Hallie Bear is 2 (for about a month now)

It still baffles me that Hallie Bear is 2! She is such a big girl and growing everyday. I haven't written a post about her in a very long time, and I'm not going to recap the last 7 months that I haven't written about right now. Just her birthday.

My mom and my two sisters came out for her birthday. I was so excited that they came to celebrate. Especially since we just bought our house and they hadn't seen it. Mostly for them to see Hallie and spend time with her.

We spent the morning doing Hallie's 2 year old pictures. I couldn't get her to smile or even really look at me, so we had to bribe her with crasins. We got a few cute ones of her but not "the shot." My mom starting singing "Do as I'm doing" to Hallie right behind me, and she looked right at me. It was the last photo I took.

We mostly hung out all day until her birthday party (and made food and decorated for her party) because Jordan had to work all day and we didn't want to do anything too special without him. My mom and sister, Erin, totally make the best party food. This was no exception. Plus my sister-in-law, Mary, made cake pops. Hallie ate about half of them I'm sure. And my sister-in-law, Tiana, made Hallie's Minnie Mouse birthday cake. The cake was beautiful!

Hallie had quite a turnout. All our close family came and a few friends.

Jordan and I technically got her Copper for her birthday, but we had to get a her a few things. From us she got Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head, a Minnie Mouse cash register, and a remote control truck. Hallie loves trucks, so we had to get it for her. My mom bought her a Bitty-Baby with a matching outfit (it is so adorable!! and Hallie loves babies), she got a miniature Minnie Mouse that she can dress up (she still takes it everywhere), clothes, TOMS! puzzles, books, gift cards, and more that I can't think of.

It was so sweet to watch her open her presents and oooh and ahhh at everything she got. And every time she opened something new she wanted to play with it right away and not move on to the next present.

After presents was cake. She almost blew the candles out by herself, but got a little scared when she got too close after trying to blow them out the first time.

We had such a wonderful day and a wonderful time with everyone! But mostly we're so thankful for our Princess Hallie. You should hear her say "Princess Hallie!" It's the cutest thing ever.

Maya Alayna

Yet another photo post. Don't worry 2 down, 2 to go. I even combined two babies together, so technically I am saving you time.

I got to take my niece Maya's 5 year old pictures. This girl is so cute and full of spunk. Maya and Hallie have taken a liking to one another. When we lived in our apartment, we would find the two of them playing in Hallie's room, watching TV, and riding the roller coaster for hours on end. It's fun for Hallie to have older cousins who really enjoy playing with her. Especially since she was only about 18 months old at the time her and Maya really started playing.

Anyways,

Maya turned 5. She was born the week after Jordan and I were married, so I will always remember her age and birthday. Her mom is awesome for always letting me take their birthday pictures.

There is something about taking pictures for Macy because we always have to reschedule at least one time trying to get shoots done. Most of the time it's for the weather, this was no exception. The day we did end taking pictures was still a bit windy, but we were in between buildings so it didn't end up being to bad.

I love little Maya. She is super cute.

Favorites:

Elena Lin & Payton Grace

Newborn pictures are pretty much the worst. Not that I don't like newborn babies. They are just super hard. I feel like I am going to break them, and I really don't get how professionals get babies to pose all cute. I'm getting better. It's still really hard.

It's a good thing I only take them for family or close friends, so they don't think I'm abusing their child. Plus I can feel frazzled in front of them, and ask for help.

Elena was born in April, the 28th I think. The days seem to run together anymore. I took her pictures when she was a week old, so she was still malleable. She was super during them, hardly any crying or any feces without her diaper on.  It was fun to do this for Jordan's sister.

And Luckily for me, Jordan's family breeds like rabbits, and I got to take Payton's pictures a week later! Jordan's younger brother just had their second and she was born about a week after Elena. She was a little bit easier to take, because Elena warmed me up.

Favorites:

ELENA

PAYTON

Don't I have the most beautiful nieces??? The Sautter's are legit baby makers.

Mr. & Mrs. Brown

I had the opportunity to take my best and oldest friend's engagement pictures. It was my first shoot from this year (winter gets really slow) and I was super nervous. When you don't take pictures for a while you feel inadequate and like your forgot everything you once knew.

Luckily, for me it's kind of like riding a bike. I just get back to it. Most of the time too, my pictures end up getting better. More sharp, better colors, more creative, and so on. I guess it just comes with time. I have been officially offering my services (to close friends and family) for 4 years.

Anyways,

My friend Bonnie, who I have known since the ripe old age of 10, got engaged and is getting married August 31st (on her bday!!) I've always told her I would take her pictures (if she wanted.. I'm no professional) and do her hair (Bonnie offer still stands!!), and she took me up on it. I'm glad her fiance has family in Rexburg, there'd be no way for me to get to Utah right now. They made the drive, and I took the pictures.

It didn't help that my external hard drive failed and I couldn't edit their pictures for forever (long.. sad.. sappy story) and I haven't blogged in forever, so I am finally posting them. I had fun making them giggle.

Favorites:

I'm Back!

I have made the mid-year resolution to try and blog again every week. I have a lot to catch up on, and with Hallie having her 2nd birthday, it has put me back in the mood to tell everyone about my beautiful child.

You may have noticed some updates to the blog, I decided with my new resolution, comes a new template. Go me. And I added a family member in there...

So here is the quick watered down update.

APRIL

1. Jordan and I celebrated 5 years of marriage. We went on a cruise to celebrate in February, so we just went to dinner. We didn't want to do anything to expensive, but actually celebrate too. We went to Jaker's. My steak was amazing. I don't remember really much else than we may have gone to a movie too or got a redbox movie. Who knows. It was 3 months ago.

2. We withdrew our offer on the first house we put an offer in on. I just couldn't sit well with it, and when I explained to Jordan, he agreed.

3. The day we withdrew our offer, we started looking at houses again. YAY!

4. My best friend from my childhood, Bonnie, got engaged. Finally. ha jk. Girl you know I just wanted you to get married the minute after I did. I also took her engagement pictures (post to follow).

5. My niece Elena Lin Anderson was born. I wish I could remember the date. Sadly. I think it was April 28th? 29th? I don't know. We visited her the night she was born. Hallie loved to hold her and it was so fun to hold a baby that weighs pretty much nothing. I also took her newborn pictures.

MAY

1. We put an offer in on house #2 at the beginning of the month. It was actually a for sale by owner home, and we sat down with them and talked price. Our offer was accepted right then sitting with them, and we went to a realtor's office the next week to sign contracts and send info to the bank. Closing date set.

2. I had another niece born! Payton Grace Sautter. She reminded me of Hallie, only in that c-section babies have the most perfect shaped heads and beautiful skin... but only because they don't have to go through all the trauma. Hallie loved holding Payton even more. I think Elena warmed her up. When we held Payton Hallie rocked back and forth, and cried when we took her away. I also took Payton's newborn photos.

3. I took my niece's, Maya, 5 year old pictures. Man I have taken a lot of pictures lately. She was adorable as always.

4. My little bear, Kaylie, graduated from high school. We traveled to Colorado to celebrate. It was a very fun trip. Don't ask me what we did besides eat at Chipotle, go to the graduation, and have a graduation party, because I couldn't tell you other than that. Things in my mind seem to run together lately.

5. WE CLOSED ON OUR HOUSE! May 30th we signed the papers. It was crazy how many signatures they need. But we got some awesome water bottles out of it. Oh yeah, and our awesome house.


JUNE

1. We moved into out house June 1st. Isn't that appropriate? We're so lucky to have majority of Jordan's brothers and bro in law near by. The moved everything with a truck, suburban, trailer and stuffing our Escape, and a van. Plus getting everything out of the basement apartment was an adventure. 6-7 men lifting a couch is hilarious.

2. We painted a ton of our house. I hate painting. The idea of painting is fabulous. Actually doing the task kind of stinks. Our house was crazy though. I think the upstairs was 3-4 different colors. That doesn't include bedrooms. So we decided a nice light gray would do the trick. Jordan picked the paint, and we have loved it. Much more us.

3. About a week after we moved in, we adopted Copper! He is our shi-poo. We love him so much. Especially Hallie. We were going to get him for Hallie for her birthday, but when we saw him in person we had to take him home. Hallie has been hugging/kissing/carrying/body slamming him every since. It only took us about 3 weeks to name him, but Jordan put his foot down and named him Copper. He was Dax, Bruce Wayne, Scout, and a few others for a few days.

4. We bought a lawn mower (and many other household supplies, but this one seems the most noteworthy). I have officially mowed the lawn 1 1/2 times. That is 1 1/2 times I have my entire life. We have been doing a ton of yard work. It's been fun, but I feel like a major dork doing it because of my scrawny muscles and feeling uncoordinated. I mean seriously they need a class in school on how to use a shovel and not look stupid doing it. I wish my Momma lived nearby because she is the queen of beautiful yards. The invitation to live with me is always open.. or to move to Idaho.. hint hint?

5. HALLIE TURNED 2! She is awesome. A huge ball of energy, and super hilarious. She is an amazing talker. We get comments all the time on how well she converses. It makes me very proud, so I have to share with everyone the awesomeness of my kid. We had a birthday party for her. She had a Minnie Mouse cake (which she is obsessed with Minnie), all her family and our close friends came over, and we had the best food (another thing my mom and sister are amazing at!). My mom bought Hallie a Bitty Baby. If you don't know what this is... shame on you. Especially if you have girls! I think I was more excited than Hallie was, but she still loves the doll. They came out with new twin sets, so they have hair like the American girl dolls. She even bought her the matching outfit. Pictures to come! Overall it was an amazing day (bigger and better post later). I also took Hallie's 2 year old pictures.

JULY

1. Not too much to note of yet this month. We went to the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, which is the biggest fireworks show west of the Mississippi! It was amazing (even though it started an hour late....story for another time). Hallie loved the show. She didn't move the whole time except to move from me to Jordan. She told me the fireworks were, "so pretty" the whole time.

Well that's all for the update folks! Hopefully I didn't overwhelm you with all our awesomeness over the past 3 months. I promise to blog more frequently.

oh. Hi there blog.

I haven't blogged in about 3 months. I don't think my life has been particularly crazy, I just haven't been in the mood. Which is crazy. I love putting my random thoughts out there for my audience of three to read. I guess I will do a quick update of our lives and go more into detail later.

JANUARY

1. I turned 24. Not old really, but for some reason on that day I really did feel older. Maybe because it's one year to 25 which is half way to 30.. which is half way to 60. Doesn't that make you feel old? Ya me too. It was an awesome day. Hallie let me braid her hair. We went to the doctor for Hal and didn't have to get shots. Hubs took me to Olive Garden. We traveled to Lava Hot Springs for some natural hot poolness. I got the iPhone 5.

2. Hallie started Nursery. She loved it before the 18 month mark when we couldn't leave her in there. And the first time she was allowed she sobbed. At least Bill Croft is there. Hallie attaches to men for some reason. I mean she is mamma's girl, but outside of that it is men. So she attaches to Bill and she makes him hold her the whole time. She is getting better. Now she'll go to Bill and cry a little before we leave.

FEBRUARY

1. I got a job. I can't say where it is b/c I had to sign a sheet saying I woulndn't talk about my job online.. but it's in the mall... and it's a children's clothing place... that's all I will say. If you didn't figure it out by that and you are dying to know, just give me a ring. I am in management. I only work evenings/weekends. I have really liked it so far.

2. Jordan and I went on a cruise!!! It was to celebrate our 5 year anniversary (in April). We left Feb 23rd from New Orleans, LA or NOLA as I now know. We went to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. My sister, Erin, and her husband, Jordan, came with us and we had a blast. Besides Erin throwing the dodge ball off the boat and disqualifying our team... that is for another blog post.

3. We put an offer in on a house! AHHH!!! Crazy right? Well Jordan and I had a long talk about things and decided we wanted to stay in Idaho Falls. What better way to commit than buying a house? We will narrow the job search to Idaho Falls and surrounding areas, but we are excited to stay here. All I can say for now is that it's a short sale, so we are waiting to hear from the bank. It's lots of waiting, but hopefully we will know soon, and hopefully I will have motivation to make it it's own post.

MARCH

1. Jordan's 28th Bday!! Woot Woot. He is a St. Patties baby, but we don't celebrate that... so it's Jordan's birthday only. Ha. We went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse (Saturday night) and rented 3 redbox movies for a marathon. Skyfall I think was the best one we got, but the others were good too. I got him a new stereo system for his car. Suprise! He was so stoked. Now it the people at Best Buy weren't so.. hmmm... whats the word? Dumb? We would be getting it installed today. But sadly next week will have to do.

2. We joined Melaleuca. YAY! They are a huge company here. We have never ever used their products. I bought the start up pack and have been using all the different things. My favorite so far. The tub & tile cleaner, melapower laundry detergent, and the lotions. They are freaking awesome. Never before have my clothes smelled so amazing. If you are interested into getting their products let me know. I never knew they had a store here is IF, but if you live outside of Idaho they ship products to you. And you can join (like Sam's club, but a one time fee) for a dollar this month.

3. Hallie is 20 months... about to be 21. Crazy. She is HUGE! Well not really. Just comparing her to her newborn pics. She is sick right now, but otherwise she is running around like a maniac. She is an AMAZING talker (colors, numbers, everyones names, etc) She can count to 3, and I don't know what it is but she is climbing everything. I think for boys it comes a lot sooner. Hallie just got brave about a month ago. I'll have to do a Hallie post later.


Well that about recaps it for the last few months. We are really enjoying life right now. Thanks to Pres Uchtdorf,

"Sometimes in life we become so focused on the finish line that we fail to find joy in the journey. I don't go cylcling with my wife because I'm excited about finishing. I go becuase the experience of being with her is sweet and enjoyable......We shouldn't wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available-all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect. 'This is the day which the Lord hath made...' The Psalmist wrote. 'Rejoice and be glad in it.'" -October 2012 General Conference.

Resolution Recap

In January I wrote a post about all my New Year's Resolutions for 2012. This being the very last day of 2012, I decided I would update all my good friends on all the progress I have made this year (notice how I say progress... and not shortcomings....)

I had 12 resolutions, and I will go through and tell you about each!!

1. Write a blog post every week.

I might not have done this every single week. But this is my 52nd post for the year. Fitting isn't it? I look back on all the awesome memories, and am so excited that I have these to remember for always. If anyone knows of a great blog printing website.. let me know!

2. Read through the Book of Mormon at least 1 time.

I finished today! I am so glad I did this. I know so much more about the Book of Mormon. There have also been many a times when I was reading, and then something would jump out at me because it was happening in my life at that moment, or I had just read something and I had an experience that related to what I was reading. It was awesome. I have to admit though I made it half way through Alma in about 6 weeks.. and then that was my downfall. I got lost in all the battles. But I finished! Hooray!!

3. Have family prayer/scripture/family home evening.

I have to say we did a lot better than ever before. We are not yet to the everyday goal, but we are on our way.

4. Read 20 Books this year.

I didn't make it to 20, but this is what I read. I got to 18.

Unbelieveable-Pretty Little Liars 4
Wicked-Pretty Little Liars 5
Killer-Pretty Little Liars 6
Heartless-Pretty Little Liars 7
Wanted-Pretty Little Liars 8
Twisted-Pretty Little Liars 9 
Ruthless-Pretty Little Liars 10
Incarceron
The Secret Journal of Brett Coloton
The Kite Runner
Destined (Wings #4)
A Modest Proposal (Butterfly Box Series #1)
Hometown Girl (Butterfly Box Series #2)
The Perfect Fit (Butterfly Box Series #3)
Pillar of Light- Work & The Glory 1
Work & The Glory 2
Work & the Glory 3 (I am in the middle of this one)
Book of Mormon! 

5. Learn 20 new things in photoshop/illustrator

I didn't keep track of this one, but I know that I did it. I mean just look at how much better my photos are! I also subscribed to lynda.com this year and have been watching like a mad woman, and applying the things I was watching.

6. Living the ABC's.

I know that I did not do this everyday, but I know I have been way better at it. I think that being called into the Young Women's program and then being part of the pilot program for the new teaching method for the church, has definitely made me better at this. My Attitude, Believing, and Courage has grown ten fold this year and I owe it all to the gospel.

7. Run a Half Marathon.

Well... cough cough.. didn't quite get this one done. Jordan and I did join a gym. Which was step one. We also ran a 5k a couple of times while working out. I didn't quite get there, but I am getting better. Maybe next year!

8. Give Someone a Book of Mormon

I gave one to one of my very best friends that I love dearly. I was so afraid. I was so afraid I would ruin our friendship or she would never want to talk to me ever again. It was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I gave it to her for Christmas, what better gift, that the gift of the Savior? I was gearing up for it all year, and praying about it. It all worked out. :)

9. Make 10 fun projects.

I know that I did this. I couldn't tell you what I did, but I know that I did it. Mostly when we redecorated our apartment.. we painted basically every piece of furniture we own. Hallie's birthday had the other half.. I worked on that for a couple months!

10. Be a good wife and mom

Again I have to thank being in Young Women's for this one. I think the program is actually about making the leaders better people! Just kidding. But it really does. I also have to thank Pinterest, for helping me be brave and all the crazy meals that I decided to make this year. I also have one smart kid, I mean that's my doing right?? :)

11. Make a budget and stick to it.

I think that this resolution is severely lacking in accomplishment.. but there were many steps that we made to make this one a little bit closer to reality. Hopefully next year will be even better.

12. Make one new friend.

Again, I have to thank YW!! I made friends with a ton of people from that, but especially my friend Brittany. She is awesome and I love her. She is such an inspiration to me and such a joy to be around. I love you Brittany!

Well that is it for the year of 2012... see you in 2013!!