highlights from the past few weeks

it’s been awhile since I’ve written an update. things have been busy over here but I simply haven’t gotten in the mood to blog till now. and this update, is mostly just that, just little bits from our last couple of weeks for record.

~This is a big one. Mckay completed his qualifying exams-9 hours of testing over a three day period, over a weekend which was the worst-this was a big deal because these tests basically decide whether you get your masters or not. Mckay not only passed, but had a high pass, which means if he wanted to continue at byu and get his doctorate degree he could. we’re hoping to be lucky enough to get into another school out of state for that one but it is such blessing to know we could stay if we needed to. so proud of Mckay for how hard he’s been working.

~highlight #2. The babe is officially weaned. I started thinking about weaning him around his birthday but what hesitant for a few reasons, but mostly because he wasn’t drinking normal milk, in fact he hates it. but after talking with his doctor and a couple days where we were out and didn’t have a chance to nurse at lunch we sort of just started cutting back feedings. I was mostly worried about not feeding him before bed. we’re spoiled and have gotten used to him getting 12 hours of sleep but we finally just tried it and he did great. I have so many emotions about this one. I am so excited mainly because this makes travelling a whole lot easier and nursing a big, squirmy and strong 1 year was getting to be a little awkward and frustrating. but wholly hormones. I was not expecting to be so moody when I stopped nursing but it made me sad and a little emotional. actually a lot emotional. thankfully that only lasted a couple of days and now we can all move on with our lives :) but oh, our babe is growing up and a little too fast for my liking. He is sooo close to walking but he just cant give up crawling, he knows he can get around faster.

~ Henry and I have been enjoying lots of walks while the weathers been warm, sometimes all over campus, sometimes to get an Awful Waffle, sometimes to feed the ducks. I love it and so does Hen.

~We’ve been really watching what we eat, no diets around here, just lots of healthier choices. We’re trying out the vegetarian life this week, and let me just say, black bean burgers are weird, and not the prettiest of burgers but topped with lettuce, salsa and guacamole and it’s actually just okay : ) We’re trying to lose a little weight before our trip to New York next month (hooray, except that’s where we’ll probably gain it all back) so I started doing Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. This was sort of a joke but I love her from the Biggest Loser and let me tell you after the 20 minute workout i. want. to. die. she doesn’t mess around. and I love that I can feel myself getting stronger, when I’m not almost too sore to even sit down.

~It snowed enough to justify finally stuffing henry into the snowsuit we bought him months ago. It was a snug fit and he looked his cutest. but he wasn’t really loving the snow. He sat around for a minute, touched it once, shoved his face in it and decided he was done.

~We celebrated Leap Day and Mckay’s rattail got a little fancy with a thin yellow ribbon in honor of Leap Day Williams (30 rock reference). kind of gross right?

~ Last week Henry was extra fussy (maybe due to weaning, or his recent phase of waking up at 5 am, or his little cough) and not quite himself so on the really cold days we decided to have a snow day. A day where we hung around in our pajamas, house chores were neglected and we just played, Hen had a long warm bubble bath, ate soup, cuddled and watched movies, it was a nice day. I also took that opportunity to make the mantle a little more festive for St Patricks day.

(idea found on pinterest)

I also made our house smell so cozy with a delicious little mix I found on pinterest. I filled my smallest pot 2/3 of the way full with water, added a sliced lemon, 2 teaspoons of vanilla and a couple shakes of dried rosemary. I let this simmer on low all day. The “recipe” online called for fresh rosemary but I used what I had on hand and it worked great. I’ve made this two other times since then, it’s so easy and really makes your house smell amazing.

~We’ve been busy and tiiiiiiired around here so we’ve decided to escape for a few days and head south for the weekend. We’re taking a little family trip down to Moab and WE ARE EXCITED! I actually think this is our first trip with just us three. should be fun.

Lastly, I’ve been really wanting to cut Henry’s hair, not a lot, just trim and even it out a little bit because it is getting so long. The only thing stopping me is obviously Mckay’s major disapproval and those sweet little curls in the back. I’ve heard mixed opinions from others. anyone else have a vote?