You Are My Sunshine

Miss Penelope Claire Judson

6lbs 12oz

17.5 inches

July 5th, 2012

7:23 am

We are beyond in love with her cute little self!

Story (or lack there of) to come shortly....

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That Time Again...

Sadly, it's that time again! Nick and I are looking for new renters for our basement apartment. We're very sad to see our current tenants leave as they've been AMAZING! They recently found out he got accepted for an internship in California and will be headed there for the summer. If you, or anyone you know, if looking for an awesome place to rent shoot me a comment! 

If you're new to our blog here's a little bit about us, your potential future SUPER FUN upstairs neighbors/landlords:

Nick:

Nick currently works nights at a residential treatment center in Orem called Telos. Although nights are not ideal for the Bug man and I (we like our Daddy!) Nick doesn't mind them at all. He is getting ready to apply for the Police Academy at Utah Valley University and is very excited at the prospect of getting that career off and going. Other than his most beautiful hugely prego wife and the little Bug man, he's got his constant companion in Zeus, our Black Lab Mix, still. Unfortunately my California born 'farmer' (yes, he truly thinks he's a farmer - from Ventura....) lost all of his chickens in a tragic (for the chickens) dog scavenging accident. Never fear though! He's replaced them with two cute baby goats. Yep. You read that right! Goats. Not sure what good they will be for, but he's excited about them. I'm sure new chickies will soon come also. 

Alex:

I am still in the Secondary Ed program at Utah Valley University. I say still because it's literally taking FOREVER! I'm happy to report though that I have two full more semesters and then I will be ready to student teach! YAY! I also work at WhyTry in Provo Utah where I assist part time with office duties. The rest of my time is divided between the Bug man, Homework, Housework, Family time, oh and Homework... Homework consumes my life. Ugh. I've now successfully made it to 26 weeks of our second child. She has got quite the personality already. At first I couldn't feel her move hardly at all, which worried me because I felt Nixon 24/7. Baby Girl has totally made up for it though and now moves more, and more violent, than I EVER remember Nixon moving. The thought of two under the age of 18 months scares me, especially while still going to school. I'm super grateful though that we have all those that care so much about us and help out so much!

Nixon:

Nixon is growing in leaps and bounds! It still amazes me how fast they grow! Everyone said that before, but you never understand until you see it yourself. At 14 months he's been walking now for about 4 months. He's quite the terror being that mobile, but I love how independent he is. He LOVES his Nanna, sometimes i feel more than his Mommy! The first word out of his mouth usually in the mornings is "Nanna? Nanna?" We're both so grateful he has such a fun loving Nan to watch him so graciously while Mommy works and goes to school. He's learning new words so quick! His favorite so far are: "Nanna", "Momma", "Daddy", "Hi Daddy" (this is the only two words he says together), "Cau-Cau" (as in gross.... makes me wonder if my paranoid-ness for germs may need to ease up a bit... =D), "Wahoooo!", and "Zu-Zu" (Zues). 

That's us Crazy Judsons in a glance. If you are interested, or know anyone that is, here is a little bit about the apartment. Leave a comment for me with your email and I will send you further contact info for me so that we can get you scheduled to come take a look!   

We're in Springville, which is super nice to be out of the hubbub of the busy single college life, but we're close enough to Provo/Orem that we don't feel like we're out in the boonies and we don't waste a zillion gas traveling back and forth.

We have a SUPER huge backyard {ALMOST AN ACRE} which is super fun for our playful Zeus, and our soon to be new goats.We've put in a very 'rough' little fire pit that is super fun during the summer for tin foil dinners and smores! Garden space is MORE than available, and can totally be an option if that's something you'd like to discuss.

Specs of the apartment include:

*3 bedrooms - 1 master, 1 childs room, 1 extra bedroom {has been used as an office by some of our tenants}

*1 Bathroom

*Recently renovated - August 2009. New carpet, New paint, New windows in some of the bedrooms

*Washer and Dryer PROVIDED!

*Utilities, Cable, AND internet included in the flat rate price! I know right?! Killer deal.

*$750 flat rate a month - due the 5th of each month

*200 Deposit

*PETS {dogs, cats may get eaten by our dog. Sorry!} WELCOME with small pet deposit!

*Super fun and awesome landlords/upstairs neighbors.

*Good neighborhood, great ward.

Like I said, it's a killer deal. It will be available May 1st as our current renters have already signed with another place and don't want to be responsible for two rent payments. We have MANY calls when we put it up on the web so it WON'T last long!

♥ Al

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First Date

Today Nixon had his first date... Mommy Nixon Date that is!

While Daddy caught up on some missed sleep Nixon and Mommy went to the park, took care of Mommy errands, had some yummy Bubble Gum ice cream, and then crashed from all the fun.

I don't know about you but us folks at the Judson house are LOVING this weather! Warm weather means playing outside, no more school for Mommy (for a second at least), and Baby Sisters birthday! Bring on the sunshine!

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GRATITUDE

Today I am feeling immense gratitude for all the GREAT men, and HEROES, in Nixon's life that he has to look up to.....

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Convenience....

Lately Nick and I have been more brave and adventurous with our cooking (even more so than the 90% of our meals that are eaten out... Gross, I know).

As we were eating our Beef Chow Mein tonight I got thinking:
-90% of the time I like our home cooked meals better than the disgusting fast food we eat so regularly.
-100% of the time I like sitting down with my cute family in the comfort of our own home.
-75% (ha ha, don't judge I'm not much of a cook) I enjoy the process of cooking the meal, 100% of that 75 is because of my cute partner chef...

Soooo.... Why the crap do we waste so much of our money to nasty fast food?! CONVENIENCE. That's it. Sad right?? Today I choose that we will do better....

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Some days I feel crazy....

21 Weeks, 18 to go (no I'm not terrible at math, I just know the exact date I get to hold my babe... Jealous? =D)!

Although this WAS planned, the thought of having two children under the age of 18 months come this beautiful sunny July (could you please come quicker???) frankly scares the giddy right out of me (i am however terrible at grammar. I believe they would dub that the queen of run on's, yes?)!!

Anyway. Here's to baby girl (something of which also scares me) bumps and CRAZINESS!

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I am getting a WHAT??

As you can see Nixon is so excited about getting a new.... SISTER!!

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Guess Who's....

WALKING!!! 

He just randomly decided to not be chicken, which he really still is he just loves the clapping and attention! Within the last two days he's made it across two or three rooms! My baby is getting BIG! 

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7 Months.... In a 'Status' Nutshell. Part 2

July 30th, 2011

"Stuart Falls with Nick, the baby, and my family (some of them). Kicked my trash carrying Nixon! He sure loved it though.."

I'm sad I didn't get any pictures of this! This was Nixon's first  hike. Because our first hiking backpack was too small for Nick I got to carry Nixon. I tell you what, It was a GOOD workout for a very out of shape Mommy! My lungs, legs, and pretty much my whole body was burning by the end! It was lots of fun to get outside with my family and do something we've enjoyed ever since I was little. I can't wait until Nixon gets to go on our BIG backpacking adventures!

July 26th, 2011

"Nixon's 6 month Stats:
15lbs 7oz - 25th percentile
26.5 inches long - 50th percentile
43cm head circumference - 25th percentile

We have a little Peanut!"

Can I just tell you how much I HATE shots?! I hate them for myself, and even more for my little bug. Lucky for this Momma he is so brave! He usually just lets out a little yelp like "Hey! That was not very nice!", and then he cuddles me. As you can see the Judson/Brown genes are pulling through nice and strong. We're keeping them small and peanut like! Just how we wrestlers like em.... Ha ha. If Daddy had his way he'd love a huge growth spurt for a basketball playin' crazy man. We shall see.... =D At this point Nixon:

•  Has 4 teeth making an attempt to come in! Two top and two bottom. 
• LOVES to swim! When we go to seven peaks with the cousins he tries to do it himself!
• Can sit up all by himself!
• Still throws up quite a bit because of his acid reflux
• Has a few favorite toys, but would rather play with everything Mommy doesn't want him to play with first.... Go figure!
• Is not much for a binky, which Mommy is perfectly fine with!
• Says "Da Da Da" and "Ba Ba"

We're so in love with our little Bug! Isn't is crazy how fast time flies and they learn new things?!

August 5th, 2011

"Camping with the "WHOLE" family this weekend! Haven't done this since before high school! Brown's and Ridings, CAN'T WAIT! "

This weekend we had so much fun doing something we used to do very regularly! Camping with our good friends, and practically family, the Ridings. When I was 4 the Ridings moved into our neighborhood. They had a little girl, Amelia, my age and another Sam's age, Shaelyn. Oddly enough that trend continued. My two brothers had two best friends in the next two Riding siblings who were boys both their ages. The funniest part was when my family had our "bonus", as my mom like to call her, Sidney. We all thought the pattern was broken! But not too long after Sid came so did Mindy! Through out the years we have had many backpacking trips in the dessert, Lake Powell trips, sleepovers, Parties, Dinners, and in numerous Game/Family nights with them. Their friendship, advice, and com[any is something I value just as much as any of my close family members. For this trip we had fun making tinfoil dinners, watching the boys (DADS) be pyromaniacs in making a HUGE bonfire, canoeing on the lake, smores, paper airplane contests, and much much more.

 Nixon & Amelia, Mommy & Nixon, Sleepy/Allergy Nixon

 Mindy Nick & Nixon, Sidney ready to swim, Nick & I canoeing

 Nixon Mommy & the girls canoeing, Nick and I, Dad Bri & De relaxing

 Daddy & Nixon, Mommy & Nixon (ha ha he didn't like the TOO big life jacket), Nix loves Mindy

 Pop playing in the fire, Nix loves his Nanna, Nix & De

 Sad baby cause Momma took away his Oreo's.....

August 12th, 2011

"Nixon is army crawling EVERYWHERE!"

This kid is crazy quick developmentally (he started walking this week, at 11 months...)! As fun as it is to see all of his new tricks, this Momma can hardly keep up! We taught him to army crawl, and then crawl, by holding any sort of electronic device. He is a technology junkie! He would rather play with all the cell phones and lap tops rather than any of his toys.

August 21st, 2011

"Nixon started saying "Ma Ma"!!!! I could care less if he knows what it means yet, its not Da Da and Ba Ba anymore!"

Sometimes I still wonder if this kid knows what "Ma Ma" means. I usually only get it when he's sad or upset. He does however know what "Da Da" (his very favorite word), "Nana", "Pop" (as in Poppa, not soda ha ha), and most recently "ball" mean!

August 21st, 2011

"Gets to go to the L.A. Temple today. So excited!"

We were lucky enough to get to go out to California for Nixon's Auntie Moo (Meg) and Uncle Nate's wedding. My plan is for this to be a post in itself, so pictures to come!

August 30st, 2011

"LOVING my first class so far!!! Educational Psychology.... "

Fall 2011 Semester was my first semester in the Education program at Utah Valley University. I don't feel like I'm exaggerating at all when I say it was my hardest semester yet! I do, however, know it won't be the last. I deactivated my Facebook, and neglected the blog, so I could focus solely on homework and doing well. Although I didn't do as well as I had set out, I am okay with saying I got and A-, two B+'s, and one B-. Being that it was the hardest semester I have yet encountered, I started a new job, and am still figuring out this whole Mommy thing I guess that's a good start. This semester the goal will be ALL A's! Educational Psych stayed true to being my very favorite class. Dr. Cox is an EXCELLENT example of what a good teacher is like, and I aspire to do many of the things she did for my future students.

Oy.... Okay so 7 months worth of catch up is way harder than I thought.... Part 3 soon to come.... =D

Love,

The Judsons  

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Nixon's Favorite Christmas Present....

...Getting to hear his new baby sister, or brothers, heart beat!

Baby Judson #2 Coming July 4th, 2012

Because that really was Mommy and Daddy's favorite Christmas present, more Christmas posts to come.

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While You're Waiting.....

Here's a little preview of what I get EVERYDAY anytime there is any sound that remotely sounds like music to my son. Enjoy!

Sorry for the orientation of it! Apparently the "right" way on my 

phone is the "wrong" way for the video camera....

Don't mind all my laundry either.... I'm on break. I very well may NOT do it for another two weeks....

Could be dangerous for visitors at the Judson house... BEWARE of nakedness.....

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7 Months.... In a 'Status' Nutshell. Part 1

June 30th, 2011

"WHY?!? I want my happy, angelic, SLEEPY (7+ consistent hours a night for months...) baby back! Who is this DEMON (uhh did I just call my child a demon???) who's taken over??? Almost NO (literally) sleep every single night!!! HELP?!?!!

I have to laugh reading this one. Did i really call my cute, sweet, angelic son a DEMON?! Yes. Yes I did. It was about this time that my sweet sleepy baby, that slept through the night since he was 2 weeks young, decided sleeping was not for us. I guess I should've taken it as a compliment that he wanted to play with his VERY fun mommy instead of sleep. Problem was he wanted to play ALL night long....

July 4th, 2011
Nothing better than good 'Ol Delta on the 4th. No one does it better! Happy 4th of July everyone!!

As per Brown Family tradition, we made the trip down to Poppa Brown's home town of "good 'ol Delta" for the 4th of July. They have a fun parade where they throw more candy then I have ever seen thrown. They then have food, shopping, and entertainment at the park where everyone goes to reminisce. It's fun to see old friends, and meet new "old" friends of my dads. Nixon had lots of fun throwing the ball with Daddy, listening to the music, and eating the DELICIOUS Navajo tacos. 

 Pictures of our fun 4th of July!

July 8th, 2011
Nixon and his Nannie reading. They <3 LOVE <3 to read with each other!

It was about this time that Nixon got to start playing with Nanna while Mommy worked and went to school. Although Mom had a VERY hard time with this Nixon and Nanna didn't seem to loose even an ounce of sleep over it! They got to play, walk Tailee, and READ lots! We LOVE Nanna.

July 13th, 2011
"Got my very first shiner today at a board break. Ha ha ha. It's black, blue, and HUGE!!"

Yep, you sure did read that right! I was helping my dad with one of his many Motivational sessions. It was one where the participants got to break through boards, literally, as a symbol of breaking through their fears, limiting beliefs, and problems. I didn't quite hold tight enough and I let not 1, but 2, boards slip out of my hands and smack me straight in the eye. Both times in the exact same place. Fun. Ha ha, okay not really then, but it's a funny story now, Yes?

I know. Very flattering. I figured I couldn't tell the story and not provide proof....p.s. those are my many many freckles.... Not my 5 o'clock shadow... lol.

July 14th, 2011

Surprise (BIG SURPRISE)!!! 8 new additions to the Judson clan this morning! 6 little brown ones and 2 black.

It was quite the eventful week at the Judson home. Our poor little Cleo got knocked up by a not so welcome, but oh so very good looking, pure bred lab (same as Cleo). As cute as they were, all freaking 8 of them, I was immensely grateful for the 6 weeks to be over and have them go to their new homes. Eight puppies is TOOOOOO much. Way too much. Never, ever ever again!

Brown one and Black one. Cute tiny things!

July 16th, 2011
Nick, Me, and Sid left at home from Fargo = Harry Potter Marathon and new one tonight! Just carrying on tradition from last year... =D

Every year my brothers go back to Fargo, ND (or SD, not quite sure which state it is) for the National Wrestling Tournament. Last year Sidney did NOT want to make the 17 hour trek so she got to stay with us. Because it worked so well last year, we decided to keep with tradition and keep her with us this year too. Both years it's fallen right when the new Harry Potter's are coming out (yes I'm a total Harry Potter nerd. LOVE THEM!), so we do a review of all the old ones and then go see the new one!


July 22th, 2011
"It's my Honey{Nick Judson}'s Birthday weekend! Happy Birthday to the man who makes me laugh day after day, even when I think tears or frustration is the only possible feeling at the moment. I can't imagine anyone better for my Best Friend, Love, and Eternal Companion. I'm so glad that 26 years ago tomorrow you came here to someday find me! LOVE YOU!"

Nicholas turns 26! Gosh he's becoming quite the old man! 
 
July 28th, 2011
"I hate teething. Poor Nixon is a very sad little boy! Makes me sad. =( "

Nixon was "lucky" enough to get ALL 4 of his front teeth at once. Yep. All at once. It was a very tearful frustrating time for Mommy and baby. Teething is seriously NO fun!


Because I didn't realize how many status'/pictures I would be sifting through (talk about Facebook Junkie!) this is going to have to be a 2 part post.

To Be Continued.....

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M.I.A.

And....
We're back....

I have some mixed emotions about missing so much blogging:

1. As a "profession blog stalker" (don't worry, I dubbed the title myself, I didn't swipe the award from any of you that may feel you more rightly deserve it...) I get so bored with bloggers like me... I mean, come on! Once every six months or so?? Sheesh.... BORING!
2. Because this was supposed to be my "journal" in a sense, I feel like I have missed documenting so many happenings of this crazy Judson clan. I see so many bloggers that have documented so many special moments of the kids lives and it really makes me sad. Am I going to regret not documenting so much of Nixon's 1st YEAR ?? Possibly.
3. BUT my strongest emotion is this.... As a full time student, part time employee, and MOMMY my time not spent doing work, homework, and housework gets to either be spent keeping up with this here bloggy blog or  playing with the "Mr. Mr" ..... I'm more than ok with saying this semester i chose the latter. 

If any of you are friends with me on Facebook, you'll know another thing to go was my account. I can't tell you how much of a relief it was to just get rid of it for a few months! As much as I like to keep up with all of those I may never get to see again, they are NOT who matter most to me. It is most likely something I will do again once this holiday break is over. Something awesome I found about it, though, was they have the option of digitally saving all of your information. This means all of your status', comments, wall posts, pictures, and videos. Because all of you have seen how good I am at journaling here, this was an immense relief to me! It's funny that I can look through my status' and know exactly what was happening at that time, what milestones Nixon was having, and what fun events we were getting to attend. SO, for my ever recurring catch up post, I decided i would list some of my status' since i last blogged, with a brief description of what we crazy Judson's were up to then. Stay tuned (lots of status' to go through =D)!

LOVE,

THE JUDSONS!

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.:Branching Out Photography:.

One of my very most FAVORITE people from my first years in college MEGAN is doing a giveaway on her photography blog! Get your tushes over there and enter!

click picture to get there

And don't forget to take a peek at her AWESOME pictures too! Aren't her boys the absolutely GORGEOUS (can you say that about little boys.... cause they sure are)?!

P.S. I know, I know.... I suck at blogging.... I did, however, delete the Facebook SO that should open up mounds of time to blog.... =D Stay tuned!

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.: I slack, therefore, I am... doing nothing :.

Well.... Summer semester has come and gone. 

As you can see I REALLY struggled keeping up with this here beauty while going to school, working, and being Mommy. 

My lesson at church today for the 10 year olds was on the Atonement. So I'm here, 

acknowledging my wrong doing, 

asking for forgiveness, 

and promising to do better! 

With that I have SOOOO much to catch up on.... 

Because this blog here was meant solely for my journaling purposes 

{ok ok, and to stalk all you lovely people....}

I DO have to catch up....  

So within the next week watch for some posts,

And kick my butt if i don't get going....

We are leaving for Auntie Moo's (Nick's sister Meg) wedding in the beautiful California Thursday.

I have until then to get all caught up...

Ready,

Set,

GO!

And, while your waiting 

(because i'll be honest i haven't even started these plethora of posts yet)

help me decide what to do with my hair (color wise) when we're in Cali.

This....

Or This...

And.... 
If I were brave enough I would cut it like my friend Jan over here did. Super cute right?? 
Someday....


Anyway.
I'm of to blog, blog, blog away.

Alex

 

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