I thought of doing Christmas cards about a month ago... then was like... no.... I am sending out a baby announcement this coming year - I will just wait. AND Then I got these (too late for Christmas cards - oh well)... HOLY CRAP, when does Hudson smile on command for the camera? Spencer's sister Rachael, does photography on the side - and is amazing at it. She is starting up her own business with it, and resides in MI, but if you wanted I am sure you could talk her into being flown out to have a little session with you or your family. She is so remarkable and has an eye of gold. She just "has" it. But I must admit, I think that photographing Hudson probably (when you can get his attention) is not the hardest little guy to get good pictures from. But the picture of Spencer and me turned out great, can I say that?! And that doesn't happen, not often that is, where both of us are happy with the end result. Especially when I feel like I am having mucho problems with my pregnant face and storing nuts for the winter.

To look at more of Rachael's work please click on her name, the link will take you to her blog. Have a good weekend everyone!

Recently Spencer went on a business retreat, only a night - but it was a nice deal. Relaxing. When he got home he told me that he wanted to send me somewhere alone. Somewhere I can completely relax and just enjoy the weekend. (So no where FAR away.) He asked me where I would like to go; he mentioned Hawaii. I was a little taken back, didn't really understand why I had to go alone. He said that I am never alone and should be able to enjoy a day or two just being with myself. With that said... I honestly have no idea where I want to go; or even if I want to go. I have been thinking about it for a good 3 weeks, and have no clue?! Maybe it is because I really don't care to go anywhere alone. I would rather go with him, my mom or a friend. In the end, I really don't have any idea and was wondering if there is anywhere you all have been that you have LOVED and would go back with a friend, spouse or just yourself for a relaxing night or two. Doesn't have to be "somewhere" far... maybe in the same city... or just a place where you are completely relaxed and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I could think of some placed that would cost me an arm and leg... a night that is. So just wanted your suggestions. Shoot 'em my way.

This is Hudson's favorite thing! Or I should say these are Hudson's favorite things... TRAINS. He loves them, like most kids his age. When in So. Cal at my parent's home, my mom had bought him a train set (Thomas the train, something or other) and it is all he wanted to do... train and then some more trains. His one liner is "choo-choo". He loves it. Seriously, rather would play then eat. It was so much watching him play and laugh at it. Thanks Mom and Dad for the entertainment!

The day we got back from Southern California (for Thanks Giving) we went and bought our Christmas Tree. Spencer this year was really excited, mostly because we are staying home for Christmas and he can't wait to start traditions. We both are excited for this. He has even said that he might attempt making omelettes for breakfast on Christmas morning. (His father makes these famous omelettes every Christmas, they are delicious!) I will let you know how that all goes. :)

Here are some pictures of us getting "the" tree. I love Christmas Time!!!

I was lucky enough, as most years, to be with family on my birthday. This is only because it, my birthday, is on or in the Thanks Giving week. I used to hate it when I was younger - everyone was gone and would forget. But as I have gotten older the more I really enjoy it. I love that every year so far I have been able to be with not only Spencer but ones that I love. Usually family. And we all know those with family make for the best kind of birthdays.


My day started out early and bright. For some reason Hudson (even though he sleeps in a BLACK/aka DARK room. That is a large closet.) he seems to know right when 6:30am hits. At home, in his own bed he sleeps until 7:30 - 8:30am. I don't know what it is, obviously it is the comfort of his own bed he misses, and I miss, at 6:30 in the morning... but when I get him out of bed he is ready to go. He is so excited to search Grandma and Grandpa's house yet another day. He will walk downstairs, find my mom reading the paper and exclaim "YAY", and then wants nothing to do with me... but he does make sure I am in the same room otherwise I would probably wonder upstairs to lay in bed for another 20 min. So I gave him breakfast and then sweet Spencer took over. That is for the rest of the day; majority of it. He never asked once for me to change a diaper and I let him do the dirt deed every time without any guilt. It was bliss. Hudson was dressed, fed and cleaned and I hadn't lifted a finger. That alone was the best gift. We hung out, spent the morning watching my mom cook a birthday meal and cake, again could be up there with best gift - not having to cook your dinner or cake! Spencer was excited to get the presents going and so had me open my gift from him. - I will back up a couple weeks or so... Spencer had me make my birthday/Christmas list. On this list I put down things I know I will probably not get (way too unrealistic), and things that should be easy to find. Anyway, so on my list - among the "probably not category"... I had listed a Helen Ficalora necklace. One which after hearing of and seeing online I have talked about - for every gift giving holiday. I love it. It is simple and meaningful. So, out comes this cute little pink bag with even a better box inside - YES he really ordered and overnighted this little gem to me. I was beyond excited. Who knew?!? But honestly - Spencer is really good at listening, or maybe I am really good at repeating things; either way ECSTATIC was my mood from there on out. I received a small gold chain with a gold flat round charm with a "H" imprinted on it. (Any guesses what the "H" is for) It is perfect. My mom was surprised to find that she too really enjoyed looking at this little piece of heaven on my neck; which was funny because she was thinking that I was crazy to get so "crazy" about this little thing (asking for it that is) before. Now she wants one (or rather 5 charms for each kid - good luck with that one). Spencer hit the jackpot, or rather I did.

Spencer and I got ready and headed out to the beach with Hudson, to have lunch. We ate at this little cafe... breakfast for lunch - always a treat. It was so yummy, and the atmosphere was honestly perfect. We then headed back home for dinner and a low active evening. It was such a relaxing and fun day. I am so grateful for this time I got to spend this year with Spencer, Hudson and my family. It was a really good day - a good start to another year.

Here are some more pictures from that day:

In case you have been out of the "loop", here is some news (2 pieces) from the Brintons:

1. We are pregnant! Yipppeee

2. We are having a Girl! What to do?!? I am sure we will think of some things.


I have been waiting to blog about my pregnancy for the fact that it will go by faster for "you" when "you" find out later in the pregnancy. And I thought I might as well wait until we find out the gender. So really you haven't been out of the "loop", I just haven't really proclaimed it from the house tops - until now that is.

Spencer and I are really excited. And nervous in our own ways. For one I am just plain nervous to have another child. Really kind of scared in a strange way - but thrilled in the same second. I am sure that is natural. Spencer is not nervous for another child, he got really nervous on Sat. when we found out it was a girl. He is so funny. It actually kind of bothered me why he was so quiet and without a smile for a while until I asked what his deal was. He then told me how nervous he was to have a girl; how from now on he is going to be worried sick over her (more than Hudson, he admitted). He was telling me how many sickos are out there in the world, which I then told him that little boys get that just as much as girls... it seems lately. Spencer then informed me it isn't those sickos, but just men in general. I just laughed. He said I had no idea, that he is a guy and knows how guys think - which is true. So after he got that off his chest, I was happy that he wasn't upset it was a girl, and touched that he had such an honest and really almost sweet reaction to the whole announcement. He is a dad of a little girl already.

We found out on Sat with all my family, Spencer's mom and two sisters and one brother in law. There were about 14 people total in the room, kind of crazy and funny at the same time. It honestly could have been a clip out of a movie. The technician was probably bothered by all of us - but again it was a lot of fun to find out with everyone. Next time it probably will just be with Spencer, that is a little more quiet.

So there is our big news --- BRING OUT THE PINK, or some pink. I promised spencer I wouldn't go totally pink, which I will stick to!

Now - for the ladies, pregnancy information:
I am 18 weeks, as of tomorrow...
I am due the 2nd of May
I am feeling fine, had a little bit of sickness for about 1 month, not nearly as bad as with Hudson

I think that about sums it all up. Hope you are all doing well! We love you!!

Just wanted to wish you all a very happy happy Thanks Giving day.

I love this day because it really makes you reflect, or to take a few moments out of life to really think about your blessings. Spencer and I have been blessed beyond measure this past year, in many ways. Nothing dramatic, but for the fact that he loves his job, works close to home (considering we have friends whose spouses work in S.F. and don't get home until 8-10pm at least), and his job allows for me to stay home with Hudson.
Our health is good, our extended families are doing well, we have a home, food, "wants" we are able to buy, and live in a free country with boundless opportunities. Above all we have the gospel and the joy it brings to our lives.

We are so grateful for your friendships and hope you end this day with a little reflection of your own and a very full tummy.

Ready or not... here comes Christmas! EXCITING!!!

My little aviator sunglass wearing man... makes my heart melt. He is so stinkin' cute, and knows it. He makes us so incredibly happy.

My good friend Mandy just had a little girl, and this was my gift. I really don't mind making blankets, I learn something new every time... it is just when I am actually in the process of making the blanket I am not the best person to live with. So I am sorry Spencer, and I love you... and no more blankets for a while!

A cute thing Hudson does (by the way yes Hudson is about the only thing I usually blog about... sorry) is when ever I clean the house - mainly the bathrooms, I put those famous yellow gloves on so my hands don't stink like bleach (side note: I HATE the smell of bleach - if you really want to know why you can ask me later), and he copies me. He will follow me around and ask for gloves, I then proceed to help him put some on. He loves when we clean. He sits right down next to me with his rag and scrubs along side his mom, me. It is very cute. What is even better is that he loves it. He thinks he is so big and such a help - which cleaning with him does make the task of cleaning a lot better - so we both win out.

It must just be a boy thing; well... I shouldn't say that because when I was about 4 I had some superman pj's just like the ones my mom bought Hudson. And I too was a bit obsessed. But, I was in love with the cape, Hudson on the other hand - doesn't really even care about it. He likes it when it is put away and not attached.
So, thank you mom for some good superman fun, and for making me do Hudson's laundry every other day - since I have to wash the Superman clothes almost everyday so he can wear it at some point throughout the day. I find myself hiding the pj's so I don't have to wash them, but he sniffs them out somehow. I think I am tricky - but my two year old is smarter than me, that isn't saying much about me - oh well. At least I have a really smart son!!

A few days late but still some fun to be told...

We have had some of our best friends here with us, Carly, Nate and cute Farrah; the past couple of days have been so fun with them. We were able to have them here for Halloween, and it certainly was and has been a treat.

The day of Halloween we went to Spencer's facility, see older post, took a much needed nap... then got ready for the big trick or treat event!
Spencer was able to get our names onto the much wanted list of the famous Black Hawk community, to go trick-or-treating. It was amazing. Although this year they didn't have their famous haunted house and such - it still had us in "la la land". Black Hawk Gated community is this weeealthy neighborhood set against this famous golf course. The homes start around 2 million, or so. They are amazing. So anyway - we drive up around 5:30, thank goodness... and set off for the night. Hudson thought he had died and gone to heaven. Forget the Target aisle of Halloween scares; every house was a Target store. All homes were decked out, and all home owners had their tables set up with mounds of Candy waiting to be given. A good half of the home owners were dressed to the hilt, and made the environment even more fun. Best part, they handed out king size candy bars at every home, and if it wasn't king size it was "good" candy given. There was this one beautiful home that gave out 1 lb. m&m bags; only question asked was "peanut or plain". We ventured off to another home were they, adults, were a little tip-see asking us what "treat" we wanted... "RED OR WHITE" (wine). No joke, they were not about to take no for an answer until I gave them the "I am pregnant" answer. That sufficed them. So funny.
Hudson doesn't really talk much, and so his "trick or treat" was something of a sound then the opening of his bag wide, did I say wide! He also knew which ones he liked. He had us laughing. He was not about to let us carry his bag, so he had to pull it (seriously) a lot of the way. By the end of the night Spencer and I were thinking about pulling it; it probably was a good 20lbs., and only 1/3 way full. Those darn king size candy bars.
Anyway it was a success. We then set off to leave we found the place covered with cars waiting to get in; I was so happy we came early! So we left and hurried over to In-n-Out, which tasted so yummy. Hudson was so hungry he sat on Spencer's lap and ate his whole meal - who would have guessed that one! What a night!
Hope everyone had a blast. We did.







Too see more pictures of the event look at Carly's blog.

Today Carly, Farrah, Hudson and I went down to Spencer's facility for a little Halloween fun. Spencer's facility has this "parade" of costumes every year - they all dress up, but it wasn't going to be until 2pm, which we all know is nap time... so we went at 11am just so we could show everyone how cute Hudson the Lion and Farrah the Robin were.
So let me back up to stage this story. I have been making this outfit (scarecrow) for Spencer for the past couple of days when I find a min here or there... not to bad actually - the finished product. So this morning as Spencer was about to head out he came to me, as I was laying in bed - I know lazy. He said I was in a delirium, but really I wasn't - it was 7:30... I wasn't talking to him in my sleep. He would say anything to take the "blame" off him at this point. he he. So I told him how to "put" together his outfit. I then explained to get the brown face paint and do a triangle over his nose. (you know since the nose is a slight triangle itself). Off he went! So at 9am this morning I get a call from him telling me to get the kids ready fast and to bring the other part to his costume, he had decided that dressing in this outfit wasn't too bad. So I told him I would do my best. After nailing my child to the ground and forcing his costume on yet again, we arrived. I came in the to find my husband like this:
Okay - any one sense a problem with his "triangle" nose? Both Carly and I looked at him and I tried not to make a "big" deal about his nose - I tried to not even comment, since I didn't know if he put his makeup on or someone around me had done it for him. I really wasn't too worried about him as I was someone else's feelings. So I kind of muttered under my breath "we need to fix your nose". We went into his office with Carly, and I said "Spencer what on earth happened?!" Carly busted out laughing and I thought we both were about to cry from laughing at him. Mostly for the fact that he had no idea. It honestly, I am being true here, looked like he had rubbed his nose in a piece of poop. It wasn't only that the nose was a almost an oval as it was how thick he put this brown face paint on, it was chunky. All Carly and I were thinking was "POOP". It was one of the more hilarious things today - it may have taken the cake. So after he washed that poop off his nose I fixed it:

Here are some pictures form our visit to the pumpkin patch a few days ago... Hudson threw the biggest fit when we left; and of course I was the one struggling to carry him out... I had kungfoo grip on the child as it tried to move every way I didn't. He is getting too big for me! Spencer was the smart one who offered to go and get the "car" ready. Why didn't I think of that! Needless to say, it was fun to be there with them.

I was making some cookies for a friend; and let's be honest they were for me too. The cookies just didn't look festive enough so I added some pipping to them and ta-da... spider legs. I know spiders usually have 8 legs, but these only had 6, there wasn't enough pipping to go around. This is because Hudson saw what I was doing and wanted to do his own, via the picture below. He was so meticulous in placing each one I cut for him... it was so fun to see him get creative. What was even better then what his cookie looked like, is that he was so PROUD of his cookie that he held it and walked around the house looking for Spencer and showing him a few times before setting the cookie down (that was a run-on sent., I know. Too lazy to go back and change it.) Good times, good times.

Tonight was the trunk or treat for our ward, and a couple other wards. Here are some REALLY cute pictures of Hudson in his Lion costume, which I had to almost force him to wear. He was not about it at first, but warmed up to the idea once I told him he couldn't get candy if he didn't have it on. He is a sugar man, sweet tooth major, must get that one from his dad or Aunt Aarean. I tend not to be a candy freak?! Happy Halloween Everyone!!!


Hudson thought sitting in our car passing out candy was the best, until he realized he could be filling his own bag with candy - then he was all about that.

He found a new love... Starburts














Hudson would only wear the hood of his costume for not even a second. That is until people would tell him how cute he looked, then he would wear it for about 5 sec.











When he got home he quickly dumped out all his candy and was deciding on which to eat first.










Eating a Tootsie Roll