Put Your Hands Together

I just need to take a moment to brag shamelessly about my amazing husband. Not only did he achieve fantastic grades this semester (all A's), but because of his amazing-ness he found out that he has earned a full tuition scholarship for next semester. Yay!!!!! Go Richard!

This is a wonderful blessing for our family, as we have essentially zero income (Idaho Falls Symphony doesn't count for much...)

There's a First Time for Everything...

Last night, on my way down to Idaho Falls for my symphony concert, it was snowing. Things were going pretty well, until I started fishtailing. Even though I have been told many times what you are supposed to do in that situation, I was still scared out of my mind! I think I may have tried to turn into the slide, but probably way too hard, and the fishtailing continued. Once the car actually started to spin, I decided to quit trying to adjust, and just wait for it to stop. I had been driving in the right lane, but ended up with my back bumper up against the cement median, facing almost backwards. FREAKY! Fortunately, there was an officer there within less than a minute, and he assessed the car, told me it was drivable, and had me pull to the other side of the freeway to fill out a report. He told me there were several more down the road, and that I actually did pretty well- hardly any damage. I ended up getting to the concert pretty much right when it was supposed to start, so I didn't have time to even look at the car. Once I did though, relief. Only a relatively small tear in the bumper, and some scratched paint. I drove MUCH slower on the way home. I wasn't speeding when it happened, but I probably should have been more cautious. Here's to new experiences!

Heywood Family Pics 2010

My sister, Marilla, did an amazing job in a very short time! It was freezing (as you can probably tell), and so we had to move fast! The first picture was from a photo shoot she did earlier at home. Normally I don't post shirtless pictures, but I had to make an exception. Notice my growing belly... this little fella is due 2 months from today!www.countyourblessingsphotography.blogspot.com (Marilla's new blog)

Crazy Craft Time

I saw a similar purse on Make It and Love It, and decided to give it a try. The only addition I made was pockets on the inside, as I like to have a place for my phone, keys, etc. Love this! Suggestion: If you plan on trying this, I recommend a thin sweater. Mine was thick, and very hard to sew on, especially with my not-top-of-the-line machine.

This little beauty was taken from u-createcrafts.com, and since I already gave it away, I can finally post it! The pin is a separate entry on the same site. I plan on making a couple more (hopefully starting today) for myself.

I saw these stockings also on u-create. I didn't follow their instructions exactly, but they are very similar. I made 4, as soon our family will be 4 big, and I also have extra fabric for future additions to the family! I lined them with muslin, and they have adorable red courderoy on the back. Instead of quilt batting, I used felt (much cheaper if you don't need a whole quilt bat). These are probably my favorite craft so far this year. They turned out beautifully, even if the display isn't the best!

It's a Heywood Halloween!

Trick or Treat!
I couldn't get him to smile, but you get the idea...

Halloween- I think (know) I was way more into it this year than Brady. I was planning on making a costume, but when it came down to it, Richard suggested we just put him in his Batman pj's- brilliant! So, I made him a cape and we bought this darling hat- to which I added some felt ears. He wouldn't keep the darn thing on, but it looked cute for a few seconds each time we put it on him! He felt like the coolest kid on the block walking around outside at night. He was totally strutting- so cute! The most hilarious thing was that he would yell at whoever opened the door at each house. "No, no, no, no!!!" I don't know why. He would always walk up and give the door one knock, say please (trick or treat wasn't happening), and the hang on to his candy. It was tough to convince him that he would see it again if he put it in his bag. Every time we told him to say thank you, he said (and signed) "thank you, mama" (coo-coo mama). It was hilarious! We still can't get him to take mama off the end. Anyway, Halloween was fun around here. On to Thanksgiving! Don't you love this time of year?

First Haircut

Finished product
In the works...

On October 1, 2010, Brady received his very first haircut by Grandma Allen. It was so sad to see all his cute curls go, but I must admit... he looks better this way. His curls were a lot like my natural curl- unpredictable. He looks like a big boy now. We were all very impressed with his behavior throughout the process. He was willing to sit there for about 15 minutes- after that he just kept saying "no, no, no" to my mom, and trying to crawl to the other side of the table. Oh well, it turned out great. From now on it will be Richard's job to cut his hair...

Crafty Projects

It just seems like Caramel Apples are a very Fall-y thing to do. They are easy and so delicious!
I stole this idea from the Sisterhood of the Crafty Pants

I do have more to share, but unfortunately, everything else I've been working on is for Christmas presents, so I can't post them yet! So, in a couple months...

I did make the placemat that the apples are sitting on (with my mom and sisters and niece- our Priesthood session crafty time), as well as the pumpkins behind them. It's just one of my favorite things to do in my spare time.

Brady's going to be a brother!

Obviously. He'd be that either way. Not only is he going to be a brother, but he's also going to have a brother! Another boy for the Heywood's! We are excited! I was completely convinced that it was a girl- don't know why. I could just picture all the crafty things I could make for her, I guess. So, it's a good thing it's a boy- I'll spend less money! I'd post the ultrasound pictures, but they aren't on the computer yet, and you'd probably have to take my word for it, anyway! Due Feb. 9th!

You Can't Win 'em All

Exhibit A: S'mores Brownies

Sounds awesome, right? Well, when you have to substitute 1/2 of the ingredients, you know you're in trouble. Add that to baking with a gas oven that you aren'e familiar with, and voila! You have this hideous thing. It didn't even occur to me that the broiler in a gas oven would be open flames! And while they still tasted OK, I think all who ate them agree that just plain ol' brownies take the cake any day. Exhibit B: Brown Sugar Muffins

These are so yummy! I've made them countless times since we got the recipe for our wedding. They are quick, easy, and awesome! However, for some reason, I haven't figured out baking in Idaho yet (hadn't... I've already shown significant improvement) and these monsters came out of the oven looking like Jabba the Hut. Richard and Brady sure didn't mind, but grrrr!

Exhibit C: The Cute Pumpkin Patch

Get me out of the kitchen, and in front of a sewing machine, and things started to improve. I was down in Utah at my sister's house, and she was making some similar pumpkins. I seriously COULD NOT WAIT until I could make some of my own! Yay, a project! Yay, cute fall decorations!
The whole patch of them, nestled snugly on our heater. I love them.

Who loves Disneyland? We do! We do!

My favorite picture of the day! (above) Isn't that the most precious thing ever? Back in January, our family put on 2 showings of a Variety Show Extraordinaire for some old folks, and earned ourselves free tickets to the Happiest Place On Earth. It took us a while to pull things together, but we were finally able to go this past Saturday. SO FUN! Due to the fact that I am expecting (yes, this is an announcement...) I couldn't ride some of my favorites. However, this was ok, since Brady couldn't ride them either. So, there were a couple that he and I sat out on, while the rest of the family rode on. (my favorite: Space Mountain...not a pregnancy friendly ride) I also sat out on Indiana Jones. Wa Wa. Brady had a fantastic time- expecially on the Carousel. He would shake his head when it started slowing down! He was such a trooper, and I am soooo glad we were able to take him with us.
I LOVE the look of total amazement that he gets sometimes.
L to R: Jacob (married to Kayla), Kayla, Bryan, Kristalyn, Morgan, Papa, Grandma, Richard, me. With Brady out front, of course.

He rode it 5 times, I think. Loved EVERY minute of it.

He didn't actually ride on the wing, please understand. That was just the ONLY place he would sit and be happy for a picture. For spending the entire day there, and not leaving until 11 p.m., he was remarkably well behaved. He took a quick little nap in the stroller in the afternoon, and then completely conked out at around 9:45 p.m.

P.S. Sorry for the late pregnancy announcement. I haven't been to the Dr. yet, due to our move, quitting my job, etc. I have an appointment next week, where I assume I'll get an official due date, and hope to find out the sex. We are estimating Feb. 12. Yay!

Irresistable

Back in the saddle again. (I mean, for the first time...) Check out his little monkey feet gripping as hard as they can! Priceless! This was just before the horse shook her head (as horses often do), and then he wanted OFF!!!

Someone's happy! This is his birthday giraffe that I got (for free, ahem) at a garage sale. Super squishy- just his style.
Conjunctivitis. Say that 5 times fast.

The rest are some adorable pictures from his birthday. Mostly for Grandma's sake, but they are here for all to enjoy. I know, he's adorable, and Marilla (my awesome sister) is amazing with the camera.

We're Official Idahoans Now!

Welcome to our new home! This is where we live... kinda. If you look on the right side of the house, you can barely see a little porch covering. This is over the stairs that lead down to our basement. So, we do live in this cute little house, or just below it, anyway.

This is what our sweet boy likes to do in our cute little basement several times, every single day. This isn't the only drawer he "helps" with, by the way. (The lid comes from a different cupboard, not pictured)
And this is the little squirt caught red-handed. He's not ashamed to eat off of the floor, with or without the 5 second rule. Notice the plate on the table? That's right, he snatched not one but 2 pieces of garlic bread and ate them both! What a stinker- gotta love him!

Brady is 1!!!

Our baby is one. Can you believe it? I made him a turtle cake, because turtles seem to be a theme in his life- not as random as it may seem. He knew exactly what to do- we sat him down to take a picture, and he dug right in! This cake was from his 1st of 2 birthday parties this year.

I made these cupcakes on his actual birthday. They were awesome. Devil's Food, with a peanut butter/marshmallow center, chocolate frosting, and PB cups on top. Can you go wrong with that combo? Um, no.

He needed a litte assistance to get going...

but in the end, he had it all figured out!

After we cleaned him up, my sister Marilla took some awesome pictures of him for his birthday. This is just one of many adorable ones. Happy Birthday buddy!

What We've Been Up To Lately

This past weekend my family had a reunion in Preston, Idaho. It was so fun to see almost everyone (one brother and his family weren't able to be there, except for their only son) and catch up. We had a flag raising ceremony (each family was asked to bring a flag representing their family), kick-ball game, tons of food, games, etc. We took family pics, as well at a house that has great backgrounds. That's where we found this John Deere lawn mower. Farmer Brady?
He's getting tired, but I thought he has a great look on his face.

So fun...

At Willow Park Zoo in Logan, UT

Me and Brady with the beautiful bald eagle in the back.

There are many posts to come, but for now, that's all you get. We are moving to Idaho right now, so life gets a little crazy. We'll miss friends and family at home, but this will be so great for our family. Happy 24th of July! I'll update again...soon.