Distractions

I have been neglecting my blog lately, but for good reason. Well a few good reasons.

First of all, Afton is a distraction. At times she will become absorbed in a project or activity but other times she wants me to be involved in all aspects of her play. She will hold my hand, drag me around, sit me down, read me stories, let me color on her paper, hold her while she has milk, etc. I cherish these moments but every once in a while I like to work on my own projects. 

One of which I have become obsessed with. Planning Afton's birthday party has taken over my life. Her birthday isn't until October but due to family conflicts and General Conference and a Marathon (which is also pink) I had to plan her party a couple of weeks early. (And I didn't realize until after a $25 deposit on the park that I planned it for the same day as the primary program practice). I'm a great secretary.

My next distraction is the photography class I am taking. I love it! I have learned a lot so far and can't wait for more! My camera is full of pictures but they are a mix of photos taken with different settings. (not great for the blog, except the pumpkins - they might end up on the blog) I wanted to take this class long ago but haven't been able to find something close to home. I finally found a college class in American Fork. The professor is a photographer and he's pretty darn funny!

I was hoping to post a preview of the party but let's just say there is a lot of pink! What better way to embrace the fact that I have a little girl! My mom is so proud of me! I think I'll even wear pink! I have been working on Brett but I'm pretty sure it's not going to happen. So for now, just think PINK and wonder about this paper! It has something to do with the party!

And...can you believe the picture at the top. Afton is the cutest little person I've ever known and I can't get enough of her. Daddy did her hair and I was more than impressed. He said his days of having long hair paid off! Hehe (he must have been so pretty)

I have also been attempting to work out as much as possible. My mom has been great to watch Afton while I run to Gold's and Brett and I are climbing whenever we can. Let me just say...I am out of shape. It feels good to work out again! 

Just a few things regarding Afton:

During dinner the other night Brett was trying to get Afton to eat a tomato and he tried reverse psychology on her and said "Should Daddy eat this tomato?" She looked at him and said, "Go for it!"

Afton knows the way to Grandma Watrous' house. As I approached the turn I had to stop for traffic and Afton thought I was going straight. She started to panic and yell, "Go that way, go that way!"

As we were cleaning the bedroom, Afton grabbed Daddy's book off the side table. She sat down, patted the couch next to her and said, "Come on mom, let's read a story!"

Afton is going through a black crayon phase. It's the only one she'll use.

Afton saw a spider on the kitchen floor, took off her flip flop and smashed it.  Hmmm... wonder where she got that? Dad usually lets them go outside.

When Afton gets tired she'll say she's ready to "go home, get a bottle of milk and take a nap". I'm so lucky she can communicate so well.

Afton is finally somewhat cooperative when it comes to barrettes. She likes looking at herself in the mirror and thinks she is 'cute' with her hair pulled back. I am hoping to slowly transition her to pony tail holders and we'll see what happens from there!

She loves to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (in a very loud voice)

Afton is a good helper and loves to 'cwean'. She will get the broom and sweep the kitchen (or living room), pick up toys, throw her treat wrappers in the garbage, help with the vacuum and many other things. Yesterday at Grandpa Tom's house she made a little cracker mess, grabbed a napkin from the lower cupboard and began to wipe it up. Apparently she just managed to move the crumbs around but the concept was there. :)

Afton has been referring to herself as a baby lately - I'm not sure if it has to do with the fact that I keep telling her she's such a big girl and she's going to be 2? The more I mention it the more she talks about the 'baby'. Tonight she said, "go get the baby bottle of milk mom pleeeeeaaaaasssse". Everything is baby. Hmmmmm

Family Photos

Family Photos

Family Photos

Family Photos

Family Photos

Home grown

Afton loves eating food from our garden. This year she's enjoyed watermelon, cucumbers, corn, tomatoes, carrots, strawberries, and zucchini. I love bringing in fresh food for dinner and we love picking raspberries and blackberries for smoothies or dessert!
Soon we'll have potatoes ready and those will keep in our garage all winter!

I am also loving these big brown eyes. Definitely just like daddy!

Early Mornings

When I say early morning I mean 'early' morning. 2, 3, 4, o'clock in the morning. That seems to be when Afton wakes up lately. She doesn't usually cry anymore when she wakes up. She just stands there saying, Mom? Momma? Mommy?. And of course my heart melts and I can't resist.

I find it amazing though that I can transition from a deep (much needed) sleep into being wide awake and on my feet! Sometimes she's fussing, getting comfortable, or dreaming about something wonderful (I like to think) but sometimes she just stands there softly calling for me.

I can usually change her diaper (unless she's wearing her panda p.j.'s because heaven forbid I take them off), get her a little milk and cuddle until she's ready to get back in her crib. She can put herself back to sleep but must need some reassurance before that happens.

She did have FOUR teeth poke through last week which would explain a lot but sometimes it's random and I find myself back in bed at 5:30 in the morning wide awake and exhausted (how is that possible) wondering why my hair was ruined (again) or how I am going to become a professional photographer.

No matter what time, there's no sweeter sound than that little voice calling out a name I thought I might never hear, Mom? Momma? Mommy?

I can't get enough!

Brett said the color pictures were much better so I added a couple to the bottom. Either way...

I can't begin to express how much I love this kid. She is amazing and I am constantly fascinated by her words and actions.
Lately she is big on kisses which I will gladly accept. I love everything about her and I am so lucky to be her mom!

Tracy Aviary

I love Tracy Aviary! It's somewhere I've been going for years and holds a certain nostalgia. The area, the surroundings, the experience, and the feeling inside the Aviary always remind me of the past even though I'm creating new memories.
I love creating new memories with Afton. Last year on our trip to the Aviary Afton had a group of goslings following along side her stroller nipping at her toes. Luckily she didn't remember.
This year Afton was happy to explore, investigate, and communicate in her own way with the birds she liked. One of which was the vulture. She was very concerned and talked to the bird. We spent quite a bit of time there.

Thanksgiving Gardens with Grandma and Grandpa Keetch

Thanksgiving Point Gardens is running a $2 Tuesday special through August. Grandma and Grandpa Keetch took advantage and invited us to come along.

It was beautiful and I found so many great spots to take pictures. I was really wishing I had my big camera with me but in all reality I was following a 1 year old and still managed to get a few good shots with my little digital.

Afton melted into her stroller for a bit (it was 90+ degrees) but after a while she perked up and wanted out! She loved running around the flowers and through the bushes and trees.

Halfway through our walk we came upon the children's area which Afton couldn't resist. There was a sandbox, a little stream, a million other kids, a maze, and plenty of other stuff to keep her occupied. She and Brett spent some time in the stream and when we finally continued on our way Afton was very unhappy!

During our walk Afton found a cute little bunny! We spent some quiet time watching and wondering.

Grandma and Grandpa Keetch found a nice little bench where they were able to cozy up for a while!

A lot of fun! Thanks for the invite Grandma and Grandpa!

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

1/2 cup butter
1 3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup sour milk (regular milk with 2 tbsp. vinegar)
2 1/2 cups flour
4 tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups grated zucchini

Mix first 5 ingredients well. Add remaining ingredients. Before baking, sprinkle top of cake with 1/2 cup each: chocolate chips. brown sugar, and or nuts.
Bake in 9x13 inch greased pan at 325 for 45 minutes!

Thanks for sharing Tiff!

Bear Lake

Bear Lake was a little strange this year. Everyone was scattered and we all seemed to be doing different things at different times. It was as windy as always and having Afton around changed the trip entirely for me.

Brett and I rented a condo this year. It was great. I packed Afton's blankets and bunnies and of course we had to have her Kipper DVD. When we were at the condo I didn't feel as stressed because Afton watched cartoons and was able to take care of herself a little bit. Once we got outside she was a hazard. I know I hovered the entire trip but everything seemed dangerous. The water, the fire pit, the sharp edges jutting out from the trailers, the cousins zooming by on their bikes, the hot grills, and a handful (at least) of other dangers lurked around every corner.

Halfway through the trip Afton fell off the monkey bars and landed flat on her back. As she hit the ground she somehow bit a hole in the middle of her tongue and was bleeding enough to really scare me. I scooped her up and carried her to camp. She was crying, breathing funny, and holding very still. We ended up giving her a blessing and taking her to a nice doctor who saw us after hours in his clinic. Afton had a bruised back and the doctor couldn't emphasize enough how lucky we were she didn't land in any other position. We finally got back to the room and she slept until about 5:30. I gave her more medicine and put her in bed with me. Even though I didn't really sleep much after that I was happy to have some snuggle time with my baby girl.

Afton took two naps on the boat and loved honking the horn and holding the steering wheel. She is a little fish just like her dad and didn't seem to mind the cold Bear Lake water. I didn't even get in above my knees! Oh well.

Right outside our condo there was a fun little bridge. Afton was drawn to it so I used it as a chance to work on my photography. I love taking pictures and am hoping to continue to improve my skills and get a new lens soon!
Hint Hint Brett! :)

The last day a few of us decided to go to a cave I have always wanted to visit. We drove through a beautiful canyon and once we arrived we learned the next tour wasn't until two and it was only 12:30. Brett and I didn't think Afton would last through the wait and then the tour so we wandered around, ate some lunch and left for home.
The girls had fun watching the chipmunks while drinking their blue sugar water (somehow Afton had a half full drink in her hand most of the trip - hmmmm)!

I made cookies!

I don't bake anything and my friends know this. Loni finally couldn't stand it anymore so she came over with her sister Jen's yummy recipe. We let the girls play while we made tons of these yummy chocolate chip cookies!
Thanks Loni and Jen!



1 lb butter (room temperature)
2 cups brown sugar (packed)
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp. vanilla
5-6 cups of flour
1 1/2 - 2 bags chocolate chips
2 cups nuts (optional)

Cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Add the rest of the ingredients. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes!