*Thanksgiving at the Dunes 2012*

Dune season is officially in full swing and of course the first trip of the season was during Thanksgiving. There is nothing better then riding quads/rhinos eating yummy food with friends and family. I was very grateful to my father in-law for buying a rhino this year (basically a souped up golf cart)so that he can take grand kids on rides and of course pregnant ladies such as myself! We were at the dunes from Wednesday through Saturday and had a blast. Everyone brings a contribution to the Thanksgiving feast and we eat everything you would normally eat at a home Thanksgiving dinner.

Jaden had so much fun riding in the dunes all safe and snug in his car seat, with his cool helmet and goggles. He even survived me rolling the rhino over upside down. Luckily no one was hurt and just a little scared, I pretty much fired myself from ever driving again hahaha. Also while we were there both of the binki's I had for Jaden he chewed up, so of course he wanted nothing to do with them the whole trip..AWESOME.

I did find one more binki that is good at my mom's house tonight, and tried giving it to him at bedtime because he was fussing but he spit it out. I think it's almost safe to say we are binki FREE and that he doesn't want one anymore. Which makes me happy that he kicked the habit on his own and I didn't have to be the bad guy!! Thanksgiving was wonderful this year and I feel very grateful to my Father in Heaven for my wonderful little family and all that we are blessed with, I really do love this time of year when we can reflect on all the things we are thankful for and for all the fun memories we get to make around this festive holiday season.

*Snuggle Time*

I recently started a new bedtime routine with Jaden for a few different reasons. I used to just give him a bath, put on pj's, play a little and then right to bed. My friend came into town and I noticed that she would always give her son a time frame such as "You have 5 more minutes to play then it's bedtime", or they also would read books. Anyways, I asked her why she gave him so much time before she would put him to bed hahah? I thought just put him to bed and be done with it, not give all this extra time to dilly dally around. She then gave me some very good parenting food for thought and said "How would you like to be right in the middle of doing something, and all of a sudden be ripped away from it with no warning and put to bed?" Hummmm I never thought of it like that, so it made me think of doing a different routine with Jaden, and also ever since Halloween he was a little freaked out so going to bed was getting to be difficult.

With all that said I started "Snuggle Time" before bed. Jaden has never been too much of a snuggler. Now since I give him the opportunity to come lay in my bed with me for about 15 minutes, sing songs and snuggle before bedtime, it has definitely worked to my advantage. I LOVE IT, I look forward to this every night when he will just come lay in my arms and snuggle with his mommy, and for the last few nights has actually fallen asleep! Usually we sing songs and then I just put him in his crib and he'll lay down and go to sleep with no fuss, so having him fall asleep next to me is a bonus. It's the moments when he is snuggled up in my arms that makes the hard job of being a mommy all worth it. I love my sweet little boy more than words can ever say, and thank my Heavenly Father for trusting me with such a sweet little spirit.

I'm also glad that I started this new routine before the baby comes, because it gives Jaden and I that extra time together before things get crazy. I'm definitely nervous to enter into the life of parenting TWO little ones.....YIKES!!

*Trick or Treat*

Halloween this year was actually very fun and eventful. Last year we were in Washington and Jaden was still too little to understand, and just the fact that we were in WA made it not worth dressing him up because none of our family would get to enjoy it with us. This year I did dress my sweet little boy up as the cutest little pirate you have ever seen. It was I admit hard to buy a costume because they are expensive, everything is too big for him, and I didn't really find anything I liked. However, I happen to be at Babies R Us and saw the 18 month pirate costume on super sale, so of course I had to get it! Jaden was seriously the cutest trick or treater ever, and when he went to each door would say "treat" hahah soooo adorable. Before we went out trick or treating, my sister-in-law made a super cute Halloween themed dinner with ideas she got from pinterest..very yummy.

After we went trick or treating in our neighborhood I took Jaden over to my parent's house so they could see him all dressed up and take him around there neighborhood. Awww there is nothing like being with all your family on the holidays, especially when you have children. I truly love and feel so blessed that both of our families get to watch Jaden grow up, and share with us all these fun eventful times through out his childhood years. I am currently 28 weeks prego and feeling and looking huge. I don't like pictures of my face when I'm pregnant or really any part of me except for my growing belly. Don't get me wrong I love being pregnant and feeling those sweet little movements all the time, but it's hard when you feel so unattractive and hate pictures of yourself. Awww if only my sister were here she could work her magic and me look decent again haha. Anyways, life is good and I can't wait for Thanksgiving and Christmas because that means DUNE SEASON is upon us yeaaaaaaaa!!

My sweet sister in-law made a cute little paper skeleton baby to stick on my belly, so that was my awesome costume for this year.

Can't wait for next year when Jaden understands it just a little better and of course he will have a little brother to share in the excitement with!

*Jaden's 2nd Birthday*

Where has the time gone? I can't believe that my sweet little baby is now the big TWO years old hahah we have now entered the terrible two stage. Jaden had a wonderful Thomas the Train birthday party with all of our family and friends, and this little boy was spoiled rotten. He was so overwhelmed with gifts that we didn't even give him ours, which we are just going to save for Christmas in a few months. Here are some two year stats for my little guy:

Sleep: 12 hours and still takes 2-3 hour naps

Weight: 21 lbs (he does well on eating now but is just skinny I guess)

Height: 33 inches

Favorite Food: Pizza, peas, carrots, gold fish, animal crackers, anything with ketchup and anything sweet

Favorite toys: Anything Thomas the Train, trucks, cars, and of course the iPad/iPhone

Binki: Unfortunately  yes, we are going to try and take it away soon, but I'm torn between doing it now or after the baby is born. Any suggestions on that?

Crib: Yes, and I have decided to keep him in it until a little after the baby is born. I will switch him over to a toddler bed once the baby goes into the crib.

Dislikes: When we take his binki away, putting his toys away at grandma and papa's house, and sitting in his highchair for a long period of time.

Achievements: Can recognize and say all letters of the alphabet, knows numbers 1 through 10, can recognize and say people's names, very good at holding a pen/pencil the correct way, and has not taken a bottle for two months hahah don't judge me.

Things we hope to achieve in the next year: NO BINKI, toddler bed, potty training, better listening skills, no more highchair (which he does well at the table in a big chair, but I prefer to keep the mess small still haha) and help him be the best big brother ever!

Here is a picture overload from the party (I am 6 1/2 months prego and already huge, so no judgement please. Also our house is still not all the way furnished or done yet so those pics are still to come)...

 He was upset because I took his binki away for the picture haha

;

I feel so blessed to have my sweet little toddler and can't wait to see how he grows and progresses in the next year. It is definitely challenging and rewarding going through the toddler years but worth it all. Jaden's birthday was also very emotional for me because it was my sister's last day/night in Arizona. Her husband received a great job opportunity in New York City so they up and moved to the big apple. They will be living right in Manhattan, basically on Wall Street, so it will be lots of fun to visit every year. My sister is truly my best friend and I feel as though part of my heart is gone now.

I know she is  a plane ride away, but it's not the same as when I could just go see her whenever I wanted too. Every Thursday she had off we would hang out and just have fun together, she is also the greatest aunt to Jaden and the biggest help to me with him. I dropped them off at the airport this morning and ever since just feel like crying, I miss her so much already. On the upside she is coming to visit right after the baby is born so I just have to make it a few more months until we are reunited again. So to end things on a happy note haha life is good, Jaden's birthday was a great success and I just blogged!!

* My New Ride*

The day finally came that I actually got a NEW CAR!! I have been driving my same 2000 Dodge Neon since back when I turned 16 years old.  It was my first car my parents ever got me, and it has taken me through high school, college, marriage, and a baby. I have never really cared about cars or minded what I drove, because frankly it just seems like a waste of money to me. However, we are approaching having baby #2 and so the fit would be tight, not to mention how horribly UNSAFE my car is. Basically if I got in a car accident in the Neon I would probably be a paraplegic or six feet under ground. We started saving awhile ago for a new car too, because Neon's are not known for having a long life span (hence the reason they don't even make them anymore hahaha).

So I am now driving my absolute DREAM car..........2008 FORD EDGE LIMITED!! I drove this car a few times as a rental when we were in Washington and visiting AZ. It was LOVE at first sight. Pretty much from the time I ever drove it I became obsessed with it, and this would be the only car to ever replace the old Neon. I have never had auto locks and windows so that is pretty awesome, but the best thing ever about this car is the blue tooth feature and the automatic lift gate (being a mom that feature has blessed my life greatly). We don't believe in debt (except for a house or school) and we saved a good amount of money, but this car never seemed to fit in the budget. Luckily a great deal came around for this one that actually worked for us, so I am a very happy girl!!! It was definitely worth waiting all those years for.

*Four years and counting*

So I have been terrible at blogging lately since moving into our house but I promise to be better going forward. Anyways to show how bad I have been haha Josh and I celebrated our four year wedding anniversary back on the 22nd of August. Since it was during the week and we just did a ton of new things to our house we decided to be low key this year. Josh's parent's watched Jaden while we went out to dinner and ice cream. Honestly just being with Josh alone for a few hours being able to talk over dinner was the perfect way to celebrate. It has been a wonderful four years with my sweetheart, actually five if you count dating, and he is the best daddy, husband, and best friend I could ever ask for. I truly feel so blessed every day that I wake up next to him knowing that he is mine forever. I love him more than words can ever say, and am thankful to my Father in Heaven for bringing us together for eternity.

*Oh BOY*

Jaden is going to have a LITTLE BROTHER!!! I knew the whole time I was going to have a boy, and lone and behold we are. I was hoping this time around that it would be a girl just so I could have one of each. However, as I was in the ultra sound today and immediately saw his "goods" and knew it was a boy for sure, the happiest and most exciting feeling came over me. I feel so blessed to be having another little boy and that Jaden will have a little playmate and best friend. Also I started thinking about how I could dress them up alike hahah so that also made me super excited too!

 
We have no first name picked out, and will not have one I'm sure until he is born, we do have the middle name picked out though. I am 16 weeks today and baby is measuring and looking perfect..can't wait to meet our little man.              

                                       

*Lake Powell trip #1*

First Lake Powell trip of the year and it was awesome! The weather was not great because it's monsoon season, but it was a mini family reunion for my side so it was a blast to see and talk with everyone. Since Jaden is older now he LOVES playing on the beach and in the water. He also LOVES boating and riding on jet skies. Anytime we get on either one he says "weeeee" and then passes out within 5 minutes. Both Josh and I couldn't believe that he would actually pass out on a jet ski, since it's so bumpy and wet but he did both times we took him on rides.

We went to sand hill and although I was not as fast going up hahah I did made it up eventually. Being pregnant and trying to workout is definitely more challenging because I get tired so easily but I know it's going to be worth it in the end. This trip was also wonderful because Josh's sweet parents let us borrow their trailer, so NO TENTS and considering how bad the weather got it was a huge blessing. My camera battery was dead for this trip so I personally didn't get any pictures of my own, but I was able to get a few from my dad so enjoy!

*Making the cut*

After almost 10 long years I finally decided it was time to cut off all my long hair. This change has been long since needed but never could muster up the courage to do it. I have not felt good about myself for awhile now, feeling fat, and just not pretty, so this change was good for me and I feel a little more confident now. My sister cut my hair at her new salon she works at and did an AMAZING job. She is so talented and always knows just what to do to help improve my look!

                                           Then and Now

*Soon to be a party of 4!!!*

We are excited to announce that we are expecting baby #2 at the end of January!! I'm currently 13 weeks and baby and I are doing great. This pregnancy has been very different from Jaden's in that I'm not sick all the time, but only get nauseas if I don't eat for a long period of time. I was super tired in the beginning and don't have the energy I used too, but other than that doing well. I'm still going to the gym on a regular basis, so that has really helped with getting energy. Although I can't lose weight I hope to try and maintain a decent weight, and not blow up like I did before haha.

Ultra sound at 9 weeks!

Everyone says that since I feel different this time it's probably a girl, but I believe firmly that it's going to be a boy so I guess we will just have to see. I bought Jaden a big brother shirt that is super cute and that's how I told Josh. He was definitely shocked at first because we weren't really trying for another one quite yet, but really the timing couldn't be better, so we are both very excited for Jaden to have a little sibling. It's really cute too because I tell Jaden all the time to kiss the baby, so he comes up to my stomach and gives it a big kiss, which totally melts my heart. I know he is going to be an awesome big brother and hopefully mommy's little helper too! I'm a little nervous about how it's going to be with two kids, but with the help of my Heavenly Father and our two loving families so close to us now :) it's all going to be just fine!

*San Diego and Update*

It has been forever since I have had some time to sit down and blog, and wow so much has happened since my last post. So first off we moved home back in June, and are basically renovating our entire house (this will be a whole new post later). Because of all the new things we are doing to our house, we are currently staying down the street at my in-laws until our house is complete.

Anyways admist all the crazieness we found some time to get away on our Bracken family vacation to San Diego. This year Josh and I rented our own trailer. Which the company we rented from drops the trailer off right at the beach for you, sets it up, and when your done hauls it away SUPER easy, conveniant, and we LOVED it. We spent four fun filled days on the beach of San Diego with Josh's family. The first day we just relaxed and swam in the ocean. The second day we went on a Kayaking tour, which was so fun and a great arm/back workout. The last full day we went on a 25 mile bike ride around downtown San Diego and up to a huge park, another great workout. Saturday we pretty much just slept in and then packed up and came home. Lots of fun pictures to enjoy!

We are now back from vacation, but being back in Arizona makes me so happy that I didn't mind coming back hahha. I can't wait for our house to be all finished and moved in. Hopefully we should be done with everything by the end of the month. I promise once our house is finished I will post pics. Jaden is loving being in AZ with all the new found freedome of actually being outside. It is hot but we don't mind because it's better than depressing rain ever single day. Oh back trak a little, 4th of July was fun, haha we pretty much worked on our house all day, then sat in my in-laws backyard and ate bbq, sipped root beer floats and saw maybe four or five little fire-works. So nothing big but who cares the weather was so nice that day and we were with people we love! Well I think that is about it for now, but I promise to be better from now on and keep up with my blog, because I treat it like a journal and don't want to fall behind on documenting memories.