It was such a treat to have Grandma come visit for Sarah's Birthday! After picking-up Rixa at the airport we stopped at Build-a-Bear. This was Sarah's first time and she picked out a very soft pink bear. We call the pink bear "Princess Pink." Grandma and Colton showed Sarah how to groom and dress her bear.
After getting her bear, Sarah insisted on pushing Princess pink in the stroller, instead of Sarah riding. And Colton was extactic about the superhero costumes for his animals at home.

The kids then got the treat of all times of riding on the carousel. What fun the kids were having with Grandma.

Sarah's Birthday is brought to you by . . . .

the letter S and . . . the number 2!!

Sarah had a Sesame street Birthday party with family and friends and a special guest cake, Zoe, Elmo's best friend. She woke up just in time to greet her guests and was ready to eat and play.
We were so excited to have everyone come and join us to celebrate Sarah's 2nd Birthday.
Sarah's best friend, Lauren, also known as LoLo, came to play. They have a lot in common, both love babies, purses and phones, not too mention, they both have to deal with big brothers
Some of Sarah's other friends from church came too, the twins, Ethan and Jeron, and Gavin and his family. Everyone enjoyed playing with toys, doing a craft and eating.

Then came the most exciting part of any party for kids, present time. I think the givers were just as, if not more, excited than Sarah. But Sarah had lots of fun opening the gifts and playing with her new toys.

When we sang "Happy Birthday" to Sarah, she had a look of question, wondering why everyone was singing to her.

Her big brother was right there to help her blow out her candles. She actually did a good job and waited eagerly for her cake to enjoy. Sarah has a real sweet tooth and LOVES cake and ice cream, especially ice cream.

Everyone not only Sarah enjoyed the cake and ice cream with a smile.

The remainder of the party was spent playing with toys and the adults enjoyed socializing.

Sarah had a great party and we loved having our friends and family celebrate with us.

Happy 2nd Birthday Sarah!!

Jay's Birthday

Jay is officially another year older. We had a great time celebrating his Birthday!! Colton and Sarah searched out the "Right" book at Borders to give to Jay as a present and then we picked out his favorite treats to go with it.
The kids helped pick out the gift bag, more so Colton's choice than Sarah's. And as you can tell they helped open the gift as well.
Sarah learned to sing "Happy Birthday, Daddy" just in time for Jay's Birthday.

Then Sunday night we had a couple families come over for Sunday dinner in recognition of Jay's birthday. We did not do a formal party because it was Sunday. But we had cake, candles and ice cream and enjoyed the company.

I know Jay likes things low key but I think he really enjoyed the weekend. We had fun celebrating his birthday and what a great father, husband, friend and man he is to all of us.

Happy Birthday Jay!!

SNOW TIME

With all the wonderful rain we have received in the valley, we figured there would be great snow in the mountains. So Presidents day we adventured out heading Northeast on California highways toward some of the snow parks we read about. The weather was not ideal for a drive. It was raining hard and blowing even hard. We thought about turning around but we were hopeful the weather was only cloudy in the mountains, since that was the weather report. When are weather reports correct? But anyhow we put on chains at about 10miles out and furthered the trek. It was snowing pretty good but that made it even more adventurous. Once all dressed and bundled, and out of the car, the kids were extactic about the adventure. Ready to play hard and have fun!!

Colton doesn't like to adventure into the white unknown without his goggles, which are HUGE! The snow was perfect for snowmen, good and wet and compacted really well.

We had no idea how deep the snow was until we were official in it and as you can see where people had made paths the snow goes almost up to Sarah's shoulder. When Jay and I stepped in the fresh snow it went up to at least above our knees.

Sarah adored the toddler snowman and kept giving it hugs. She is very loving.

Colton was very proud of his snowman buddy!!

It was a fantastic day and lots of fun. It had been sometime since we had gone on an adventure here in California. I love going on short road trips that result in JOY and memories as a family. These are the Treasured moments of Family!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! Sweet, sweet kids enjoying their sweets cake for Valentine's day, made with lots of LOVE!
Colton Loves his sister Sarah!! and they love to match. Thank goodness Colton doesn't insist on a red bow too. But I have to admit they do look cute together!

We hope that everyone had a wonderful Valentines. We love you all and think of you often.

So CUTE!!

I love catching those Sundays when the kids are all dressed up and look too CUTE for words. These are my kids and I am so proud of them, everyday and moment. There are days that are a real struggle, as a mom. The job is so demanding and requires lots of patience, organization and energy. And lately I admit with Colton, 5, and Sarah, 2, some days I could do better. But I love my children with all my heart, I do my very best at being a good mother and I would not take another job if someone paid me.

We as a family are so very, very blessed that during these times of economic hardships that I am able to stay home with our children. The Lord certainly watches over our home.

A Brother and Sister Who Love One Another

I treasure these moments when the house is quite and Colton and Sarah are enjoying one another. They truly do love each other and enjoy spending time together. Colton and Sarah are cuddled up in Colton's bed watching the portable DVD player. Colton was sweet enough to let Sarah hold the player.
Another precious moment for the kids is coloring together in the kitchen. Sarah is a HUGE fan of coloring and Sarah takes every moment possible to color. She is current banned from markers because we are learning the limits of coloring.

The coloring activity spreads across vast area, never a small activity. But is any activity that ths kids do small, clean or not a mess to clean up, not in our house. But it is wonderful for the kids to use there creativity and be little artists.

Colton is our resident artist. We have his art work posted on almost ever bedroom door. He loves drawing superheroes and Power Rangers. His coloring skills are really developing and I have such a hard getting rid of any of his creations.

Here is another moment when Colton and Sarah were having a blast in the homemade tent in Colton's room. Who knew a few blankets around the room would be so fun!!

It brings joy to my heart to see my children play together and enjoy one another. I want my children to have that connection that they always know they are there for one another.