I *heart* Werewolves

During the last part of my maternity leave I picked up a book called, "Twilight". I wasn't sure I'd like it - I'm really not into vampires. But I devoured it - all 400+ pages of it. I'm now on the third book of the series and try to find every small piece of open time I have to crack it open. I delayed starting the third book, "Eclipse", because there only four books in the saga and I'm not ready for it to end! It's been a loooong time since I've been so swept up in a book - and I don't think I've ever read a series of books that has had me so captivated. Each book is more than 400 pages, but flies by. I highly recommend them!



(A small note to my fellow Twilight fan, Catina - You said he got better in the third book! But he lied to her about Victoria coming to find her! Jacob keeps looking better and better!)





And now a picture of the tiny B doing the pony:

Boys are Gross

"Riley - get your fingers out of your nose."

"O-tay Mommy!"

Seriously. Is the face necessary? Get in there good son!

Proof of Love

Just a peek...

into the daily happenings at the Rudd household.

Things I never thought I'd say today...

"Why did you lick the cat?"

(said after my son came to me hacking because he had cat hair in his mouth from licking Sadie)

Bethany's New Product Review

I'm always wanting to try new things - and by new things I mean new products, not new things as in skydiving or eating squid. But I'm always afraid it won't work and will waste my money. So I'm taking the risk out of it for you and reviewing a new product that I've tried. You can thank me later.

Revlon's Beyond Natural Foundation in Light to Medium

Normally I do not buy Revlon makeup because it is so expensive. I'm a CoverGirl with a coupon. But this was half off recently at the grocery store and I took the plunge. I am now forever a Beyond Natural girl. The foundation is white them magically turns into your skin tone when you blend it. And it really does look natural! It leaves a nice finish - not too matte and not shiny. Lasts a long time and doesn't seem to really rub off on anything. I just wish it weren't so darn expensive regular price (around $10). I also purchased the eyeshadow in spice and the lipgloss in plum. Thrilled with those as well.

So Rotten

He used to pose for mommy all the time... (Riley at 3 months)

Now this is as good as it gets. (Riley tonight stealing my oreo)

Love you Stink.

Welcome to the World of Pink

Look what Brenna got in the mail yesterday.

Yep, two very girly, very pink things that her mommy has been eyeing since we found out she's a girl. So with all of this pink, it got me thinking about my whole Princess aversion. So I decided to do some research and found this website. This is their description of a Princess:

Princess: An individual regarded as having the status or qualities of a
princess. Sets out to do good things and helps the less fortunate and others in
their community.
MOTTO: "Do not let anyone make you think less of yourself. You are a
princess, a wonderful person, and you always will be."

Every girl and woman is a princess, young, old, rich or poor. But remember, just because you are a princess doesn't mean you are any better than anyone else. It simply means you believe in yourself and that you will try to be the best person you can be. A true princess will always befriend all her fellow sisters. She will lend a
helping hand to her neighbors, family and friends.

Ah, now this is a type of Princess that I can live with. So the girl who used to tear the bows off her shoes is now the mother of a Princess. In fact, I may just want to be a Princess myself.

Lots of littleness

Like the new background? I stayed up way to late looking up how to change the 'html code' and put in a new background. It's nice, but a little harder to update, so it will be temporary then i'll go back to the old background.

Feeling better about going back to work. I don't like it, but can't change it so there's no sense in wallowing in self pity.

Note to self - Taking benedryl when you are already sleep deprived is a bad idea. I can barely keep my eyes open.

And I'll leave this randomness with a little tip. Have left over coffee in the morning? Pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze. Then make a cup of hot chocolate and dump in several coffee cubes. Instant iced mocha! (I sort of came up with this on my own!)

Baby's crying...

Mountains and Valleys

Today started off to be an awesome day. A very inspiring day. My BFF Mandi sent me a great story (email me if you'd like to read it - it's too long to post here...), one of my favorite blogs (ZenHabits) had a great post today about inspirational videos, the devotional for today completely fit what I needed to hear (as it usually does), and I got to have a great conversation with above mentioned BFF, Mandi.

Then I got the phone call. Nothing incredibly serious or tragic, but devestating to me none the less. I was advised that due to lack of planning on my part I have to return to work a week earlier than I wanted. Moving my return date from 9/5 to 8/26. I thought with the second one it would be easier. We have a great daycare provider and I know my kids are loved and will be taken care of. It's just a week different than what I had planned. I'll return on Tuesday which means I'll work one day, then have the next two off (my schedule has me off on Wednesdays and Thursdays). But as I list all the reasons why this won't be so bad, all I can do is cry.

Looking for some peace on this situation...

- The sad, but still Mighty B

Darn Papparazzi

Only 4 weeks old and already starting the Diva attitude when mommy takes pictures.

"Hold You..."

I've recently started getting daily devotionals from Proverbs 31 Ministries. (Thanks to Brittany for the link on her website!) The subjects always seem to be exactly what I need to hear. Today's devotional was no exception. (I strongly encourage you to click the link above to read today's devotional)

It was especially touching after finding this article on a blog:
http://www.tampabay.com/features/humaninterest/article750838.ece

This was a blog that I found by following links on other blogs...not one I normally read on a regular basis. I definitely felt like I was shown that blog for a reason. The article is heartbreaking, shocking, and makes me so grateful for my babies.

The last line of the store especially broke my heart:

In her new room, she has a window she can look out of. When she wants to
see outside, all she has to do is raise her arms and her dad is right behind
her, waiting to pick her up.

I was really humbled by the connection between the story and the devotional. I'm amazed that in the small amount of time that I've started really searching for God, he's revealed himself in so many ways.

Keep it comin' God - I'm listening.

Makes those 2 A.M. feedings worth it...

Only a sleepy girl with a full belly could look this cute.

"Watch Your Sister..."

Yesterday I had to make the brave trip out with both kids to find Jeff's birthday present. While I was drying my hair, I left Brenna in her boppy on the couch. Riley was playing with his trains on the floor, so I asked him to keep an eye on her. I came back out of the bathroom and found this...

He climbed up next to her and was rubbing her head. He loves her!