Sweet Lil' Olivia

One year ago today, Little Olivia joined our familyShe is a little sweetheart and has wrapped us tighter and tighter around her little fingerShe has such a darling personality and loves her brother and sister

She loves to be with Mom! She is starting to relax and love to be with Dad!She is the Gerber baby, I've been told, oh, so many timesWhat would we ever do without our Sweet Livs?
HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY!!

Merry Christmas

This year was so fun for us as our kids are getting to the age where they look forward to Christmas from Halloween on. This year we made a chain counting down the days a few days before Halloween. There were more than 70 chains...it took forever to make and to get through but was so much fun. And on every chain was something we could do or look forward to.

On Christmas morning, Brad and Olivia were awake, he was reading while she was drinking a bottle in the room across from Brylie and Brody's room. When the kids woke up, he heard the doorknob jiggle and then saw Brylie streak past toward our bedroom. When she didn't find Brad, she ran back to the room where he was reading with Olivia and said, "Dad, SANTA!!" and then she ran into our bedroom where I was still asleep and came over and said to me, "Mom, SANTA!!" Brody wasn't to far behind her and our Christmas morning was in full force! We were very blessed and had a wonderful Christmas!!Both kids got a bike from Santa...Brody's may be a bit big but isn't everything at his age?
Grammie and Pops give every grand kid on their first Christmas a build a bear. Olivia got a longhorn cow in memory of her Texas roots. She loves it! How do you like her teeth?

A delicious meal...

...if I don't say so myself! I'm not that great of a cook compared to Brad but unfortunately, I'm the one who does it most of the time so when I found this recipe and it turned out to be really delicious, I wanted to share it. I got it from this blog I really like because she figures recipes out after eating food at restaurants. I changed a few things to suit my family and our tastes. And I can't wait for lunch...it's leftovers for me today!!

Masaman Curry Chicken

1 can Masaman curry paste (you will have to get this at your Asian market)
3 Tbs. vegetable oil
2 cans coconut milk
1/2 tsp. ginger (you can use fresh, I just used the powder)
2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
2 Tbsp. brown sugar (packed)
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 onion, sliced thin
1 lb. chicken sliced VERY thin (I used partially thawed chicken from the freezer.. it was really easy to slice thin)
4-5 medium potatoes, peeled, cubed
2 carrots, peeled, sliced
1-2 Tbsp (heaping) peanut butter (crunchy or creamy.. doesn't matter)
1/2 c. peanuts
Rice, cooked

Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan or wok over medium heat. Stir in curry paste; cook and stir for about 2-3 minutes (make sure your windows are open and a fan is blowing.. this stuff is STRONG). Add 1 can coconut milk and stir until well blended. Add ginger, cilantro, sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and Worcestershire, bring to a boil. Add onion and chicken then reduce to a simmer. When chicken is white and cooked through (about 5 min or so) add another can of coconut milk and bring back to a boil. Add remaining ingredients (except for the rice) and stir until everything is well mixed. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes--until potatoes aren't crunchy in the middle. Serve hot over rice.

The only thing I would do differently is add the coconut milk before the chicken and all the vegetables with the onion and chicken...that way it doesn't take forever to cook the veggies all the way. It was a little thick from simmering for so long. But way delicious!! Enjoy!

Halloween

Here are some pictures at our trunk or treat. We won the family costume prize! It was a gift card to Cold Stone Creamery which we used as fast as we could!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

I can't forget to mention...

So Brad's been out of law school for almost 4 months now and finally we got the word from the Texas Bar Association...HE PASSED THE BAR! And now can finally practice law. It's so nice that after 2 1/2 long grueling years of school, he can now use his knowledge.

We are so proud of Brad for working so hard and being such a great dad and husband! And know that he'll be an equally great lawyer! Love ya Brad!!!

Our Trip to Utah

This last weekend we were able to drive down to Utah and visit some family. We had such a good time and it was so nice that we could actually drive in a day to where our family lives. We spent Saturday with my side of the family and Sunday with Brad's side. It was so fun to see everyone and to catch up. The kids played like they hadn't been apart and our conversations picked up right where they left off. We are so lucky to have such great families! The only part about living in Denver that we are sad about is being this far away from family. But this trip confirmed to us that the distance is very doable.

Here is a little video of Olivia laughing...she hasn't really laughed until now which is why I was so giddy. Excuse my nerdiness and enjoy the awesome video!

The first couple of nights we stayed at Shay and Chelsea's house! It was so fun to hang out and catch up! I had to rethink if I really loved Colorado enough to be away from family...it's a tough call. We missed Paige, Matt and Abby and hope to be able to see them soon! We were able to see Griff and Kate for the first time after they were married! They are darling and it was so fun to spend some time with them. We laughed until we (I) cried and had a lot of fun together! Thanks for letting us stay with you guys! It was so good to see you!!!

It's always a treat to watch the BYU game in the Gunnell theater! Even though BYU lost, it was a pretty good game against TCU. Then on Sunday, we had a delicious dinner at the Bairds and got to see Melissa and Steve for the first time in a year! We also got to see Amy and David, Danny and Mary and kids and the Bairds, of course.

We spent the chilly Monday morning in the hot tub! The kids loved being able to swim although they aren't very good or confident with swimming. It was fun to see the steam coming off their bodies when they got out. Thanks Bairds for such a fun sleepover and delicious dinner!!It was really hard to get into the car and drive away from those we love and miss living near! Thanks for such a wonderful trip everyone!! We sure love and miss you all!!

A different look

So after that last post, I noticed that we usually do Olivia's hair up which changes her look completely! And for those of you who don't get to see Livi on a regular basis, you need to see her different look. She's like another baby! Either look, I LOVE HER!!!

The cutest face...

Even with a snot factory, this little baby is the cutest thing! She has the funnest personality!! She'll give you a little cheeser rain or shine...even when she's about to cry or crying. She now has 2 teeth on the bottom and is crawling! And her hair is getting so light, she now matches her siblings. Except for her mop on top which is atleast 4 inches longer than the rest and 3 shades darker. We are so proud of her! I can't believe she's so big! We love her so much!!!

The tour

Brody Boot Cassidy

We have been teaching Brody answers to questions like "How old are you?", "What is your name?", things like that and Brad will often ask to remind him. Lately, I've been working with him to say both his first, middle and last name. The other day we asked him what his name was and when he said "Brody", I said, "Brody Gunnell?" and he said "No, I'm Brody Boot!" We have no idea where this came from. He does wear his boots to church and they mention it to him on occasion. This has evolved now so when you ask him what his name is, it's Brody Boot Cassidy.

Olivia is so close to crawling it's crazy! We have wood floors so she slips all over the place and frequently bonks her face on the floor...good thing she doesn't have teeth yet!

Brylie is getting so big! I think if they would let her, she could go to kindergarten and do well (although I don't think she's emotionally ready to leave her mom and dad, her brother or her sister). We aren't ready to let her go. I am actually quite glad that she still has 2 more years.

Brad is really liking working! He tells me all the time how nice it is to get something done that he doesn't have to remember for 3 months for the final. I think they are glad they've got him too. Thank goodness for a good job especially in these tough economic times!
And I am enjoying getting settled! It's nice to know where our stuff is and I hope to be a little more organized the next time (and hopefully the last time) we move. I love being home with the kids and hearing the funny things they say or do and to hug and kiss them when they get hurt or tickle them when they need a good chuckle.

We are living the dream!

We went to Tiny Town, Colorado on Labor Day this year and it was pretty fun! The highlight of the trip was the ride on the train. Here we are ready to roll!

Graduation

Yeah, I know it was over a month ago but we had stuff going on to say the least. I did want to post pictures of the blessed event because it really was an accomplishment that we are very proud of (we are proud of Brad, he's proud of his accomplishment)! We were lucky to have Grammie, Pops and Lisa here to celebrate the big day and then help us move!

Just in case you don't know, the kids and I are so proud of Brad!! He is the best dad and husband anyone could ask for! We are so happy that now he can come home and see us on a daily basis! We love you Dad!!! Congratulations!

Clapping and almost crawling

It's been forever...you might not recognize our little mohawk baby Olivia but here she is clapping and almost crawling. We are already in our new place for now but not quite to the point where I'm happy to share pictures. Give me a little bit and we'll get some up for ya'll.

Things are very good in Colorado! We really like it here so far. Brad has a commute he isn't a fan of and it makes his hours about what they were when he was in law school but, it's SO nice for him to be making real money, and not to worry about being prepared for tomorrow's class.

All the kids are doing well, growing like weeds and have acclimated to our new surroundings quite well!

We are so grateful for everyone who has helped us through this process, especially Grammie, Pops and Lisa who made the trip with us and worked tirelessly moving us in, building something, cleaning or watching the kiddos. You were lifesavers! And also to Brad's work...I cannot find words to express our thanks for everything these last 3 years of school.

Pictures to come shortly!!

So funny

The 6 month sit

Olivia has learned to sit. She's a little wobbly but can do it.

Just one more thing to brag about...

Poor Brylie must be so bored here...she learns things faster than I can teach her! A few days ago, we were all just sitting around while Brody read books, Olivia played with toys and practiced rolling over, and Brylie was coloring letters as she calls it. She kept asking me how to spell my name so I told her letter after letter not really paying attention. Then I saw this!

You can see, even Prince Charming was crying with joy. I shrieked with joyous surprise and then saw this!

Cute girl! Like father, like daughter. And yes, she did just turn 3 in February!

Fly Whisperer

Lately, we have had ridiculously large amounts of flies in our house. At first I blamed it on the maggots we had in our big trash bin outside that turn into flies and then fly into our home through the gap in the weather stripping (it's like the size of a peanut at the very bottom corner) but now I'm beginning to think it's because of this guy. Meet The Fly Whisperer!

Now when you think "whisperer", you assume they have the best in mind for their animal but not in this case! He lures them in and then kills them. I have watched him catch one hanging out on the window sill, dropped it and then picked it up again. And I assure you, it was alive both times it was caught. He has brought me dead flies in his hand and most recently, in his toy microphone.

And then there's those I just find laying around.

Poor guys! But I really don't care how they get out of our house as long as they are gone! And you never know, Brody may star in the next Animal Planet's "Fly Whisperer".

Out with the old, in with the semi-new

We said goodbye to the much loved "Amry" last week and welcomed a new vehicle into the driveway. Unfortunately, when Brad went to renew the safety on the Amry, the guy wouldn't do it because he'd be surprised if it lasted another 100 miles. So we did some shopping and found this awesome buy and I think it suits Brad very very well!!

Position of choice

Olivia is such a funny sleeper, the second I put her into the crib (she's already asleep, I know, I know, she should fall asleep on her own by this age) she immediately turns her head back into this position. Can't be that comfortable, can it? Maybe I should try it.

Michelin has a new face...

...or could with this hot bod!!

What do you think?

It's Not Easy Being Bald...

Poor Olivia...We can do a few things with a mohawk...

But hair has nothing to do with how cute this baby is!!!

What a haircut can do

Last night I gave Brody the summer buzz and have been amazed ever since at how grown up a haircut can make him look.

My oldest two can now pass as twins.

And here's some more just for good measure!

For your sakes...

I will update for all of you who are hanging by our every blog post...you've been hanging for quite some time now. My kids will look so different to you all. Well, maybe not THAT different but Olivia might. She is growing up faster than I imagined. It really is true, the older you get the faster time goes. Unfortunately for my kids, I'm getting older making time go faster for them. Well, at least in my eyes. I can't believe how much kids can change in such short periods of time.


Brody is talking more than ever and often makes us chuckle with his phrases. He is such a boy but has no steady playmates that are male so he thinks playing with dolls and being a princess is typical boy behavior. He figures out ways to incorporate his lion and tiger into the mix to add some testosterone. I can't get over how cute he is! His run is darling with one arm pumping for speed, or as fast as his short little legs can carry him! He is my little buddy and I'm finding that he truly treasures the cuddles I give him in between my constant time with Olivia. We manage to squeeze some in there.Brylie is getting so big, I think I give her way too much responsibility. She doesn't let me down however and I feel a little bit better when I realize that I was in her shoes and did fine with the responsibility and even enjoyed it. In fact, I think I'm doing her a favor to a degree. Some kids don't learn responsibility until they move out of the house. She could move out in a few short years with all she's getting. Although, I'd like to keep her as long as possible!

Olivia is growing bigger in height and girth! She probably weighs in around 17 lbs if you ask me. She is cooing like crazy and has started laughing a little. She is also learning to form sounds with her little mouth and is almost blowing bubbles. She eats up any attention she may get and lets us know when she's not getting all she wants! I love that she's getting a little older in that she is spitting up less and going longer in between feedings! I can't believe she is almost 4 months old. Her sleeping habits are becoming more frequent in the night...I am dreading the time we teach her how to sleep through the night (cry it out).

Brad and I couldn't ask for better kids and cuter too! And I couldn't ask for a better husband! He truly works as hard as he can to juggle all he is working on currently! He is a trooper and I love and appreciate him! Thanks hun!!

Hope these pictures tide you over until our next post.