Merry Christmas to all

Well as the days left before Christmas wind down, we would just like to wish everyone the best. I hope that your Holiday Season has been a memorable one. May the blessings of this coming year be upon you. Have a Holly Jolly Christmas it's the best time of the year. We love you all and look forward to sharing this next year with you.

The good, the bad, and the icky!

So for any of you who have had one of those stomache bugs that work their way through the family you will know exactly what I am about to share.
The GOOD is that Kendyl finally slept through the night for the first time in 4 days. Instead for the past 3 nights she has been sleeping in our bed on my tummy. All you moms have been there. Some of you have even shared with me and now I truely feel your pain.
The BADis we have all had it now, or are in the middle of it for that matter.
The ICKY is that last night while Kendyl was having a blissful slumber we hear wimpering outside our door. The sound completely wakes me from the dead, which after 4 nights of no sleep I thought would be impossible. So I crawl out of bed to find Mikaela curled in a ball and crying that her tummy hurts. Oh no not again. Now for those of you who don't know Mikaela has this ability to never get sick even when those around her are ill. She seems to have a very strong immune system. So we thought with it now being the 3rd day and everyone else in the house past the worst with the bug, she was spared. Unfortunately it finally caught up with her. The poor girl has never even thrown-up since she was just barely one and that was more gagging on a big mouthful of food. She had no idea what to expect and was terrified. Especially since she had now just seen her little sister and mom spill it all. Mikaela held it in for 3 hours. I didn't even think that was possible. Nate and I tried everything to comfort, and prepare her for something that is so uncontrollable. Finally I think she knew the time to explode was drawing near, she asked if I would say a prayer for her so that Jesus would comfort her. Within 2 minutes of the amen, the "flood gates" opened. She jumped up with no warning and I knew it was time. Thank goodness for my alertness, otherwise our familyroom carpet Nate just shampooed would have been sacrificed.
Mikaela had to stayed home from school today which has been the hardest part. She loves school, but knew that it was important to not share this terrible bug with any of her friends. Things are looking up though, no one has thrown-up yet this morning so keep you finger crossed for us.
By the way I didn't take any picture of this experience. You can thank me later.

The new addition is complete

Our basement is finished!!! And if you ask me, I think it turned out pretty good. Here are just a few pictures for thoes of you who are interested. Enjoy, I know we are.

This is the den. Finished but no furniture yet.

The girls very own playroom.

Down the hall going towards the playroom.

Our fireplace and mantle. This is my favorite.

Boy can you say PINK. This is Mikaela's room. Anyone surprised? She wanted an even brighter pink but settled for this with a little persuasion from Nate and I.

Now I can start enjoying the holiday the stress of finishing the basement is over. Alleluhia!

Life can be so B*U*S*Y*

Well it seems I have nothing to post lately or is it that I am so busy I can't find the time to sit at my computer anymore. Lately things seem crazier than ever. I have been spending most of my time trying to keep my girls happy. Mikaela is back in school and that makes things even busier. With Mikaela gone all day I am the sole provider of entertainment for Lydia and Kendyl. Which I love, but after playing crazy eights and whack a mole for the 1000th time, playing dolls is a welcome relief. After school is the busiest. I first talk to Mikaela about her day in school. What she learned, and what she enjoyed best about her day, etc. Next we get into her backpack to see what needs to be reviewed and discussed. Next we spend about 30 mins doing homework for the day or reviewing spelling for the week. Next we spend anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes reading her 3-5 new books she brought home to read. Then it is time to prepare dinner. During this time all 3 girls have free play time. Which usually consists of trashing the house I just put back together during Kendyl's naptime. By the time I finally finish with our nighttime routine I am exhausted beyound words. All I want to do is have some nice me time. But that usually doesn't happen. After the girls are asleep I will wander down to the basement to sand nail holes. By the time I am bored to tears and sore in the back with sanding, I finally go upstairs to clean-up and crawl into bed. Thank goodness the basement is almost finished. If Nate had more time to work on it, it might already be done. Oh well, patience is a virture right? I guess I will just have to enjoy the journey called life. I hope you are too.

California Fun

Here are a few shots of Huntington Beach. The girls had never been to the ocean so this was important to me that we go. Mikaela and Lydia really loved the beach. Kendyl was not so sure of anything. She wouldn't even go near the water or wet sand. I'm sure she was just a little confused. Plus it was a bit windy, but that didn't stop the other two.

I thought that the water was going to be colder than it was, but it was actually quite nice for November.

Here is a lovely picture of our Hot Black Charger. We really had a good time cruising Harbor Blvd. in our Dodge Charger. Nate would tease the girls and tell them that he was going to race the car next to us. Mikaela was too smart for that. She told him if he is speeding he would get a ticket.

Our family vacation to California and Disneyland was a lot of fun. We all really enjoyed ourselves. When we asked Mikaela and Lydia what their favorite part was they each told us meeting the Princesses. Mikaela's favorite ride was Indiana Jones. Which by the way she was very nervous right from the begining. The ride operator asked her right up to the time we loaded if she was going to be okay. She was brave and stuck it out and loved it. I think she is a bit of a thrill seeker like her mom.

Lydia on the other hand enjoyed most rides. But only once she said that was enough. Her favorites were Soaring Over California and Star Tours.

Kendyl enjoyed most of her adventures. The rides were so unfamiliar to her that she woud wimper for a minute and then I or Nate would whisper in her ear that the ride was over and she would clap her hands and scream, happily we think. If she could communicate better I think she would tell us she loved the fireworks and parade the best. She was literally dancing in the streets. It was quite enjoyable to watch.

A Special Treat

On Monday we had a special surprise planned for the girls. We were going to eat at Ariel's Grotto and have lunch with the Disney Princesses. What a thrill the girls were able to meet 5 Disney Princesses without having to wait in a long line. It was quite worth it because each princess took a turn coming to our table, signing our autograph books and visiting with us. Mikaela and Lydia were so excited each time they announced the arrival of a new princess, they were dancing in their seats with antiscipation to know which one was coming. And our waiter was really hamming it up for them. Pretending that they were all there and that no more were coming but one always did. Well at least until they were all in the room. Very exciting even for me, just seeing my girls enjoying themselves so much.

Princess Belle is Lydia's favorite when they announced her arrival I thought she was going to cry she was so excited Belle was coming. She just kept repeating, it's Belle! It's Belle!

What a great shot. Thank you to another stranger willing to take a picture so we could all be together. I love all the beautiful scenery around The Golden State in California Adventures.

Here are the 3 soakies. After their exciting adventure on the Grizzly River Run. Mikaela and Lydia got so wet that they were not willing to go on it a second time with mom. Oh well maybe I will have the opportunity on our next visit to Disneyland.

TIGGRRRR!!! We love Tigger. The girls loved having their picture taking with all the characters. Most of the time they were even willing to stand in line for them. Kendyl was never frightened by characters she just wouldn't stand there long enough to be in the pictures. What do you do?

Minnie Mouse is both Mikaela and Lydia's most favorite Disney character and it just so happened that we finally got a autograph and picture with her this trip. Funny story we were just returning to the park after going to dinner for the fireworks, and forgot the camera. Luckily there was this very nice California local standing behind us more than willing to take a pictures for us and email the photos. Thank you Thank you to Sherlynn of Fullerton.

We Made It!!

I love Disneyland! I always have. Eversince my childhood friend Tami, invited me to go with her family when I was 12 years old. This magical wonderland will never be boring to me. And as a bonus my kids love it too. What an exciting first day. It started a little early, 3 am to be exact. I guess my girls were so excited they couldn't even sleep. So after literally focing them back to sleep for at least 2 more hours, the alarm went off and we were on our way.

Everything with the plane ride went smooth. The two people sitting next to Kendyl and I said they were impressed with how well Kendyl behaved. To tell you the truth I packed all these keep the kids busy activities and most of them never even came out of their packs. All I needed to keep Kendyl entertained was a water bottle with a lid so she could repeatedly put it on and take it off. I don't know what I was worried about.

We arrived at the Long Beach Airport ahead of schedule. Now it is off to the car rental place. What a treat, they loaned us a Dodge Charger, you know the ones the Utah Highway Patrol use. Boy, Nate was excited! We thought that maybe we would get a Chevy Malibu, or something similar. One last quick stop to catch a bite to eat, and then DISNEYLAND! More soon the hour is late and we have another early start in the morning. The park opens at 8 am, YEA!!!

Gardner Village "The Witching Hour"

I just loved this picture, I had to share. Don't worry we all sanitized after the zoo, twice.

Mikaela's favorite part of any petting zoo is the pony rides. I don't think we have ever just walk by one without riding.

Lydia was so excited this was the pony that she wanted from the first moment getting into line.

This is Kendyl's very first pony ride and she loved it, well that is until the pony moved. Good thing I took these pictures before the ride started.

This sweet grandma witch and her granddaughter were so willing she even offered to hold Kendyl but one look at the witches face and Kendyl wanted nothing to do with her. But I thanked her for trying.

Okay so I must have missed the announcement about Friday night being the annual Witching Hour at Gardner Village. Can you say crowded. Actually I did get a parking space right in the front so that was a bonus. But I never knew there were so many varieties of witches out there. The girls wanted to take a picture with everyone of them even the live ones. I am so glad the live ones humored us enough to let us take some pictures. The statues didn't have a choice.

The Scarecrow Festival

We love the horses.

Looking at the chickens. I tried to tell them to not get so close but my girls have no fear of animals. It must have something to do with daddy, go figure.

This picture was taken just after I told them we had been standing in line for 1 1/2 hours.

Here's Lydia enjoying the reward after such a long wait.

Here's Mikaela our Bungee Princess, who by the way can be very stubborn.

Monday Nate and I decided to take the girls to the Scarecrow Festival for family night. The fall weather has been amazing and we love doing things outdoors. The festival was really fun. They had many activities for kids and huge inflatables. They also had an area in the back where you could pet some animals and see the ducks in the pond, Kendyl really enjoyed making the animal sounds of the ones she knew. And the rest she just squilled loudly. As we were walking around Mikaela noticed a trampoline bungee ride and really wanted to try it out. So we got into the line thinking that it didn't seem all that long, but after an hour of wainting I tried to convince her that maybe we should do something else. But she was determined to try the ride because it looked so fun. So after wainting in line for a grand total of 2 hours. They finally got stapped in for their ride. Nate thought we were crazy. I just thought if my girls were that determined I would wait with them. And boy they loved it. Mikaela and Lydia both agreed that it was worth the wait.

Rosie

Meet Rosie. I guess grass really can grow anywhere.

Boy that is one excited kid over a pet plant.

Kindof reminds me of a chiapet. Do you remember thoes?

Mikaela told me she had a special surprise for me but couldn't tell me anything about it. So okay I just mostly forgot about the conversation and weeks went by with nothing more said. Then last week when Mikaela got home from school this being her offf track time told me her surprise was finished, and she wanted to give it to me. She made me close my eyes and then she presented me with this. Rosie is "her" name and Mikaela has been growing "her" at school for the past few weeks. Meet Rosie.

Basement by Christmas?

The other guy is Nate's old boss and friend Jared

By the way the picture is not fuzzy, that is dust in the air.

Nate making sure that the measurements are perfect.

We are on track again with finishing our basement. We took a little break due to the hot weather, and also Nate has not had the time. So this weekend the construction was off and running again. We are in the process of hanging and taping drywall. Which by the way Nate did professionally all through high school. What a bonus. I don't think there are many things he can't do. And if there is, he just reads a book and becomes an expert. Am I lucky or what?

Here are a few pictures of the men hard at work.

The night out with Nate

If you are anything like Nate and I, you know that nights out together are few in number. However last night we were able to go out without the kids. As much as we love our girls sometimes you need an evening alone.
This date however was not one of your typical dates, it was much better. We did go out to dinner at Johnny Carinos (one of our favorites). Then while at dinner we were trying to decide what to do next. I suggested mini golf, bowling, a movie, and shopping. Nothing sounded good. So Nate suggests going to Lowes, I kind of laugh thinking that he is joking. Then thought that that would be great.
Anytime we have to run to Lowes the kids are with us or Nate goes alone. What a treat! It really was fun. We spent about 2 1/2 hours just planning our basement. Which is under contruction at the moment. We looked at tile for the bathroom, slate for the fireplace, a mantle, blindes, a toilet, and vanity with absolutely no rush. And it got me thinking we should do this more often. We spent the entire time talking about our individual likes and dislikes for colors, and design, everything under the sun, without interuptions from the kids.
If we had gone to the movie of course you can't talk or else that is considered rude and disruptive. I don't think at anytime during the evening we were not talking about this or that. Then after we closed the store we still went home and spent the next hour and a half still talking about everything for our new addition. Measuring furniture and planning our future. What a wonderful night out with Nate.

Soccer Fun

Lydia getting into the big game, after she poses for a quick picture.

Okay when is the action going to start?

Practice will make perfert.

What a kick!

I'm ready! Let's play....

Lydia has been part of a Pre-K soccer team for the past few weeks and she loves it. I was a little concerned because the games are on Saturday mornings usually during the same time as Mikaela's gymnastics class. I asked Lydia if it would be okay to go without Mommy and she said yes! Thank goodness I have been able to go to half of them. Lydia just wanted to play soccer with her friends. You can see just how much she enjoys herself. And the team is actually pretty good. Lydi really enjoys to play most of the time. GO Blue Shirts!

My baby is 18 months...

Isn't that just precious or what?

Eating pudding all by herself, no help.

meeesssyy!

Look at that blonde hair, is she really ours?

First day home from the hospital

2007

Kendyl is now 18 months old. She is even starting to lose that baby look about her. It seems like only yesterday we brought her home from the hospital. So tiny, well at least for one of my babies. Mikaela was 9lbs and Lydia 1 oz. shy of 8lbs. So for me she was tiny only 7lbs. Now my baby weighs 22lbs and is into everything. We have even nicknamed her the baby tornando. She destroys everything in her path. Well at least messes it up a little. Her older sisters don't even like her to come into their room because she will mess it up. And since she is still learning to pick-up after herself the majority of the responsibility falls on them.

Kendyl has always been a good baby rarely fusses and is very easy to calm if hurt or dissappointed about something. She has two comfort tools: 1 her thumb, and 2 her blanky. Both of which you rarely see her without. Kendyl is also very fond of our dog Wyatt the two of them are so cute together. Whenever I am busy in the kitchen I just let Wyatt in and Kendyl plays with him while I take care of dinner, a phone call, homework, etc. What more could a mom ask for?

Earning back our toys

Last night the girls did not put away all the toys in their room. Eventhough they told me they had. So while they were in the bath I went into their room and gathered up any toys that were left on the floor and put them in a garbage bag. After the girls got out they came into their room to find it spotless. Mikaela said to Lydia, Mommy cleaned our room for us. I soon entered into the room and told them that I removed any toys that were left on the floor and in order to get them back they will have to do nice things for one another without being asked. Both Mikaela and Lydia were concerned because they couldn't figure out what toys were missing. I told them starting tomorrow they could earn them back. I thought that they would be more upset but actually they were curious to see how this little tactic would work. Both agreed that they would be the first to earn back their toys.

The following morning being Sunday and since it was conference we didn't have early church so it was really quiet in our home which never happens. Soon after 7:30 Nate and I hear the first stirrings. Lydia soon after comes into our room asking if they can quietly play in their room. I said yes. Moments later I hear the girls talking about what transpired last night and soon they are working together to pair up their shoes in the closet and make their beds (without being asked?). Next they suddendly hear Kendyl start calling out from her crib and Mikaela comes into our room and tells us to stay in bed she will get Kendyl and play with her. Sweet! yes, I know how blessed I am.

Nate and I came out and greeted our wonderful happy girls. I start making french toast since this morning there was no hurry to get out the door, which I love. Mikaela and Lydia start telling me all that they have done so far, and want to know how many toys they have earned back. I told them after we eat breakfast they could both take out 2 toys. Wow, you would think that by their reaction I told them we were going to buy them new toys. They both ask if they can help with breakfast and of course I let them. They even got to crack open the eggs, and stir them up. Mikaela then tells me that she wanted to do my workout for me but they ran out of time. I started laughing, then I said why would you do my workout for me. Mikaela with all the innocence of a young girl said that it looks tough and you are always sweating by the end so I wanted to make things easier for you today. Boy I was so touched I didn't even bother telling her that if she did my workout for me it would do me no good physically and also being Sunday it is my skip day. However I did tell her how much a sacrifice like that would mean to me. I think that after that she should earn all her toys back what do you think?

Way to go LYDIA!!

On Fridays the school kids get out early. So today I wanted to do something outside because the weather has been so amazing. I just had to take advantage of the cooler weather. So right after school we set off on our bikes for a grand adventure. We only made it 3 miles eventhough the temperatures are cooler riding our bikes was tough work. However after dinner we set out again with the goal of 5 miles. Maybe I was shooting for the moon, but the girls agreed that they would give it their best effort. Everything was going great until on our way home about a mile and half away Lydia starts in with the moaning how much longer my feet are tired. My favorite, my muscles ache (wow where did she get that from?). Next she starting to say that her bike wasn't working right. I just kept telling her that we were almost there and to keep up the good work. Lydia I know you can do it you're tough. So she continued to plug along like the trooper she is. Finally we arrived home tired and just before dark thank goodness. When I was putting the bikes under the trailer for the night I noticed something funny about Lydia's bike the tire was completely flat, sometime during our journey she had run over some glass that had popped her tire. I couldn't beleve it she had rode that bike with a flat tire for who knows how long and I kept telling her to keep going. I told her about the flat tire and she said, Mom, I rode my bike with a flat tire? Yes, Lydia you did. Mom, can we buy a new one tomorrow? Sure Lydia. Good because I think with a new tire I can go even farther! Way to go LYDIA. What a trooper.