Hot Pink Diaries

2011-10-22T16:51:00.004-04:00

"This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often, if you don't like something, change it. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things that you love. Stop over analyzing, life is simple. All emotions are beautiful. Open your arms, mind, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Travel often, getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. Life is about the people that you meet and the things that you create with them so go out and start creating. Life is short, live your dreams."

{ This Moment }

2011-06-21T13:19:00.002-04:00

{ Happy Bday Addie!!! }

2011-06-18T22:29:00.000-04:00

i never thought something out of our mouths could look gooddddddddddd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Addie, we love you!! We hope today was your very best birthday yet!!

{ Our Children... }

2011-06-18T21:07:00.000-04:00

{Easter 2011}

... have the BEST Daddy ever!!!

Happiest Father's Day to our Daddy, Pap & Grandpa!!!

We Love You!!!

{ Grandma's Girl }

2011-05-18T21:48:00.000-04:00

This darling girl is a cookie-cutout of her dear Grandma,

and I couldn't be happier about it.

Us girls miss Grandma. A lot.

{ Hurr Did }

2011-05-17T12:47:00.000-04:00

{ Parking Lot }

2011-05-15T23:18:00.000-04:00

obsessed. to put it mildly.

this kid can sit in a parking lot all day and point out the same model car in every different color.

in fact, we hung out for the first time with rachael for a few hours one day and in the next day or two we were waiting in a crowded parking lot and he said, "mom, that's rachael's car, but in red!"

sure enough, it was a honda civic, rachael's exact car. he continued to point out about 5 more civics in different colors as "rachael's car" that day.

at 3 years old. {last year}

he loves to watch cars leave and asks me to stand and wait with him while people pull away.

he loves to watch people open & close their trunks.

he notices when things are different about cars he is very familiar with...

like the day mimi lost a hubcap, you bet he is was the informant with,

"why does mimi have one black tire?"

he points out everyone's car that he knows, both parked in lots and while we're driving.

especially when he sees grandma's "white car that aunt andrea drives now" or "the black car."

he knows cars. it's definitely his thing.

in utah last summer, out little family lived with grandma and grandpa for most of the summer

{total blast}

uncle yoshi was visiting soon-to-be aunt jessica out in utah as well.

we were waiting for uncle yoshi to come over to grandma's house for a haircut and maddux was looking out the window for him. he says, "that's uncle yoshi's car!" it was minutes after i just hung up with him to arrange the haircut so i knew it couldn't have been him arriving yet. but, maddux was over at the window, pointing. i walk over and there was no way he was even close to seeing the driveway. here, he was pointing up at grandma's picture board and sure enough, there was a picture of jackson and in the far corner of it there was just the tire of the car uncle yoshi drives at home, that maddux hadn't even seen for months bc uncle yosh lives in va and we are in pa. yet, we were in utah and he was driving jess' car. he totally identified it, from memory. just turned 3 years old. floored me!

every time i just look at him and ask, totally amazed,

"how do you know these things!?"

he always responds, "i don't know!"

he loves to stop and read off the numbers & letters on license plates, too.

he currently loves vans and mini-vans and desperately misses "our old van"

and tells me at least once a day that he "doesn't like our new S.U.V."

you better believe he points out every nissan quest he lays his eyes on while we drive.

apparently, his dream car. ha he's so cute.

everything about cars he is all about.

neatest thing ever.

the car gene definitely runs in the family. on both sides.

he's double whammied with the gene!

i cannot wait to see what he pursues with his talents, abilities and knowledge.

of course, for now, lightening mcqueen and tow-mater are at the top of the list!

{ Got Milk? }

2011-05-12T10:45:00.000-04:00

and, seriously, who eats any other ketchup but Heinz...

{ We're Getting There }

2011-05-10T17:03:00.000-04:00

{ Mothers }

2011-05-09T18:51:00.000-04:00

{ Full credit: 320 Sycamore: http://granvillehouse.blogspot.com/ }

{ Crazy for Blondies }

2011-05-09T18:41:00.000-04:00

I sooooooo wish I was chowing this right now... too bad this pic is like 2 years old... dang.

{ Ingenuity }

2011-05-07T08:40:00.000-04:00

"I won't need lunch money all the way until 5th grade now!"

{ Over the Top }

2011-05-05T08:55:00.001-04:00

{Feb. 2010}

~~ Royal wedding/Cinco de Mayo inspired ~~

{ Within }

2011-05-04T10:15:00.002-04:00

"I wonder if you sisters fully understand the greatness of your gifts and talents and how all of you can achieve the “highest place of honor” in the Church and in the world. One of your unique, precious, and sublime gifts is your femininity, with its natural grace, goodness, and divinity. Femininity is not just lipstick, stylish hairdos, and trendy clothes. It is the divine adornment of humanity. It finds expression in your qualities of your capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength. It is manifest differently in each girl or woman, but each of you possesses it. Femininity is part of your inner beauty."

{James E. Faust ~ The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints}

"Pretty isn't in a dress, a lipstick, or a perfect body. Pretty radiates from a confident, feminine, comfortable soul. Dress your soul in these qualities first, and you will look beautiful no matter how simply you are dressed. "

{Stephanie Nielson ~ NieNieDialogues.Blogspot.Com}

{ Showcased: Second Grade }

2011-05-04T09:46:00.000-04:00

{Fall 2010}

Open House + Klingmans + Turleys + Rits'a Italian Ice = Open House Tradition

Unbelievable that third grade is just around the corner... .

Seems like just yesterday, at Roosevelt Elementary, I was in third grade in Ms. Skeddle's class trying to understand those darned fractions and playing 7-up if we were good...

living for recess and a great game of kick-ball despite my dresses and patent-leather shoes,

and scolded to quit writing notes to fourth grade boys!

Jackson makes it such a joy to be his parents. He is a happy kid. Loves to work hard and play harder. Is the best big brother around. Works on being obedient and teaches his mom and dad a thing or two in the process. We are proud of who he is and who he is becoming. And, most importantly, he is proud of himself.

{ Love a Full House }

2011-05-03T11:33:00.003-04:00

{Late Summer, Early Fall 2009}

the time of year i. live. for. 

{ God Bless the USA }

2011-05-02T09:10:00.000-04:00

If tomorrow all the things were gone, I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again, with just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars, to be livin' here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.

{Independence Day 2010, Utah}

And I’m proud to be an American,

where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
{ God bless the USA }

{ Circle of Friends }

2011-05-01T18:22:00.000-04:00

"Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life."

{Bob Marley}

{ #perceptionISreality }

2011-04-30T00:16:00.002-04:00

{ #AttitudeOfGratitude }

2011-04-29T16:55:00.000-04:00

{ P&J }

2011-04-29T09:28:00.000-04:00

M~Style, of course!

{ Trail of Toast }

2011-04-28T10:49:00.000-04:00

{ #realtalk }

2011-04-27T18:23:00.000-04:00

{ Celebrating Aunt Em }

2011-04-22T17:59:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Aunt Emily!

Love, Ricky and the Funky Bunch!!!

{ So Much it Hurts }

2011-04-16T19:13:00.000-04:00

{Fourth of July 2010}

Missing this sweet family today.

Wishing I was with my sisters crafting and preparing for little Emma's blessing day.

Welcome to the world precious {Emma Maelle}

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

{ #TrueStory }

2011-04-15T07:03:00.001-04:00

I found this amusing... true and amusing lol

{ Be Still My Soul }

2011-04-14T19:35:00.001-04:00

{ Our Light Within }

2011-04-13T13:55:00.000-04:00

Please "pause the music playlist on the right -------->

{Virtue}
Because I love the Father

I want the minds of men to be lifted

When they look at me

Because I am His daughter

I want my devotion to him

To be what they see

I don't need the attention of immodesty

I am confident in my divinity

I didn't come to earth to compromise

I came here to hold up my light

No matter what the world may do

I’m a daughter of God

And I'm holding on to virtue

I want to lead a life that

Is full of so much good

It attracts the light to me

So I'm trusting in my Father

To magnify the beauty

He has placed in me

I am confident in my divinity

{Jenny Phillips}

I loved this quote from Charity, the girl in the video:

"When I see someone who is modest I feel like they understand who they are."

They know they are a daughter of God.

{the song VIRTUE is #5 on my playlist by Jenny Phillips if you want to listen to it}

{ Create }

2011-04-12T16:26:00.000-04:00

{ Those Closest }

2011-04-12T16:02:00.001-04:00

laur-laur was our guest of honor this fine day

{ Spring Has Sprung }

2011-04-11T20:37:00.000-04:00

{2010 Spring Season}

{ Daddy's Little Pumpkin }

2011-04-09T08:40:00.001-04:00

{Sis 11 months old}
2009

{ 31 }

2011-04-08T17:22:00.003-04:00

{October 30, 2010}

{ #Truth }

2011-04-07T11:16:00.000-04:00

{ Paralyzed, but not Within }

2011-04-06T09:38:00.005-04:00

{Stone Harbor, New Jersey 2010}

{In the name of the best within you, do not sacrifice this world to those who are its worst.

In the name of the values that keep you alive, do not let your vision of man

be distorted by the ugly, the cowardly, the mindless

in those who have never achieved his title.

Do not lose your knowledge that man's proper estate is an upright posture,

an intransigent mind and a step that travels unlimited roads.

Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark,

in the hopeless swamps of the approximate,

the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all.

Do not let the {hero} in your soul perish,

in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach.

Check your road and the nature of your battle.

The world you desired can be won,
it exists, it is real, it is possible, it's yours}

Ayn Rand

{ Silent Night }

2011-04-05T22:46:00.000-04:00

{Christmas Eve}

All is calm, all is bright

{ The Usual }

2011-04-04T16:14:00.001-04:00

Lunch dates with Louise at Donny T.'s

circa 2008
I miss this usual dearly.

{ Workshop }

2011-04-03T09:42:00.000-04:00

{ Ghost Toast }

2011-04-02T12:47:00.002-04:00

{ Starry Night }

2011-04-01T09:13:00.002-04:00

Jackson~Style

{ Target is Forgiving }

2011-03-31T08:39:00.003-04:00

{ Sometimes we act like we're in walmart }

{ We Don't Bite }

2011-03-30T16:28:00.000-04:00

Seasons are usually determined by weather... in our family it's by Jackson's sport schedules...

Goodbye basketball & hockey { Winter, please take the hint }

Hello baseball & soccer { Spring, please don't be so shy... }

{ Happiest Birthday Boy }

2011-03-29T22:20:00.002-04:00

Happy four years to our wonderful, lively little boy Maddux De-von.

What we love about Maddux is that he has a soul set on fire.

He is the shooting star across our sky, born to stand out.

He gets messy {A LOT} and teaches me that this is the way he doesn't just learn,

but comes to understand his surroundings.

He imagines up his world each day and teaches me that to have dreams is more important than just going through the daily motions of life.

He challenges me to really LIVE, to dig in and get messy and make mistakes

and that truly, this is what success is.

He teaches me the value of a single moment and helps his busy mom to slow down and enjoy it with him.

That the little things are really the important things,

like bare feet in the grass, fresh-picked flower bouquets of dandelions and tiny violets,

bubbles in the bath, and being held to fall asleep.

What is better than that.

Nothing is better than love, real love.

And, the way a child loves is always real.

~~~

Maddux, especially today, but everyday we want you to know that we love you so and adore you.

You teach us everyday how to enjoy life.

It is a joy to be your mother and a sweet challenge to enjoy life
the way you do.
{Simply and Courageously}

Thank you for your shining example, my 4 year old little boy.

{ Miss Mg is 3 }

2011-03-28T21:27:00.000-04:00

Happy happy birthday, Miss McKinlee!!!

{ Always Kiss Me Goodnight }

2011-03-27T22:12:00.000-04:00

{ Thug Life }

2011-03-26T14:16:00.001-04:00

Broken arm: all in a day's work.

{ Sweet Reminders }

2011-03-25T19:40:00.000-04:00

February 14, 2009

{ His Soul... }

2011-03-24T22:29:00.001-04:00

Sparkles {{ from the inside out }}

{ Finger Painting with a Twist }

2011-03-23T11:30:00.002-04:00

... a strawberry yogurt twist!

{ This Moment }

2011-03-22T17:24:00.000-04:00

{ Favorites Everrr }

2011-03-16T16:48:00.000-04:00

{ Spilled Milk...Shake }

2011-03-15T11:43:00.001-04:00

What's a girl to do?

celebrate?
 distract? 
or just go with the flow 
?!?!?!
 

{ It's All About... }

2011-03-13T15:19:00.001-04:00

... the wonderful, fabulous accessories! 

{ Full of Life }

2011-03-11T15:28:00.000-05:00

Love this boy.

{ Lessons }

2011-03-10T16:12:00.001-05:00

While we try to teach our children all about life,

Our children teach us

what life is all about.

~Angela Schwindt

{ Under Construction: the soul }

2011-03-08T09:47:00.003-05:00

:: Put yourself in the position of the one who has hurt you ::

A long time ago you hurt someone, whether in a large or a petty way,

you did or said something that caused them pain. When you see this person today, how do you feel?

Guilty? Awkward? Uncomfortable?

You ask yourself: Do they remember? Do they still hurt?

Are they still damaged by what you did to them?

Imagine that a person you once hurt badly comes up to you, smiles, and quietly takes you to one side.

No one else is there to overhear what you both say; this is between the two of you.

It might be difficult to start off. One of you might say,

"Hey, we keep bumping into each other."

The other might say, "How long have we known each other now?"

It might be awkward for a little while.

But if you sense that the other person is genuinely reaching out to you, and you do the same,

you begin to find a place to meet.

If you rebuff someone who is willing to give you forgiveness,

you are setting the old grievance in concrete;

you are making it much, much worse.

Do you really want to do that?

Imagine now that this person says, "You know it took me a long time to let go of what you said

to me, all those years ago. Do you remember?"

And you feel deeply uncomfortable, and embarrassed, and guilty, and perhaps

a little angry that the other person had brought this up.

But then they say something like, "That was a long time ago,

and I've been stupid to hang on to it for so long."

What do you say? Do you laugh? Do you shrug it off? Do you start finding excuses

for the harmful things you once said, justifying them?

do you say,

"Whatever reasons I thought I might have had at the time,

I must have really hurt you when I said that. Is it too late to say 'Sorry?'

It is never too late to say sorry.

If the person you hurt accepts your apology and smiles and says,

"Why don't we leave that in the past, where it belongs?

Life's too short to hold on to old grudges,"

then meet them in the middle.

It doesn't matter if they don't actually use the words,

"I forgive you."

 Accept the essence of their forgiveness.

Now, how do you feel?

Relieved? At peace? More calm? More relaxed?

And how do they feel?

Whichever of the two people you are in the situation just described,

try to put yourself in the other person's shoes.

If it was difficult for you to apologize, or to forgive,

then it was just as difficult for the other person to forgive, or to apologize.

Recognize the effort that the other person has made, and acknowledge it.

One of you might say of the other, "That can't have been easy, after all this time."

It isn't easy to apologize, or to forgive. You need to make some movement yourself.

You need to leave openings for the other person. You need to help each other,

if you are to reach the goal that will heal you both.

In reaching this goal, you will have created a new bond

of understanding and cooperation between you.

Forgiveness Heals.

Forgiveness

heals the friendship and relationships

between people.

Forgiveness

heals the people you have forgiven.

Forgiveness

heals the person who forgives.

{spiritual paths

forgiveness

Jay Vickers}

{ Evidence }

2011-03-07T21:46:00.000-05:00

... they bite!

{ You Have No Idea }

2011-03-06T20:23:00.001-05:00

{ Normal Day, }

2011-03-05T19:40:00.003-05:00

"Normal day,

let me be aware of the treasure you are.

Let me learn from you,
bless you before you depart.
Let me not pass you by in quest
of some rare and perfect tomorrow.
Let me hold you while I may,
for it may not always
be so..."

{Mary Jean Iron}

{ Dinner Party }

2011-03-04T17:11:00.001-05:00

Whole, natural food: whole, natural entertainment.

Being welcomed into Nicole and Matt's home this evening was being filled to the brim

with wholeness and goodness, in our bellies and in our hearts.

Love these people. To pieces.

{ Time of His Life }

2011-03-03T22:29:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Pam, for treating Jax and Brandon to the Best seats in the igloo :)

{ Love our "CC" }

2011-03-02T19:49:00.004-05:00

**Please go down to my purple music playlist on the right column and click "PAUSE" before you listen to the video or you won't be able to hear it over the playlist music!!!**

Our dear Chelsea girl :)

I was thinking and thinking of the best way I can express how wonderful of a young woman you are and how much you mean to each of us in our family today for your 12th birthday...

This song came to my mind and we wanted to share it with you because you are such an amazing daughter of your Heavenly Father and you are a wonderful example of His love.

{If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example? Would I live more righteously,
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel? Would I speak more reverently
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would my thoughts be clean and pure?
Would His presence give me strength and hope, and courage to endure?
Would His counsel guide my actions? Would I choose more worthily
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

He is always near me, though I do not see Him there
And because He loves me dearly, I am in His watchful care
So I'll be the kind of person that I know I'd like to be
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me. }

This is you, Chels.

You are the kindest person I know.

You are so thoughtful and giving of your things, your time, and yourself.

You give your love so freely and abundantly,

especially to my little ones who include your family in every prayer they say.

You have made a difference in their tiny little lives,

an unmistakable and irreplaceable difference and they love you so much for it.

That is a special gift of yours, Chels, given to you by your Heavenly Father.

Always give your kindness and love to others as you always have,

for it is truly the only way you will always find happiness and peace in this life.

Even when people or "friends" and enemies are unkind and they will be,

especially at age 12,

always try to keep a soft heart and continue to keep that beautiful face of yours

up and toward the light. It will be hard but our greatest lessons usually are and they are worth the righteous character you will build for yourself by always trying to Choose The Right.

You are such an amazing example to all of us and to all around you;

your family, your friends, your neighbors, your teachers.

You make a difference in people's lives and those beautiful connections you make with those who you love and love you in return will help build in your life the strongest of confidence in yourself.
Self-confidence and self-worth are the basis of every decision you will make.

As you make and keep your promises and try your best in all you do, whether you win or lose is no big deal because you know the peace and good feelings that you feel when you give it your all.

During these upcoming teenage years and now that you are in middle school

you probably have had a lot of bigger decisions to make already this year!

When you decide what you will stand up for *before* the hard situations present themselves,

then when you are confronted with the choice in the moment to stand tall or to follow the crowd,

you will already have made your decision to be true to yourself and know how to stand up

for what you know is good and right.

Your good mom and dad have taught you so much goodness and have raised you to be the

confident, happy, bright, and compassionate young woman you are today.

Always know that you can turn to your family for everything and anything going on in your life.

Stay close to your mom and always tell her your secrets.

Moms are so special, Chels.

Especially yours.

Always know that you can count on her to be on your side and that you always have

the truest friends in her and in your dad and Adam.

During these upcoming years in school you will make and lose and remake friends a zillion times

over a million different reasons. School friends will come and go, parties will come and go, movie nights and mall trips will come and go, boyfriends and crushes will come and go.

Your family and your relationship with your Heavenly Father will not come and go.

They are your most important possessions and they are constant.

They will bring you the happiest and most comforting experiences.

When things are right with those two most important things,

things with the rest of your life will work out better and easier for you.

You have the great opportunity to be an outstanding leader and example to all your friends around you.

With all of your kindness and love for others and your acceptance of everyone,

you have the special opportunity to expand the circle of friends to include

those girls who may feel left out and lonely.

You can turn around the train of gossip that runs through the school when it falls on your ears and you choose not to repeat the unkind rumor.

You can put your arm around the kids that may be getting made fun of in class or on the bus

and let them know that they are not alone and that they have a friend in you.

This is who you are, Chelsea.

You are not afraid to stand up for what you know is right.

No one can change that about you.

There's a quote and it says:

{What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right}

You know this already, at age 12!

Do you know that there are people my age that still don't get this!?

You don't let others define you, you define yourself by standing true to what you know is right

inside your heart.

That is courageous and the older you get the more courageous an act it will become.

It takes guts to stand up to flat out enemies.

And it takes even more than that to stand up to friends who may be making wrong choices and choosing not to be a part of things that you know are wrong.

You have such a bright light inside of you and you let it shine for everyone to see.

I know that as you let your light shine and as you stand up for what you know is right all throughout these upcoming fun and difficult years, your light inside of you will shine brighter and brighter.

And, the neatest thing is that when your light shines brightly by making good choices in your life,

you help others find their way by the light you shine!

And, again, that's exactly who you are!

You love to help others and be a wonderful friend.

You are amazing, Chels!

We love you and I can't wait to see how many more wonderful things you do in your life!

You inspire me to be more like you by your thoughtfulness and your generosity.

You are just like the song above.

You naturally do the things that you would do if the Savior was standing right beside you.

Thank you for your bright shining example.

Happy 12th Birthday, Chelsea!

{ Anchor }

2011-03-01T02:45:00.002-05:00

"Parents, remember that now is your opportunity.

You may feel yourself harassed as you struggle through the days with children, but

you are living the happiest and the most
golden years of your life.

As you tuck them into their beds at night please be kind to them.

Let them hear a kind voice amid all the angry, vile voices they will hear throughout life.

Let there be an anchor to which these little ones can turn to when all else fails.

The Lord help you so to do."

{Harold B. Lee}

{ Happy Birthday Louise }

2011-02-28T10:23:00.001-05:00

{come back!!!}

"Acquire inner peace and a multitude will find
their salvation near you."
Happy happy birthday my nearest and dearest Louise <3
You are what I hope to be someday. You are such a gift.
Thank you for that guide and that light in my life.
You have been there every.single.time I've needed you, without fail.
We've been so blessed with the gift of true friendship.
{Thank you for always being wonderful you}
xoxoxoxoxo
enjoy your day, wish i was there to celebrate you!

{ Yard Sale Junkie }

2011-02-20T16:08:00.000-05:00

hmmm... wonder where M gets it!!!

{ Love Birds }

2011-02-15T22:05:00.002-05:00

My little broski met the girl of his dreams and we are so excited for Aunt Jessica to join our family this year in August! Uncle Yoush just might have to beat Maddux to the altar! My lil' man's gotta crush!

{ My Valentine... }

2011-02-14T20:36:00.001-05:00

is a hottie!

{ Golden }

2011-02-13T16:05:00.001-05:00

"Make new friends, but keep the old.

One is silver, the other is gold.
A circle is round, it has no end.

That's how long, I will be your friend.

A fire burns bright, it warms the heart.
We've been friends, from the very start.

You have one hand, I have the other.
Put them together, We have each other."

Happy happy birthday bestie face. love you so much.

how blessed we are to enjoy an entire lifetime of friendship,
what a rare and precious gift we share.
xoxoxoxoxo

{ m }

2011-02-12T18:17:00.000-05:00

{ 3 Lil' Punkins }

2011-02-10T16:50:00.000-05:00

{ 2009 edition }

{ Happy Day }

2011-02-09T14:06:00.000-05:00

{Friends are the family you have chosen}

love love love you vonnie lou

X O X O X O

{ Bren-di Can-i Get-i }

2011-02-08T10:48:00.000-05:00

“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.”

Happy Birthday B.

{ Quality of Life }

2011-02-07T08:32:00.000-05:00

Today our little 2 year old princess is having an adenoidectomy.

She has been perpetually sick (normal) through the cold and flu season, however she ended up on anti-biotics more than 6 times for infection in what I thought were her sinuses.

A closer look at the ENT provided an x-ray of grossly enlarged, infected adenoids that not only were the cause of the constant green junk oozing out of her nose, but also narrowed her airway significantly. The Dr. stated it simply to a very reluctant mommy:

"It not a question of life or death,

it is a question of quality of life."

I got the point.

We want her to thrive in life and this was the answer, despite wanting to call and cancel it

a million times because of fear. Of course, it's right.

Here's to a skilled medical team and a speedy recovery

{prayers appreciated}

{ Go Steelers! }

2011-02-06T17:05:00.000-05:00

Black & Gold ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!

{ Grandma's Here!!! }

2011-02-05T20:29:00.002-05:00

“Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person,

having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words,

but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together,

certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping,

and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.”

{George Eliot}

We love having Grandma here with us because...

"I love when she plays hockey with me." J

"I like to cook! Grandmaaaa, can we make brownies?!" M

"AMMA!!" K

{ All Snazzed Up }

2011-02-04T09:49:00.001-05:00

{Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration
is being wreathed in smiles.}

Unknown

yes, i made the skirt&accessories.

{ When I Look at You }

2011-02-03T11:27:00.000-05:00

Everybody needs inspiration
Everybody needs a song
A beautiful melody when the night's so long
'Cause there is no guarantee that this life is easy
When my world is falling apart
When there's no light to break up the dark
That's when I look at you

When the waves are flooding the shore
And I can't find my way home anymore
That's when I look at you

When I look at you,

I see forgiveness, I see the truth

You love me for who I am like the stars hold the moon

Right there where they belong
And I know I'm not alone

When my world is falling apart
When there's no light to break up the dark
That's when I look at you

When the waves are flooding the shore
And I can't find my way home anymore
That's when I look at you

You appear just like a dream to me
Just like kaleidoscope colors that prove to me
All I need, every breath that I breathe
Don't ya know, you're beautiful

When the waves are flooding the shore
And I can't find my way home anymore
That's when I look at you
I look at you

You appear just like a dream to me.

{Miley Cyrus}

***************************

Thanksgiving day offered us a unique blessing this year.

It marked our 10 year wedding anniversary in our journey toward eternity.

We are so blessed to have each other, my heart is full.

{ We Go Way Back }

2011-02-02T10:50:00.001-05:00

... all the way to 5 years old...

KINDERGARTEN!

Cheers to my Serdi-girl on her 31st bday.

"It takes a long time to grow an old friend." 

I'm so glad our gift to each other has been that time.

We have shared so much; our hearts, our tears, our joys, and our sorrows.

And, still today we are growing our friendship and it is one of my 
most precious possessions.

L.Y.L.A.S.

(remember that?!?!)

{ Garbage Pile }

2011-02-01T08:27:00.000-05:00

... is not my favorite game. ha

{ Jax-Man }

2011-01-30T14:45:00.000-05:00

{ Makeover Edition }

2011-01-29T19:31:00.000-05:00

We like make up and nail polish over here,

can you tell???

ha.

{ Egg }

2011-01-28T09:48:00.000-05:00

I asked the boys what they were doing.

"playing egg." 

Couldn't stop laughing.

{ This Moment }

2011-01-27T10:44:00.000-05:00

{ Surrounded by Love }

2011-01-21T19:57:00.001-05:00

{December 10 & January 21}

2 special days for 2 very special people

who we all love very, very much!

Happy happy Birthday Grandma and Grandpa!!

{ "I Made a Wish... }

2011-01-18T10:14:00.000-05:00

and you came true."
Sometimes, I still can't believe that she is here and that she is ours.

{ Creativity }

2011-01-17T09:32:00.000-05:00

{M~style yard sale}

{J~style dinner menu}

{Sis~style fashion show}

{ Four Eyes }

2011-01-12T12:42:00.000-05:00

4 gorgeous smiling eyes that we love love love!

{ This Moment }

2011-01-11T23:19:00.002-05:00

{ It's All About His Heart }

2011-01-10T10:53:00.000-05:00

Sweetest little boy. ever. Happy happy day to you from all of us Koolio Joe!

{ Her Castle }

2011-01-09T20:36:00.000-05:00

{ Hand-Picked }

2011-01-08T12:00:00.000-05:00

M.'s fall gift brightened up the kitchen like his little spirit brightens up our lives.

{ Tangled }

2010-12-26T18:14:00.000-05:00

{not the movie}

{ Merry Birthday }

2010-12-25T21:13:00.001-05:00

{In thee my soul shall own combined the sister and the friend} ~Catherine Killigrew

Happy Birthday sista sista!!!!! Love you to absolute pieces.

{ Seasoned }

2010-12-23T08:29:00.001-05:00

"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that {within me} there lay an invincible summer."

{Albert Camus}

{ Washing His Hands }

2010-12-21T20:03:00.000-05:00

... or so we thought!

{ Annoyed }

2010-12-19T16:11:00.000-05:00

can't a kid play without so many pics mom!?!

ha, silly goosie :)

{ Champ }

2010-12-16T16:54:00.000-05:00

I think this cute boy would much rather be going to a hockey game tomorrow rather than going under general anesthetic for lots of dental work. {Please keep him in your prayers} He loves to play most sports and hockey is no exception. Santa might have something special for this little guy this year... I guess if he plays hockey in the future he might as well get used to the dental work that comes along with it! {He is in great hands tomorrow and will be feeling better in no time at all}

{ Keepin' Up with Kapri }

2010-12-15T00:02:00.001-05:00

{ 2 years old }

1. Sis has finally started to repeat everything she hears in word form rather than her jibbering she had maintained faithfully since around 18 months old. She started to try to speak earlier than the boys {attribute that to being a girl and wanting to express her feelings/thoughts. so girly} but it has all been jibberish and it was so cute. Worried me though b/c my boys did not jibber at all the way she did, they just started with one word and then another. Sis mimicked conversation rather than words and everything came out, "nfjsfhajkfbajbfjakfbajkbflkeafbawejbfkfa." I knew I would miss it when she stopped doing it and I was right, it just means she is growing up... too fast.

2. She loves to point and everything she sees and she loves to pull this funny little face. She does it at the funniest times and I have yet to find a consistent trigger for it. So cute and funny.

3. Anytime her show ends or her brothers shut the tv off or there is something other than her show on she points to it and says, "Uh-oh" over and over again.
4. Girlfriend loves Dora the Explorer and when we ask if she would like to watch Dora she answers, "Boots!" She is also a fan of, "Hi-youuuuuu." {Caillou, M.'s show}
5. When we say, "one" she will then say, "two." We say, "three" and she says, "four" and on up to ten that way. Sometimes we just let her keep going without saying what comes next and she gets it!
6. She pees in her pink potty pretty good throughout the morning. She now likes to hide under her clothes rack to go poop in her diaper. When she has pooped she immediately comes to find me and is saying "ewwwwwwwww" the whole time and "Stinkyyyy!" Attribute that to her brother M. who if he is around her when she poops he freaks out, finds me to tell me, "Sissy's STINKYYY, change her!! YUCK! I SMELL POOP!" Funniest thing ever, cracking up just thinking about it.
7. Sis was born a jumping bean. She loves to jump, in fact, at her 18 month shots her doctor said she shouldn't be able to do that unitl she was 2. She is really a little mini tigger, jumps everywhere and she can really stick her jumps like a gymnast. Amazes me everytime.

Wasn't worried a bit, stuck it like a champ!

8. Loves to gather random toys {blocks, dolls, shapes, M.'s cars, etc.} and squirrel them away in any of her 10 purses or baskets. She loves her little collections and freaks when you try to put them away.
9. Starting to align her toys in rows and organize things "just so." Loves to stack building blocks in towers and with the mega blocks she follows suit with M. and comes to find me singing, "appy, appy!" M. will build big towers and pretend it is my birthday cake and sing, "happy birthday" to me. Sis caught on and now joins in the fun with us. Such a quick learner, that sweet girl.
10. If Sis gets hurt or konks her head she starts saying, "Booooo-booooo" with her sad face and wants us to kiss where she got hurt. She likes to do this when she just gets a little hurt, too. So cute.

11. She will lay down with her pillow and pull her blanket all the way up to her face and say, "seep! seep!" {to pretend to go to SLEEP}
12. Incredibly, Sis just kind of "forgot" about her binky, pretty much on her own. Both boys had them til they were 3ish {oy}. Done with the bottle and binky, now just the diapers are left on the to-go list! Yay! That is accomplishment, thank you Sister Sue!
13. Loves gum. If you are chewing gum she will point at you and say, "Gum!" over and over and then will force her little finger into your mouth and try to grab it. funny girl. She undoubtedly will swallow it but does a great job at chewing on it {half piece} for a little while.
14. Is M.'s little shadow. Wants to do everything he's doing, go where he goes, and play with everything he is playing with. He is remarkably good with her for only being 3 1/2 and is actually very used to her presence. They will never remember life without each other and for that I am grateful.
15. Has learned how to interact with M. without stealing his toys and running for cover {anymore.} ha. Instead, she will still take his toy(s) but instantly hand them right back to him. Confused the heck out of M. when she first did it and I had to bite my tongue b/c I was about to ask her to give him back his toy in the "mom-tone." She also does this with my cell phone. At random she will have it and come find me and just hand it to me. I make sure I thank her happily each time so that she continues to give it to me and not play with it. {yesss for positive reinforcement. it works!}
16. Is very shy when she is around new, unfamiliar people. Rubs the heck out of her eyes or will cover her eyes and not move a muscle for a good while. Also, when she is kindly told, "no no" or is sad she will drop to the floor, face down, and pout like a cute little girl. So very different from our boys, a very sweet and tender different that we adore.

In one word: D e l i g h t f u l.

{ Her Royal Highness }

2010-12-14T19:11:00.000-05:00

{ the fitting }

Maryann the genius and the cute hired help

Presenting:

{Princess Cinderella}

I figured I better check Cinderella off the list while she still has her blonde locks because I'm sure more sooner than later she will be Belle and then end somewhere around Pocahontas or Jasmine!

{ Who Needs a Sticker Book }

2010-12-13T22:07:00.000-05:00

Not this cute kid!