July already?

Movie Stars

So, yeah, it's been a while! Ha. I'll be honest - the birchboxes I have received lately haven't really thrilled me.. Anxious to see what will be in this month's box. It may be a good time for an update and Brown happenings. 

My boys.

Shannon - He and a group of wonderful friends replaced our front door and it looks awesome. I'm so pleased with how much more privacy we have in the house and how amazing it looks. It may have taken us a while but this place is becoming ours. I love it. He takes pride in the exterior of our home and he has done a beautiful job. There are a lot of projects we want to tackle -- one at a time.

 New door - Old door.

New private front door installed!

Audrey - She has been attending a day camp this summer and she loves it! Every week they have gone on a field trip somewhere - a walk, a lake, a baseball game, a movie... tons of fun. If she could go everyday, even the weekends, she would be there. She finished TBall in June and had another great year! She is learning more about the game, and it's a great way to bond with her daddy (who also coached her team this year). She has lost 2 teeth since May and has more wiggly ones to come out. Growing up so fast! 

TBall!

 

Last day of Kindergarten

Character Counts Awards

First tooth lost!

Keeping busy

Landon - This kid is crazy. He's funny, ornery, a snuggle bug, sweet, smart... The way he has changed in the past few months is crazy to me. He is talking more, putting sentences together, and it's fun to see his brain work. He loves all things superhero. He loves to snuggle with almost anyone he knows. There are days I feel it's necessary for me to work so we have some extra money for food. He keeps us on our toes, and when it's too quiet it's usually a bad thing. 

Superhero Landon

My very own Chicken Little

And, me - I have been busy, but let me break it down for ya:

-Loosing weight is awful. Let's be honest. I've been trying to get to the gym 2-4 times per week. I have started to see a difference in my arms and legs... anxious to see some changes in my midsection. It's been good discipline for me (and Shannon! Who I can see a difference in his midsection. Blah) to make the time to go to the gym. I want to be a good example for my kiddos. 

-This year we finally have a garden. I'm so happy! We planted cherry tomatoes, regular tomatoes, cilantro, basil, cucumbers, zucchini, green peppers, banana peppers and jalapeno peppers. Most of our plants have done very well. It's been fun to see it grow from this tiny plants to having produce in our home. I love it! 

Garden Planted

Progress!

Basil

Banana Peppers

Zucchini and a tomato

-My yarn :) I love my yarn. I love being able to make something from a ball of yarn. Recently I have made quite a few wash cloths - gifts for Audrey's teacher and bus driver, as well as to fill a few orders. I also made a shawl for Audrey. Since it's been finished she's been wearing it. I love seeing her love something I made for her. I have also purchased some larger beautiful Knit Picks Needles. Gosh. I just love them. So beautiful. I have also turned slightly snobby about my yarn. I love to work with quality yarn. I have so many projects I'd like to work on, and I'll get to them.

Shawl for Audrey

Detail of stitches

Who wouldn't want to wash dishes with this!?

Pretty stitches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Washcloth Progress

February Happenings

February. The month of love. And for me this year, way too much snow. My poor kid has had a delay or cancellation way too often this year. Between the ice, snow, and just cold weather, I am so ready for some warm, spring weather. I'll be honest - I am not totally sure what my backyard looks like. I may have forgotten what the landscaping is like. Oops. I'm also ready for my dogs to stop using the patio instead of the yard for their business. Ugh.
So, here is what we have been doing recently:
Shannon and Audrey have 9 days between their birthdays. We celebrate each person two times in that week and a half span. It's weird to think that there are days I can't remember yesterday, but I can remember a lot about the day she was born (or the day I gave birth to her, depending on who I want to give the credit to. Let's be honest, I did the work. She was the product of said work. I guess it would be like asking what came first -- the chicken or the egg?? Don't ask Siri.)

Landon has started going to a day care and it's been amazing! He wasn't much of a fan, but now he loves going to play with his little friends and I really like his day care provider. It's a small place on my way to work (YAY!!!!!) and it's been a blessing. Plus, since he is in day care 2 days a week, that gives me little excuses to go to the gym those two days. But, it's been good to burn those calories, work out stress, and sweat. It's been cheap therapy for me. Plus, I have been sleeping more soundly at night, and have more energy during the day to complete the tasks I need to check off my list.

On to that list -- it's opinion time! :) (Because my March box came in the mail today! HA!)

 W3LL People Multi color stick is amazing. I feel weird about using the same product for my eyes, lips, and cheeks, but I LOVED it on my lips! Very soft color, not drying, and it wasn't sticky. I hate it when my hair gets stuck on my lips because of the product. Ew. This one, I like and would recommend.

Half-Up I have wanted the sock bun since I started working at the cafe and have to (GASP!) wear a hair net. It's not glamorous, but it's food service. I am still trying to figure this thing out. I like it, but my hair has so many layers to it that most seems to fall out - boo. Learning curve to figuring it out, but I think once I have it mastered I'll be golden.

 Serum So I am thankful that I don't have to remember the entire name of this thing - Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum - but I'll keep it short for you - love it! I could use this ALL over my face. Left my skin feeling balanced, moisturized, and smooth. This may be one for this 30-something to add to my bag on a daily basis. Highly recommend to help prevent and correct signs of aging.

Whish Body Butter I love having a small bottle of lotion close to me to keep my hands soft. This lotion didn't leave a greasy feel to my hands, which I hate! If I needed to open a door after applying this lotion, I could. Great smell (pomegranate) but also not overpowering. My normal go to is from Bath and Body works but this is a close second.

Tea Bags I have little opinion about tea. I'll drink it, but since it's a one time use item I don't really have an opinion. I did enjoy the taste of it, but I also prefer coffee. The tea bags didn't explode so I wasn't chewing my tea. As I said, little opinion about tea :)

And some fun family photos for your viewing enjoyment ---

My dear son trying to do shoulder presses (with a 2 pound weight). This boy keeps me on my toes. He's hilarious, sweet, and ornery all wrapped into one little body.

I can't wait to have THIS be my view most evenings.. Kids outside playing.. Me chilling, listening to some music, drinking some vino, and enjoying life. So ready for spring!!!!!

 

Happy March friends!!! 

Landon's 1st Year

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I'm in love with this book. It's been amazing watching this little boy grow and develop his own personality. We love him :) 

Landon.

OMGEEE!! Where has the past year gone?! I can't believe my baby is a YEAR OLD! This just doesn't seem right to me. I've taken his photos once a month on the 3rd to see how he's changing, growing, and becoming his own person. I just love this little boy. I'm wrapped. Unless he's screaming (high pitch, tone only a dog should be able to hear scream) for food (like R-I-G-H-T now).

You may want to know what he's into right now.. well, if not, I'm going to tell you anyway :)

-Food. Ha. I think he could eat his sister under the table if given the opportunity. 

-He also adores his sister. Wants to know what she's doing, how he can get in on it, and playing with her. I'm so thankful they do get along so well. 

-Blocks/balls are his favorite toys. Especially a stack of blocks that can tumble. 

-He is a momma's boy to the nth degree and I'm totally okay with that - most of the time.

-Our pets. When Neko walks, or rather saunters, into the room Landon starts making a 'kkk' sound and has a cheesy grin across his face. If he could master the art of a friendly pet he would have a few less scratches from the cat. Hopefully someday Neko will hang with Landon as he does with Audrey.

He can be an ornery little thing.. I've caught him on more than one occasion in the cat's litter box. Ew. I know. SO.GROSS! But, he is also so funny. The faces this boy duplicates gets me every single time. And he's learning to blink/wink. OMG. Melting. Love this little boy.

Newborn

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

4 Months

5 Months

6 Months

7 Months

8 Months

9 Months

10 Months

11 Months

 (12 months to come!)

Saying bye to her elf

Even though this blog is title "Landon" I feel the need as a mother of TWO to mention my eldest. My mini-me. My personality clone. This girl loves school. She has been lost the past two weeks for Christmas/New Year break - she needs to get to school! She has enjoyed being able to have a more relaxed schedule and stay in her sweat pants (who can blame her!). I love listening to hear play and use her imagination. Granted, the story line rarely varies, but the things she can come up with makes me smile and laugh. It's been a joy to be able to literally hear her grow up and see her change. She loves all things princess and is excited to go back to Walt Disney World soon. (I just realized how much of a random hodge podge this paragraph is becoming!)

Preschool Christmas Party

I feel extremely blessed to be able to call these two my children. They light up my life, make me laugh, have a purpose, but also a determination to do all that I possibly can for them. 

Christmas morning!

Babblings.

Anyone else ever start a blog then wonder WHY am I writing about this? Who really cares? Or how many bunny trails can one person seriously go down???? 

GUILTY! :) 

I feel the want to write, but our lives have been so eh recently. Short version --- BOTH of our vehicles were out of commission with the need for new water pumps.. Shannon's had a few other things that needed done (timing belt, inspection, oil change, some light thingy... I know a lot about cars!) While I have been stranded at home for two days, since he needed my vehicle, I began to think about getting a horse and buggy for a back up. Ya know, JUST IN CASE. Ha. Totally not going to happen... maybe it was a thought from cabin fever! Pro - I could wear my sweats and not feel guilty about it, I was also able to work on some of the craft items I need to finish, and I got SOME cleaning done.

Love these two!

So, while I'm here, let's do an update on the fam.

Shannon's car is fixed! HA!! This year's Christmas to each other is knowing we put money into our vehicles, we are driving safe vehicles, and general maintenance is done. He recently had a very positive review from his job and we are so thankful for the blessings that have come from his position. 

My men at Thanksgiving

I love this photo :) Audrey at the Greencastle Parade

 Audrey is loving preschool. Still. Phew. Now that it's Christmas time, our elf, Jumpin' Jack, has made his return. Every morning she looks for him. It's been cute to see her reaction when he does something crazy (like cut some of my yarn and swing from the fan. Crazy elf!)

Handsome boy @ Parade

Landon is on the go. All.The.Time. Love him, but I really liked him not being mobile. He went from army crawling, to hands and knees crawling in a weekend. He crawls like a bull dog. It makes me laugh. I love him :) He has 6 teeth, loves to eat almost anything that's put in front of him. Right now, his favorites are little crunchies, yogurt drops, noodles, cuties (clementines)... Really anything he can pick up and put in his mouth. Which means I need to vacuum more. Blah. (Did I mention he is almost a year old!? Where in the world has the past year gone?????!!!!!)

First Thanksgiving!

And the author, me. :) I have been busy making stuff and I love it! I love being able to create, use my imagination, and use talents. But, my favorite is seeing the recipients reaction. I love the smile of - wow! this is amazing! (gloating a little! some pride is good, right?!) But my favorite is seeing photos on facebook of people wearing items I have made. Man. I love that! I'm so thankful folks WANT me to make things.. that keeps me busy. I am anxious and excited to finish off my list so I can get started on new concepts and put my new knitting needles to use!

In case I forget to mention in the next 11 days ---  

Merry Christmas to you and yours from us! :)