My Little Women

Good Times!

2011-02-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

Happy third Birthday Carissa! It's hard to believe my baby girl is three! This little one is full of life and has us laughing everyday! Crissy loves pink ,pink, and more pink, dress ups, nail polish, apple juice in her "boop" (sippy cup which mom needs to get rid of soon)jumping on the trampoline, driving her barbie car, making messes, hiding in obvious places and actually believing mommy can't find her, curls in her hair, long baths, going to great grandma's house, Dora, Max and Ruby, gum, playing with her girls(sisters),and her best friend Kaycee. Here are a few pictures from her special day. It was fun to have Auntie Lindsey, Laney, and Ellie here to celebrate with us!

TLC

2011-01-20T21:17:00.001-08:00

Does anyone out there watch Say Yes To The Dress on TLC? This is a little embarrasing but I am watching it almost every morning while I nurse the baby. I don't know what my obsession with this show is all about, but once I start I have to finish the episode. I must know what dress they choose!

Happy Days!

2011-01-16T21:57:00.000-08:00

So, I have been a little out of sorts lately. A newborn and four little girls bouncing of the walls will do that to you despite your best efforts. I know things will get easier and I'm handling life...most days.
Saturday afternoon was like a breath of fresh air! It was beautiful and warm, so I left my winter cave behind and went out with Jason and the girls. Baby Jake was napping and I had a blast! I felt like a kid again riding around on our neighbor's go cart. The kiddie parade going around the circle included a girly pink moped, motor scooters, a go cart, new Christmas bikes,a four wheeler, a barbie mustang, and a John Deer Tractor, and last but not least Crissy's awesome pink big wheel! It was a great afternoon playing with the kids and feeling like a kid myself.

After the fun was over I felt renewed and happy! The best part of my life are my family and friends and the little moments of life captured in the following pics. Life is good!

Our Baby Boy!

2010-12-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

Our baby boy was born November 19th! We named him Jacob Jason Tomlinson just before we left the hospital. After discussing our names options until none of them were sounding good anymore I decided to let daddy name his boy. So little Jake it is!
The last few weeks have been busy with a new baby, four little girls, and lots of emotions and sleepless nights. I am trying to enjoy every moment with my new little baby which is why I am now just posting pictures three weeks after his birth. This is such a special time that I know will be gone in a flash! We are all loving and holding him every chance we get! Last night Jason said I was hogging him and I couldn't deny it! LOL! We feel so blessed to have a newborn this time of year. It makes the Christmas season even better with a new baby to love!

Just born and in mommy's arms! The best feeling in the world and this time I was in awe that I really had a baby boy!

Meeting his anxious and excited sisters! Is this little guy going to be adored or what?!

Blue, blue, and more blue! One of my favorite pictures of him. He is so sweet!

Just after his first bath!

Just a few days ago in front of the Christmas Tree.

Jacob with his fan club!

Daddy and his little boy!

Marathon Day!

2010-10-03T21:39:00.001-07:00

I'm so proud of Jason! Saturday he finished the St. George Marathon with a time of 4:11! It was such an exciting day! We knew so many people running this year which made it even more exciting. My sister Deann came down with her kids to cheer on her husband! He did great! The kids made posters for their dads and waited to see them come down the final stretch. It was so awesome to see family and friends running toward that finish line after a really tough race. It was a hot day which you could see had taken it's toll on the runners. Here are some pictures from our fun day!

A Big Change!

2010-08-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been exhausting! I had taken my girls school shopping and was getting everything lined up for the first day of school when I received a call from Vista Charter School informing me that two spots were open for my girls. I told them I would let them know and I had about 24 hours to confirm. I went ahead and confirmed knowing I could still back out and continued to try and make a final decision. If you know me, you know what making a final decision means. I obsessively thought about it, called and got differing opinions, did my research on the school, prayed and prayed. Emma asked me if I was going to take my whole life to make a decision! Anyway, today I decided to go for it! It seems like a great opportunity for my girls and a good fit for now. I am not a risk taker so this is scary for me but I'm feeling good about it and trying to be as confident as I can. I got some great advice from my girls' preschool teacher. She said once you make a decision, make it the right one and put your whole heart into it. I'm sure Wednesday is going to be an exciting day for us and hopefully my girls will come home happy about their new school!

It's A Boy!

2010-07-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

We are having a BOY! It still doesn't seem real and it probably won't until he is in my arms. We are all very happy and feel so lucky to get a little boy. I don't think we ever thought it would happen and it would have been perfectly fine. We adore our little girls and would have loved another. But Jason is getting his little buddy and it feels like a great way to end our family. I'm going to try and enjoy every moment of my last pregnancy and look forward to the day we meet our baby boy!

Time Will Tell

2010-07-01T22:56:00.000-07:00

Next Friday we will know if a boy or a girl will join this lively bunch of sisters! I'm trying to imagine a boy mixed in there and it is hard for me! I'm envisioning another little girl in the mix. Only time will tell! What I know for sure is that this new baby is going to be well loved by all of these big sisters!

2010-05-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Jason completed his first Olympic Tri! The swim was a mile and a half, the bike 20 miles, and the run 6 miles. It was his first open water swim and he did great! We are proud of you Jason! Now his eyes are set on the St. George Marathon in October!

SUMMER IS HERE!

2010-05-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of school! Yelling and screaming filled the air as soon as the bell rang! I could hear the excitement from the front yard. The girls came home to balloons and a finish line for another school year under their belts. Great job girls!

Spring Triathalon!

2010-04-06T23:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a big day for us! Jason, Emma, and Julia all participated in the Sand Hollow Triathalon. It was so much fun! I woke up early to go cheer Jason on. I was so proud of him! He beat his time from his last Tri in the fall and he is training for a bigger one in May. This time he is headed for open waters!
Emma and Julia were so cute to watch. This was Emma's second time and Julia's first. I was nervous for Julia but she surprised us! She isn't the strongest swimmer so she wore her life jacket but she was quick on the bike and the run. She had this determined look in her eye. She was all business!
Emma did great! She swam and biked great. I cracked up when she turned onto her back and backstroked her second lap. She had one little mishap on the run. Instead of running half a mile, she ran longer with the older kids. She was bummed but she came through the finish strong! She said she wants to train to do the sprint next time! I was definitely the proud mom and wife for the day.

Rainbow

2010-03-06T16:58:00.000-08:00

Little Grace has renamed herself Rainbow. And she is pretty serious about it! She'll catch you if you call her Grace and remind you that her name is now Rainbow. A little while after I dropped Rainbow off at preschool I got a text from her teacher that said the following: "Grace just changed her name to Rainbow." I laughed and I also laughed in the middle of the night when she came into our room and I asked who it was and she paused and replied,"Rainbow."
I have to say how proud I am of this little girl! A year ago she was hardly talking and now it seems like she has been talking forever. Her speech therapist calls her his miracle girl because she has made such an incredible improvement. She went into speech a month before she turned three and was only in the first percentile for language and articulation! Way to go Grace!
Here are a few pictures from her Birthday Tea Party. It was so fun! Hats, gloves, pink lemonade, and real sugar cubes are what little girls are made of! Happy Birthday Rainbow! Jason made her cute teapot cake! I actually sat back and let him make it and I'm glad I did because he did an amazing job!
Four Things I love about Grace:
1. You are a mommy's girl! Sorry Jason!
2. Your cute sense of humor. I hope I always remember that when I dropped you off at preschool you yelled to me,"Bye Alvin!" You love those chipmunks!
3. The adorable things you say. Emma asked what kind of gum you were chewing and you said,"Chewy, chewy, chewy, chewy bubble gum!"
4. I love your obsession with Max and Ruby! You have to watch it everyday!!!

2010-02-22T20:36:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to blog about this cookbook for a long time! I love it! If you are looking for a good, basic, family friendly cookbook than this is a must have. I find myself going back to this cookbook constantly and she gives great ideas for menu planning as well. Love it, love it, love it!!!

Just Wondering???

2010-02-11T12:48:00.001-08:00

Okay everyone. When you visit my blog does it take you to my most recent post or is it an old post. A couple of my friends have told me they always get an old post first. Let me know so I can fix my blog. Thanks!

Happy Birthday To Carissa!!!

2010-01-31T18:17:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pictures from Carissa's birthday. We celebrated a day early so daddy could spend the day with her too. She woke up to a big balloon tied on her crib and she played with it ALL DAY! She knew it was her special day and she kept giving us all of these funny little smiles that you can see in EVERY picture we took! Baby Cinderella was the theme for the day and she loved every minute! Happy birthday Crissy!

Christmas

2009-12-30T08:32:00.001-08:00

I have to admit I'm going through a little post Christmas depression! I love all of the Christmas traditions we enjoy as a family and it is always sad to see it end.
We were lucky to have Jason's parents with us for Christmas this year and the girls loved it of course!
Christmas Eve was busy. We made candy and sugar cookies. I loved watching the girls decorate them! I hope this is a tradition they will remember and do with their own little ones someday. We had lots of sprinkles and frosting everywhere but it is worth it! Grace frosted every one of her cookies with blue frosting of course! After a fancy Christmas Eve dinner the girls dressed up and acted out the Christmas story. Carissa stole the show as the wise man! We sang Christmas songs, read "The Night Before Christmas", and tucked the girls into bed. I'll never forget how happy Grace looked tucked into bed and how she said she saw a red light from Rudoph in the sky. Or Emma on her knees praying that she wasn't on Santa's naughty list! It was pretty funny and I really wish I had more than a mental picture.

Christmas Eve Jammies!

Jason's mom and Carissa. Gayle made her little handprint ornament for me.

Our little Nativity

Christmas morning! Santa brought a tea trolley!

A new Barbie car!

Julia with her zhu zhu pets

Emma serving up some hot cocoa for Christmas breakfast!

Christmas Eve with Grandma and Grandpa

After Christmas morning we drove to my parents house and arrived just in time for Christmas dinner. It was a treat to eat my mom's food and she always has her table so pretty. The girls had a fun time playing with all of their cousins! We had a big family party the next day so I was able to visit with so many loved ones I rarely get to see. And to top it all off two of my sisters announced that they will be having new babies this year! It was a fun surprise for all!

My dad came out wearing these to block out some of the noise from all of the little girls running around!

My Grandpa Joe with the girls

My mom and dad with my girls

Our Christmas Tree Adenture

2009-12-13T14:03:00.001-08:00

This year we decided to cut down our tree. Our good friends Mike and Danielle take their boys every year so we decided to tag along. We had so much fun and made some great family memories! Mike grew up in these mountains and knew where to take us to find beautiful trees. Danielle and I stayed with the little ones while the dads took the bigger kids to find our trees. It was so exciting when they came walking back with big Christmas trees in tow! I think we may make this a new family tradition!

Family Picture Day

2009-12-11T07:39:00.000-08:00

I've updated my blog with our new family pictures. This is always an eventful day to say the least. It is up there with Sunday mornings, only a little worse I think. After I dressed my girls and curled all four of their little heads we headed out the door to meet Holly O'keefe, our photographer. She was GREAT! This is the second year we have had her take our pictures and she is wonderful. Thank you Holly for all of the pictures and moments you captured of our family!

Here are a few more pictures I love!

Way To Go Julia

2009-11-06T19:52:00.000-08:00

We are so proud of Julia. She participated in the Reflection's Contest at School and was awarded an honorable mention for her artwork!
She also impressed us with some serious pumpkin carving skills! She refused to have anything to do with cleaning out the pumpkin but carved the entire pumpkin herself. In fact, she made it three sided with different faces!

Our Spoooky Halloween!

2009-11-03T12:16:00.000-08:00

Every year I can't believe how fun Halloween is here in our little neck of the woods. The weather is always beautiful and the streets are crawling with kids! It seems the whole neighborhood catches the Halloween spirit and it is just a great night for everyone! Here are a few pictures of my girls. I was happy Halloween didn't cost much this year! I only bought Emma's costume and the rest we borrowed or gathered from the dress-up closet. It was great! Grace is wearing the Snow White dress my mom made for me when I was little. Carissa went trick-or-treating for the first time and had the time of her life sitting in the wagon eating her candy!

Princess Lea

Dorothy

Snow White

Little Red Riding Hood

Saying Goodbye to Summer

2009-09-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

Fall is just around the corner and this is my favorite time of year! There is definitely something to love about cooler weather and fun holidays approaching. Summer was so fun though and I was looking back over pictures and realized what a memorable summer this was. The biggest event of our summer was Emma's baptism and having family and friends there to share the day with us. Before and after the big event we had fun at parades, picking apricots at Grandma's, boating most weekends, enjoying family and friends passing through, splash pads, long play days that flowed into the evenings and our most recent trip up North to Park City. We took the kids to Sundance and rode the ski lift together on a breezy summer evening and then stopped in Heber for the best shakes! We took the kids on the Park City Trolley and they loved it! We finished off the weekend at This Is The Place Park and had a great time. On the way home we stopped at the Red Barn and I came walking out with a big bag of apples and a smaller bag of pears with a smile on my face thinking of Fall!

Julia's Berry Happy Birthday!

2009-08-20T12:57:00.002-07:00

Our little sleepy head!

My friend Nicole gave me the idea to put a poster on the fireplace and streamers. Kids love to see their names up in lights! It's so funny!

Julia turned six on Tuesday! She had been waiting soooo long to turn six. She is the baby of all of her friends and cousins her age and waited so long for her special day to come!
We woke her up with donuts and then she ran downstairs to open a few gifts! I sent her off to school and Jason picked her up for lunch. I think it made her whole day! While she was at school I attempted to make her cake. I usually always make their cakes but disaster struck as I was frosting her strawberry cake. It cracked while baking and the weight of the frosting mad the whole thing collapse. I stayed calm, picked up the phone and ordered a cake from Grandma Tobler's Bakery. I knew I was pushing my luck ordering an hour and a half before the party but she said she would have it ready. I will be a customer for life! She did such a great job!
After school we had a Strawberry Shortcake party and it was so cute! I loved Strawberry Shortcake when I was little too. It was a fun theme to work around. All of the little girls made their own strawberry shortcakes and we had a cake walk. We had Strawberry Shortcake music playing and they danced their hearts out! It was a fun day.
Now we just have to work on losing that first tooth! Julia told me Jesus must have screwed her teeth in too tight and that is why they won't fall out. And she is not too happy about it!

Back to School!

2009-08-16T15:27:00.001-07:00

This year Emma went to third grade and Julia first. I was worried about Julia because she is such a mommy's girl and I was nervous about her being gone all day. I was also sad to let her go! The night before I read them a story and they were both crying when I was done reading it! I read them the "Kissing Hand." I had no idea it would make them sad! Julia was worried someone would give her a black eye and she also climbed into bed with us that night.

She hardly touched her breakfast and had one melt down about her backpack before school. When we got to school it took some coaxing to get her into her classroom but once she sat at her desk and saw some familiar faces she was just fine. When she got home from school she gave me a big hug and talked my ear off about her day. What a relief! They both had a great day! Back to School is a fun time!

Jesse Owens

2009-08-12T20:32:00.001-07:00

Jackie has often told me about her running days! She has one instance where she was in a soccer game and missed a break away. The goal keeper got to the ball before Jackie and a teammate yelled at Jackie, and her response was, what do you think I am, Jesse Owens, and then she always proceeds to giggle at her little comment. This is my first time writing something on this blog. She ran her 1st 1/2 marathon this past weekend in Provo Canyon. As we (me and the kids) showed up to see her finish it was fun to watch all the runners coming through the finish line. She ran a great race and got the time she was hoping for. Just posting that I am proud of her. Keep up the good work. (After feebly trying to run 3 miles this morning and limping around all day, I really admire her committment to run the St. George marathon. Go Girl, your crazy, but admire the goal.

Emma is Eight!

2009-07-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

How is this day already here? Looking back the time flew by but I have enjoyed this little girl so much! Being my first baby I was able to give her so much time and attention and it had been so fun to watch her grow into the little person she is today. Tea parties have turned into late nights and changing earrings several times a day has replaced dress-ups. This age is so fun because she still gives us glimpses of the little girl she used to be and the young lady she will soon become. I love how Emma can be such a girly girl but the next minute she can be covered in mud or out on the corner collecting money for the poor kids or for the lovely music she has played on her bells! She is such a fun kid and it is going to be an adventure watching her grow up! Happy Birthday Emma!

Birthday Boy

2009-07-01T21:22:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to sick you guys out too much. All I'm going to say is that I love him and I'm lucky to have him. It wasn't that bad right? I'm also hoping he had a great birthday because he so deserves it!

Woman vs Wild

2009-05-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

I have a cat pooping in my kids' sandbox. And it's not just once in a while it's all of the time and a lot. I am asking myself why I am having this problem AGAIN. We had a problem with a dog that pooped all over my grass at our previous house. It was beyond annoying and I still can't understand how people can be soooooo inconsiderate. As far as I'm concerned people who knowingly let their animals out to do their thing do not own pets but wild animals.
So, here I am again and it's frustrating!! If anyone has any suggestions please send them my way. I'm trying cayenne pepper tonight. Tommorrow who knows what I'll be capable of.

2009-05-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of the girls on the day of their dance concerts. Emma was in "The Sound of Music" and Julia was in the "Star Who Was Afraid of the Dark." It was fun for them to be able to watch each other perform this year. Thanks mom and dad for coming up to see the girls dance. They loved having you in the audience!

Julia with her little friend Kate

My parents and Emma

Emma and her friend Clayre

Emma performed ballet this year and loved it!

Our Little Graduate!

2009-05-12T21:11:00.001-07:00

Julia graduated from Kindergarten today! She sang her heart out! She glowed with excitement and pride. I was definitely fighting back the she is not my little baby anymore tears. I didn't see any signs of my shy, nervous little girl today. Today she was confident and proud!

Grandma Dot's Easter Jello

2009-04-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

This post is for all of my sisters! I remember calling Grandma for this recipe and was so happy to find it today. It would be fun if we all made it in honor of Grandma. I can still see it on her table. I love that Grandma mastered the art of cooking and baking. She took pride in all areas of homemaking! She told me over and over again how when she came to the states she didn't know how to boil water! Happy Easter!

Grandma's Orange Jello
8oz. can crushed pineapple, do not drain
2 cups boiling water
1 large package orange Jello
1 and 3/4 cups thawed cool whip
11 oz. can mandarin oranges
1 and 1/2 cups mini pastel marshmallows

Drain pineapple, reserve liquid. Add enough water to measure 1 cup. Take boiling water and dissolve jello. This will take 2 minutes. Stir in pineapple juice and water. Refrigerate for 1 1/4 hours or until thickened. Stir in cool whip with wire whisk until smooth. Refrigerate 10 minutes then stir in oranges, pineapple, and marshmallows. Spoon into greases mold. Refrigerate 4 hours. Unmold when ready to serve.

How cute is this?

2009-04-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

My sister Lindsey posted this super cute idea on her blog!! Isn't it so cute? I'm planning on making this with my girls tomorrow afternoon. All you do is get the largest heavy duty paper plate you can find, cut out the middle, and glue them on with white glue. You can hot glue the ribbon! It's perfect for Spring!

Keeping Them Little

2009-03-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

I've tried to keep my girls little girls. We avoid some of the Disney Channel shows like Hannah Montana. I was letting them watch it and Emma started acting like a little Diva. I figure we've got lots of years ahead of the tween and teen stages. The other morning I heard Emma belting out the Handy Manny Theme song. I had to laugh. I hope she doesn't bust that one out at school. She might be a little strange...

Spring is Here!

2009-03-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

Spring has definitely arrived in our neck of the woods and it is so beautiful! I love this time of year! This year has me particularly appreciative of the beauty that is all around me. Everything is getting green and the red mountains are gorgeous in the background. You can't go outside and not feel happy!
Here are a few pictures of the girls at Jason's Great Aunt's house. She has horses and an old fashioned tire swing. I've been taking the girls to the tire swing since Emma was a baby and the post says," Kids under 8 only." Emma will be eight this summer. The years are flying by! I have read that sign many times before and always thought Emma turning eight was a long time off. Childhood is definitely a twinkling of an eye!

Disneyland

2009-03-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many more times I will be able to convince Jason that the time has come, once again, to take the girls to Disneyland. So far I have been successful every time and I think it is because he knows how much I love to go.
This year it was Carissa's first time and Grace's magical year because she was finally able to grasp the whole idea. She opened up the hotel curtains and was telling all of us to get up and yelling out the window to Pooh Bear that she was on her way.(All in her own language of course that only a mother can understand)
The weather was beautiful during the day and a little chilly at night. It was also NOT busy. It was great! Emma and Julia braved Space Mountain this year. Julia loved it and went on three times. Once was enough for Emma. She looked horrified in the picture they take. It was so sad!
My sisters and their kids came Thursday and then my parents came Friday night. We went on a few rides and then they took the girls home so Jason and I could have a date night. We ran to California Adventure and went on Tower of Terror! I love it!! It was very cool. We also went on Screamin' a few times and I seriously screamed my head off. I felt like a teenager again! Thanks, mom and dad for taking care of the girls!

Carissa and Grace on Casey Jr.! They loved this ride. It is the cutest!

Crissy and cousin Laney on their pretty horses!

Auntie Lindsey and Auntie Jen riding with the girls on Winnie the Pooh. Look how excited Grace looks!

Our hands were full of luggage when we left the hotel so we came up with this to transport Carissa!

A week of Firsts!!

2009-02-19T12:00:00.001-08:00

Grace has had two dry days and this morning she woke up dry!! I owe my potty training success to my friend Rachel who gave me a great idea that worked wonders with my little Grace who walks to the beat of her own drum. You would think after potty training two previous children that this would be a no brainer but I wasn't having much success. So, this is what worked. T.V. and lots of popsicles!! Grace embraced the whole idea and WA LA she is on her way! I have even taken her on two errand trips a couple of hours each in panties. My days of changing two little bums are over!! Thanks for the great idea Rachel!! And by the way, Grace is so pleased with herself. She yells "Whoo hoo" and "yeah me" everytime she goes!

Grace with her potty chart.....and one of her many, many popsicles!

And last but not least...Little Miss Emma with her first pair of glasses!! Doesn't she look so smart and sassy? She was so excited to wear them to school she was up and dressed all on her own this morning.

Cousin Time

2009-02-16T23:15:00.000-08:00

Aren't cousins the best? I used to love hanging out with my cousins and we would all have so much fun together. My cousin Michelle would always have her "maybe bag" in the car in case she could convince my Aunt Leslie to sleep at our house. Then we would have late nights dancing, watching old movies, and eating popcorn and red kool-aid. I hope my girls will get to have fun times with their cousins despite the fact that we don't live close to any of them! When they do get to see their cousins it is always so much fun and they have a great time together.
Here a few pictures from the latest cousin visits. My girls got to hang out with their little cousin Laney for a few days and I got to hang out with my youngest sister Lindsey! We made bread, went to the park, and went shopping. It was fun spending time with you Lindsey!

Hugging my brother's little girl Marlie goodbye!

The fashion show!

Lindsey, Justin, and their cute little Laney!

Emma taking Laney for a spin!

Precious Year Gone By....

2009-02-13T11:23:00.000-08:00

How a baby goes from this.....

To this in one year is AMAZING!!

Funnies

2009-02-12T09:39:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple Emma stories for you...
Last night we were eating dinner and Emma pushed her plate away from her. "Mom, those green beans are disgusting. I am a vegetarian."

This one happened a couple of months ago but I still think it's funny.
I was in the bathroom bathing Grace and Carissa. Here comes Emma and plops herself on the toilet. I quickly tell her she needs to go into another bathroom and close the door behind her and that I really don't want to be in the same room while she goes potty. "Mom, I'm already going!" I again scold her for not going into another bathroom and she says,"Mom, just turn around." (Like what's the big deal, get over it mom) So I turn around and then she says,"You might hear a splash."
Now I am off to take Emma some CLEAN pants. I just got a call from her teacher who informed me that Emma came in from recess covered in mud. Am I surprised?

Buddies

2009-02-06T13:29:00.000-08:00

This is Grace and her little friend Maggie. They are only four months apart, Maggie being the younger of the two. Do you notice the size difference? Maggie is super tiny and Grace is super tall! I love it!

Happy Birthday to Carissa!

2009-02-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

We had a fun day celebrating Crissy's special day! I love first birthdays! How cute is it to watch a baby eat their first cake?
I have to say my heart is full of mixed emotions. That first year with her went so fast and I can see her entering a whole new world of learning and growing. I wish I could freeze time and keep her my little, chubby baby forever!

Here is the cupcake stand. A mini version of the awesome inspiration cupcake stand. I think I will be reusing this little cake stand a lot! Starting with Emma's baptism.

The birthday baby!

Shove it all in baby!

Cupcakes and Tutus

2009-01-30T09:58:00.000-08:00

Here is my inspiration for Crissy's first birthday cake. I was getting frustrated because I had no idea what to do and her birthday was getting closer and closer! And then I came across this adorable cupcake stand and fell in love. I think it is so sweet. So we will be celebrating Crissy's first year with cupcakes and tutus!!

Zoom! Zoom!

2009-01-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

Here you go Mom! You wanted to see the car and here it is! They love it!

Our Christmas

2009-01-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

I think I will always remember this Christmas. It was Crissy's very first and she took a step on Christmas Eve. I will always remember how Grace called Santa, "Ho Ho." I will remember when I looked out the window and saw snowflakes falling on Christmas Eve. I will remember the girls in their new nightgowns and robes singing Christmas Carols around the piano and then marching up the stairs excited for Santa to come. I will definitely remember Jason bringing his grandmother back in the house and carefully placing her on the stairs after she missed one of the steps on our walkway. Jason and his brother carried her out to the van and off to the ER they went. Poor Grandma! Broken feet on Christmas Eve!
I have to say the best memory of our Christmas was Santa barreling in the front door and waking us all up for Christmas morning! He went upstairs and woke the girls up with his jingle bells ringing! He even picked up Crissy out of her crib and carried sleepy Julia down the stairs! He was such a kind Santa and we are so thankful for him and the great memory he gave our family.

Christmas Tag

2008-12-22T00:05:00.000-08:00

A Christmas Tag - Merry Christmas Everyone!

1. Have you been naughty or nice this year? mostly nice, a little naughty
2. What do you want most for Christmas? To be with my family and friends and to always remember the magic sparkling in my girls' eyes on Christmas morning!
3. Do you believe in Father Christmas? Yes
4. What is your favorite food at Christmas? cinnamon rolls
5. Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Yes
6. Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? Pretty much!
7. What is your favorite Christmas song? Do I really have to pick just one? I love Mary's Boy Child.
8. What is your favorite Christmas movie? It's a Wonderful Life
9. What is your best memory of Christmas? Running downstairs to see what Santa brought. It was magic!
10. What do you look forward to most at Christmas? Making memories with my family and friends.
11. What are you doing for Christmas this year? Staying home and then going to California to visit family.
12. Who do you want to kiss under the mistletoe? Jason
13. Do you take part in a secret santa? No
14. Do you go to any Christmas parties? one
15. Have you ever had a white Christmas? No, I'm a California girl!
16. How early do you wake up on Christmas morning? Early and whenever I hear little feet scampering around.
17. Do you still get a stocking? yes
18. How many Christmas cards do you normally send out? 50
19. What is your Christmas wish? For all of my friends and family to be blessed with health and happiness!

I tag Jennifer, Lindsey, Crystal,and Kim!

Snow Day!

2008-12-18T21:51:00.000-08:00

We had a snow day today! School was cancelled and the girls had a blast playing in the snow. Our neighbor pulled the kids around on a sled behind his four wheeler and as you can see from the big smiles, it was the highlight of the day! I think the snow got everyone in Santa Clara ready for Christmas! How do you like Julia's snow puppy? Who needs a snowman?

A Snowy, Christmasy Day!

2008-12-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

It snowed here today! All Day! It was the perfect day to host my first annual Gingerbread House Party and it was so much fun. I have wanted to do this for years and thanks to my friend Michelle, my wish came true. I love gingerbread and what gets you in the spirit of Christmas more than decorating a gingerbread house? It was a fun night.
There are a few more things on my Christmas list of things to do that I still need to check off! Here they are...
1. The Live Nativity at Tuachan. It is so beautiful and it is the perfect setting to see a live Nativity.
2. Sleep under the tree with my kids. This is a tradition we adopted from our sister in law Crystal's family and the kids love it!
3. Baking sugar cookies with my girls and saving some for Santa!
4. Drive around to look at lights listening to Alvin and the chipmunks Christmas. I can't wait to hear Grace yelling, "Ho! Ho!"
5. Read our special Christmas books.
6. Watch Little house Christmas. I know I a nerd and yes it makes me cry.
7. Wrap Christmas gifts late at night watching an old Christmas movie.
8. Torture Jason with Bing Crosby's Christmas CD. I love it, he hates it.
9. Watch Home Alone, Christmas Story, and It's A Wonderful Life.
10.Read the Christmas story from the Bible and have my kids dress up to tell the story.
Did I forget anything? I'd love to hear everyone's Christmas traditions! I love new ideas. I got a great idea for when I am a Grandma from Amber's blog. Her mom surprised all of her little grand kids with Christmas jammies and then invited them to her house to have hot cocoa. Santa even dropped by. That is the cutest idea ever!

Emma's Blue Ribbon

2008-12-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

Emma won a blue Ribbon for the poem she wrote about her baby sister. It was part of the Reflection's contest at school. The theme was "Wow!" So, she wrote about Crissy.
We attended Reflection Night at the school and we were ready to go home but Emma insisted that we stay to hear the winner's announced. I'm glad we stayed and she was ecstatic to go up front, in all her glory to claim her blue ribbon! Jason and I had to laugh! She is so proud and I think this will be a moment in her life she will always remember!
Here is her poem:
Crissy
Chubby,Cute
Learning, playing, growing
Love to squeeze her
Wow!

What a Happy Thanksgiving It Was!

2008-12-04T22:24:00.001-08:00

I am going to kill you all with a ton of pictures! Mom slaved away for a couple of days to give us an awesome feast! It was so good and her table looked beautiful. There were miniature cornucopias as our place setting made out of icecream cones and dipped in chocolate and filled with candy. She even piped our names on them with green icing. We all helped out in the meal preparation and it was fun to all be together in the kitchen. We feasted and were thankful to be together!
I wish I had pitures of Black Friday. My sisters and I hit the stores by 5:00 A.M. We were all excited with our ads in our purses! I was on a high all day from all of the shopping! It's fun to get stuff CHEAP! My favorite find was the art easel at Ikea for $9.99! It was a steal!
We went to Twilight with my good friend Emily who I haven't seen in years. My mom and sisters went too. We all loved it. ( I loved it for the second time) It was fun!
Saturday we went down to the beach and played at the Balboa fun zone. The girls braved the ferris wheel with their dad and they all loved it, especially Grace. I hate ferris wheels. I always feel like I am going to tip backwards! Then we went to Newport Beach and let the kids play in the sand for a few minutes. It was a fun time! I only wish I had more time to hang out and see more friends that I haven't been able to see in a long time!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T17:00:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a fun Thanksgiving! We are off to California to spend the holiday with my family. I'm excited! I love Thanksgiving and can't wait until the holiday season is officially here!
Today was Julia's Kindergarten feast and it was pretty cute! They prepared all of the food on their own. Their feast included turkey and cheese roll-ups, trail mix, fruit sald, ants on a log, and pumpkin pie. They all had to say what they were thankful for before they could eat. Julia said, "My mom." I am thankful for you too Julia!

Our New Family Pictures

2008-11-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

We had our family pictures taken a month or so ago. We had them taken by Holly O'Keefe Creative and I think she did a wonderful job! I think she captured each of my girls' personalities so well. We haven't had a family picture since Julia was a baby so I was so excited to get a new one! Since I don't remember how to add a link to Holly O'Keefe Creative(I'm challenged when it come to computers)just visit my blog and look under my favorite sites. If you are interested in getting your pictures for the Holidays book fast because she is a busy mom and doesn't have many appointments left!

My silly little girls!!

This one of Emma kills me! It is so Emma!

Twilight

2008-11-18T21:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to see this movie I can't "bloody" stand it! ( I stole that line from my sister's blog) Seriously, I haven't been so excited to see a movie since... I don't know Karate Kid? I feel like a teenie bopper again but it is fun! And the young girl at heart that I am has a date with Edward this Thursday at midnight! I'll let you all know how it goes! And don't worry girls, Jason is totally cool with this.

Pumkin Pie Play-Doh

2008-11-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe in the Family Fun magazine. Grace and I made it today and it was so fun! It is the perfect size recipe and it is super easy. Kids can make little pumpkin pies, pumpkins, turkeys or anything fall related they can imagine! Here is the recipe!

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup water
6 drops red and 15 drop yellow food coloring

Mix all dry ingredients. Add food coloring to the 1 cup water, stir, and then add oil. Mix together. Cook in a pot over medium low heat until the mixture forms a ball and it doesn't feel sticky anymore. Store in an air tight container. Will keep for one week.

Post Election Thoughts

2008-11-05T22:39:00.001-08:00

It is no secret that I am disappointed Obama won. But he won and now all I can do is have hope that he will be a good President for our country. I'm so nervous about where he is going to take this country because he never exactly told us what "change" means. Time will tell.
I'm so tired of the Bush bashing. He made some mistakes but I think it is a great thing that he has kept our country safe from another attack all of these years.
I'm so thankful Prop 8 passed! I was living in California when Prop 22 was passed and it is so amazing to me that four judges overturned the will of the people. I don't think so! Thank you California for passing Prop 8. This will have a positive impact for the whole country. It sends a message that traditional values are still alive and well, even in California. Thank you for quietly and compassionately carrying this burden in the face of true discrimination and intolerance. If there was a silver lining in this election, it was this!

Halloween!

2008-11-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

Halloween is such a fun time of year and this year was so much fun! The girls were so excited to be able to go trick or treating with Nana and Papa, Auntie Sarah and their little cousins, Marlie, Kailer, Sadie, and baby Gemma. We love when family comes to visit since most of them do not live here.
This year Emma wanted to be a vampire. I love that she wanted to be something scary! She is such a fun little girl. Julia wanted to be a tooth fairy and Jason made her the cutest tooth wand! She looked so sweet. Gracie started telling me a few days before Halloween that she wanted to be Pooh Bear. Thanks Paige for lending us your costume!! Grace was so happy! This was Crissy's first Halloween and she was Minnie Mouse. All of my babies have been Minnie Mouse! She loved riding in the wagon while her sisters trick or treated.

Tips For Kids In Need!

2008-10-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

I can still hear Emma yelling this as cars passed her by. This weekend Emma had her friend Marlie over and I heard them in my laundry room. That means trouble. I told her she could not get into things and she asked me if they could make things so they could sell them. I wasn't in the mood so I told her no. I thought all was well until the house was too quiet. I asked Julia where the girls were and she told me they were out riding bikes. I decided to go out and sit on the driveway to watch them play. I go out onto the driveway and see Emma and Marlie with Grace on the corner yelling at cars. I hurried over and as I approached I heard Emma yelling, "Tips for kids in need!" They had a little sign that they were holding up to cars that said "Tips for kids in need. 1 $." They had a glass jar with a dollar bill in it. I guess someone actually stopped and gave them money! I about died and asked them who these kids in need were. Emma told me she was sending the money to kids in Africa. At least it was all for a good cause!
They spent the rest of their playtime going around the circle singing "Scotland's Burning" to our neighbors. They rounded up more loose change and candy. They had tambourines and a drum. When I went to get them to come home they seriously looked like dirty little homeless kids. I even let Grace go. I did not feel like a good mother that afternoon letting my kids roam unsupervised but I did know they were in the circle somewhere. Jason was out of town hunting and I was a little worn out and they were so happy and having a good time so there you go! I may not get the mother of the day award but they had a great time.

Grace's First Dance Class!

2008-10-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

Here is little Grace on her very first day of dance class! She is always yelling at me at home to watch the little dances she performs. She loved the first day. She was the only little girl there!
She is a funny toddler. She has her own language that only few can understand. It is made up of Grace's version of sign language and a few words. She is making slow but steady progress. She can say so much with her facial expressions. She wanted to feed Crissy and I hesitated but gave in. The smug little look on her face says it all. If she could she would be telling me, "I told you I could do it mommy...all by myself!"

Grace and Crissy

2008-10-18T09:00:00.001-07:00

Nana on Emma's bike?!

2008-10-05T23:24:00.001-07:00

I wanted to post this picture for my mom on her birthday! I love this picture because this is what my girls love about Nana. She is fun and silly! I laughed when I came out and saw her on Emma's bike. Who wouldn't love a Nana like this? Happy Belated Birthday Mom. The girls love you and so do I! Oh and I'm glad you didn't jump on the skateboard. We all remember what happened when you tried that!

Childhood's Purest Treasures

2008-10-01T14:21:00.001-07:00

I love getting catalogues in the mail! The Magic Cabin is one of my favorites, especially this time of year when I start thinking about what to get my girls for Christmas. I love to tell myself that I will order all kinds of things but then reality sets in. A girl can always dream though! You will love the fairies and the little houses you can buy to go with them! I love the big mushroom playhouse and the art work of children reading and painting! Check out their online catalogue at here!

Swiss Days!

2008-09-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

Swiss Days was so much fun this year! I think it was the best Santa Clara has ever had! The new city building is so pretty and I love how they had the parade came down Santa Clara Drive this year! The turn out was great!
It was a fun weekend! I ran the 5k and loved it! It was so pretty out that early and it was fun to run through downtown Santa Clara. I love this cute little town! When we ran down past Grandma Tobler's bakery the front door was open and there were the cute ladies with their baker's hats and aprons cheering everyone on! My favorite roadside cheerleader was the old lady sitting with her CD player blasting Bob Marley as we ran by.

Friday night at the Swiss Miss and Mister fashion show with Grandma Rosenlof!

On the float waving! It was so cute seeing Grace waving her little hand!

The girls were in the Swiss Miss and Mister Fashion Show again! This has become a tradition the girls look forward to every year. Grace was old enough to participate this year and she had fun! They were so excited to be in the parade which was so much bigger and better this year! So many people lined the streets. We sat at the end of Grandma Rosenlof's driveway to watch the parade. The girls had fun waving and riding on the float! They were happy that they were one of the first floats so they could run back and watch the rest. They didn't miss out on the candy either! We gave the girls some money to blow at the carnival. They bought cotton candy, snow cones, and tickets to play games. When we were leaving they had just begun storytime and we could hear the reader of the books loud and clear through the sound system and Emma said said, "Mom I know that voice, I don't even have to look. It's Mrs. Lefler!" Sure enough it was Emma's school librarian dressed up as Dr. Suess. We ended our day listening to her read a few books. A perfect ending to a fun weekend!

Baskets did the trick!

2008-09-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you Daisy for the basket ideas! I walked into JoAnne's today and all of their woven baskets were 50% off. I bought Emma and Julia baskets for their laundry and they loved putting their laundry away. They hung their clothes on hangers, put undies and socks in the right places. Shocking! I know the novelty of the baskets will wear off but this new little system made laundry day much easier for me!!! I know this sounds silly but I am feeling empowered here! I also bought each of the girls a small basket to keep downstairs to contain the little trails of destruction they leave behind. As I find things I put them into the baskets. I already saw a difference today. Thanks again Daisy and if any of you have any organizational tricks up your sleeve please share!!!!! As you can see I really need them and I will be forever indebted to you for a great idea.

Baby Crissy

2008-09-14T22:20:00.000-07:00

Here are Crissy's first babbles! I LOVE this stage she is in. She is growing so quickly and I wish I could freeze time now. Her sweet baby days are going by too fast! Her new tricks include taking of her diaper and sucking her big toe. The girls of course think she is sooooo funny and they kiss, hold, and spoil her all day.

In a Slump

2008-09-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

It has been a hard couple of days. As you can see, Grace is up to more of her little tricks. (note the hair cut job) She got into my makeup while she was supposed to be napping on my bed. Crissy took her diaper off in her crib and peed everywhere. It was not a very productive week. It felt like I just went in circles. I am not in control here! SO before I headed to Target to do unnecessary damage I happened to read my sister Deann's blog and she was talking about beginning a new routine with her kids now that school has started. She even had this picture posted of Goldie Hawn from Overboard. SOOOO funny but sad that this is really me every night.

But no more! Like Deann I am going to get my kids on a better routine and to bed earlier! This will give me more energy to deal with Grace's antics and some peace and quiet each night. I am also going to come up with an actual cleaning schedule for me to follow. I am excited to make these changes. Thanks Deann!

Lake Powell

2008-09-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a few days at Lake Powell! It was so beautiful! Thank you to the Greens for inviting us once again! We had a wonderful time!

Sarah Palin for VP!?

2008-09-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

I can't say I was even close to being excited about this upcoming election. I haven't jumped on the Obama train or the McCain train until now. Last night I watched Sarah Palin speak at the RNC and I was so impressed. I loved her confidence, toughness and above all I loved hearing her talk about her family. I loved watching her family come up on stage with her and see her holding her baby in her arms. I love that she was a hockey/PTA mom turned city council woman turned mayor turned govenor. I think it is awesome! She was inspiring to watch and I finally feel like I can get into this election.
I do have one concern that I keep trying to shove aside but it keeps bothering me. Can Sarah Palin be Vice President of the USA and still be an involved, present mother to her kids? She has five children which include a newborn with Down Syndrome and a pregnant teenager. They are going to really need her. Can she do it? How does the vice presidency work? What will her daily itinerary be? Her husband will have to step up to be the primary caregiver. What do you guys think?
I've always been torn on this issue. Some women have to work and some women want to work. I think it is so important to stay home with your kids if you can. On the other hand what would the world be like if all teachers, doctors, lawyers, city council etc.... were men. I love when I take Emma to the eye doctor and Dr. Sharon Richens is there to answer all of Emma's questions about her eye. Emma leaves wanting to be an eye doctor. I love it! I want my daughters to be well educated and strong. I would love for them to be become doctors,nurses,teachers; whatever they want to be. I love that Sarah Palin is a mother with a mission. She is strong, inspiring and ready to take on the world. Maybe I just have an issue with the timing. I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on this!!! And I will be voting for Sarah Palin in November.

Who Done It?

2008-09-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

Most Recent Offenses: Crying and Whining so much my mom is always on the verge of losing it, leaving a little trail of my belongings all over the house, and grossing out over what my mom makes for dinner almost every night and then requesting cereal instead.

Most Recent Offenses: Dropping coins into the CD player in the van. Now we can't listen to Mama Mia anymore! Carrying juicy strawberries all the way upstairs and leaving a trail of very red juice on the stairs. Playing with soap in the bathroom, spilling salt all over the pantry, and last but not least refusing to keep my clothes on. Oh yeah, I also colored myself pink with marker and did a big "doo doo" in the tub. That sent everyone running. Gross!

I was combing Grace's hair out after her bath and thought it was strange that so much hair came out into the brush. Her hair seemed a little thinner. I just thought Crissy had pulled another handful out. We all went downstairs and I put on Curious George so I could start unpacking from our trip. I went into my bathroom and found a bunch of hair on the floor. I just stood there and stared. Then I saw my orange scissors on the counter. I'm surprised I stayed so calm. I about went into cardiac arrest when Emma was two and came out from under the crib with a chunk of her hair missing. It got caught in the springs. So because I am a seasoned mom I calmly went to find Jason before I flipped. I asked Grace if she cut her hair and she simply said "No, Dah". I kept asking her and her story was the same. Long story short she was blaming Julia. Of course I had no idea what "dah" meant until I asked her again and she pointed to Julia and said, "dah". Julia looked at me and told me she didn't do it. I can usually tell if Julia is lying and I totally believed her. Jason put doubts in my mind. How could Grace use those big scissors all by herself? She would have to use two hands to cut for sure. But then again, I let Grace cut with little child sized scissors because there is nothing more frustrating than trying to teach a kindergartner who has never picked up a pair of scissors how to use them. So, it comes down to the scary possibility that my two year old can lie or my five year old is lying and really good at it. Jason and I even tried asking Julia in her sleep if she did it. We got her half awake and she repeated the same story in her sleep. I'm so bugged I don't know what happened. All I do know is that Grace's hair is cut in two places and I was planning on having our family pictures taken this month. I'm going to have to put a hat on her.

2008-08-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-19T10:09:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-08-17T21:57:00.001-07:00

"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!

2008-08-15T21:22:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2008-08-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

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!

Summer Fun!

2008-07-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

Jason's family came to visit us for a week! We had so much fun! Here are a few highlights from their visit!

Happy Birthday Kim!!!

2008-07-20T23:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Kim!! Surprise! I am giving you a much overdue tribute on your special day. Thanks for being a great "big" sister. I have always looked at you that way even though you are only minutes older. There is so much about you that I admire and wish that I could be more like. Let's take a walk down memory lane.....

First of all, you can dance and I always knew it and felt jipped that you got ALLLL the moves. I will forever be amazed when I think of how you did the moonwalk after watching Michael do it on the Grammy's. It was magic before my eyes and you guessed it, I was JEALOUS! No way could I do that! And I was Michael's biggest fan, remember? You were always the outgoing one and so not self-conscience. I was your polar opposite. I wished I was more spontaneous and free like you. If I could rewind the clock I would have had more fun like you and lived a little more. (just a little)

Thanks for being my captive audience. We shared a room forever and you were stuck with all of my abnoxious and seriously annoying attempts to prevent you from going to sleep. I still remember how much you loved your sleep and I tortured you with whatever craziness was going on in my head. Can you remember my impersonation of Bill Cosby? What was wrong with me?! It didn't matter how much you pleaded, begged, and cried for me to shut up and let you sleep I always knew you would break down and laugh; even if it was in your pillow so it was barely audible. Anyway, I was always after the laughs and you always gave them to me. Thank you! This is a good time to apologize for trying to blackmail you by threatening to tell that you were kissing.... what was his name again? Again, I was just jealous because I wan't kissing anyone and you guessed it....too shy!

Okay, how come you inherited mom's green thumb at everthing you attempt? You do most things really well....just like mom. How did you sew those American Girl doll clothes so easily? Do you know how long I have been trying to learn to sew and I am always still learning? I am in awe once again! You have so many talents! You can sing, cook, bake, sew, dance, make whatever you want to make. You can do it all!

Thanks Kim for being my twin sister. It was fun growing up together, most of the time! We for sure never saw eye to eye but we had fun! Thanks for crying hysterically when I was packing my little bag to run away at eight years old, for playing wonder twins, money machine, and for letting me take us as high as we could go on the rockets at Disneyland! I left with some hair left and lots of pinch marks on my arm but it was worth it! I can still hearing you yelling at me to stop lifting us up into the air! Classic! Have a Happy 35th Birthday! Love you!

Love,

Jackie

Happy Birthday Allie Rose!

2008-07-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Allie! We hope you have a fun birthday party and we really wish we could be there! We hope you really love eating your birthday cake. It will be so yummy! We love you!

Emma's Birthday

2008-07-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

Emma had a fun birthday! We went shopping together and then went to see the American Girl movie with her friend Gabby. It was a really cute movie! Then we went home to open gifts and have cake! She was so happy and told me ,"This is the greatest day ever!" If only I could hear that every day!

Swim Lessons!

2008-07-10T22:12:00.000-07:00

Four weeks of swim lessons was a bit much but I didn't hear one complaint from Emma and Julia! They had so much fun. Grace and I took a mommy and me class. She loved the lily pads and kick board time! Thank you Tiffany and Grandma Rosenlof for taking care of Crissy so I could spend time with Grace. I couldn't have done it without your help!

Fancy Nancy

2008-07-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

This book is so cute! I bought it for Emma on her birthday and we all love it! Emma was in exile Sunday because she about destroyed our computer and she must have been reading her new book because she came downstairs and declared herself, "Fancy Nancy!" We were cracking up because she looked just like the front cover of this book, except for the hairdo of course. You can get pretty creative when you spend most of the day in your room.

Gimme Some Kool-Aid!

2008-07-08T22:30:00.000-07:00

I love this picture! Kool-Aid on Nana's front porch on a warm summer day. My kids look so happy to be drinking Kool-Aid because they never get it at home! Only at Nana's!

Carissa is five months!

2008-07-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

Carissa is five months old and she cut her first tooth! Congratulations Carissa!

Happy Birthday Emma!

2008-07-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

Our little Emma is growing up fast! She will turn seven on Saturday and she is so excited for her special day. These pictures are from our trip in California. Auntie Lindsey cut Emma's hair short! She did a great job and as you can see, Emma couldn't be happier!

Thanks Jennifer!

2008-06-23T22:47:00.000-07:00

I now have a blog and I owe it all to my sister Jennifer. My computer skills are seriously lacking but my sister Jennifer came through and walked me through the process. Thanks again Jen!