Avery kept wanting to touch my face and pat my jaw because of how bad I looked, today however as she plopped on the bed and told me to "WAKE UP NOW" she tilted her head as she gave me a look over and said "Mommy, you look better!" and then told me "Good Job". :)

Evan is having 2 removed on the 12th and as most guys, will be a big whiny baby, so I'm now bracing myself for this.

Now I'm about to enjoy another Popsicle, plop on the couch and start an office marathon (Season 1&2) with Evan. YAY.

Thanks to some of my sweet friends for calling and checking in on me, very sweet.

Video Post

2011-07-27T21:08:00.000-05:00

I have two videos I felt like sharing with all you Avery lovers out there. Enoy!

Avery got her first big girl haircut on Saturday from my sweet friend Christina. If you live in the Denton area check her out at Davanti Salon off the loop, she is great at what she does! Avery did so good too!

The next video is of Avery doing what she does the most of...Dancing & Singing. Her 2 favorite songs (albeit against her mommy and daddys better judgement) are Jenifer Lopez's "On the Floor" and LMAFO's "Party Rock Anthem" this is her dancing to the latter of the two. I'll try to get a video of her singing her Veggietales songs or even my fave when she sings Natalie Grants amazing song "Your great Name". Sorry she is in only a diaper, it was early in the morning before we had a bath.

She's so full of energy. :)

-Britt

Pardon me while I take a moment...

2011-07-26T19:27:00.000-05:00

I feel like I'm having my Monday today rather than yesterday. Ever have one of those days that you just wonder out loud "I should go back to bed and have a do over!"? Yeah, thats my day today. Whoever termed Mondays as being the bad days was on to something...

It hasn't been a bad day, but Avery woke up around 5am with a fever and wanted to be held so I happily sat with her in the living room as we watched a few episodes of wonderpets and waited for the Advil to kick in. She went back down around 6:30 and then was ready to start her day again around 7:40. Seemed good until nap time which she needed BADLY because she didn't take one until late and she ate a lot of lunch (not like her) and not even 10 minutes after Evan left for work, she woke up crying and vomitting. Bless her heart, she finally crashed on the love seat after her 2nd bath and some sprite. She didn't want me to dress her and just asked me to play with her hair while she laid down. I love being needed like that but not when I know she isn't feeling good. One of the hard parts in mommyhood is when your sweet one needs you and it seems like your efforts with medicine, patience and TLC don't seem to do the trick at all.

So with her finally resting (which I'll regret when it comes bedtime and she's not tired) I finally got a shower in (again today, yay for being the target when the vomitting starts happening) and decided...Mommy needs some Mommy time.

And now that I'm sitting here, my mind has just spaced out on me. UGH. I haven't been able to update too much and I know there's plenty to update you sweet readers with but right now my mind is just too fatigued. Go figure.... :)

I will say since we finally got internet and cable installed I have fallen victim to two sites. Pintrest and Swagbucks, seriously, I'm hooked. They are so addicting and the recepies I have been finding are so easy and amazing just to look at. plus the easy crafts people pin are just so awesome. If you haven't checked them out, I suggest you do so, soon. We also got skype finally too, so add us if you have it (TxHartfields).

It's also ridiculously hot, just saying...day 25 of triple digits has pretty much kept us inside and struggling to keep cool. I know, I know I'm a Texan I should be way used to this by now....still though, enough!

I'll try to come up with a legit update soon, maybe later tonight if my brain returns to me.

What book series have you ladies read and fallen in love with? I just started the Black Dagger Brotherhood and have a feeling I will finish these great books fairly soon as fast as I'm going through them :). With the library being so close we go a lot so I'd like to get a good list going.

-Britt

Just a random thought bubble (with pictures).

2011-07-23T00:09:00.000-05:00

So....I am in love with Photography. Always have been since I was a little girl, maybe because my mom was a film stripper in a huge Dallas publishing warehouse. I have so many memories of sitting in her office with her partner and watching them strip the negative film and put it in place for a magazine or book and it always looked fun. I also loved walking through the different departments and seeing how those negative prints were morphed into real pages in a book that I got to take home.

With the ideal of going to college looming ever closer I am just in a huge debate over what I actually want to do with myself outside of being mommy and wife. I want as laid back job where the atmosphere is ever changing and the schedule is flexible enough that I can still be hands on mom and devoted wife. Sounds fair enough right?

I have recently done several photo sessions for friends and family and while I have not one reason to boast on my editing skills since I am still learning how to do that process (which is half the fun), nor my camera skills as I can't even go into detail on the camera I use...I will just say this.

I love it. I love every aspect of it. From the location scouting, the design aspect, the vibe I want to create, the images I see in my mind, to the actually getting people to pose and smile for me and then creating a lasting memory and turning it into a form of art. I love it.

Here's a scatter of a few pictures from a few mini-sessions I have done. Give me honest input. I may talk myself into doing more with this photography thing than it just being a hobby...

Just a random thought that was in my head today......

2011-07-17T00:30:00.000-05:00

I'm so stinking excited.

We bought a home PC yesterday and will be getting Internet this upcoming weekend. No more mobile blogging and I'll be able to add pictures finally. Not to mention skype-ing with Jarrod,Sarah,Valerie and the girls!

Yay!

And here we go!

2011-07-11T23:37:00.000-05:00

Update time!

I need to do this more often because I have so much to try to pack in here and keep you lovely readers into it. Such a hard job as a blog owner. :) I love having this small space though to just be me and the fact that others CHOOSE to read and comment on it well...that is just an added bonus for me in the "Things that make me happy" category of life.

Evan and I are trying to keep up with all these travel plans. After I listed all the upcoming trips we forgot to add 3 additional trips. Were going to Austin the 22nd-24th just Evan and I. Then I will be going to Asheville, North Carolina in late October to be there (hopefully) for the birth of my niece and to help my sister get into the swing of mommyhood. I'm excited and nervous about this trip. I've never been away from Avery longer than a day and Evans never been alone with her for longer than a few hours not that he can't handle her and not that he isn't a wonderful daddy... I just think it's going to be crazy for both of them without mommy around.

The last trip was 2 weekends ago and very random. We did something quite off the radar for us and just packed an overnight bag and decided on the direction and time limit for a drive (for Avery)and were going to get a hotel room and make a fun trip out of a random idea at the very last minute get away for the 4th of July. We ended up in Bossier City, Louisiana!!! I have never been to Louisiana which is very weird considering everywhere else I've been. We got a hotel room for $40!!!!! (thank you hot-wire) and just checked out a few places and didn't have a plan of action or an itinerary for over 30hrs. I loved it. I wish I had brought my camera but I forgot it and I kept forgetting to use my iPhone. We had fun though and Avert did so great in the car. We got back into town before going to a cookout with friends and then we were home and in bed before the fireworks went off haha yeah, not very patriotic this year.

The kittos are doing great, they love our backyards and low windows. Paris is like a brand new cat, she isn't shy or jumpy anymore. She wants to sit in your lap and she is all over Avery!! While Gus is mellow, watchful and has yet to show his affectionate side :( it's almost like they switched places while they were gone. 6am seems to be their time to play and fight and in return my time to wake up and start yelling and swatting at them. Lol we are definitely a family once again.

Avery starts school on August 15th, we're sad to say goodbye to MDO both as my job and as her school but this new place is more time and more structured for a good routine for her that I feel I'm lacking in with her (I'm a pushover at times). It also gives me a little more free time to focus on studying for the THEA so I can HOPEFULLY start college in the spring.

Now if only I knew what I want to do for a career..

Other than that were enjoying the summer. Avery has a new pool, I'm running 3 mornings a week and we are watching lots of movies and reading lots of books while keeping cool in this Texas heat. I read the entire Sookie stackhouse series ina week!! 10 books so far. And now I'm watching season 1 of TrueBlood. I like the books better simply because HBO is not shy on the foul language and nudity factor which doesn't bother me so much since sadly it's over done in all movies and shows on tv now, I just can't stand how all the naked girls have to look emaciated. Why can't it be realistic with a size 14 girl jiggling her non perky boobs on the screen with her true love being shirtless and sans a 6 pack of abs you could break your teeth on?! Let's be real here....

Off to bed for me. I'm trying to get out of the habit of staying up past 1 and waiting for Evan to get home and I usually run at 630am so I can enjoy the sunrise and cooler temps.

More to come later, Harry Potter Friday will have me crying for sure.

-Brittnye

Back in the saddle again.....

2011-07-10T05:13:00.000-05:00

Well...Sorta.

Started running again last week. After 6 months of no route, no drive and all around laziness I am back at it again. I can't believe how much I missed it!

I think having such a great neighborhood full of active people plus a huge park with lots of paths and trails to use within walking distance helps me get pumped but mainly.... I'm loving the quiet time I'm getting from it. Running with the sun rising in front of me, good music playing in my ears and my running app letting me know my progress and with all that still just having alone time. It's better than therapy and an amazing stress reliever and all around clensing of the spirit.

I love just letting things go while running, it's freeing.

Update with more mundane topics to come later today.

-Brittnye

There's no such thing as a stupid question!

2011-06-29T23:09:00.000-05:00

I had an amazing mentor of a teacher in HS by the name of Ms. Ellis who was a beautiful woman from the inside and out and anytime you had a question or asked to ask a question she would say one of two things. "No you may not but thanks for asking." or "There's no such thing as a stupid question."

She was on to something.....

It has been No secret that Evan and I have had a rough if not brutal end to the year and struggled into the new year with lots of uncertainty. Our marriage suffered, our friendships were flip flopped and our faith was tested both individually and as a couple. I can only say that My God never failed me, he never mislead me and he was and is and always will be with me even when I feel in the dark. I had my share of doubts, I will not sugar coat it since I am human but in the end I always knew thing would get better.

I just wasn't aware they would be THIS good.

I can not remember being this happy in my life, ever. I can't remember my knees being so sore or my heart so full all at once. My husband is happy in his job ( a first ), our marriage is at a peak, we live in a safe and welcoming neighborhood in a town we cherish, we have sweet friends who are true jewels in our lives are a constant blessing and things we thought were just nice dreams to have are actually looking like a real deal in the near future for us.

It's just surreal. We are so afraid to embrace it all because we are just so not used to so much going right. Haha

Last night was a dark place for me, I was struggling with my emotions and feelings over the financial issuance were having in getting Paris and Gus home and out of boarding where they have been since february 28th. Many of you know the real struggles Evan and I were going through trying every option we knew was available to us in trying to pay off the large bill keeping them away from us. I had a rude conversation with a employee at the clinic and felt like giving my babies up so they could be happy an the bill could stop growing and we could just start paying it off. Then I got a random call from a sweet friend who said "have you thought about who you should pray for on this other than you and Evan?"

I didn't quiet understand her and kinda got that miffed feeling like "pray? Have you seen my knees lately? Have you seen the carpet by my bed and couch!?" I got the praying thing down thank you very much.

And then I understood her exactly! So there I was having an ugly cry on the couch, feeling pathetic and just...drained. And I let it go. Yep, I let my pride go and prayed and then did something truly embarrassing for myself...

I asked for help. I asked for help on Facebook and twitter in the middle of the night on a Tuesday of all days.

I asked what in my opinion was a "stupid question" and the responses in less than an hour were overwhelming! I am still trying to sort out my humbled and awed feelings by the 15 txt messages, 8 emails, 4 voicemails and 3 comments I received last night. I honestly didn't think the people who responded even were real readers of my Fb and twitter to be honest! Just shows you never know who may be paying attention to you. Some of you who responded and offered help I sadly haven't spoken to in months and even years! There just are no words....

So needless to say this morning I woke up and answered a few emails, made a few calls and by 3pm I suddenly had in my possession the 2000$ to get my babies home before the end of the day!!! Yeah I'm crying all over again right now with just the craziness and unrealness of today. It just seems to easy an yet it's the best thing we have received since moving into our new home.

I won't discuss the details out of repect but we are loved and blessed by so many people, people we were not even aware of as much as we should have been and we truly believe in paying it forward and kharma. We can only pray the opportunity to do the same kindness soon for someone in need. To my sweet friends who offered help I can not say Thank You enough and to that special and amazing "Guardianship owner" I love you and you are truly a wonderful person in my life....going on....well....a lot of years! (15years)

So here I am crying yet again. Paris is asleep by Averys door (she has stayed very Close to Avery tonight). Gus is glued to the window watching the yard sprinklers go off and my daughter squealed and just ran to them when she saw them in their crate and Megan told her they were coming home with us (Megan and Bailey rode to Fort Worth with us for support).
*funny side note* my car broke down in the busiest intersection in Denton less than a mile from home!!! Poor Megan had to push my car to the parking lot ( thanks to the one guy a teenager no less who helped us get into the lot) I'm so embarrassed to say this but..... I was in such a rush to go get my babies, I didn't notice my car was on EMPTY! Yep after 11 years driving, I ran out of Gas for the first time ever. *facepalm* good thing Megan found it hilarious and took the girls inside for a treat while Evans mom picked me and the kittos up and drove up the 2 minute rode to my house to pick up Megans car and go get them.

Yeah...... Never a dull moment with me. Haha we were laughing so hard about it.

So Paris and Gus took a few hours to get used to the new place, Avery would run to Paris and hug her and ask how she was doing. Sweetest thing ever. I keep taking pictires of them and can tell they are already over it. Now we are complete again, everything is just so good and all because I asked a "stupid question". Hard to imagine what would have happened had I let my stubborn pride stick in place. I doubt I would be crying tears of joy and have Gus laying on my lap right now purring contentedly like he has missed me as much as I have missed him.

If your not a pet owner or animal lover I doubt you will ever truly understand the love I have for these two or the happiness they bring us and why we fought so hard and so long to keep them with us.everyone should be so lucky.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
-Brittnye

Judge me.

2011-06-23T03:03:00.000-05:00

Who's going to the New Kids On The Block and Backstreet Boy concert in Dallas on Sunday?

THIS GIRL.

I love having friends who think of me in various situations for last minute plans. In this case my amazingly patient friend Beth, who always invites me to things in which I constantly turn her down had an extra ticket to Sunday's concert and thought of me to go with. Glad I could say yes for once Beth.

Lord knows I need a night in a nice top with heels on and a head of hairspray and a face full of mineral makeup to remind me I'm more than a mommy. I'm excited, so many blessings in so many forms keep popping up for us to grab ahold of.

Love it!

Wonder if Joey and I will get a instant connection like I've dreamed of since I was 8.....

Can it be?

2011-06-21T16:37:00.000-05:00

Hold on tight, this is an actual update with 7 topics to discuss! Thanks for the input by two of my loyal stalkers.

First and foremost I hope you all enjoyed the Father's Day weekend. I will admit it's not my fave of holidays what with my family background and all as I have struggled for years with mixed feelings over it but with the help of Evan being a daddy and by his dad stepping up to the plate and filling in some holes and cracks of my heart with lots of love we had a really great day with family at the lake all day! So much fun and possibly a new tradition.

I'm pretty sure the majority of our "Summer plans" will revolve around the lake. for only 5$ we get an unlimited supply of beach, water, lounging and fun and without the big hassle of swarms of people, chlorine and Avery seeing lots of fun things to play with but not being big enough to do at water parks. We've been a few times and we have also hit up "Charles E. Queso" with Avery since during the week it's pretty empty and it's 20$ of air conditioned fun for a few hours.
No big travel plans for us this summer...the fall and winter is full enough of that :) plus next year is looking busy too!

Our schedule has taken a bit of a dip lately with Evans work schedule. The past 3 weeks he has worked 6 days a week with little home time, but the extra pay is both ridiculous and helpful. when he isn't working an extra day or an extra hour or two during his shift he has also been going in at noon to help train people on 1st shift. Needless to say he is LOVING Peterbuilt and in return they are loving him too. I can't complain or gripe too much because I have way too many other friends who rarely get to see their spouses and in our case it's all volunteered by Evan but it has been a small adjustment and although I know it's to help with a few upcoming events,I just feel a little more overwhelmed with Avery lately without having my tag partner in the wings if you know what I mean...

The house is coming along. Slowly but surely. I promise once I get the empty boxes out of the empty dining room and the other boxes unpacked and out of our bedroom I will get a new video up so you can see some of the changes we have made/ how it looks not being so empty. I have planted some Lavender bushes in out backyard and they are doing good. I still plan on paying my brother to come in and take out a few bushes for me and to help clear out so flower beds so I can get either a fall veggie garden going or some annuals up. Still haven't decided yet. :) Our Landlady is still the most amazing person we have ever had to deal with when it comes to rent or issues with a place. She is so laid back and gets stuff done ASAP. She is planning on painting the outside of the house this summer so that'll be fun to see what she decides on.

Gus and Paris are doing good, I got to hold them and love on them a few days ago and although it breaks my heart to have to leave them at the clinic I know it's not for too much longer. We plan on paying anywhere from 500$-700$ this Friday to demolish a huge part of the bill and if we can make 1 or 2 smaller payments in the next few weeks the Office manager has said he would let us take them home while paying off the last part of the bill. This is partly why Evan is taking on the extra work to help get the money faster and he also got a new card with low interest so we can max it out on the bill and then pay it off (and build credit). The staff at the clinic have to follow policy, I get that, I do. But they also know we're not horrible pet owners and it was the best option we had other than re-homing them when we were homeless and down on our luck. With that said I am thankful that they have been so sweet and loving and gracious to Paris and Gus and to Evan and I. It may have been frustrating for awhile but if we truly get them back once we pay half the bill and are allowed to make payments I will take back everything negative said about them. I can't think too much on having them with us, it's been a lonely 4 months and I know I have so much to make up to them and it just makes me cry so moving on....

I have something to share with you guys and gals who read my blog......a new recipe....and for the best brownies I have had in a lonnnnng time. I posted a few pictures on my FB of the finished product but here's the recipe.

Here's what you'll need:
1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 large eggs

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup flour

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Mix oil and sugar until well blended. (I only used 1/3 oil)

3. Add eggs and vanilla; stir just until blended.

4. Mix all dry ingredients in a separate bowl.

5. Stir dry ingredients into the oil/sugar mixture.

6. Pour into greased 9 x 9 square pan.

7. Bake for 20 minutes or until sides just start to pull away from the pan.

8. Cool completely before cutting.

9. Note: I usually double the recipe and bake in a 9 x 13 pan. If you double the recipe, you will need to cook longer than 20 minutes.

I cooked mine for 30min and they turned out crispy and chewy (my fave way to enjoy them).

sooo sooo good, lemme know what you think about them after you make them. Trust me, they are too easy to pass up.

Well, I think I have run out of things to blog about. Ha. Or maybe not...while I think of some things here's some update pictures of the cuppycake and all her cuteness.....

Having fun at Charles E. Queso!

Cousins who look way too much like siblings.

Krystal 1, Chevy 2 and Avery 2.5

My brother and Chevy.

Oh yeah, I may not have shared this on Blogger but...I have a niece (Stella Elayne aka- StellaBella) on the way come October 30th! I also have another niece or nephew on the way come January or Feb of next year. I will keep my opinions closed for now on the latest news but I am happy to have some new little ones to spoil cause we all know I'm a pretty cool Auntie.

In conclussion I am going to ask for some ideas, tips, etc from you about things to do and see on our future trips we have planned. Here's what's solid and then what's in the works for next year!!! I'm so excited about all of this.

September- Camping in NM, probably Red River again.

December 21-January 2nd- Staying in a cabin in Evergreen, Colorado for Christmas and to see family in Arvada, followed by a detour to Missouri to see family in Grant City and then to celebrate our 6th Wedding anniversary and NYE in Kansas City.

March-Spring Break trip to Port Aransas.

May/June- Week Trip to Portland, OR to visit Jarrod and Sarah!!!

August or September- LONDON! I have a very close friend who is stationed with her husband and kiddos in Lavenhearth, England which is 70miles North East of London and we plan on seeing them in the fall! (Or once we have enough saved for airfare) :)

See! So much to look forward to, especially when so much of it is already sign, sealed and ready for delivery.

Love it.

-Brittnye

Bloggers block?

2011-06-19T00:56:00.000-05:00

*insert update here*

Or just send me comments about why I should update and or what I should update about.

A little on the meh side.....

2011-06-06T23:55:00.000-05:00

Seems like here in Texas the weather has decided that several 100 degree days seem perfect before summer officially starts so we can brace ourselves for whats to come. UGH! Sadly as beautiful as it looks outside the heat is just unbearable and Avery takes after her uncle Jarrod in the fact that she doesn't sweat when she gets overheated. Nope her hair gets damp, her face ubber red, and then she gets dizzy or so we think since She will sit and cry while rubbing her eyes or she can't walk straight. So per doctors orders we limit all outdoor activities to early morning and then stay inside and play or watch movies.

Having Evan home the majority of the day helps in a big way but the evenings leave me with way too much freetime and nowhere to go with it or anything to do until Avery crashes. I hit up a book sale at the main library 2 weeks ago where I got around 20 books for 11$!!! Needless to say I'm enjoying good books at night and Avery is loving some as well. Besides enjoying these new books Im also watching way too many Movies since my bad habit of waiting for Evan to get home after 1am is still oddly in effect even though I keep saying I won't do it.

Not much to report sadly, life is great but a little on the lame and boring side. Which mind you, is not a complaint at all. We are still trying to make payments and save up to pay the over 1000$ bill to get Gus and Paris out of boarding in Watagua and we have two amazing trips planned for the later part of the year but more on those at another time.

Avery has her first sleep over currently happening here with her friend Bailey. 2 girls is way more crazy than I thought but after the first 2 hours of not sharing and arguing over everything they soon settled down and were inseparable and nothing but giggles and loud whispers for the last 15min of quiet time after I read 3 princess books.

Sorry to bore you with this post, I'll give a better update soon.

Let's try this again...

2011-05-31T15:58:00.000-05:00

Apparently the link didn't work yesterday so here's hoping it works today.

http://m.youtube.com/index?client=mv-google&desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US&rdm=4mr2f3njs#/watch?v=tJh__yLukBo

Enjoy!
Brittnye

Love is....

2011-05-30T21:35:00.000-05:00

How stinking Blessed am I?

It's hard not to be Happy around these two when this is how they are 70% of the time.

SNEAK PEEK!!!

2011-05-20T21:50:00.000-05:00

Here's a SNEAK PEEK at just a few of the over 100 pictures I took on Sunday. They are NOT edited yet but I'm so in Love with them I had to share a few of my faves.

Enjoy!

-Brittnye

I hate goodbyes.

2011-05-17T22:55:00.000-05:00

This morning at 6:30am we hugged Jarrod and Sarah one last time, swatted away a few more tears than expected and ignored the gnawing ache is our chests that seem like a dull ache that won't go away now. They are officially out of Texas and on the road to Portland Oregon. Their new home.

I got a Deja vu moment that in 16 years I'm going to feel this exact same way but possibly more so as Avery is my baby and not my sibling.

I'm so proud of Jarrod for taking this adventure in life but at the same time I can help but hurt for him, for the tough road ahead as he settles into an unknown area with no real support system or base other than Sarah. I know, I know, I'm such a mom. I love you both dearly and hope this ends up being a huge blessing for you both.

I literally had a huge cryfest once we got home. It just hit me so hard that Jarrod is no longer 10min away and won't be able to get me laughing on a bum day. I also just don't like seeing Nan and Gary cry, it's just like a hit to the heart and I somewhat understand what they are feeling as parents.

As a sweet Mothers day gift to Nan and Sarahs mom, Maggie, I got everyone together in matching outfits and had a mini photo shoot at North lakes park. I seriously can't wait to edit these pics they look so dang good! Good memories too.

Jarrod, I hope you know how much I love you. I didn't tell you enough and today as I hugged you I couldn't seem to stop telling you. Can't wait to see you in December(HOPEFULLY). It feels like a lifetime from now.

Hello, Hello!

2011-05-08T20:24:00.000-05:00

I feel like it has been an eternity since I last posted a real blog entry. Believe me I hate not being able to have the ability to blog or do anything Internet related, I feel way too isolated. On the other hand, I have been so busy that I'm sure that regardless of having the Internet handy that I would be able to do anything since my free time has been close to none.

How about a picture to start things off....

Little Miss Priss on Easter. She is growing like a weed lately. She told me yesterday and I quote "Mommy? You so pwety, I be pwety too?" I wanted to scoop her up and smother her in kisses but seeing as she was in the bath tub I just settled for letting her know that she was prettier than her mommy as it was and daddy was going to have a lot of sleepless nights once she hits her teens..her response: "That's okay wif me."

*sigh* yeah...we're in trouble.

She is in LOVE with our backyard, not that I can blame her it's so beautiful outside. This was her today but as you can see she also enjoys putting things in her mouth from the backyard so we have to go back inside earlier than any of us would like. Anyone know how I can break her of putting things in her mouth like rocks and sticks?

The house is coming along, we have to finish Averys wall art and get ourselves a bed but the boxes are about 90% taken care of and everything is finding it's place. We found dining table we both like at Ikea and will soon get but I like having the dining area so open and inviting. The backyard is by far our new favorite hide away. I am taking out a few shrubs along the deck to open it up a bit and I planted three Lavender plants that I'm already loving on a breezy day sitting on the patio. Avery and I also got out the sidewalk chalk and decorated the entryway. Good times. Hopefully we'll have a house warming BBQ come mid June. I'm excited to have people over! I'm not ashamed of our neighborhood or home for once!

I've also met with a wonderfully sweet woman who works for UNT and has a huge part in the community garden just one street over to us by the park we play at almost daily. She has showed me some wonderful organic gardening tips and has given us a lot of her wonderful veggies. I love it. I'm seriously considering starting a fall garden in the community garden since everyone helps each other and these people know their stuff so I'm sure with their guidance I can start a amazing fresh garden just one street over. Like a mini wholefoods in my backyard. :)

I am also starting to think about different artistic outlets for me as side jobs. I already have sold 3 paintings and I still have 3 commissions waiting on me. I also love taking pictures and recently did my 2nd photo shoot for friends that I am currently editing as we speak. I truly love it and since people compliment me so much on it I'm considering maybe taking a few classes and possibly expanding in a small side business of taking family portraits in and around Denton.

Thoughts?

Again, life has been busy but we're all loving it. We also have several trips planned for this year. Evan gets paid vacations and he is LOVING this job so much, we all are. Being home all day means so much to all 3 of us. So looking forward to this summer and winter...kind of a change of outlooks from this time last year. Now, if only we could save up that $1000 to get the kittos out of boarding faster than we currently are then my life would truly be the cherry on top of the amazing blue bell sundae.

-Brittnye

My two cents.

2011-05-02T23:29:00.000-05:00

There's Only one death that caused World Peace and we celebrated it last week.

Happiness from the iPhone

2011-04-26T23:55:00.000-05:00

Today was byfar a stressful day, nothing a dollop of whip cream on a piece of lemon pie can't soothe out but still..... Glad it's almost over. My iPhone is my mini laptop for a little longer but I am so excited I can blog with it and stay faithful to reading the ones I enjoy so much. I just finished reading my beautiful friends entry on 100 things that make her Happy and thought it was such a wonderful idea to do and I know it'll brighten my stressful day so here I go. (and in no particular order)

Top 100 Things That Make Me Happy.

100. Anything that smells like Lavender.
99. Wine.
98. A made bed.
97. Fresh laundry.
96. My sweet in-loves.
95. Making new friends.
94. Austin, Texas
93. Starry nights.
92. The smell of fresh cut grass.
91. Painting.
90. Sewing.
89. Therese Dansby
88. Central Market
87. My Husband, Evan.
86. Indie music.
85. Singing.
84. Baking.
83. Random goodies at my door.
82. Farmers Markets.
81. My church family.
80. Old houses.
79. A good quiet time.
78. Running into old friends.
77. Someone playing with my hair.
76. Pregnant women.
75. Good conversations.
74. Josh Groban.
73. Hosting get-togethers.
72. Sappy movies.
71. A good rainstorm.
70. Hot bubble baths.
69. Camping in NM.
68. Being a Mommy.
67. Lake Ray Roberts.
66. Paris & Gus
65. The Czech Stop in West, Tx.
64. Reading in bed.
63. Texas weather.
62. Memories of my great-grandparents.
61. My new house!
60. Personal e-mails.
59. A clean house.
58. My beautiful daughter, Avery.
57. Sam Moon.
56. Snail-mail.
55. Watching Evan and Avery play together.
54. Scentsy fragrance in Autumn Sunset!
53. A glass of Sweet tea.
52. Hazelnut coffee.
51. Denton, Tx
50. Gardening.
49. Averys belly laughs.
48. The smell of old books.
47. Being crafty.
46. Running.
45. History.
44. Laying in the sunshine.
43. Old hymnals.
42. Playing xbox (weird, I know)
41. Scenic routes.
40. Thrift shopping.
39. Coffee shops.
38. Going to the movies.
37. People watching.
36. Mumford and sons
35. Stories with Happy endings.
34. Date nights!
33. Hugs that linger.
32. Sushi.
31. Dancing in my underwear.
30. Being with a group of people and worshipping.
29. Decor magazines.
28. A pair of sexy shoes.
27. Cuddling with my daughter.
26. Black and white photos.
25. Laying on the couch in comfy pjs.
24. Road trips.
23. Girls nights.
22. All things Jane Austen.
21. Beth Maries ice cream.
20. Blogging.
19. Ikea.
18. Florence and the machine.
17. Fruit new recipes.
16. Colorful sunsets.
15. Panera bread.
14. My family.
13. Random acts of kindness.
12. Disney movies.
11. Sleeperstar!!!
10. Volunteering.
09. Playing with make-up.
08. Accents.
07. Sleeping in.
06. IBC Rootbeer.
05. Taco Bueno.
04. Praying.
03. Makin people Happy.
02. Manicures and pedicures.
01. YOU.

-Blessings,
Brittnye

2011-04-22T00:30:00.000-05:00

Moving into our house means no computer access for a few weeks. Sorry. I can't wait to show the updated pictures of our new home, this place is just amazing and our neighbors are too. Loving this kiss on The cheek from my heavenly father.

-Brittnye

Introducing.......

2011-04-14T13:15:00.000-05:00

The paints been purchased, the Welcome mat is out, Keys are in my possesion........Let the moving in process commence!

-Brittnye

Tomorrow!

2011-04-13T15:47:00.000-05:00

A HUGE update.

Along with a video tour of our new HOME since we get the keys after lunch!

*gigglefit*

I'm going to Lowe's tonight to buy the paint for the rooms. Soooo excited and yet, ridiculously busy with having to be in Arlington everyday for a minimum of 5 hours on top of moving and decorating and painting and being a mommy and wife....

Life is blissfully busy friends.

So much to be THANKFUL for, how about you?

-Brittnye

Adventure is out there!

2011-04-07T01:12:00.000-05:00

Lately we've been watching the movie "Up!" about twice a day, or as Avery calls it "Afternoon, afternoon!". I must say, it's just one of those movies you really don't mind watching over and over again. I even find myself catching new lines or new details when watching it lately and the cute way Avery gets glued to it and giggles and quotes it just makes my heart sing.

I've taken on this new attitude as many of my readers and even real life friends have commented on and I must say that for the past 8 months of me claiming "This is the year of change for the Hartfield family" it seems it truly is all happening on a number of levels.

Evan has his job, I have our new home and making it a place to have fellowship, and Avery has new interests and play mates to indulge in while growing at an alarming rate of speed that her parents wish would decrease a bit.

I started jogging again, and although I berated myself almost daily when I stopped because of how happy I was getting with it and how good I seemed, I am struggling with this renewl of my regime. I am still at the part where it's a chore and to make matters worse my timing (Not that I ever focused on that too much) is horrible and my body refuses to relax and just go with it. I went 2.1 miles Sunday only running for 2 of the 37 minutes which is NOT good and my hips and legs have let me have it since. Yesterday I did a mile in 23 minutes but again, only ran maybe a minute of that! Then tonight, I went to the gym for the 2nd time in my life and thought I would fall off the treadmill from how tense both my calves were at only a 2.3 pace and 5 minutes into a 20 minute workout. I wanted to quit, come back home and just go to bed miserable as my mood was but I sat my bottom on a bike and figured "you have 2 options, which will make you feel better with yourself in the end?" and started pedaling....

The first 10 minutes I was literally cringing with how tense my lower half was, drank some water, wiped off my liter of sweat and then accidentally reset the time and stats! (ARGH) I started again and lo and behold, my lower half relaxed instantly and went numb and I spent a 20 minute pace that I haven't seen in 9 months! I loved that bike, I loved how I felt! Nothing hurts like it has the past 3 days (Although we'll see how I am when I get up in the morning) and I could have kept going. I think when I go back I'll use the bike for 20 minutes before I get on the treadmill, maybe if I warm up with that my lower half will be loose and ready to harder. My new goal (Since I must be realistic here) is to run 2 minutes nonstop and to work on my breathing.

That's just part of the adventure though, right?

Wash Your Hands, Folks!

2011-04-02T23:14:00.000-05:00

I jinxed myself, just as I knew I would.

Currently housing a sick husband (Strep day 3, meds day 1), a daughter with Pink Eye (New one for us never knew about it until today, LOVOLY with her school pictures on Tuesday and Bluebonnet Pics on Thursday now not looking like they'll happen. Plus, my sweet Mother in-love has had a pesky cough for a few days which is allergy related but still...annoying for her.

Add that to the pot with moving fast approaching, our slumlord shorting us a lot of money from our deposit (shocker? No, didn't think so). And my Community Service hours being due by the 26th (all 60 of them!) while I am not able to get to Arlington everyday an you got a bit of a frazzled Brittnye ladies and gents.

Oi!

Like they say, when it rains it pours.

Avery gets checked out tomorrow since we're sure it's viral conjunctivitis and since she has MDO and child care we have to make sure she's not contagious (just in case it's simply allergy related) however her insurance went out March 29th due to Evans new benefits kicking in on May 1st (so of course they both had to get sick in the 30 days we're not covered by insurance!)Evan got to see a doctor this morning and thanks to weekly paychecks and an iPhone app we ended up spending less than we were fearing and he is now back to being Evan and not so miserable as he was the past 2 days.

The me from a year ago would pout, boo hoo, and whine it up about fairness. Thank goodness I'm not that way anymore. I'm good at being Dr. Mom, I'm happy we're in Denton, so much so that I told Evan today after a very brief vent over our slumlords list of expenses he was taking from the deposit (He charged us 140.00 for fuel in his truck for a week since he lives in Granbury, legal? doubtful.) that I was fine not going after him for the rest of the money, let him have it. We're done with all things pertaining to living in Fort Worth and we got some back which we jokingly thought we wouldn't get any at all so I'll take that small blessing.

Guess this was the reason God lead us to not move in until the 15th or this weekend could have been 10x's worse on us.

Oh and just to rub it in the face of my northern friends, I am LOVING this mid-80's and sunshine!!!

There, random post complete.
-Brittnye :)

Gorgeous!

2011-03-31T13:23:00.000-05:00

OH MY!

I am one Smitten Kitten right now....Just stumbled upon this jewel of a blog.

And her shop is in Canton! Only 2 hours away, who wants to go with me?! I've wanted to try out Canton Trade Days for a LONG time and I know I can find some awesome things for the new place here plus at her shop!

*giggle fit*

I'm In Love With This Blog!

Delayed entry....

2011-03-31T12:49:00.000-05:00

I should have posted this a week ago but life got crazy as it usually does but, I'm home sick from work today (Joy), Avery is at MDO and I can't stand daytime television so here we are!

Introducing......

CASA DE HARTFIELD OF DENTON!

Yep, yep, yep! It's ours. We signed the lease last week and paid the deposit. Tomorrow I meet with our landlady (Ms.Sharon) to show her our paint colors for approval and to pay the pet deposit. We move in on the 15th of April!!! I posted an entire album of before shots of each room on my FB so check them out so you can bask in the complete blessing this house is for us. I'll post the after pics next month obviously.

The plan is to spend May prepping the house up for a "BBQ HouseWarming Shin-Dig" in June. This place is perfect for hosting get-togethers and especially outdoor ones on our deck and patio!! I'm so excited. I must say I am truly Thankful to the Lord for making this so easy. I literally can only give him all the glory since he put me in that neighborhood when I've never been through it (in my own Hometown no less), He lead me to that cul-de-sac when I never get lost let alone take a wrong turn (Seriously, I'm a human GPS, ask my family and friends) and he knew to find a place for the other couple that wanted it but backed out last minute so we could have it and all within 5 days of me calling to inquire about it! Easiest move/house hunt to date for us!

I could just cry when I think about everything that's happend to us the last 4 months, how scary it all seemed then and yet life is at a very high point for us now. Evans LOVING his new job, we're back home after 5 years of saying we wanted to move back, Averys getting new friends and functions to do rather than us being cooped up in a run-down house in a scary neighborhood all day, we're so much happier than we were. Life is just joyful again.

Don't get me wrong, I am still leery and I know not to brag too much because I'll just be asking for something to happen but truly, we feel so blessed and we know God is in control and taking care of us, our family, our future, there's no doubt.

I can't wait to get Paris & Gus here and back with us, a month being boarded has been so sad for all of us. I went and visited them yesterday and it about broke my heart. Gus literally walked over to me, headbutted me then laid his head on my chest and sat there while I loved on him, like he was telling me "Just take me home mom, please." and Paris has lost weight which is good but she ain't happy and is vocally letting everyone know about it. LOL 2 more weeks...

Yay for a new home!

-Brittnye

Don't wait too long.....

2011-03-27T00:03:00.000-05:00

First and foremost, a HUGE Thank You to all my prayer warrior friends and even the positive thoughts and huggers out there. I've posted on my FB all about my dad but not the full details. He is still in the CCU but he is on the mend so a big PRAISE.

My dad had been dealing with leg and hip pain and went to see a specialist 3 months ago about his leg only to have a small outpatient procedure to see what was going on since his circulation is horrible on his left leg and they couldn't get a pulse. (he's 44)
During the procedure they put a stint in his artery to help with the blockage and he had to start a few lifestyle changes which he was already working on.

Well, he went for his 3 month check up this past Wed. and they were concerned that something was wrong, took an X-ray and found he had more blockage than before and scheduled him for surgery the next day. During the surgery they found that his stints had shattered and were covered with plaque, his blockage was also 80% which is um, yeah, not good. After the surgery while in recovery they thought he had formed a clot in his leg so he stayed overnight while they gave him medication to dissolve the clot. Friday morning they do another x-ray which shows it wasn't a clot in his leg but more plaque and they needed to yet again go in with another surgery ASAP.

My dad went into surgery around 1:30pm and was not done until 10:45pm!! 9 hours in surgery where they found severe amounts of plaque in his leg and fragments down to his ankle. His surgeon said he was lucky to keep his foot and still may lose it if they find more plaque or have any complications since he can't take on another surgery.

I know the majority of the people who read my blog, that being said I know you know my story. My dad and I are not the typical father/daughter duo and as much as I wish for/ want/ long/crave, etc. for that relationship we just can't seem to get there. However, I am besotted with him. I look up to him a lot and I love him. Even with our past, with our faults, all that junk. He is my dad and he is Averys "Pops" and having him in her life makes my heart swell. He's also never been sick or hurt like this in his life. This scared me. Scares me still since he's a cynical person when it comes to religion and Evan and I have tried to have talks with him about his salvation but he normally scoffs it off or says something hurtful but yet, in his special way of saying "shut up" as to not seem too offensive.

When my stepmother (whom I adore and am beyond Thankful for) called my mom and asked us to come down yesterday and kept sending me txt updates I got upset. I went to that worst-case scenario and it floored me. I just got my dad back, I don't want to lose him! Then I got out of that horrible mind set and started thinking about what would happen if he lost his foot or leg...he's still young, he's fairly healthy, he has a wonderful wife, great work benefits, he's got support, it wouldn't do him in, he'd survive it.
The whole drive down my mom and I just talked about stuff and didn't really go into his health except for her view on the men in our family living life "rough" and not treating their body's the way they should.

I'm beyond familiar with hospitals and procedures and medical stuff so it wasn't a big deal when after waiting 2 hours they brought him back to his room...but for me...I couldn't do much but stand by his bedside, not even up beside him to let him know I was there but enough to look at him. I helped my step mom with getting him water and a washcloth but that was it. I tried to talk to him but it didn't feel right. I felt like I shouldn't have been there, like I was intruding! Then again, I had to be there.

I know, doesn't make much sense....

That first hour of being in recovery with him was shocking for me. My tall, strong, intimidating and handsome daddy looked...human. He looked fragile and it scared me. He was swollen from all the fluids, had 3 iv's in him and tubes everywhere and it didn't seem right. I mean all the medical supplies, yes but him...he didn't look right being that vulnerable.

It made me feel like I had wasted too much time waiting on him to simply be my dad. I doubt he ever says any of the thousands of words I've dreamt about, I know the conversations I long for will probably never happen and yet, I've held that against him for years. I've wasted a lot of heart and emotions when I should have been praising God and being Thankful that he was in my life and that he was at least...trying.

Sweet readers, dear friends, I hope you don't wait too long on that person in your life like this.

I can't wait for him to recover and get back home. Maybe I can take a stab at trying things out with him in a less judgemental and hurt way but more in thanks of having him in my life. In my daughters life too for that matter.

Please, keep those prayers, thoughts, hugs and love coming in. We're all feeling them and I know they are working. I appreciate them more than you'll ever know.

-Brittnye

OUCH!

2011-03-23T00:55:00.000-05:00

Ugh.

I had intended to be very informative on my horrible Tuesday but now, looking at some of my photos and crying a lot today and dealing with a situation that is just going to test me on my patience I've decided to keep it a bit low-key. I will say I left the house at 8:30am and didn't get back home until 5:45pm in which I ate dinner, took a much needed bubble bath and went to bed around 7:15pm (yeah it was that bad). Only now, I am up at midnight and doubt I get back to sleep anytime soon.

So, I'm not sure when or where although we're pretty sure it took place Friday. I got bite by a spider. Not just any spider but according to the nurse I saw it looks like a wood spider. I never felt anything bite me and since the location of the bite is quite confusing I really don't know how I wouldn't have not noticed anything on me.

You see, I got bit on my breast. YEP, my boob, lady lump, tata, you name it...

It's on my left breast right where my bra would meet in the middle, not under my bra line or bust but right at the apex so it's like the spider might have fallen down my top (if I had a t-shirt on it wouldn't have gotten me) and had just landed and took aim.

I first noticed the weird yellow/red bump on Saturday and it hurt to touch and felt like this odd knot. By Sunday, it had spread but not like a pimple or ingrown hair but more in depth and the color went from red to green to black. (sorry if it's TMI)

So today I went and got it checked out due to how painful it was getting and how ugly it looked. Evan was sure it was a bite since you can even see two little puncture marks above the well made wound.

The nurse took one look and started asking me questions. Fever? Chills? Vomiting? Nausea? Dizzy? all to which I said no except a headache since Sunday and it hurting to breath, touch or lay on. They ended up numbing it topically and then lanced it. Which, I may add, hurt like I can not even begin to describe, I'd take natural child birth over that pain any day!!

She drained it, seared it (which burned so bad!) loaded it with antibiotic cream and sealed it back up. I may have to repeat this process if it produces more but I'm hoping it was a one time thing. It still looks bad and feels raw and like I have a nerve getting zapped every now and then but the swelling is gone and the hard knot seems to have dissipated a bit.

Lesson learned. I doubt I got it here at the apartment, I've never seen a spider up here. I may have gotten it Wed while at the park with Avery. They say it takes a few days to notice a bite unless you have a reaction to it. Wood spider cans be dangerous to some people and others (like me) not so much. Wood spiders are also very common little guys here in Texas so...yeah.

I have a few before and after shots but I will not be posting them as I once had planned, nor will I post pictures of a wood spider up because...it just gives me the chills.

IN OTHER NEWS:
Still waiting to hear from the sweet women we applied with for a duplex in Denton. She did call me Monday and is supposed to call me tomorrow to confirm a yes or no. They called my work today to verify employment and she didn't care about me being on Deferred Judification and told us it was mainly to check renters history which we're A-OK on so here's praying tomorrows call helps push this week back into a good and happy one.

I also started a BSF here in Denton with my sweet mother in-love. We went and registered and received our first lesson, I even met my teacher and I can already tell I am going to L-O-V-E this study. Right now it's on Isaiah and in September they will start ACTS and the apostles. (WOOT!)

This is what moving to Denton was all about. Meeting new people, joining new groups, getting out and getting active.
Other things we're doing in the community:
*Awanas on Wed. (Avery will get to be in a class!)
*Gymnastics on Thursdays (She starts in April!)
*Volunteering at the Pregnancy resource center (Evan loves it!)
*BSF on Mondays
*North Lakes and South Lakes Running trails (so going to purchase a jogging stroller soon)

Now to just get a home and move in! I so love this duplex and she already said I can paint (no black or red though) and I've already got the bathroom laid out and possibly the living room paint color chosen so this just needs to happen. :)

I know, I know I need to stop putting my chicks out before their hatched.

Coming Soon!!!

2011-03-21T13:23:00.003-05:00

An Update.

-Brittnye

Photos of a Day

2011-03-16T22:38:00.000-05:00

Today was so fun. See for yourself!

-Brittnye

P.s.- Can we tell whose Husband got them a subscription to Picnik.com?

Didn't we just do this?

2011-03-13T23:36:00.000-05:00

Take a look at what God blessed me with!!!

Yep, hard to imagine that he is the one God chose for me out of BILLIONS of men in the world. Even harder to imagine is that 10 years ago in August we met for the first time in that Pre-AP Chemistry class with a teacher who shared our sarcasms, good times.

Today my wonderful husband turns 27!

Happy Birthday Beloved.

This past year was truly a test for you in many areas but you persevered and have truly made me beyond proud of you. I'm so excited that you are seeing and feeling Gods love yet again and that your faith is getting renewed. I love you EP, truly I do. Through good times AND bad, in sickness AND health for richer OR poorer....isn't that what we said that day?

To my daughters amazing father, who still catches me off-guard with emotion when I walk in on a sweet moment between you two. How she ADORES you and lights up when you get home makes me in awe sometimes, you are her HERO in all ways and I know you know that. How she looks like you yet just like me too. You are a GREAT girls daddy :).

I have loved sharing these last 10 birthdays with you, here's to 70 more (minimum).

Was he not a stinking cutie?!

-Britt & Avery

Memories that turn into traditions.....

2011-03-11T19:42:00.000-06:00

Tonight I'm pretty sure I started a new tradition with Avery, one I'm more than happy about.

I make cookies or some delicious baked good 1-3x's a week so it's no surprise that Avery takes notice and gets really intrigued with what I'm doing in the kitchen. Tonight while I got out Nan's mixer and set it on the counter Avery grabbed my leg and shouted "UP!". I set her on the counter and showed her each ingredient and Evan ran and grabbed the camera due to "How cute you both look" and this is how it went......

yeah, check out that hand print of flour I got from Avery.....

Smelling the Vanilla...

Next we add the sugar...

TEAMWORK.

I could eat her up on a daily basis..

Pretty Girl.

So yes, we may have started a new tradition of making goodies together. Makes my heart burst with joy with how much fun we had and how much she enjoyed helping me and took it all in. Makes me wish and long for her to be able to share moments like this as memories with her kids someday.

Cherish sweet moments my friends,
Brittnye

Being a Girl is so Fun.

2011-03-10T16:56:00.000-06:00

Avery again dressed herself for MDO this morning. This included jeans, pink polka dot shoes, her long sleeve HK shirt and her tutu. Yeah, she's getting to be quite the girly girl.

I loved watching her play today, she'd twirl and spin and we even had a local fire truck and firefighters come in to tell the kids about what they do and Avery flirted shamelessly and got a compliment on her tutu. Once they were in their gear and by the truck though, she wanted nothing to do with them and demanded to go back inside to her classroom. Little stinker.

I have a cute video of her singing Veggie Tales but it's not working right now, hopefully I can add it on her later.

Hope your Thursday was great!

-Brittnye

This Is The Stuff - Francesca Battistelli | With Lyrics

2011-03-09T22:59:00.000-06:00

Home.

2011-03-09T00:08:00.000-06:00

If you were to look in the dictionary and search the word "Home" the standard text would say

Home-
noun, adjective, adverb, verb, homed, hom·ing.

–noun
1. a house, apartment, or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household.

If you were to look it up online you would be flooded with over 60 variations. None of which truly captured my feelings on the word today as I was shown by Gods legacy in faith and love what that word truly meant to me.

Odd to say and think at the moment as I look around my in-loves office in which my family is currently living under their roof until we find our own "Home" in Denton to live and be a family in. But seriously, what makes a home a HOME?

God has shown Evan and I exactly where we need to be this week. He not only protected us through the storm of the last 7 months but he unveiled in us a new sense of what we were called to be as husband & wife, as parents, as friends, as children, as Christians and also as individuals.

He also did it in simplistic ways. Why, did we fight him so hard?!

Sometimes when we face an impasse in our lives we often go through this mirage of options, some choices are easier than others, some are more realistic, but in the end the more simple and to the point option seems to get passed along...that is until we take the blinders off and jump head first and when we surface again we feel really dumb for not seeing the answer when it was right in our faces or we feel humilated to have had such feelings of doubt, stress, anxiety, etc. when he always had it under control.

I hope you know where your "Home" is.

I like my list as of late.
My Home is-

My Daughter
My Husband
My Family
My Friends
That smell that takes me back to my childhood.
That road that I have memorized no matter the changes it takes.
The songs that make me cry with longing.
My Church and the comfort it brings.
The Places I can tell stories about until the day I die.
That recepie I can't quite master the way my mom could.
The sunsets/sunrises that never leave me without awe
The place I met my love.
The woods I ran wild in.
The traditions we make or the ones we keep through the years.
My Journals

-Brittnye

This gave me the LOL's

2011-03-07T13:27:00.000-06:00

A friend of Evans sent him this email last week, Apparently it's nothing new but I have yet to see it. Thought I'd share it to pass along the LOL's

-Britt

The Start of something new.

2011-03-06T22:54:00.002-06:00

I'm so excited.

Evan starts his new job in the morning! Pray for him for rest tonight, for a wonderful orientation and the start of the best year we've had in almost 2 years.

Update coming later.

-Brittnye

Everything must find it's place...

2011-03-05T23:01:00.000-06:00

I've come to the realization that I am in need of better or should I say, more reliable accountability.

Seems that I have this little problem, I like to start things but never finish them. I build these things up, prioritize them, make plans, start on them, then give up. I don't think it's intentional and I highly doubt that at the time of doing this process that I even realize I'm doing it.

I did it with Scrap booking- The 3 boxes of supplies, kits, photos and mementos speak for me.

I did it with running- 3 nights a week for 4 months then nothing for almost 3 months and a no show to my first 5k (we moved the day of).

I did it with Painting- 6 months, 5 murals, hundreds of dollars in supplies....then nothing for almost 2 years. (getting better with my new commissions, Thanks Nan)

What else.... there was my weight-loss goal (lasted 3 weeks), there was my sewing projects (machine is now dusty), there was cooking better (I ended the blog I created due to non-activity), I mean these are the recent ones I have brought back into focus but I know there are more.

I also know I am in need of better accountability with my walk with Christ. Being a Christian is more than a choice, it's a life-style. It's a guide to others. My walk with Christ is not where it once was and although I am not worried overly about it due to knowing what I need to do (Which you would think would be so easy yet it's not), it's the fact that I don't feel as though I have any friendships that can relate to this or help me. Let me back up on that last statement. I know I have friends who can help me be accountable, I just mean that I have a few too many relationships that seem to get in my way of being better acquainted with those I strive to be more like. Make sense?

It's more than my walk with Christ, it's more than my mothering intuition nagging at me, it's more than feeling as though I am lacking in a few areas I wish I wasn't and it's definitely more than a feeling of failure for not being where I "Should be" at my age and stage in life. I want more for myself. I want more for those around me. I know how to start that process but I just feel that if I'm not being held in check on occasion it'll get lost in the pile of "projects" I have scattered around me.

This week has been productive and with it has come a lot of light bulbs so to speak. I need to get on top of where and what we're doing in Denton other than living here if I'm going to be truly happy. Guess it's a annual thing of dusting out the cobwebs and trying to gain more understanding of who I am becoming as a human being.

Sorry for the cryptic-ness of this entry, seems I do a lot of rambling and random-ness in my blog lately. Just better formulates things for me in the end.

Have a wonderful Sunday sweet followers, leave me some advice or tips or recommendations, I'm all ears. :)

-Brittnye

Birthday Smirfday, where's my cake?

2011-03-03T22:36:00.000-06:00

This week has been pretty darn productive.

Tuesday was my birthday, the big 2-6! I must say I have to hand it to FB, it has stolen lots of money from the birthday card industry. I however did not mind because I had 97 Birthday wishes on my page, in which in the pre- FB days would have resulted in about 4-9 Birthday cards (not counting family mind you) in the mail.

It was a very, very low key birthday. Evan and I took Avery to MDO then headed to Fort Worth to finish packing up the last of the boxes in the house and I finished cleaning it from top to bottom. Knowing our landlord I doubt we get much of our deposit back but honestly, as he drove off from inspecting it that morning, I suddenly stopped caring. I've decided it's not worth the effort anymore to argue with the man because we officially are done with that house. Not in a bad way, I mean, the house is in need of several updates (for a post I shoulda woulda coulda done months ago) and we were more than patient and lienient. Anyways...

That was my big gift, getting the house over and done with. We're officially Dentonites yet again!

We celebrated with free Freebirds with Evans dad (They literally gave us lunch for free because it was my birthday!) and then spent the afternoon packing our storage unit to the brim before picking up Avery.

Evan and his dad had to work so Nan, Avery and I ended up going next door (Because Evan took the car with her carseat in it) and had dinner at Siam House which was SUPER yummy.

I then played Plants Vs. Zombies until 2am. Yeah, super low-key birthday. Evan got me that kidsy game along with Toy Story 3. Nan got me beautiful Tulips with mini-cupcakes and a Target GC and my mom got me a Macy's GC. So it was a really nice birthday.

I took advantage today and went shopping for some clothes. I ended up buying Avery 2 outfits along with 2 tops and a nice pair of running shorts for myself. Evan lectured me on buying Avery more outfits when I am in need of new clothes. I feel guilty shopping for myself anymore though and since I've gained back 10 pounds from the 30 I lost, I'm not really too eager to go try stuff on. Those mirrors are rigged so help me!

I say this as I look to my left and there is an almost empty box of Girl Scout cookies.....

Yep, time to start running again.

Haha, I'm just loving life right now. The move is over, we're in Denton where we belong, Evan starts his new job on Monday, I start my new community service in Arlington on Saturday, bills are paid, Avery is thriving, family is closer, friends are abundant.......LIFE IS GOOD AGAIN.

God provides in every way and that has been more than apparent the last 3 weeks.

Could this post be mcuh more random? I blame the cookies.

-Britt

So long, Farewell.....

2011-02-28T19:37:00.000-06:00

See ya next year February. HELLO MARCH!!! :)

Spring, we're ready for you.

Sometimes a song just hits you.

2011-02-27T03:12:00.000-06:00

I heard this song for the very first time last week while trying to pack a house up by myself to be ready for a move we really are doing on faith and freaking out if Evan got a call back he desperately needed and it literally brought me to tears once the lyrics sunk in.

This song just sums up where Evan and I have been the last month. It's been rough, more scary than stressful and we let it slip between us a few times and allowed it to get the better of us but...we're still fighting together to get back on our feet and to just go where God is leading us.

I've heard this song 3 times in the last two days and every time was when I was having a low moment. Just goes to show that God answers us in so many unique ways that it's just hard to not see the answers. Especially when a song seems to have been written from a fly on your own wall so to speak..

What a difference a week makes.

-Brittnye

Randomness is Bliss.

2011-02-23T23:42:00.000-06:00

During Bath Time Tonight:

Avery: I swim in pool?
Evan: You're in the tub though.
Avery: *loud fart* OH! Bubble Bath!!!!!!!!
Evan: I hope your mommy didn't teach you that!

LOL.

(and no, I most certainly did NOT teach her that, I always say "excuse you" when she toots)

2 DAYS UNTIL WE MOVE TO DENTON!!!!

I still have a lot to do! Pray for me sweet friends.

-Britt

Por Favor?

2011-02-20T06:38:00.000-06:00

Quick Blip-

I've been getting random comments lately through my Network Blog app and as much as I love comments, I love them more if I know who they are coming from! I really love my blog being open but I'm starting to think I may want to go private.

SO...

If you read my blog could you do me a favor and follow me publicly? Just hit that little "follow Blog" button and add yourself. I know there are more than 13 of you out there.

This Girl Cracks Me Up.

2011-02-18T14:09:00.000-06:00

I swear, sometimes I just don't know where she gets it from.

Me: Are you all clean?
A: Oh YES! I no clean, I Squeaky!
Me: You mean you're squeaky clean?
A: Oh, Okay! I smell?
Me: I hope not, you're in the tub, silly.
A: Smell like Daddy? Ewwwwwwww.
Me: You say so, toots. *giggle*
A: Smell like mommy? Mmmmmmm.
Me: Thank You!
A: You welcome! I Smell?
Me: Like what?
A: AVERY...so smell....silly!
Me: You smell Silly?
Avery: Squeaky Silly!

Smelling Silly in the tub.

I also got a short video of our bath time last night, it's super short but you can clearly see her doing her "Ewwww" face and then playing in the bubbles.

*Warning, Naked Toddler in Video!*

Enjoy this wonderful weather (Texans) this weekend!
-Brittnye

The Hartfield Files

Happy "I Love You" Day.

MIBA

Daddy/Daughter Date Night!

Couldn't ask for more...

Hooray for rainy days!!!

White & Nerdy

Randomness is Bliss, right?

The Secrets Out...If You Wanna Call It One...

New Mexico, Colorado & NYE Oh My!! Part 3- NYE

New Mexico, Colorado & NYE. Oh MY! Part 2- Colorado

New Mexico, Colorado & NYE. OH MY! Part 1: New Mexico

Brace Yourselves....

From our Family to Yours

All About Avery.

3 Years and I still get emotional

YAY!

My Baby is Growing UP!

BRRRRRR

*Sneak Peek* Megans Bridals

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Pinterest: Round 2

Pinterest.....

Let it Begin, Let it Begin!!!

Picture Post.

I survived....

Check out my little Ballerina!!

World Series Time!

Rangers + Sleeperstar = Awesome night in Texas.

Trip down Memory lane...

INTRODUCING!.......

It's a Texas thing...

Had to Share.

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage, Then Comes babies, Then Comes......?

Try it, You'll like it.

Yeah Well....

Hartfield Staycation 2011

Stupid Portland being 2,000 miles away *mumble*

Daddy Rules.

Get your planners out...

.......

I KNEW IT!

What was I thinking?

Wait, it's actually...cool outside?

Check it out and add it!

Not gonna lie, I'm kinda excited.

Titles are Lame.

Just a thought...

It's the little things that tell me I'm BLESSED.

101 Things to do with a Toddler

Just Sayin'....

He Gives & Takes Away...

Ready to RUN!

How To Make August Awesome

Wisdom Teeth?

Video Post

Pardon me while I take a moment...

Just a random thought bubble (with pictures).

And here we go!

Back in the saddle again.....

There's no such thing as a stupid question!

Judge me.

Can it be?

Bloggers block?

A little on the meh side.....

Let's try this again...

Love is....

SNEAK PEEK!!!

I hate goodbyes.

Hello, Hello!

My two cents.

Happiness from the iPhone

Introducing.......

Tomorrow!

Adventure is out there!

Wash Your Hands, Folks!

Gorgeous!

Delayed entry....

Don't wait too long.....

OUCH!

Sneak Peek Megans Bridals

Stupid Portland being 2,000 miles away mumble