Fifty-four.

Saying Goodbye to 2009.

And wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

Thanks for reading.

Fifty-three.

Resolutions.

I hope 2010 brings organization [see photo above]...

And:
more photos.
new crafts.
fun trips.
more cooking and learning.
a new entertainment center.
a healthy and happy three and one year old.
more and more love and laughter.
a desire to exercise.
disneyland.

Fifty-two.

Food Photos.

A friend of mine is an amazing food photographer.
I baked some goodies yesterday and decided to snap a photo of the finished product all decked out.

Thanks for your inspiration and friendship brit p.
Check her out here.

Fifty-one.

Flowers.

When i was young, I used to only like on kind of flower.
Since then i have grown to love every and any kind.
There's nothing better than to have a fresh bouquet of flowers.

My grandpa buys my grandma a fresh bouquet every week.
It's sort of his trademark.
It's adorable.

I might ask my hubby to continue this tradition.

p.s. These [peonies] are my new favorites.
Beautiful, aren't they?

Fifty.

Excitement.

This was taken Christmas eve.
She was so excited for Santa.
In fact, she had been waiting for over a month.

Santa came the next morning.
She could not believe her eyes.
She believes.
We believe.

I know i've said this a time or two before...
But those blues kill me.
I just can't get over the fact that I have a blue-eyed babe!

Fourty-nine.

Papa.

She's got him wrapped around her little finger.
My two both do.
He loves it.

Fourty-eight.

Merry Christmas.

These little Hallmark treasures are Kate's favorite item in our house.
GrannyBird generously gives one to Kate every year.

They are so fun!

Thanks GB.

Fourty-seven.

Merry CHRISTmas to all and to all a good night!

Hope you have a holly jolly Christmas!

Fourty-six.

Got this rad ornament at Krumpet's in St George a couple years back.
It has been the number one complimented item in my house this holiday season.
It's fun.

Did i mention i have 2 trees up this year?
A real one and a fake one.
I think i will have to stick with the real thing next year.
What do you prefer?

Fourty-five.

I love the season.
I love the reason for the season.
I love the decorations and festivities the season brings.

Hope you all have a Merry CHRISTmas.

please bare with me through this holiday season, as my posts are scattered, and as always, thanks for reading!

p.s. do you see that beauty all the way on the right? yes, it was on my wish list and my sweet hubby got it for me for my bday! i. love. it!

Fourty-four.

What's in a Smile.

Have i mentioned this smile before?
She is a doll.
Just can't get enough of her.

And that smile.
And those cheeks, oh, those cheeks!

One of my most photographed clients.
Better get used to it.

Thanks for reading.
Your comments are always appreciated.

Fourty-three.

A Christmas Party.

Which included:
A Christmas Dinner.
A Christmas Gathering with Family.
And of course a Christmas Carol or two.

Played beautifully by Daniel's aunt Jane.
Sung by many.

It was so serene.
It made me smile.
It made me think of our savior.
I love this season.

Fourty-two.

Gazing.

I caught this little munchkin in the backyard.
Searching for something afar.
Not sure she found what she was looking for.
But she was having fun imagining.

Little minds are just. so. adorable.

The end.

[and yes, she was still in her pj's when the sun was going down.]

Fourty-one.

'Blowing Christmas Wishes Your Way..'

A friend of mine had this great idea for neighbor/friend treats.
She shared, for all to copy, 2 years ago.
I fell in love with the idea.
So i did mini versions of hers this year.

They were a hit.
Thanks Sara B.

Fourty.

25.

This is me.
Today i turn 25.
It was a great, no, fabulous day.
Thank you to all who made it that way.

P.S. much thank you goes to my wonderful, handsome husband, who is constantly making my dreams come true. And our sweet little girls who bring light, joy and much happiness to my life!

Thanks for reading.
happy birthday to me!

Thirty-nine.

Gingerbread Houses.

This is so exciting to me!
You see, we never made these growing up, ever.
This was my first time.
It was also Kate's first time.

Kind of challenging since i have no gingerbread construction experience.
My house caved in once.
An active toddler eating all the candy didn't help either.
But we did it.
And we had a BLAST!

This will be an ongoing tradition.

Thirty-eight.

Slacker.

Yes, i'm a slacker.
I haven't updated this daily blog.
I haven't sent out my christmas cards.
I haven't finished wrapping gifts.

Please forgive me.
After the holidays subside i shall be back on track.

Thanks for reading.

photo taken by paisley jane photography.

Thirty-seven.

Dear Santa.

Kate met Santa @ bass pro shops.
She wasn't scared.
Maybe a little hesitant at first.

But, she hopped right up on his lap and asked for:
"a telephone that pushes,
a hanger, a skewdiver,
and a toolbox."
[translation: telephone with buttons to push, a hammer, a screwdriver, and a toolbox.]

She smiled for the camera
and that was it.

She can't wait to see Santa again at the Zobrist Christmas Eve Party!

As for Lucy... she was content sitting with Mrs. Claus.

Thirty-six; Thirty-six and a hlaf.

Bass Pro Shops.

Anyone ever been there?
It's a sportsmans paradise.
A little boys dream!
Fishing, camping, guns, camo... everything!

If you haven't found anything for him yet... this is the place to go!

PLUS...
if you go you can also check out the Mermaid at the Silverton Casino.
the kids love it!

Thirty-five.

motherhood

oh the joys...
when your kid comes up to you and says
"you're the best mom in the whole, whole, whole wide world!"

photo taken w/photo booth; color pencil effect

Thirty-Four

Sunshine.

The days around the valley have been a bit gloomy.
Nothing like a little sun flare to brighten a day.

Thirty-three.

A boy
and a stick.
Equals complete happiness!

Thirty-two

Do you remember?

When rolling down a hill was so fun?

Thirty-one.

Santa Claus is coming to town.
[Or if you ask kate to sing the song she'll say 'Santa Claus is coming around']

For those of you with chimney's... it's easy to explain how Santa comes and goes.
But we do not have a chimney or fire place to place our stockings over [our next house will!].
So we have the Magic Key.
This is how Santa gets into our house and the many others who live in houses sans chimneys.
It's pretty brilliant if you ask me.
We have Santa's magic key hanging in our house.
On Christmas eve Santa will magically take it and open our door.

17 more days.

Thirty.

Arranged.

Yes, this cute little boy's mom and i have decided that these two will be a prefect match!
Erik and Kate... doesn't it have the perfect little ring to it?
This will probably be in their wedding video.
I was thinking instead of a christmas card this year, i'd send out save the date's for them and use this picture.

Ok, ok, i'm kidding... but really, don't you sometimes wish you could pick out your kids' spouse?


p.s. has anyone seen the movie 'UP'? If not, you need to, it is such a cute movie about two little kiddos and their lifelong adventure! Go rent it now!

Twenty-nine.

Proud

to be an American.
My mom [and her family] immigrated [from Bolivia] to the US of A when she was sixteen years old .
She has said, many times, that the day she became a citizen was one of the best and most emotional days of her life.
My dad also has expressed how emotional that day was, to see those pledge their allegiance to the almighty flag.
I am grateful for parents who taught me to love my country.
I am grateful for their experience of patriotism.
I am grateful that i can raise my family in the land of the free.
I AM PROUD to be an AMERICAN!

Twenty-eight.

Perfection.

Practically Perfect in every way.

Enough said.

Twenty-seven.

Inspired...

by anonymous.

Thanks!

Twenty-six.

Waiting.

Kate is now old enough to slightly understand Santa.
And that Santa brings presents.
Everyday she says, "Mom, i want to go to Christmas."

We have 3 advent calendars that we move each day.
And that helps explain when Christmas will be here.
But she still waits, and waits by the Chirstmas tree.
It's too cute.

Twenty-five.

Happy Birthday.

Between the months of November and December are a ton of birthday's on both sides of our family... not to mention more from our extended family and friends.

To all of you Nov/Dec birthdays, i say, Happy Birthday!!

Especially to: Kathie [nov 1], Dave [nov 21], Ron [nov 26], Mom [nov 26], Hailey [nov 28], Dad [nov 29], Dustin [dec 6], Darren [dec 8], Tanner [dec 23], Me [dec 17].

Twenty-four.

Challenge.

It's been quite the challenge for Kate to hold up two fingers.
I've tried to teach her multiple methods, however none succeeded.
But she is persistent.
She never stopped trying.
Anytime she was asked, "how old are you?" She would try her hardest to show them.

Finally, aunt rachel taught her how to do it, not sure exactly how,
but she caught on right away.
She is now constantly showing me her two fingers.
And i love it!

Thanks rach!

Twenty-three.

Christmas Cards.

Took this families photos the other day.
Adorable isn't it?
They are the sweetest little family ever.
Can't wait to see what Christmas card they pick.

I love getting Christmas cards in the mail.
I love seeing everyone's family grow year by year.
I love looking at the oh so cute designs everyone chooses.

Just got the first one in the mail today.
Hoping i can send mine out soon.
If you don't think i have your address, please email it to:
brittneydye@gmail.com

Thanks!

Twenty-two.

Intercom.

Remember these?
Did any of you have intercoms in your house growing up?
Did you use them?
Anyone i knew who had these never used them.
Does anyone use them now?

I think the text feature on our cell phones is used more now to communicate while one is upstairs and the other downstairs.
Am i right?

Twenty-one.

Celebrate.

Christmas time is here.
I love this time a year.
My tree is trimmed.
My decor is up.
And the smell of fresh baked cookies is in the air.
It's almost time to start counting down.
Kate is going to be so excited this year.
I can't wait to see her little face light up.

Twenty.

Bread and Butter.

My bread and butter = all the good things in my life.
This day, i am still thankful.
I hope i can be thankful all the days of my life.

Thank you.

Nineteen.

Thanksgiving.

I am thankful...
for all i love.
for all who love me.
for all i have.

Happy belated Turkey Day.

Eighteen.

Remembering Miami.

The Miami Metro Zoo wants to buy this print from me.
Ok, ok, i'm just kidding.
But isn't it cool?
At this zoo you can feed the giraffes.
They come so close to your face, it almost freaks you out.
Loved the angle to this photo.
These creatures are just a beautiful and graceful up close as they look from afar.

Seventeen.

Two Baking Sisters.

Have you heard of them?
Have you been to one of their classes?
If you haven't, you need to. Really!
These two sisters will have you laughing the entire time.
Plus you learn really great and easy recipes.
Check them out.
www.twobakingsisters.com

Sixteen.

the twilight saga.

Did you see it?
My friends and i were there.
At the midnight showing.
We went big...
a room at the red rock.
pre and post party in the suite.
bajio flauta bar.
desserts galore.

i must admit, i did not read the books.
but i love the hype.
you know we will do this again in june for eclipse.

Fifteen.

Yellow.

Next to red, the color yellow is another favorite.
Fire hydrants remind me of when i was a kid.
Don't you remember when you wanted the firefighter to open it so you could play in the spraying water for hours?
Like in the movies.
I would still like to.
Anyone know a firefighter that would do this for me?

Fourteen.

My number two.

She is an absolute bundle of joy.
She is the best baby in every sense of the word.
I just love to cuddle her.
I just love to hug and kiss her.
How could you not love those chubby cheeks!

Thirteen.

Dogs vs. Puppies.

We've been married 4 years, we've had 3 puppies come and go.
I love dogs, or at least i thought i did.
I've come to the realization, that i really am not a puppy person, and i am ok with that.
It's the puppy stage that just puts me over the edge.
The chewing, peeing everywhere, neediness. I cringe just thinking about it.
I'm over them being oh so cute when they are puppies.
We've been watching this dog since my cousin has been out of town.
He's such a good dog, I'm glad.
We enjoy having him around.
Kate loves to play with him.
Maybe we will have a dog someday.
But not any day soon.

Twelve.

Texture.

I've been playing around on photoshop with texture.
Any ideas, tips and suggestions are welcome.
Thanks.

Eleven.

A picture of a picture.

This is my grandpa and grandma. [also known as bito and mamia]
I couldn't resist taking this [picture of a picture] to put in my photo library.
I love how my grandpa looks so proud of my grandma.
I love how his arm is around her.
I love how her hand is around his finger.
I love the little smirk on his face, one he still makes to this day.
I love how their feet are touching.
I love how this is exactly how i think of them now.
I love how they are so in love.

Wish i could go back in time and see them then.
I bet it would be a blast.
I bet i would laugh for hours at my grandpa and his silly jokes.
I bet i would envy my grandma even more than i do now.

I love you mamia and bito.

Ten.

Favorite.

A new favorite breakfast meal among my 2 year old.
A classic favorite.
Eaten "all gone."

Up until a few days ago all Kate would eat [or should i say drink] for breakfast would be milk, just milk. Don't judge me. I tried to feed her other things, but she was completely uninterested.
Well, while we were in Florida, she saw her cousins eating cereal for breakfast and jumped right on the bandwagon.

For the past few morning she wakes up and asks, "mama, i want cereal with milk."
We are making progress.

Hoping this will be a favorite for a while.
What do you eat for breakfast?

Nine.

Overexposed.

Love all the light in this photo.
Love the kid in this photo.
Love how the wind is blowing the hair off her face oh so softly.
Love her perfect skin.
Love the cheesy smile.

Just can't help but take pictures of this beauty.

Eight.

Not sure why i love this photo so much.
Maybe it's the simple but vibrant colors.
Maybe it's because only two of these posts are completely in focus and the rest are blurry.
And that reminds me of when i look at my husband [daniel] and all i see is me and him, and nothing else matters.
Maybe it's because it looks like it goes on forever. I like to think about forever..
Maybe it represents the two children we have now and the rest who are waiting to join our family, those we cannot quite see yet. (hum, don't think we'll be having that many kids)
Maybe it's just posts in the ground marking the parks' boundaries.

Do you like? Simple i know, but i like to make it a little more complex in my head.
How do you see it?

Seven.

This was home.
I was born in Miami.
Lived there til i was 14.
We lived in a few different areas, but at this house the longest.
Walked out to this view everyday for 8+ years.
Swam, boated, skied and tubed in this lake for as long as i can remember.
I can still go back and admire this view because my grandparents live in the same house i grew up in.
I will not be going in this water again. [no thanks to the Florida gators]
This tree was not as big back in the day, more like a stick.
I wish i could find a picture of what it used to look like.
I love this serene view and the memories it brings.

Six.

Art.
The Miami Children's Museum has an art gallery.
The kids can make anything they want with various pieces of randomness.
Imagination at it's finest.