What the Heck is an Aperture? Go to this site. The Pioneer Woman breaks down your digital camera for you step by step. I find myself needing to review all the time. I feel like it finely clicked after reading this. I am a visual learner and after seeing the pictures that are created with certain settings helped so much! She has 3 tutorials.

Go here

She also is pretty much superwoman. If you have a question about anything she most likely knows the answer. Photography, recipes, decor, blah, blah, blah

 

strawberry muffins, v-day party, the color red, fresh red flowers on the table, i love you's, red glitter & crafts, lots of kisses

he now knows what Valentine's Day is...

oh I'm crushing

 

I think this will be needed in NY! I was asking Kimber (my SIL) what stroller the mom's in NY prefer. I mean I can't show up to NY with the wrong stroller...right?! Have you read Momzillas? It is a real thing in NY! That book is so funny BTW. This was on the list and I can't stop thinking about it! Oh the BUMBLERIDE...how I want you!I love this picture because it actually looks like it was taken in NY.

I like the huge storage space. I will be going to the market daily and all-day outings will be happening constantly! Oh the places and things my kiddos are going to see!

New frozen yogurt!

I tried Pomegranate & Blueberry and thought it was super yummy!

A 1/2 cup serving for 110 calories,  1g total fat,  2 grams of protein ...oh, and 8% of your calcium for the day. Like most yogurts, it contains live active yogurt cultures including l. acidophilus and bifidobacterium. The label says that yogurt should taste like yogurt, and itactually does but better!

Davis boy sayings...

"Mom, did you hear that? My tummy told me to get bigger!"

Davis pulled up my sleeves looked at my arms and said, "Wow Mom, Jesus gave you BIG arms."

"Mom, can I have another cookie? Just say okay....okay."

(at 6am everyday) "Mom the suns up! I open my eyes now. When the sun goes down I will close them again, okay."

Davis you are Mr. Personality! I heard the funniest thing about you yesterday. I was told that in nursery you are referred to as the "Alpha Male." It made me smile and giggle to myself all day long. You are such a charming little boy with a huge personality. You exude confidence and are a natural leader. Yes, you are also very stubborn at times and very demanding but I know it is hard to be 2yrs old sometimes! :) The kids in the nursery are hilarious. They kind of test each other like a pack of dogs. Testing each others physical strength and who can always have the best toy. It cracks me up to watch this. I love you my little "pack leader!"

My new goal the past week has been to get out of the house every day. I wake up and head to the gym with Davis. ( He likes to flirt with Deena the daycare worker) Then we head out to do our activity for the day. I finally have this mastered with 2 kiddos. It usually takes about 30 minutes to get out the door. Now I can do this with a checklist in hand and without getting too overwhelmed! sippies,bottles,diapers, fruit snacks, packed lunches, formula, burpies, blankets, etc.... (talk about needing a suitcase) By the time bed time rolls around I am completely exhausted. I have never slept so good in my life! Well until Gwen wakes up for her 5am feeding. I do love seeing her face though!

I can't live without

 Baby Ergo

2 infant inserts- You need the one that creates a sitting position for the baby. I first started with the insert that holds the baby in more of a cradle position. Kind of awkward. I found the heart to heart insert and LOVE it!! Baby almost sits like a little frog.You can find it on Amazon.

Baby Laundry blankets and swaddles and burpies

The Toddler's Busy Book by Trish Koffner- 365 learning games and activities for ages 1.5-3yrs.

• Rainy Day Activities: Activities for when you are stuck in the house
• Kids in the Kitchen: Fun snacks to make for your toddler. Also recipes that your toddler can help with.
• Water Play
• Outdoor Adventures: Fun activities to do outside. Included are games for toddlers and messy art projects you would probably prefer to do outside.
• Out and About: Fabulous ideas for car-friendly activities for toddlers.
• Nursery Rhymes and Finger Plays
• Early Learning Fun: This chapter has a lot of great activities that promote learning. There is sorting, colors, shapes, matching, counting...it has a lot of fun activities that directly teach your child these skills.
• Music and Movement
• Arts and Crafts: Scribbling, drawing, painting, print making, gluing, tearing, sticking, and other crafts.
• Birthday and Holiday Activities: This chapter has fun activities for every birthday and major holiday (along with non-major holidays like St. Patricks Day).
• Craft Recipes: This chapter has recipes for different paints, play dough, clay, glue, colored salts, and dyes.
• Best Toys: There is a short chapter on best toys for babies and toddlers.
• Best Books: There is a short chapter on the best books for babies and toddlers.

Kuffner also explains an idea for a chart for your weekly activities. For each day, you have a section for what to do and a section for what to buy.

I love to use it to coincide with our learning activity of the day.

MY Baby Bible - Gwenners schedule as of late.
7:30 AM--eat
8:30 AM--nap
10 or 10:30 AM--eat (I always get her by 10:30)
10:50 or 11:20 AM--nap
1 or 1:30 PM--eat (I always get her by 1:30)
1:50 or 2:20 PM--nap
4:00 PM--eat
4:50 PM--nap
6:00 PM--eat
6:45 PM--put in swing (due to fussy hour)--sometimes she sleeps, sometimes not
8:00 PM--eat
8:30 PM--in bed
10:00 PM--Dreamfeed
Temporal Thermometer: I love temporal scanners, which take your child's temperature over something like the forehead rather than under the armpit, up the bum, or in the mouth. I use Exergen brand and have loved it.

I use Boudreaux's Butt Paste. I love it! It is expensive, but it will really last you a long time. We put it on each night to protect skin through the night. Aquaphor does the trick also!

Love these Cd's. Davis will still listen to the ROCKABYE'S  with Gwen.

You can find the headphones on amazon for only $12.99 a pop!

weight 13 lbs, height 21 inches

smiling, cooing, reaching, exploring her hands & fingers, loves bath time, extremely content, very easy going personality, loves to hear Davis' voice, eyes are still blue gray, loves snuggle time, prefers naps in car seat, sleeping about 6 hour stretches at night

Museum of Science & Industry

This shot explains the entire day. Davis' eyes were filled with excitement and he was fixated on the planes up in the air.

What a perfect day for a 2 year old.

Someday

I re-discovered this book and it touches my heart each time . Enjoy!

One day I counted your fingers and kissed each one.

One day the first snowflakes fell, and I held you up and watched them melt on your baby skin.

One day we crossed the street and you held my hand tight.

Then, you were my baby and now you are my child.

Sometimes, when you sleep, I watch you dream, and I dream too....

That someday you will dive into the cool , clear water of a lake.

Someday you will walk into a deep dark wood.

Someday your eyes will be filled with a joy so deep that they will shine.

Someday you will run so fast and so far your heart will feel like fire.

Someday you will swing high-so high, higher than you ever dared to swing.

Someday you will hear something so sad that you will fold up with sorrow.

Someday you will call a song to the wind and the wind will carry your song away.

Someday I will stand on this porch and watch your arms waving to me until I no longer see you.

Someday you will look at this house and wonder how something that feels so big look so small.

Someday you will feel a small weight against your back.

Someday I will watch you brushing your child's hair

Someday, a long time from now, your own hair will glow silver in the sun. And, when that day comes,love, you will remember me.

Someday by Alison McGhee

Saturday at the Shedd Aquarium

Davis loves the Shedd and so do I! It never disappoints. Yes it is FREEZING here! It has actually been pretty fun to be outside during a couple of snowy days. We will see how long that lasts! Davis loves the snow.

Picture Overload!

Happenings of the last decade for the country
* Y2K
* The Millennium
* 9/11
* The War in Afghanistan/Iraq
* Katrina, Indonesian Tsunami
* Justin Timberlake/Janet Jackson 'ward-robe malfunction'
* American Idol
* You-Tube
* Myspace, Facebook
* Texting
* The iPod (got big)
* The iPhone
* XM radio
* The housing bubble
* The Stock-Market Crash (Lehman Brothers collapse)
* Michael Phelps wins record breaking 8 gold medals
* The first black president

My Happenings of the last decade
* 2 year esthetic program in Utah
* Taught esthetics for 2 years
* Worked in the skin care business for 5 years, worked for plastic surgeon in California
* Traveled to Hawaii with Dennis' family and ended up coming home ENGAGED!
* Got married to my Handsome Dennis
* Had 2 babies
* Attended my first Celine Dion Concert!
* Lived in Utah, San Francisco, Chicago
* Biked the Golden Gate Bridge
* Met some amazing friends
* Watched my baby sister get married and become pregnant :)
* Back to school with Dennis while he is getting his MBA

Gwen's Blessing Day

{These are so precious to me}

Gwen was given a very sweet blessing by her daddy. It was a very touching moment for us. She is a special little lady sent from above. We absolutely adore her and want the best for her. My biggest wish is for her to know of her divine worth and know that her parents will always be right by her side. I love you little lady! Thanks for letting us be your parents! xoxo

My sweet Mom bought Gwen this beautiful dress to be used as an heirloom piece. I am excited to frame it for her & pass it along one day.

love those chubby cheeks

Grandpa & Grandma Randall came down from St. John's to share this special day with us.

Pictures were taken by Kimber Crandall

Christmas Sunday

We made it to AZ after 2 cancelled flights and a long drive through a snow storm. We are happy to be in sunny AZ to celebrate Christmas with our family and friends.

pictures done by Kimber Crandall

KIMBER!!

We LOVE our aquarium. They have a water show with dolphins, beluga whales and penguins for the kids. It was a fun time. Gwen was an angel and just stayed asleep.

Gwen 4 weeks

This picture looks so much like Lucy to me. Lucy is my niece on the Randall side.

Thanks Kimber for all your help and for being the family photographer all weekend! We had such a fun time having you here. Thanks for helping with the kiddos. Davis adores you! Love ya!

I need your addresses for Christmas Cards!! My computer is having issues and I can't get to my addresses! I would love to send you a Christmas card!

Email me at jenna.crandall@hotmail.com

obsessed...i know

I am one lucky girl today!
Today my friend Sarah came over to bring me lunch and hang out for a bit. (1st thing of the day that made me lucky) Little did I know that she would capture these sweet pictures of Gwen. (2nd thing of the day that made me lucky) Davis took a 2 hour nap today at the same time Gwen did. (3rd thing that made me lucky) I watched snowflakes fall outside our big windows with Davis. He told me it was like magic. (4th thing of the day that made me feel lucky)My SIL Kimber flies in tomorrow. (5th thing that made me feel lucky)

Thanks Sarah! I owe you!

our little love is now 3 weeks

i had to show you her dimple

and those pink kissable lips

Our first time to Brookefield Zoo! We always go to Lincoln Park but decided to try something new. I actually survived walking around all day. It felt good to be out in the crisp air getting a little exercise. Gwen is now 3 weeks! Time is flying. This Zoo was AMAZING! I still can't believe the monkey exhibits.

We had a great day and now Dennis is back to reality. Finals week!

Thankful for family time together

Thankful to Dennis for teaching Davis how to show off his muscles. Davis now insists on being shirtless most of the day.

Thankful for the Dean of Kellogg for hosting Thanksgiving Dinner. Thankful for our wonderful friends!

Thankful for Davis' friends.

So thankful for the men in my life. They make holidays so very special.

On a side note I'm thankful for my nice camera. I didn't have it today and the quality of these pictures makes me cringe a little. I am truly thankful for my Canon Rebel and highly recommend it! I will never forget it again!

Thankful for my friends that are far away!

Update

Davis spends a lot of time watching her in her swing. He tells me that he wants to make sure baby sister is okay.

We celebrated my Mom's b-day while she was here. My mom's b-day is the day before Gwen's. My Mom is such a special person and I'm so glad I have her in my life. She is such an example to me and I hope to be as great of a mother as she is.

Kristen came to visit us and meet Gwen but she really wanted to see her main man Davis.



My good friend Cathy decorated our door when we came home from the hospital. Thanks Cathy!

She has been doing a lot of this lately. Last night she went 5 hours! I thank you for that sweet baby girl. I just love how she smells and how cuddly she is. Oh how I love newborn babes. They can't talk back, run away, make messes or say NO. I am trying to really live in the moment with this sweet lil' girl and my energetic, crazy, happy 2 yr. old boy!

Gwen

I have become camera happy the last week. I can't seem to turn my camera off. I have too much fun with this little beauty. She makes us so happy. Davis even snapped a couple pics. Today is my first day on my own. I already miss my family and can't wait to go home for the holidays. We are now figuring out what the new normal is going to be. Davis is figuring out his role as a big brother and how to share his mommy. Adjustments are happening but all for the good. We feel really grateful for our kiddos. Dennis keeps saying how hard it is going to be for him to have a little girl because she already has him wrapped around his finger. I LOVE watching him with her.

Sweet Baby Gwen on her way to the doctor.

I caught her in a smile today. She has such a sweet personality. How we love this girl!

She slept the entire time we were at the appointment and this is her coming home....still asleep!

Introducing Gweneth Elise

Introducing Gweneth Elise ~

Our sweet little Gwen arrived Friday afternoon. We are thrilled she is here!
November 6, 2009
12:18 pm

8lbs 1 oz. / 20 inches long
soft pink skin, kissable lips, 2 dimples

We had a great experience with my doctor and his team! The c section was fast with zero complication.

Gwen and Nana Lisa


Gwen with Papa Den and Nana Laura

We have been pretty bummed that Davis can't come into the hospital. They started a new rule that visitors under the age of 21 are not allowed in the maternity area. They started this because of H1N1. I am trying to recover as fast as possible to get home to Davis and let him meet his sista! Thanks Mom, Dennis & Laura for watching him while we are in the hospital. He loves it!

Halloween night we have a little family tradition to make homemade doughnuts and hot apple cider. The perfect warm treat for post trick or treating. This year we tried apple cider doughnuts. Here is the RECIPE. They were eaten up so I guess that means everyone liked them.It was a fun day & night with our little family and friends.

5 Days left!!

We are keeping busy busy! I have 11 days left until my baby girl is in my arms. I can't wait!

Davis and I are making friends some spooky treats today. Watch out you just may get Spooked!

Here is the recipe for these yummy little critters. Recipe

Here are some pictures from our Ward Halloween Party.

He walked around all night with his hat covering his eyes. I think he thought he was more intimidating this way. He is a very handsome COP!

Best costumes of the night

Davis and his friend Ava

Some funny things Davis has said to me lately that I don't want to forget....

Jenna to Davis: What is Mommy's name?

Jenna

What is Daddy's name?

Um Um, It's Babe!

Davis to me: Mom, just leave it alone!

Where are all the people mom? Don't they know the sun is out? Davis says this when we show up to the park and no one is there.

I LOVE these for the WINTER. Check out the website here.

First comes LOVE
Then comes MARRIAGE
Then comes the BABY in the BABY carriage!

We are so excited for you! Our babies will be 7 months apart!

Davis loved carving pumpkins this year. He helped Dennis with everything.



The view from our apartment

A little Halloween parade at Kellogg. The kids had a ton of fun showing off their costumes and eating pizza/candy! It was a fun night!

I have been making yummy treats for the Halloween season. My friend Christy has a great blog that I pull things off of all the time. Check it out. These are the best caramel apples.

I am feeling pretty good still. I have 18 more days until sweet baby