Family Pictures!!!!

Pictures are easier to view if you click on the photo and then you will see a bigger version of the photos in a slideshow.

It took a while for the photographer to give us the final edits, but it was worth the wait.  She did a good job and got great photos of the girls.  Lulu was 10 months and Hannah just turned 5 when these were taken.

December???

I can't believe how this month has flown on by!  I feel like a split second has past from December 1st to now.  Between decorating my house, making presents, wrapping presents and last but not least all holiday related activities I'm still trying to catch my breath and my sleep.  None of the less, it's been a fantastic month thus far.  Hannah's dance class had the privilege to perform at the Buda-fest (a small town near us) this past Saturday.  It was freezing that day, but she still wanted to be part of the parade before her performance.  I didn't think anyone would show up early for the parade, but I was wrong!  There were a ton of people and we dropped her off in the nic of time.  She quickly jumped in back of a trailer along with the other girls and the truck took off with the dance crew.  Following the the dance performance is Hannah's Christmas performance at school.  She sang her little heart out- we were all surprised, you can even hear her from the back of the church! 

Below are videos of her performances:

Hannah is 4th from the left.

                                         

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....

This will be our second winter in Texas and I got to admit, winter in Texas is boring.  So, thank God it's one of the shortest seasons!  The only perk of Texas winter is that you could still wear flip flops and a t-shirt for half of the "cold" season. I miss the snow- I feel like snow completes the Christmas feel & overall winter experience.  I miss watching the snow fall down and to see the concrete on the sidewalks and driveways disappear right before your eyes.  However, like most Utahan's I was tired of the snow by the third month into it, especially when it was still snowing in May!  Year after year I was so frustrated that Utah winter was pushing right through Spring, which is one of my favorite seasons.  As we were still putting on our winter jackets & snow boots the rest of the country was putting their winter clothes away and enjoying the bright flowers and warm sun.  I think it would be cool to have California weather for Spring & Utah snow just for December & Januaray and Fall in Texas just rocks, so I wouldn't change fall at all!

Almost anybody would say the current state they live in has 4 distinct seasons.  I even googled it and there is no straight answer.  I have heard that a lot of the east coast states do like Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire & Massachusetts. 

Take a look at these photos of Connecticut.  Why travel the world, when there is so much beauty in our country.  This state is on my bucket list to visit along with many east coast states.




 


 That's New Haven



Tis the season to be jolly....

It used to be the anticipation of gift giving and receiving presents and the decorations that put me in the holiday spirit.  This year, it's Hannah being paranoid about being on the "naughty list" and Peppermint Mocha & Creme Brulee at Starbucks!!  Hannah trying to be extra good is just a perk, but really, everything gets me in the spirit- it's my favorite holiday.  I love all the cheesy and old Christmas songs played on the radio non-stop- it totally brightens my day.  I also love visiting every park that is decked out with lights and driving around neighborhoods to check out the houses.  Even though the malls are a mad house during December, I like going in and seeing how the stores and the mall itself decorated for this season. 

Christmas is a fun holiday for sure, but it can be tricky to stay focused on the real meaning of CHRISTmas.  When I was little my parents had presents from Santa and would threaten me too about no presents if I'm bad, but my mom always said- Jesus is the reason for this Season.  The manger under our Christmas tree was big and beautiful, definitely the focal point of our tree.  On Christmas Eve, our family would sit around the tree and my sister would read out of Luke 2:8- Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.  While she was reading that verse, I would walk in with baby Jesus wrapped in cloths and I laid him in his manger.  Michelle continued to read from Luke 2 and we would all pray and give thanks to our Lord. 

We followed that tradition until I got married and moved to Texas.  It has been almost 9 years since I've seen that manger- over those 9 years we have spend Christmas in different places and I have missed reading that passage and bringing out baby Jesus on Christmas Eve.  This year, I can't wait to do that all over again and the best part is that Hannah is learning from school that Christmas is about Jesus- celebrating his birth. 

A child's perspective

I read on baby center that the best thing about your 5 year old child is they speak their mind and it's the age where you can practically know what they're thinking all the time.  Definitely true, Hannah is constantly asking questions and talking all day long.  I feel guilty at times because I put a stop to her questions when I just had enough!  Other times, I just can't help but laugh, but a 5 year old's brain is always ON, even when you think they're not listening!  I felt like I needed to record some of her questions and remarks before I forget so one day we can go back and read them together!

Top 10 favorite questions:

1. Can Abuelita (my mom), I mean, can old people get tattoos?

2. My teachers say I'm stylish b/c my mom is stylish- will you ever get old?  How old are you mom?  Are you older than my teachers?  Are you stylish b/c you wear makeup? 

3.  Why do the some people who sing songs have nice voices and some songs sound ugly?  That particular day I was jamming to Rage against the Machine on our way to school.  She does not like alternative music at all!  Most of the time she makes me change the station to pop.

4. Why can't I have a milk shake everyday???  Is today a special day?  I've been good- can we stop and get a milk shake? 

5.  Mom, can you turn on the tv?  I won't eat all my food if you do.  My response:  Well, in that case I definitely won't turn on the tv.  Hannah says, I meant, I'll give you your money back if you do.  I say, What???  You have my money?  She just laughs and thinks hard and comes back saying, ok, if you turn on the tv I'll stop asking you to turn on the tv!

6.  As I'm laying on the couch Hannah asks me, why do you exercise all the time?  Mom, your tummy is soft, it looks like you have a little baby in your tummy.  I laugh and reply:  That is why I exercise, so that I don't have a soft tummy!  Her response- then you won't have a tummy at all.  It's ok mom, I like your tummy, I'm just kidding about the baby in your tummy!

7.  Mom, you forgot to pack my water bottle AGAIN!  My response:  Why didn't you remind me, I didn't think you needed a water bottle for the playground now that it's cooled off.  She says:  I was SO thirsty and I had to stop playing- you should have remembered, it's your job!

8.  Why is my hair always SO crazy?  I just want it short like the other girls- can you cut my hair short (pointing to her chin)?  I'm always so hot and I think it's my hair- does everyone who have curly hair have crazy  (pointing to the friz)  and big hair get hot like me?

9.  Mom, are you in charge at work?  I told her yes and so is Abuelita- We are the boss.  So does that mean I'm the boss?  When can we go to the restaurant (has a huge grin on her face)?

10.  Do you wish to be a mermaid?  I told her, yeah, I think it would be pretty cool to swim under water all day with all the sea animals. Hannah:  I really, really wish I can be mermaid- do you think God will ever make me a mermaid, even if it's just for one day?  Will I marry a prince?  I told her, yeah, you deserve a prince- he may not look like Prince Erik (from the Little Mermaid) or the prince who rescues Snow White, Briar Rose or Cinderella, but I'm sure you'll marry a handsome young man who treats you like a princess.  Hannah:  Yeah, I don't want to marry a beast (referring to Beauty & the Beast) I want to marry dad.  Can I marry dad?

I foresee a fun year ahead with Hannah's humorous questions and sincerety of how everything works.  I think she feels a gerat sense of responsibilty being the big sister!  Lulu has a bad gag reflix- she always makes the choking sound when she's eating or drinking her bottle.  Regardless if she is actually choking or not, my heart stops & I begin to panic (my face turns white, I drop whatever is in my hands and run to her high-chair).  Miss smarty pants tells me- Mom, just calm down, calm down, she's ok, she's ok- Lulu is not choking.  Are you ok mom?  I told you Lulu is fine (shaking her head side to side- just like her dad) she just had something stuck!  Don't be scared mom, I'm here, Lulu's ok- are you ok (hugging me with this sympathy look)??? 
I think she will always remember those "choking" incidents b/c I definitely forget to be the brave mom and the mom who rescues the day.  I show complete fear and vulnerability.  Thankfully, she doesn't freak out- she actually helps me to stay calm because she is coaching me to be strong and calm down.  This child is amazing and that strong trait comes from her dad.  She has witnessed Gabe calmingly grab Lulu and pat her back when she was really choking.  Hannah is always on the look out for small things on the ground and picks them up and tells me- I found something that Lulu might choke on, but it's ok mom, I put in the trash- you don't have to worry. 

Here are some recent photos of my BIG 5yr old:

In the middle of asking a question, lol!

Count your blessings

The month of December use to be my ultimate favorite holiday month, but this year I am loving November!  2011 has been a year of reflection for me- I don't ever let a day pass by without thanking God for another day of life.  So much has happened this year, starting it off with the birth of Madeline Quinn.  Then, unfortunately, in the middle of the year, my dad and cousin passed away and many close people to me suffering from a life threatening illness.  I have always realized how fortunate I was, but always wished I had more or had the what ifs re-play in my head.  So, was I really thankful for everything- the good & the bad?  I have learned so much with my walk with God- to be thankful for everything  and to not take my blessings for granted.  November is the month of gratitude, the month of great food and pretty fall decorations.  It's great to hear what others are thankful for and it's great that our country has a dedicated a day to pause and give thanks for what we have.

My list for what I'm thankful for (to be completed before the end of the month)

1. My husband.  He is a great father & life partner
2. My daughters.  They make me the happiest mother on earth!
3. My parents, who are awesome grandparents and role models for me
4. My grandma.  She has 89 years of knowledgeable advise about everything!
5. My sister who is my best friend. 
6. Seasonal foods & beverages, such as: Pumpkin pie, egg nog, peppermint bark, seasonal Starbucks coffee
7. American troops-veterans and active military
8. Technology- cell phones, digital cameras, computers, internet, dvr, Apple products, etc
9. Gabe's job- Hey, it pays the bills!
10.  My dogs of almost 9 yrs- they drive me crazy, but I love them & they have been around as long as my marriage, our moves, the birth of our children- these dogs are our 4 legged children!
11. Friendships
12. Playdates
13. Convenient appliances, such as: dishwashers, food processors & toaster ovens
14. Our restaurant- I can work around Hannah's school schedule
15. My daughter's other set of grandparents.  They are lucky to have two sets of grandparents (from their daddy's side) who love them SO much & give me a break whenever they are town and take Hannah for the day
16. Crafts- the embellishments, glitter, stickers, the Cricut, I can go on forever....
17.  Nice parks that are maintained and paved that also have playscapes and swings
18. God's daily blessings
19. For my home- I love being outside of the city on 12 acre land with lots of big trees
20. Good health
21. Hannah's pre-school program- I love how it's Christian base & how much she has learned
22. Being able to stay home with my girls- hard work, but also the best feeling to see them explore day to day and spend time with them.
23. Seasons- Fall, Winter, Spring & Summer.  Each season is beautiful and I'm glad that we got to experience the snow for 3 1/2 yrs- I loved to watch the snow fall, it was so peaceful
24.  Thankful for today, that everyone is off and ready to enjoy good company and a good meal
25. Family- I am so blessed to have a big family- near and far they are loved
26. Black Friday specials =)
27. The hard rain fall we had this week and for the warm sun we have each day
28. Good medicine and wise health professional
29. Smells- I love when a certain scent takes you back to a meaningful memory
30. Living in Texas- it's nice to be back!

This is what I am SO thankful for- daughter #2

Lulu's 9 month photos.  Hannah wore the same dress and same props (the apples) when she was 9 months as well.

 

Following Traditions

Although Hannah had her big shin-dig a week before her birthday, we still followed birthday traditions on her special day.  We started Thursday, Oct 27 by waking up super early to sing "Happy Birthday."  As Gabe, my mom & I sang, I remembered how I looked forward to be serenaded on my birthday by my family.  No matter how old I was getting and how "cool" I thought I was in high school I pretended to be asleep while I heard my mom shove tissue paper in a birthday bag and my grandma whispering (she doesn't know how to whisper- she would still talk in her normal voice) "are we ready to go in?"  As soon as I heard my grandma's voice I would quickly put the blanket over my head to block off the bright light (my birthday is after day light savings, so it's always dark outside). I would try so hard not to laugh as they were singing their heart out and everyone rubbing their eyes and squinting because of the bright ceiling light!

The wake up serenade on my birthday was and still is the highlight of my day.  The most memorable birthday singing was when I was little. My dad sang the loudest with his heavy accent starting it off with Haaaapy Birrrrrrrthday to jou.....and then my grandma sang it in Spanglish and my mom, sister and cousins sang it in perfect English, lol!

The first year I got married I sang happy birthday early in the morning to Gabe and I felt pretty darn stupid- I didn't have any back up singers and he just didn't really understand why I was making a big deal out of his birthday and more importantly why I was waking him up!  He always said, birthdays & holidays are over-rated- "it's just an ordinary day for me"!  I thought to myself, well, not for me, so you better make it a special day for me & serenate me!!! A couple of years later, I had to explain how important my family tradition was to me and it's not about the gifts, it's about the serenade and feeling special, darn it!  Is singing to me too much to ask??!!

Even though Hannah thought her birthday celebration ended last weekend she was pleasantly surprised to the early morning singing and presents to open on her birthday :0)  That evening, a small town near us had a Halloween festival and trick or treating.  She was thrilled to do that on her birthday and we had cake and ice cream at Chili's!

Hannah, always trying to scare Lulu!

At Boo-da Halloween

Cute matching outfits ;)

Both outfits glow in the dark- the black and white photo shows the glowing skeletons!

Family pict!!!!  Lovin on my birthday girl.

Cake looks good, but she wasn't looking at that.  She was looking at the the group of 6 Chili's staff singing to her.

Doesn't know what to think.....

Happy!  She told us later that was LOUD!

Miss Smiley now that we are at home.

Hannah's birthday bash!!

Candyland birthday party it was!  I had a blast planning this party, it was just what I always wanted, lol!  Gabe always says I am re-living my childhood through my girls.  Its so true- I get just as excited for birthday parties and presents as Hannah =) 

This cool idea all started two months ago when I asked her if she's having another princess birthday party.  When she paused and started looking at the ceiling I thought.....bam this is my moment to put out different ideas!!  So, I suggested board games she liked to play & tv shows.  It was so neat to see her face light up and say- MOM, how about a canyland party like the game board!!!  That night, I became Martha Stewart and started working away in my craft room making each invitation, lollipops, centerpieces and cupcake cut outs for the kids to decorate!  I saved a ton of money making everything myself & most of all I had a blast doing it.  Hannah did a lot of the undercover work- she painted each lollipop with the red base and glued a lot of the foam lollipops and worked with tape and scissors (what kid doesn't like cutting things and taping it up??!!)

TIME FOR THE FIRST VIDEO:

Then next couple of photos are of the centerpieces I made.  My sister in law made Hannah's cake & it came out exactly how I wanted it & best of all it tasted so good.  We barely had left overs, lol!

Another poster my employee made.

The center lollipops have gumdrops glued to it.  Next to the lollipops are the cupcakes for the kids to decorate

Cake Time!!

Look at Hannah's face......

That's a gigantic doll house that she spotted!  Over 4 feet tall- totally surprised and excited :)  This grand present is from both set of grandparents & Gabe & I. 

She filled it up with furniture and started playing with that night!  Ok, I'll admit that I jumped in and played too ;)
I was so bummed because I didn't capture a picture of Hannah & lulu wearing matching skirts & shirts.  Hannah's shirt has an ice cream cone that says Sweetie and Lulu's shirt is a cupcake.  Here is a good shot of Lulu's:

I had to add this photo of my baby....don't you just want to squeeze these chubby cheeks!!!  This was taken at the end of the night right before bed. 

Goodnight everyone.  Now it's time to plan another party ;)