New Camera

Sam and I got a really nice Cannon SLR for Christmas. I am so excited! I have always loved taking photos and I am really excited to explore the world of photography. Here are a few simple shots I have taken the past couple of days. Just playing around right now and learning all of it's features. So much to learn!

Christmas

Sam had to work on Christmas this year so we did Christmas a day early. We spent the day with Sam's parents and newly married sister!!! Congrats Katy. We are so happy for her and John. Anywho, Christmas morning I flew early out to Cali with both kiddos to visit my dad. We had such a great time. Aiden was a little bit of a grouch and Lily cut her first tooth but all in all it was a great trip.


Lily loved first class! She stole my seat most of the flight and sat buckled in her very own seat while I shared one with Aiden. Spoiled rotten!!!




The rose bowl was happening soon so the Los Angeles Equestrian Center had the most beautiful horses out. These were the budweiser clydesdales. This one loved Lily! She was loving it until it literally kissed her face! She freaked a little...haha.




We took a cute little train ride around a park. Aiden and Lily loved it! I just love her new little hat!




My dad, Kim, and Lily before the train ride.




Aiden and Lily laughing at each other on the plane. So stinking cute. They both traveled amazingly. I was very proud of them.




Thanks Dad and Kim for a wonderful time!

7 months...already?

Well, Lily is 7 months today. Another month has once again flown by and we are officially on the closer side of 1. Yikes and a half! Well here are a few things the little bug is doing:












-You are crawling! As I type you have made your way into Aiden's room and are putting a nice layer of drool on everything. He hasn't discovered you there yet so get your damage in while you have the chance.

-You smile and laugh and squeal all the time.

-You love big brother and follow him all over the house. (Picture above)

-When mommy or daddy walk through the door you are so happy and crawl right to us now. Never gets old!

-You are sleeping through the night...well mostly. Still working on that one.

-You are taking baths in the big girl seat and love bathtime!

-Overall you are a very easy and happy little bug.

We love you Lily Grace!!!

Sarcasm anyone?

Okay, anyone who knows me well knows I am a bit sarcastic. See even there I couldn't help myself. I am pretty sure I drive Sam crazy...okay I know I do. I know this because he tells me that sometimes I don't know how to "turn it off". Yeah well, you married me! (Love you honey!) Anywho, I come from a long life of smartasses and that is pretty much just how we do things in our family. With that said, I am not sure why I was surprised when my little firstborn angel inherited this lovely trait of mine. Really, the kid had no hope. Now, I know that I am the mom and I am allowed to say things to my child that he is under no circumstance allowed to say back but sometimes it is just hilarious. Exhibit A: Yesterday I sat him down to explain to him why we can not just take toys from Lily. About 30 seconds in to my ramblings I guess he got bored, also a trait he picked up from me. I am slightly ADD, can you tell. Poor kid. Okay so anywho, he stared at me and said, "Uhhhh I hear you, that's enough, nevermind it". There I stood awestruck. I knew there would be a day when my sweet little cherub baby would turn into an mouthy little boy, I just didn't think it would be at THREE! I wasn't sure whether to laugh or beat the child. (Disclaimer-I would never beat my child. Just more sarcasm.) Now my mouth gets me into trouble sometimes. I have a hard time knowing when to shut up. I know get a shocked look on your face. I stood there pained for him knowing all of the trouble he will most likely be in growing up. I flashed back to my childhood where everyday my mom prayed I would just be quiet in class. Just one day. Yeaaah, never gonna happen. So the question is how do I tell my 3 year old not to have an attitude when it flows through his veins like the Nile. I guess I just do my best to curb it in the right direction. So lesson of today, and the next day and the next and the next. Use your smartass powers for good, not evil. I think I may even get him a cape. If you think about it, start praying for Lily now. She's gonna need it.

Playdate for mommy

Aiden had a "playdate" yesterday. Really it was a playdate for us moms. I really enjoyed hanging out with the girls. I feel at such a balanced place in my life right now. We have found such a wonderful church, our marriage feels so strong, I have two beautiful kiddos, and last but not least I have some really great friends in my life. Now before I word vomit all over you, please don't take this as a "look how great my life is" speech. It is not that at all. We have our stressors and drama and financial woes just like the rest. I just felt very pulled in different directions for a while and I finally feel balanced. We are so thankful for the friendships we have here. Friends that we can truly share life with and that will call us out on our crap. That is true friendship. I love all of you guys. Thanks for sharing life with us.

Here is a pic of the boys. Could they be any cuter?



Rev, Aiden, and Jack. Best buds!

Picture Time

Well today was absolutely beautiful so I took advantage and got some sweet pics of the kiddos! They are getting so big. We had an amazing thanksgiving and I am pretty sure I might need to fast for at least a week...or day whatever. Okay fine I am about to pig out again. Curse you holidays!!! Anywho, we spent the day with Sam's family and the kiddos had a blast with their big cousins. I feel so blessed to have such a great fam. We love you guys!

On a side note, today marks 3 years of our dear friend Nate passing. He was one of the most amazing guys I have had the pleasure of knowing. He and Sam were best friends growing up and he was the best man in our wedding. We think about him all of the time and still miss him everyday. I thank God for Lauren and Jack (Nate's wife and son) and their friendship to Aiden and I. She is truly a remarkable example of a pillar of faith. I have learned so much from her and Aiden has never had a better buddy! We miss you Nate and thank God for the impact you have had on ours and so many other's lives. You were a wonderful husband, father, and friend.

Blast from the past

So I went out with some girls from high school last night. It was so fun seeing everyone and hearing where people are and what they're doing and how lives have changed or not changed at all. Everyone looked so great and it was just a really refreshing evening. Okay, so I had a slight pinot headache this morning. Have to live a little right? If you know me at all you know I love to talk. Just ask Sam. I am pretty sure he filters out at least 40% of what I say half the time. It's okay, I understand. Anywho, I really love having good conversation over a good glass of wine. Is it not the best?! So if you are around, let's chat it up. I hate that it had been so long since I had seen a few of those girls. You know who you are! Love you all!

PS: Let me know what you think about the new blog. It was a little to "mom" for my taste. That's okay right?