Ode to the Metal Spatula

And so, with moving comes cleaning. With renting, comes more and more cleaning.

I would consider myself a clean person... just not too particular. Yes, I have toys everywhere, my hair isn't always the neatest, my kids do run around in just their diapers with leftovers on their faces, but it's clean. I have a daily chore to do (besides dishes, laundry, cooking, and picking up) like clean a bathroom, every day so that our house has continual upkeep. It is just rare that everything will be put away and neat all at the same time, and if it is, it's probably 11 o'clock at night.

However, I do not like dirt, and mildew buildup in the bathrooms. This duplex seemed to have had past renters who neglected little nooks and crannies, so there was a lot to take care of. And as of today at 2pm, I think I've gotten most of it taken care of. This I owe special thanks to .... The Metal Spatula!!!

Oh, how I have neglected you, Metal Spatula, since we bought non-stick cookware. You have just sat in my drawer used only as a chew toy for the children while I try to cook dinner (with the other non-metal utensils). But these last couple of weeks you have assisted me in scraping, and digging and prying dirt, mildew, and shower scum out of tiny places. You have allowed me to feel good and clean. How great I feel, that now we are friends again. You and I can bond every day while I clean. No longer are you kept in the kitchen with the "other" utensils, but rather in the garage with the cleaning supplies that I visit with every day.

I feel at peace... and happy... and clean... thanks to you, my Metal Spatula!
Until Tomorrow....

Balloons and Birthday Money!l

Brady got some birthday money and spent part of it on the kids. Dollar store balloons! The kids love them. I thought it was cute that they were enjoying running around the house with them so I had to take pictures! Enjoy!

Special Visitor

Yesterday, I checked my inbox and had a message from my old roommate Melissa! I hadn't seen her since our wedding. She was there from the beginning of "Brady and I," back in the day when he was just "Motorcycle Brady." Now, 4 years, no motorcycle and 2 kids later, life is a little different.

Melissa was in the Tri-Cities and wanted to drive 3 hours to our house to come and visit for the evening! I am so glad she came! My kids loved her. She got here at 8:20 which is bed time... but the kids loved her so much that they got to stay up later. She spent the night and stayed for most of the morning when she had to head back towards the coast.

Melissa is so creative! She brought her camera and took lots of pictures of the kids. She left some copies on our computer for us.















Melissa is one of the most positive and upbeat people I know. She's so spiritual and happy! She's a great example of someone who devotes herself to the things she loves and believes in. She leaves for Portugal in December to serve a mission for 18 monts!

We love you Melissa! Thanks for stopping by!

Weldon Birthday Season Part 1

We've been busy, busy, busy! In July, Brady started his new job. It seems to be going well. He is enjoying the slow time at work before tax season which starts in January. In August, I was in my best friend's wedding. Becky (Brady's mom) and Kortney (Cricket- Brady's sister) came and stayed with Brady and the kids while I was gone for five days. I wish I had brought my camera and had taken some pictures. September 20th we moved down by Brady's work. His commute is only 10 minutes now. The move was hectic and last minute so we didn't say good-bye to anyone (plus we were sick). Last weekend we went to a family birthday party for Brady's grandpa. It was great to see everyone and the kids seemed to have fun.

The kids play together more and more now that Alayna was walking. Below is a picture of Parker feeding Alayna goldfish. It was his tradition to pull out the box of goldfish before bedtime. I think it was his way of stalling.




August through November is birthday season in the Weldon household. Parker's birthday was in August.


Here's a picture with him and his car set that he got. Yes, he is in a diaper.



Here's his cool car ramp that he got. Alayna loves it too!
Parker didn't want his ice cream cone... he wanted a sandwhich instead. We gave his ice cream to Alayna.
She loved it! Especially the Oreo.

Alayna's birthday is in September. My mom came up and it was fun to have her here to celebrate with us.


Here's Alayna with her doll
Fisher price has a little kitchen, workshop, doctor and baby set that all fit into bins. Here is Alayna with the kitchen set that she got.
We decided to just give Alayna oreos for her birthday since she loved them so much. That onesie isn't white anymore.

We enjoy our new house. It has a fenced yard, laundry room, garage, nice neighbors, and a 3rd bedroom! Last night was the first night Alayna slept in her crib. And last week she graduated from sleeping in the bathroom to her own room! An exciting time in our lives!

Our Wonderful Little Family

So, it is about time for an update.

The most grand and glorious news is that Brady just started his job last week. I mean "real" job, in the "real" world. He is accountant in Lewiston at Presnell Gage. I am very excited for him. He worked so hard through school. I really wanted to take a picture of him on his first day.... but I didn't even ask.... I'll save the "First Day" pictures for our children's schooling.

In June we went to the west coast and visited our families. Brady's brother got married in Everett, spent some time with Brady's mom and step-dad in Arlington, we saw my brother on Whidbey Island, spent time with Brady's dad and grandma in Federal Way, stayed a couple of days with my Grandparents in Shelton, and cleaned out my parents basement in Vancouver. Needless to say, we spent two weeks and covered just about all our family members and traveled all of Washington.


As for the kids....
Parker will be 2 on August 13th. He is talking more and more which is really nice for mom and dad. He has been attending gymnastics and can almost do a sommersault! He enjoys the trampolines and jumping off of the big mats there. Parker has also been enjoying the park. We go almost every day. His favorite thing to do is swing.

Alayna will be 1 on September 12th. It is amazing how time has flown by. She is crawling and couch surfing. I think she wants to walk so she can keep up with her older brother. Parker is by far her favorite person. If Alayna is upset, we just get Parker to look at her and she starts laughing. She has such a personality and a joy to have around. Brady and I get a kick out of watching her.

As for me....
I am trying to become a better cook. Brady doesn't get home until six so I am trying to be a good person and have dinner almost ready. Before his job he probably did most of the cooking. He enjoys it, where I don't so much. In August I am in my best friend's wedding. I am excited to be able to be a part of it. My mother in-law is making my dress and it is going to be so pretty.

We are also looking to move to Lewiston or Clarkston... so if anyone knows of any places down there let us know. The kids need a warmer climate during the winter so they can play outside.

As for that.... here are some pictures....

Parker hamming it up... notice how he is almost two and still doesn't have all his teeth. Yes, teething is still a battle.


This is my brother Eric, girlfriend Ashley, Brady and the kids when we stopped and visited my brother on Whidbey Island. My brother is in the Navy and is stationed there. We got to tour the base! Parker loved eating at the McDonalds on base and watching the jets take off and land. That was the longest he has ever sat for a meal.
Beautiful Alayna eating lunch after church. We are hoping she will get hair some day
Parker and his easter bucket on his head.... he loves walking around with it on his head. He even shares and puts it on Alayna's head, except she can't see when he does that.
My kids and I. Alayna was almost asleep at that point.
Yes, we have a crib for her... but not an extra bedroom. They both freak out when the other one is in there with them. Thus, Alayna sleeps in the pack and play in the bathroom.

Alayna

Here are some pictures. They mostly are of Alayna since most people haven't seen too much of her. She is 5 months old and as of her 4 month check up, she weighed 16 lbs. This is very different from Parker. She is so happy and loves Parker. They play... or rather babble to each other. She can roll over both ways but we have to be careful because she ends up across the room. Here are some more pictures.




Alayna loves her daddy, especially when he dances with her.





Doing what she does... happily.


We started her on rice cereal this week but she has developed a nasty rash so we are holding off a bit.


Silly boy who gets in front of the camera

Pictures... Enjoy