The Deepest Part of Me

Dirty, but fun!!

2009-05-20T11:53:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was crazy, but fun! We celebrated both of the kids' birthdays in one party. I'm pretty sure this will be the last year we can get away with that, so we did. :)
I'll post some pics from the party as soon as I get them off the camera, but here's one from our Sunday afternoon-evening at home.
We put together the trampouline that my friend from work gave to us, as a surprise for the kids for their birthday party. They loved it! So, we came home and jumped on the trampouline and then Rob made a fire and we roasted hotdogs. So fun and So relaxing! Here's a pic of me and my dirty babies!!!!
Not long after we took this, it was off to the tub and then to bed. They were both out about a minute after I laid them down. Just down right tuckered out! :) I love these babies!

Planting Flowers!

2009-05-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

It was beautiful today! A little windy, but pretty! And since tomorrow we are having a party for the kiddos for their birthdays... thought it would be nice to have some flowers in my front planter. Rob had to work, so the babies and I got up early and headed to buy flowers. My sister-in-law came along, which was awesome, cause the boy really just wanted to run around... she's a great help! Both kids got to pick out two flowers... they are pretty funny! EmJ chose pink-she's such a girl and Superboy chose blue-such the boy! Here's some pictures of the three of us planting flowers! I hope this is something we can do together every year!
Gavin got bored after a bit and took off to play, but EmJ had a great time making giving herself a mud facial! :)

Happy Birthday, Superboy!!!

2009-05-11T14:05:00.001-07:00

Four years ago our lives changed forever!! And so much for the better!
Little boy... You are amazing!! You are so smart and funny and full of life!
You keep mama and daddy on our toes and will forever keep us young.
Thank you for trusting us even as we make so many mistakes! I love how you love and care for your sissy... And I love that you call her 'little' :) I hope you always do! Mama and daddy are so blessed to be part of you life! Happy 4th birthday, buddy!! I love you more than you know!!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Baby Girl!

2009-04-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

Today is EmJ's Birthday! Her second birthday! Two years! What? Can that really be? I can't believe that she is already two! She's so precocious! And Sweet! And Wonderful! Like her brother... she is full of life! She absolutely has her own ideas about things and loves, loves, loves her brother and daddy! Right down to loving and playing Superm@n with both of them! I am honored to be her mommy and blessed to be in her life! Happy birthday, sweet baby girl! I love you more and more and am really enjoying getting to know you!

SNOW DAY 2009!!

2009-03-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

Goodness... I haven't been in here in a long time! And even now I'm too tired to write, so I'll just post some pictures from our sweet snow day at home!

2009

2009-01-01T00:48:00.000-08:00

WOW! 2009. Crazy. So, now that all our New Year's Eve Company---well, most of it-- has headed home, here I am still wide awake. (too much coffee and energy drink. :) ) I was just thinking about how much I can't believe will happen this year. My little boy will turn 4!!! And my little girl will turn 2! Rob and I will be married for 10 years and will have been a couple for 13 years!! My family will have been a blended family for over 10 years... seems like longer some days and like we went from being an at home family of 3 to 8 about a blink ago. I will have been at my job for 6 years in February and still loving almost every day of it! (aside from the being away from my babies and Rob thing...)
Amazing how quickly it seems like time is going. Didn't we just get married? Weren't G & E just born? Tonight, my little man was running around, playing with his cousin and sister, and he just seemed so grown up. Where'd my baby go? Seriously! How'd he get this big? And EmJay! She is one ornery little miss. When she has her mind set... Good Grief!
Rob is still at home with the kids full time for the winter. If someone would have told me that one day we would have a complete role reversal in this area of our family... I would have laughed them out of the room, but here we are... neither baby has been to daycare and has only been with either Rob, my mom or their Auntie Shell! Amazing! It's so crazy how freaked out I was when I found out we were pregnant and now here we are and daddy still loves being home with his kiddos.
Rob and I are leading worship at two churches and even with the business of it, I know that we are doing exactly what God has called us to do!
I'm pretty excited about 2009. I'm continuing to learn to trust God everyday---sometimes every minute! :) And learning to wait EXPECTANTLY for what God has. Not hesitantly, but with anticipation and expectation that God has good things for us!
Happy New Year! Bring on 2009!

Christmas Photoshoot

2008-12-27T13:31:00.000-08:00

Too busy to say much, but I thought I'd post some pictures from our attempt to get some good shots for Christmas presents.

Weekend to Remember...

2008-11-17T20:47:00.000-08:00

We were given the gift this weekend, by my mama and step dad, of spending the weekend at the Family LIfe Weekend to Remember marriage conference. It was really amazing and I would recommend it to any couple... married, engaged, or thinking of getting married! We learned so much! Too much to write all about in this short post... :) I realized a few things while we were there. 1. I am so thankful for my husband. His willingness to put our family and me before his own needs and desires is really amazing. 2. For someone who communicates for a living, I've really sucked at communicating with my best friend. I am quick to unsheathe my sword and draw blood from the belly... I really want to communicate with him in a way that he will both hear and understand me. 3. Rob really loves me. And he completely trusts me. He is my gift from God and a treasure! And my job is to respect him for the authority that God has given him. I am to be his helper... Not is mama. (wow... ok, so there's even more that I've learned, but I'm still pretty worn out from the weekend, so I'll have to save the rest for another post!)
Anyhow... we went up there with an already pretty great marriage! And even though it's not as if things have just become some fairy tale, happily ever after thing, I already can see how God is using this weekend to the benefit of our marriage, our family, and to God's glory!

Thanks, Mom and Wes. Thank you for investing in us. We love you!

And to my best friend, lover, father of my children, my partner (sometimes in crime!:) )... When I say I love you... I love you!

My Family Throws The Best Birthday Party...

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

I love my family so much! When I got home today they (they, meaning daddy... of course!) had made me a fantastic dinner and my sweet, creative husband had made me the cutest cake! Then the babies said that we needed to play our new family game. (See previous post. :) ) I LOVE my sweet family!
Here's a picture of my adorable cake! :)

Oh, yeah. It's On!!

2008-11-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

So... in this time of economic hardship, my family has found a fantastic way to occupy our time and have a little cheap entertainment! N-E-R-F G-U-N-S!! We are having so much fun! We take turns hiding and then the kids and the not hidden parent go find the missing parent! The kids love it! Then... when the kids go to sleep, we turn all the lights off and... It's On!! We've even pulled my brother into the game! I'm exhausted by the time we go the sleep, but I haven't laughed this much forever!

Did you ever think you'd ask...

2008-10-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

So, tonight, I went into our bathroom and I found the new box of tampons that I just recently purchased, and to my complete confusion, the box was empty. Hmmm? Ok, so I figured that the kids had maybe gotten into them and daddy had put them in a drawer and not in the box to keep them away from the babies. So, I looked in the drawers and under the sink. Nope. No tampons. Hmmm? That's strange. So, downstairs I go. And this is how the conversation goes. "Honey?" "Yeah, babe." "Ummm... where'd you put my tampons?" "Excuse me?" "My tampons. Their not in the box." "And you think I used them?" "Um, no. I just thought you maybe moved them." "I have not seen your tampons. You know I don't even like to think about those things. Why would I touch them." "Well, the thing is... is they're gone." "Gone? Gone where?" "Yeah... Um, I don't really know. I need you to help me find them." So, reluctantly my husband follows me upstairs to try search for my missing tampons. We searched everywhere. Finally, we find them. Stashed under the bed. Yup. Under the bed. Not really sure why. But, there they were. Under the bed.

Daddy took the babies to the store today to try and find this special tea for my brother. While he was searching the shelf, he turns around, and this is what he finds. He said it took him forever to put them all back.

I love our parenting adventure!!! :)

Our weekend in the hospital.

2008-10-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

We're home now. I'm very thankful. As I'm starting to type this, I'm realizing how tired I am, cause I'm getting really teary... which I don't really do that much. Emme got sick on Friday. She seemed to just have the crud. Congested chest cough yuckiness and a fever. At about 4am on Saturday, she woke up and her fever was high again. So, daddy and I were trying to decide whether to strip her and give her a bath or more motrin... when she started to roll all over the bed. She couldn't get comfortable and I realized that she couldn't hardly breathe. She was panicking and so was I. I scooped her up and we headed to the emergency room. They did some chest ex-rays and started giving her breathing treatments.... albuterol and then another one that I can't remember the name of. I seem to take a bit after my mom... strong until it's all over, then I cry. I didn't really cry while we were in the ER. I didn't really break down, even when they were putting the IV in her tiny hand, but now that we're home, and she's resting peacefully with her daddy, the tears just won't stop. I cannot imagine our lives before she was here. She's just so much apart of who we are now. Funny... I did not want a girl. I even had a hard time with the idea of a girl. Now, I don't just want a girl, but I can't believe that I ever thought that I wouldn't be able to relate to my daughter. She's my mini-me. I almost every way. She has my temper. My stubborn head. My eyes. My hair. I love my mini-me. Her ex-rays, in the ER, showed some stuff on the left side of her lungs. They explained to us that she had pneumonia. Pneumonia??? How can that be??? She was healthy and fine just a day and a half before that!! I was just sure that they didn't believe us and that they thought we were the worst parents ever! Thankfully... they were so reassuring and validating to us about how babies can compensate for quite awhile before they crash, so although she may have been sick, we couldn't have known. After spending several hours in the ER, they decided to admit her to the pediatric unit. It's amazing how, even when you know that people are all around you and ready and willing to help, as you look at your sick baby, you just feel so helpless. Breaks my heart. I'm so thankful for the hospital staff. They were awesome! So full of compassion and so gentle. She had to wear this nasty contraption on her arm, where they put the IV in. Kids are incredible! Even with this monster on her arm--her right arm at that!-- she managed to figure out how to eat her cereal and fruit snacks using the board and her thumb! AMAZING! She's so smart. The doctor came in today before we left. She said that she looked at the ex-rays from the first night and that they are clear. Nothing on her lungs! Ok, so she said that the ER staff probably made a mistake, but I am confident that God healed our baby and went right ahead and healed the ex-rays with it! He's so good! So, we're home now. This has seriously been the longest weekend ever! I'm so thankful for God's healing hand and His grace even in the midst of our storm! The girl's been pretty ornery (I'm not sure how to spell that...) I think that's probably the best sign that she's getting back to normal! We sure love you, baby! Feel better! 123~Mama.

I tried to upload a picture of her in her hospital gown... she looked so sweet!

I woke up this morning and The Caped Crusader was in my bed.

2008-10-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

Fall 2008 Photo Shoot

2008-10-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

Tough Week

2008-10-10T01:13:00.000-07:00

This has been a really tough week. So... going back a bit... My work, a few years ago, stopped accepting Medicaid. This was such a bummer for me, because, the population that generally has medicaid and mental health issues are the kids that I most love working with. The are hard, but really worth every minute of your time with them. So, I have been praying and petitioning for us to have those kids back and within the last month, God has honored those prayers and work, and we are now taking Medicaid again! I'm thrilled! I mean... this is why I do what I do... to serve those kids and their families.

Anyhow... we have a new girl. Our second Medicaid admission since we started again. She's so hurting. She's 12 years old (the youngest age that we accept) and has been in residential treatment centers for several years. Including the state hospital... which is a big deal. So, tonight was my first music therapy group session with her. We had 7 kids tonight, including 2 new boys, and the girls were all wound up, so it was a bit of a mad house. We headed to the local grocery store for one of the kids' favorite music group traditions... the purchasing of snacks for the evening. Somehow in the craziness of all those kids, I left her behind. Yeah, I actually left this little girl back at the facility. While I was at the store, another staff member came running in and let me know that they had a situation and that I needed to come. I realized instantly what had happened, left the other kids with my team mate and ran... literally at a dead run back to the hospital. You have to understand that this little girl has severe trauma and attachment disorder. (This is also a big deal.) When I got back, she was crying and calling me names and kicking things. I really just wanted to throw up. I have never, never done anything like this. It took some time and we finally got her calmed down, and I asked her "Where were you? Did you go to the bathroom? How did you get separated from the group?" She replied, "You all walked out the door and I was waiting to see if you'd turn around to see if I was coming, and you didn't, so I came back inside." To which I replied, "You set me up?" And she nodded her head. Again, I wanted to throw up. This was after having several incidents throughout the week where we had to de-escalate her. My heart is so hurting tonight. I can't believe that I was so careless and part of me can't believe that she would be hurting so bad that she would have to do this... prove that the World is a sucky place and so is everyone in it. I met with her mom. She's amazing. So understanding and so aware of her daughters needs and the way she attempts to get those needs met. Amazing. God is good... I got to tell this little girl how much I care about her, but that I am human, and I will fail her. I will let her down. I make mistakes. I also got to tell her that we (our team) prays for her and for her mom, and that we're not going to give up on her. Both her and mom were crying. I think I'd of cried too... if I hadn't felt so much like puking. Not really sure what will happen from here. I've never made this kind of a mistake. I called my boss. She's great... she assured me that this could have happened to anyone of our team. Still sucks that it had to be me. She has to talk to her boss tomorrow to see what needs to be done. I could be written up.... this would be a first for me. Again... that nausea. I'm trying really hard not to beat myself up and to rest. I do believe that everything happens for a purpose. And I know that God will use it. Trust. Rest. The song "It is Well" has been on my heart for a couple of days. Especially the part about "when peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll... whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say... It is well! It is well with my soul." Abba, Whatever my lot. It is well with my soul. I trust You. I will rest in You.

Parents of the Year

2008-08-30T22:32:00.000-07:00

Don't judge me, but there are words in my life that I have used for as long as I can remember. I don't recall ever really really getting in trouble for using these words, although I do remember hearing someone coin them as "Christian cuss words." I don't use real cuss words. (Well, I try not to.) Anyhow.

Today we met my in-laws for lunch. It was a nice lunch, but the kids were pretty worn out, so we cut out a bit early, hoping that they would both take a nice, long snooze in the car. It's been a bit cooler here, since our streak of 90+ degree weather, but today, was again, pretty hot. The boy was so sleepy and needy, so I was carrying him out to the car. As I put him in the back seat and begin to buckle him in, he says "mama, it's freakin' hot. it's freakin' hot, huh?" Yup. Parents of the Year.

"Something very powerful was when I learned that everything, no matter how trivial or menial, can and should be seen as an act of worship to God." ~DW

2008-07-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

What a statement.

And spoken by a Man of God with wisdom beyond his 22 years.

Amazing how, even being 6 years older than him... I know I looked up to him.

I want my life to be a living sacrifice. To be sanctified holy. To be set apart. So, that everyone around me wants to know where my joy comes from. Not just when I sing, but that in every aspect of my life, in all that I do, that my life is an act of worship.

"You alone, oh God, are worthy, of all that I am."

I love you Jesus. You, the fullness of God in man, are worthy of all that I am.

We have potty...

2008-06-19T21:43:00.001-07:00

The boy pottied in the potty... his first real live, more than just a few drops, full on urination in the potty!!! We are so proud! We were getting worried that he was gonna be 16 before this finally happened!

I'm so proud of you, baby!!! Diaper free life... here we come!!!

Bees

2008-06-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

A bee stung my baby girl today... right on the thumb. She cried alot...

I hate bees.

"I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee,

Won't my mommy be so proud of me,

I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee,

Ouch! It stung me!

I'm squishing up the baby bumblebee,

Won't my mommy be so proud of me,

I'm squishing up a baby bumblebee,

Ooh! It's yucky!

I'm wiping off the baby bumblebee,

Won't my mommy be so proud of me,

I'm wiping off the baby bumblebee,

Now my mommy won't be mad at me!"

Stupid bee.

I think I'm Finally Figuring This Thing Out...

2008-06-14T02:16:00.000-07:00

I changed my layout. I think I like it. I should be sleeping, but since we FINALLY have internet at home (Long story... our house is great, but really old!) I'm able to play a bit more. I figured out how to add music too. Wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I LOVE the two songs that I chose. Marie Digby... she's so sweet! This song is a cover, but when I listened to her sing it... it became so real. I can really relate. The Plumb song... Rob put that on the girl's One Year Slideshow. (He started this tradition with the boy. I love it. He takes all of the pictures from their first year and makes me a slideshow... complete with music and everything.) This song makes me cry. I teach my "kids"--this is what I call the kids that I work with-- about the emotion and power in music. Funny, sometimes I forget that...

Too Busy

2008-06-07T20:42:00.001-07:00

We are too busy. And I really don't like it.
Things have changed quite a bit in the past month.
My hubby, who has been a student and stay at home dad since before the boy was born, is now working almost full time.
It's been good, just a hard transition for all of us. We are blessed. Absolutely! My mom is now keeping the kids while we are at work, except for Fridays because I'm able to be home. They love their Kookah! And I couldn't have asked for better... my babies are with someone who loves them. That is the best.
I'm realizing now that I don't have my house-husband anymore, that I don't know anything about the things that I used to be the home-knower about. Things like... groceries. I have no idea what a good price for milk is. Diapers... how many come in a box and what store has the best deals. I have found myself completely unable to cook. (Not that this is one of my God given talents in the first place.) But I'm really struggling with preparing the menu for the week. I haven't been to the bank in, seriously, like years. I'm not even sure what a good price for gas is. It's almost as if when Rob started going to school and was not working my wife mind shut off. We has this complete role reversal, and it was good. (There was an adjustment period, but overall... it worked.) Don't get me wrong. This is working too. We are just in the adjustment period. This is a whole new set up for our family. All of us being in different places. The kids are doing great. They're a bit clingy when Friday comes... that's not unusual. After my four day, 40 hour work week, they miss me something awful... even when daddy was home. I think I'm the one having to adjust my mind. Funny, because I'm the only one of the four of us whose schedule didn't change at all. (Except for getting up quite a bit earlier to get my family out the door for the day.)
The work change isn't even the thing that is making our lives feel so busy. When we are together, it seems like we are just running from one thing to the next. We keep talking about things we want to do when things slow down.
I'm not so sure that things are going to slow down. I remember my mom and grandma talking about how fast time would fly by. I always thought that was just something that adults say. And then I became an adult. No rushing of the hour, no comments from my lips about the insanity of life and how "it's already time to start shopping for Christmas..." But then I became a mommy. And now, I totally get it. My theory? Having these little lives, seems to just give time a face. The boy is so big! And so smart! He understands concepts that just blow my mind! Like the emphasis of using his middle name when we need his attention. The other day, Rob had picked the kids up from my mom's and the boy was pretty upset about leaving his Kookah. He says, "Daddy!! I need to go back to Kookah's house!" Daddy, gently responds that Kookah is busy and it's time for us to go home. To which he responds, "Daddy Lyrik! (this is the boys middle name) I need to go back to Kookah's! Daddy Lyrik!" So funny! So smart! And baby girl! She's walking around like a pro! She wants to be just like her big brother. Superboy goes everywhere with his cape on. His new rule? No shirt? No shoes? No problem! No cape? May as well be the end of the world! Sissy found one of brother's little capes from his jammies. And now we are that family at target with both kids in thier capes. Baby girl even insisted that she make her sweet sundress complete for church with her very own cape. So cute! I love that she thinks her brother is the greatest! It's exactly what we hoped for when we found out we were pregnant with baby number 2! But it really feels like it was just yesterday. I know, so cliche! But seriously... it felt like just yesterday she was born, and now she's, really just like a little person, with her own opinions and personality. Time really is flying.
We will be celebrating our 9th Wedding Anniversary this summer. We graduated from highschool 10 years ago! We have been together for almost 12 years! Can't we slow things down just a bit?

Here's a couple of the newest pic of the babies... their one and three year photo shoots!

Superboy turns 3!!

2008-05-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

So, this last weekend we celebrated both of the babies birthdays! There were almost 40 people at the house to join in the festivities!! I'll try and post about that later... I'm waiting on daddy to give me the pictures!

This Sunday is Mother's Day and is so fitting because the little person that made me a mommy will celebrate his 3rd Birthday!! I can't really believe it. Seriously, I think I'm in denial! How can my baby already be turning 3??

Mr. Boy! You are so amazing! So full of life and energy! I love when you run to me before I leave for work and say "Mama!! Mama!! Need a Mooch!! An' a hug!!" It's the best! Makes my day! I love how smart you are! Watching you figure things out and learn new things everyday is such a joy! Your blues eyes captivate me! Your smile and laugh brighten even the darkest day! I love that you are ALL BOY!! From playing "FOOTBALL!!!" to "Baketball" and running around with your "football hat" and Superman cape on! (I even love it when you insist that you wear it to chruch!) I love that you climb and jump and yell and run! Your life has changed mama and daddy's life forever!

Happy 3rd Birthday, mama's baby!

123

mama

Baby Girl

2008-04-21T09:23:00.001-07:00

My baby girl turned one yesterday!
I can't believe it! Has it already been a year?

It seems like just yesterday we found out we were pregnant with baby number two, and then just minutes later, she was here!

She is such a joy! Her smile is absolutely amazing! (I know every parent says that, but it's really true!) She could light up an entire city with her dimples and blue eyes!

She is smart! Last week she taught herself how to go up and down the stairs... first time... she did it like a pro! She's incredible!

I love holding her! She's mama's cuddle bug! And such the girl! She already plays with her hair and loves watching mama put on her make-up!

Mama loves you so much my baby Em'Rejoyce!

You are a treasure! I am honored to be your mama! You have captured your mama and dada's hearts!

123

Love, Mama

I thought this was cute!!!

2008-02-18T12:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it's a little late for Valentines Day, but I think these are adoreable! So, I thought I'd share!

(written by kids)
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY? You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.-- Alan, age 10
No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.-- Kristen, age 10
WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.-- Camille, age 10
HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.-- Derrick, age 8
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?Both don't want any more kids.-- Lori, age 8
WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)
On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that Usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.-- Martin, age 10
WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.-- Craig, age 9
WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?When they're rich.-- Pam, age 7
The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.- - Curt, age 7The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.-- Howard, age 8
IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.-- Anita, age 9 (bless you child)
HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?-- Kelvin, age 8
And the #1 Favorite is........HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.-- Ricky, age 10

Hope everyone had a fantastic Valentines Day! Rob took me to the Chophouse in Loveland... it was amazing! Such a neat atmosphere! We dropped the kids off at about 4 and picked them up after our late movie! This was our first real date in forever! I forgot how much I really love him! Don't get me wrong... we have a great marriage. But sometimes, with two babies, we feel like we're just parenting partners. A team. It was nice to have one night to be us!

(123, babe!)

2008 Getting To Know...

2008-02-05T14:58:00.000-08:00

1. What is your occupation? Counselor and Case Manager
2. What color are your socks right now? Cream with red polka dots.
3. What are you listening to right now? Chiodos
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Soup for lunch
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My Hubby... I had a review at work today, so I called him with the good news! (RAISE!!!)
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Absolutely!
9. How old are you today? 28
11. What is your favorite sport to watch? Basketball! Specifically college ball!
12. Have you ever dyed your hair? YUP! More times than I can count!I'm not sure what my natural hair color is anymore!
13. Pets? 1 dog, Doozer. Poor baby's lost her place since we've had human babies!
14. Favorite food? I love veggie pizza!
15. Last movie you watched? We rented Across The Universe! Who doesn't love the Beatles?
16. Favorite Day of the Year? I really love Christmas... :)
17. What do you do to vent anger? I'm pretty vocal.... but my husband says that I've learned how to yell differently now. He says I yell with my eyes. I guess that's better...
18. What was your favorite toy as a child? Cabbage Patch Kids! I loved my babies!
19. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Spring and Fall! Anytime I can wear jeans an a hoodie.
20. Hugs or kisses? Both from my hubby and babies, but just hugs from everyone else.
21. Cherry or Blueberry? Um... I don't really love either
22. Do you want your friends to so this? Absolutely!!! I tag Sherry, Kara, Dana, and my mama!
23. Who is most likely to respond? I'm not sure...
24. Who is least likely to respond? Strangers reading my blog... Yeah, like there's anyone else reading! :)
25. Living arrangements? Husband, my babies and Doozer. And for two-weeks-that's-turned-into-two+months, my brother!
26. When was the last time you cried? Not sure. I haven't had enough time to cry.
27. What is on the floor of your closet? Shoes....lots. And dirty clothes.
30. Favorite smell? My hubby and kids right after showers/baths.
31. What inspires you? God grace.
32. What are you afraid of? My kids experiencing pain.
33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Cheese
34. Favorite car? I love my Pathfinder!
35. Number of keys on your key ring? Work ring has 13 and home has 1.
36. How many years at your current job? 5 years tomorrow!
37. Favorite day of the week? Friday! My day off! Home with my babies and hubby!
38. How many states have you lived in? Wyoming, Colorado, and Idaho
39. How many countries have you been to? USA and Mexico. Not much of a World traveler
40. Who do you find sexy? tatoos
41. Who or what repulses you? When someone has that stringy saliva thing when they're talking. Makes me throw up in my mouth!
42. What do you do well? Listen.
43. What do you do badly? Trusting.
44. If you could change your name, what would it be? I love my name! No changes for me please!
45. What have you learned from life? The joy of the Lord is my strength! It's not just a song!

Not much to say... but look how beautiful my babies are!

2008-01-27T13:31:00.000-08:00

The boy and his "Stickey Mouse" and the girl just being adoreable!

YOU SUCK!!

2008-01-23T18:34:00.000-08:00

Yeah... I'm not really that great at this!
I've tried keeping journals, but this is pretty much how they turn out. I write, then I forget...

Anyhow... Not a whole lot going on. Seems like time is just racing by. Baby girl was 9 months on Sunday. NINE months!!! Amazing. Seems like she was just born. She's so incredible! She's crawling and chattering up a storm! We've hit the separation anxiety stage. As awesome as it is to have her complete devotion... the tears are a bit painful. And poor daddy... already he's had his heart broken by his princess. It's fascinating to watch the difference between his relationship with the boy and the girl! Please don't get me wrong... he loves both of them equally, but boy, oh, boy.... all baby girl has to do is smile at him, and he's lost all sense of place or time. I've gotta say... both my babies have smiles that can light up a room! I mean they don't just smile with their mouths... their entire faces light up! It's incredible! Baby girl definitely holds daddy's heart!

The boy on the other hand, can be in full-on trouble. You know, the kind where mama and daddy's faces are completely red and daddy's even considering have a vasectomy! Anyhow... all he has to do is talk. For a two and 1/2 year old... he's got the most amazing sense of humor. We were in the car this weekend, and my husband and brother were talking about going to eat at a fast food Chinese restaurant in the mall. The conversation went a little like this... "We should eat at the Chines place in the mall." "Dude, if I remember... you weren't doing so great after we ate there." (the fact is, that they almost had to pull over, so he could, um... well, feel better.) and this little voice from the back of the pathfinder says "Uncle Aaron. You're not smart." It was so funny!!!!
Last night I came home from work, and after receiving my usual welcome home (I love it, by the way! There's nothing like seeing excitement on your babies faces when you walk in the door!) The boy promptly points his finger in my face and says. "Mama, you suck." It took such restraint to not spank him right then and there! But luckily, I was able to put together that this may be one of those moments where he was not aware of how "naughty" this was. So, I got down to his level, and said, "Baby, that makes mama's feelings hurt. Did you learn that from Uncle Aaron?" (we're still training my brothers to be careful about what they say in front of our little mimic) The sweet, now getting teary baby, nods yes. So, I say, "Honey, Uncle Aaron's being naughty when he says that. He's in trouble and he needs a spanking." The boy repeats every word. "he's in twubble. he's nottie. needs a spankin!" So, then just to make sure my point was being driven home, I ask "So, when Uncle Aaron says 'you suck' what are you going to say?" His little face lights up, and then with all the force a two year old can muster, the point of his little finger and a scowl on his face, he says, as he turns to address his invisible Uncle Aaron, "YOU SUCK TOO!!" I about lost it! It was so funny!

Our house is so loud right now... and I love it! The babies get each other laughing so hard, that sometimes baby girl gets the hiccups. Things have changed so much in the past two and 1/2 years. And I would never wish it to be anything but what it is! Everyone lied... THIS is the best time of my life!

12 Random Things About Christmas

2007-12-26T09:48:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry! I haven't had the time or the energy to post anything since THANKSGIVING!!! Things have been a bit wild! We've endured the countless hours of shopping and then the 24-hour-kneeling-before-the-porcelain-god flu (all 4 of us got it...Baby girl got it twice!)Needless to say... my posts wouldn't have been much fun to read. So, although it's the day after Christmas... I'm finally feeling like writing. I was tagged by my friend Sherry, to do a 12 random things about Christmas post... so here I go!

1. I love to decorate for Christmas! The sooner the better... I mean seriously, we bought all that stuff and it takes forever to get up, so I want it there so that we can enjoy it for at least a solid month! We used to wait until the day after Thanksgiving, but for the past two years, Thanksgiving has been at our house! So, to get everyone all geared up for the holiday season (and to show off the awesomeness of our decorations!) we had everything up and ready a week and a half before Turkey day! I love it!

2. We are all about themes! From our first year married, we've had a themed tree. This year, we bought new lights, ornaments, and stockings! Our theme is black, grey, creme and silver! Very classy! Being married to an artist has it's advantages! He has an eye for decorating! Our stockings are matched: daddy and the boy have grey stockings and mama and the girl have creme ones! The running theme through the ribbon, stockings, and ornaments is that victorian line work stuff!! I LOVE IT!!!

3. I can't wait to rock Christmas music! I love it all! From Sinatra to Transiberian Orchestra!

4. For the past 4 years we've had a tradition of going to see Transiberian Orchestra live!!! AMAZING!!! I'll try and post my video from my phone! It doesn't give them the full justice that they deserve, but you'll get a little taste!! If you ever have a chance... Don't miss them!!

5. Growing up, we always had a live tree, well, we had one when we could afford one. I really wanted to keep that tradition alive, but after buying a fake one...I'm not sure that I'll go back to the live tradition. We spent a hefty amount on ours, but it's absolutley paid for itself! And I really do love it! It looks real enough... and no watering necessary! Not to mention the peace of knowing that no matter the financial situation of that Christmas... we will always have a tree. ;)

6. For as long as I can remember... we decorated the tree as a family! It's a big deal! We listen to Christmas music! We have cheese and crackers and chili and shrimp cocktail and sasuage and sparkling grape juice (or my families version of non-alcoholic Hooch!) Then after the trees up and decorated... we sit with all the lights off and enjoy the beauty of the tree! I look forward to this every year!!! And we CAN'T decorate the tree without the food! It's our own early Christmas party!

7. One of my best Christmas memories was when I was little. We were really quite poor... Always on the church's list of families in need. (And bless them for it! I'm sure that unbeknownest to my brother and I there may have not been any Christmas if it weren't for our chruch family...)Anyhow, one Christmas, my parents explained to us that because things were so tight, we wouldn't be able to have a Christmas tree. That included the previously mentioned tradition of the yummy food while we decorated. We were pretty upset. Mom and dad really tried hard to make it special even without the tree. And amazingly, us kids, seemed to understand. (I think this was my first realization of how poor we were.) On Christmas Eve... it was snowing, I think... Daddy left to run to errands. When he came back... it was like a Christmas miracle!! He had a tree with him!!!!! It was the most beautiful tree in the World!!(You know... it may have looked like a Charlie Brown tree... but in my memory... it rivaled the one in Time Square!!) And he had all the food to accompany the decorating tradition! My brother and I both cherish that Christmas. Our presents were second hand and most of the things we "wanted" weren't there the next morning... but it didn't matter! That was the year my dad sober... and that was the best Christmas present of all! We were whole! And I think mom and dad really taught us the meaning of Christmas! I love you mama! I miss you, daddy!

8. We've always opened our presents on Christmas day! None of this Christmas Eve stuff... Although, we would get to open one small present on Christmas Eve... We sort of forgot about that this year. The babies were so tired by the time we got home, that we just headed them straight to bed! (We still had some Santa stuff to take care of!)

9. We've always gotten to open our stockings first! And they are usually full of chocolate and candy. And socks and underwear! (There's nothing like putting on a fresh pair of socks and brand new underwear on Christmas Day!!!) We also usually got a toothbrush and other small toys! We carried on most of these traditions in our home now. I got a sweet new pro health toothbrush! (for that just from the dentist clean!)

10. I believed in Santa! With all my heart! We always opened our Santa presents last. And they were in special paper! They usually sat close to our stockings... so we knew they weren't from mom and dad! They were also usually our "big" presents! I loved it! With our kids... we started the tradition of not wrapping their Santa presents. Mostly because they've been HUGE!!! Daddy gets them all put together on Christmas Eve! (He's the best Santa!) This year we got the babies a wagon for both of them to ride in! And we sat their stockings inside the wagon!! The boy was soooo pumped! He jumped right in and stayed there through opening his while stocking! And then on and off throughout the rest of Christmas morning! (I think it's a hit!)

11. I remember that we used to have to wait for my dad to take a shower before we could open presents!! This was KILLER!!! I have taken a solemn vow to never make my kids wait to me to be ready (showered, hair and make-up done) before we open presents! Besides that Rob would go CRAZY!! And we used to have to wait until daylight before we could get out of bed!!! This year... me and the babies were sleeping soundly, when all of the sudden at precisely 7am, daddy rushed into our rooms and promplty woke all of us up! The boy even protested..."I'm just sweepin, daddy...I'm just sweepin." But to no avail! So, off we went! With the babies still rubbing their eyes!!! I guess there are just some things that boys never outgrow! :)

12. We open presents one at a time, from youngest to oldest! And we all watch each other open them! It makes the suspense last! And I love it! This year in our house, we kinda broke that tradition cause of the babies! But next year... we're going back! It just went too fast! :)

Today is my brother's 26th Birthday!!! Bummer, I know... the day after Christmas! They're all going to Biaggi's for dinner tonight... I have to work! Oh, well! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRO!!! I love you!

I'll try and post some pictures later this week! Hope you all had a very, merry Christmas!

'Cause a Thankful Heart is a Happy Heart!

2007-11-21T18:39:00.000-08:00

Have you heard that song? My two year old introduced me to it! The lyrics are...

"I thank God for this day, for some time to play outside, for the birds in the trees, for His love that's deep and wide, for the air that I breathe, for my friends and family! That's why I say Thanks everyday! 'Cause a thankful heart is a happy heart! I'm glad for what I have--that's an easy way to start! For the love that we share as He listens to our prayers! That's why I say thanks everyday!! I thank God for this night for the stars in the sky! For a hug from my mom, for her special lullabye! For the chance to have rest, for the ways that I am blessed! That's why I say 'Thanks!' everyday!"

~Sung by Junior Asparagus (Veggie Tales)

I love the simplicity of this song! That we can just thank God for the little things... it doesn't have to be this big drawn out 4 point sermon prayer. The cd that we have of this song actually put my son's name in the chorus. That's one of my prayers for my kids. That they would have thankful, happy hearts. I saw Beth Moore speak this summer. WOW!! If you ever get a chance to hear her... She'll touch ya!

She spoke about the other meaning of the word blessed. (Poor english language... we really suck!) One of the hebrew words for blessed is Asher...which means HAPPY!! How awesome that through our being thankful... God gives us Asher! HAPPINESS! I pray that my babies and my babies, babies, would be ashered! That not only would they accept their barak (their heritage blessing) but that they would be happy! That it's ok to accept those times when God gives us happiness! (Don't get me wrong... I want the Joy of the Lord to be their strength...) But I also want my kids to be able to say about me..."my mamma... she was ashered!" I want to be so full of life and happiness that my kids want what I have! How awesome would that be?

Today I am thankful for...

When God speaks through His people
My Husband...my best friend!
My energetic, life giving son!
My beautiful baby girl and her smile!
My family
My job...where I know that I'm used for the good everyday!
Music
Good shampoo and conditioner
A clean house
The excitement of cooking my first turkeys
That it's finally about time to go home and see the things I'm thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Picture Me

2007-11-12T15:13:00.000-08:00

My friend at Delicious Ambiguity tagged me to do a "Picure Me" meme...
Being extremely new to blogging, I am still not completely sure what a meme is... but I think I've got the general idea of what a "Picture Me" is to involve.
So, here goes...

I really had a hard time finding a piture of me, with a story to tell, but as I was looking through some of the picture files that I have on my computer, I came across these...

These are me and my babies... at a little different ages, but still little. There is nothing better than holding your baby! Even better now, I love holding both of my babies at the same time.
It's funny, cause both of these days seems so long ago already! We still live in the same neighborhood that we brought the boy home to! Different house, but I love our neighborhood!
It's a well established neighborhood. Beautiful! We live near a gorgeous park! The picture of me and my son was taken across the street from the park and in front of our old house. It was such a pretty fall day. I love his beautiful smile! Even though he's a "big boy" now... he still has that awesome, full of wonder, smile! He makes everything so much more fun! He's truly my Joy Boy!

The picture of me and my girl, was taken at the park that I love. It was another beautiful day! I was still on maternity leave! I loved being home with both of my babies! I wouldn't trade it for anything in the World! Baby girl is already showing us that she is her own person! She's just about ready to crawl! I can't believe that she's already almost 7 months! Time is sure flying by! She "talks" non stop! I love it! We decided that she sounds like a baby velociraptor! (not sure how you spell that...) She is absolutely my baby 'Rejoyce!

I get a little teary looking at these...

Take a breath, slow down...
This ride is going way too fast!

And now I tag Kookah and Kara! :)

Bummer!

2007-11-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

So, Aaron's band didn't win...
But we all know who the true best band in Denver is!!!

He did get some great exposure and some huge doors are opening for them!
I couldn't be more proud!!!

Random Hero!!!

2007-11-01T18:11:00.000-07:00

I am soooo proud!!

My baby brother is in the band Random Hero and they are up for the best band in Denver!! They are in the top 3!!! They'll play again this weekend and hopefully take the win!! They're a great band! You can check them out on MySpace...

If they win... they get to open for Ozzy and Rob Zombie! What a huge opportunity!

Did I mention how proud I am????

Halloween 2007

2007-11-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun last night! The boy was so excited! He ran around like a mad man, but I love his energy! He is absolutely ALL boy! Baby girl is just so laid back. She let everyone hold her. She's such a good baby. Both of them have been easy babies! I watched G jump on the Sponge Bob bouncy thing! He loved it! Here's some pictures of them... We had a quick photo shoot before heading to the festivities...

Fall, potty training, and siblings...

2007-10-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

I love fall. I love watching the trees change color. The cool mornings and evenings and the beautiful warm Colorado days! Today is gorgeous! It's so warm that when I ran home to see my family for a bit, they had the doors and windows open, so we could get some fresh air in the house! (Fresh air is much appreciated with a two year old, a dog, and two babies in diapers!)

We are trying to potty train our opinionated little two year old! Boy, this is tough! He doesn't mind sitting on the potty. As a matter of fact, sometimes he will sit for a whole cartoon, just hanging out on his potty. Unfortunately nothing comes out. I mean nothing. It's like once you take the diaper off... he can hold it for hours. But the minute you put the diaper back on... the flood gates open wide! We are completely at a loss here.

My sweet, patient husband... he has a clinical case of the shy bladder, but in an effort to give this potty thing a go, he's subjected himself to having an audience of one to attempt to demonstrate how boys potty. This is one area that mommy is at a disadvantage...

Baby girl is just about to crawl! It's amazing how fast they learn! She's rolling all over the floor now, getting into things that she shouldn't be and making brother crazy by taking his toys, messing up his car track, trying to eat his crackers! I love it! It's going to be so much fun watching them grow up together! He already loves her to death and is beyong protective! She just looks at him like he is the best toy in the world! She laughs at him and loves it when he gets on the floor with her to roll around! My brother and I are really close. Next to my husband, my brother is hands down my best friend. Now, granted, we had those years where my mom wanted to kill us, but we really have a ton of fun when we're together! I would love to see them be as close as we are! I think they're headed in the right direction!

My very Own Blog

2007-10-24T14:56:00.001-07:00

So, here I am... joining the ranks of those who have willingly opened up of themselves and began thier own on-line journey in creating an e-diary...

I'm not gonna lie to you, I'm a little nervous. I'm not really sure what I will post. Being a recovering perfectionist, ok, so I'm attempting to be in recovery, anyhow...I'm concerned that I will not be entertaining enough! I've read several blogs in my day... And many of these jane and john does could give Dean Koontz a run for his money! I'm a musician... Should I sing? Naw. I'm not a huge fan of narcissists...

So, I'll do my best to entertain... My family is hilarious! Be patient...

At least I'm trying...

This one's for you Sherry!