Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Happy Birthday Bro!
Jason and I go way back (about 30 years maybe) and that would make us how old? Jason is the cousin of my BFF Lorain, so we spent loads and loads of time growing up together. Then I go off to the military and lo and behold he marries my sister.
When I think of Jason I think of…
…Running around the Priest Lake Sawmill. What were our parents thinking???
…Pigs, pigs and more pigs. How much money did you make anyways?
…Broken arms and football. Enough said.
…Many broken hearts trailing behind you.
…A bear hug that could crush ribs.
…A brother that can put me in my place without losing his smile.
…A wonderful dad!
…An excellent teacher!
But most off all, he is the man who makes my sister happy. We are so blessed to have you as part of our family. Happy Birthday Jason!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Presents, Puppies and the Ugly Sweater Contest
One of the sweetest gifts this year went to Hallie. She received a Pomeranian puppy this year. "Beau" is almost 2 years old and quite a beauty. He did not live up to his reputation and refrained from yipping the whole weekend.
One of my favorite moments of the weekend occurred when we arrived at my mom's house. The last time that Sidney had been there, she was probably only 9 months old??? When we arrived all of our arms were loaded. Before we had a chance to put anything down, Sidney was climbing up the stairs directly to the "grandbaby" room. This is the room where mom keeps all of the toys, etc. She climbed onto the little table and chair set and started playing with the little keyboard up there. Did she remember this from her last visit? The answer to that may always remain a mystery. But one thing is for certain, those little buggers are a lot smarter than we think.
Kendall stayed overnight with her cousin Hallie. Thankfully, there was not a tear-filled call in the middle of the night. In fact, she did not seem to miss us at all. Hmph!
It was a great holiday and I am so glad that we made the trip. Thank you to everyone for making it so memorable. Kevin thank you for getting us there and back safely. This was a milestone trip, as we made it there and back without a speeding ticket. WOOHOO!Monday, December 21, 2009
Happy Birthday Pops!
If he is going to run, he does a marathon.
If he is going to do a triathlon, he does the Ironman.
If he is going to get thrown off a horse, he ends up in a cast up to his hip.
If he is going to hunt, he bugles them in and hunts with bow and arrow.
If he is going to lay brick, he does a masterpiece.
I am sure you get the picture. Growing up, I always appreciated the honesty and wisdom that my dad was willing to share with me. To this day if I want empathy, I call my mom. If I want a kick in the rear, I call my dad. He has always been so real and straight with me. It is refreshing.
I am so proud of my dad and all of the things he has accomplished. He has done things that many people would not even attempt to try. He instilled in me the belief that nothing is out of my reach.
Most of all, I am thankful that he put his family first. My dad was a young father, so I distinctly remember him making difficult decisions so that his family could succeed. Thank you Dad.
He also set a great example of how a woman should be treated. He has always treated my mom with the greatest amount of respect. No matter what the situation – he would back her 110%.
Happy Birthday Dad. You are without a doubt the best father (and grandpa) a girl could ask for!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Silence CAN be golden.
We had my work Christmas party this weekend. It was a family affair. Here is a picture of Sidney accessorizing before the party.Santa even made an appearance at the party. Despite all of the girls attempts at getting on the naughty list, apparently Santa thought they had been pretty good. Sidney was not about to sit on the Jolly man's lap. Who can blame her? She did quickly learn the fine art of gift opening. I think she was more entertained by the box than the present inside.
Kendall got over her fear of the big fellow and even went back for a second sit on his lap to chat about all of her Christmas wishes.
All of the kids spent the evening dancing the night away. Desiree - I caught a picture of Miley in all of her dancing glory. Talk about a dancing diva.Kevin took this picture of Kendall in our front yard. Every night when we get home from work, she insists on going out front to see Santa and Teddy. At her rate of growth, she may just be taller than these guys next year!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Bring on the Starbucks!
My favorite part of having other kids over is to watch my girls interact with their friends. The stories they tell (Kendall mostly), and the things that I realize are important to them. It is sweet to see Kendall's big grin as she tells them "this is my____". And, "I will get cereal for everyone mommy".
This week Sidney has decided that she wants to go down the stairs on her bottom as opposed to sliding down on her tummy. SCARY. The first time she did this I just about had a heart attack. All I could envision was head over feet somersaults down the stairs. Hopefully, she can do this without too many tumbles. She is a pretty careful little girl (unlike our other monkey). She has also found her new hangout place:
It is amazing how fast they grow! On a different note, we have had a lot of snow falling in Boise. Alright it is nothing compared to our family up North, but we are enjoying it. Our neighbor got a new plow for the front of his four wheeler, and we have been fortunate enough to reap the rewards of his excitement. Thank you Rich!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Happy Birthday Kevin!
1. He puts the toilet seat down.
2. He is a romantic at heart and has NEVER forgotten a Birthday or Anniversary.
3. He has never hesitated to tell me the truth no matter how much it might sting.
4. He will go visit my parents even when I am not with him.
5. He has never “let me” win at anything. He will make it a good game, but if I win it is legit!
6. He has always been my biggest fan and has never doubted me for a second.
7. He is passionate about what he does. This one drives me crazy at times, but ultimately I think it is amazing.
8. He has endured countless questions of “Does this make my butt look big?”J
9. He does not care what my hair looks like or if my clothes are trendy (although he DID put his foot down when I wore red sweatpants with a purple shirt).
10. He is the most amazing, consistent, tender, funny, caring, loving father there is!
Happy Birthday My Love!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Happy Birthday Terrell!
Another time I recall is when she came to stay with us in California while Kevin had surgery. We spent 2 weeks at USC Medical Center leaning on each other. That was a very difficult time for all of us and having her there meant the world. It was also during that visit that Terrell and Kevin’s Aunt Sherry talked my way out of a traffic ticket. Now that was impressive.
She has taught me so much about hospitality, kindness and tradition. We are very different in many ways, but she has embraced me for who I am. She has allowed me to make mistakes along the way without watching through critical eyes. I am very lucky to have such a woman in my life. And, my girls are fortunate to have such a wonderful, loving, Grandma!!!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
"Black Sunday"
The one part of our holiday that was not quite complete was the absence of one our of "regulars". Terrell was not able to make it this year. GRRR! Her coworker decided to snatch the day off after Thanksgiving, so she had to work. The nerve:) We all really missed her. Black Friday was just not complete without her!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The scene of the crime
When I came in from my morning walk, Kendall was bouncing off the walls. Kevin even made the comment that maybe she should have gone on a walk with me or maybe she should go run a few miles. As I was getting ready, she came into the bathroom and said "this is sticky mommy" pointing to a spot of red gooiness on her pajamas. As I leaned in for inspection, I asked her where the cherry cobbler that was on the counter had went. It was in her tummy, of course. She quickly followed with "I could not get the bagel bag open, mommy". Makes sense to me and it solved the mystery of why she had so much extra energy. Let the holidays begin!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The concept of time
Just last night we had told her that her cousin Hallie was coming next week. Next morning, next week, it is all the same to a 2 year old.
Here is a picture taken at approximately 5:15 this morning. Don't you wish we all woke up this happy? Apparently she is very excited about Thanksgiving and family coming to visit.
One more thing to add. As Kevin was telling Kendall everyone that was coming for Thanksgiving, he accidently left Papa off the list. But no worries, Kendall quickly corrected him. "...and Papa too?" Cannot wait to see you guys!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
...Twelve
Sunday, November 8, 2009
He's home, He's home!!!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Pridefully Opposed - No More!
And the girls love it too...Kendall in particular thinks we are pretty cool in our new hooptie!
It has a DVD player in it, so as we were heading to Trunk or Treat last night the girls watched their new Clifford Video from Grandma T. My favorite part is the leather seats, so easy to clean. We are styling now:)
For Grandma Karen, here is a picture of Sid in her birthday outfit.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Happy Birthday Stephanie!
Thank you for the great example you have given me on how to be a better mom. I have learned so much from you.
Thank you for making me laugh so hard I almost peed my pants when we went to watch "13 going on 30". I seriously thought you were going to jump in the aisle and start doing the thriller dance. Thank you for being my breath of fresh air. You have such a way of bringing light to the most serious of situations. Not to mention laughing in the face of pain (to the detriment of our husbands and father). I hope that you have a very special day!!!
A whole lot of firsts...
Both of the girls FIRST pony ride. Pictures of that will come later as I neglected to brind my camera. My friend has vowed to email me the photos.