Two it is!

Addy Mae turned two yesterday! Between building the house and all the other little things that have been consuming both our days and nights we decided to do a small low-key party with the few family members who were visiting. It was so nice having my little brother here and my babes absolutely adore him. He's missed so many little milestones living so far away and we're so happy we get to see him now, even if it's only for the summer. And between you and me, it was surprisingly perfect having a small party--less dishes, no large meal to cook, just a small cake and a few presents made for a perfect day. And in reality, a two-year-old doesn't really care, it's more for the parents anyway. And simplicity of less to clean-up made it that much sweeter. 

This little girl is so perfect. She's fiery and sassy and in some of the most cherished moments her little heart abounds with so much love that I just want to bottle her up forever. I love her dearly and I am so happy I get to be her Momma!

Happy Birthday baby girl. We love you!

Here's more sweet moments of our baby girl: birth//one

John turned 30.

It's hard to catch John in spontaneous moments, he's not a huge fan of me snapping pictures and he's even more reluctant when I write posts specifically about him.  A few days ago he turned 30 and while he kept remarking that it wasn't a big deal a part of me slightly wondered where our twenties went? For most of it we were together and we battled through some tough trials and some even bigger life changes and yet I still thought, did we accomplish enough? I would venture to say that he would roll his eyes and remark "yes." 

Before we got married I remember our Bishop once telling us in a pre-marital class that there are many Johns in this world and not a lot of Halseys. From what I could gather it wasn't meant to be an insult as to suggest that John encompassed one of those personality types that was calm and collected and did everything by the book while still remaining true to his beliefs. I'm sure you can imagine I was described more as ricocheting bullet, I stilll pray there are more calm and collected people in this world...

The past two years haven't been easy on us, I'm sure I've resembled more of a bear than a loving wife, yet John has still stood by silently helping through the tears and the emotions. He's good that way. He gives our relationship the space we need to grow as individuals but when times are tough he always seems to be a steady force to hold on to. The words always seem to escape me when I try to describe how much I love him. I know I don't show my love and gratitude nearly enough and I know I demand more than I give and somehow he still loves me. He's a great man and a even amazing husband and Dad and I hope the next ten years are even more exciting than the last. 

Happy Birthday Johnny B, you are loved! 

29.

{Heckler Photography}

John and I closed out yesterday with one of those come-to-Jesus types of arguments. After eight years together we're still surprised by the moments where we're back at square one trying to figure each other out. Unfortunately that time fell smack-dab on my birthday. The fight was over communication (or the lack there of) and a lot of crying was done on my part and a lot of frustration was aired out on his and all I really wanted was birthday cake.

When we married a lot of people gave us advice--advice of kids, advice on fighting, advice on cooking, advice on making it through the hard times. Someone even suggested that we should always fight naked (we tried it once..) :) But no one ever gave us advice on how to work through the stable times. The times where life would be good and the newness of marriage would be replaced with a blossoming partnership full of children and memories. I think that's what made this argument sting a little more than others, there was no impending trial or problem and the only fingers to point were at each other and when that happened words were said that can never be taken back.

I'm hopeful that whatever was amiss was just a small bump in the road and that when we look back on the story of us we'll see it as a moment of triumph and growth because no matter how many doors were slammed or how many tears were shed I still fall asleep at night knowing that John is my go-to person. My friend, my shoulder to cry on, my taste-tester of new meals, my strength when I falter, and the logic behind my irrationality. So I'm 29 and I'm not sure if we have all of our crap together, but I do know we're both in it for long haul. He's my last I love you at night and my first sight each morning and when it comes down to it I guess he's better than any piece of  birthday cake anyway...

His birthday. a month late.

 

So Brecken's birthday was over a month ago and I just now realized that I never posted his party. This kid. I could write a book about him and all the things that come out of his mouth. Just this morning he went and laid on the couch and said, "Maaaa, come cuddle me and stare at the beautiful Christmas tree." I mean who could turn that down. But as soon as I laid next to him he said "Maaa! I need your phone to make me feel better." right. It's all about priorities.

 

And remember the life size Angry Birds display John built? I posted it on Instagram. Well we set it up in the garage for his birthday and the kids were entertained for hours and the gobs of candy and chocolate I shoved down their throats made me an obvious hit with their parents.

 

My kid is four. Four! Which makes me feel old and it makes me really appreciate the miracle and resilience of kids because I've never been able to keep a plant alive yet we've somehow mastered parenting which is kind of ah-mazing.

 

Happy (late-late) Birthday kid, you're cool and I really like that.

 

Happy Birthday Brecken!

 

My Boo turned four. Four, I tell ya! Where did the time go?! He's a spitfire and a love bug all bundled into one wiggly little package. To say my heart grows a bit more each day for him would be an understatement. He's my pride and my joy, and the little soul that made me into a Momma.

 

Here's the birthday boy's favorite things:

Angry Birds

Sprout TV

chicken strips and bananas 

iPad watching

Lightning McQueen

Sling shots

 

Happy Birthday Brecken, you are loved!

 

First Birthday, Second Birthday, Third Birthday

Bebe's Birthday

I am really beginning to understand the whole concept of "in-a-blink-of-an-eye." Addy turned one a few weeks ago and it just seems like time went into warp speed. Maybe it was the newness of parenthood with the first, but it just seemed as like Brecken's milestones lagged on forever. Now I catch myself saying "that was quick" "where did my baby go" "I didn't think Brecken learned that as quickly." And as if it's a cruel joke the newborn stage with the second one seemed to be gone before we could enjoy it. I mean, shouldn't the second child's milestones be enjoyed more as veteran parents? You would think so.

So as if to commemorate the rapidness of her life we celebrated in style with a birthday party that lasted nearly a week (much to John's dismay, of course). Do we need an excuse to party? I think not.  But this little lady deserved it. Calm and collected with a soft spot for her brother she really has brought so much completeness to our little family. And as if she knew her place in our family before she arrived she has already developed a knack for sharing, which is not Brecken's strong suit. But she's nailed it like a champ. 

Happy Birthday (again)  bebe! 

29.

This cool cat turned 29 yesterday. I've been with him through the majority of his twenties, a feat that his sisters would call a miracle. :) No matter what the case is, I'm so glad he's mine. He's deeply loyal--so much in fact that even if I'm set out to fail he still steps up to bat for me. He's kind of sweet that way.  He's strong and steadfast and has somehow been our rock during our hardest times. Even during the happy moments he's always carefree and has this witty sort of sense of humor that turns me into an obnoxious school girl per se (sad, but true). And if that weren't enough, he's an amazing Dad--gentle with Addy Mae and playful with Brecken. He takes his role of Dad seriously, and is there really anything sweeter than a man in love with his babes? I think not.

The laundry list is long and I could go on for days. And yet, somewhere between work, laundry, diaper changes, and kid wrestling he still find time to flirt with me every now and then (because let's be honest, that's really all a girl wants anyway)...

 Happy {late} Birthday, 29 never looked so good.

hey 28.

To be honest, this birthday has been kind of "meh." Leading up to it I joked with John that my late twenties have been painful reminders of lost youthfulness. Just last week I found a slew of gray hairs. So many in fact that I quickly knew I had lost the battle in trying to pull them out. People, this dark hair and skin doesn't do light. And each morning a new wrinkle appears on a once flawless area of my face. My Grandma jokes that the gray hairs and wrinkles are just signs of wisdom. But at 28 I still fall into that awkward void where I am not young enough to be completely naive and not old enough to be handing out advice like candy.

But in all seriousness, "Where did my twenties go?" At 20 I was in Russia//21 I began dating John//22 I graduated, married and started school again//23 my nose was crammed in books the entire year//24 I graduated with new house and baby in tow//25 settled into the life of a stay at home mom//26 had an ectopic pregnancy//27 had a baby girl, and then "WHAM!" like a kick to the gut 28 jumped out of nowhere. 

Looking back at year 27 there were more ups and downs than years past. And honestly our relationship took the biggest hit. As the age old cliche goes,"opposites attract" well, we ain't no opposites in this house. We go together like salt n' pepper, ying and yang, bacon n' breakfast--and these similarities have created their own set of problems. Between the stubbornness and need to always be right we've learned that forgiveness requires forgetting and loving one another requires teamwork. And if I've learned anything this year it's that all any of us are trying to do is just make the best out of an imperfect world. 

Chalk this up to another year in the books my friends. Let's party, 28.

And so it begins...

...for the next three months we'll be hit hard--birthdays. holidays. birthdays. more holidays. more birthdays. It only seems fitting to have Brecken's birthday kick off the Bishop Family Extravaganza  The event lasted three days. John remarked we were setting him up for unrealistic expectations in the future...who wouldn't want a three-day birthday bash?! Perhaps, we'll do a big one for him, that will change his mind!

Anyway, here are the things that I am loving about Brecken right now

*He has this witty sense of humor. I wish I had a piece of paper and pen with me all the time because he makes the funniest remarks, and he knows he funny, which then makes it even funnier.

*If you've ever met Brecken you know that someday he will be a heart breaker. This guy has the prettiest eyes and the most lush, long, and dark eyelashes in the world. jealouuus.  When mixed with his contagious smile and laugh, I know it will be a recipe for disaster when he is sixteen.

*He loves Cars and "Bwues Cwues." They've become a crutch when I need a moment of peace ;)

*Brecken is like this walking road map. He knows where the parks are at, when we are getting close, and when we've passed (which often leads to tears). Every time we go to Bozeman he knows when we are getting close to Grandma and Grandpa's house and he is constantly yelling "Stop Mommy, stop!" Even more impressive, this past summer we met up with my parents at the fairgrounds in Bozeman (for maybe three hours) and now when we drive that direction he is constantly asking why we're not stopping to see them.

*He is in the stage the mimicking stage. On a regular basis he will grab my face with both hands and he'll say "Listen to me. Listen to me."  He's also picked up "oh my gosh," "that is so cute" and "crap." crap.

*Even though he is speaking well, some words still come out funky, like: butterfwy , wiggle-washin (worm), wuv you, paghetti (spaghetti)

*he hates taking pictures. with. a. passion.

*He is finally at a stage where he will pay with toys, versus the alternative, which was everything other than a toy. Blocks, in his mind are met for stacking then destroying. Cars are meant to be chucked down the stairs, and balls are meant for kicking and throwing at the wall. However, I still can't keep him away from the can opener...

*Have I ever mentioned his obsession with drawing? I am sure I have. But the kid is seriously obsessed.  color all the time, and I think he loves crayons just for the joy of snapping them in half.

*books have always been a hot item in our house. Which usually means we go in phases with certain ones, right now that book would be Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big (it's my fave) it you don't have it, you definitely need to add it to your collection.

*Our little boy is so good with his sister. Whenever we are in the car and she starts to cry he will lean over his car seat and gently whisper "hey, hey, hey, hey" until she falls back asleep. If that doesn't work he often will sing "Add-y, Ma-e. Add-y, Ma-e" over and over again until she quiets down. It's precious.

*He's not a big candy eater, but if you leave a bag of chips laying around the contents will be gone in a matter of minutes.

*This kid is like the Energizer Rabbit. He runs and jumps all day long--that may be way he calls our couch a "trampoline."

*He's started to show interest in gender specific toys, it's not that we don't have girl toys because we have our fair share of Barbies, purses, and play make up laying around--he's just grown to love cars and trucks.

*We've hit the tantrum stage. On Monday it was an all out lay down, kick feet, scream tantrum while at gymnastics. It was horrifying. 

*He's a cuddler. At night after we've brushed teeth, read books, and said our prayers he will often ask me to lay and cuddle with him. Some nights I sing to him, other nights he runs his fingers through me hair, no matter what we are doing it is always so hard to get up and leave the bed. Baby boy isn't so little anymore.

 Breck, you're the entire package. Always remember that.

We love you! 

Happy Birthday.

Three years. Has it really been that long? It seems like just yesterday we welcomed you into this world under less than ideal circumstances. You survived because you are strong. It's one of your most defining characteristics. You have a strong mind, and a vibrant personality and you have very strong opinions for such a young age mixed with a heart that is so loving and kind. It seems silly to think of life before you. Those things I used to fill my days now seem so superficial compared to now. Motherhood has become the most rewarding life I could have ever asked for--and it is all because of you. 

Sometimes I lay by you as you sleep wondering why God gave you to me? God must have known I needed you.  Deep down I hold a special place for you in my heart, two kindred spirits that share a common bond as first-borns as well as the same temperament and personality--I am sure I will regret it though when you're eighteen. But for now I savor your spit-fire mannerisms and continuous bursts energy. Thank you for making me into the person I never knew I could be. 

My little boy, my love is without bounds for you. Happy Birthday B. 

Happy Birthday Kelty!

My baby sister turns 23 today.

She's a special soul--seriously, ask anyone.

Kelty lives life to the beat of her own drum.

She names her cars, gives them personalities and I am sure she talks to them frequently. She is a super smartie pants type of chick--but yet she resembles Napoleon Dynamite..

She is a lover of photography and prefers to take pictures via pinhole and Holga cameras. She believes DSLR cameras are for sissies--she's a firm believer in film.

Her favorite movie is Empire Records--a real cult classic, and her choice of music is a bit of the beaten path for my taste, but if I ever want to know what is new and cool...she is the "go to" girl.

She's a lover of Otter Pops, wearer of Converse, promoter of house-trained pet rabbits, and a world globe trotter ta'boot.

She's of fan of hand holding, zombie walks, and a kisser of Brecken.

Happy Birthday KP I love you!

MUAH!!!

28.

The Hunk is turning 28 today.

Since returning home from his mission he has told me time and time again that birthdays and holidays are overrated. I disagree.  

We will celebrate, John, don't think you are getting out of it that easily.

Here are twenty eight fun things you may/may not know about Johnny B:

1. Was born in Wyoming

2. Is great at board games

3. Can dance really well (yeah, he is good).

4. Once ran into a stop sign on his bike in 8th grade.

5. Served a Spanish-speaking mission for our church in Arcadia, California

6. once owned a WRX

7. Got hit with a croquet mallet 

8. hates vegetables, but will eat spinach (really John?)

9. loves fishing and hunting

10. Once participated in the Rose Bowl Parade

11. can play the saxophone and piano

12. Is six out of seven kids

13. Has only been to Canada (how exotic)

14. checks ESPN fifty times a day

15. Has a Masters Degree in Accounting

16.  never got the Chicken Pox

17. Most prized possession: a baseball signed by Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris

18. Tried to date my sister before dating me (shame, shame)

19. His first car was named The Toad

20. Loves Last of the Mohican's

21. Once had a dry ice bomb explode underneath his car.

22. hates milk but loves Pepsi

23. His middle name is Condey

24. Had no work ethic in school, but still did great (go figure)?

25. Wanted to be an architect before deciding to become an accountant.

26. hates working out, but loves to play basketball

27. Pet Peeve: hates the sheets being tucked in.

28. Proposed twice (I said yes both times).

Happy Birthday lover!

Little Man Birthday

 

 

So between my sister and I we took a million pictures at Punk's birthday-then I went and accidently deleted all but a few of them.

There were some cute ones.

I may have shed a tear or two.

Anyway, his birthday this year was more low key. I decided on a "Little Man" theme. Lots of grays, navy blues, bow ties, pendant banners, mustaches, and pizza.

I usually do a whole sha-bangin' dinner, but my party planning has been lacking the last few months so I had Domino's save the day. 

Aren't his cupcakes cute?

 The tootsie roll mustaches started to melt and loose their form a little, but Punk loved them-especially the next day when he climbed on the counter and ate 7 of them in one sitting.

yummy.

More pictures to follow.

Thanks for stopping by friends.