The Haddon's

Thanksgiving...

2009-12-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

Just a few pictures from our festivities....

Playing in the Backyard before the feast began.... some of my favorite shots...

The family at the feast...

cousins...

Our little family of 3...

And yes, the very next day we went and got our Christmas Tree....

And someone snuck me a Christmas smooch! Loved it!

The kids browsing the ornament selection!

And last but not least, Emery showing all of her friends her beautiful pink Christmas tree--- She loves Christmas already... just like her Mama :)

What's New???

2009-11-24T16:57:00.001-08:00

We've had some crazy weeks- with showers and traveling, spontaneous trips and lots of visitors, here's some pics that capture it better than words... and are probably more enjoyable :)

My sister in law, Lisa, and I gave my sister a shower to introduce everyone to our sweet Baby Jude! It was such an awesome time, she shared in detail about their journey to adopting Jude, it was an awesome account to the graciousness of God- wish I would have video taped it- darn it!

Had to snap a picture of the centerpiece because it turned out so cute- click on the pic to make it bigger, it's his name and some birds in a tree :)

And we had a blast making the favors (and eating them- oops!) and more owls to go along with the bird theme- thanks for the stamps Sarah Jane!!!

And a picture of the best mama ever and her sweet little man, Mr. Jude Stokes- who in typical Jude fashion slept through the whole party!

And back home, me and Emmie practiced smiles when I say "cheese"- pretty good huh?

Then off to SLO for a convention for Bubba, and me and the little miss tagged along- we had a blast with my brother and his wife, they are wonderfully hospitable and just down right fun. We did our normal run to Coldstones and had lots of good laughs, thanks guys!

And then some pics of me and Em at a park down the street from my brother's house ....

And a quick trip to Availa Beach, so much to do on the Central Coast.. miss it already! We had a blast!

the end.

Happy Late Halloween....

2009-11-05T11:40:00.001-08:00

Here are some snipp-its of our Halloween this year, we had a blast!! Emery was a Bumblebee, I gave a go at making her costume which was fun since she's little and has no opinion! The first two pictures were taken by Curtis Nemetz- hence that's why they look so awesome, the rest of them are taken by little ol' me :)

Back up the train--- the day before Halloween we carved pumpkins with our cousin- Emery in her totally girlie fashion wouldn't touch it because it was too gushy- instead she hung with Uncle Buddy. So me and Griffin went after it.

Back to Halloween Day---BEE-utiful bee's!

Bubba was the Bee Keeper, I was the "Honey" (check out my ALL NATURAL Bee Hive, that was a dozey to take down!), and Emery and Griffin were bee's.

Bubba's parents stopped by to say hi!

All the little creatures... and the UPS guy :)

"why do we have these things on? and why are you taking our pictures so many times????"

Pizza Party with Jeff and the kiddos!

At the church carnival, Emery loved the baby cows, as you can see she was waving at them while they were trying to sleep!

Me and Em with our fun buddy Annah (and baby Will the pumpkin bump!)

The "Official Skeleton"

2009-10-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

Well, here you have it, Jude is now officially part of our family as my newest nephew, the adoption is complete, we celebrate in God's goodness and grace, His mercy and provision! We love this sweet baby, we rejoice that he was chosen to be part of OUR family, and we give "Praise and Thanksgiving"(the meaning of his name!) to God for him!!!! We love you Baby Jude!!!! And thus, this little "skeleton" is officially ours to love, smooch, and cuddle forever!!!!

Beach Vacation...

2009-10-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

So this past week we were recovering from our fabulous beach vacation with the Haddon side of the family, it was so fun and relaxing, we are already looking forward to next years!

We had a blast spending time at the beach, here's my favorite pic of the week! Look at the belly and bikini, they were made for each other!

And, Emery found little need for sleep this week [ugg!] so we had a early morning walk on the beach--- two sleepy heads!

Two peas in a pod- Griffin and Emery had so much fun together all week...

they even strolled the beach on their own! (Another one of my favorite pics!)

How cute is "Big Guy"???? We love him so much!

The kids had so much fun playing in the sand with Papa and Grammie... lots of digging, lots of castles, and even some munching on sand and seaweed!

And we had perfect beach weather, what a great end to summer!

Look at our beautiful ocean view- no gate mind you with two small kids= nerve racking at times!!!

Auntie Gelayol's great bedtime stories....

Emmie sneaking a before bed snack in her new Glow-in-the-Dark jammies (thanks Grammie Debs!) and her pink fuzzy boots! Too cute!

1st Fort & The Kern County Fair

2009-10-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

So, we were feeling a little restless two weeks ago and tired of the heat, so we decided to make a fort in the family room, and Emery was pretty jazzed about it. We kept it up for two days and she loved it!

Of course, she spent some time reading a few stories to her animal friends!

And then that night we got to take Emery to the Kern County Fair! She was a little leery of the sheep, but she loved to look as long as we held on to her!

Same with the pigs, those boys are BIG, much bigger than the ones in her books!

She liked the baby chicks, more her size, and they were fun to watch as they hatched!

And she played her first carnival game, it was intense, she picked a duck from the pond and depending on the letter underneath, she won a certain prize--- guess the prize... another rubber duck! But she like it, so that's what counts!

And of course, what night at the fair would be complete without her first roller coaster ride??? She chose the Kangaroo's (or really, they chose her because it was one of the only ones for little peanuts to ride on). She was amused, not in love, but definitely amused.

And by the time we made it to the buildings, she was too pooped to party. What a fun family night, we're already looking forward to next year!!!

Welcome Joshua Jude...

2009-09-18T23:44:00.000-07:00

My sweetest little nephew was born today, Happy Birthday little Joshua Jude, we love you and can't wait to meet you!! My sister and brother-in-law waited a long time before being introduced to their son. They have been on a long journey with this adoption and they are anxiously waiting the day when they can bring him home- we hope it's soon so we can smother him in smooches!

Our welcome sign for him when he arrives,

made by Big Brother Owen & me

A picture of Jude in the hospital with Noah

Proud Mama Danika and Baby Joshua Jude

Big Brother Owen playing at our house waiting to meet his new little brother!

Thanks to everyone who has prayed and been so supportive of my family during this long journey, praise God for how He has blessed us ALL with Joshua Jude!

Video of Emery Reading....

2009-09-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

Here she is, inflections and all, reading just like I taught her too :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llZ8u1_MgXM

Good Times...

2009-09-04T20:16:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back, we headed up north to visit my family for many a'reasons. 1. Bubba and I wanted to spend a quality weekend with our nephew Owen so my sister and her hubby could get a weekend away before their adopted baby arrives in a few weeks. (For those of you who have been praying about the situation, thank you, and keep praying, they are waiting to get a phone call as soon as the baby arrives so continue to pray for all hearts involved! Thanks!). Which leads me to reason 2. My sister's friends threw her a baby shower in honor of the adopted baby boy, that Lord willing, will enter their loving family. It was such a great day, a great time of prayer for Danika and Noah and the birth mom as well. And of course 3. I love to spend time with my family, anywhere, anyhow!

Before we left Em chowed on an entire bowl of watermelon in the 100+ weather, her typical afternoon snack!

On Thursday Night we headed down to Hot August Nights to check out all the old and sporty cars, this one was Owen's fav.

Em and Papa, a little past her bedtime :) But, huh hum, she is wearing the capris I made her, ain't they cute???

On Friday, we took Em & O to the pool to do some all day swimming, Owen was a little hard to get a picture of, he was submerged most of the time!!!!

Saturday morning, this was the sweetest moment, the two of these twirps eating breakfast side by side, I wish we lived closer so this could be a more common thing!

A pic of me, my sister, and long time friend Sara at Danika's baby shower.... we can't wait to meet you and love you sweet baby!

Grammie took Emery to feed the ducks with her dress up jewelry on....

And she fed herself while she was at it- in one hand a cracker for her and one hand bread for the ducks!

And once we were home, our friend June came over and Emmie showed her how it's done, lipstick time girls!!!

Happy Birthday Hubby!

2009-08-17T19:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday My Sweet Husband!

Thanks so much for your wisdom, support, gentleness, and love towards Emery and I. I love being married to you, I love raising Emmie with you, I love navigating this life with you. Thank you for leading us, praying for us, and being our rock. You're the best honey ever!

So today was my hubby's birthday, and we got to spend the day together, he called in sick- because he is actually sick- the first sick day he's used in 5 years for himself!!! CRAZY HUH? Anyhow, I got to make him some special birthday meals- breakfast, lunch, and dinner (stick a fork in ME I am done!!!) and we gave him some fun little presents and lots of birthday wishes!

This is what I found Emery doing this morning, opening daddy's birthday gift...

sneaky, sneaky girl.

Here's the look I got when I caught her and told her "no, that's for daddy".

Bubba's birthday breakfast... yum, yum!

My sleep/sick hubby smiling from the camera at 7 a.m.

Bubba & Emery opening Bubba's presents!

Happy 31st Birthday Bubs!

Me and Em left the house for awhile so Bubs could get some much needed rest, so we went to - TARGET, where else do you go when you need to get out the house? And Emery got to pick out a treat because I've had a gift card that was for her for awhile. Here's what she picked, no kidding, she's in love.... and it's just as girlie as you can get!

It is this sparkly silver and pink purse, 2 lipsticks, makeup compact & powder poof, pink cellphone, a set of car keys with a clicker, and 2 CREDIT CARDS!!!! OH my gosh! I can't believe I bought this, and you know what, she's played with it all afternoon!

Look at this happy girlie girl!

A little of this, little of that...

2009-08-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

Not a whole lot new going on around these parts, here's a few snip-it's from what we've been up to...

A visit from Aunite Danika, Owen, and Grammie Debs

(along with story time and popcorn on the couch!)

Grammie & Em at the park... oh how we love when they visit!

Monkey's Jumping on the Bed!!!

Emery Lynn found a tube of lipstick and knew just what to do with it thanks to Grammie Debs and her "lipstick 101 teaching".

Lots of playing outside with chalk, buckets, and bubbles at ALL hours of the day...

An evening downtown with family...

We had fun hanging with cousin Griff, Aunite Gelayol, & Uncle Buddy!

I am going to try to load a video of Emery busting out her dance moves in an Art Gallery downtown to some live Jazz music, she doesn't miss a beat!

Sour Raspberries

2009-01-06T20:54:00.000-08:00

So, I am lame and can't figure out how to post a video, I am getting all these errors... per my mom's request, I downloaded a funny video of my munchkin- so if your board and you want to click on this link, you can see a short clip of Emery puckerin' up with some raspberries... stay tuned:

Our first crop!

2009-07-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Emery and I checked our garden yesterday and realized our first crop is here! We have 2 huge cucumbers, a huge bunch of basil (come get some if you want some) and our pumpkin and pepper plants are growing huge! How fun, can't wait to dig in!

Things are looking up!

"If I look sassy in this picture, it's because I am"

Just Us...

2009-07-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

So I haven't had a chance to blog about our little getaway trip last weekend. We were able to escape and spend a foot-loose and fancy-free weekend together, just Bubba and I. We went to a beautiful wedding for one of Bubba's friends on the coast, stayed at my brothers house and basically borrowed his life for the weekend! It was so much fun!!!

My brother and his darling wife have a darling little place 2 minutes from downtown SLO, so we borrowed their darling little beach cruisers and rode all over darling little San Luis! I woke up early and headed to my favorite coffee shop to read and Bubba took advantage of the chance to sleep in. We met up for breakfast, rode around town, went to a few shops to do some early birthday shopping for us both, had lunch, and headed home. We couldn't hit the road though until we stopped at the Avila Barn to snag our favorite Ollalaberry Pie (next time your on the coast, grab one- you won't be disappointed!) When we returned home, Emery was swimming with her crazy Uncle Buddy & cousin Griffin... and she didn't even crack a smile when we returned! Guess she had too much fun with Auntie Gelayol & Uncle Buddy!

What a fun and refreshing weekend.... can't wait for the next one!

Happy Red, White, & Blue!

2009-07-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

We had a great and relaxing Red, White, and Blue over here- a few friends to celebrate with and some TASTEY burgers to fill our tummies, if I don't say so myself!

My very own little Firecracker, Miss Emmie Lou

Love this girl in a bikini and piggies...

Cousin Griffin swimming with Papa Mike

A little show of our own before the big ones start!

Everyone grabs their favorite desserts, thanks to Janey and Ryan, and hunkers down on the front lawn for a spectacular show of fireworks across the street!

The Picture Perfect Prays

Our Lovely Lewis Lovebirds

The Neighbors!!! (they just moved in a few streets over- yipee!)

The Party Poppin' Pearsey's (they supplied all the goods!)

The Had-it-Haddon's :) Emery feel asleep during the fireworks!

Snoozin' away with explosions bursting above her head!

Hope you all had a Happy 4th of July!

(my sad attempt to take a picture of the show! HA!)

Sassy...

2009-07-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Jocelyn is taking a photo editing class and her word to use was "sassy"- she chose Em, how appropriate! Here's what she came up with- isn't it so cute??? She's got some serious talent! Thanks girl!

Cry Babies....

2009-06-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

I was watching my nephew the other night and it was time for bed, so I attempted to put both kids down and let's just say it never worked- they were so bummed on me for breaking up the party- so we pulled a late night hang out sesh until 10! Seriously, I feel for all my friends with twins- how do you do it??? I put one down, they would cry and wake the other one up- one wouldn't want to leave the other and would cry out and reach for them.... on and on it went! EXHAUSTING I tell ya! This picture really captures the tear stained faces and "happy attitudes" about the whole evening!

And we finally put together Emery's "Crazy Coop" she got from Bubba's parents for her birthday (4 months ago!) She was so jazzed about it, she couldn't wait to get in it- so we let her ride in it- slammed, the way she likes it :) Don't worry, it eventually got upgraded and has all the essential parts to it.

Belated Father's Day...

2009-06-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

This year we got to spend Father's Day in Santa Barbara with my side of the family for our family vacation- and it was a blast! We went to the zoo, farmer's market, a parade, the beach and hung by the pool. It was so fun, and as always, I loved spending time with my family- especially the dads! One bummer, my pics from the week were lost when my camera card malfunctioned- so I am in the process of retrieving them (if possible)- so here's what I got so far.

Happy Father's Day Bubba!!!!

We spent the day at the beach and had a chance to tell the dad's in our lives how much we love them. I am constantly encouraged by my husbands efforts to bless me in my new role of motherhood. We have had our times of adjustment into our new parenting roles, especially with that changing our marriage- but I am so grateful that my husband is constantly working at our marriage, serving me, relieving me on long days, working hard to provide for our family, keeping us mindful of the Lord and His call on our life, and always being mindful of the future. Here's to you my sweet Bubba-lou,

I love you!

I also got to celebrate my dad in person this year- we had a great time having a big Sunday morning breakfast made by the ladies, then we took turns sharing what we appreciate about our dads. A really sweet time. My dad got some cute presents from the kiddos, a handmade mug from the little peanuts with their handprints on it! I was able to share with my dad how thankful I am to him for his selflessness and constant generosity to all who are around him. He has been such a great example to me of humility and serving others with a giving heart. Thanks Dad, love you.

There were many fun play times in this crazy shower- with 7 shower heads and no door!!!

My sweet girl playing on the beach in the hat my mom made her- so cute!

Emery on a train ride with Auntie at the SB Zoo

Two of the cutest rugrats I know... getting ready for their bike ride to the beach!

There's a Beast in my Back Yard...

2009-06-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

So, check this out- we have the BIGGEST hydrangea bush in our back yard, probably 40+ years old like the house, it's honestly a beast! If you ever wanna a fresh bunch of flowers, please help yourself! Anyone having a party, shower, etc.- come over and cut as many as you'd like!

So, the family spent a little time out in the sunshine a few weekends ago, planting a few things in an empty plot of dirt on the side yard.... a rose garden, an herb garden, and a little pumpkin patch for the fall (with a few cucumbers mixed in!) I am excited about it and have already begun to enjoy some of my crops from my harvest! Everything is growing well, except the caterpillars are enjoying my basil before I get to it! Bummer! Thanks Farmer Bubba for your help!

I know, I know...

2009-06-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

I know what you are thinking- "honestly Andrea, can't you keep your kid away from the chocolate already- haven't we gone through this already???" But can I just say, I live in an old house when they didn't believe in pantries, so the only thing I have for my dry goods is this tiny cupboard with a knob that is eye level to Emery. Often times, she helps herself to a snack and brings it to me to give her a small bowl of it or a cracker from the bag. But yesterday, she helped herself. Was is because she knew I wouldn't have given her any? probably, but here's what my stinker got into today- my dark chocolate I use for baking- is there "guilty" written on her forehead or what? I think the bar was as big as her! At least she makes me laugh with all this choc-o-holic behavior... she's just like my mom, we'll and me to for that matter!

Trip up North

2009-06-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

Bubba had to do some work in Sacramento this past week, so me and Emmie hitched a ride and hung out with my family. We had a great time and enjoyed the much cooler weather in the Bay Area. We spent lots of time outside, playing in the dirt, riding tractors, bikes and visiting extended family.

Uncle Bubba and Owen checking out "Mater's" motor :)

Two of my favorite little people

Grammie showing "Em & O" how to play the piano- oh what "music" there was!

My sweet girl....

My cousin Katie, her daughter Brooke, Me and Emery, and Danika & Owen

My dad looking on as we all pile on his tractor and take it for a spin :)

Family tractor time....

There was work to be done moving trees...

This trip was really fun because Emery and Owen played a lot together, they are getting to the age where they really enjoy each other and get along/interact well. Owen is so awesome with her and will be a great big brother to his new brother arriving in Sept. Danika and Noah have been chosen to be adoptive parents to a sweet baby boy due this fall. They have chosen the name Finn for him and we are all prayerfully awaiting his arrival, not only into this world, but into our family as well! Can't wait to meet you, my 3rd nephew Finn!

Summer Time is Officially Here..

2009-05-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Emmie in her new bikini, we love to lounge by the pool- literally, she loves to climb up in the lounge chair and sit all by herself- no room for me!

Isn't she the cutest???

Sweet little Emmie wishing the pool gate wasn't there, she tries to stick her legs through in hopes to get into the pool!

2 of the 3 Nemetz boys (Milo and Calvin) teaching Emery how to throw dirt clods, cool huh? he he!

More summer time pics on there way soon....

Monkey See Monkey Do....

2009-05-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

Sweet Husband...

2009-05-05T22:45:00.000-07:00

So, Bubs and I celebrated our 5th Anniversary and my sweet husband was so thoughtful- he took me out to lunch, a movie, and then made me dinner. Here's a snip-it of our celebration.... just so I can say I posted something other than pics of my kid :)

For starters, here's my Not-so-Hot cookie I made him, is was supposed to be a 5 for 5 years.... he thought is was an "s"... kinda random...maybe for shnookums :)

This is what I came home to- how cute he even found the china and bought candles at Hallmark!

Here he is cooking up a scrumptious meal- I mean SCRUMPTIOUS!!! The recipe will be on my recipe blog shortly because it's now in my top 5 favs!

A sneak peak.. Thai Chicken Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce, thanks Rachel Ray!

And an overexposed, bad lighting snap shot of us... five years into marital bliss :)

Happy Anniversary Honeyman, I love you!

And a little something more...

2009-05-05T23:18:00.001-07:00

A few snip-its from what's been going on around these parts lately....

Our newest GIRL buddy came to hang out, Miss June- which is big news because most of our buddies are little boys, not a bad thing, but every once in awhile, we need a little pink! Emmie loved her and kept kissing her head :)

Like all little ones, Em found the toilet paper and unrolled it... then ate some of it- cool.

Then proceeded to dump out all my fabric scraps, a very fun and frequent game at our house :)

On our way home from SLO this weekend we stopped to stretch our legs- I don't have many pics of me and my girl, but this one I liked- great backdrop huh? Bakersfield actually looks pretty from that far away!
And a little family shot, of course not everyone can be looking at the same time, that's illegal....

Why do babies get so weirded out by grass??? Everytime she's on it, she acts like it's her first time! Love that disgusted face...

And this is just cute- she'll love me later for it....

Why do people keep telling me they look alike? Do you really see any resemblance? HA! HA!

And a sneaky face, who can resist???

"Ah mom, you shouldn't have...."

That'll do for now.... over and out.