my dear sweet brooklynn

brings the greatest happiness even in moments of complete melancholy. Most of you know my life has been pretty crazy lately, to say the least. The last two weeks were particularly challenging for me and it seemed like each new day brought another new challenge. Call me overly-sensitive, expecting too much or dramatic...I am just a woman with an endless fountain of emotions. Those emotions came to a strong peek last Saturday and I fell to my knees in the middle of my family room and literally sobbed like a baby (it was a much needed "good cry"). My sweet Brooklynn, who was contently playing with her house, walked over to me and put her head on my chest and her arms around me, and just stayed there for what seemed like an eternity! She knew mommy was sad and the only thing in that moment that could help dissolve the ache in my heart was EXACTLY what Brooklynn did. But how did she know? It was an unbelievable experience that I never want to forget. Her unconditional love, compassion, and appreciation was felt beyond belief and for that brief instance, I felt on top of the world! I absolutely love her with all of my HEART! And can't imagine our family or life without her tender spirit! She truly is a gift from God and a marvelous blessing!

happy 2nd birthday ANNA!

Last weekend we went up to Logan to celebrate my sister-in-laws 2nd birthday! She looked so cute and opened her gifts all by herself!

Because it takes her awhile to warm up to us I couldn't get a picture of her looking or smiling at me...I keep telling her that deep down I know she loves me!

As always it was a joy to see everyone (although we were missing dad, josh, cassie, and baby violet). Maybe some day soon we will all be together!

rub-a-dub-dub

There's nothing like a clean, yummy smelling, happy baby!

please tell me...

what makes a good friend?

and...

how can you tell who your true friends are?

auntie shayna

makes me laugh! I love her so much...she is the best!
And that Brooklynn's giggle can turn a frown upside down in no time...
so if you need a pick-me-up, just watch and listen to this.

why

is it that they NEVER perform when you want them to!?

P.S. this video was taken in her pre-walking days, but mommy and daddy were pretty excited that she could stand on her own...shortly after this video was taken, she took her first steps! Milestones...the best part of life!

rewind...

For those of you who were unable to join in the Brooklynn festivities a few weeks ago, this may help you feel more apart of the blessed moment. I have been meaning to post this video for sometime now since for whatever reason CAKE is the big thing at 1st birthday parties. Like I said, more cake made it onto her lap than actually in her mouth. Paul wished I had gone with just regular frosting, but I couldn't resist the cuteness of the cake.

so you think you can dance...???

Whenever Music comes on this is what Brooklynn does...sitting or standing...
It's so cute! Although she does get camera shy, so it's funnier live!

On a side note...Daddy got her ready this day...hair and all!

this girl

already has dozens of toys...

enough to fill her entire toy box and then some...

but what does she play with?

these...


pens, pencils, and highlighters!!

In the last hour I have taken away at least ten.

I have no idea where she keeps finding them.

Weird...they just mysteriously appear over and over!

I guess the things mommy uses are way more interesting than

everything in her toy box!

Really??

I can't believe Jason sent her home! Are you kidding me?

like daddy...

like daughter!

like mommy...

like daughter!

knock knock

Who's there???

well hello...

It's BROOKLYNN!

i heart day

For valentines day yesterday, Paul and I enjoyed a nice evening in (I am such a home body these days...although having a little one with a bedtime contributes significantly). Paul brought me home a dozen red roses-beautiful- and we had Outback Steakhouse take out and watched the movie Fireproof. Paul could not stand the cheesiness of the movie and I have to admit, although it had a great message the acting was quite embarrassing. We snacked on heart shaped Reeses Peanut Butter cups and just enjoyed each others company. For us it was perfect.

So a few of the things I just love...and couldn't do without:::

Love my Paul William....forever and for always.

and of course we love her:


My BFF... STEPHANIE...more than ever I am realizing what an unbelievable friend she is, how lucky I am to have her in my life, how much she has and does spoil me, and how high she has set the friendship bar in my world. Thank you for all that you are. I love you like a sister!

Being a Mom

Of course all my TV shows (you don't want me to name all of them...believe me)

My computer...a little sad I know...I'm admitting I'm an addict...can't live without it.

My bed...all I have to say is hallelujah...best purchase ever! And with that...my SLEEP.

The thought of warm weather.

FOOD... I'm a little picky, but there is still so much I love!

The seat heaters in my car.

Shopping...more for Brooklynn these days then me.

My scolding HOT showers...Paul can't stand the heat.

The Temple

My wedding ring...feel naked without it!

My Family...all of you: Ridley's/Poulton's/Giddings'

the sabbath

I had a wonderful opportunity to teach the relief society lesson today in our ward. It felt so good. The lesson, on missionary work, had been consuming my thoughts all week. Thanks to some guidance from my hubby and some great insight from my brother, Skyler, I think the lesson was a success.

The timing of this was no coincidence...just this last week we were fortunate to have one of Paul's reps in our home. He was intrigued about our LDS faith and asked some questions. It opened up into an amazing gospel discussion and one really late night (after 9:00 these days is late for me..haha). I was really grateful for the experience because it replenished me and ignited a flame to be better. I hope my lesson today afforded the ladies in my ward the same treat.

On a side note...it doesn't matter what time church is, the 3 hours always throws off Brooklynn's schedule. It's either nap time or feeding time. Gotta just endure...

daddy...

here i come...

pick me up please...

i wanna play too...

you're so amazing...

oh thank you for singing to me... i love you!

trying something new

I was getting bored with my background and couldn't find another I liked, so I decided just to mellow out and go more simple. My life needs a little more simplicity.

it's official...

We are going to...drumroll please...Houston, TX this summer! I am really excited. Hopefully it will be cooler than San Antonio because its closer to the coast, but I'm also keeping my fingers crossed that we don't experience any hurricanes. That would make for quite the summer experience I'm sure!

Paul is so pumped about his office this year. He's got so many quality guys and he's really excited about working with Mike, who is also very pumped! My brother, Ryan, will be coming with us too so it should be fun (well at least for Brooklynn and I).

Packing will be interesting as we will be taking off as soon as I finish my last final! (packing and studying...wow...I might be a complete mess) (Ironic how in the same moment I will become less stressed and busy, Paul becomes more stressed and busy!) Plus for those of you who don't know we are currently living in a condo on the third floor! So not fun for Paul to go up and down and up and down three flights of stairs! I'm apologizing in advance to anyone who helps him out (most likely the Alspach...good thing you guys are so strong!)

I invite all to come visit!

never a dull moment

Recent Giddings life has seemed a little crazy. Paul has spent his fair share of evenings lately drying my tears or listening to my frustrations after feeling overwhelmed, inadequate and completely exhausted. Good thing there is a light at the end of the tunnel though. My life right now in a nutshell...(sound familiar to anyone?)

lecture listener, test taker, paper writer, book reader, note taker, to-do list maker, cheerio giver, toy picker-upper, diaper changer, idol watcher, grocery shopper, party planner, gym goer, bed maker, Dr. taker, medicine giver, bill payer, dinner maker, laundry doer, house cleaner, early riser, blog poster, journal keeper, baby dresser, house shopper, bath giver, nail cutter, teething soother, active recruiter, picture taker, LOVE MAKER!

No wonder there never seems to be enough time in the day or enough of me to go around...Thanks to everyone for lending a helping hand to me. You have no idea how much it has meant. Especially my dear sweet husband for going above and beyond right now...his plate is just as full as mine! We need a vacation!

But this sweet girl lights up my life each and everyday and makes it all worth it!



P.S. She just sprouted tooth #6 (now she is looking a little more balanced and even), she still has her ear infections, and now she has a rash all over her body (most likely a reaction to her one year vaccines)...All the while she is still smiling!