Thursday, December 22, 2011

joy • love • peace

The true joy of Christmas is the love of Christ, shared with family and friends. May you find His joy, love, and peace in the coming New Year.

(Click on the photo to enlarge)

Monday, December 12, 2011

Emily's escapade

Tonight my 2 1/2- year-old daughter quietly snuck into the bathroom and used the step stool to grab two forbidden items -- a pair of scissors her dad accidentally left on the counter, and a bottle of lotion her mom accidentally left on the counter (oops!). She decided to give herself a haircut (front layers, to be exact) and lather her pajamas with goats milk lotion.

Emily's haircut could have been a lot worse. Surprisingly, she even used care when trimming her feather hair extension. Maybe she'll follow in her Aunt Teresa's footsteps and become a hair stylist someday;)

Even though I was upset (especially since I'm planning on taking Christmas photos this week), when I heard her sweet little voice and saw her innocent smile, I couldn't help but laugh inside. However, I did refrain from taking a picture of her handiwork even though I wanted to.

Did I mention this happened at 10 o'clock in the evening?

She's tucked in bed now. Hopefully she won't try to escape again. Gotta go...

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Life is good:)

Here's a brief photo recap of the past couple of months...


Trunk N Treat at our church
October 31, 2011
Batman · Wonder Woman · Spider-Man · Supergirl
Ethan (4 1/2) · Emily (2 1/2) · Grandma Mary · Grandpa YayYay
Daddy ♥ Emmy
Superheroes
Love our new family room decal from Empressive Designs Vinyl Decor
Our early Christmas present:)
Cousins
November 13, 2011
Emily's first French braid (done by Aunt Teresa)
Celebrating Aunt KK's birthday
Superman showing off his muscles
Strong girl
Playing in "God's creation"
Little lady
Fall fun
Emily & baby Hailey
Thanksgiving 2011
Emily checking out her cousin's adorable outfit
Cousins ♥
Tonight I was told specific instructions from my son: "When you wake up in the morning, stay under the covers. DO NOT get out of bed until I'm done making you a picture for your birthday." 


Then my daughter made me feel special: "Daddy loves you, Ethan loves you, and I love you too! We all love mommy!" 


The years keep getting better and better:) I'm really looking forward to my 30s, and even more excited to watch God's plan continue to unfold!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Bargain of the day

I bought the following items today at a local kids consignment sale:
  • Children's book
  • Dinosaur puzzles (4 pack)
  • Dodgers pink mini baseball bat 
  • LEGO® starter set for girls
  • Little People dollhouse
  • Melissa & Doug brownie set
  • Sunglasses (2 pairs)
  • Boys clothing: long sleeve dress shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, one pair of pants, sweater vest 
  • Girls clothing: two dresses, one skirt, two pairs of pants, three long sleeve shirts, two jackets, one pair of pajamas
I spent a grand total of $113.14. Some of the toys will be saved for Christmas. It's always exciting to save money on name-brand, new, and gently-used items for my kids.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

9/11: Chargers opening day victory


Ready for the game
Ethan: "At the game, when they were trumpeting I was yelling the entire time for the Chargers."
Excited boy
San Diego Chargers
· Rivers ·
Ethan: "I've been asking daddy for years and years to buy me a soft finger souvenir at Dodger Stadium, and he finally did at the Chargers game!"

 

Sunday, September 11, 2011

San Diego Super Chargers

Emily and I will be looking for the boys on TV today. Ryan is taking Ethan to his first Chargers game.

God Bless America, our military men and women, and the Chargers! LET'S GO BOLTS!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Best things about a jogging stroller

Allows me to:
  • Exercise
  • Go shopping
  • Soak up some vitamin D from the sun
  • Take my kids outside to admire God's handiwork
 A great way to start my day! ☀

Monday, July 11, 2011

Ultimate Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you have a chocolate craving and avoid eating processed junk food (like myself), then you'll love this recipe: Ultimate Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies.

My son was (and is always) a big helper in the kitchen. We surprised Ryan with a warm cookie and glass of milk when he got home from work. He gave our cookies two thumbs up! :)
Little chef
Wearing sissy's apron to match mommy
Choc. chip cookies with nuts
Choc. chip cookies without nuts
Delicious!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Bike suggestions

I will never forget the look on Ethan's face when he got his first “big boy” bike…PRICELESS!

The best thing about the bike is, it’s truly “green”. I bought the barely used bike at a local consignment shop. The green paint wasn't shiny, but my son could care less.

He’s happiest when he’s riding it on a warm, sunny day. ☀ However, now that our 4 1/2-year-old son is starting to outgrow it, Ryan and I would love to get him a new bike. Any suggestions?

We've also been trying to find a pink toddler bike for Emily, our petite 2-year-old.

Monday, June 13, 2011

We Need Policy Not Plates

I have always been a fan of Jillian Michaels. Click here to read her opinion piece. She makes some valid points.

On Facebook, she recently posted: "Check out this piece I wrote on the new food plate... Look out... I get pretty fired up."

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

So pretty

Trying on Emily's hair accessories
Pretty girl (24 months old)
Pretty boy...lol (4 years old)

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Thank you Mommy

5/19/11
I tucked Emily into bed. She told me about the fun things she did throughout the day, such as: playing outside, watching mommy kill a black widow, finding a roly-poly, having a snack, and watching a cooking show with Ethan. We prayed together. She had one last sip of water from her favorite princess sippy cup. I kissed her goodnight. Then, as I was leaving the room she said: "Thank you mommy for water...milk. Thank you for changing Emmy's diaper."

My heart melted. It took me back two years -- when Ethan was the same age, he also thanked me for changing his diaper. It's a breath of fresh air to hear kind words come out of my children's mouths, especially thanking me for a job that's not always pleasant.

Parents: Just remember, every single time you change a diaper, you are expressing an act of love. When your child is old enough to speak, they will eventually thank you for it. I thanked my mom for changing mine. :)

24 months old

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Emily is TWO!

On this day two years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. It was love at first sight. Her sweet smile, tiny fingers and toes, soft skin, almond-shaped eyes, and golden brown hair were perfect in every way. She took my breath away.

Emily Grace was the missing piece to the puzzle – she completed our family of four. It’s hard to believe she has only been a part of our lives for two AMAZING years! We thank God for blessing us and entrusting us with her precious life.

Here are a few photos of her playing outside today on her special day...
Happy 2nd birthday Emily Grace!
My baby girl looks SO big! :'( 
Happy playing outside
Sweet smile :)
Sand outside of the sandbox...uh oh:/