April Projects

I did some really fun projects this month! As usual, I didn’t finish everything that I wanted to but that just means I have a good start on a few of my projects for next month.

I decided to make something for our bedroom wall like THIS ONE I did for Nathan’s room last month. The pictures don’t do it justice. I just painted some Ikea frames gold and framed this beautiful fabric. I love it!

A few months ago I won THIS beautiful bag in a giveaway. I love it and carry it when I am out by myself  but it’s too small to tote all of my junk to church (I mean Nathan’s junk) so I decided to make myself another, bigger one. This should have been an easy project (the pattern even said”sew easy” bah!) but I made so many mistakes. This bag was the reason that I only completed two projects this month. If I ever make more, I think I will finish them in a flash now that I know what not to do. Anyway, it was SO worth it! I love this bag!

And speaking of projects, check out this beautiful blanket my Mother-in-law made us!

I picked out the color and pattern before Ryan and I got married thinking it would go in our bedroom. Little did I know she would finish it just in time for me to add burgundy to my living room. My yucky, old loveseat seems like a completely inappropriate place for such a work of art, but this way Ryan and I can snuggle in it while we watch TV. Thanks Mom!

On the Move

I realized that Nathan has been walking for over 2 weeks and I didn’t have any video to prove it so I took this video today. He’s getting really fast! He got mad at the end because I wanted him to walk to me but he wanted me to stay still so I could pay attention to him. Life is tough.

Nathan Walking from Ryan Bartron on Vimeo.

The Luck of the Irish?

I’m not sure what to make of this, but I won another giveaway! What’s going on? Not that I’m complaining! Giveaways are  just an added bonus to blogs that I already love! This particular blog, Sarah Tells It Like It Is always gives me a great laugh and a fresh perspective on life. Thanks Sarah!

Peanut, Peanut Butter and Jelly!

Okay, those of you who know me know that I LOVE peanut butter. I could probably eat a peanut butter sandwich for lunch every day. What can I say? I’m a kid at heart. Unfortunately, Nathan gets PB & J for lunch a lot too. Not that it’s a bad thing. Especially with homemade strawberry jam . . .  mmmmm . . . . sorry. I digress. Anyway, I want to lose weight, and I hate feeding him a peanut butter sandwich every single day. I’m not looking for a total lifestyle makeover, but I’m wondering—does anyone have any delicious, kid-friendly lunch ideas? Nathan and I would love some variety.

Isn’t this the most random post?

Lucky Me!

I won a giveaway from the amazing Kristin at                                  www. miymdiary.blogspot.com. Kristin is a stay at home mom, just like me and she’s always making super-cute things for her home and family. She’s so talented! And she's also teamed up with Laura, another talented "make it yourself mom". My head is spinning with ideas for my fabric.com gift card. Look out May, I’m coming at ya with a ton of projects to accomplish!

Moving is Hard

No, we aren’t moving again. At least not right now. And if we do move again, it won’t be far. Not for a few more years.

I’m thinking about all the moving I’ve done in the past. It’s tough. Packing and unpacking, searching for a new place to live, spending money on rental trucks and security deposits. The biggest casualty for me, though, is that I don’t ever get the opportunity to make friends. Since we’ve been married, we have moved out of state, to a new place we had never been before, every single year. Consequently, I am lucky enough to know a lot of wonderful people all over the country. People who I know genuinely care about me and are interested in how my family is doing. And I have had the opportunity to meet some really amazing women here in Oregon as well. But I’m freaking out a little bit because usually this time of year I start thinking, “looks like we’re going far away in a few months. Time to start pulling back so I don’t feel too sad when I leave all these great people.” I kind of feel like I missed my opportunity to make friends here, because usually I only have a few months to make it count.

Don’t get me wrong, I have some great friends. But having girlfriends, right where you live, and being able to make connections with them that take time, that’s something every woman needs.

So, sorry for moping. I hope I haven’t made any of you sweet, sweet women feel like I don’t consider you a friend. You have all done so much for me. Thank you! I just needed someone (or the entire internet) to “talk” to about how I’m feeling. Can you tell it’s been a while since I’ve interacted with other adults?

Nathan's Story

Nathan's Story from Ryan Bartron on Vimeo.

This went on for at least 10 minutes, complete with dance moves and hand gestures. I really don't know where he gets the need to tell long, dramatic stories. Really.

1 Year Stats

We went to see Nathan's doctor today. Here's what we found out:

Height- 31 inches (83%)
Weight- 24 pounds (67%)
Head circ.- 19 inches (92%)

No wonder I have knots in my back!

Easter 2010

We had a nice, low-key Easter this year. Partly because of General Conference, and partly because we were still recuperating from Nathan’s wild party. In fact, I think we all stayed in our jammies all day. Ryan’s parents are still in town so we got to celebrate with them.  Nathan opened his Easter basket in the morning and we had a lovely Easter dinner. It was such a nice day!

What Happens When Nathan Eats Sugar

When Nathan Eats Sugar from Ryan Bartron on Vimeo.

Nathan's First Birthday Party

Yesterday was jam packed with party fun for Nathan's first birthday! We got to celebrate with lots of family! My parents and Jesse and Leslie came down from Washington for a few days and Ryan's parents drove all the way from Idaho to be here. They get to stay another week! The day started with a few small presents in the morning just to get Nathan in the party mood.




He had a baseball themed party in the afternoon. It started with a Wii baseball tournament. Ryan was the winner, but his mom came in a close second. Nathan rested a bit while we competed so I can't blame my poor baseball playing on the baby pulling on my leg or needing my attention. Darn.

After Wii baseball and crackerjacks (Leslie also played "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" on the keyboard) we had hot dogs for dinner. Unfortunately, we had a ton of rain, and even hail, so Ryan had to brave the weather to grill for us.





Of course, after dinner he had presents! Nathan got a little overwhelmed at all the attention (can you blame him with 2 video cameras and 4 cameras and a camera phone in his face?), but once he got some toys opened, he got really excited! Nathan is now the proud owner of an airplane, a rocking doggy, and a race track, amongst other things. He is such a lucky boy! We got him a bike trailer and a helmet so we can go on family bike rides this summer.





(Not sure what Ryan and I are doing in this picture)

Cake time! Nathan got his very first cupcake, and he loved it! It took him a few minutes to figure it out (the frosting felt yucky between his fingers) but once I showed him that frosting tastes good, he dove right in and ate the whole thing. He also tried a bit of Daddy's ice cream and liked the flavor, but not the cold. All that sugar hit him pretty hard and he became a little party animal. I've never seen him so wild! I think he had a good birthday!

1 Year Old!

Today our sweet Nathan turns one! I could write a book about all the cute things he does, all the new things he’s learned, and all the joy he brings to us every day. Here’s just a few highlights:

Even though he waited a long time to get started, Nathan is finally getting teeth. He has three right now with a fourth about to make an appearance. He uses those teeth to eat anything and everything he can. He especially loves graham crackers, bananas,  yogurt and peas.

Nathan loves to talk. He says a lot of words in his language, but in English he knows “uh-oh”, “bye-bye/baby”, and “ball”. And of course “Mama” and “Dadda”!

Nathan isn’t walking yet but that’s not stopping him from getting around. He’s a super fast crawler and a great climber. He begs to climb the stairs but he doesn’t know how to get back down yet. We have a lot of baby gates up around the house. He’s also getting really good at standing all by himself.

Nathan has such a sweet personality. He really is the best boy ever. He loves to give kisses, when he’s in the right mood. He’s developing a great sense of humor too. He’s started tickling us and he definitely knows when he’s being funny. Nathan loves all things “boy”. He loves cars, and balls, and dogs. He’s amazingly observant and notices always notices the little things. Lastly, the boy can dance! He’s got some great moves and he knows how to use them! He makes us laugh every day.

Happy Birthday, Bubba!

 

Brand new Nathan

One month old

Two months old 

Three months old

Four months old

Five months old

Six months old

Seven months old

Eight months old

  Nine months old

Ten months old

Eleven months old

One Year Old

We have an action packed weekend with a birthday party, General Conference, and Easter, so stay tuned for lots of pictures!