He Likes Green Beans

The other day Darren, Judson and I were at the store. Earlier that day Darren had made lunch for Judson and he just had chicken nuggets, but we were out of green beans. Judson was not happy about this. Hence, the trip to the store. We got the green beans and put them in our cart. Judson was elated at the sight of the cans of beans. After that we looked around the store. We always take Judson to play with the "other toys", as he puts it, at the store. (Even though he just plays with the toys he already has. They are just way cooler at the store, I guess.) Anywho, on the way to the toys we passed the clothes. There was the cutest set of footie pj's with Santa on them. I held it up and asked Judson if he wanted the Santa PJ's. His response, "no, I want Green Beans." I put the PJ's back. Green beans are way cheaper anyhow.

Someone is watching...

So, who has seen "Watcher in the Woods"? It's one of my all time favorite movies. I'm not a huge fan of scary movies, but this has always been a fave. If you haven't seen it, rent it. It's good and scary and fun!

Yesterday evening Darren, Judson and I went to the store. As we were coming home we drove into our neighborhood and all of the sudden leaves were blowing around our car everywhere. A moment later, no more leaves. I turned to Darren and said, "we just drove through the watcher in the woods." CREEPY!! Then I told him I'm telling this story on my blog. It's not super exciting, but I thought it would be fun. And it's great to remember this movie!

Halloween, Jazz, Haircuts

Well, I guess I'm going to start from most recent and go backward. Judson and I were able to go to the zoo this week. It was a beautiful day and the zoo was practically empty during the day. We had a lot of fun. We rode the train again. I decided to take another picture of Judson since the last train picture we have he looks terrified. See, he really enjoys the train.

We were able to go to the Jazz game on Monday against Houston. We met Cami and Juan downtown and had dinner then went to the game. Judson only lasted about 1 quarter. We stretched him to a quarter and a half until it was enough. He was miserable, I was miserable so we left. We got a picture and that's all that matters, right. Besides the Jazz lost BIG!!! Who needs to stick around and see that?

Halloween was so much fun, as usual. We had our monthly family FHE at the Stokes'. Everyone dressed up and we played musical chairs, had spooky food and just had so much fun. The teeth were Judson's prize for playing musical chairs. They didn't fit in Judson's mouth so I tried them on. Judson would laugh and laugh when he saw me with the teeth. So fun!

Everyone who dressed up. What a great looking group!!

Darren and I "dressed up" on Halloween night to take Judson trick-or-treating to his grandparent's houses. These headband costumes are the best thing we've ever purchased. And isn't Judson the cutest wizard ever!!!?

We went trick-or-treating at the Farr's. We were able to hang out for a while, eat yummy food and get a lot of treats! The costumes here were so much fun, too.

We all got haircuts this time around. Judson wasn't thrilled about it, but got a cupcake for being so brave. This is a picture of Darren and Judson with matching goatees. What handsome boys!!

I love it when we can get together and Judson can play with his cousins. They all wanted Grandma Farr to read a book to them. This was a great photo op. These boys are so cute together. It would be great to have the Farrs from Colorado to play with too. We'll have to take a trip there soon to visit and play!

Earlier this month Judson was sick. When he was feeling better we still quarantined ourselves from church just in case. I would hate anyone else to get what Judson had. So, we took a walk around one of the lakes at Daybreak. It was a great walk. Judson loved throwing rocks in the water and we found these cool chairs. It was a nice, lazy, Sunday.

Oh the woe's

I knew that raising a child would be emotional. However over the last week or so when I go to get Judson out of bed in the morning he says, "go away, go away, go away". It breaks my heart. Granted Darren does usually get him up and going in the morning so it's just breaking his routine, right? (That's what I keep telling myself to make it hurt less. Judson does prefer Darren 99% of the time Darren is around.) But still, I gave him life. Doesn't he realize that? He shouldn't be so mean! And I shouldn't be so sensitive. :)

October What???

Where is October going? I thought it just started, but here it is nearly over. Not much has been going on either so I'm super surprised at the time flying. Here's a little update for October.

Judson has been so cute/moody lately. He's talking so much, in full sentences and even has a super fun sense of humor. He'll always correct us if we sing something wrong in a song and he will tell us that he's Judson if we ever refer to him by another name. He loves, loves to sing. His song repertoire is growing. Here's the list of songs he can sing all by himself:

I am a Child of God

I Love to see the Temple

Families can be Together Forever

I Hope They Call Me on a Mission

Popcorn Popping
Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Itsy Bitsy Spider

Alice, Where are you Going?

Rainbow Song

ABC's

Old MacDonald (it's not Old MacJudson, MacDaddy or MacMommy. He makes sure to tell us this when we try to change it up)

The Wheels on the Bus

Patty Cake

Ring around the Rosie

Sing, Sing a Song

Then all of his show's theme songs with various songs from the shows:

Sesame Street

Dora

Wiggles

Blues Clues

He knows most of the words to "How Does She Know" from Enchanted. It's one of his IPod Faves.

We are currently working on Book of Mormon Stories and Alice the Camel.

His favoritest song on the IPod is Viva La Vida by Coldplay. He loves the orchestra and the ooooo's part. I think his love came from Griff singing to it in the car one day.

He sings out so loudly when he's in the mood and it's fun to watch. He'll usually bust into loud song in the stores. I don't mind. I don't even care if it bugs people around us. At least he's not screaming and crying, right?

Judson is growing so much! It's fun to see him each day learn more of what he can get away with and what he gets caught doing. He's tricky and cute so that makes discipline hard. Most of the time he's a great little boy with such a great WANT to learn new things and do new things.

We have started going to the store upon request from Judson to "look at the other toys". He likes to hold all the toys and play with them for a minute. So far it hasn't been too hard to get him to put them back on the shelves. He'll mostly play with the toys we already have. For some reason they're way cooler in their original packaging on the shelves of the store.

It's so fun to see him growing into a little boy. We love him more and more each day. I'm so grateful for Judson. He has brought a different aspect to my life that I am really enjoying. Who'd ever thought I'd enjoy the mothering part? It helps that he's the most handsome, smartest, coolest kid around. That's just a humble mother's opinion, though. :)

Judson making funny faces in the mirror. See, he's the best!!!

LDS General Conference

I am compelled to write about LDS General Conference this last weekend. I keep telling myself that no one wants to read what I have to say, however the thought keeps popping into my head. So, I write...

I loved, loved the spirit and message of our Prophet and leaders this past weekend. I have a renewed faith and a renewed WANT to be better. I loved President Monson's closing remarks hoping that each of us are a little better after these 2 days. I am a little better. I pray each day to be a little better and every six months I get a kick in the booty to really push me in that "better" direction. All of the speakers were amazing and had things to say just for me. However, can I take a moment to write about Elder Holland. Now I know I shouldn't have favorites in children or Apostles, but Elder Holland has long been my favorite. I was in tears with him as he spoke from his heart his testimony of the Book of Mormon. WOW!!! It was amazing. No evil man could ever write this book and no good man ever would without the inspiration from God. Joseph Smith did see what he said he saw. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are two separate beings that appeared to Joseph Smith to restore Christ's true church on the earth. Joseph Smith did translate the Book of Mormon by the power of God. I too have a testimony of the Book of Mormon. I have a renewed want to be better at reading from its pages daily. I know it will make my life better and more joyful. I know it will help me be a better mother and wife. Good things come from God and the Book of Mormon is one of the best things I can think of.

I am so happy to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know this church is true. It's as simple as that. Because I know, I must work to keep this testimony strong and always be willing to share it with others.

Staycation

Darren and I had both Monday and Tuesday off in celebration of Darren's 33rd Birthday. We had a fun time going to the zoo and taking a drive through the mountains to see the changing leaves. It was a fun family trip and good just to spend time together.

Judson loves the animals at the zoo. It was great to be able to see the babies at the zoo. We saw the baby elephant, giraffe, monkey and snow leopard. Judson gets more and more excited to see the animals and make their sounds. It was a milestone too because this is the first time Judson has even gone near the animal statues. In the past he's always been too afraid to get too close to animal or statue. Now he's starting to learn and realize the difference. Such a big boy.

The baby Giraffe. So cute!!

We decided to ride the train. Judson loved it and loved making the "choo choo" noise.

Judson loves the Rhinoceros. He was very excited to see this statue.

Darren and Judson in the gopher holes. Judson was scared to death of the prairie dogs being so close.

They have new measure up signs at the zoo. Judson is nearly an adult female orangutan.

After the zoo we drove up Parley's and then down Provo canyon to look at the changing leaves. It was such a nice drive and the colors were beautiful. We took the walk from Nun's park to Bridal Veil Falls. The water was cold, but Judson liked playing in it for a minute. He loves throwing rocks into water right now. It's fun to watch them splash. I don't think you really ever grow out of that like. It's still fun for me.

Home Tour

I am finally getting around to posting pictures of our house. We have lived here now for nearly 4 months. I've never posted pictures of the finished kitchen and living room. It turned out so great and we love it!! Don't mind the mess... I don't. :)

The front of our house on Labor Day. I was so excited to see the flag on the front lawn. I feel like a real homeowner and grown up. It has been so nice to have a yard. Judson loves to play out back and it's just nice to have outdoor space all our own.

This is our living room. I am already all decorated for Halloween. I had to get out my autumn stuff and it was in the same bin as the Halloween stuff so I just put it all out. I'm super excited about our camping chair ghetto furniture. Someday there will be a couch, 2 chairs, a piano and end tables in here. I can picture it in my head, but our wallet doesn't support the picture just yet.

Our dining room area is great. I love, love, love the drapes. I took a chance on these, but I think they turned out so great! It's a fun punch of color.

Our kitchen is the biggest change. It didn't get finished until a couple of days after we closed. The previous owner worked like crazy to get the back splash, counters, floors and lighting finished. It was the biggest worry but it was totally worth it.

Our family room/office. This is where we spend most of our time. TV, computer and toys all day long. It's just the right size.

Birthdays

Crystal and Judson had birthdays in August. Judson's was more exciting than mine. He got new tools, a cars book; it plays music and a steering wheel pops out so he can dance and drive, an Abacus (of course, it's the accountant in me that bought that gift for him). He got a little picnic table from grandma and grandpa Farr and a T-ball set from G & G Stokes. It was so much fun to celebrate 2 wonderful years of Judson's life!! He's the best!!

Judson is 2

WOW!!! I have a 2-year old. I can't believe it. It is so cliche, but time does fly and kids do grow up too fast. It's been an amazing 2 years and Judson is the best little boy EVER!!! We love him so much and he is so much fun to have around. I got his 2-year pictures back today and I just had to post a few more to show off just how cute my baby boy is.

I want to thank Jenny Weston again for the wonderful pictures. They turned out so great!!

Blog Layout

I made this blog layout. It was fun. It's a little bright, but I love the summer look. I learned how from here.

Flipping Out

I contemplated not even creating this post, but I just have to. Flipping Out is my new favoritest show ever!! I watched it last night and laughed my face off. I don't think it's supposed to solely be a comedy, but the people are funny. The main guy, Jeff is cynical, rude, self-involved and thinks he's the greatest thing ever. He's what makes the show so great! He is a real-estate flipper, but with the down market he has to focus on remodels right now. The show is on Bravo and I know a lot of people don't get Bravo, but if you ever have the chance to watch this show DO IT!!! You'll thank me!! There are videos of the cast on BravoTv.com. Anyway, I just love this show. It makes me smile

Judson 2-year Photos

Our friend Jenny took Judson's 2-year photos this last week. I think they turned out great! You can see them HERE.

I can't believe Judson in nearly 2. I guess he's still one for 12 more days, but still. Time really has flown. I'm so happy and lucky to be the mom of such a great baby. We have our fights (I know, me fighting with a one year old. Lame, but true) but I just love him so much!! He's alot of fun and I am learning a lot right along with him. He is getting smarter and smarter each day. I just think he's the best little boy ever!! That's my impartial opinion. (I'm sure!)

Where did the hair go?

I asked Darren to get a picture of Judson with his hair cut. Lately it's been a little difficult getting a picture of Judson actually looking at the camera. He's just not a big fan at the moment. He knows to say "cheese", so he'll say it over and over but never look at the camera. This is what a photo session looks like with him. I'm nervous because we're having his 2-year photos taken next week. Hopefully we'll have a better choice than these. He sure is cute whether he's looking at the camera or not, though.

Judson Update

**Warning: LONG POST
~Mostly for my journaling benefit, but read on to find out a whole bunch about Judson! I promise to post a picture soon.

I haven't written solely about Judson in such a long time. It's so crazy how much he has grown. We buzzed his hair on Saturday and he looks like a little boy, not my little baby. He also turns 2 at the end of the month. Time flies!!! Anyway, I want to make a list of a lot of the things he can do and say. He is a talker. Any moment he's awake, he's talking. It's fun/annoying, but I'm glad he's learning and growing.

Talking:

~He says "where did ---- go?"/ "---- where are you?" for every name he knows.
~He knows all his cousins and aunts and uncles names.
~Shut the door, open the door. (he often mixes up the shut and open)
~Again
~All Done
~"go to the new house?" We just keep calling it the new house. It's easier, that way he knows exactly where we're going.
~He knows a lot of animals and their sounds. We've always quizzed him on the sounds, but I've recently started reversing it and I say the sound and see if he knows the animal. He can get most of them.
~He knows a lot of body parts: head, hair, ears, eyes, mouth, teeth, tongue, nose, arm, elbow, hand, fingers, belly, belly button, leg, knee, feet, toes.
~He knows shirt, pants, shorts, diaper, socks, shoes and PJ's.
~He's finally catching onto "please"
~We're working on "thank you"
~He says spaghetti, "figelli". It's so cute!!
~He can ask for almost anything: "drink, food, cracker, cookie, cheese, figelli, milk, fill-up, elmo, dora, wiggles, max & ruby, backyardigans, wonder pets, blues clues"
~Names all the Sesame Street Characters.
~He loves to sing songs. The songs he knows are: I am a Child of God, I Love to see the Temple, Popcorn Popping, Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam, Twinkle, twinkle, Itsy Bitsy Spider, ABC, There was an Old Lady that swallowed a Fly, Old MacDonald, 5 Little Monkeys, C is for Cookie, How Do You Know from Enchanted, Rubber Duckie, Themes to Dora, Elmo's World, Wiggles, Blues Clues and Wonder Pets. (The wonder pets boggles my mind. I've tried to get him to watch it and he's really not interested. However yesterday he not only asked to watch wonder pets, he started singing the theme song.) I'm sure there are more songs that I'm not thinking of right now. He just loves to sing!
~I let him sit on my lap and turn the steering wheel once. Big mistake!! Now every time I pull in anywhere he asks "drivin' the car?" With a huge grin on his face.
~He says music as, "mikick"
~He loves swimming in his little pool and says: "swimmin' in the water"
~He loves taking baths. "ki a bath?"
~He says take as, "ki"
~Everything he says comes out as a question. I'm guessing that because everything I say is a question. (ie... Say please? Say I love you? Say bye, bye?...)
~A lot of what he says he sounds surprised. He'll look around, find a toy and say, "Oh, my golf ball" like it's the first time he's seen it in forever. It's super cute!!
~He will hug a toy and say "i love you, I love you, I love you" He hugged me yesterday and said that too. It was the best!!
~"Daddy at work, yeah? Daddy at work?"
~"Grandma and Grandpa Stoke" (Stoke is always said as he pulls his chin to his chest in low growl-ish voice) "Grandma and Grandpa Farr"
~ He can count to 20, well, sort of. He counts, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 (deleven), 12, 14, 14, 16, then I prompt 19 and he yells 20"
~He loves his blanket and I'm trying to only let him have it when he goes to sleep so he often says, "oh, where's my blank?"

Things he does:

~runs, jumps, climbs
~feeds himself quite well with a spoon or fork. He loves to poke the food and gets really frustrated if it doesn't stick on the fork.
~takes off his shoes
~opens doors. Our doors kind of stick in the new house, so there aren't many he can open. That's good in my book.
~starting to go up and down stairs walking without holding the railing. This gives me a heart attack every time I watch him do it. But he hasn't fallen much and if he feels unstable he'll usually grab the wall or sit down, so he's good about that.
~Turn the tv off and on and change it from Video 3 to all the different video settings.
~Turn the light switches he can reach on and off. He will also move his dump truck so he can stand in it and reach a light switch. Why the dump truck and not the stable chair sitting right next to it? I don't know.
~He cleans up his toys when prompted, most of the time.

I'm sure right after I post this there will be a bunch of things I remember to add. But this is a good list of all the things Judson can do and say now. He's growing bigger everyday and we just love him so much. He's a wonderful blessing to us and I'm so grateful he's ours!!