Feliz Navidad!

Merry Christmas everyone! Things have finally calmed down enough to get a blog post up. Christmas this year was so much fun. We didn't travel anywhere because of my history of miscarriages and I just didn't want to take the chance, so we had some wonderful friends invite us in for Christmas Eve and a different family for Christmas day. The Warners are our best
friends here and I seriously wonder what we'd do without them. They have 5 kids and the house is full of all the love and chaos both Cody and I had growing up in big families. Plus Gage loves being fussed over by the 4 girls. We did a little nativity thing with the kids and we made it all the way through it (which was more than I expected). We even managed to break out the chimes and play some Christmas classics. We actually pulled that off pretty well and Cody only had to stab one of the kids with his chime to get them to be quiet.






















Gage pretending to be a wise man.



















The wise men (or wise guys as Thayne likes to be called) and Mary. I spray painted some BK crowns. Not too shabby huh?




















Mary and Joseph with Cody as the donkey. Gage really wanted a turn at riding.

















Just the sweetest girls ever!

We had a total blast and as usual didn't get home till mindnight or so. I'm so grateful that we have a transportable kid. Gage is such a champ at falling asleep at other people's houses and goes right to bed when we get home. It's really helps us to get out with friends and not be stuck at home. Christmas day we spent with the Owen's (some friends from church) and they made an amazing prime rib that was to die for. All I've wanted to eat this whole pregnancy is red meat which is so different than it was with Gage. Just some funny little differences. Like the fact that I haven't thrown up yet and don't think I will. Just a lot of sich feelings but even that's tapering off a little. Still having to take a nap during the day and that's with Cody letting me sleep in often. I'm going to die when he goes back to school. I've heard 2nd trimester is a good time to tell everyone you're pregnant but I've also heard 14 weeks. Thoughts on the matter?





Christmas was a blast and Gage loved all the presents we got him. By the end of the morning he was a pro at opening presents. I've got to say that I just love my little boy so much. He's so loving and caring and some how pulls off being super energized all the time but still being an easy going kid. We've been working on kisses lately and he came and gave me a big one this morning as he left with Cody to the pool. Man it just melted my heart! This next baby sure has some big shoes to fill! I'm sure I'll have no problem loving the new baby just as much as I do Gage.

Photo sesh fun and Santa

I got my hair cut the other day so Gage and I decided to take some pictures for fun. Turns out he's kind of a camera hog. But we still had a lot of fun. And today at my mom's club holiday party we had Santa show up. Gage, as friendly as ever,

had no problem running right up, pushing kids out of the way, and plopping himself right on Santa's lap. Let's be honest, there was candy involved so there wasn't much I could do to stop him. It was pretty dang cute. Cody's done with this semester and doesn't start till January 10th so I'm all crazy excited to have him around to hang out with. Unfortunately I usually keep a dirtier house when he's on break cause I'd rather hang out with him than clean. We'll see how things go. I just love having a husband I ache to be around. Makes marriage so much fun!

Baby Time!

So with me being at 10 weeks I feel pretty good about letting the blog crew know that we're having another baby. Finally, after a year of trying and two miscarriages we are welcoming a little Kumquat into the family (that's how big the baby is right now). I feel really good about this pregnancy and feel like Heavenly Father has let me know that this is going to work out. I have been super tired for the last couple of months and feel like I've literally been hit by a bus. My morning sickness, plus it being winter, has kept Gage in a lot and it's driving both of us insane. I can't wait for Cody to start winter break tomorrow so Gage can have someone to take him out. I honestly don't think I was ever this tired while pregnant with Gage. I fall asleep at 9 and I still have to take a nap during the day while Gage gets his. But I'm so grateful just to be pregnant again and with all signs that things are going well. I went to the doctor about 2 weeks ago and the ultrasound showed a healthy little heart beating in a little body. It's funny cause with Gage I never had any inklings that he was going to be a boy (although I did win $50 bucks off Cody on a bet) but I really feel like on several occasions I've been told it'll be a girl. I know that goes against my belief that I'll just have all boys (thanks to my church given blessing) but I have a hard time thinking in any other terms other that she and her and the little girl. I'd love a girl just so I could have both genders covered but I would love a little boy again so I could get some more use out of all those clothes. And in the end a baby's a baby and that's all that matters.

So everyone keep their fingers crossed. I know that 10 weeks isn't in the clear by any means but I feel like this ones it. There have just been some differences from the beginning that make me feel much safer about it. Anyway, that's all for now!

Winter Wonderland

Just some random pictures from the last little bit. Cody and I got the Christmas lights up on a very cold day about a week ago and have been enjoying them ever since. We just picked up our Christmas Tree this morning and I'll be sure to get some pictures of that up too. Gage is a total wildman lately. I think it's the cold weather and having to stay inside a lot but man he is just going wild with the confines. He was jumping all crazy in the living room and total knocked a hole in the wall with his head. It was where a patch job already was but still he hit it pretty hard. Didn't cry or even seem phased but he did think the hole he made was pretty neat. Last Sat we took advantage of the new snow and went sledding for Gage's first time. He kinda liked it and kinda didn't. Big smile on the actual going down the hill but absolutly miserable when his hands got cold and his nose started running. Good thing we just used trashbags. No use wasting $20 on a sled that Gage only kinda liked. Anyway- that's about it for here in Colorado. I've got to get the tree set up and then prep the basement for my mom's club Zumba class tomorrow. Exciting!

Blow guns and a Zoo trip!

We went to the zoo this morning and I was really impressed with Denver Zoo. Gage had a pretty good time except he refuses to stay close so he spent a lot of time in the stroller. His favorite exhibit was the sea lions under water observitory. They were playing around in the water like crazy and I think Gage would have joined them if he could of. Cody also got a blow gun for his birthday and has been playing with it in the backyard ever since. He claims he's gonna eradicate the pesky squirrles from our back yard but he's yet to shoot one (much to my relief). Gage has a great time blowing into it to shoot the dart out and I find him blowing into it whenever Cody leaves it in an reachable place. It's harder to aim than it looks but I'm sure I'll come home to rabbit stew some night and just not ask questions.

Grandparents, halloween and snow!

Well we just got done having a wonderful visit from Mom and Dad Kelley, or I guess I should start calling them Grandma and Grandpa (since my mom taught Gage to call them that). I can tell he misses them already! They came for the weekend and we kept busy playing games and going to the dog park and it had snowed right before they came so things were really fall'ish. Gage likedto eat the snow at first till his hands went numb and then it was all tears and sadness. We also went to a trunk or treat with mom and dad and I can't imagine anything cooler to a toddler's mind. Halloween just became his favorite holiday I think. At least till Christmas comes along. I loved watching Gage interact with his Grandparents. Seriously, what parent wouldn't want someone around who loves and is as proud of your kid as you are. He's such a friendly loving little guy that he instantly loved them both and couldn't get enough hugs and loves. Plus it was my dad's first visit here so we got to show him around the house we are very proud of. I'm just glad our bug we all had before they came didn't hit my mom super hard and my dad missed it all together. Such luck! I was totally sick and miserable for the whole day!

Gage also dabbled in some more trick or treating tonight and I'm impressed he caught on the the spirit as much as he did. By the time we'd cleaned house on the neighborhood homes he was a natural. Often charming old ladies to give him three or four pieces of candy. My favorite comment of the night was from one lady who asked "now, do mom and dad like gummies more or chocolate" and I do hope to get some of that candy but man Gage has been crazy about candy lately. And we didn't have enough kids come to the door so we've got a whole fish bowl of candy left. Oh well. I wish my mom and dad could have stayed till tonight but I'm sure they were happy to be back in their own beds, especially with my mom being sick. All in all it was a wonderful weekend!

New Floor!

Well I have to admit that this last project sure was intense but I think it's given us our best return yet. As any of you would know, dining rooms and carpets weren't ever meant to go together with a toddler in the mix. So we decided to put down a laminate click and lock floor to replace the carpet in the dining room, the vinyl in the kitchen and more carpet in the living room and laundry room. The living room opens into the back yard and I was tired of yelling at Gage and our dog every time they tracked something on it. So, ever ambitious of us, we decided to use Cody's inheritance money from a great Aunt to take on the project. And I've got to say it turned out great. It took two full weekends and a lot of Seseme Street episodes for Gage but it's all over with just a couple of finishing touches to go. Our house had some really outdated and trashed base board so we decided to replace them everywhere except the bedrooms. That portion of the project is ongoing but it helps make our house feel high end. We got the higher quality laminate that had the padding already on the back and we got it for a great deal too! 600 sq ft for only $900. Another $200 in trim and the grand total was just $1,100. And I'm so happy with the results. It got rid of so many of my problems and gives the house some real character. And let me say right now that Cody is amazing. I always grew up loving to do home projects with my dad and I love being able to do it with Cody. I'm probably about as effective as I was back then but I just love to see things come together. And might I add that a huge part of the demolition was all me. I pulled the 3 layers of vinyl off the kitchen floor and that stuff does not come up willingly. The hardest part was trying to get stuff done around Gage. He was a trooper but a horrible annoyance nonetheless. So that's another home project from the Browers! Enjoy!
Before and After!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Visit from friends

We had some friends come down last weekend from Idaho and we had a total blast. The best part was just getting visited in the first place! Being in Denver means not getting visited very often so I was thrilled to have Rachel, Jesse, Kim and Josh visit (and also Jesse's cousin and GF). While all us girly folk went to the relief society broadcast the boys went to a UFC fight in downtown and apparently had a blast. Gage and Atreyu had a lot of fun and we're super cute together. They're still at the age where they don't really "play" together but there was plenty of stealing, crying and biting going on so I consider that interaction of a sort. We also went the the denver aquiarium and it was a really neat place. Wish I had brought my camera! And it made me miss the ocean all the more! All in all it was an awesome weekend that really reminded me that I've got wonderful friends who love me so much!

In other news I'm sure everyone saw on facebook but my phone got toasted. Gage has been watching me put things in the oven for awhile now and just recently started "helping" me take care of things. I hadn't seen my phone for most of the day...never a good sign... and decided to make corn dogs. After about 5 mins of the oven heating up I smelled something plastic burning. I thought it would be one of his plastic building blocks but was very disappointed to see my phone in their bubbling from the heat. It's his first time putting anything in there and I can't believe I was unlucky enough for it to have been my phone. At least we're phasing out of Sprint so this is my chance to get a new phone on a new plan. Oh well!

Playset!!!

It only took us 5 months to finally set up my birthday present from May but the wait was worth it. Let me introduce the coolest addition to our home yet! A play set!

I've been keeping an eye out for one of these but our budget just didn't allow us to spend the $500-$1,000 other play sets were going for. Around my birthday I spotted this one and sweet Cody went along with my compulsive craigslist spending crave. We got this awesome set for only $125 and it was well worth it! The first picture is one of three pictures we got from the owner. He had already disassembled it for us which was nice in some ways but terrible in that it was super hard to put back together again with just 3 pictures, all from the same angle. The guy had really thoroughly taken it apart so it just looked like a big heap of wood. It's funny cause when I looked at his picture I thought- "this will be so easy to put together. It doesn't have that many parts. We'll have it up and going in half a day". Wrong. Try two very long, very full days. Putting it together was just like a puzzle figuring out which posts were side and which ones corners. We also got a gallon sized Ziploc bag full of bolts that we also had to figure out. Plus the guy had never put up the swing set part so that was done totally blind. And the wood was in pretty rough state so we sanded some of it and painted the whole thing. It looks almost new! The only thing still missing in the set is a rope net to climb right in the front next to the slide. We're going to get that up this weekend hopefully. And I'd like to paint the rock climbing wall on the back brown. I just couldn't wait to post pictures of it! I've got to say that I have the most wonderful, willing husband in the world. I always pull him into these crazy projects during his precious law-school free weekends and I always think they will go fast but Cody's much more realistic than me. Gage's reaction to the play set has been great. He loves the middle swing so much and especially when I get on with him. He also really likes the picnic table that sits under the fort and has eaten out there a couple of times. The neighborhood kids also love it and had really put it through the ringer with their rough teenager play. I'm happy to report that it's proven to be solid as a rock and I'm so happy to have a great backyard to contribute to my mom's group. It'll be such a sad thing to leave with this house when we do move but I'm not sure it's the kind of thing I want to take apart and put back together again. Maybe it'll be one more thing to the house that'll help sell it when the time comes.