Mickey and Friends

Tonight we were hanging out and playing with Mickey and Friends. Bailee decided she didn't want to share anymore so she tried to hold all 5 of them at once. And then of course they needed to dance to "Shining Star". What fun we have! (I've been trying to post a video, but it won't load. I'll have to work on that some more)Bailee went to Nursery by herself today. It was a very happy day, but sad at the same time. I was happy because I finally get to attend Sunday School and learn from the wonderful teachers and members of our ward. It's been a few years due to various callings and having a toddler. I did slip out once to double check on her. That was the sad part. She didn't even know I was gone. Bailee had a fun time and has taken the next step in growing up. She's not a baby anymore. I am very proud of Bailee and the wonderfully fun little girl she is growing up to be.

I do have to say this though. Watching her learn and grow is the most validating, rewarding part of being a mom. About a month or so ago she actually started kneeling down with us when it's time to say family prayers. I just about cried. She folds her little arms and even says Amen when we're finished. I love that when she sees pictures of our Savior she recognizes Him and says "Jesus." I love that when we sing songs at night she says more as soon as we finish one she loves. I love when she wants me to rock her to sleep, and she cuddles closer. I love hearing her call for Mommy first thing in the morning. I love that I'm her mommy. I am so grateful to know that we are an eternal family and that we can be together forever. Even though one day she'll have her own family, she will always be a part of ours. Having that knowledge just makes everything else more rewarding and precious.

Potty Training?!?!?

Well, this is for all you moms out there. Bailee has been telling me 'poo poo' when she's going for some time now. I know she's still a little young to be potty training, but since she's recognizing I thought I might as well put her on the toilet. So yesterday I did, and she screamed, but she went! I got very excited (who knew this could be an exciting event) and Bailee started clapping and saying "YEAH". (And then of course I had to call a couple of people.) Last night when Luke got home from work we ran to Wal-Mart and we decided to go ahead and get a little potty. I thought it might be a little less scary for her. She was so excited when we took it out of the box, I had to convince her to let me carry it to the bathroom. It was bath time anyways so we took her clothes off and she sat there for about 15 minutes. It was only after reminding her she could color the bath tub that I got Bailee off the potty. After a quick bath she was sitting again, for a very long time. I literally had to pull her out of the bathroom, she didn't want to leave. Today she seemed un-interested but I had already decided it's too early to really make her do this so I'm just going to see where it goes. When she told me 'poo poo' I hurried her upstairs to try. She screamed again, but once more she went. The little potty we got plays a 'royal tune' when you go, and she thought that was pretty cool. Tonight after bath time she wanted to sit on it again, so she did, and we sang the ABC's and the rainbow song each probably 100 times. I thought maybe having a nice cold glass of water would help, and sure enough it did. So yes, my almost 18 month old went on the potty twice in one day. Now I'm not naive enough to think this is going to be easy, or quick. I haven't even bought panties or pull-ups, but I think we're headed in the right direction. (I will be the last to complain if it is easy and quick.) Are you wondering where the pictures are?? I couldn't find the camera, go figure, and do you really need a visual? (Though, I think she's cute no matte what she's doing)

Merry Christmas!

We hope you enjoy our Christmas Pictures. We really had a wonderful time. Grandma and Grandpa Spencer and Aunties Trudi, Tressa and Tami stayed with us for a few days. It was a lot of fun, and it only took Bailee 3 days to warm up to them. A few months ago we saw a rocking horse (just like this one) at the store. Bailee absolutely LOVED it! We let her ride it and it was hard to get her to leave it. When it was time to let Santa know what she wanted, we thought this would be the perfect thing. I have been waiting, not so patiently, forever for Santa to bring it to her. I just knew that Bailee wouldn't want anything to do with the other presents because she wouldn't want to leave her horsey. Santa was even tempted to bring it early on more than one occasion because I was so excited. That should have been my first clue. Bailee didn't want to ride the horse, we are lucky she will observe it from afar. I convinced her to ride it long enough to get a few pictures (I think it helped that she was within reach of a dozen candy canes,) but she hasn't been back on it since. I am a little disappointed, but I do have hope she will come around. On the other hand, I was right that Bailee would love a broom of her own. Grandma and Grandpa came through on that one. She has swept the floor a few times in the past couple of days, and also vacuumed thanks to Auntie Trina. Bailee has absolutely loved her new boots. She has asked for them first thing the past 2 mornings. We've been having so much fun playing with all the fun toys. We are constantly reminded of all the Lord has blessed us with. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and took time to remember our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Um...Okay?

Well, by now you must all think that I let Bailee eat Candy constantly. In fact, I don't even let her have it every day. This time of year is a bit more challenging. I am serious about this though: Bailee loves chocolate more than anyone I've ever met. Yes, even more than Jolynn. I swear she can hear a wrapper crunch from a mile a way, and with VAMPIRE speed she is at your side begging for a bite. It doesn't matter what kind of chocolate or what it's mixed with, Bailee will eat it. Now back to the pictures.... I walked into the front room to find Bailee biting gum drops and licking the frosting on the gingerbread house. Now maybe most moms would remove the child from the situation immediately, but I wanted a picture of this. Of course, my camera wasn't where I thought I left it, so I spent a good 10 minutes looking for it. I knew I had plenty of time, Bailee wasn't leaving that tasty sugary house any time soon. I finally gave up on the camera and headed back up the stairs. Lo and behold, the camera is sitting at the computer desk and Bailee has now brought the gingerbread house into the kitchen. She had it in between her legs and was bending over it bitting the candy off. If you recall we put this together the first week of the month, so it's pretty hard by now. Bailee was shaking, though I'm not sure if it was from excitement or sugar, and eating as quickly as she could. After a few pictures, and a big grin, I put the gingerbread house on the fridge. You probably think she cried and threw a fit, well you are right, but not before trying to pull herself onto the counter towards her now confiscated evening snack. And here is the evidence. Enjoy.

Candy??

Bailee was bored this morning (because I wouldn't let her watch TV or color on the walls) so we went on a walk. I took her jammies off and went to find her some warm clothes. I came back and she had just her hat on and was trying to open the door. I should have grabbed the camera. We finally got her dressed and she didn't even fight me when I put on the cute pink snow boots! After our walk I found some icicles hanging on the rose bush, so I broke one off to show her. Bailee took off her gloves to hold it and the next thing it was in her mouth. She dropped it and wanted another, so I gave it to her. This time I had the camera ready. I really hope there wasn't anything nasty in it!

Our Tree

I've been meaning to post these forever. Here is our tree downstairs!

Bailee meets Santa...

Need I say more??

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE!

So, today was Luke's birthday! I hope he had a great day! I woke up early and made him breakfast. That rarely happens, so I'm sure he appreciated it. I'll admit, I was mostly excited to wake up early for him to open his presents. I have a hard time shopping for Luke, and I was thrilled with what I ended up doing. The main thing he got was tickets to a concert called "The Gift", with Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband and of course Luke's favorite Peter Brienholdt. (We actually went to this concert before we were dating, that's another story for another day.) I wrapped the tickets in the Ryan Shupe cd titled "The Gift." Clever, eh? Another gift that I thought was perfect was a vest. I need to get a picture of Luke wearing it. He had one from Grandpa Bulkley while he was down at Dixie. I'm not sure what really happened to it, there are conflicting stories. I know the original can't be replaced, but hopefully this is close. The concert is Thursday, and I have another surprise.

27 candles, and he blew them all out at once!!

I couldn't resist this picture! So cute! Notice the grass skirt? Bailee wore that all day. I'm not sure if she just forgot it was on, or if she thought it was part of her outfit.

Bulkley Family Party

The Annual Bulkley Family Christmas party continued. I have a new appreciation for all that Judi does when she throws one of her fun parties. I know it wasn't as good as usual, but I tried to keep up the traditions.

I think Brock's favorite part of the night was trading gifts. He didn't seem to care what he traded for, he just wanted to trade.

It's nice to sit and chat and catch up. We don't see this part of our family very often.

Bailee loved the M&M's, of course, and kicking her ball around. She is getting so much better around people.

It was really a fun night!

(I really am posting this on 12.15, but the party happened 12.03 so I'm dating it that. If only I could keep up)

Our Gingerbread House

We put together a gingerbread house today. Bailee ate more candy than she put on the house, but I guess that's expected.

Snow Day

First Snow

I'll blog more later, I just wanted to put this super cute picture up. :)

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving in St. George. All of Luke's siblings, in-laws, and nieces and nephews were there. We really missed Mom and Dad, but we appreciate them serving the Lord and being such a great example to us. Thursday we had a great meal! It was really good, despite all of the teasing we did before hand. (Though I think we were all secretly hoping the 'cookie dough' turkey wasn't a joke.) After dinner the boys had the annual Bulkley Turkey Bowl. They had a great time, and no one was seriously injured. Next came desert, there were so many yummy things to choose from! Jaxon fell asleep eating desert, isn't that the picture of satisfaction? To cap it all off we kicked the boys and the kids out and had a baby shower for Chelsea. It's always fun to have quiet 'girl' time. We finished the day with some late night games and laughter. Jack-in-the-Box, Taco Bell, Gordita, Morse the Moose!

Luke, Jana and Jason took off at 3 am to do a little Christmas Shopping. It must be some really good family bonding time. I can't think of an excuse good enough to get up that early to push and shove and fight over the perfect gift. At least they enjoy themselves!

Saturday was the big BYU vs. UTAH game, and Luke and I watched it at home. It was a really boring game, until BYU almost lost. We had pretty much given up. The only hope was another Miracle Play, and they got it! Luke had to wake Bailee up for the last minute of the game. Then we spent the rest of the afternoon shopping and decorating. Pictures of that will fallow!

Look what I did!

Here is the most recent picture of me with my hair down....



...and here's what I did yesterday! I really love it, and I'm pretty sure this is the shortest it's ever been. I was a little nervous, but I'm glad I took the plunge!



We are off to the land down south for the Holiday weekend. I should have some pretty good stuff to blog about when we get home. The boys have been planning the family football game for months, or actually maybe a year. We'll have to see what trick plays they come up with. Have a great weekend, and GO COUGS!

Cougar Basketball

We went to 2 men's basketball games this week, and we are going to another one next Tuesday. The first night (11/14/07) was free t-shirt night.

Whoo hooo! We are hoping they shrink a little in the wash. Bailee clapped for most of the game. Her favorite part is signing Rise and Shout. She waves her hand in the air and says 'rah rah rah' and then puts her hands together and says something to the effect of 'go cougars'. Bailee can handle the crowds, sitting on the benches even the eruptions of noise; but ask if she wants to go see Cos (short for Cosmo) and the panic sets in. I'm not sure what scares her so much, but whenever we see him 'in real life' she freaks out. Yet she loves to look at pictures? I don't get it.

There were definitely more people the first night, must have been because of the t-shirt? We got to see Luci at the game though. She works with the cheerleaders so we went down to visit during half time. Of course she's also best buddies with Cosmo. Luci stopped him to say hi to Bailee and surprisingly she didn't cry. Bailee wouldn't give him five and she was clinging on for dear life, but she didn't cry. This is mean, but I did pry her ducky out of her hands and handed it to Cos for a kiss. That was traumatic, more than I imagined. I don't think Bailee put the duck down again that night. The consolation prize??? Daddy shared popcorn with Bailee. The only thing she likes more than popcorn is chocolate!

The New and Improved Scraproom

I realized that if my scrap-area stayed here:

I couldn't put the Christmas Tree in that corner. Besides that, the scrap-mess is really the first thing you see when you walk down stairs, really not a pretty sight.

So about 2 weeks ago I moved into the spare bed room downstairs. It really wasn't clean enough to take a picture though and I got busy with other things so it got put off. Finally yesterday I got to it and organized and cleaned up. It's a work in progress, and for those of you that know how I scrap, you can appreciate that this IS clean and organized. So here's the finished product.

Oh, and you should know...I had to take this picture before I pulled out my latest (top secret) project. Mostly to prove to Luke that I had indeed cleaned it.

Also...per an agreement with Morgan and Mom and Dad, the bed is still available in the event that Jilyan sends him home. :)

Just Hanging Out

McKinley and Bailee got to play together again today. Mostly they were crying together. I don't know what the deal was today, but neither of them were very happy. Now they are both down for naps. I don't know if they are happy now, but I am! It seems that they usually have the same 'off' days.

So, I took them outside for a little bit to play in the leaves. It took them a minute to catch on, but then they had a great time throwing leaves at each other and at me. Hey, they were smiling and laughing....whatever it takes, right?

Yep, I put two 16 month old girls who had been fighting and pushing all day in a tree, together. (they didn't push or pull, so I'd call that success)

What's a trip outside without a swing? We ended our outside time with smiles and giggles, so mission accomplished.

This is the porch swing that Luke and Morgan wanted to throw over a balcony for Jilyan (who was 8 months pregnant with Jaxon) and I to catch. Sounded like a brilliant idea to them. Hmmmmm. We are still alive and well, so I guess you know how that turned out.