LOVE PICTURES!!

Kori and I have been spending our free time taking pics of loved ones. I'd say its time well spent! YAY!! I love photography!

Where do we go from here?

Well our condo is sold!
We officially moved out last Monday and are staying at my parents' until we find our new home. I have to say I am going CRAZY with not being able to put up my adorable Halloween decorations and sharing a bathroom with my sisters again isn't exactly ideal, but we are still searching for a house and will hopefully find the right one soon. Gwendolyn is SIX MONTHS
What the!?!? Where has all the time gone?

She is getting bigger and more beautiful everyday and she loves loves LOVES her mommy.
She's getting really big on cuddling and tries to eat everyone's food off their plates (trying to be a big girl)

With how fast she's growing, I'm again starting to get baby hungry, but before I can go through this again... I have GOT to get in better shape.
I was honestly really lucky with Gwen, I didn't put on much weight and I lost all the inches within the first few days of giving birth and was back to my prepregnancy size in no time with no effort, however, I'm not exactly where I want to be. So in a few days I will be starting an exercise and diet program challenge and I hope all will go well! I don't care about losing weight so much as toning muscle and getting a better figure.

I hope all is well with everyone, and hopefully I an get back on track with some posts!

5 Months, new job, and please sell!

So we've got our condo listed as many of you know, and we're still waiting for the family or person who deems it right for their new home. We're sad to part with it, but actually getting anxious for it to be over with so we can move on. We're starting to get some more interest which is nice, but at the same time it is difficult to keep this place clean with my little munchkin demanding most of my attention ;) Anyway if you or anyone you know is interested... give us a call! (these pictures aren't the most current... we've since updraged on furniture in the living room...

Living Room

Kitchen

Dining Room (yes messy)

And just yesterday, little Gwendolyn turned FIVE MONTHS! I love her so much she's a blast to spend time with! It makes me happy and sad at the same time to think back to the day she was born. It seems like only a week ago we brought her home and now all of a sudden she's this 5 month old! She's growing and learning so fast and developing her own personality which I LOVE. I just want to hold her in my arms always! I keep telling Jeff "She's so great! Let's have another!!!" Of course he and I both know that's not happening right now. Maybe in a couple years :) But I absolutely adore her and love being her mom.
She's conquered some new foods too! Rice cereal, Oatmeal, Sweet Potatoes and on her way with Squash :) woo hoo!

Smiles before church

Silly faces at the table

I'm actually looking for a good part time job, I'm going to be working at Northridge High in the library for 2 hours a day starting next week, but I'm thinking I'd like something different. If anyone knows of a place hiring that'd be good for working mornings so I have time with my peanut, let me know!

That's all in the life of the Judkins' Hope all is well with you!

Bear Lake, birthday and Beach Baby

August is the month when South Weber fair days goes on, we decided for fun-z's we'd put Gwendolyn in the baby contest which was themed 'Beach Baby'






So Saturday August 1st we took her down to the rec center in her swimsuit and a little grass skirt I altered for her. It was SO cute! They had the babies parents (actually Mom's) take the babies up for the judges to see while the announcer read a little bit about each child. I decided that since Gwen is Daddy's lil' princess that he should take her up instead of me, plus some of the mom's can be scary in contests like this, but the INSTANT she got up for her turn, my little sweetheart started talking up a storm with all sorts of smiles and blew lots of raspberries. I have to admit I was a little proud, most of the other babies didn't even pay attention to the judges. After all the babies had been introduced they had us go get their pictures taken for their beach baby themed background so they could judge the winners, then we all came back in and they started announcing the prizes. There was only one other baby girl there and when she was awarded "cutest little mermaid" we knew Gwendolyn was the winner of Princess of the Sea. Our families were all there to watch baby Gwen get her very first bling, her very own teeny tiara. SO fun!!

August 4th was Kori's birthday so we went to Goodwood BBQ, and had a marvelous dinner and then headed back to their house for presents, she got a light up frisbee (that I think Jeff is actually more excited for than Kori) I love you Kori I hope you had a good one :)

And last weekend we went with Jeff's family to Bear Lake. We were lucky not to get stormed out with the menacing clouds lurking overhead, and I've never had such a COLD boat ride! *SHIVER* But we had fun and Gwen enjoyed putting her toes in the water and the sand. She also spent some time with Aunt Natalie on the swing at Natalie's grandma's cabin.

We hurried home after Bear Lake so Gwendolyn could be in the South Weber Days Parade because all baby royalty and little miss winners were suppsed to ride in the parade. Jeff decided that since he had done the contest, I would have to do the parade with her, it was fun and for the most part she really enjoyed it all. Yay for busy weeks :)
Oh! And my sisters got colored hair extentions for fun :) Annie got maroon and
Kori... pink

Since you've been gone...

Well not you, but since we've been gone from the blogging world

We went camping in the Uintas... (and once at Camp Atoka)

(splashing through a stream in the Uintas on the 4 wheeler :) )

(Gwen and Daddy on the 4 wheeler, think she's ready???)

(At Camp Atoka with Dad and Grandma Sue)

Gwendolyn turned FOUR MONTHS!

And we had 2 rounds of Yellowstone, one with the Judkins'...

(a black bear and her cub, the bear is on the right and the cub running to her)

(Jake climbing the Sheepeater Cliffs)

(Jason and Jeff...No this wasn't planned)

(one of the hot pools at West Thumb)

(Bison that ALMOST got Jeff's car while we Jason took this picture)

And one with the Slager's

(bull elk we saw)

(place at mud volcano where we and a bunch of other people got trapped by a bunch of menacing bison who were right on the boardwalk)

(Gwendolyn's reaction to the bison)

(does anyone else have a dad who struggles to give a regular smile??)

(at West Thumb)

It's been a busy month of July, and I can't believe how fast this summer is going! It's almost over!!

We've also listed our condo for sale, so if anyone is interested ;)

My BEAUTIFUL sista

see a sneak peek of my sister Kori for her senior pics! turned out so cute!


but then again she's ALWAYS been cute!
Love you Kor!

Our little mermaid!

Please ignore the face. I know it's scary...

We took little Gwendolyn swimming for the first time today, I wasn't sure what to expect... she LOVES her bath, but this water would be different. Meaning? Cold. When we got there Jeff hopped in first and I handed her over, she kind of gasped at first when her legs touched the water but she did really well. She started fussing when she got hungry but about 2 ounces of formula later she was tired of the bottle and ready to play again.This time I took her in the wading pool and let her stand on the bottom. She was THRILLED constantly cooing and blowing bubbles (raspberries) and smiling big cheeser smiles which are too cute.

When it was time to leave Jeff pulled her out of the pool and wrapped her up in the towel, and she was not okay with that. She cried pouty cries and fussed until I took her and put her feet back in the water. As soon as her feet hit the water all the happy squeals and cooing and bubbles came back. She is definitely a water girl and our little mermaid. We'll see how she does next time :)

3 months and Fathers day

I know it's a little late, but here is a pic from Gwen's blessing :) She was a beautiful little princess and SO well behaved! She is still growing up faster than I'd like but I love every minute with her!

Gwen turned 3 months last Friday, and on Saturday perfected the art of blowing raspberries... baby style. Meaning? Bubbles, drool and silly noises. She is SO cute with her new found talent! She has also started giggling as of last Thursday! (will post video as soon as I have it) We have started trying to go for walks everyday now as a means to get out of the house and be active. She still isn't a fan of the car seat (which attaches to the stroller) But we have fun especially when we get to go with Stacey and McCoy (our best friends) and it's so cute watching McCoy with her, he gets so worried when she cries and always asks to give her hugs! She is growing up everyday doing the most amazing things, it's so crazy how fast time has already gone! She has also realized when bath time is and will cry until she knows we've got the tub in the sink and are getting her ready for the bath, I honestly think we could make her bath as long as we want and she'll be happy the WHOLE time. She really brings so much joy and laughter into our lives and our home.
For Father's day (I know I'm a little behind..) I wanted to give thanks for the fathers in my life.

My dad is a great example to me, he didn't have the best situations growing up and definitely no good examples, but he is a good example to me. He's a hard worker and always takes care of my mom. One of my favorite memories growing up was that my mom and dad would always give each other some silly gift like disc launchers for Christmas and end up chasing each other and us around shooting foam discs at us. My dad knows how to be serious when needed, and silly (more often) He always told me to do my best and told me how much I could achieve. I love him for that! My family wasn't always an eternal family, I grew up going to church since I was born, but it was always my mom, me and sisters. But on September 10, 2004 we were sealed together as a family and it was such an amazing experience. Thank you Dad, for that special day and especially because by that one choice you will be able to have attended not only my wedding, but Annie's and Kori's too. It means so much! He is also a fantastic grandpa for Gwendolyn, everytime she cries around him he'll take her and say "Grandpa can fix it" He is so proud of her and it shows, I'm so grateful to have him close by and lucky to call him 'Dad'



I'm also grateful for Jeff's dad. Ray is another amazing Grandfather for Gwen and he is such a funny guy and I never see him without a smile :) I love being around him and seeing how great a dad he was to Jeff and his siblings. He is a great example to us in every way, and again we're so lucky to have him close by (both our families live in South Weber) I love being able to be so close to them.





I don't have any Grandfather's left on this earth, and to be honest I really only had one Grandpa, which is fine with me because he was worth 10 grandpas! My grandpa was a child at heart ALL his life. He always looked for the best in people and could always make us laugh. He was a naturally good-natured, and happy guy and I don't think anyone else had a grandpa quite like mine :) I could honestly write on for days about my memories of him and the great man he was (and is I'm sure, as I've noticed little things Gwendolyn does that make me think to myself 'She got that from Grandpa') I feel his eyes watching over me a lot and I miss him terribly. Even to this day we can't go into a restaurant without thinking of my grandpa. Turning the napkins into pirate hats and menus into telescopes capturing not only his grandchildrens but every other child in the restaurants attention and laughter. If I achieve nothing else, I want to be like my grandpa when I grow up!

Last, but not least... I'm so grateful for Jeff. He is such an amazing father to Gwendolyn, he does so many sweet little things with her that bring a tear of happiness to my eye. I love those little moments! He is such a great provider and I love spending every minute that we can together. He is a great husband to me and I love to support him in everything he does to see the joy in his eyes. He is so proud of his little girl and I can tell in every story he tells me about her when I'm not around. I look forward to raising a family with this wonderful man. I love you sweetheart! You can do and be anything you want and Gwen and I are behind you 100%

hungry? why not try a snowglobe?

Many of you know my grandmother is in a nursing home, she doesn't fit all symptoms of alzheimers or dimensia, but has her own take on them.
She does the silliest things, she knows who everyone is, but she can't put a normal sentence that makes any sense together, a few weeks ago we went to visit her with Gwendolyn so she could meet her great-granddaughter because she's been talking about her for MONTHS. We got there and waited at the end of the hall for her to come out of her room, when my mom wheeled her out she was not meeting any of our faces as she looked around and kept saying something to the effect of "and... I told him that... that... and you know now" my mom leaned in to her ear and said "Look who came to see you!"
no response
Mom- why don't you hold her down closer so she can see her better.
I crouch down holding little Gwen
Mom- Nana, look who came to see you.
Nana's response... Kick me in the shin.
I don't care how old she looks. The woman has a good leg and would do any wheelchair soccer team proud!
Needless to say, I left with my baby shin bruised and a grandmother who may or may not know we even came.

Then we went back up to have her (my grandma's) birthday party. We were in one of the dining halls, and we were having banana splits (nana LOVES her sweets) she was wheeling herself all over and kept running into the table and then yelling incomprehensible things at it for hurting her arm, every so often she'd take off into the hall and my uncle would follow her and bring her back. Soon he followed her no matter what since she was being so active. I heard later from my younger sisters that it seemed she had seen them from across the room and ZOOMED over there in her chair and the conversation went something like this
Annie and Kori- Hi Nana :)
Nana- All I can tell you girls is that I used to have a ladder
Uncle Beetle (Orley)- Yeah and it didn't work, cause Cheri still got back in the house!
(my mom's name is Cheri and she is the youngest in her family and her siblings like to tease her and say she was Nana's favorite and was treated better than the rest and my Uncle Beetle, whose real name was Orley, likes to tease my grandma by playing along with her nonsense sentences.) It may not seem funny to you, but it cracks me up! I love my grandma and I know that she knows it, and no matter what happens, I know she loves me and I know I will see her again.

Last night I was chatting with Annie when she tells me apparently my grandma had eaten some glass and Mom and Dad were at the hospital. I know you're all thinking the same thing I was.
Glass? Why was she eating glass?... And where would she find some to eat??

So I call my mom to see if she's okay, and to ask her to solve the glass eating mystery, and she tells me that my grandma has a snowglobe and must've knocked it off the table by her bed, then proceeded to pick up the glass pieces and start chewing on them... Glass. Seriously. Who knew?

Thankfully she was x-rayed twice and no glass shards have been spotted.
After this conversation with my mom I went to get ready for bed still thinking about my grandma and her glass eating skills. It was making me laugh again with how many silly things my Nana does, so I started texting my mom. The conversation went like this

Me- Only YOUR mom would eat glass
Mom-Yeah. Thanks :)
Me- How will you ever compete with her when you get old? She's already thought of everything!
Mom-She's taught me well, be prepared... :)
Me-I just don't see how you can top 'glass eating'
Mom-Yeah, I think I hope I pass on that one
Me-You better start documenting this stuff, Gwendolyn will never believe these stories
Mom-That's your job, you'll have to tell her the stories :)
Me-but how will I remember them if you don't write them down?
Mom-I might be too busy eating glass.

I know a lot of people including my mom sometimes get upset seeing my grandma do these things and slip further and further away. (which she's been doing since my grandpa died) But I'm really grateful for the time I have had o get to know her and love her and grateful that in this family we can find humor in her silliness instead of becomming depressed. She's led a fantastifc life and is loved so much more than she even realizes.

***mental note*** when I'm old and making less sense, I will hopefully train myself to eat some chocolate of strawberries (or both) when I'm hungry, I really do not find glass very scrumptious.

Time for change

Lately Jeff and I have been trying to decide whether or not to sell our condo and buy a house. It's been on our minds a lot in the past, but we haven't looked since last fall because I wanted to stay home with Gwendolyn as much as possible. Right now I am a full time stay at home mom which I LOVE! It is the greatest blessing to be able to spend time with her all day everyday. Although every once in a while, I find myself missing work. Missing the time I had to be away from my family, it made me miss them so much more and cherish the time I spent with them. I still work doing mortgages from home which is another blessing, but the concern Jeff and I have is that while working from home is working out great for our situation, it probably won't be able to qualify us for a mortgage to get into a house that costs much more than what we'd sell ours for. Now the decision is coming down to whether or not I should get a job again to get us qualified and into a house, or if we should continue to stay here. There are pro's and con's on both sides of course, but it seems like the pros to moving are outweighing the cons. So we've decided to list our house and see what happens. Today I will be spending most of my time cleaning and organizing the house so that we can get the MLS pictures taken. And it is at times like this, that I realize just how much junk we have accumulated. I think we could compete for a pack rat award of some sort. And it honestly feels like it could take WEEKS to get it all done.
But I am determined!
So anyone looking for a place to live... Our condo is 3 bed 2 bath and approx 1200 sq ft
parking is one covered and one uncovered and the area is well kept by the HOA

Update on Gwendolyn::: At her 2 month appointment she weighed 9lbs 14oz and was 22.5'' long
she's growing great and her height is average. Her weight is still in the 25th percentile, but she's completely healthy and has officially worn 2 outfits in the 0-3m size :D Congratulations sweetheart!
We also had some family pictures taken a few weeks ago, mostly I wanted some new ones of Jeff and me, but we're 3 now, so we did a mixture, I think they turned out GREAT!


so fun!!