I thought this was so funny! First a little background....Emma wants a diary so bad! It crossed my mind for her birthday but I ended up getting her other things. Fast forward to Julia's birthday... I bought her a treasure box and it came with a diary. Emma was fired up but I told her I would get her one soon. The other night our new neighbors came over for an unannounced visit. I was mortified because it was a lazy Sunday and the downstairs was a huge mess. Anyway, I sent Emma up to her room for pulling Julia's hair and again was mortified that they were fighting. They are supposed to wait until the company leaves to show their real colors. Last night Jason brings me JULIA'S diary and tells me to read what EMMA had writted in JULIA'S journal.

Dear Julia,
I am sorry that I plde your hare but I did not want you to play with the cd playr when I was playing a cd that was not nise so plesse dont do that agen so I gese I am riteing in your jrnl if I get you mad I am sorry but I just cant help it I rely want a diry but mom wonte get me one so enyway I do not like you teseing. Love Emma

She wrote this while we were visiting with the neighbors.

5K and Fun Run!

I signed up for the Swiss Days 5K and Fun Run! I'm not sure how fun it will be but I'm in. I got up to run this morning for the first time since I was a few months pregnant with Carissa and ran three miles. I thought I was going to pass out and my legs felt like lead but I did it! It is never fun attempting to get back in shape and it is going to be an uphill battle but I am determined. Amazingly, despite feeling the soreness coming on I already feel more energized! My goal is to be able to keep up with my friend Daisy when she is just on an easy going four miler and not feel like I am running for my life. Just once! I'm also hoping that when I can comfortably run a few miles again that I will be able to get into my jeans again. Now that would be an awesome bonus! Wish me luck.

Deann will be proud.
I think I can
I think I can
I think I can
(Not an actual poem but close enough)

Julia is finally 5!

Breakfast in Bed! Dinosaur oatmeal for our dinosaur girl!


Julia couldn't have been more elated to turn five! Her birthday is August 18 so just about everyone she knows is already five. Her cousin Jack's birthday is the day before and I suggested to the girls that we call and sing to him. I could see the anxious and worried look on Julia's face and quickly reassured her that Jack is turning 4! She was relieved. If Jack had been turning five it would have definitely sent her over the edge! The next morning her happy day had FINALLY arrived and this is how Julia described her day to me in her very own five year old words...

"I love my presents and I love my cake with my doll on it, my glass doll. I love my stroller. I love my hat what Jorgi gave me and I love when I got my play-doh and all my presents. I love the strawberries with the whipped cream and the bananas and I love when everyone singed to me. I love my treasure box. It has fairies on it and it's pink. I love those balloons. I loved when I blew out the candles! I love when they gave me presents. And do you know what else? I love my mom and my dad and my sisters."

This Song Is For You!

Congratulations! Six kids and 18 grandchildren later you still have it together! Happy Anniversary! We will see you for your 40th in Hawaii! Everyone start saving up!

On Checkstands Now!

"New Ways To Get Your Kids To Eat Fruits & Veggies!" That is all I needed to get suckered into buying this cookbook. I do have a cookbook addiction but I felt justified buying this because Grace and Julia hardly eat anything but milk and cereal. Julia would eat cereal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if I let her. I made the fun PBJ on a stick you see above and her eyes lit up when I served it to her! She said,"Oooh, that looks yummy!" She ate it without a complaint. I was very excited! Just make sure you explain the dangers of the stick because they are pretty sharp on the ends!

Julia's Big Day!

Where do the years go??? My little Julia went to Kindergarten. I had so many mixed feelings about her going. Julia is my little clinger so I knew she would clam up when the time came for her to actually go with her teacher. She woke up early and came down all dressed and attempted to do her own hair with a headband in it. So cute!! She had been waiting for days to wear her new dress. When it was time to go she jumped on her bike. I thought hold on eager beaver, not on the first day! So, I convinced her the wagon would be a better idea. We chit chatted all the way to school and then we pulled up to the playground and everything about her happy mood changed. Julia never goes down without a fight. She refused to get out of the wagon to play or to take a picture with her teacher. So her teacher walked behind the wagon for the picture. The bell rang and she finally got out of the wagon but informed me she would not put her backpack on. I thought fine just don't cause a scene. Reluctantly she joined the line and walked into the school with a frown on her face! I waved and knew that when I picked her up she would have a big smile on her face. And she did!

And I'm off...to second grade!

Emma started second grade on Monday and was so excited. She came into our room at 6:30 that morning. I convinced her to lay down with us for another hour. Then before I knew it she was out the door on her scooter! And yes, that was me taking pictures from behind and yes I ran behind her to school. You have to go with them on their first day right? She wanted to ride her scooter to school and I couldn't say no, so she looked super cool and I don't even want to know what I looked like. I didn't even have my little discreet camera because Jason took it to work that morning, so I had to take the big camera. I felt like I had a cowbell around my neck. Oh well, I got the pictures I for some reason desperately had to have and in my defense I know that this kind of spectacle can't go on forever year after year. Next year she is going to leave me at home!

A week of firsts!

Our girls are growing up!! Crissy took her first bite of rice cereal, Julia learned to ride her bike, and Emma got up on the wakeboard yesterday! Yes, I am the proud mom! Emma actually taught Julia how to ride her bike while Jason and I were in our neighbors garage. When Emma told me she was helping Julia learn to ride her bike I told Emma that was so nice but never thought for a minute she would really do it. I turned into hyper cheerleader mom when I saw Julia come down the street riding her bike. I think I may have embarrased Jason a little with my excitement!! Oh, and we can't forget Grace. She said Caillou this week for the first time!!

Thank You Walters Gang!!!

Emma loooooved her gift! Thanks girls!! She was beyond excited and as you can see the pictures say it all! Only Auntie Kim spoils her with a Hannah Montana singing card! I think the picture of her with the card is hilarious!

Fun with Nana and Papa!

My parents came to visit for a few days and we had so much fun! The girls were so excited to go back to school shopping with Nana and Papa. Thanks Dad for putting up with the shopping part!!
We also drove up to the mountains to go fishing and had a yummy picnic. It was beautiful! Emma caught her first fish but it got away!
And of course the girls baked with Nana! It's a tradition and they loved every minute!
Thanks Mom and Dad for making the trip to see us! We loved our visit. See you soon!