More November Madness!!

In an effort to save some time I’m sadly going to combine a few fun things that happened into one blog.

First: Layla’s make-up birthday!!

Who would have thought I would be happy with the turn out of a Chuck E. Cheese party???  It was clean, not crowded and they were there to help me with anything I needed.  We also ended up with so many extra coins we had skeeball madness at the end just get rid of them!!

For having a really last minute party in order to not loose my deposit we had a great group of friends and decent food!!

The roller coaster rides seemed to be the favorites.  Constantly found Serena and Layla taking a ride!!

The second roller coaster was a little more intense, notice Layla and Olivia’s tight grip on the handles!!

Lastly we got an awkward show from Chuck E. himself.

Second: Ballet Recital

Let’s just say the recital started out well, the middle was a little wet and the end was great.

All the adorable little dancers found their spots and listened intently to Miss Kim.

In the middle of the recital I saw a concerned look come across Layla’s face and before I could jump up from my seat Layla had started  to pee on the floor.  I dragged the poor girl dripping pee all the way to the bathroom.  After taking off all the wet clothes I could without sending her back naked she was back to dancing.

Despite the accident the show went on and Layla was rewarded with her dancing certificate and by the end had forgotten all about pee incident!!  So proud of my little dancer and glad I caught the whole thing on video!!

Third (and for sure not least): Brian’s Birthday

Wasn’t the best birthday Brian has ever had but tried to make it some what memorable with great food!!  Eggs Benedict for breakfast in the morning.  A breakfast only served twice a year at our house, Dad’s birthday and Jesus’s birthday.  Jesus even gets homemade Hollandaise sauce.  Next it was off to Volcano Burger for lunch,  the best burgers and onion rings!!  Can’t pass up on the hole in the wall eateries!!

The rest of the day was spent napping, opening a few gifts and enjoying the time as a family.  And of course we ended the day with yummy homemade pineapple upside cake.  Not the best one I’ve made but certainly edible!!

Last: Layla’s Pony ride

Have to post a few pictures of Layla on a pony.  They took these at her preschool and they are just too adorable.  Wasn’t planning on buying any until I saw them.  Of course I then purchased all of them and the CD.

Baby Girl, Marines and Vets… oh my!!

The last few days have been filled with a few things I am very passionate about.

First, our first born had her 4th birthday.  How to fit into words and sentences what Layla has brought to our lives.  A new understanding of what love is, moments of pure joy and watching a part of me run around in another body.  Feels like yesterday she was placed on my lap and I touched her for the first time.  Never forget hearing Dr. Clayton say, ‘welcome to the world baby girl’ and touching her leg and experiencing a sensation I have trouble explaining.  I sometimes get a glimpse of how much God must love us as His children when I hold onto my own.  A new creation created from the love of Brian and I.  Wow.

Second, our beloved Marine Corps just happens to have the same birthday as Layla.  The look on Brian’s face as I’m laying in a hospital bed in labor when he realized what day it was and his child would be born on that day was priceless.  Not sure if I could have made Brian any prouder, like I had a choice in the matter.  The Marine Corps birthday reminds me of the few and the proud who bravely go out in the front to protect and destroy.  Just read the following quote and it perfectly describes Marines,

The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!
Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, 1945

Third and last is Veterans day.  Makes me sad that we only have a few days when we actually take time to thank a Veteran.  Daily we should be bold  by thanking everyone we know and don’t know who have served for our country.  Only two people have volunteered to give their life for you, Jesus Christ and the United States Military.  Daily I thank God for the gift of His Son but rarely do I thank those who died to give me the right pray openly in my house and church.  Thank you all that have served past, present, and future.  The risk you take, the time you are apart from your family and the blood that you have bled I will not discount by what I believe or not believe, it is honorable and heroic. God bless you all.

Happy Halloween!!

Halloween has not always been a holiday I look forward to.  First of all I hate to dress up.  Always feel uncomfortable in some cheap outfit or I can’t find a costume that is appropriate to wear outside!!  Seriously girls, cover up and leave something to the imagination!!  Second I’m not a fan of being scared or tricked!!  Rather be wrapping presents and sipping cider!!  Anyway, this year I think my attitude is starting to change.  The girls have brought so much fun and they get to dress up instead of me!! Yay!!

First we headed to a wonderful party the week before hosted by the Bloeser family!! The best part was that Wendy our wonderful hostess organized her neighbors for an early trick or treat!!  Was only able to grab a few pictures but we sure had a great time!!

Halloween day and night were even more fun!!  The morning was spent making a mess with pumpkin guts on the floor and letting Brian use power tools to carve them!!  The afternoon was spent riding our bikes at the beach.  We had a few mishaps on the ride, first Paige’s seat was rubbing against my tires so I felt like I was riding up hill the whole time and when we finally figured out the problem Brian’s bike fell over with Layla on it and left a huge gash in his leg.  Always say if things go to perfectly we won’t remember them as fondly!!

Evening was spent in downtown Huntington collecting candy from the merchants and patrons eating on the patios!!  Here are the girls all ready to head downtown for some fun!!

Layla fell asleep on the long 5 minute ride to Main st.

After an hour we had hit most of the stores and we’re noticing the crowds growing we decided to head home.  A quick stop by Layla’s teachers house and then home to hit up the neighbors for some  more candy.  A successful day I would have to admit, ending by sitting on the couch eating candy and watching Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin!!

Halloween just might be growing on me!!

The Pumpkin Patch!!!

After three tries the family finally made it to the pumpkin patch.  Brian got home early and we all headed to Pa’s pumpkin patch in Long Beach. Can’t explain the feeling I have when we are all together creating memories for the girls but also for Brian and I.  I feel like a real family.  Thanks to a lovely lady and her sweet little girl we actually got a pretty good family photo!!  Everyone looking in the same direction and with 3 out of 4 smiles it’s considered a success!!

First climbing pumpkins and picking out which one we are taking home.

Next, riding the pink elephants in a circle.  Love how much they enjoy the simple things in life!!

Then the ponies!!  Paige waving from her pony!!  Ever since the OC fair we can’t pass up a ride.

Layla enjoyed every minute too!!

Layla enjoyed the slide twice. Paige is now a little scared of bounce houses and slides since the fall out of the wagon ended in 12 stitches.  Still deciding if that is a blessing or not.

Last was dinner at Ruby’s!!  Arrived so early we enjoyed happy hour milk shakes!!

Had such a fun evening with my wonderful husband and girls.  Can’t believe a year from now there will be another one in the mix!!  Reminded more and more each day how quick time goes by and how true the statement holding onto water is.  I try to savor each moment but they continue slip thru my fingers faster and faster.

Children from other Lands

Layla had a Children from other Lands parade at school yesterday and thought I needed to document all these adorable moments.  Sadly after only a few shots my camera died!!  O’well, was still really cute to see all the kids dressed up in costumes from around the world singing It’s a Small World!!

Here’s a shot of Paige patiently waiting for the kids to come out of their class rooms.  She so wanted to join in but she’ll have to wait until next year!! 

Because I’m a terrible mother and all about saving a few extra bucks we decided she could wear a few things around the house.  Thought she could say she was a citizen of all lands.  One costume is enough for the month. Wearing a Lei and a penny skirt she proudly marched around playing a little instrument and trying to keep her skirt up!

Here are all the kids getting ready to march!!  Even though it was only a few minutes and I didn’t get to partake in the yummy international food buffet the kids enjoyed it was still so cute to see their smiling faces!!

Weekend of ups and downs (literally)!!

This past weekend had been one we were waiting for since we found out we were pregnant… was it going to be another girl or finally a boy??!!  The plan was to find out early Saturday morning, call a bakery and have a cake made with either pink or blue interior icing.  Gracie really wanted to find out this way so we played along.  As I’m about to cut the cake there is a huge bang and Paige is in tears.  I held her and noticed that mine and her shirt was covered with blood.  Do I cut the cake or rush Paige to the emergency room.  In a moment of craziness I cut the cake, grabbed my purse and headed out the door with Paige in Brian’s arms!!  Here was the result of the reveal…  well after a few slices were eaten.

So excited to meet our son… wow, kind of tearing up just writing that… almost don’t believe it and I’m sure I won’t until I see him in person.  Received a few blue outfits from a great friend Kat and keep pulling them out of the bag and pinching myself!!

As for Paige she was a real trooper, after about a dozen shots, 7 interior stitches and 5 exterior we left the urgent care and headed home .  Even though it was only 7:30pm Brian and I could have sworn it was midnight.  Having to calm our sweet daughter while holding her still on a cold hospital bed was more exhausting then I could have imagined!!

Here’s an action shot before they covered her face and fixed her up.

Here Paige is two days later getting to spend a morning with just mom and dad!!  Hard to see but there is a cute hello kitty band aid under her chin.

On Sunday was the final install of the girls new beds.  Boppa worked hard and the end is a deluxe sleeping / play place.  The girls  have discovered a secret place they can hide behind the dresser next to Paige’s lower bed.  Hours of fun have already been had.  I think I’ll feel better once the stitches are out on Friday as Paige goes up and down the steps all day!!

Here are the girls heading to the hide out.

Wish I could get a picture of the entire bed but the room is small.  Blessed to have a dad that finds joy in building us furniture.

Now I’m tired and heading to bed!!  Yikes, what a weekend!!

Daycation 2

After a successful day trip to Santa Barbara a neighbor invited us to the Mira Mar Air Show so we accepted.  Thought the girls would love to see all the amazing military air craft and Brian and I would too!!  After an hour and a half on the freeway we arrived to the off ramp leading to the base.  Two and a half hours later we entered the North Gate to the Marine Corp. base.  Needless to say we had little patience left but as we stretched our necks up to see the blue angels it all seemed to melt away.  What amazing abilities these pilots had maneuvering just feet away from each other hundreds of feet in the air.

Before settling in chairs to see the twilight show we walked around and see the aircraft open for touring.

Boarding the helicopters and sitting in the jump seats was a big highlight.  Imagining men strapped to the chairs ready to jump sent chills down my spine.  The bravery of the men who fight for our freedom and liberty amazes me.

The C-5 will always defy my logic.  Walking thru a plane that will carry multiple tanks thousands of feet in the air was incredible. And that the nose and the tail open like a trunk. What engineering!!!

Was funny the girls loved to sit in the fire truck.  Something we could have done at home!!

Settling in to watch planes, sky divers and the fireworks!!

Love this picture of Paige… she always brings a smile to my face!!

My Marine enjoying the Harrier (sp?) plane.

After a long day we headed home and decided going to a free event during a recession was our mistake but in a way worth it.  Next year we will be staying in a hotel near by and walking over.

Will never get tired of seeing our service men stand at attention during taps and always proud to be an American!!

Daycation….

In an effort to save money and still get away from the normal routine we decided it would be fun to take a Daycation to Santa Barbara.  Special thanks to AAA for recommending fun free things to do in Southern California we discovered a Sand Castle contest going on in Santa Barbara.  Added benefit I went to school in Santa Barbara for two years and Brian proposed there… great memories.  Did I mention that Santa Barbara is just a beautiful place to visit anyway!!

Only one thing I failed to research was when UCSB started school the following Monday.  Needless to say that about two hours into the trip we started to notice all the cars packed with bags and bikes strapped to the back and figured it was move back weekend.  Three hours later we finally made it to our destination and the girls were amazing in the back seat!!

Here’s Layla with college neighbor Jackie hanging out on the pier.  So great to see her and have her finally meet Paige!!  Miss you so Jackie!!

Since it was International talk like a pirate day we had to grab the opportunity to take a picture with a pirate.  Layla was to nervous to go near him but fearless Paige willingly went!!

A great find was an original 1916 Carousal across from the beach.  It was as if the girls have never ridden one before.

Of course they found the only pink ponies and jumped on.  Next to the carousal was an amazing kids park too!!  Was so great to see the kids explore a new playground.

Proof I was actually on the trip!!
Almost at the end of the day we made it to the sand castle contest.  Which had probably been over for a while but was actually nice since if the girls ran through one nobody cared!!

To the surprise of Brian and I the girls had little interest in the castles and wanted to play in the freezing water.  Had to convince Layla it had to be above 60 degrees to get a swimsuit on.  Pictures don’t give justice to the beauty of this time of day.

The trip came to an end as we drove to Venture grabbed a quick dinner and then headed home with no traffic what so ever.  A great day for our family of four. (think our next trip might be to Venture… really amazing restored downtown)

Oh, had to add in a picture of the Fishouse where our family officially started.  The location that Brian proposed.  Always be a special place for us!

Ballet!!

So the shuttle service has begun. Preschool, Paige’s bounce class, park play dates, and now ballet for Layla.  Let me just tell you she loved every second of it!!  The pictures don’t give justice to how much fun she had and it was worth every penny to see her dancing around the class with the biggest grin on her face.  Not being a product of dance and mostly athletics it was such a fun experience.  Paige had to put on Layla’s tights and leotard when we got home to feel included.  So much for thinking Paige will be my athletic one.

Just before leaving!!  She’d been asking to put on all her ballet clothes all morning!

Had to include Paige since her bounce class just involves wearing comfy clothes and socks.  Will have to take pictures next class!

One of my favorite pictures even though her arm is blocking her face.  Can’t believe how thin she it.  Promise she eats her fair share!! The teacher even asked how many other dance classes she has taken, this is her first, she must be a natural!!

So happy she loved it so much and can’t wait to see what they preform at the end of the semester.  Love the city programs and have yet to disappoint!  What most people pay for a month we get 3 months!!

Will they know??

Just wondering today on the 8th anniversary for September 11th will I be able to express to my kids what happened that day?  What if felt like to sit on the couch and want to fall on my knees as I saw men’s evil schemes succeed against innocence?  I hope that thru pictures, testimonies and stories of heroism my kids will learn the unity America had for at least one day!!  We held hands with strangers, prayed for people we would never meet, and had a connection with everyone that went straight to the deepest part of our souls.  I will never forget and I will never let my kids forget.  Even as school and media stop showing clips from that day for fear of causing unneeded stress on our children I will not mask reality.  Not because I want to inflict panic in my children but want them to see an accurate few of our history and why we stand proudly, placing our hands on our hearts or saluting, to pledge allegiance to flag the represents honor, justice, and most importantly liberty to all.  America, the greatest place on God’s green earth.