52/52

I'm glad I did this challenge, as it forced me to remember to get in some pictures with my kids. However, it also taught me a lot too. Things like I don't like not having control of the camera. Pictures just never seem to turn out the way I envision when I am not holding the camera. And, yep, I learned I am pretty dang anal about some things! Getting pictures in focus seems to not be easy with the three of us in the picture. And, well, getting a picture of the three of us smiling all at the same time is just impossible. 

I really enjoyed that I added in "this week" to the weekly posts. It allowed me to put random things that were happening with the kids on here. And since this here blog really is my diary of sorts (and the kids baby books...until I finally make them) I like having an easy way to track what has been going on. 

I'm toying with the idea of doing another weekly photo for 2014, but this time without me in it. Possibly a weekly photo of each kid with a short description of what is going on with each of them that week. Or maybe a monthly photo of them at the same spot throughout the year. You know, to watch them (and the seasons) change. Of course, unless that spot is my front yard, I can only imagine trying to get to the same place once a month! Doesn't sound hard in theory, but putting it into practice is a whole other story. 

I love these kiddos of mine so much. They literally are my world (After all, I do take care of them 24/7). And I am glad to have some pictures to prove to them someday that I really was young once and they can laugh at what a dork I was...or something like that. 

Here's a look back at some of my favorite pictures from the year:

And I can't forget...this week:

• Isla pulled out her little potty, asked for her diaper to be taken off, and actually peed on the potty!!! Of course, she hasn't done it since. 

• Ever since Christmas, Connor seems to keep expecting more presents. 

• I spent about three hours building legos to surprise Connor with. 

• Connor got a lego boat for Christmas that really floats. He spent his entire bath just staring at it floating in the water with him. It was pretty dang cute. 

• I stayed up past 1am two nights in a row. I felt like such a party animal!!! If only I could have slept in the next day until noon, like I did in my early 20's. 

Well 2013, you have been a good year. You have surprised me in ways I didn't expect and have seen our family grow up a little each day. It's been a good one. 

You can also find me on:

bloglovin // instagram // pinterest 

51/52

What good is a Christmas tree if we can't use it to play around with?! This photo idea was brought to you by Connor. I got the idea because he was so into looking at himself in the ornaments. So there you have it! And maybe if I had nice balls (hehe, I said balls!) instead of cheap plastic Ikea ones, the picture would have been more clear. But, plastic ones are good for the kids to play with!

This week:

• We finally got into the Christmas spirit around here. We visited santa, made cookies and went and saw some lights. 

• While watching a nativity play with Connor, he kept asking "Where's the king that wants to kill baby Jesus?". I now know his favorite part of the story. Of course, he probably imagines ninjas protecting Jesus! 

• I am a sucker for feel good news stories and this one totally warmed my heart. 

• Isla has a new obsession with putting socks and shoes on her hands. Yeah, I don't know either!?

• If you ask Isla where her tail is, she points to just above her bum. It caught me off guard when she did it the other day and totally made me laugh. You know I now have that on video. 

I wish you all a calm couple days leading up to Christmas. For most, it always seems the most chaotic. Thankfully ours shouldn't be too bad (aka: no last minute trips to the mall!).

You can also find me on:

bloglovin // instagram // pinterest 

50/52

I feel like I have become such a perfectionist with pictures that it sometimes takes the joy out of a photo for me. Rather than enjoying the picture that my daughter is actually smiling in, I focus on the fact that we are out of focus and the tv is on in the background. Three years ago, none of that would have even mattered to me and I would have just enjoyed the picture. Note to self, take a chill pill!!!


This past week:

• Since I was born in California, I do consider myself a native, even though I spent much of my childhood in another state. Either way, I still got a kick out of these California sayings. And I totally didn't know that people refer to California as "Cali"....hmmm.

• After watching Isla dump a hot chocolate down herself, I learned her jacket is dry clean only. Really?! A toddlers jacket is dry clean only?! I never would have bought it if I knew that. 

• A child size sink made Isla about the most excited I have ever seen her. And there were totally tears when I finally made her stop "wash hands". 

• Connor has started to build his own lego creations. I totally love watching his little imagination at work. 

• This video totally made me want to move to Canada. If you haven't seen the West Jet Christmas miracle video, watch it. And if you are like me at all, you may tear up. 

I just realized Christmas is 9 (well, practically 8 now) days away...say what?! I really need to get going on things. I have yet to wrap one single present and still have more shopping to do. Oh, and I hate shopping in crowds. 

You can also find me on:

bloglovin // instagram // pinterest 

49/52

I can't believe that the year is almost over. It has flown and also gone by so slowly. I didn't think the kids grew that much, but looking back, it seems Isla went from baby to teenager toddler in the course of a year. We are on the cusp of switching her out of her crib. After living life in baby mode for the past four years, it's kind of weird that we are growing out of that stage.


This week:

• After realizing my friend got her son (who is younger than Isla) his first Starbucks, I decided to get Isla her first this week. She has already had two! 

• Such a funny Jimmy Kimmel clip about people in LA freaking out over a little rain. The funny part is, it is SO TRUE. I remember it from when I lived down there.

• Connor has baby fever. He held a little baby for like 20 minutes the other day and I literally had to pry the baby out of his hands. If only he realized that babies grow up and become little siblings that anger you when they mess up your legos! 

• I ordered our Christmas cards. I had the place address and mail out the cards as well. It's so weird to think of sending out Christmas cards that I haven't even seen in the flesh or held in my hands! 

Isla and I are headed to LA this week as my dad is having back surgery. Connor will be staying behind in Modesto so he can attend his first ever school Christmas party. I'm feeling antsy about leaving Connor behind, but also about having to entertain a toddler during a few hour surgery at a hospital. If I'm a little silent this week, well that's why. 

You can also find me on:

bloglovin // instagram // pinterest 

48/52

What better a way to end Thanksgiving weekend then playing in crispy brown leaves with my kids?! It was super fun...if only I wasn't playing in my neighbors yard then totally "caught" when I saw them watching me out their window. Oops!

This week:

• If you are a parent (and even if you are not) watch this video. It is too funny...and totally the truth! 

• I found Isla completely naked the other morning in her bed. And she picked up her diaper, looked at me and said "diaper on". 

• I found a box of my old cabbage patch dolls. There were 10 DOLLS in it. What child needs 10 cabbage patch dolls?! Me apparently...and now Isla is the proud owner of the "baby" (or 10).

• I had my first bloody mary and wasn't a fan. 

• Connor had a Thanksgiving feast at school. The kids sung three songs for the parents. Connor did not sing at all. Of course, he now has been singing the songs all weekend. 

• Another funny thing I saw this week...this one isn't super appropriate, so if you are easily offended, don't read it. 

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I am excited to get everything all set up for Christmas around here. Have you decorated yet?

47/52

There is just something about playing at the park on crisp, cool, sunny days. It's kind of the best. 

This week:

• Connor went to the dentist and did AMAZING! The dentist told me she couldn't believe how different he was this time around. 

• I did The Biggest Loser Yoga with my friend and ached for days. Yep, I am totally out of shape. 

• I started getting organized about my Christmas shopping. I really don't like going out in the chaos and want to be as organized as possible...to be able to shop online as much as possible. 

• Am I the only person who finds PERFECT Chritsmas presents for myself when looking for others?! I almost ordered myself this the other day...instead I showed the hubby and told him I thought it was great. 

• After going weeks without climbing out of her crib, we found Isla asleep on the floor during her nap. She had obviously played with quite a few toys before falling asleep as well. Time to take her out of a crib? I'm still not sure. 

I can hardly believe it is November, let alone that Thanksgiving is this week! But, I am looking forward to a short work week for the hubby, our friends coming into town to visit for Thanksgiving and taking the kids and my nephew for their annual cousin photo. What are you looking forward to?

46/52

Just trying to get a little creative with my pictures here. Sure it isn't the best picture of the kids, but it's a pretty dang accurate one of life around here...Connor blowing raspberries on Isla's belly and her loving every second of it.


This week:

• It felt like a week of parties that left me a little exhausted. Connor had three birthday parties. Yes, THREE. One at school, a friend's party and a family party. That's a lot of parties for a little boy who's mom originally wasn't planing any parties. 

• It literally brought tears to my eyes when I realized Connor was singing along to "Our God" in the car. My greatest desire is for my children to be followers of Christ. 

• We had family pictures yesterday and I got inspiration for my outfit here...my outfit included a green sweater and mustard tights paired with a black striped dress. I can't wait to see how the pictures turned out! 

• Isla scored some cute hair clips thanks to my cousin. And it's perfect timing given that I have kind of given up of pulling Isla's hair back and have started just clipping her bangs to the side...all because she just pulls out any pony or pigtails I put in her hair. 

• I cleaned out my car and feel ready to conquer the world...so watch out Monday...with a clean car and a cup of coffee, I am unstoppable! 

We have rain in our forecast for this week. I feel all giddy about it. Here's to a great week ahead (for you and me)! 

45/52

This picture pretty much sums up the chaos around me lately. Sometimes I wonder how these two little people can have SO MUCH MORE energy than I do. They literally run circles around me. Thank God for coffee in the morning (or all day long) and wine at night. Seriously, thank you Jesus!


This (past) week:

• I voted. I seriously love voting. It makes me feel so happy to be able to go to the poling station and vote. And Connor was full of questions about voting. Hopefully I will pass this passion on to him. 

• I loved this blog post. It hit the nail on the head. People (especially in the parenting world) are always trying to squash other people's joy by letting them know "what lies ahead". Just enjoy the beautiful moments people!

• Ian and I went on a breakfast date after Disneyland to one of my most favorite restaurants ever. If you ever find yourself in Hollywood, go there and thank me later. 

• Connor was fascinated by a praying mantis in our yard and spent half an hour with his nose practically touching it, but wouldn't pick it up. But he thought it was so cool when I picked it up.  

44/52

I swear these kids were in no way threatened or anything. They just chose not to smile for any picture I took with them. Their choice. Maybe, actually hopefully, next time they will crack a smile.


This week:

• Connor left the toilet seat up and I sat down without looking. It seems I need to train him a little...and double check before sitting down! 

• I love this video making its way around the internet. It's good for moms to know how much they are loved and appreciated. And this makes me realize I need to tell my own mom that more often. 

• After a busy week, the kids and I spent about half the day in our pjs on Friday and it felt amazing. 

• Isla has been obsessed with wearing both her hat (beanie) and jacket no matter the temperature outside. But she throws a fit if I don't let her and really, it just isn't a battle I feel is worth fighting. 

• There was an awkward moment at Starbucks with a man waving at me that was then followed by my friend showing her "beat down stick" and discussing using it if he got any closer. My friends are the best...and so entertaining. 

• I was once again reminded today that I hate daylight savings time. Early evenings suck. 

42/52

I'm out of town and forgot the cord to my camera. I hate when I forget something that I would consider essential. And I am sure that I will break down tomorrow and go buy another one because don't you want to see this adorable picture in it's real glory and not just a phone picture of my camera screen?!

This week:

• When driving 340 miles with Isla the other day, it occurred to me over the span of a week, Isla and I will clock over 1300 miles in the car together. I sure hope her car seat is comfortable! 

• In case you were wondering, I am driving to Arizona and back. And my mom will be with me on the Los Angeles-Arizona leg(s). 

• I have been noticing Isla purposely puts pieces of her hair in her mouth and sucks on it. As weird as I want to think that is, I totally remember sucking on the end of my braid as a kid...maybe I should keep that to myself?

• I took Connor to a park and discovered it was actually a workout "park" and not a park at all. Surprisingly Connor had an amazing time playing with all the workout equipment and didn't want to leave. 

• I bought the kids "share" Christmas present this weekend off craigslist and got it for half of what I was hoping to spend. Score! 

Now I'm off to stare at the amazing view of the downtown LA skyline my parents have...

41/52

Taking two toddlers (the younger one even went on a nap strike that day) out past their bed time is not for the faint of heart. My MIL took the three of us to see Veggie Tales Live a few nights ago. And we certainly had our ups and downs. Isla was all over the place. Literally. At one point, she climbed under the chairs and went about 6 seats before I went after her. But I know they loved it. Especially Connor. He has been so proud of his Larry hat and talking about Veggie Tales ever since.


This week:

• Isla went pee in her little potty!!!! once. You know, she wouldn't want to make something like not sitting in her own waste a habit or anything. 

• Another week, another pumpkin patch visit. This one even included a hay ride. 

• One morning I had to wake Connor for preschool. This is the kid who is always up with (or even before) the sun. 

• My fall mantle decorations seem to be growing by the day. I've already added to it (and my porch) since posting about it. 

• I have been on a tea kick lately. It's just so nice to drink in the afternoon. And it reminds me of the good ole days in Scotland. 

Isla turns two tomorrow. I'm still trying to wrap my head around that one. But whether she realizes it's her birthday or not, we are ready to celebrate. 

40/52

Every once in a while, I get the urge to go on a little adventure. You know, an unplanned, random one that then must be local. Well, that ended up taking us to this caboose. Connor's favorite part wasn't climbing all over the caboose. It was the fact that two trains went past while we were checking out the caboose. It's the little things in life, right?!


This week:

• I felt pretty dang special when I noticed that one of my friends pinned a shirt on pinterest that I actually own! For a minute there, I felt pretty cool. 

• Connor has been waking up early every morning, as soon as he senses that his daddy is no longer in bed. Those early mornings are awesome. 

• Connor has gotten so good at controlling his balance bike. I'm proud of that little guy. 

• Isla is becoming quite the stubborn and determined little girl lately...aka: the girlfriend likes to meltdown when she doesn't get her way. 

• These cold mornings and warm afternoons have me so confused on how to dress both my kids and I. And it doesn't help when it is in the 60's in the house when I am getting dressed and when I open the door to leave, it is 80. #fallproblems 

Now I'm off to get ready for a week of preschool runs and pumpkin patch visits. This whole morning routine thing is still throwing me off, even more than a month in. Hope your week gets off to a great start!

39/52

We have been camping on the coast for the last few days. This picture was taken at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk yesterday. I picked this picture for the week because I just can't get enough of the serious look on Connor's face and the fact that he is totally "driving" the truck, like turning the wheel when the road turned and everything. My cutie is certainly growing up fast.


This week:

• I have added sleeping on the ground to the Murtaugh List (anyone know that reference?). Seriously, I'm too old for that!

• I have introduced Isla to the potty. The thing is, she doesn't want to sit on it for me, but if anyone else asks her to, she'll do it. Stinker! 

• After camping for a few days and being able to pee out in nature, Connor walked himself into my inlaw's backyard and started peeing on their lawn. 

• Isla found her shadow this week. It was about the cutest thing ever. 

• And speaking of shadows, Connor has been super into them lately. He likes walking "in" mine and saying "Now I'm in your stomach mama".

After camping for a few days, I am beat. I'm looking forward to the week and getting some rest...ha, ha! Or at least drinking copious amounts of coffee and faking like I am rested! 

38/53

Good thing I stocked our freezer full of popsicles earlier this week because well, fall came to us totally out of left field on Saturday. I was cold for the first time in what feels like forever...but was really like 6 months. But, hey, I am on the same page as my kids and popsicles; a little cold weather won't stop us from enjoying a frozen treat!


This week:

• Before the weather turned, the kids squeezed in one last impromptu water play session in our front yard...and I taught Connor how to use his finger to squirt water farther with a hose. I'm still not sure if that was a smart or stupid decision. 

• I really enjoyed this article. If you get nothing else out of it, just remember, give grace because you never know how someone's day has been.

• For the first time in what seems like years, I sat down and watched a movie that I didn't feel like was a waste of time - Olympus Has Fallen. It's good folks. 

• Isla had a few nap-less days this week. An afternoon Starbucks run then became necessary. 

• I changed the pictures in the frames in our living room for the first time in YEARS. I am enjoying having recent pictures up...because, well, some of the pictures were more than 8 years old! 

And in case you are feeling a case of the Monday's coming on, just re-read (or read for the first time) some of the funny things that come from the mouth of Connor and smile.

37/52

Life is always an adventure with these two! Isla now thinks she is too grown up for the seat in the cart and wants to sit in the basket. And well, Connor apparently decided the bottom of the cart would be a good place for him. In case you are wondering, he did good on the bottom of the cart for about 3 minutes, then it all went down hill from there!


This week:

• I have instituted a quiet time for Connor during Isla's nap time. It is going relatively well, though he constantly thinks he is being punished and says "I'm sorry...now can I come out of my room?"

• Isla was playing with my phone on the way home from the store the other day and took 91 pictures of the back of the seat. In her defense, some included her foot and some included a side profile of me driving. 

• With the whole preschool thing, it now makes just staying at home on the non-preschool days feel so decadent. 

• Speaking of preschool, when we ask Connor if he has to go the bathroom, he has taken to saying "It's okay, I'll hold it until preschool." And we aren't talking about the morning before preschool! Crazy kid. 

• I made a couple crockpot meals this week and was once again reminded why I love my crockpot. That thing rocks! And it makes clean up a breeze. And in case you are looking for crockpot inspiration (I know I always am), I made a roast and veggies one day and cheesy ham and potatoes another. 

I am enjoying some "cooler" weather (you know, something that isn't the triple digits) and family time this weekend. I hope you have a great weekend too!

36/52

So this picture was from Wednesday. It was the morning Connor started preschool. I still can't believe I have a preschooler. Oh how life just flies by!



This week:

• Thankfully Isla has stopped climbing out of her crib as quickly as she started. I talked to her and told her she shouldn't do it. Perhaps she listened?!

• "We all have our priorities. That they are different, doesn't make them wrong." Beautiful and true words taken from a great article on the mommy wars. 

• I almost ran out of gas and literally gave myself an ulcer trying to get to a gas station. Why do I do that to myself?!

• Having a curious and crafty boy made for a night spent in the ER. Don't worry, he was given a stuffed animal (from the hospital worker he "liked very much") for the pain suffered and will be fine. Connor burned himself in a situation that only the most crafty of toddlers could get themselves in, in case you were wondering. 

It's been a big week full of new things for our family. I am looking forward to a more "normal" week next week. 

35/52

So this isn't a picture of me and the kids, but me and the kids are in it, so I am going with it! This is Ian's family. And this is our attempt at a family photo. Do you know how hard it is to get 9 people to all look good in a picture?! So the kids aren't looking...at least they are holding their letters AND not crying! I'll take it!


This week:

• Connor had his preview (orientation) day at preschool. I can't believe I am getting ready to have a kid in preschool! 

• Ian and I went on a date. After dinner we played mini golf. It was so fun and totally brought back memories. 

• Isla loves any blanket she can get her hands on. She has now started using rugs as blankets; you know, climbing under them and getting all snuggly. 

• Both kids slept all night in their own beds the other night. It was pretty much pure bliss. 

• I am not a morning person (for those of you that know me, this is not a shock to you). Having had to get up "early" a couple days this week, I realize I am still not a fan. By like noon it feels like the day should be over, but there is still so much left! 

I hope you all had a great extended weekend! This week is bringing a lot of change, so I am gearing up for it. 

34/52

For months Connor wouldn't go in our backyard due to the neighbor's dogs. Ian put up the swing set and he instantly went in the backyard again. Sure, we have to leave the back door open (even when it is super hot outside). But that is a price I am willing to pay to enjoy outdoor play with my kids.


This week:

• Connor learned about ringing doorbells to get the neighbor kids to come play. Now he just wants to ring their doorbell all the time so they will come out and play. 

• Isla refused to nap 4 days this week. It wasn't pretty. And whether she thinks so or not, she so still needs to nap. 

• I drove a stick shift for the first time in 6 years and totally rocked it. I didn't even stall it once. Yes, I am bragging.

• Remember the sparkly shoes I talked about yesterday? I may or may not have worn them every day since I got them. I told you I liked them! 

So that's it. Oh, and I am feeling totally ready to rock this coming week! Connor has his preview day at preschool (and starts in another week!) and Isla has her first dentist appointment.

33/52

Better late than never, right? We played it old school this {last} week and Connor had fun pushing the button and running to get in the picture. And I have to admit, the outtakes were my favorite part. And because Isla wants to be just like her brother, she wanted to try doing it too. But well, this outtake was my favorite because just look at the smile on my little girl's face. She looks so genuinely happy. And that is Connor on the left, uber close to the camera.  

This {last} week:

• We went for a family bike ride and Connor chose playing in a playground over getting ice cream!

• Connor had a swim lesson and judging by how he acted during it, wasn't in the mood to listen or cooperate. 

• Isla hasn't napped for the past three days. It's been kind of awful and she is in full on meltdown mode by 5pm. For the record, she goes down for naps, but just chills in her crib, talking away and banging on the wall. 

• I had to take my mom to the train station early one morning. I was driving to her house thinking, "so this is what it looks like when the sun is rising". I am so not a morning person. 

• I went into the ghetto (like hardcore ghetto) to buy something off craigslist. It wasn't a smart move. Nothing happened. But I will be sticking to public places from here on out. 

32/52

Isla is now in that stage where she loves being read to and will bring you book after book to read to her. At night when I ask her to pick out a couple books for me to read, she always brings every book from her bookshelf to me. It's pretty cute. And I have to admit, one of my favorite things in the world is cuddling up with one of my little people and reading to them. 

This week:

• I made this pasta salad for out neighborhood night out block party. The only difference is I used lime instead of lemon because well, that's what we had at home. 

• Backyard play has been happening every day now that Connor is going in the backyard again...and I love it! 

• Connor is obsessed with smoke detectors and wants to talk about them and point them out constantly. 

• Isla disrobed herself during her nap time the other day. This was a first for her. 

• I was planning on taking Connor to the movies, just the two of us. He wanted to go buy new pjs instead (I kid you not). But as soon as we got to the mall, he just wanted to play in the play area. I hope he enjoyed his sister-free mom time. 

• I enjoyed this blog post about having more children, because it addresses some of my thoughts about having more.