And These are the Days of Our Lives....

Ode to the Metal Spatula

2009-10-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-26T16:59:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-03T17:26:00.000-08:00

Moving on in Life

2008-11-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Some exciting news for the Weldon family. No, it's not another baby. I know that is what you were thinking. But Brady got a job. Like a real job. Not a part time one but one of those jobs with benefits that he gets to begin after he graduates in May! He got a job at the accounting firm in Moscow, Presnell and Gage! He starts in June. We are all really excited especially because we wanted to stay here in this area... and now we get to!

Other news... the kids are growing and getting big. I don't think we have any current pictures on the computer. We will have to change that. Alayna sleeps through the night at a whopping 2 months. Parker loves her and tries to play with her. They keep us busy, but they're fun

Alayna Nicole

2008-09-11T12:50:00.001-07:00

She is here! Alayna Nicole was born at 10:32 am this morning. She was 6 lbs 9 oz and 19.5 inches long. She's a tiny one but she is 2 weeks and 3 days early. Here are some pictures of her.

Daddy and baby

Mom and baby
Big brother Parker who didn't really pay any attention to Alayna at the hospital. He was more entertained with the blinds
Grandma and Alayna

Baby news

2008-09-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

First off, Parker is growing like a weed and it is so exciting to watch every day. He will be 13 months on Saturday. He loves to read and can recognize some letters of the alphabet. Right now he is having his first slumber party without mommy and daddy at our friend's house in Colfax. As for Brady and I we are in the hospital. I am underway in being induced in order to have my gall bladder taken out ASAP. Contractions aren't bad yet and since there's wireless here... I thought I'd play a little bit and see what everyone is up to. We can put up pictures when she is here.

Where have we been????

2008-07-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

Actually, we've been right here in Moscow. Just the internet is disconnected. It is weird how much we rely on it. I think I actually get more accomplished now that we don't have it to play on. Yet, it is so sad that we aren't as up to date with everyone's happenings. Blogging is great. But no pictures this time. I will have to put them online next time... if i remember to bring the camera

Some news with us....

We are growing a garden. We didn't know how to do it so we planted too many squash plants and they are taking over. Our friends got a garden all set up and ready to plant, but at the last minute had to leave for a summer job. They let us plant and try to see what we can grow. So, Jason and Erika.... I think there will be a lot of squash to eat. We will get a picture up asap.

Brady just finished summer school. He has a couple of weeks before he goes back full time. He is a big help around the house.

We have 9 weeks to go until our little girl arrives. I am at the point where traveling is limited. I can go about 2 hours from home but that's it. There are a lot of family events going on in August that we would like to go to but can't make it to.

Other than that... she's growing, I'm growing, Parker is running around and all is well. Hopefully I will get on the ball and post some pictures soon.

Parker Update

2008-06-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

Many wonderful things have happened during Parker's 9th month. He started to crawl, got some teeth, learned to dance, and said "all done." Within the last week, right before he turned 10 months, he started to take steps on his own and started ... SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT! It is very exciting. It took him a while, but we think that he just didn't eat enough to sustain him through the night. One morning he woke up and was mad that he only had 6 oz in his bottle. We gave him more, and that day he ate 7-8 ounces all day. Then he slept through the night! So now he eats and sleeps and all is well. Below are a few videos that we thought were funny. One of them I took vertically and couldn't figure out how to turn the video around so you have to watch it sideways.

Oh and one more thing.... the house is messy... so don't mind that.

This is Parker dancing to his Mickey Mouse Clubhouse CD. It's his favorite even though we don't have cable and don't watch the show.

This is Parker walking from Brady to me. He doesn't fall at the end even though it looks like it.

This is the one you have to watch side ways. His expression is cute.

And another note... not about Parker... Brady started school this week. Not too exciting, but nevertheless it is something new.

Missing Daddy

2008-06-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

Brady is gone for 5 days to the west side doing some accounting stuff with his mom. Hopefully it will give him some practice and get him in the mindset of "accounting" before his class starts in a couple of weeks. Sadly though, Parker really misses him (well I do too). He crawled around saying "da-de" all day. I tried to wrestle with him (as much as a pregnant woman can) and play with him the way that Brady typically does... but there was an obvious difference. So Parker and I took some pictures this evening for his daddy cause we know daddy misses Parker too.

Parker trying to get daddy through the camera.
Had to retrieve the binky
Awwww... he stood and smiled for daddy.

Brady has seen this video so it is mostly for family far away. It is about how Parker can entertain himself with 2 Binky's for an extended period of time. This is just a clip. Also, a warning.... this is probably not the most sanitary activity either.

Kamiak Butte

2008-05-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

Today, after the farmer's market, we decided to go to Kamiak Butte and take a hike to the top. It was a 1/2 mile hike.... all up hill! It didn't take long and we didn't stay long, but it was nice to get out and exercise. Parker did well in his pack. He got a little antsy going down hill and wanted out. We took some pictures.

Parker in the pack

A nice little farm

North View
Brady and Parker getting ready to go
up the mountain
It's a chipmunk! Can you find him?
Out there in the distance is Pullman.
You could see it better up there.
Moscow. The big shinny thing in the back
is the Kibbie Dome.

Dad and son.

Teeth and Knees

2008-05-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

Parker turned 9 months on the 13th of this month and with that have come some big milestones (or at least some that we have been waiting for a long time for).

First off, during this last week Parker's first tooth broke through. It is hard to see but if you stick your finger in his mouth... you can feel it.

Second, he is crawling! On Saturday he made it across the family room 3 times. From that day on he has not stopped. Since today was rainy, we took Parker to the cool indoor playground in the Eastside Marketplace. It has soft floors and soft things to play on. No shoes are allowed as well as big kids. It was nice to get out and let him crawl around on this nasty day.

The tree slide that Parker wanted to climb up rather than
slide down.

Grizzly bear tunnel

Parker on top of the Grizzly
Bear tunnel

All Gone

2008-05-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

With summer comes the loss of some things. Some of our friends are moving. Some are moving permanently (with a job), and some just around in the complex. Either way, it's kind of sad.

Parker also lost something.... his hair. Brady, Parker and I went to the East City Park today and boy, was it hot! Parker was so warm with all his hair that we ended up shaving it.... well he's not bald. It is just really short. But above are some pictures from our day. It begins with his hair cut. Enjoy.

It's a....

2008-05-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

GIRL! Here are her feet. The other pictures look more skeleton-like. She kept hiding and so it took a while to get the ultrasound done. Apparently we were disturbing her peace.

Boy or Girl

2008-05-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

Alright, tomorrow is the day we find out what sex Weldon #2 is. What do you think? Once you tell us, we'll tell you :)

A Week Full of Firsts

2008-05-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

When Brady and I had Parker, we decided that we couldn't do spontaneous trips anymore. We used to do these crazy late night trips to go visit our families in Western Washington which weren't very well planned out. Well, we have gotten better.... our spontaneous trips aren't late night trips anymore... they're just daytime trips. Once we decided we were going to travel, we left within an hour and a half. Yet again, we didn't bring our camera. So there are pictures.... on different people's cameras in different parts of the state. Also, with our ill-planning we weren't able to visit with everyone we would have liked to. However, it was nice to be able to see some of our family, most of which hadn't seen Parker in a while.

Parker had many firsts during our trip. He had a first taste of Jello and Oranges. Boy did he love oranges. we just cut the orange up into slices (with the rind) and he would just hold onto the rind and devour the orange. I had thought it would be too acidic for him. I guess not. He didn't touch the Jello, but would eat it if you fed him.

He also went swimming for the first time at an aquatic center. I wouldn't say he liked it, but I wouldn't say he didn't. He just didn't move much, but didn't cry. So I think we are going to keep trying to put him in the pool. I think this summer he would like the Moscow aquatic center (which is outside).

He went to the zoo for the first time. My dad had a company thing at the Portland zoo so we all went for free. I don't know what all he saw but I am assuming he liked it...

He (as well as Brady and I) saw a black bear in Brady's parent's back yard (pictures below). It was crazy. He just waltzed through their back yard! Kind of scary though.

Aside from firsts, Parker got to see many family members. He warmed right up to them after not being around them very much. Everyone had a turn holding his hands and walking him around. Even his cousin Connor (who is almost 21 months old) took Parker's hand and helped walk him around.

Well, we had fun and are tired. Parker went to bed at 7 tonight because he didn't sleep well last night. Brady had to work at the President's Residence at WSU tonight, and I am just waiting for my homemade applesauce to finish thawing so I can enjoy it while I read other people's blogs.

Renaissance Day

2008-05-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

Today was an important day for the city of Moscow. It was Renaissance Day and the first day of the Farmer's Market for the summer! Since Brady has been taking classes at both University of Idaho and Wazzu, he had finals last week as well as this week. Because he has been spending a lot of time studying.... and must spend more doing so.... we were not able to make it to the coast for a surprise party for his grandma, (we really wish we could have made it). However, so that Brady could get a break and enjoy some of the nice weather, we went downtown for the morning and took part in some of the festivities.

At the Farmer's Market Brady bought some tamales (which he has always wanted to buy) and I bought a gigantic blackberry/ cream cheese roll. They were both delicious. It has been a tradition since we lived in Pullman, to come to the Farmer's Market and buy those yummy rolls. When we moved here we learned that a lady in our ward is the one who makes them. Way cool! (Once again we forgot to take some pictures)

Then we went to the Renaissance Fair. Parker got out of his stroller and we put him in the pack. He loved walking around and looking at all the booths. There were lots of lawn ornaments, jewelry, pictures, hippie bags and food that you shouldn't eat. We didn't buy anything but it was fun to look around and see some funny outfits.

Batteries!!!

2008-05-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

We got some batteries for our camera! It probably would have been another month or so before we would have gotten some but at 4 am this morning our smoke alarms started beeping and saying, yes ours talk, "low battery." We probably wouldn't have gotten a battery for that any
time soon either, but we have some sort of inspection today, where we need to have our alarms working. Anyway we got some batteries for our camera (and smoke detectors) this morning and took some pictures of Parker.

Look-alike-meter

2008-04-24T20:40:00.002-07:00

I must say I stole this from the Williams' blog. I thought it was hilarious. Everyone says Parker looks like Brady but has my eyes. But the look alike meter says its equal! So HA!

Weldon Look-alike Meter

2008-04-24T20:40:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Let's get down to Business!

2008-04-24T08:41:00.001-07:00

I love that song from Mulan.... "Be a Man." I probably shouldn't because after all I am a "sociologist." (My undergrad is in sociology). I could just imagine having to sit in a class and dissect all the ways in which that song degrades women or promotes masculinity in men, along with how Disney is a horrible corporation (I've had to do that before). But in all honesty, I don't care. I just happen to like the song. And I love Disney. So there *sticks tongue out*!

Business Item #1: Parker went 7.5 hours last night without eating!!! Brady fed him (Parker seems to eat better with Brady) 2 servings of oatmeal with fruit, plus 2 containers of fruit before bed. Parker woofed it down and seemed to want more. Hallelujah. I can live with this! Except, I stayed up tv watching shows from the 90's that people have posted on Youtube. So alas, I am still tired.

Business Item #2: Brady has a disease. It is true, he has a disease. I don't think there is a cure for it. It is called Entrepreneuer-itis. Even though his Masters degree is going to be in Accounting and his undergrads are in Sociology and Criminal Justice, he ends up in all of these Entrepreneur classes where he starts business and such. Anyway, this last semester he was in yet, another one of those classes. Him and a friend, Chet (name has not been changed) had to enter the WSU business plan competition. They spent hours and hours writing up a business plan for a breathing monitor for babies, to help detect SIDS. Long story short (cause it could be long), for some reason they only had 6 weeks to work on it (where most people had since fall semester or longer). They had to write a business plan and present it or pretty much sell it in front of judges (people who are typically "high up" in companies) in a 15 minute presentation. After the presentation portion they to endure 15 minutes of questioning from the judges about their business plan (very nerve-wracking since they're students and these people are big-wigs). Then they either move on to the finals the next day to compete against 4 other teams (5 total) or they're done after the first day. Brady and Chet made it to the second round, and placed 4th!!!! It was so awesome, especially since they didn't have much time to work on it, nor did they have an actual product to write a business plan about. (Others who placed higher had real products and sales). They won $3,000 ! I was (still am) very proud. The only bummer is that part of the $3,000 has to go to the company... instead of being split between Brady and Chet 50/50. Oh, well. That is what happens when you start these crazy business ventures.

And, I am realizing I should have taken pictures at the competition. Our batteries were dead (still are).... story of my life (forgetting the camera or having dead batteries).

Business Item #3: Nap time. Parker wakes up between 6 and 6:30. I don't mind him getting up that early. It just means early nap, which is fine for me.

We're all getting BIGGER....

2008-04-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

The Weldon family is growing.... in many different ways. Brady taught his last lesson in Sunday School and announced that he has reached his New Year's goal of 150 lbs. (Makes me sick really). I think this is the most he has weighed since we met. I think he told me that he was around 138 when we got married.

Parker really wants to move around. He likes it if you hold his arms and let him walk around the house. However, bending over to let him walk around kills my back and if you don't let him move he gets grouchy. So Saturday when I was cooking dinner Brady came out from the back bedroom with Parker in his Johnny Jump Up. Except, he wasn't attached to a door frame...rather Brady was walking him around in, it like you would a puppy. It is the funniest looking thing. (I would post a picture but our camera batteries died). Brady claims he's lazy and doesn't want to bend over. I thought he was a genius because now we can walk around all day and my back is fine. Parker also loves to turn the pages in his book. I think we read about 7 books a day just so that he can turn the pages! It's so cute when the book is done because he gets mad that he can't turn any more pages. He's got a lot of spunk.

I am definitely getting bigger with the little one. It makes it harder to hold Parker when we watch the cars go by out our back window. I wasn't in as good of shape in the beginning of this pregnancy... didn't lose all that baby stuff from Parker... so this will be fun!

And of course the little one is growing. Next month we should find out if it's a boy or girl. I think it's going to be a calmer baby already. By now with Parker he was kicking and moving... I haven't felt much. At least we're hoping it's a little calmer. Either way we love the kids.

Want to know what else is getting bigger? Our laundry pile. Our dryer broke like 3 weeks ago (and we haven't fixed it yet). Anyway, our little apartment doesn't have a lot of room to hang wet clothes. Since it isn't even spring time here yet, I can't hang towels or anything over our railing of our balcony (The clothes will just get more wet outside). So I do a load a day (which isn't a lot)... and the clothes are strung out throughout our apartment. This of course doesn't give me much motivation to clean since it looks so messy anyway.... even when I am in the process of cleaning. Oh well... what do you do. I just give up and take naps with Parker instead.