Miss M's 5th Birthday

Miss M turns 5 today!
It's amazing to think how I just blinked and she became this old. Or did I become that old? Hmmm.

I went completely girly this year. Yes, completely out of my comfort zone. But that is my daughter. She is ALL girl. Loves to shop, play dress up, play house and loves pink and purple. So I went with a small tea party gathering. Complete with time for dress up and jewelry making.


No birthday girl would be complete without her crown. Or in our case, an upscale version of a birthday hat.
The whole day was centered around dress up, which she loves. Most of the girls came in one of their favorite "dress up" dresses and then they spent a good amount of time changing outfits, creating new ones, etc.


Their tea table


Each girl got to select their own tea cup to keep. This is Maya's choice.


Another one of my favorites that I found.

Side note- as girly as I claim to NOT be. I love collecting tea cups and tea pots. There is just something fun about it. It's fun that now Maya will have one to display.


Our guests.
I purposely kept it small. It was actually the first time we have had multiple friends over at one time. I think it worked well.


We selected mini bundt cakes as our dessert. Sort of fits with the tea theme.



5 years old, Miss M!
I pray you have an amazing year! Lots of new adventures on the horizon. You will try lots of new things, begin Kindergarten and hopefully increase your love for learning. I love that I get to observe you being kind to all your friends. You are giving and careful to include those around you. You have a quirky side and love to laugh. Happy Birthday!!!!

Zion National Park

I know it's been a really loooong time since I posted anything. I have a good excuse, really! Just can't think of it at the moment.

However, I had some time today to finally post. And something post worthy. We went on a family vacation. The first one in over a year! Yay!

Some friends of ours have gone to Zion during Thanksgiving week for the past 3 years. They are always raving about it. So this year, we booked a trip. WELL WORTH IT! I have never been to Zion, so I was super excited. And honestly, it was something we could all look forward too. Zion did not disappoint. The only bummer (aside from leaving with a head cold), we could have used a few more days there.


The weather was absolutely perfect. This was the view from our lodge. Seriously, could it get any better? Talk about getting to witness God's amazing handiwork up close and personal! I am now wondering how we could get a job up there.


The mornings started out cool and crisp. Wonderful hiking weather. Our attempt at a multitude of family photos was in full swing. It's been a long time since the 5 of us were in a picture (and looking in the right direction, and smiling) at the same time.


My hiking gang did a fabulous job. So proud of them. The boys wore their own packs and carried most of their own gear. Lots of layers and then de-layering were required each day. Miss M was a trooper and never said a word. She had a friend with her and that definitely helped.


Can't tell in this photo, but we are kneeling at the edge of a cliff. Such an amazing view. There really wasn't a bad view to be had. I wish there was a way to capture it on camera.


"I just completed my 2nd hike of the day!!!"
"Mommy- chipmunks!!!! Can we have one?"
- If you know me at all, my answer would have totally been yes! But I am not sure where to put it. Already have a dog, a bird, 2 guinea pigs, and a frog.


Our second day gave us the greatest adventure. Due to my friend's fear of heights, she willingly watched 4 kids while the rest of us tackled Angel's Landing. So.Much.Fun! There is absolutely no way to capture it or explain it right. I'll just say this- almost a 1500 elevation gain, cables, lots of rocks, cliffs on both sides, crazy adrenaline pumping through my veins, and LOVED every minute of it!!!!


Our staged hanging on the side of a cliff photo op. Loved the views at the top of Angel's Landing.


Another family photo spot. Had a few more- those will actually make it into the Christmas card this year.

I cannot wait to get back out onto the trails again. I'm lucky that we have a good amount of open space and trails right outside our front door. But nothing compares to really getting away and visiting one of our National Parks.
So thank you to my friends for allowing us to come along on your yearly adventure. It just may become ours too. There is so much more to this park, that we didn't even get to see.

Always up for an adventure

Mr C is generally always up for an adventure and he LOVES anything science related. So our VBS this year was perfect for him. Balloons, rocket launchers, gooey stuff on the nose, etc.


So this was a hover craft. An absolutely perfect craft for him. Of course it lasted about 10 minutes once we got home, but he has since turned other household items into a hover craft.






Team relay races! I thought this was a cute idea. That and now his nose won't get chapped.

Hi

Happy 4th of July....a little late.

Something about moving, end of the year, etc. that has kept me away from blogging. Actually it was a great break. no complaints.

Story on this photo:
So our new neighborhood posted a sign a few weeks ago stating there was a picnic in the park. I thought that was cute, everyone brings a lunch, a blanket and pretends we are some mid-west town and be friendly.
The picnic was NOTHING like that! Oh no, that simply will not do.
There was a bike parade for the kids (which we missed, since we knew nothing about it), then there was free food, games, face painting (thus the hello kitty on the arm of Miss M), music, bouncy houses, train rides, cotton candy, photo booth (thus the photo)...you name it. One giant massive free block party! It was so much fun. Met 2 new neighbors, so at least we met someone.

So if you happen to be in town for 4th of July, come on by! It's a yearly event.

M.I.A

Seriously, where did the past 2 months go?

We are still living at my parent's house, while my amazing hubby is working on our new house. My mom casually mentioned (well, may not have been casual, but mentioned)that I have been lacking in the blogging world. I really had great intentions of keeping up with the antics of the past few months.
So, with our move happening this coming weekend (hooray), here are the top moments from the past few months (in no particular order):

Breakfast time
This has to be the number one vote of all children in this house. I can't really complain either. Our normal routine prior to moving here was perhaps a bowl of oatmeal, a crust of bread, green smoothies, or sometimes an apple in the car as we race to whatever we are late for. But here....oh no, that simply will not do! The kids have grown accustomed to various types of egg dishes, hashbrowns, freshly squeezed OJ, toast...you name it! I think there was even a few doughnut runs too!

Bothering Pop-Pop time
Need I say more!?

Sharing a room
All three kids have been sharing a room. It took a bit to get them to adjust and actually go to bed at nights, but the stories, whispering and other adventures that take place are hysterical!

Lizard catching
My mom's yard is full of lizards! I have never seen so many before. All 3 kids have taken to capturing various lizards. You can also include snails in this category too.

So many more that I can write down, but I need to feed the kids....again.

A lesson in lemons

My parents have a lemon tree. My crazy K loves anything sour and thus could not possibly wait any longer for a lemon treat. The gang decided on lemonade! Of course they all had to help. I find this hilarious because you suddenly have 3 extra pairs of hands everywhere and all at the same time. They also suddenly dart around and bring in anything they can reach, regardless if you need it.
So today- Pop-pop gave them a lesson in making lemonade!
I had to post it simply because it was funny to listen too. I was in the other room working and the comments I was hearing was priceless.

You have to make sure the lemons are squeezed just right. It helps to have 8 hands helping all at once.

Next, you have the conversation vote on whether we want our lemonade sweet or tart. Majority voted tart, though it probably had something to do with extra lemons sitting nearby that may have felt left out.

Ah, a math lesson is next. We need to measure just the right amount of water. Poor K, all he wanted was the sugar part! And C....you may just make out the top of his head trying to squeeze into view.

A quick safety lesson on electrical appliances! Hopefully that included not placing them directly into water. I couldn't hear due to very excited kids wanting to add sugar! (Apparently, I don't give them enough sugar?)

Finally! The all important step of mixing!!!! C is being very careful to not spill any of the prize. He is also beginning to feel a bit protective over "his" lemonade. Funny how it was the other one who wanted it so badly.

He graciously steps aside to allow his sister all of 2.5 seconds of stirring. His comment: It doesn't need it and be careful!

My sour lemon kid finally took control for a moment. If you know him at all, it was perfect timing as he took the closest position for that first taste.

And finally, success!

Midway through our adventure

I should be doing a better job and actually taking pictures and documenting this adventure. I will work on that!

We have been a BUSY bunch lately!
All moved in to my parent's house and running through the daily grind.

I'm sure my mom is ready to have her house back (though I am secretly hoping she is enjoying parts of our stay). My Dad is having the time of his life and so are my kids! The kids follow my Dad around like they might lose him! They have also figured out who to go to for donuts, coffee, juice, chocolate..... get the picture.

So the big news is: We are officially home owners again! First time we have owned a house. A whole 4 walls all to ourselves. Feels very grown up. It also came with a sticker reading TLC needed, so we have begun to tackle various projects that will hopefully allow us to move-in, in a few weeks.
An added blessing is that Jeff's Dad arrived on Sunday to help us paint, while Jeff gets some other much needed project done.

We feel totally blessed that we have been given the opportunity to own a home again. We are praying for amazing neighbors and for even more amazing opportunities to witness to others.

Pictures to come as soon as I find and/or unpack a camera!

Off on our new adventure

We set off on our next adventure this past weekend. Packed up the house and moved out.

Bye view! One of my favorite parts about this house. It was fun to watch the sun set, clouds roll by, and on super clear days view all the way to LA.

Cannot believe it, but managed to squeeze the contents of our home into a big box! Not one more thing can fit in there!

Thank you God for an amazing place to live these past few years. Cannot wait to see where we get to go next.

In the meantime.....the five of us, one parakeet, two guinea pigs and a pair of frogs have officially moved in to my parents house.
I'm sure I'll have lots of entertaining stories to report.

Singing praises

This picture is a year old, but just found it when rummaging through some email files.
Last fall K participated in a worship group during fall semester at school.
It is a perfect representation of my Krazy K! He is my little songbird, singing most of the day while playing, while schooling, while working, etc. The best part- he is constantly singing worship songs, Rob Biagi songs, or making up his own.
I'm secretly hoping for more pictures like this one soon! We have to put him into choir, drama, acting....something!

We scream for ice cream.....right?

My hubby was being very thoughtful on his way home tonight and stopped at the store and picked up dessert for the family. The kids were thrilled!!!!! Amazing how fast they eat when there is a prize at the end!
I should note: I mainly make everything that we eat in our house. So to bring home something store bought is definitely a treat. (My mom gave me a comic strip one time discussing how the mom made brownies and then the kids figured out there was veggies in them. I really do that!)
Anyway, that's not the point.

The point:
In keeping with our gluten free, dairy free household, hubby brought home an "alternative" ice cream. We had friends over a few nights ago and they brought the most amazing "alternative" but, that wasn't available at the store he went too, so he got the next best thing.

See how happy she looks!!!! Kids loved it. They were enjoying every last bite. So imagine their surprise when hubby and I handed over our portions too!

I have only given up ice cream twice in my life! Really!
First time was while I was completing an internship right out of college. Found a brand that my Dad had been working with and thought to try it out. No thank you!!!!
Second time was tonight! No thank you!!!!! Who taste tests these products??? Do they not realize the stiff competition that is out there. Clearly the target audience is those under 7 years and those who have never tasted the real stuff.

So hubby went out for awhile tonight.

I have a feeling he is out to redeem himself and our dessert.

Art therapy

Telling the kids Saturday afternoon about Buster was really really hard! I had to make my husband do it. That's what they are there for, right?? He did a great job explaining what had happened. However, neither of us were prepared for their reactions. How could we be? The only other loved one that has passed on at this point was a parakeet, and they were too young to understand. And apparently I wasn't completely attached to that bird.....this however, has been much different.

All three kids reacted in different ways. C cried the most and took the longest to console. He was quick to ask if Buster was in heaven and was okay. I spent about a half hour with him on the couch just holding him. That was fine with me, we both cried together. K ran and grabbed his camera and began showing us all the pictures he has taken of Buster since receiving his camera for Christmas. Miss M I'm pretty sure was more upset at seeing me cry then perhaps the loss itself. She cried with me for awhile and then was very precious in saying that we can pray for Buster and that he would be alright. About broke my heart, it was that sweet.

After making a comment on Facebook, a friend responded about how their family dealt with the recent loss of their dog. Art therapy. She had them draw pictures of their dog and favorite places, time spent, etc. Such a great idea.

So that is what we did today. We each drew a picture of Buster and how we wanted to remember him. I even completed one, but there is no way I am showing that one to the public. I am NOT an artist, even stick figures look awkward.

We talked about Buster for a bit and I tried to answer any questions that they had. Praise God it wasn't very many. It will definitely take me a lot longer to move on then the kids.

C's picture of Buster at sunset near his favorite outside plant.

K's picture of Buster. He is in the yard near his favorite plant and his condo is on the left.

Miss M's picture of Buster. He is actually in the square near the center of the photo. The black boxes (or rectangles) is his house.

My tribute to my fluffy bunny

I would love to know if there was a more spoiled bunny then my Buster! Something tells me NO~
When I brought this tiny little fluffy ball of fur home 9 years ago, we quickly gave him his own room. He had at that time, a 2-story handmade cage and free roam of a condo, complete with his very own balcony. Buster would run through the house, bank off the walls and then spend hours sitting and eating my wicker patio set while watching the world go by.
When we moved with him to our townhouse....he moved into a 3 story handmade hotel and then had access not only to an entire backyard, but a whole townhouse! There he enjoyed finishing off the wicker patio set and burrowing a hole under our bed. We also had a peach tree, and I never quite got to try those peaches near the bottom. I'm sure they were good. We even planted a small patch of grass for his eating enjoyment!
When we moved into our current house...his house moved with us and here he gained bunny heaven- grass, lots of edible plants, and a really cozy fireplace. Oh, and a laundry room for when it was too cold or too hot to be outside.

I will truly miss my fluffy little bunny! He was only little for a few short weeks and then morphed into an 8-lb bunny, but he is still considered my first born. We had to put him down today after a long battle with arthritis and his hind legs giving out on him. He has spent since Thanksgiving in our laundry room being catered to any need that he had.
While I would never give up having furry family members, this is always the hardest part. To know you are doing the right thing and to hope they are not feeling too much pain.

And so to Buster: You have had so much personality!!!! From bouncing through the house and yard to jumping on me when I had an apple or banana in hand. You put up with 3 moves, 3 kids and countless baths and grooming sessions. I never cared that you ate my furniture (though, don't tell anyone that) or my plants. Thank you for 9 years of cuddles and kisses!

Why my blogging has been absent...

I should be creative and create some sort of video montage of the past year, but I am not that creative. LOL! But you can picture it, right?
1 husband
3 kids
1 bunny
2 guinea pigs
1 bird
2 frogs
1 full-time job
homeschooling 2 days a week
working at my boys school 2-3 days a month
and spending the last 7 weeks searching the area for a new place to live!

Oh, did I forget to mention that?
We are moving. February 18th to be exact!
Where you ask?

...


...


...

Have NO clue!

Okay, I have a tiny idea.
I think I am moving back home and bringing my family with me.
(tears of laughter now streaming down my face!)
I can only imagine the conversation my parents are currently having with their friends. WE JUST CAN'T GET RID OF OUR KIDS....AND NOW THEY BRING EXTRAS!

So we entered this fall still wondering if we were going to continue to rent the house we've been in. I had been praying for another year, but I really just wanted my hubby to call the landlord and get a firm answer. Well...to make it really short, obviously we are moving. Now, while we knew we were going to be moving...we were under the assumption of Springtime. Found out last week that it's next month.

In the meantime, we have been searching for a place to buy. We have an offer on the table, but if any of you realize the joys of trying to purchase a short sale house, well, now you understand us. For timing, offer went in just after Thanksgiving and we are still waiting to see if it's approved.

So we will wait and see what happens. Surprisingly, I am not too worried about it. If this house isn't the one, then God is going to provide another opportunity for us.

So that's us in a nutshell. Exciting times over here!
I am very excited to see what God has in store for us in 2012!!!!! Should be fun!!!

I do have this amazing amazing amazing amazing AMAZING memory of the start to this year that will surely carry our family for many many months!!!!

OREGON WON THE ROSE BOWL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!