Merry Christmas!

Hope everyone is enjoying a Merry Christmas and has a Happy New Year!!!

Birthday Videos

These videos are a bit lengthy, but I know some people want to see her more than they are able to. I hope these helps the grandparents feel like they were there. The first video is of Brooklyn first thing in the morning and the second video is at her birthday party that afternoon.

Happy 2nd Birthday Brooklyn!

It was Brooklyn's birthday last Sat (Dec 5th), and I know the Grandparents especially have been waiting anxiously for me to put up some pictures and videos of her birthday. Here are some pictures to tie you over for a little while until I get the videos downloaded.

Decorated the night before--it felt like Christmas. We thought it would be fun to decorate the tree with streamers so it could be part of the birthday theme.

She loves her bike and can almost reach the pedals all the way around. Just one more inch and few degrees warmer, and we'll be ready to take it outside.

For those of you who don't know this character, her name is Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street. It wasn't easy to get Brooklyn to help me decide what she wanted for her birthday, but I think it was a big hit. My sister-in-law, Kamee, helped me make her skirt to match Abby. She loved it (at least for a few hours).

I'd love to say that I made this cake, but I only had the idea and baked the cake underneath. I went to my friend Claudia's house to use her cake decorating stuff and get a few pointers. She helped me get started with it and before I knew it poof, it was done. Thanks Claudia for all your help! It turned out great, and Brooklyn eventually recognized who it was. Everyone else loved it too.

Pin the wand on Abby was a bigger hit than I thought. Brooklyn didn't go for the whole blindfold thing. The 3 older kids are the kids I nanny and then a couple families from our church came to celebrate with us (thanks for coming and for the gifts I told you not to bring--she loves them all).

She had a blast sitting at that little table with her friends. She now understands what the word "Birthday" means...CAKE and opening boxes! I told her my birthday was next week and the first thing she said was cake (even though I think she only took a bite or two of hers and didn't even touch the frosting). I also had a package come from my mom yesterday. I knew it was wrapped so I opened the box and the first thing she wanted to do was rip the paper off and open it. It didn't take long for her to catch on. She's going to really like Christmas! She'll just have to learn that not all gifts are her gifts.

Cats in the House

It's been quite a long time since my last post--sorry about that. I don't have a lot of time right now, but I wanted to show you our cute little kitty.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!

Joe's birthday isn't until Sun (Sep 13th), but I wanted to post this early so if anyone else wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday, they could leave him a comment.

Happy 27th Birthday Sweetie!

Picture of the Week

Family Vacation

Our family enjoys finding opportunities to do things together. While living in Houston we have taken as much time as possible to visit local attractions (zoos, museums, etc), but have unfortunately found little time to leave the grasps of the big city. Luckily for us Tena's parents went to New Orleans for a business trip back in April which helped us visit family and go on a little vacation at the same time. (This post is a little outdated but I figured the pictures would be interesting anyway.)

I have no intention of boring any of you with a daily itinerary of our activities but thought some of you may enjoy seeing some pictures of the New Orleans area. We had a fun time quickly moving around the French Quarters, listening to local bands, going on a boat ride down the Mississippi River, visiting the oldest cathedral in the United States, and so on.

(Louisiana Superdome)

(one of the local bands playing on the streets of the French Quarters)

(boat ride on the Mississippi)

St. Louis Cathedral--founded in 1718
(view from the boat)

We also took time on our drive back to Houston to visit an old plantation in Louisiana. It's called the Oak Alley Plantation (built in 1839) and from the pictures below you will see the reason for the name.

(front view)

(view from the front balcony)

(view from the side balcony)

(view from the back balcony)

28 live oak trees in two well-spaced rows

(oak trees have the lifespan of about 600 years and these trees are about 300 year old)

Our Little Genius

I had no idea Brooklyn could to this until a few days ago. Joe said he tries to do this with her every day. I was impressed!

She has a hard time saying "F" but just wait until you hear how she says "W"--it's my favorite.

P.S. Don't pay attention to the bike in our bedroom. The apartment complex is suppose to be painting the outside of all the buildings "soon."

Music with Actions

I think a little shyness was happening in this video.

1st Easter Egg Hunt

Sorry for the long video but the Grandparents love it. It was fun celebrating Easter this year because Brooklyn is understanding more of what's going on. I think we actually gave her that Easter book last year, but she hasn't really looked at it.

We try to be festive with our holiday decorations. I had a fun time making the Easter sign with our craft group from church. I had to post the almost finished product so Julie (who taught us how to make it) could see how it turned out.

Happy Easter!

I wanted to post this link earlier so you could all enjoy it with your family during Easter, but we were busy being with family so enjoy it now. Click here or here and you should be able to view this new Easter video.

You know you look young when . . .

Joe and I have had some interesting looks from people over our 3 years of marriage. From people thinking we look like brother and sister (then finding out we're married) to people thinking we're fresh college students (then finding out we've both graduated from college AND have a baby). As if that isn't enough to let us know that we look young, here's what happens when we're apart from each other.

I took a lady and her son to the pediatrician for his check up because she didn't have a car. While the nurse was asking questions about her son, she commented on his beautiful eye color. My friend mentioned that her daughter's eyes are very similar. The nurse turns to her and asks, "Is this your daughter?" (pointing at ME!) My friend is 10 years older than me, but she doesn't look it. And she most certainly does NOT look like she's old enough to be my mother unless I look like I'm 16!

A few Sundays ago, Joe was waiting for Sunday School class to begin when a member of the Young Men's Presidency approached and informed him that he was supposed to attend the young men's class, not the adults. Confused, Joe asked for an explanation. Apparently at the last Presidency meeting the leaders noticed that my records indicated that Joe was literally in the Teacher's quorum. Joe immediately thought there was some kind of mistake because he is the instructor for that group on Sundays. Nope - according to the records Joe is 15 years old again (we're in the process of making sure that all our records are accurate).

Are we even legal to be married? We enjoy being young and plan on staying and looking young for a long time.

FOREVER YOUNG!

My New Love

Of course, this "new love" certainly does NOT replace nor diminish the love I have for any PERSON, but I've enjoyed the places I've been able to go. It gives me a few more options to roam than the stroller. Brooklyn loves it as well! She's even fallen asleep in it (not the best thing, but we were on our way home). Isn't she getting so big? I can't believe it!

Fun Day

I know I still have to post about our many fun events last week during spring break, but I don't have that much time right now so I will tell you about today. The morning seemed to go by so fast, but we eventually all got ready for our little adventure to Miller Outdoor Theatre. We thought it might rain but decided to take a chance, and it was a fabulous day! The performance was done by the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company. We had a little picnic on the grass while we watched the dancing. It was mostly fun to see Brooklyn's reaction to the music and dancing. I think she really enjoyed it (at least she clapped at the end of every number). She was a really good sport since this was during her normal napping time.

After the performance was over, we walked around the park for a bit. We were afraid the rain was going to hit any minute since we were starting to feel a few drops (and when it rains here, it pours so you better watch out). It rained for a little bit on our drive home. Brooklyn finally fell asleep in the car, we dropped Joe off at work, and then home.

Us girls took advantage of having the car since we normally don't in the afternoons and went SHOPPING (and I don't mean for groceries)! I was determined to get a little something for me and something for Brooklyn. We were successful, and I think she had a great time.

For the Grandparents

I know seeing a video just isn't the same as being here in person, but I hope that lots of videos help while we are far away.

A lot of you have seen myself dance and the lucky few have seen my husband dance but for the first time, here is the lovely Brooklyn in here first debut.

Can you tell that Brooklyn goes shopping with Mom a lot? She knows just what to do.

Now that she can match her own shoes, the next step it to put them on--check. She first started putting on Mom and Dad's shoes then she moved onto her own (a little more tricky with the smaller shoes, but she's persistent). Sorry the videos are sideways--I rotated and fixed them up in our Kodak program, but it didn't change it here. Hope you enjoy it anyway.

It's so cute to hear Brooklyn whisper and babble while looking at a book. Watch out BYU, we're starting her young (I'm not saying she has to go to BYU for those of you concerned). I didn't get her babbling as much in the video as she was earlier, of course, but you get the idea.

She Says; He Hears

Just for laughs, I thought (Joe is okay with this too) it would be funny to write down some of our miss-communications with each other. So I added to our sidebar a couple of the ones I could remember right now and as the months go by, I'm sure there will be more added to the list. It's a good way to keep life fun and entertaining. Sorry if they're not as funny to you as they are to us.

Gratitude

I saw this cartoon the other day and it made me stop and ask myself, "Which line am I in?" I would like to say I am more gracious than selfish but that may not be the truth. Unfortunately there are times when I might complain and try to find someone or something else to whom I can pin my problems. It's at these moments I realize I need to stop complaining and look more at the positive. I need to be more grateful and share my gratitude with others.

For those of you who become bored with this feel free to click on another blog - I just wanted to share a little gratitude before heading off to work.

Friends from WJ - Thanks for the good influence. I see a lot of teenagers down here in Houston who are making very serious mistakes. They think having a good time means one has to drink alcohol, get into a serious relationship at too young an age, or do drugs to have a good time on the weekend. When I hear about the choices they make it reminds me of the countless basketball games and movie nights.

Mission companions, friends and others from Miami - You gave me so much confidence. Thank you for allowing me to push myself outside of my comfort zone.

Jones Brothers - Thanks for the great examples that you set for me. You all live your lives in a way that makes me want to be better. I know you're not perfect, but it sure seems like you guys always seem to make the right choices and do the right things. Thank you for all the individual acts of kindness you have offered to Tena, Brooklyn and myself. You have all done so many different things for us that we are most likely forever in your debt. Thank you for always offering to be there for us when we need an extra hand. Even though we are a long ways away from Utah, California and Afghanistan the offers to help continue to come in.

Haworth Brothers - I can't thank you enough for the great brothers you have been to Tena. I know she values her relationship with each of you more than just about anything. No one can replace her big brothers. She loves talking to you on the phone and hearing how everything is going in your lives. I'm especially thankful to Tony for clearing up Tena's criminal background. We both appreciate so much how all of you welcome us into your homes and lives. We love spending time with you and wish that we could see you more.

Mom and Dad Haworth - Thank you for taking the time to come and see us last week. I'm sorry that I had to work the majority of the time but it was still nice to be together. Thank you for all your countless prayers and other forms of help. You have been there for every question that we've had. One day we hope to be able to help you with something.

Mom and Dad Jones - Thanks for all the phone calls. You don't need to feel like you call too much. It's always nice to talk to you and hear how things are going. We sure wish we could see you more often. I personally see how your examples bless my life every day.

Tena and Brooklyn - I love you both very much. Thank you for your patience and kindness. I hope that you see my gratitude each day by the way I try to live my life. You are the two most important people in my life and I love you very much.

Okay - I'm not the type to get too emotional or sappy but I wanted to thank all of you for what you do for me. It's about time I start doing things for other people. I'm going to do my best to make sure that I am always standing on the right hand side of the "complaint/gratitude" line.

I LOVE THEM

New Things

Brooklyn's cute and fun personality is starting to shine through in the new things she is doing lately. She is such a big tease--I don't know if that comes more from her Mom or her Dad.

This is the basket that we keep all her toys in or at least we use to. She's taken most of them out and taken up the space. Sometimes she doesn't even take them out but then sits on top and laughs.Sometime between her birthday (5 Dec) and Christmas, Brooklyn spoke her first word that we could understand and besides mama and dada. It was Jesus (she's really making us look good). She also started saying "woof, woof" anytime we asked her where her dog was.

Here she is with her "briefcase." She's going to be a hard worker--she walks around carrying that box around everywhere like she's got somewhere to be and something to do.
I don't know where she picks up on all these things, but it does show to me that she came to this earth with a personality of her very own. She loves to wrap things around her neck (please don't panic--she wraps it like in the picture below not all the way around her neck, and I watch very closely). The funny part is that she thinks she's funny so she laughs and looks right at you waiting for you to look and laugh.

Brooklyn's gotten into the habit of always wanting to hold something in her hand (and usually both hands) and won't let go even if she falls and then has a hard time getting up because she won't let go of what she is holding including something like in the picture above. It's entertaining to watch. The interesting thing with the picture below is that she always has a pair of shoes--not just one shoe or two random shoes but a match. That's my girl!
And of course since I already mentioned above that she's walking, here is a video of her first steps of "really walking" by herself. May I remind you again that she is a little tease. This was taken 30 Dec 2008.

It's been a great start to a new year. New Years day was particularly fulfilling because it was the day that Joe and I took the time to do all the little things we didn't complete last year to finish and start the new year fresh. I think that is going to be a tradition every New Year!

I am amazed at how much Brooklyn is starting to understand and follow directions. She helps me with laundry by pushing the basket and handing me the clothes. She knows where to go when it's time to eat, time to take a bath, time to sleep, and time to change a diaper. When it's time to say a prayer, she'll fold her cute little hands together and sometimes mumble what sounds like an "Amen" at the end of the prayer. She doesn't say too many words but if you ask her to go get something, she usually finds what you want. Being a Mom is hard, but it's moments like these that make it all worth it!

New Year Resolutions

I'd have to admit that I have not always loved making goals at the beginning of a new year. In fact, all of last year came and went, and I never got around to it. The year before, I had such great experiences with setting goals and reaching most that it only took me the first week of the new year to "get around to it." Of course I'll probably make adjustments along the way, and I left plenty of room to write more down, but they are ready to be accomplished!

With that said, one of my goals was to make Brooklyn look like a girl. I thought a ponytail and pink clothes were enough to set her apart from the male gender, but I suppose not when I get comments at the grocery store like, "That's an interesting hairstyle" (with the look on their face like "why would you put your boys' hair in a ponytail") or "You sure have got a cute boy there." Anyway, I made her some headbands with flowers.

It's working so far.
I guess you could say that Brooklyn has a New Dew too!

New Year-New Dew

So I decided to donate my hair again as most of you have already noticed my short hair in our family photo. The summer before last (2007), I donated 10" of my hair to Locks-of-Love. This time, I decided to donate it to Pantene Beautiful Lengths which goes to women who lost their hair because of cancer treatment. I decided since I have some family and friends who have suffered from cancer this would be a great cause and reason to cut my hair.

Before

The Cut
The New Dew

I usually cry or at least really dislike my hair after I cut it but this time was different. I loved it then, and I still love it now! I was getting so tired of always having it up in a ponytail, and you could tell I didn't have time to do it but now it looks like I actually style it.

Happy New Year!

We brought in the new year by eating chips and salsa, drinking sparkling white grape juice, watching the last 2 discs of the extended version of Lord of the Rings (we started the whole series about a month ago), and also by watching the neighbors' fireworks starting from about 7:00pm on through the night. It was quite nice being able to enjoy the free firework show from our front room window--people really went all out! We were most amazed of how good Brooklyn was. We were afraid that she would never fall asleep or stay asleep with all the noise from the fireworks, firetrucks, and other sirens going on all night. To our surprise, she didn't even make a peep the whole night. We checked on her more than normal just making sure she was alright. We all had a great night! Hope all of you had a safe and fun New Year's Eve and New Year's Day today as well.