Isabelle's Eating Solids!

I fed Isabelle rice cereal for the first time a couple of days ago. It was really hard to even get her to open her mouth but she eventually got the hang of it. Today when I fed her she even seemed to like it!

Gratitude for the Plan of Salvation

You all probably know that President Hinckley passed away on Sunday. He is really the only Prophet that I remember and have learned to know and love so it was very sad for me to hear of his passing. I knew that he was 97 and could die at any time, but I still felt like he was going to live forever. The day before President Hinckley died, Dave's Grandma also passed away. She was 92. She was such a wonderful, sweet person and I am sorry that I wasn't able to know her longer. We were able to visit her a few days before she passed away and I will never forget the way she just lit up when I brought Isabelle to her. She loved babies! The deaths of these two wonderful people has made me think about how grateful I am for the plan of salvation. I am grateful to know that I will be able to see my loved ones again after I pass away and that Dave and I will be together for eternity. I am happy that President Hinckley is able to be with his wonderful wife again and that Grandma Bradshaw is with her loved ones again as well. It makes it easier to cope with death when you know that they are somewhere better. I will miss both of these wonderful people!
This isn't a good picture of Grandma Bradshaw obviously, but it was the only one that I could find.

Justin's Celebrations!

Here are some pictures from the night of Justin's birthday: Justin eating his favorite food, pizza.


This is right before I burnt Justin's nose with the candle flame. He managed to blow out one candle but couldn't get the second one. To help him, I moved it closer and at the same time he moved his head closer, right into the flame! Luckily, there were no tears and no burn mark. Dave kissed his nose right after it happened and said that it tasted burnt. Sorry Justin!

For Justin's big party I had a petting zoo come. It was so fun and Justin and all the other kids loved it! Some of the animals included chickens, baby goats, a calf, an alpaca, rabbits and bunnies, and a baby pot belly pig. The kids got to hold and pet them and brush and feed them. They were so cute and made me wish that I lived on a farm! For dessert I made a cake and some Deceptively Delicious cupcakes. The chocolate ones had avocado in them and the chocolate chip ones had pumpkin. The kids and adults loved them and didn't even notice a difference!

Happy Birthday Justin!

Today Justin turned 2! I can't believe how fast time has gone. He is such a high energy, talkative boy and he definately keeps me busy, but I love being his mom! I am amazed at how polite he is, always saying "bless you" when someone sneezes or coughs, excuse me when he burps (or even if someone around him burps), and sorry even if someone gets hurt and he isn't even involved. He is such a sweet boy, always willing to give hugs and kisses. He LOVES animals which is a good thing since we have a lot. We even got him a fish for his birthday so he has his very own pet. We put it in his room last night while he was sleeping so he would wake up to it this morning but instead I found myself in his room at 3:15 a.m. trying to get him to go back to sleep! I think the light from the tank was a little too much for him since he is used to a dark room. When he did see it this morning he said "Oh pish!" and was very excited. We are having his party on Saturday (cross your fingers that it doesn't rain) so tonight we are just going to have his favorite food "oza"(pizza) and some cake. I can't wait to see how much he learns over this next year because I am already amazed at how much he knows now and how quickly he learns. We love you Justin!

American Idol Anyone?

Last night was the first show for this season's American Idol. As usual it had some really good singers and some strange and horrible singers, but I was shocked to find out that Dave and I actually knew one of the singers! Her name is Brooke White, she was the very last one to go. Dave and I went to a Ryan Shupe concert almost a year ago and she opened up for them. She was amazing! If you did watch the show last night then you probably figured out that she is Mormon. Who else would tell Simon that she has never seen a rated R movie, drank or smoked! Dave also was able to get some inside information and we found out that she is still in it(Lasts night's show was taped months ago). We're hoping that means she made it into the final 12! So I know who I am voting for! Check out her myspace page for more info and to hear some of her songs.

Isabelle's 4 Month Check Up

I can't believe how fast time is going! These four months have not been easy but Isabelle is such a blessing. I love her sweet smile and the sweet sounds she makes when she talks. Justin has finally stopped hitting her and stealing her pacifier and instead hugs her and gives her her pacifier! I am so proud of him for being such a good big brother. Today was her four month check up. She weighed 14 lbs. 12 oz. (60%), was 25 inches long (65%) and had a head circumference of 16.5 inches (70%). I can't believe how big she is because Justin was always around the 15th percentile for weight! And I think that my biggest fear might be coming true, she has the Bradshaw head! The Bradshaws are known for having big heads so I wasn't too shocked to hear that her head is kind of big. Fortunately, it doesn't look too big compared to her body but I hope that it doesn't continue to get bigger! Now if she will just start sleeping through the night again!

Christmas!!!!!!!!

Christmas was so fun this year! It was so fun to watch Justin open his presents and actually know what was going on. It was also fun to have Isabelle and be able to buy cute girly things. Plus it was fun to have my parents stay with us and they were a big help. Justin's favorite present is by far the Little People farm house and I am amazed that he still plays with it every day. Dave's is his new XBOX 360 and Rock Band game to go with it. I have to admit I have fun playing it too. Dave spoils me every Christmas and gets me lots of great things but my favorite is probably my new Bosch mixer and Nutrimill. I know Lois and Linda will appreciate that! Send me your favorite recipes! I now make homemade bread and it is soooooo good and surprisingly easy to make. Isabelle's favorite present is, well let's face it, she doesn't care! I also had a great time having all of my family over (except for Greg and Larisa, we missed you!) for Christmas dinner. Luckily, the turkey tasted great! Here are some highlights from the Christmas season:

This is the quad that Santa gave Justin. It's so fun and goes up to 2 miles an hour!

Dave and my brothers rockin out to Rock Band!

Santa's helpers!

We got to do Christmas twice- once on Christmas day and then again a week later when Robyn got home from Utah.

This is when we went to the Temple Lights. Unfortunately, we were so busy we didn't get to go until after Christmas. At least they were still up!

Isabelle all bundled up to go to the Temple lights!

This is a picture of the Bradshaw grandkids dressed up to act out the Nativity Story. Robyn was a great narrator and Justin was a wiseman but didn't really want to cooperate. I think the highlight was when Justin stole baby Jesus from the crib and ran off with Mary (Mandy) chasing after him.