Over a Year Later...

Wow.

Over a year later and I find myself sitting here looking at my sweet little blog and can't help but feel like I failed.

I never set out to make this blog into a big spectacle. Far from it in fact. For me, this blog was a sweet way to capture our family as a digital journal that family and friends could see as well. However, along the way it became something more combative than my original purpose. Suddenly, it lost it's focus and I would spend more time figuring out if my thoughts even mattered in print or not. Were my pictures good enough? Was the post worth reading?

It stopped being fun.

Then life got busy with two kiddos and other adventures and it got easier to just skip a post.

Then tonight I randomly remembered my login and started looking over the YEARS of memories and suddenly.....I felt sadness. I felt like I've let go of so many sweet memories, trips, photos, etc. that I could have written out and captured for the girls to forever see someday.

So here I am again, trying to come up with a clever post title, of the most recent events to share and for now.....this is it.

I've missed this sweet blog. I've missed reading some amazing friends posts. I've missed my small space on the world wide web where for the briefest of clicks and scrolls, my words mean something. Even if they are just to have safely tucked away for my girls to read as teenagers.

Hello sweet blog, I'm back.

-Brittnye

Hang on to your butts...

Goodbye November, thanks for all the continued blessings.

December, I'm ready for you and all your crazy scheduled events.

Let's. Do. This.

Transitions

So now with summer winding down and coming to an end, reality is hitting me full force. 

 THINGS. ARE. CHANGING.

 So many new things are starting in a matter of two weeks and whereas I felt prepared and in total control a mere 8 weeks ago, I feel like I'm running in circles with my head cut off now.

 Avery starts KINDERGARTEN on the 25th. 

 Alyssa Starts PRESCHOOL on September 2nd.

 I start a new JOB on the 26th at the PRESCHOOL.

 Yep. You read that right, I'm working again! Mind you, it's a small thing that more or less will allow me to stay distracted about my babies not being babies anymore and going crazy with boredom. Then again, I have to say it's such a God-Send. 

 I had just started talking to Evan about wanting to finally take some steps of taking myself more seriously and finally making an effort to put myself first. Small conversations late at night mind you, when my brain is going a million miles an hour rather than turning off so I can sleep. As usual he was super supportive and agreed with me which freaked me out, so I decided to seriously think and Pray over it. 

 What in the world would I do with two days a week kid free?! What is something I'd want to do after a 4yr working hiatus? Should I try for some night classes at NCTC? I could always step up my volunteering at the shelter more. Just lots to think and pray over... 

Well, withing a week of me half jokingly telling Evan I was thinking of working again or finding something to occupy my new found free time... I get approached by three people, about three separate job openings, at three places I love and frequently go to.

 How in the world does THAT happen?! 

 It was a pretty surreal week to say the least. My quiet times were full of things to surrender and seriously consider. All those pesky fears and doubts tried their best to make me turn down all the offers but in the end, God made it very clear where I needed to be planted. Where my heart would be happiest and where I could do more good and feel amazing at the end of the day. Then add this gem spoken to me from our Pastor. "God is sovereign in all of life's transitions. He gives you grace, he gives you direction and meets you in the middle." "Without a clear purpose you will tend to make choices based on circumstances, pressures and your mood at the moment." (In response to Romans 7:15-25 which was thrown at me repeatedly in a 2wk span)

 How can you ignore that?! 

 As soon as I accepted the offer my heart felt a little overwhelmed. So many people were happy and excited for and with me and I felt so much peace and reassurance about all these big changes happening to our little family. 

 So sure, I may be running around frantic trying to sort out what exactly needs to get done in the next 2wks before all these transitions start to take place, but at least my direction and path are clearly given and protected. Its reassuring on a number of levels. Doesn't mean I'm not going to cry a lot over my babies growing up so ridiculously fast, or have some trepidations for Avery as she enters a whole new normal. Or even Alyssa as she hits another crazy milestone and is put in the care of someone non family for the first time ever. (let it be known, both her teachers are friends and AMAZING woman and I trust them completely). 

 So many changes and I'm ready for each one. 

-Brittnye

MIA

Been awhile.

*No home computer for awhile but will soon be posting from my phone.

* lots to catch up on.

*summer is here and so is the traveling!

* miss my readers

Xoxo,

Brittnye

ZION

So, it's no secret if you follow my blog how I am a music connoisseur. I have no qualms sharing a song or album that just speaks to me or promoting a band that deserves love. I love music and am always into new tunes. So this is another one of those entries...

Lately, I have been listening to my old Hillsong United albums. Evan and I LOVE this group. I can't tell you how uplifting the music is and for some reason when we hear certain songs it just has me in tears and praising Jesus. I'm talking, ugly cry, hands raised, HALLELUJAHing it up. Shamelessly too I might add. Our new worship leader played a few acoustic versions last Sunday and once again I was falling in love with this group. Their newest album is called ZION. Do yourself a favor and check it out!

Currently I have "Oceans" on repeat. This song..... whoa. It's just perfect for where I am right now with the Lord and what he's doing to me as a new mom and this new season of my life. It also has me just constantly thinking of Peter....yeah, I'm getting preachy. Still this song is just so fitting and makes me cry but in a good, hands raised, halleluja-hing up way. :P




"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"



You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

*insert title of substance here*

The weekend is here!

Well....yeah, that about sums it up. The weekend is here, my laundry is done, my kitchen spotless, now just to do the rest of the house. I always find myself not cleaning so much during the week yet when the weekend arrives and I know Evan isn't going to work I suddenly have to clean my house. Never fails.

Nothing else to really blog about. I mean I think of things that in my mind sounds so awesome and perfectly structured for the most epic blog entry ever! Then I get that free time which is so rare to me these days, sit here and am blank.

Let's see, summed up month so far....

Evan turned 29 on the 14th (go easy on him, he's upset about being almost 30). Since he took off for my birthday earlier this month he had to work but the girls and I brought him Texas Roadhouse for dinner and we had a picnic in the back of the car in the Peterbilt parking lot, awesome right? Yes, I try.

Avery, deciding since she was a big sister she needed something to show her age. So off to the salon we went where she requested she get her hair "Just like mommy" and I sat in slightly teary-eyed bliss and sadness as she said goodbye to a good 3 inches of ratty, unmanageable, pain in my patience hair and hello to a cute shoulder length do. I love it and so does she and now, all I do is brush it and she's good to go. How else did she decide to show us she's a awesome big sister? She decided (after a chat about me no longer buying them) it was time to no longer need that 1 pull-up a day for #2. Yes, we are officially into our 2nd week of NO PULL-UPS. Which means, we have mastered potty training!!!!!!! (parents of the world rejoice with me.)

Evan and I are so proud and excited for her. We celebrated with ice cream (well, I watched them enjoy ice cream) and a trip to Chuck E. Cheese.

Alyssa is thriving. 2 months old already. Gah, time needs to knock it off. She looks more and more like me everyday! She's also sleeping longer in the night. She usually goes down around 11 and will wake up to eat and be changed around 4-5:30 then will go back to sleep until 8 or 9am. I'm so okay with this! She looked so cute on St. Patty's day but of course I forgot to get pics until she was changed and down for her afternoon nap. We even mached a bit. :( I have got to do better about picture taking. Especially of her and Avery together as well as mommy pics. I do exsist, I swear. I just happen to take far better pics than Evan. Easter! Easter, they have matching dresses so I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures.

And with that, my rare moment of free time is now over. Off to do something.....probably clean, because, sleep is over rated....like showers....hot food.....sitting down for long periods of time, etc.

-Brittnye

Catching up is hard to do.....

I know, I know...I have done it again on my lack of blogging and that's not something I intended to do so early in the new year. However, my reasons are valid and you all like really huge update posts more than my random ramblings anyhow....all my awaiting comments say so... *insert sarcasm here*

I'll do my best to finish catching up on December through this week in the next 3 entries. How is everyone doing so far into 2013? Everyone good and healthy?

XOXO,
Brittnye

Thankful: Day 24-28

Yeah another quick batch of Thankfuls to catch up, hey! at least I am actually sticking to it this time!


Day 24:
  I am Thankful for productivity. Trust me, it's not so easy when your 8m pregnant to stay up to date with holidays, events and the daily grind. It was far easier with Averys pregnancy because well, other than all the complications, hospital stays, etc. If I was tired, I simply went home and took a nap. If I didn't feel like cleaning, it was alright because nobody would drive to Fort Worth randomly and see the mess. This time around, I can't just drop everything and lay in bed because Avery simply won't allow it. :) I love this house so I take more pride in it so therefore, I clean it. Thanks to burst of energy and Averys enthusiasm I have managed to clean the house, her room, organize both, decorate for Christmas, wrap presents (which means I shopped ahead!) and have the house presentable for random company, which I love. And all BEFORE Dec. 1st. Now if only we were more prepared for Little Miss's upcoming arrival (seriously, we have NOTHING for her yet!).

Day 25:
 I am Thankful for my In-loves. They are by far above and beyond amazing. We had plans to make this past weekend all about the girls room getting ready and getting the house Baby ready but Evans truck broke down the night before. Which meant, we were down to 1 vehicle! Now we have 2 non-running vehicles in the car port and we're running out of time to get things in order for baby. Both his parents were at our house bright and early Saturday morning and spent all day working on vehicles, painting walls, decorating, cleaning and keeping Evan and I calm. So selfless and so in control when things seem scary. Sure, we didn't get what we planned done but we got a lot accomplished. So typical of them and the list of times they have just come to our rescue from financial help, advice, words of encouragement and wisdom, to random days of fun and overall family time. ENDLESS. I know some people find it weird how close I am to them, which is sad to me for the friends I have who can't stand their in-laws. I truly love mine and would be lost without them! How can your marriage work if a set of parents are not included or even liked. (I know there are some cases where it's not on the couple but the parents but still...) I've been beyond Blessed with the family I married into, never dreamed I'd have it so good.

Day 26:
 I am Thankful for my BLENDS. What's a blend? A Blend is a friend you've made through your Blog. Between this blog and my HLC blog (which has sadly been neglected in a horrible way) I have made several lasting friendships with some amazing women who I've never met face to face but can count on anytime! Some have turned into face to face meetings and fun trips. Love my sweet blends.

Day 27:
 I am Thankful for Netflix. Yes, we joined the bandwagon late in the game but man! LOVE IT! Avery can watch all her shows without interruption and those annoying and sometimes not kid appropriate commercials. Not too mention on my phone while we're in the car.

Day 28:
 I am Thankful for Bed rest. Yes, yet again I am on modified bed rest until our appt. tomorrow where I get a neat growth sono then another chat with the OB to see where we stand and what the next 2wks entail for us. I am not one of those who likes to be confined too long in the house or off their feet. However, I am listening to my OB, I am following my restrictions and as much as I hate it and am itching to be able to drive again or be on my feet for longer than walking to the bathroom and back to the couch or bed...I'm trying my best to see the positive in it. It forces me to slow down, see how amazing Evan is, and most importantly that the world isn't going to end if I don't do laundry for a few days or let the dishes pile up or even when I have to swallow my pride and ask for help from others.

Thankful: Days 15-20

So since I am behind yet again, I'm going to wrap up the last 5 days worth. Enjoy!

Day- 15
 I am Thankful for our home. I seriously love this place and with another baby coming soon we are going to be with a little less room than before but you know what....I refuse to move. I love this neighborhood, with our quiet cul-de-sac, sweet neighbors, and the oh so convenient park just behind us and of course being in Central Denton. We'll probably be here another 2yrs before the thought of moving comes up which in our 7yrs of being married will be the longest we have lived in one place!

Day- 16
I am Thankful for volunteering. It is something I have always had a heart for and this past year I have become very involved in the Denton Animal Shelter as well as the Denton Animal Shelter Foundation and have devoted over 175hrs to volunteering both at the shelter and area events for the animals.  I have fostered 4 litters of kittens and re-homed 3 amazing kittos who were living life on the streets. It may not seem like much to some but I know it makes a difference to the animals, the staff at the shelter and the new pet owners who find their new family members when they come to the shelter. So rewarding and hey, playing with cats and kittens is super calming. :)

Day 17-
 I am Thankful for Nesting. My house hasn't been this clean and organized since we moved in. Also to the makers of Fabreeze and Fabuloso.

Day 18-
I am Thankful for Disney movies and snuggles with Avery. Never gets old.

Day 19-
 I am Thankful for Facebook. Yes, it has it's annoying moments but it has helped me re-connect with some people who I would have no other way of finding without it. Not to mention staying in touch with family/friends who live out of state is nice!

Day 20-
I am Thankful for a savior who loves me no matter how often I fail him.

Things are about to change around here....

I feel like I am repeating myself a lot and sounding more and more like a broken record. Time is just rushing by it seems and this pregnancy has been proof of just that! It's already the end of October! Weren't we all just talking about the end of summer and school starting again?!

Life is still blissfully busy yet mundane for the Hartfield house. We are getting geared up to start organizing and redoing a lot of the house to welcome Little Miss come January. Hard to believe I am already 6m into this pregnancy. Avery is getting excited about being a big sister and has had her ups and downs with dealing with the reality that she is about to share the spotlight. I knew it would happen, I've prayed about it and have tried my best to just reassure her that she is still my girl and she is still loved by everyone. Some days are good, others are a trial. Bless her sweet heart.

Since the girls are sharing a room I have been in full on decorating and envisioning mode. Between Nan and I though, this is going to be so fun and Avery will have more room to play and still have her own space while Little Miss has her side too. I think that since she will be in our room the first several months that Avery will get used to the transition and will probably throw a fit that her baby sister isn't in her bed and is in her bassinet all the time. Anything to make it easier for everyone. I'm secretly starting to panic about being a mom of 2!!

I feel very huge but I know I'm not. Other than having gestational diabetes, this pregnancy has been AMAZING and I am loving it. Little Miss is a mover and a kicker and getting to share those kicks with Avery has given me such sweet memories. Avery is all about her sister, and loves to kiss her and blow bubbles on her and make her kick her hand and talks to her about her day at school to her fave cartoons to laying down the rules once baby sister "comes out to play with me". Let's hope it stays that way well into the teen years.

Other than pregnancy, getting ready to start getting ready for another little one, Avery and her school and Evan busy with work...life is just life and I don't have much to report on. Avery is going to be a Princess for Halloween and last night we carved pumpkins. No trick or treating as I just don't feel safe with her doing that let alone she's 3 and doesn't need all that candy so she will wear her costume for school and our Church's trunk or treat. Nina and Pawpa may be taking her to the Malloween next Saturday but they may have a better plan of spending their time together. :)

I'll end with a few pictures of life lately.

Until next time,
Brittnye

Feeding her piggy bank...

Can you believe she will be 4 soon!?

Decorating her Pumpkin.

She touched the inside of the pumpkin then told Evan it was icky and she couldn't help him with it because she was a girl. He made her Hello Kitty pumpkin from her shirt and she was sooooo happy.

September Already!? :)

I feel like such a broken record with my poor blog. I could have sworn I updated a few times in August but apparently I didn't! Same with my HLC blog which I'm starting to wonder was worth all the hype but I know it's just the pregnancy and summer-ness getting to me on that end.

SO much to catch up on and I warn you now you oh-so-AMAZING reader, I've got much to update and just pour out about. Maybe need to hash things out in a 2-parter and just keep this entry as simple as possible.

Life at the Hartfield casa seems to finally be slowing down after a busy summer. We just got back from a weekend trip with Evans parents (always and I mean ALWAYS fun being with those two amazing people!). Avery started school this week too which means new routine and schedule and not too mention a little free time for mommy and daddy.

Check out my big girl!!!

She is Blessed with two awesome teachers this year and I just can not tell you how EXCITED Evan and I are that she gets to have this experience. She really loves her school and the 1st week is done and she already has made new friends! She's also ridiculously taller than her classmates.....

We had 2 more foster litters come and go and we even got our sweet mama kitty, Layla adopted! I know it sounds dumb but after having her be at our fence, deck and slowy into our home after 2 years, I kinda didn't expect her to get adopted and she was adopted just 2hrs after I took her to the shelter!! When I was notified about her adoption, I sobbed. I'm talking...wailed! Boo-hooed and did the full blown ugly cry. I loved her and was so used to her ALWAYS being with us even though she really wasn't ours. After the last kitten was gone it took me 3 days to realize I wasn't hearing kittens or needing to get up and feed them. Paris and Gus are sure happy and Evan has asked that I not bring home anymore Little's until after our own new little arrives. :)


Speaking of our Little.....

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!

We are having ANOTHER girl! We found out 2wks ago and are super excited. For now she is referred to as "Little Miss" since we are not sharing her name until she is born. (I told 2 friends on accident and Evan told his parents so now we are being VERY strict with this rule!) Sadly, this is the best sono pic I have so far but I have my anatomy scan on Tuesday so hopefully I will get a better pic to share.

I'm 21wks today! Crazy to think we are already half way there! I started feeling her at 16wks but as of last week she has decided to let me know EVERY move she makes! With Avery it was a few stretches in my ribs and hiccups but this one....she's a roly poly!! Usually around 7am and 10pm she is most active and I am loving every second of it. I'll get a 20wks picture uploaded soon and show my 14wk/16wk & 20wk belly shots. :)

So far we know she has her daddy's booty, chin and profile, just like Avery did. She is super long and has little feet.

I'm finally getting the reality of it I think. I've been telling people how weird it is for me to be so lax about EVERYTHING with this pregnancy but once we found out SHE was a SHE I started planning and thinking and list making. Evan and I went to Babies R Us and started a registry, we've got her and Averys room laid out so I know where to start from there. I just wish I could narrow things down and stop being so indecisive. SO much has changed on the market since we had Avery and we both feel weird about asking people to buy Little Miss gifts for her shower which.....hasn't even been planned or talked about and I'm not even sure if I'm having one.

Her colors are Gray and Lilac with no theme for her nursery. I'm just going for colors and patterns. Super Hartfield, I know. ;)

Alright, that should do for a sufficient update. I'll get belly pics and another update out and about before the weekend hits full throttle.

Thanks for sticking with me and my lazy, nonblogging self.

-Brittnye

Oregon/Washington Trip (long post)

Well, I've been back to reality for 3 whole days now and am finally able to blog about our vacation.

I just want to say off the bat that considering it was our first vacation with just the 3 of us, I didn't expect it to be as smooth as it went. Avery, who has NEVER flown before was a champ and was such a mellow traveler! No melt downs, no freak outs and oddly enough, she slept the majority of the travel time! (Thank you Jesus!)

DAY 1:
We were out the door to the airport at 4:45am to catch our 7am flight to Portland. Security was super easy and they let Avery keep her cuppy of chocolate milk after testing it (made me laugh). She was alert and bubbly carrying her princess suitcase behind her as we made our way to the terminal while I was freaking out over all my mental checklists. We had 1 suitcase with Evan and I's clothes and shoes, 1 suitcase of Averys clothes and things that was thankfully carry-on sized and then her backpack and a tote bag filled with everything you could think of to keep her entertained/distracted/content on the plane.

I totally didn't need to pack any of it. We boarded the plane when Evan started doing his freak out thing (he hates flying, no joke, like I doubt we fly ever again if we can drive to our destination). So I decided I would just leave him alone and focus on Avery who was not happy about having to have her seat belt on for take off. After a few tears and a bribe of gummy letters (at 7am, sure why not) she settled down as we approached the runway to take off. Apparently all the bumping and jostling was soothing to her because by the time we were in the air still over DFW this is what she looked like...

Yep. Head in my lap, blanket over her and snoring!

It was a 4 hour flight and she slept 3.5 hours of it!!!!! Seriously, I had to laugh about it and be thankful none of the hundreds of scenarios I imagined actually played out. It made me have a boring flight to be honest. I was so absorbed in making sure she was comfortable that I failed to pack anything for me to be occupied with. Evan slept off and on which helped his nerves. The flight attendants must have felt pity for me because they kept bringing me juice, cookies and a crossword puzzle all while being in awe of how good Avery was! She even got a pair of Alaskan Airlines wings she wore out of the plane. :)

        

These two crack me up so much, like father, like daughter....

I must also say that I am one of those window flyer's who just loves looking at the view, it's just so incredible to me how amazing everything looks from 35,000ft up!! Just so inspiring and relaxing.

      

X Marks the spot.

Anyways, we made it to Seattle where of course it was raining. We boarded our next plane which we had to walk out onto the runway to climb up a step ladder to board which was way cool! Avery was more excited that it was a pink plane (maroon really). It was a propeller plan and super little compared to other planes I've been on so Evan got to sit elsewhere while Avery and I were beside each other. 30min flight easy-peasy and Avery entertained everyone by singing the alphabet over and over in different versions.

We arrived in Portland and made our way to baggage claim where Jarrod was waiting for us. I wish I had gotten some pictures because I tell you it was super emotional for me watching her spot her Uncle Jarrod and take off at a run shouting his name while tons of people watched from security. She literally leaped into his arms and knocked him over she was so elated to see him. When we caught up and hugged Jarrod she turned and shouted "Look mommy, my uncle Jarrod!" and then proceeded to hold his hand and jabber about her being in an airplane. *heart melting all over again*

We got our bags and headed to Portland where Jarrod and Evan caught up a bit and all the giddy-ness and "We're really here!" bliss almost suffocated you in the car. We were a bit hungry and with the time change it was still too early for lunch so Jarrod took us to Slappy Cakes for brunch. WAY COOL PLACE just fyi. You pretty much buy batter and your own toppings and make pancakes on a griddle in the middle of your table. So fun! I got Lavender Honey and dried cherries, Jarrod got blueberries. So good. We had a fun time seeing who could make the better pancake. Then it went from that to making Avery mickey mouse and heart shaped pancakes and seeing which looked better.. (Again, I failed to take pictures)

After brunch we headed to Jarrod and Sarah's place where we got the tour, met the kitties and relaxed for a little bit deciding what to do. We finally decided to go check out a park and stopped at a store to buy a kite and a huge hello kitty bounce ball and bubbles and made our way to Laurelhurst area in Portland (I told Evan if he bought me a house there, I'd never complain) Long story short (since I have days left to cover) Jarrod took us to the wrong side, we walked around forever trying to find the play area, all the kids swarmed us due to being so awesome with our toys and then we went grocery shopping to make home made pizzas for dinner. Time change hit me and Avery hard and we both went to bed at 7:30 Portland time.

Day 2:

After a lazy morning we all packed into Sarah's car for a drive to the coast. Such a beautiful drive!!!! We ended up in Cannon Beach which was so amazing and Evan and I are thinking of doing a summer vacation there. It was close to raining so we ate lunch on the beach at Mo's which is known for their Clam Chowder. Their homemade bread was outstanding and melted in your mouth!! I had the chowder and it was amazing as well, so good and the view was amazing as well. Avery and I had never been to the ocean or beach so we were very excited. (I've been to Normandy Beach but I don't count that, it's a sacred place and very odd and calm and not the type of place you want to go swimming and strolling along). Anyway, after lunch we debated on walking along the beach but it started raining and Avery freaked out once we went down the barge because of how cold, windy  and wet she was getting, I also think the loud waves crashing scared her so we headed back to wait out the rain. The guys however, decided to get their feet wet since Jarrod said the water was super cold.

Headed to the Ocean!

Lunch at Mo's

Our view from our table.

Getting caught in the rain.

sooo windy!

So stinking cute.

Getting their toes wet.

<3.

After drying off a bit we drove to the actual town of Cannon Beach and walked around the shops. There is a candy store called Bruce's Candy Kitchen that Sarah and Jarrod wanted to go to for their Sea Salt Caramels (which were fantastic, yum!). The sun started to show so we walked back to the beach at the end of town where I got my turn to put my feet in the ocean and Avery wasn't so afraid since there was no wind and it was more calm then where we had been. The water wasn't that cold actually and I loved it!!

Soo much fun and it was so beautiful. We headed back to Portland where we took a side trip to the Japanese Rose Garden for the City view and walked around making fun of the names of the roses. We ate dinner at Burgerville which was a neat place that made it's mark by being all local and fresh and recycled and reused a lot of it's material (Something Portland is very big on!).

 Day 3:
We packed our bags and made the 3 hour drive to Seattle!! I had booked us a hotel in Bellvue which is on the other side of the Washington bridge which is maybe 15minutes away from Seattle. Once we got settled into our rooms we went to Seattle and had dinner at a Pizzeria called Bambinos which was pretty good. Service inhaled vigorously, won't lie there, but the pizza was different and prepared in a fire so it had a crisp taste with the fresh ingredients they used. After walking around the space needle a bit we headed back to Bellvue where we stocked up on snacks and rested for our day in Seattle.

Day 4:
We spent the majority of our time in the market which it being Saturday was super busy. I really liked Seattle, after the market and lunch on the pier we headed to the space needle before making the drive back to Portland.

 Once we got back to Portland we had dinner then went and grabbed donuts from voodoo doughnut a big hit in Portland. I wasn't too fond of them but I don't really go for donuts anyways. cool place though and very creative.

Day 5:
Jarrod had to go to work that morning so we lounged around until lunch time. Sarah drove us to Rocky Butte where we checked out the views of Portland and where Jarrod worked and enjoyed the sunshine for a bit before going to lunch. Sarah and Avery have a huge thing in common food wise and that is their love of grilled cheese sandwiches. Sarah took us to this awesome double Decker bus called The Grilled Cheese Grill where we enjoyed grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup and this amazing dessert called the Jayme which was Marscapone cheese, bananas, and nutella grilled in a sandwich. OMG, so good!!!

We got back to the house where Jarrod waited for us. The three of them headed to Saturday market while Avery and I enjoyed some quiet time and watched a movie. Once they got back Sarah and I went to Powells city of books which I L-O-V-E-D. Biggest book store I have been in and the smell alone was what I love so much about books. We wandered around for an hour or so before heading back to the house. Evan and Jarrod headed out for some brother time while us girls made dinner and relaxed the rest of the night.

Day 6:

With an early flight we pretty much spent all morning packing up before we made our way to the airport. Security took forever and by the time we got to our gate we were already boarding! Made for a fast flight process. Once again Avery was awesome and sat quietly and colored and watched a movie. The end of our flight was horrible though I mean so turbulent and shaky. Poor Evan was a bag of nerves and in such a bad mood, even I was so nauseous and a little nervous while Avery just kept calm and let me read to her for the last 20minutes which were VERY rough. We had a 2 hour layover in Albuquerque so that helped calm Evan a bit after lunch we lounged in the terminal where Avery fell asleep on my lap and slept the entire boarding process and flight only to wake up once we landed in Dallas.....again, seriously easy to travel with!! Dad picked us up and we had dinner at The Foundry in Dallas, definitely worth checking out if your in the Dallas area. ;)

Got home around 10:30 and we all slept until noon the next day thanks to the time difference. :)

Such a great trip and the rest of our pictures are on FB too. It was so good to see Jarrod and Sarah and it was so nice to get out of Texas for a bit.

Thanks for sticking around this long :)

-Brittnye

White & Nerdy

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

Brace Yourselves....

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)

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

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.