LOOK WHO'S..........

Got PIGGIES!
Ohh, she's so cute I could just eat her up =0). I love that big cheesy grin!!

Christmas trees!
We live in the land of Christmas trees, but somehow we still drive 1/2 hour away to a Christmas tree farm in order to cut one down. Friday we headed to Piper mountain with Brad's fam to get a real tree, YEAH. It brought back so many memories of doing this every year as a child. I miss my family, so this was the perfect thing. I LOVE that this time of year is SO full of traditions =0).

Sledding!

Gwen sat at this perch and ate crackers the whole time =0).

Poor Gwen was a little sad by the time we were done, but she was sure a good sport!

We have tons of snow this Christmas, and it has been so much fun! Yesterday was BEAUTIFUL weather. The perfect day to be sledding. We found a great hill for Liv. She was able to go down and walk back up all by herself! I really do love winter...and it's a good thing, because we get a LOT of it =0). Merry Christmas everybody =0)!!

I know...I know!!!

You have GOT to be sick of seeing "DELIVERY" every time you come to visit the BR Clan! I have no excuse=0).

But, just to update you....here are a few little interesting tidbits about US and our lives =0)...

• Gwen is WALKING!! She just started this week, and has since decided she wants to get into EVERYTHING! But she is so sweet and quiet about it, that it doesn't seem like it's a big deal...
• Liv made a few special Christmas Cards, some of which were too cute to give away. These are of 1. Mary Joseph and Baby Jesus....I love Mary's "Head Fing"...as Liv says, and Josephs hair =0). (It brings a smile to my face every time!) 2. Baby Jesus laying in hay with a moon in the sky. I LOVE her artwork, as you all know =0).
• It is Winter, and so you might as well know my least and most favorite things about Winter-
• MY LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT WINTER-----SOCKS!
• this is why my children wear tights instead of socks on most days
• just to illustrate why I dislike socks so much.....2 weeks ago I bought a new package of socks for both Liv and Gwen. This is a picture of the only remaining pair of socks----> (notice they don't match!) I don't know where they go, but the sad thing is I can't blame this phenomenon on my children. I really think it is me that looses them somehow!
• MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT WINTER-----BUNDLED UP KIDS!
• I didn't say I love the process of bundling them up, but I think they look SO adorable all bundled up in their winter clothes!
• Yesterday, I walked into the room to find this--->

Gwen had gotten up into this chair, with book in hand, all by herself and she was jabbering to herself.....reading just like her big sis =0)....She isacting SO BIG! Too cute =0)!

Delivery!

This is our new UPS man....

To clarify: Yes! I am really serious. He came by for the first time a few days ago, and I was very intrigued.... I've never seen anything like it before =0). SO, this time I had my camera waiting!

Hayley arrived
Beware of TONS OF PICTURES
My good friend Amy had her baby a couple of weeks ago... So, Liv and I celebrated by inviting her older daughter Lily over for the day. We had such a good time together, I had to post all about it. I figure, this will give Amy a chance to see what we did all day, and get some pictures, and it will give all of my friends and family who live WAY TOO far away, a good idea what some of our favorite activities are...and a good chance to see all of our SNOW!!

First we headed to the play gym. We go here at least once a week. Our City has a large basketball gymnasium, where they put out TONS of kids toys every weekday morning. As you can see, the girls had a blast. Even Gwen loves it.
Then we came home to play in our 15+ inches of snow!! It was a beautiful day to be outside, it really wasn't one bit cold with our coats on....and not a bit windy. I pulled the girls around on a sled, then they played on our neighbors swing set....

Just a side note: Liv has really pretty much gotten over her "putting everything in her mouth" phase.....However, something happened when the snow came down...while we were playing, she was licking snow off of nearly every surface! This is her licking it off the slide, about 2 minutes later, she was licking it off of the swing too =0). Lilly had fun throwing snow at us. She would do it and then laugh and laugh
Once we were all exausted, we had some hot chocolate to warm up, and then I let the girls have some quiet time watching a show. They were so cute cuddled up under their blankets. (Mom, do you notice the bear you gave Liv 2 years ago for Christmas.... He has been resurrected, he is her new LOVE! She named him Brownie, and he plays a role in all of her adventures! By the way, we love you!)

Hands and toes too--


Today Liv and I were drawing, and she asked me what she should draw. I told her to draw U-Gary, A-Bridgette and cousin Nora. When she was all done, I came over to see what she had drawn, and discovered that her people are now complete with bodies, arms, legs, hands feet....even TOES! I know I am bias =0), but I am totally impressed! I actually think I could have guessed who they all were if I didn't already know... Bridgette's short curly hair would have given it away.

Here is a picture of the real deal--

P.S. She informed me that this is Gary's mad face.....this has nothing to do with my being able to tell who she had drawn, but I must say he does look a bit mad =0). In her drawing that is.

Anatomy

Liv has been asking me the names of all the little bumps and lumps on her body, like her collar bones, etc. You'll have to watch this one to see our most recent body part....don't worry, it won't make you squirm =0).

Creativity

I have been thinking a lot about the idea of "Creativity" lately. Just in time, to go along with my thoughts, my friend Annie wrote this quote in LoveLife magazine--

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." -Pablo Picasso

I love this idea, and have been paying attention to the "artist" in the children around me. Tonight we went to another UMaine hockey game. Only this time it was different. We went with Paula's grandchildren, Greta and Ezra. This meant I got to skip to the game & sing the Star Spangled Banner with Greta, Dance as I cheered and make 5 trips to the concession stand. It was probably the most fun I have had at one of these games (which means a lot). With my own girls, I have noticed how much I love doing kids crafts like a kid. I LOVE to color outside the lines, paint a tree the wrong colors, and make worms with playdough!

Now, my goal is to adapt this new creativity into my adult art forms. Think in a new light. As an artist, I have ALWAYS drawn realistic pictures, taken a picture of exactly what is there. My goal is to make it my own. Play with the reality of it and make it something new to me. We'll see how it goes. I want to let go a little bit of my perfectionist side, and grab onto the creativity of my childhood.

Words of Wisdom

Many of you may take your fortune cookie fortunes seriously, but many of you may not. Brad and I took our girls to "Happy China" today for lunch. These fortunes just may change the way you look at fortune cookies for the rest of your life...

Our fortunes from youngest to oldest-->

Gwen: You are about to become $5.95 poorer, 7.95 if you got the buffet.

Liv: It could be better, but its good enough. (I could use some insight into this one)

Betsy: You need professional help

Brad: Q: What is red and smells like pork?
A: Sweet and Sour Pork.

There you have it folks, I hear fortune cookies are as accurate as the Chinese Birth Calendar..... How do they do it?!?!?!

The Adventures of Jimmy Gourd, and Jerry Gourd
It all started when I was out last week, and Brad was home with the girls. I came home to an ever-so-enthusiastic Liv, who was eager to show me her two new friends, Jimmy Gourd and Jerry Gourd. They were created by Brad, which made them that much more popular. (Many of you probably recognize our new housemates from Veggie Tales).

Anyway, for the last week Liv has been playing with her two new friends. She chatted with them at breakfast (their home was her little table). They colored with her, they were great company. The problem started, when it came time to prepare our part of the Thanksgiving Feast: Cranberry Sauce, Stuffing, and SQUASH. Liv was distraught. It went something like this.

Liv: MOMMY, that's Jimmy Gourd and Jerry Gourd! Mommy, Daddy made those!

Me: Yeah, I know..... =0( (trying to think of what I am going to tell her)

Liv: But what are you doing with them? Does Daddy know you are doing that to his Jimmy Gourd and Jerry Gourd, Bets?

Me: Yes Daddy knows... We have to bring them to Nana's house for our special dinner.

Liv: (As I finish washing them off, and begin to cut them, and then throw them in boiling water) (pretending to be Jimmy Gourd and Jerry Gourd) AAHHH, OUCH! THAT HURTS!! OUCH OUCH AHHHHHHHHHH OUCH THAT SHARP FING HURTS ME! OUCH!

Me: (All I can do is laugh)

Liv: (Still destraut, and a little bit confused)

Who knew it was more sad to eat two squash, than a turkey!

Fresh Cranberry Sauce

Ooh, this is so yummy! It is my sister Angi's recipe, and you definitely need to adopt it into your Thanksgiving feast!

1 bag fresh cranberries
1 apple, cored and quartered
1 orange, peeled and quartered
about 1/2 -1 cup sugar (to taste)

Put the cranberries, apple, and orange in your food processor, process and then add sugar to taste.

Thats it! Easy, and DELICIOUS! We even ate it last night on Pork Chops, and it was a hit!

Happy Eating!!

Traditions

Okay, so as of today, both of my sisters are home at my parents house for the Thanksgiving Holiday. I really wish I was there, and I am feeling homesick. SO, I have decided that I need to start planning something festive. What are some of your FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS??

Some that I have heard-

• On Thanksgiving day, write letters to members of your family telling them why you are thankful for them, put the letters inside their Christmas stockings.
• Have a Thanksgiving table clothe, each year have everyone write what they are thankful for on it.-- Thanks to the Tews, and the Rolands.
• Have a Pie night the night before Thanksgiving, everyone brings a pie and you eat until you can't eat any more, that way on Thanksgiving day, you don't miss out because you are too full =0).

I can't wait to hear what YOUR favorite holiday traditions are!!

Still the same old DADI came across this picture of my dad playing baseball in High School. It speaks volumes about my father. He is still the same guy. Not afraid to be the only one wearing jeans, and his everyday shoes while everyone else is decked out in their baseball specific attire. It is probably just as likely that he forgot to bring his uniform as it is that he didn't buy one.

Here are some of my favorite "Frugal Dad" moments from my childhood-

1. When we went on road trips (i.e. every summer we would drive 24 hours to Utah to visit Grandparents, etc.) if we ever asked for a special drink at the gas station, he would bring us back "ice juice." a.k.a. water, that is after he told us how the Indians used to suck on rocks when they were thirsty. (I am laughing, almost crying as I type this, I hope you think it is even a little bit funny =0)..)
2. Him Duct taping everything together to make it last longer.... including the side view mirror on his truck.
3. He made/fixed almost everything, and if he didn't already know how to do it, he would learn.
4. He has never passed up a pile of free dirt, rocks, manuer, fill in the blank on the side of the road. No matter what he is wearing, he fills up the back of his truck with the golden item, and puts it to good use.

I know there are more, that I just can't think of right now... Angi and Kari, you will have to remind me of some of your favorites, and thanks Angi for the picture =0).

Boston
We had a little mini trip this weekend. Brad had Friday off, and we headed down to Boston. We had planned to spend the afternoon in Salem, Mass. -- Home of the Salem Witch trials. We got there, went to the visitors center, and decided it was too scary for Liv. SO, we went on a walk around Salem. It was such a neat, well kept, old city. Full of great old architecture, quaint little shops, and this dry fountain. We played here for at least an hour. Liv jumped around and let her little imagination run wild. She orchestrated a whole little world here. As it began to get dark, we headed over to a little soup cafe that had been featured in FOOD magazine, it was SO YUMMY! Especially since our hands and noses were cold from the crisp fall air. Saturday, we took the girls to a babysitter while Brad and I went to the Boston temple (I was so proud of myself for actually finding a babsitter in a town where we really know no one....I called the Young Woman's president in the ward of the Boston Temple, and VwaLLAaAa a cute little teenager who was SO happy to watch my munchkins). Being in the temple is always such a peaceful experience =0). After we picked up the girls, we went to a wonderful little Indian restaraunt, called Kashish. Being a Chicago girl at heart, I do miss the variety of tastey food, and good shopping that is available in a big city. We took advantage while we could (the food, not the shopping.) These are really the only pictures I took, although I must admit I was salivating at all the awesome "backdrops" in Salem, but I opted to play instead =0).

I used to be Crabby =0)

One of the things that really attracted me to blogging in the first place, is the idea that I could use it as a journal. I guess this way of keeping track of memories is why I love blogging. As I think of it, that is also a HUGE reason why I love pictures. Just another way to hold on to the precious moments in life. Even with the hundreds of pictures I take each month, I have only ever looked back at months past and thought, "I wish I had taken more pictures" =0). This will make complete sense to some of you, and seem crazy to others. Anyway, all of this is to say, this is the first time I am posting with the idea that what I am about to say is a true Journal Entry.
About a month ago, I went to church looking for something. I really missed my family, and I had developed a complaining spirit about me, and didn't realize it. Our Relief Society lesson was on Gratitude that day. A real answer to my prayers. I really felt this principle speak to me. The teacher is a mother of 5+ children, all grown, except one who is in High School or Junior High (I'm not sure). She is now raising many of her daughters children. Until recently, they did not have a car. She spoke of how grateful she was for A, B, C... (A whole list of things). She spoke of looking at our lives and seeing our blessings. What a perfect lesson for this month of Thanksgiving. I left that day feeling inspired, and full of gratitude. I have SO many blessings, I was just crabby because I was looking at them as, how it would be better if... or I wish... I have been counting my blessings, and it has made all the difference!
This goes right along with President Eyering's talk about keeping a journal of God's hand in our lives(If you don't know what I am talking about, I can get you a copy of this talk...it is very good).
I am so grateful for this time of year when we focus on our blessings....the perfect introduction to the next season, where we celebrate the birth of Christ...the greatest blessing of all!

Happy Holidays =0)!

Vignette-

Okay, for a long time, I have been trying to figure out how to create a vignette in Photoshop. I have tried a million ways, and haven't been happy with any of them. Well, I found one I like, so I thought I would pass it along =0). Here is the link=0)

Today...

I started singing Christmas songs with Liv... I am really feeling the Christmas spirit this year! I can't wait to pull out all of my decorations =0).

An Elephant and a Peacock.....
Wish you a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

I couldn't let you miss out on the cutest little trick or treaters I've ever seen! We had a great Halloween week. If you haven't noticed, I love traditions, and Halloween is full of them around here. We went to the annual Trunk or Treat on Friday night at the church, and then Sunday we made home made doughnuts. Today I had preschool at my house first, we read all kinds of Halloween stories and finger painted pumpkins. Then we went to a friends house for a dinner of WORMS, FLAKY SKIN, VAMPIRE DELIGHT, and BEEDY LITTLE EYES!! OOOh Tastey! Then it was off trick or treating! What fun! I can't wait to see everyone's costumes on the blogs!

P.S. I have to say that I was a bit shocked at how realistic the "Fake" wounds are now days.... I almost got sick looking at a couple of beat-up princesses that came a knocking tonight!

P.P.S. Liv got really into Halloween this year and dressed up as 3 different things! an Elephant, a princess and an Indian. She also discovered her FAVORITE candy is YORK PEPPERMINT PATTIES! So Cute!And this one for old times sake!

(notice Liv's hair fit into 5 different ponytails for the occasion....Gwen's doesn't even fit into 1....=0)

A world full of words

Ever since we started Preschool, Liv has been introduced to a whole new world full of Letters and Words. She has always been IN LOVE with books, and now she is in love with the idea of writing and reading. I really love watching my girls learn new things. It is very exciting to experience the thrill of it together. Everywhere we go, she points out letters on signs or shirts, etc. And she is just so pleased with herself (SO CUTE!). Liv and I spend a lot of time writing letters. I write them and she copies them. Here is her message from us to you. I think she is doing a pretty darn good job!

Apple Picking and Applesauce

We have been waiting for the apple orchards to open up for picking dropped apples. This week was the week. We went and sorted through the drops to find the good ones...aka any that were not mush. That makes it sound really gross, but actually I kind of liked it and most of them were in good shape. It was a gorgeous day and a beautiful setting and the girls were great while we did it. Liv climbed trees (SHHH don't tell the owner =0)..)
and Gwen Ate...
and Ate...

and Ate...She was a definite fan of her endless supply of apples =0).
After We picked we spent the morning making apple sauce. I love to do things that make me feel festive. Apple Sauce was definitely one of those things. I love Autumn =0).

Maine-IACS!It's that time of year again!! University of Maine Hockey had their first home game last night. We WON.. and thanks to our good friend Paula, we had GREAT SEATS for the game. We had a great time. I LOVE HOCKEY, and I LOVE Maine Hockey FANS! My adrenaline is going right now! Just thinking about it, seriously!

Here we are with Gary Bridgette and Paula, Thanks for the picture Bridgey!

Oats, Oats and More Oats

Today We went down to Camp to use Brad's Mum's nifty Mylar bag sealer. The drive was SO BEAUTIFUL, I had to stop and take a picture of my little WIDE MOUTHED FROG =0). The Leaves are definitely at peak now, and it really is just amazing. Anyway, this picture of Mum and Bridgette holding Space Food (as Bridgette dubbed it) is actually all of the bulk rice, oats, and flour we sealed. And now it is neatly organized in my basement. I must say it feels great to know I have a little bit of an emergency stash.... My hope is to become entirely self sufficient so that I don't EVER have to go grocery shopping again. (Yeah right!... But isn't that a wonderful thought!)

Today I...

• only wore one contact (the world is a little fuzzy)
• Swept under the table 4 times (Gwen is a messy eater)
• Arranged a babysitter for tomorrow night
• Burnt my pumpkin spice candle
  
• Got my new veneer (aka, kind of like a crown)
• Cleaned my bathrooms
• Cuddled with Liv until she fell asleep
• Tore down some of the wall paper in our bathroom, the only room left to do!
• Had my head massaged =0), and my hair played with =0)
  
• got a new hair color, and a new cut

BR Photos

I have been trying to decide what to do about my photography blog. I know I haven't updated it in a very long time. Just to let you know...Today, I updated it with pictures from a recent session.

Happy looking =0) -Betsy

Weekend Away
Brad and I had a treat this weekend. He was a Groomsman in his High School buddies wedding. We had to go down to the festivities, starting Friday Afternoon, and then the wedding was late afternoon on Saturday. So, we got a babysitter all day Friday, overnight and all day Saturday! Even though our weekend was more booked with wedding activities than we had planned, we really had a great time together, and it was a special treat to only have to worry about each other. Friday, we went to Freeport Maine and shopped, ate lunch at a sushi bar, and then Brad treated me to my first manicure (it was Brad's idea).... I think I might be hooked! Then we went to the rehearsal dinner and then out with all of the wedding party. Saturday morning, Brad left me to go go carting with the boys, and I slept in (yes it really is as wonderful as it sounds!) and hung out with the Bride and the bridesmaids while they got ready for the big event.
I did catch up with the boys as they got their pictures taken on the roof of our 14 story hotel!
I met up with Brad's parents and Bridgette and Gary just before the wedding. Here we are on the trolly, which took us from the Hotel to the church.
Me and my handsome husband...
This is the only picture I have of the bride and groom. Ben and Samantha

They really had an amazingly well planned reception and a beautiful wedding ceremony. For desert, we ate Bananas Foster. They dimmed the lights and the waitors carried their trays out flamming and did some kind of fire throwing extravaganza.... pretty awesome!