An Explanation

To my surprise, I've had a few people wondering why we call Barrett "Bear" so I will explain (and include a cute picture to prevent boredom).

We pronounce his name like Bear-it, so shortened, that would just be Bear. I don't spell it Bar or Barr because that would be the place you go to get a drink.

We don't call him Barry (nor will we ever) for 2 reasons, 1. The only Barry in my life is Barry Manilow (LOVE him!), and 2. My sister's name is Berrie. She is Berrie, Barrett is Bear.

Last week I got together with some friends at Brittany's house for dinner and lots of fun. I brought Barrett and Jenelle brought her boys Stockton and Blake so everyone could meet them.

The only problem with when we all get together is that there are always so many entertaining conversations going on at once and I'm always trying to jump in and be a part of all of them! We need like a talking stick or something :)

Over the weekend, we went out to PF Changs and to the Brian Regan show with Kelsey and Alex. It was such a fun night and Brian Regan was hilarious!

Entertainment

My days are kind of all the same now. In fact, I usually don't ever even know what day it is. Each day is filled with cooing, singing, talking, playing, cuddling, smiling, laughing, diapers, LAUNDRY, reading, rocking, bouncing, and occasionally some cleaning, sleeping, changing out of pajamas and/or a shower. To tell you the truth, I love my life this way even though I don't go to the gym, have any sort of schedule, and rarely leave the house!

I do need things to keep me entertained though when I'm nursing Barrett or when he's asleep and I'm not. Here's what's kept me from going too crazy. (3 cheers for iPhone and iPad!)

Obviously blogging hasn't been on the top of my list, only because I don't like blogging on my phone and I'm usually not on the computer. I still read other peoples blogs, I just don't update my own. I'm trying to do better with it though!

I check facebook all the time. I usually don't post anything, but I appreciate those of you that do so I'm not so bored!

Taylor knew I would love this funny Simpsons website. I just wish they'd update it more often.

eyeonspringfield.tumblr.com

I've been re-watching all 3 seasons of Arrested Development because 1. it's hilarious and 2. next year they're releasing season 4 and a movie on Netflix! I sometimes think I'm giving Barrett shaken baby syndrome from laughing so hard when I watch this and feed him. I try to limit my Arrested Development time, just in case!
So if you ever find yourself in need of some entertainment, I would suggest these fine activities.

Until July

Pat and Dawn were home from the MTC for the weekend to finish getting packed up so we went and saw them a couple more times before they left.

Barrett is going to be so different when they get back!

Farewell

Pat and Dawn (shown here with Lola and some friends) told us the week before Christmas that they were going on a mission. Not just that they had decided to go on a mission, but they'd already put in their papers, received their call, and were leaving n 4 weeks! They were called to the Birmingham, Alabama mission and they'll be there for 6 months.

On January 1st, they spoke in their ward for their farewell. We all went over to their house afterwards for a party.

Here's Uncle Bobby and Grandpa Johnson

Beck

Leah and Monica (Leah had thyroid cancer and had just had her 2nd operation to have it removed!)

The Stacks and Monica

Henry, Louis, Beck and I think that's one of Bobby's kids.

Pat and his parents Roger and Kaye

Mary
We all went over to their house again last Sunday to watch them get set apart as missionaries.
They're at the Provo MTC this week, they'll come home Friday to pack up their car and then leave on Sunday for Mississippi.

We miss em already!!

This Guy

I

am

in

LOVE

Since it snowed last week, Barrett finally had a chance to wear his bear snowsuit!

Not that he went out in the snow, but we drove in the car and there was snow on the ground. It kept him nice and cozy warm!

Last weekend, Neil and I went up to Park City for a date, I think this was our first night out without Barrett, but I could be wrong.

Anyway, we went to see the Momix dance concert, Botanica. It was great, but it was a long drive and we were very, very tired!

Happy Birthday Jeffrey

On Sunday, we celebrated Jeff's 39th birthday with a delicious dinner and German chocolate cake.

Unfortunately for Jeff,

This guy was the star of the show...



We just can't help ourselves!

December 31st was a big day for the Prusse family.

Henry got baptized by his dad.

And Mary turned 2.

The candles had to be re-lit 2 or 3 times because Mary kept blowing them out before we could sing to her.

Some People Say I'm Over Protective

As Barrett gets a little older, I've been getting a little bit better about letting non- sick people hold him. I still insist that anyone washes their hands before touching him (I think that's reasonable!), but I've even started letting kids hold him!
Nick got to hold him, although he had been at school that day and Bear was only a few weeks old still, so even though he washed his hands really well, he had to wear a pillow case over his clothes.
Reagie got to hold him and she was so excited that they were both wearing snowman jammies.

Lindsay likes to hold him even when he's crying- she tries to calm him down like a good little mama.

McCord had a turn and you can tell he's a big brother!

And Daners too- he is the sweetest thing!

Tink asked to hold him everyday for several weeks, but she and Reags had coughs so she had to wait a really long time. She also asks if she can "have him" (like take him home with her forever) everytime I see her.

Beck was really excited about his new cousin too. All the kids have been so cute and sweet with Baby Bear- they all love their new baby cousin!

Game Time

Neil and I love games- it seems like I do several posts each year just on playing games!
Between Christmas and New Years, we played quite a few games with lots of people. Because I've become a slacker, I didn't take pictures everytime, but I did take some.
Neil and the kids are huge fans of games on the iPad.

We're getting Barrett hooked on dominos at an early age.

Jill, Stefanie, and Berrie playing Just Dance

Another fun one- Imaginiff

And MORE dominos with some of our favorite friends of Tay's. You can't see Jason's face, but he was there too and it was the first time we'd seen him in a couple of years! We've missed that boy!