Henry!!!

ACK!!!  I forget every upload to go backwards...this is Henry now.

This is Henry the day after we brought him home.

Oregon for Turkey Day.

I took about ten pictures of the kids, I like this one of Gracie the best...on the last couple, not posted here Charlie is walking away like, "oh forget this!"

Look at Charlie!  HEHE

Neat!  We are Lake of the Woods in all of these photos.

Skipping stones!

Mt Shasta, amazing!!!  One of the tallest mountains in the US.

Kids and Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving with Ilissa and Tina too!  I LOVE this picture of Jude!

Sunset

I took these pictures on the side of the road on the way home from Gilroy.  Straight out of the camera, pretty nice huh?  Farmland and ocean...so excellent!

Again, more pictures.

Are we having fun yet?

Sweetie.

Learning to walk.

This happened moments after the next picture, all of the pictures are loading backwards...

This happened first.  Two seconds later the other photo happened.

Random Moments

This must have seemed like a good idea at the time!

Art project!

Playing with Papa!!!

2 of the 4 attempts to get a good picture of the children.

Fall Fun

This was back at the end of October.  We had a lot of fun feeding goats, riding on bikes and doing a corn maze...this is just a bit of the excitment out in the HEAT!

Butterflies

Butterflies migrate through this area starting now and going through February. We went one morning with my dear neighbor Tina--seen here in the pictures and another friend. Gracie loved holding the Monarchs and I hope to have better pictures with thousands soon!!!

EarthBound Farms

This is a wonderful little organic farm (nationally known with many farms throughout our amazing country) about 15 miles from the house with a FARM STAND!! Next year I plan to spend MANY Saturdays there with the kids. These pictures were taken at the Fall Festival.

Haircuts

These first pictures don't do full justice of how cute they look--especially Jude. You'll see in future posts. They went from 70's kings to respectable little boys;)

Jude's 1st Birthday Part 2

Cake eating. It's an enjoyable thing.

Happy 1st Birthday Jude Part 1

We enjoyed a nice evening with friends for his first celebration. He seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself. Sorry about the red eye...I'll fix it one day.

Jude

My baby with TERRIBLE hair. I'm sorry Jude, I take full responsibility for it. I've fixed it now and the 'public seems to like it! Pictures to be shown later...

Yosemite September 2008

So, these pictures are priceless to me. After a LONG hike in Yosemites late summer heat and a couple of bottles of Gatorade later--check Charlie--this is what the kids looked like :) Gracie had that stick in her shoe. Jude was soooo happy to be out of the backpack! We celebrated with showers and a fire that night.

Yosemite September 2008

Beautiful scenery, no electronics, or household ammenities. :( It's a lot of fun, but a lot of work to bring the three little ones. Camping isn't what it used to be!!!

Gracie's Birthday (2 months ago. good golly)

I always plan to keep up with this blog, and as always I never seem to be able to. I just wrote the whole 'blog' story and then I erased it...so enjoy the pictures for tonight.

Favorite Things

My Sister-in-Law started a My Favorite Things last week, I'm copying this week....
I read a book this morning to my children (a gift from the same person as above, her blog is Joyful Praise)
As I was saying, I read the book All The Places To Love by MacLachlan(author)/Wimmer(illistrator). The writing is precious and the paintings are wonderful.
I can't help it I cry and or choke back tears EVERY TIME I read this book. Go buy it or find it at your local library!!!

Is it Love?

Gracie asked for this cake for her 4th birthday. I would have done anything for her since Jason was on deployment. At the last minute she asked for this Shamu cake! Woohoo. I haven't been as fortunate this year. This is THE CAKE. Six layers, 250+ flowers, turrets...the list goes on. I have three nights to do frosting, flowers and bake the cake...wish me luck. I've procrastinated as long as possible in hopes for another bailout see the easiest cake ever. (I just had to make another link, the yearning for simplicity!)
What I won't do for that girl. I think I love her!
Wish me luck!!!

Box Tops.

For years I have put off collecting Box Tops off of EVERYTHING, from diapers, Ziploc bags, snack boxes, cereal boxes, Campbell's soup labels, the list goes on. I think as a society we should do all we can to help some poor communities (or your child's school.) Our government wastes billions while so many American children sit in spaces that they should never be exposed to. While I am homeschooling my children, it may not directly affect my family. However, something needs to be done to help these communities and there is a simple FREE solution that goes in our trash or recycling daily.
Box Tops don't expire for a couple of years, they don't take up much space and my solution is to take a Ziploc baggie and put them in. Every year or so you could donate them to a school you think needs it the most!

I started two weeks ago and already have found in my house 25 Tops...Spread the love people.

Let's Not.

At snack time today:

Mom, let's make Jude a big brother.

Hahahahhaaaaa.

Twins?!

Here I am and here She is. Wow.

Sayings

Mom did you know later IS today?
Tomorrow is tomorrow.
How many more days until my birthday?

9 (me)

I know, then I'll be five.
I'm younger than you.

I know, you'll always be younger than me.

I'm younger than Papa too.

You'll always be younger than Papa too.

I want a baby sister.

AHHH, HAAAA. HAAAA.

Family Fun 1

Sorry Jason...this was just such a funny picture:) I had to share! This picture was taken at Gilroy Gardens when our friends came up from San Diego.

Yayyy, ice cream!!!

Brown eyes. Happy hiking.
I'm cute!

Family Fun 2

Jude at the Monterey Children's Museum.
Firefighter Charlie.
Pickin' berries.
Best Friends Forever :)
Waiting for Gracie.

Updated pictures.

Since my mom said she was going to look up the blog, I thought I'd better put up some new photos! I just took them, Jude was crying, Charlie was tired and Gracie, she's just plain ol' cute.

I'll try to find some more from recently!

Growing Up

My Baby now stands at furniture, feeds himself, swings, crawls around like a mad man, watches everything that goes on around him and I can't get enough of him. I love my Jude. Mr. Blue eyes junior. Judealicious.

My baby is now 9 months.

Bed Hog

Deuce

We went to the SPCA to find us a pet. They gave us a Dog but she became too Naughty, we sent her back. So we thought very hard and they gave us two kittens, they were perfect, we kept them. The black one is Gracie's, her name is Gidget (2 1/2 months) and she is a pouncer and chaser! Tiger (3 1/2 months), Charlie's cat on the other hand is the EXACT opposite. He is a lazy cat, he won't bat a paw at anything to even play with you! But he LOOOOVES to beg, it is unreal! Tiger has a scratch on his nose from rubbing it on the bars of his cage. Poor boy!

Seeing 'Old' Friends

Over the 4th of July weekend we went to see some of our best friends! We had blast!!! The girls seemed as though they hadn't missed a day in seeing one another. Thank you friends for a wonderful trip, we can't wait to see you again soon!!!

Forever.

It has been too long since I've last updated this blog. Then I think what have we done worth 'blogging' about? Which leads me to just wait until a rainy day...it doesn't rain much here but it was misting this morning so I guess that'll have to do!
Now for something to write about!
I'll post pictures soon!

No Relation.

Gracie, Charlie and myself were just eating graham crackers when I remembered I had left over chocolate fondue. I thought, what would go better with a graham cracker than CHOCOLATE? So, I helped myself. I asked Gracie if she would like some. 'No, I don't want any chocolate right now.' Who's child are you and where is my girl?!
She's NUTS!

Question of the Day

At the zoo the other day Gracie asked Mom, may I have some more dried FLAMINGO?

This caught my attention. What?!

CAN I HAVE SOME MORE DRIED FLAMINGO?

Being the GREAT mother that I am deciphered the lingo...Ohhhh, dried MANGO.

Yes, dried mango.

This only happened two more times that day. Only 9 people gave me the evil eye.

Question of the Day

This is a conversation that I've had with Gracie every day this past week. The first day I was confused, now I just think it's funny.

"Mom, can I have a fruit punch?"

"A fruit punch? Fruit punch? We don't have any fruit punch."

"Can I have a punch fruit?"

"Sweetie, I have NO idea what you're talking about."

"Mom, what we bought at the store the other day, with the apples."

"Ohhhhhhhh, a GRAPEFRUIT"

"Yeahhhhh, a grapefruit."

Question of the Day

Gracie: Mom, do you know where my other Cinderella shoe is? I lost it.

My Baby

I love this shot...and his milk lips!

Okay so this isn't the best picture, but at least he's smiling. Please excuse the hair! He can't help it!

Joshua Tree

This is a Joshua Tree...tadaaa

Guess what this is??!!?? Yep, Skull Rock

And this? Bet you can't guess...a TREE!!! I like this picture, it's in Hidden Valley.

This picture is a great overall picture of what part of the park looks like.

Ahhhh, a view!!!...us West Coast GUYs!

Don't Smile (You might look cute!)

Cookies

Gracie and I made Snickerdoodles for Christmas, she rolled the dough into logs, cut the pieces-after I marked where, rolled the pieces into balls, and put the balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture!! I can't wait until she can do the clean up as well!!!!!!! I'm sorry there is not an after picture...sadly they were eaten too quickly.

Gracie Speak

I've been listening in on Jason and Gracie lately and here are a couple of conversations I've heard...#1
Gracie: What the HECK? (heck is high pitched and squeaky)
Jason: Gracie, please don't say what the heck.
Gracie: But Papa, I only say what the heck when Jude is like, What the HECK?!

#2
Jason: Gracie, you can't pick up the golf clubs because Charlie will want to pick them up too. He can't pick them up because he might hit Jude.
Gracie: Okay, when Charlie hits Jude, I will tell you.

Company!!!

My girlfriend FeeDee (whom I met in Norfolk) and her two girls visited from Maine this last week, her husband Paul had to stay home and 'work'! We had a lovely time, although her baby Maddie hardly slept a wink. It is tough traveling as a single parent! We visited the beach and saw dolphins, Sea World, and of course the zoo. Megan and Gracie met for the first time and did pretty well getting acquainted. The time flew by and I am SO greatful they were able to come! It'll be years before we see them again since they are transferring to Japan! Have fuuunnn, and thanks for visiting!!!

3 KIDS

Finally

Jude Daniel joined the family on October 9th. I'm FINALLY introducing him on the blog. I'm a terrible mother, I know. He is a month old now and is changing SO fast. He is a great sleeper and has possibly been a better baby than Gracie, and that's saying A LOT!!!

Gracie's 4th Birthday, August 31st

The first picture is of the cake I decorated, it was a last minute change from a princess cake to a Shamu cake, requested by the GIRL herself. The second picture is of Gracie talking to her Papa from the ship, an early morning surprise!!! SO AWESOME!!! She is wearing a new dress-up dress from her grandma. The third picture is Gracie and her baby Emma in matching outfits...aauuuuhhh. The fourth picture is at the bowling alley with Gracie and Makena being all GLAMOROUS!!!--the way only 4 year olds know how to be! The last is Gracie enjoying Shamu's face--also her request.

Pretend Birthday

These pictures are from the Ruthers back in July. We celebrated Gracie's 4th birthday early! A fun time had by all!!!

Summer Fun

Kid Pictures

Sweet Pea

Here's Gracie with her new gifts from Papa. They arrived yesterday. I think he bought them in Malaysia. The one is a necklace with a shell and the other is a change purse made from a coconut shell. Don't you love the ballerina pose?! Of course her message to Papa is wonderful as well!

Charles in Charge

Where's Charlie????

Peek-a-boo!!!

Power struggles...First time with the new shoes!

I won, he got over it!! He is growing up sooo fast!

Here he is with his 'drum' at the park...in his Guess jeans I bought on clearance, score!-I had to mention how preppy we are!!!

Elephant Rider 2

Gracie now has her papa beat in the number of times she has riden an elephant! WOOHOO!!! We just had to go back to the fair for some more fun!!!

Elephant Riders!!!

While Jason was in Goa, India he had the opportunity to ride into the jungle on an elephant. How amazing. He said he did it so he could show Gracie that he rode on an elephant--it's called rubbing it in:) Just kidding!
Then while we were at the county fair Gracie and I spotted an elephant ride!!! Do you believe it? So, of course we had to take this opportunity. In case you didn't know, elephants are her obsession, passion and seems to be what she lives for some days. What an incredible thing for our little--big three year old.
Is it just me, or does Jason's elephant not make him look any smaller? Gracie looks like a little speck on hers!!!

Faker

We were at Sea World the other day and I asked Gracie to stand and smile so we could send it to Papa. This was the best of three...totally not faking right???

Do You Feel Pitty???

Here's Charlie really working it in the naughty chair. I can't help but laugh when I see this picture. I'm a terrible mom!!!

Cute as a LIZARD???

This picture turned out to be a little blurry. However, I wanted to send a picture to Jason of Charlie learning to walk!--Which he is getting to be a little pro at!!! He sent back this reply:

one of the pictures of charlie...he is running at the park...from the front...made me laugh out loud. it reminded me of those lizards that get up on their hind feet and run with their legs out to the side. cracked me up. the ones that puff out their necks...

I instantly knew which picture he was referring to and started to laugh myself! Very funny! Just think of Frank from 'Rescuers Down Under'

The Wisconsin Dells

REUNION!!! Anja, it was so great to see you and the two younger girls (Morgan (two months older than Gracie) and Rowan (two weeks older than Charlie))! We drove from the cities to the 'half way' point between our points of origin to meet up with a long lost neighbor! Micah and Anja moved back to Illinios before WE became pregnant with our youngest babies...and that is the last time we saw each other. It was a wonderful opportunity. Gracie was little miss go getter herself, I was soooo proud of her. She even went down the big blue tube slide you see behind us, BY HERSELF! Charlie hated it altogether, poor baby, Rowan on the other hand loved it! Fun times had by mostly all!

Minnesota Pictures

Neat 5 generation photos! Their Great Great Grandma!
Gracies look says it all, it is more fun at Great Grammas house!!!
I CAN'T EAT ANOTHER BITE!!!
We love you Gramma!! We miss you too!!! Wink!;)

Suckers!

Last weekend I brought the kids to see Shamu at Sea World. We arrived early and just waited for the show to begin. Gracie mentioned that she wanted a lollipop. At first I just played it off, 'uh huh, sure' thinking that it was because there was a girl next to her eating one. However, for about thirty minutes our conversation kept going back to lollipops--NOT SUCKERS mind you. I then realized she was serious about this and mentioned to her that I didn't think that Sea World sold suckers--I mean lollipops. I tried to talk her into a cookie. 'How about a whale cookie with chocolate on it???' Thinking in my brain that I could have a bite of that. So, we stopped at the bakery on the way out. Gracie wasn't having it. 'No, I want a lollllliiiiipoppppp, they are right over here!' I followed, thinking how does my three year old know this after one memorable trip a week earlier? Sure enough. Behold, right before the exit of course there they stood. 10 ounce lollipops. 20 servings. So what does a good mom do? Yep. She is still working on it with about 15 servings to go. All for $2.70.

It's a Hard Enough Life!

Flower Fields of Carlsbad

These fields are about 30 miles from our house. They are grown for their bulbs mostly and they only sell about 4% of the flowers, if I remember correctly. Very pretty to look at. However, the workers really ruin a good 'flower' picture! :)

Jason is Gone

I won't talk about our morning, except to say it was one of the saddest mornings ever! Choke. As the ship was pulling away they were playing 'Don't Worry Be Happy' by Bobby McFerrin. I leaned over to a woman standing next to me (who I'd never seen before) and said, 'It almost sounds as though they are going on a real cruise!' I thought it was funny anyway! She probably thought I was crazy. I look forward to his safe return. Please pray for us!

Oh, a little insite...do you see the two 'circle holes' in the back of the ship off to the right side? Inside of those is a sonar space where they stream 'things' out of! Now you are in the know!

Hungry

Disclaimer: Just to let everyone know, this picture was taken a week or two prior to me birthing Charlie.

The other day I was feeding Charlie. He of course was staring at Gracie. I said to him, 'Papaaa,' of course that didn't work. However, Gracie's head snapped my direction and said, 'He's Papa?' I said, 'sure, and you can be Mama.' Without missing a step Gracie said, 'and you can be a hungry HIPPO!'

Now that is funny stuff if you ask me! I had thought ahead thinking she would have said and you can be Graice...no, a hippo is what I am! I told Jason he shouldn't have taken my picture in front of the hippo sign at the zoo!!! Now she is totally confused!!!

Just look at the sign in the background of this picture!!!--If only I knew how to edit pictures I'd zoom in! Thanks BABE!!! Honestly, truth be told, about two weeks ago we bought her Hungry Hungry Hippos and she is obsessed!----oooo bummer, you can't read the sign. OH well. I'm keeping this post how it is!

Maryland January 2007

What Can I Say?

Charlie is one of the funniest people I know. I really don't think that our two kids could be any different. Since birth, the bigger you toss Charlie into the air, the more he squeals. The more trouble he gets into, the more he'll smile at you. You put ANYTHING on a table, you'd better believe he'll throw it on the ground for you. For months now, he has known if he shouldn't be getting into something and he'll look over his shoulder to hopefully realize you aren't paying attention. If you are, that's okay too. He'll just jump out of his skin if you say his name in that moment. One of his favorite things to do right now is to go into Gracie's room and throw every last thing out of her kitchen. If you dare to pick it up, it will look like you didn't in about five seconds after you are done. I haven't even started on how much food this boy will eat. Have I mentioned he is 9 months old???? What am I going to do? I just melt when he smiles, and when he gives hugs and kisses. I'm sold.

Best Ever

Jason and I tell Gracie that she is the best daughter ever, well, because she is. One sunny afternoon in Maryland (Jan 2007) Jason, Gracie, Charlie and I were in the car driving down to his grandmas house. Jason and I were talking in the front seat, I could hear Gracie in the back talking however I wasn't paying attention to her. Or you could say I was tuning her out. Anyway, Jason and I were chatting and it was nice but I realized I really should find out what Gracie wanted. I asked what she was saying and she said, 'Mom, you are the best mommy ever.' I replied back, 'thank you Gracie that is sooooo sweet.' I reached back, touched her leg and smiled at her. She repeated herself a couple more times and I had returned chatting with Jason. Gracie then loudly announced, 'Mooommm, I can't hear youuuuu!!!' She was looking for some praise herself! Jason and I lost it as I replied back, 'You are the best daughter ever!'

Ability

Charlie is growing up before my eyes. It all happens so fast, every time I turn around he is able to do new things. He is 5 1/2 months old already, and can currently roll from his tummy to his back. He is able to turn in a full circle in about 30 seconds or faster. He can scoot backwards--multiple feet backwards in just a couple of minutes. Charlie's favorite thing to do is stand as I hold his fingers. He squeals at an ear piercing pitch, and looooves to watch his sister in everything she does!!! Also, his hand, eye, mouth coordination is just super! As everything he sees he grabs and puts in his mouth if possible. This is something Gracie just never did...why do I even compare??

Biggest Fan

This morning Charlie was grinning ear to ear, looking at Gracie and squealing, as he often does. I said to Gracie, 'You are his best friend.' She said, 'Well I'm not his best friend.' In an instant it made my heart sad to hear it, but then wondered who her best friend was. So I asked. She replied, 'You are.' At that moment Gracie jumped into my arms and gave me a hug and kiss. Talk about making my heart melt. I became all teary and told her I loved her SOOOOO much. I have the best girl in the whole world!!!

Information

Just to keep you all informed...when Jason reenlisted there was a catch we didn't find out about until now. He was due to transfer in May of 2007, which also meant he wouldn't be gone for a six month deployment. However, when he applied for new orders we found out that he had been extended until April of 2008--putting him on deployment in April 2007. We could use all of your prayers through this trying time! I guess we will have more times away from each other than we planned for.

Sweet Innocence?

Gracie and I were just watching the world news and they had a blup with Donald Rumsfeld. He was behind a podium with some microphones--speaking of Iraq. Her eyes brightened and she said, 'That man is talking about Jesus!' I said, 'No, that man is a bad man. He is not speaking about Jesus.' She gave me the most perplexed look and said, 'That bad man is talking about Jesus?'

Imposters

Our little girl riding her 'horse' around and around!--I think only one of them was having a good time. Poor pony.

A tender moment between father and son...

Our tree ornament!!! She loves to hang from anything these days!!!

Admiring the perfect pumpkin!!!

The family photo--taken by a stranger.

We had the BEST time the other day at the pumpkin patch. I had the kids in their country bumpkin outfits as I have done every year. Jason mentioned he was surpised I didn't have overalls for him! There is always next year!!! Gracie had a blast, too bad we can't live in the country now. We played in a hay maze finding stamps, went on a hay ride pulled by a tractor, pet and fed a few goats and chickens--throughly scrubbing our hands afterwards, rode on a pony, picked out a pumpkin and ate some yummmmmy peanuts. I love good family days where time doesn't dictate US.

Typical

If the average picture is worth 1000 words, what is THIS worth? Obviously this is Gracie having a wonderful time at the 'swing park with the whales on it'

Heading to the Hills

hot, tired and all bruised up from falling on the sidewalk earlier in the day
but still she is beautiful

Favorite Times

Papa and Gracie together again...(I tried and tried to get these pictures in order...) A day we won't soon forget!!!!


Waiting and waiting and waiting for Papa the Sailor Man to get off the ship!!!! TWO hours later we got what we wished for!!! There were family memebers that rode home with the ship from Seattle, the term for them is Tigers. I don't know why. However, our animal lover picked up on this and now we think she believes that there were ACTUAL tigers on board. They had priority in leaving the ship, and to this day Gracie speaks of the tigers and reminds us that, 'The tigers get off the boat first.'



I pray we never have to do this (underway stuff) again after this rotation!!! It's so bittersweet, knowing that we are together but soon apart once more.
Heart wrenching.

The Thinker

What does one think about at this age?

Stupid Photographer

I picked up my pictures today from a wonderful print shop downtown. With eager anticipation upon entering my car I rip open the envelopes and start to go through the pictures...They are some of the most tender pictures of Charlie right after we brought him home from the hospital, so sweet and amazing. I about started bawling when I saw them...You can barely make out the 10 to 15 images from the 'photo session' because I didn't think to USE MY FLASH. Almost unbelievable. If it wasn't my scatter brain after having a baby, it would be unbelievable. I'm just SO sad.

Back Seat Driver

I have a new helper in the car!!! I'm sure you could all use one of your own to help you get around town too! Did you know, 'Green is means GO?' and 'Red is means stop?' This bit of information makes my daughter smarter than half of the people in our town!!! Also, did you know that my 3 year old knows which way is home from where ever we are, and if we aren't headed in the right direction she'll let me know? I'm certain I never did this to MY mom!!!

NEMBER DAT??

Gracie has such a wonderful memory and with Papa gone so much she is always asking him, 'You nember dat Papa, you nember?'

Eating Supper

Yesterday prior to supper Gracie had a couple of oatmeal cookies, not a good idea if you want your child to eat supper by the way! We were having chicken stew and I had been coaxing her to eat for about five minutes, 'Gracie, sit down. Gracie, take a bite. Gracie, sit UP. Gracie, please put some food on your spoon and eat it.' To no avail nothing worked. Finally Jason spoke up, 'Gracie, take a bite of your food or you will go to the corner.' She begins to lift her spoon carelessly and of course, purposefully there is nothing on it and she says, 'OOPS, hhahhhaaa' repeated over and over again. Jason and I think it is cute and smile at each other as she is busy pretending she can't get food on her spoon. Again he says, 'Gracie, eat some supper.' She replies, I'm just kidding Papa, I'm just trying to be silly.' We laugh and she ends up eating a bite or two of food, I guess oatmeal raisin cookies aren't too bad for supper!!!--I'm just kidding, I'm just trying to be silly. It isn't as funny I suppose when I say it.

Sisterly LOVE

Charlie has decided while nursing, his new favorite pastime would be to bite his mom. I, his mother, do not think this is such a great idea. Yesterday is a day for the books. Gracie, as always, is hanging all over the chair as Charlie is nursing. Instead of just finishing as any baby should he decides it would be a good time to shock Mom. BITE. Followed by a smile. It is all I can do to not scream, drop the baby and run away, far away. I amazingly stay seated, zip my lips and flick his cheek. This is the first time there has been consequences for his actions. Completely shocked and stunned Charlie looks at me, eyes welling with tears and bottom lip out as far as it'll go, I know it is coming...wwaaaaaaaa....so softly. I somehow feel sorry for him, forgetting what he has just done to me. Gracie has witnessed this whole encounter of her mom being mean to her brother. I look at her as she is reaching to Charlie to console him. 'Oh, Charlie it's okay,' she says with her voice crackling. Her eyes are filled with tears.--Somehow I don't think they were for MY pain. Gracie then came over to her brother and hugged him for a long time. Poor Charlie.

Blinded by the CAKE

My neighbor Dianna came over the other night and brought over some monster pieces of cake at about 8pm. Dianna set them on the couch next to her. Gracie looked like a vulture circling the cake--or maybe a kitten ready to pounce on it. Either way, I thought she would ask for a piece and I would have to tell her no, but strangely that didn't happen. I thought to myself, could it be she just hasn't seen it?? I decided to move the cake into the kitchen so if by a slim chance she hadn't maybe I could prevent her from spotting it and avoid a confrontation. She came into the kitchen with me, then spotted some Play Dough at the table and started to play. Dianna and I continued to chat for about 10 minutes, we started to wrap up our conversation and I walked her to the door. Prior to closing the door I thanked her again for the cake. I hear my daughter JUMPING off the chair RUNNING through the house to me, 'CAKE? WHAT CAKE? WHERE IS THE CAKE????' Stammering over my words, 'Ah, ummm, honey, there won't be any cake tonight.' A simple sad, 'oh' is her reply to her mean depriving mother who will shortly there after stuff her face with a piece of delicious cake.

Beautiful Children


feel the love? (does Charlie look worried? or is it just me?)

Here she is anticipating her PARTY!!!


Wonderful

More fun moments of Gracie's party!!! 3 years...

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY!!!




Gracie had her third birthday yesterday and it was a BIG hit! She woke up to her crazy mom singing happy birthday as she hid under the covers!!! Then proceeded to ask if her friends were here yet. She ate her first two meals and her cake on our special celebrate plate and ran around like a wild woman during her party, having a phenomenal time. Gracie also had tons o' presents to open which she is playing with today (thank you EVERYONE)...we are having a calm non productive day to breathe. AHHHHHHHH...

Military Style

Gracie in her two years experience doesn't realize that work doesn't make everyone in the world sad. My friend Liz was leaving for work one morning and we were saying goodbye before she left. Gracie looked at me and said, 'Her (Liz's name in Gracie world) sad.' I tried to explain that not everyone is sad to leave the house when they go to work...needless to say, it didn't register. PAPA, WE MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU!!!

COOL in the SUN


On vacation Gracie became quite comfortable in the pool. I think the picture says it all. ;) We were happy to arrive and sad to leave, J and G we will miss you!

VACATION!!!


As requested, the whole gang of us. Happy and healthy at the zoo!

PACKAGES

If a package arrives it is automatically assumed by Gracie that it is 'a package a me'(in this instance a meaning for.) So, with her 3rd birthday around the corner presents are arriving! This apron is made with love by Nana. (The headband is made with love by Aunt Elsa.)

OINK


I was eating an apple today, when I looked over at Charlie I noticed he wasn't taking his eyes off of it. He had drool coming down his chin and I felt bad for the poor boy sooooo, I let him take a couple of licks. That lasted for about three or four minutes. He screamed for about five minutes when I took it away. AND NO, he wasn't hungry at the time.

15 minutes

Mom, can I go ride my purple bicycle? (Her clarification of her purple one is due to the confusion with the other 30 bikes in the garage!)

zoo zoo zoo

A daily question I hear from Gracie, "Mom, can we go to the zoo today?"
"No hon, not today it is too windy for Charlie."
"Okay, my grandpa will take me and we'll ride the giraffes too!"