Shining Star

I wanna rock right now!

2009-07-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

Dance Class

2009-07-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

Pretty, Smart, Talented, & a Soccer Star

2008-08-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone....just thought I would send this out to you.....you all know I am a proud Mommy! Bella scored a goal! Actually, a few....but who is counting! No, I am seriously shocked and very excited for her....especially since we spent the afternoon at the doctors and she had to have several allergy skin tests done. Still allergic to peanuts and many other things :-( Poor thing.....but she can play ball!

Kindergarten

2008-08-18T22:02:00.000-07:00

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Well....it is official! Bella is in Kindergarten right now as I type this email! She said she was a little scared, a little nervous, but also excited. Thankfully, her teacher was a pro and grabbed her as soon as she saw her and took her into class....she didn't even look back!

I was a total emotional freak last night. I just love my babies so much and I am so excited to see them reach all their milestones.....and as a parent, I know one of the most important things I can do for my children is to teach them to be equipped and confident enough to be able to venture out on their own.....this is the beginning of Bella's school life....she is on her way......and I am so excited, so proud....and just a wee bit overly emotional......a new beginning for her, marks a bit of an end as well....she is growing up....and I am so happy, I cant stop crying! Only a parent knows happy tears like these!

Some of you may be thinking, "it is only Kindergarten", but I honestly think that pretty much all we ever need to know, we learn there...not academically, but socially.....we are basically taught to be kind, to share, to have respect, how to honor ourselves & others, we are taught to take pride & ownership of our gifts & talents, we learn self confidence, etc. You know....all the stuff that builds character and strengthens our integrity.......I don't care what my kids end up doing in life, as long as they are happy, healthy, and not hurting others.

I just hope, pray and try my best to be the best Mommy....best Auntie.....best daycare provider for all of these precious little babies that spend time in our lives.

I have been thinking....

2008-07-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

how much I love my family. I cant get over how amazing each child is. Tyler, is the most polite, kind, thoughtful, young man. He is so smart. So sweet. Such a wonderful big brother. My girls are so lucky, to have someone like him, be their big brother. He plays with them without being asked. He listens to what they say. He remembers little things about each of their personalities.....he really loves them and looks after them.
Then there is Bella. She is so beautiful. Sometimes, I just watch her and the way her hair falls down in her face. Her eyes make my eyes, fill with tears. She is so smart. She is so sensitive. She is so curious. She is strong willed, independent, yet shy. She loves our family so much. She loves her Daddy. She is a very thoughtful, natural big sister. She protects them and explains what they want and need. I try not to take advantage of the fact that she is helpful. Sometimes, I have to remind myself that she is only 5. Often, she seems more like a little adult, here to help me run my daycare. She is fair. She is honest. She is a dreamer.
Then there is Violet. My goodness, Ms. Violet! She is gorgeous! Her dark, shiny hair.....her deep dark, big eyes. She too....melts my heart. Violet has always been slower at doing things, in comparison to Tyler and Bella. But, once she is ready for something....she has no fear. She used to seem shy, but is more outgoing than her two older siblings. She is social. She is happy. She is silly. She is full of spunk! She is a bit challenging at times right now. As she tests the boundaries, and then once she knows them, tries to push for more....but, she is fun to watch. She is so sassy. She makes total idle threats. "I am never going to play with you ever again"! She is such a middle sibling. She likes being bigger, but still craves the attention of being a baby. She is truly both. She is a big girl, who uses the potty....but who sucks her thumb and wants to cuddle in bed with me every night.
Last, but not least....is Layla Rose! She is just a tiny little person, full of big love! She is just a little star! She is so smart. She is just one of the kids, in her mind. It doesn't matter to her, that she isn't even 2, she will hang out with her big brother and sister, and laugh at everything they do and say.....and never let on, that she probably has no clue what is really going on! She loves to eat. She loves to dance. She LOVES to sing! She is our baby, yet she is very independent. She may or may not give you a kiss. She often wont look at you when you speak to her, but the smile on her face is indication enough that she does indeed hear you. She loves going places. She is love, happiness, and free....and is as pretty as a doll!

The reason I am writing this today is, I hate to admit....I already forget things. I forget when all the firsts were. I cant possibly remember every single amazing thing they all do or say. But, even though I have a bad memory, (or bad "memories" as Bella puts it!), nothing that has happened in my life with my children is lost forever. It is with me. It is very much a part of my heart and soul.
Nothing prepares you for motherhood. No matter how much we love our parents, our siblings, our family and friends. The greatness of the love I feel for my children...is not a word known....only something that can be experienced, never adequately described.
Which leads me to Nathan. It is in my nature to take things for granted. I am not romantic. I don't feel comfortable being nice all the time...it takes a lot of effort. With the kids, I am the most gentle I can be. With Nathan, family and friends, I am much more at peace and much more myself by being a smart ass. With that being said, I have to admit I am so thankful for Nathan. He is such a good man. Even though he smokes, and has crap all over my garage, I love him. He is totally cool to me. He gives me space. He doesn't guilt trip me. I can tell him anything and everything. He accepts me the way I am. Which means he has the ability to over look all my shortcomings. My fat, my body hair, my bad breath, etc. He has never looked at me with anything other than love. And then he always says the nicest things. If anyone compliments our children, he is the first to say it is because of me. When someone sees our house, he explains how I made it a home. Even last night, he told me without being mushy....and not because he did something wrong, that there is nothing that would ever compromise our union. That the possibility doesn't even exist. We are together, forever. And it was so heartwarming to have him say that so matter fact. I don't know....I guess, I am just saying I am lucky. I know nothing is perfect. I don't expect or want things to be. The way things are....in our little family unit...is exactly what I need!

Summertime, and the living is easy

2008-06-29T20:56:00.000-07:00

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School's out for Summer!

2008-06-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

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Bella Luna.....giving us a scare!

2008-04-07T20:25:00.001-07:00

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I am such a proud Mommy!

2008-02-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

I could have danced all night...

2008-02-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

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Most recent photo shoot!

2008-01-26T13:49:00.001-08:00

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Bella is 5! Violet is 3 her birthday is today! Layla is 1 1/2!

Baby Violet, Baby Violet, we love you, we love you

2008-01-21T18:47:00.000-08:00

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Can't stand how much I love these kids....just too perfect!

So much to say..............

2008-01-07T22:25:00.000-08:00

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I am a wreck right now. I am, and I'm not....I am definitely emotional and a bit overwhelmed. I use scrapbooking, blogs, and now this smilebox thing as a form of therapy. It allows me to make use of the pictures I take and write down my thoughts. I don't know if I annoy any of you by this, if I do, let me know and I will remove you from the list. I would hate to think of myself as one of those people who shares a bunch of lame details of my life with, if you aren't interested....but you know? This is our one shot. I know all of you and like and respect you enough to want to keep in touch with you, even if it is just through email messages....but, you know me....or you did.....and I want or need to let you know that right now I am scared and sad. Cage and Hunter will be taken into protective custody tomorrow while they are in my care. It's not just that I have watched one too many Lifetime Movie's to dread this! I have fallen in love with these boys. I never knew it was possible to love a child other than one that was naturally your own, but for me, it is possible. And I do. Because of Hunter's age, CPS moves things along a bit quicker. At this point, they are feeling the need to remove the boys from their grandmother's guardianship (which means my daycare as well). They are here tonight, as they often are.....we took them to pizza and you would think we were taking them to Disney World! They were so excited...they are so appreciative....they are so good....so innocent....and they deserve love, stability, security...and we can offer the love and stability but we cant commit to adoption....so they are going to be placed in a "Foster to Adopt" home. I never wished to win the lottery before for unselfish reasons! Nathan and I have had long talks about if we could do this or not....and as much as we would be willing to....we cant. We already have 3 children together, plus Tyler.....and not to many families nowadays have that many, let alone 2 more. We would seriously need to rent a larger home and buy a bigger car to accommodate that number. It just, is sad. I don't know how, we will all deal tomorrow....so....I will pray.....for me, the girls, and of course, for the boys....I cant imagine what they will be going through....and their Grandmother.....this is just such a reality and eye opening experience for me....I guess why I am sharing this with you all is to let you know the progress of the boys.....you all have known about them being with us, some of you have met them, many of you have offered food, clothing, gift cards, toys for them......so, I want to thank you all again. You all have helped by your support and concern. I have no doubt that Cage and Hunter know they are loved. I only hope they remember it and hold onto it. To a certain extent I believe their parents love them as well. As much as they can. And although it might not be enough for my standards, I recognize that we all have our own life experiences and challenges that mold and shape our life, beliefs, and value systems. Anyways, if any of you find yourselves in a financial, and emotional position to open your home to children in need....I highly recommend you do so. If you can share your life and love to someone who might not be able to get it at home.....do it! Children are such special gifts! Fortunately, our children wont know the hardships that Cage and Hunter have and continue to face. But I hope, they know.....how much they are loved. So, again I pray for strength....and if any of you don't believe in God, or aren't religious I don't care.....Nathan isn't either.....so I ask you, what I ask him to do......since you don't pray.....just send love....and positive thoughts and energy out into the universe and keep these little guys in your mind and heart. Hope they are placed in a home where their adjustment wont be so difficult.....that sounds stupid just writing it, so I will say, hope that their foster parents are patient, kind, and loving....and that one day, the boys believe that life, love, a home....can be a solid, regular, reliable things.....that they are wanted, loved, and appreciated. Cage and Hunter deserve nothing less.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

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I just love my kids, and my life!

Thanksgiving Vacation....

2007-11-25T17:10:00.000-08:00

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Not all pictures from our trip are in this slide show....but a few of the highlights are....that is what scrapbooks are for!

Bella's 5th Birthday Party!

2007-11-13T12:42:00.000-08:00

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Black Eye Alert!

2007-11-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

Our poor little Bella was skipping and fell straight into a metal bed frame. She cut her eye open, we took her to ER and she had her skin glued back together. She was so brave (thank goodness for her Daddy and me!). The entire staff at Kaiser fell in love with the little girl in her ballet clothes, and sparkle ballet slippers. I kept her home from school today because her eye is more swollen this morning then it was last night. I also think that all of us are sort of fighting off a cold, so I figured rest would be good. However, she has been skipping down the hallway all morning, reenacting for all my daycare kids how she hurt herself, and says she is home from school today because her mother didn't buy her a mask! She said she would need a mask in order to go to school because she doesn't look as beautiful (she doesn't want to let her fans down!). I know that might sound horrible for a little girl to say such a thing, but she says stuff like that in such a "matter of fact" way, it honestly doesn't come across sounding vain!

Anyways....I thought you would all like to see our little fallen dancer! Thank God it wasn't more serious!

Happy Halloween

2007-11-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

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The kids had so much fun going to visit their Dad at Altair. Dad played with Music Matt at VSP quarterly meeting. They won a contest for best VSP jingle. We are all very excited and proud. In the evening, I took the girls to church for the fall festival. Auntie RoseMary and her punks joined us. Charlie took Hope. Marcia took Hunter and Cage.....it was my day care, after hours!

Not much more to say...........

2007-10-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

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I have been wanting to give you all an update on the boys. We had them in our home for over a month. About a week and a half ago, we pulled the plug on them staying here full time, but I have been watching them during the day (for Dad to find a job, work, then he lost a job, and then to look for a job again). They have been staying at their Grandmother's one room apartment. I really wanted them to continue staying here over nights, but things had gotten a little sketchy with their Dad, so I agreed to continue to help the boys by watching them only when their Dad was looking or doing some sort of work.
This entire time I have been in contact with CPS to seek advice, direction, and to protect our family. I have also been in contact with "the boys" grandparents, since their Dad doesn't always seem to have the answers (or phone service).
This has been an emotionally charged roller coaster for all involved. This morning their Grandmother called me to confess that their father had not come home for two nights, she couldn't go to work today as a result, she cant get ahold of him, etc.
This is the type of drama Nathan and I were finding ourselves having to deal with when the boys were here full time. We couldn't allow it. So....long story short, I just got off the phone with CPS. First to start the paperwork to become a foster parent. Secondly, to open a file to have the professionals step in and access the situation.
My heart is literally aching for these boys right now.....and my stomach is in knots. But I am keeping my word to their father, grandparents, social worker, and for the promise I had made to do my best to protect and do what is right for these two precious little guys.....their parents need to hit the rock bottom they are choosing by living their lives in the selfish manner they are. I can not enable them to continue their self destructive ways and pick and chose when they want to play "Mommy and Daddy". And that is not meant to sound judgmental, it is the truth. God, I am just sick right now.
Anyways, I wanted to offer an update as promised. I was so hoping it would not be this. So, I am asking again....for you all to think of these little boys, and hope that the system is able to protect them better than their parents.....and if there is anyway possible for them to be placed back into our home after the investigation.....please pray to God, for this to happen. I cant even imagine them being gone. CPS has called about 5 times this morning.....they are most likely coming out today and it appears that they will be removed.

Bella's birthday party reminder.....

2007-10-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

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Girls Dedication

2007-10-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

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I love my girls more than anyone but another parent could imagine. They fill me with more joy, laughter and happiness, than I ever could have imagined. I just cant apologize for loving them the way I do.....I simply adore them!

A follow up email regarding the boys!

2007-10-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

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I wanted to give an update on our extended family! It has been almost a month now, that we have gone from a family of 5 (sometimes 6), to a family of 8! It has been an amazing, powerful, emotional experience. Nathan, Tyler, the girls and I have effortlessly found a place in our hearts for these two special little guys. Cage and Hunter are doing great. They listen, are well behaved, well mannered, and getting used to spending the night here. There is definitely a routine we have established which is obviously necessary with a household of our size.

Long story short, this weekend we were uncertain if we would lose the boys. CPS has been contacted and there is alot weighing on the boys father to make some major life changes. It is difficult and frustrating at times to deal with a man who holds these boys future in his hands, and his inability to think like the rest of us. I don't mean for that to offend, sound judgmental, or anything like that. For those of you who know me, you know I am a very open minded, accepting person. I know not everyone has the same life experience, and cant be expected to have the same values, wants and desires. Yet, being a Mom.....it makes my heart ache to think of these innocent children, who never asked to be born, getting placed into some sort of "program". They are so exceptional. They are so kind. So loving.....and all they ask in return is to have a safe and stable environment (that every child deserves!). So, we continue to practice patience and understanding, and personally, I have been praying day and night. I pray for the boys, my family, for patience and understanding when dealing with their father...I just pray he is able to step up and be the man he is required to be in order to escape his precious boys from going into foster care. This past weekend, I felt torn between helping the boys because I love them so deeply, but not wanting to enable someone who appears to not be the most responsible person.

Running a daycare and taking on these two extra full time children is easy believe it or not. At this point, I feel lost if I don't have a row of children following behind me! Yet, Nathan and I know we cant do this forever, especially if their Father isn't holding up his end of the deal. So, what I am asking from all of you is to pray, think positive thoughts, send some love out into the universe, whatever method you use to find peace, support, and encouragement and just keep all of us, the boys, their Dad in your hearts and (if you believe) prayers!

A thank you email to all our wonderful friends...

2007-09-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

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Ok.....I am simply overwhelmed by all of the kind thoughts, wishes, prayers, and support we have received. Nathan and I both are blown away. Without getting too sappy on you all....yesterday, I was so encouraged by the donations, the well wishes, the thoughtfulness that has been pouring in for these two amazing boys. When I first sent out the email, I had no idea the response it would generate. And I just have to thank you all a million times for being touched by these two little boys, that very few of you even know. We have received, gift cards, diapers, Halloween costumes, snacks, clothes, shoes.....just to name a few.....and I am just overcome with gratitude. It is fueling me and energizing me to do the very best I can for these little guys. I have to remind you all that what we are doing is not so special. Had any of you known these boys, and had them appear on your doorstep, you would have been compelled to do the same as us. It is no huge burden or sacrifice. We are lovingly and willingly opening our home to them because they are in need, and there was just no hesitation to offer a piece of our "peace" to them. Most of you know I work with children, and I have never even considered myself to be that great with them...but, I keep finding all of these "exceptions" and falling in love with all of these little faces, hearts, and souls....and so I sincerely thank each and everyone of you for helping me and Nathan give to these children in ways, we never could have on our own. In today's world, with all the negative news we hear.....I feel fortunate knowing so many wonderful, giving people! I will keep you all updated on the boys.....so far, they are missing their Daddy (right now he comes to visit them off and on when he is able)....and they are pretty confused about their Mother (who is not in the picture at all), but they feel safe and I am giving them tons of hugs and kisses! And Nathan, my sweet wonderful husband.....is an amazing father figure for them. He can comfort and reach them when I can't and he is just so loving and caring.....I am just blessed!

My Boys

2007-09-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

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This is the email I sent out regarding my boys....I love them so much!

Hello there everyone. Just wanted to send out a quick email to let you all know that Nathan and I have opened our home to two very special little boys. Due to unfortunate circumstances, and without getting into too much detail, these boys are homeless. They were going to be put into Foster Care, but their father couldn't handle the idea of his boys being taken away, so he came to us and asked if we could/would help. Their Dad is currently living in a van and trying to get a job. It may take sometime (as you can imagine) for him to get a job, and then find a place for him and the boys....so in the meantime, as long as he stays "on-track", we hope to continue having the boys with us. With that being said, if any of you are interested in donating any items such as diapers, wipes, wash, groceries...whatever, it would be much appreciated. Since they aren't in Foster Care, and we aren't Foster parents, we don't qualify for any type of assistance. Which is fine since we aren't doing this to make money (obviously), however, any thing you may be willing to contribute would be most appreciated. We do have plenty of clothes for the boys, so as far as that goes, we are good. Thank you so much for your consideration.

Love
Elisa

A note to Dad

2007-09-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

Baby Dedication

2007-09-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

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Marine World

2007-09-09T19:44:00.001-07:00

First Soccer Game

2007-09-07T22:18:00.000-07:00

New Beginnings

2007-09-04T16:14:00.001-07:00

TK.......here I come!

2007-09-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

I knew I was going to be a mess today.....I am so silly.
I mean, I am the one who wanted her to go to school forever now.....
and now that it is here,
I am happy and excited and nervous for her.
She has been so emotional lately. The other day we were watching High School Musical II and it was a scene where Gabriella and Troy were basically breaking up. I looked at her and she had tears in her eyes. I asked her if she was alright and she told me she was just really sad because of the song they were singing. She said she knew that Troy was really sad about what Gabriella was singing. So I explained that it was natural to feel sad when we read, or hear, or see something sad. It just means that we have compassion and in some ways prepares us for things that may happen in our lives. She just went with it and fully started to cry. But, she did not want me to turn off the movie....she wanted to experience it.
I was so proud of her, but my heart ached seeing her allowing herself to be so sad for these fictional characters. It gave me a glimpse of what she may have to deal with one day once she gets older and struggles in life with friends, teachers, and one day a partner.....we can love our children in a way that can not be described, just experienced......but we are not able to protect them from everything....and that is quite scary, but such a blessing to see how they deal with things on their own. I am fully crying right now. Little brat....she is probably picking her nose in class right now and here I am sobbing like a baby!

Happy Birthday Layla Rose

2007-08-19T20:34:00.000-07:00

My youngest daughter just turned one!
Someone described life as a parent as the days being long, with the years going fast. I completely relate to that statement.
It gets hard, trying to manage life and lives sometime. But....my God....
what a wonderful, beautiful family I have.
I try not to ever take for granted this time we all have.

Bella's First Soccer Practice

2007-08-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

As usual, I couldn't decide which picture to post....I limited it to three. She is beautiful and looked so precious out there in the field all dressed in pink and sparkles. We are so proud.

Why I shouldn't let Violet nap in my room......

2007-08-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

ohhhhh Violet!

Last post for the day......

2007-07-17T16:03:00.001-07:00

Have you EVER seen such a precious cat!?! My little "Meow".

Music Matt?????

2007-07-17T15:56:00.001-07:00

We love our Music Dad!

Bella really enjoyed the water.....

2007-07-17T15:48:00.001-07:00

She kept standing directly above the water, so the pressure of the water kept lifting her little swim suit skirt! She couldn't stop laughing!

Tyler's Birthday Celebration.....

2007-07-17T15:44:00.001-07:00

at the water park in Oroville! Fun in the sun!

Tyler's 10th Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-07-17T15:40:00.001-07:00

We had a blast with the cousins in Oroville....Thank you Noni and Papa! We love Camp Kingham!

Layla's First 4th......

2007-07-17T15:37:00.001-07:00

Not such a huge fan of the noise.....sister Violet, trying to comfort her....my sweet, sweet girls!

4th of July @Nonie's and Grandpapa's!

2007-07-17T15:30:00.001-07:00

Good times with family and friends!

Loving my cousins!

2007-07-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken on the last day of Bible Camp.

OK...she is 4 years old......

2007-07-09T21:03:00.001-07:00

and she can rock climb and rock a guitar!

Pure Country!

2007-07-09T21:01:00.001-07:00

Such a Daddy's Girl.

Happiness can be found.......

2007-07-09T20:59:00.001-07:00

on a tire swing in Oroville!

They say they are fishing.......

2007-07-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

but I know what is going on......they are bonding!

2007-06-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

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Can't forget Ty!!!!!

2007-06-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

We love this stinker too!

Happy Father's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-06-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

His pride and joy!

The kids made their first batch of chocolate, chocolate chunk ice cream......

2007-06-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

They ended up having to drink their ice cream because they all ran out time (& patience) in the cranking.....but they didn't seem to mind.

Ok.....he isnt my kid.....

2007-06-07T13:55:00.001-07:00

But my nephew is so handsome......I just love him to pieces. He is the most natural athlete I have ever seen. He is also a natural dancer.....and musician.....he is so hot!

One of the best things about getting older is.....

2007-06-07T13:51:00.001-07:00

the complete and total joy you allow yourself to feel over all your children's firsts. Even the most simple things, like a ride behind Papa's mower, is as memorable at this age as a trip to Disneyland. They loved the ride around Papa and Noni's bumpy acres. I know Nathan and I were both equally envious & happy for them!

Look who's walking!?!

2007-06-07T13:48:00.001-07:00

At the rate Layla is developing.....it is like I have twins with her and Violet! They are all so much fun......they are loves pure joy!

ok....this is a little out of focus but......

2007-06-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

Just look at this expression.....pure joy! All the girls are fascinated with their Dad's musical equipment. Perhaps, one day they will be living the dream!

When we were in Oroville Violet was killing me with this dog

2007-06-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

In this picture, she was laughing quietly to herself since she had made the dog walk into the wall! She thought it was so funny to make it keep walking, but it wasn't going anywhere! Violet is such a funny little thing. I love her to pieces!

ok.....here is the picture of Nathan I wanted 2 show off

2007-06-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

doesn't he look handsome!?!

This is out of order

2007-05-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

But.....I really wanted this picture posted. This is a picture of my sister's and I out for my birthday dinner in Washington. The food was good, the drinks were nice, and the company was wonderful!

Look at her in a boys hat!

2007-05-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

Someone got a hair cut!

2007-05-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

Looks like a fairy......but she is a piece of work!

2007-05-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

Isn't she lovely!?!

2007-05-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday.....with all the punks (minus Ewan & Sofia that is!)

2007-05-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

Bella insisted I take this picture.....She knew what she was talkin' bout'

2007-05-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

Violet was amazed by the whole egg dying process!

2007-05-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

Suri Cruise has nothing on this kid!

2007-05-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

Bella's First Playdate

2007-03-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

After being in a summer program at Creative Frontiers, Bella has not been able to get over her friend Harley. So we finally arranged a play date and I am happy to report, it was a success. It is awesome because as strange luck would have it, Harley is the daughter of Hillary (who lived next door to my family when we were little)...so her parents and my parents still have dinner together and now their grand kids are choosing to be friends just as we had all those years ago....what a long strange trip it's been!

Violet Olivia.....

2007-03-23T18:02:00.000-07:00

This little girl is too cute for words.
So....she doesn't talk much....but there are no words to describe her beauty....
so, she just "is".....my little "zen" baby!

She's a little bit country...

2007-03-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

See....you can be both a beauty and a tree huggin hottie!!!
Bella and the lizard!

Tyler caught a lizard at Noni and Papas

2007-03-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Tyler caught a lizard Saturday morning in Oroville on his grandparents deck....him and Bella took turns holding it....Violet was very freaked out by it all...and eventually its tail fell off....but it was very entertaining and educational while it lasted!

Layla Rose....she is spunky too

2007-03-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

I love my babies with all my heart....look at this little angel baby....could she be any cuter!?!

Tyler and Belle

2007-03-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

Tyler got over his initial shyness and was more than happy to have his picture taken with Belle!

Bella and Ariel

2007-03-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

When we were in Disneyland we had lunch at Ariel's Grotto.....there Tyler and Bella met Ariel, Snow White, Briar Rose, Jasmine, and Belle.....it was a magical experience for all!

My Family

2007-03-18T19:38:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of us down south visiting Auntie Bethany and Uncle Mark over Thanksgiving. We had such a wonderful time. We packed alot into the trip. Nathan drove us down south all night, while the kids slept (for the most part), and I drifted in and out of sleep. We went to the beach, Disneyland, and saw my Aunt Jolly & Uncle Tom too. My cousin Christina, her husband Chris, and their kids Jessica and Robert, watched Layla, and Violet for us. We all had so much fun.....if only we could do it again sometime soon!

Bella's 4th Birthday

2006-12-19T20:46:00.000-08:00

I still cant believe it is even possible that my Baby is 4 years old. It is such a trip to watch this little girl whom I have known since conception, develop, explore, learn, grow a little bit everyday. Sometimes the days seem so long being a Mom. There is always so much to do....so much to plan...and then you catch a glimpse....an expression, a look, a laugh, a song, a dance....you witness a spark in their eye when they imagine.....and it quite simply warms my heart. She is still young enough to believe and to dream....and it reminds me of the hope that we all once had, when we too were young.....and it makes me want nothing but love, health, success, and happiness for all of my children always......