Oh, My Soul Rejoice!

Happy Valentines Day Video 2012

2012-02-14T08:36:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Love Lulu, Ila May and Levi!

(Lulu wanted to make sure her ring made it in the picture..lol.)

A Tour

2012-02-13T11:00:00.000-08:00

I thought I would post some pictures of our new home. This is the home I grew up in. My parents moved in when I was 6 months old. I moved out when I was 22 years old when I got married. Now at 28 I'm back with my family. And it really feels good. It feels like my home, but not the home I grew up in. There are special things that still feel like my parents. Like the dining room table and the hutch in the corner. When I look at that hutch I think of my mom. In it I have displayed some of my moms Polish Pottery that she loves so much. And on the top is my Great grandmas tea set and platters. I love that set because it's colorful and very feminine.

So here is the homeschool room/play room that is right off of the kitchen. The kids have a big table for crafts and coloring in here. They also have all their toys and play kitchen in here.

Here is the kitchen.

And a look back into the homeschool/play room.

Leaving the kitchen we head into the dining room.

Off of the dining room is our living room

Here is my desk, where I blog from. I used to do this in our kitchen at the counter. Now I have a nice place for my laptop.

Here is a view in the hall looking down towards the living room.

First door on my left is Mark's office, next to that is one of 2 hall closets. First door on the right is the bathroom and the door with the mirror is our laundry room. The kids room and master and another closet aren't shown.

Here is the view from the hall. Our entry is on the right with the rug.

Playing Dolls

2012-02-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

This afternoon Lulu went and brought out all her dolls. Ila and her had a great time playing. It's amazing how Ila just loves dolls already.

Lulu's favorite thing to play is dolls. I think this will be a common activity in our home.

While the girls were playing dolls, Mark and Levi were building blocks and Ila crawled over to join them.

Nine Months

2012-02-09T15:48:00.000-08:00

Today Ila May is 9 months old. She is crawling all over the place. We are sure busy and it's fun. Ila May is also saying mama and talking in her own language a lot. She loves table food. It sort of just happened. I gave her a taste here and there and now she's hooked. Since we moved my normal monthly photo spot has changed but I think this worked out since I used the same background blanket. Ila loves playing on the floor and looking at her baby books. She weighs about 15lbs. She's on the smaller side but she sure makes up for it with her talking. Also her hair is growing so fast. I can't wait to do pigtails!

Backyard

2012-02-07T16:10:00.000-08:00

Today we played out in the backyard. This was Ila's first time in the swing, she enjoyed it.

Yes, that's a palm tree in Seattle. This palm was on my grandparents deck at their home in Seattle. They moved when I was in Jr. High and my parents got to take this palm and then planted it in this box. It was a tiny palm then. I wonder how tall it will get?

Here is Lulu with Mr. Bear.

The sun has been out and we have been enjoying going on walks and playing outside.

First Day of Preschool

2012-02-06T17:38:00.000-08:00

Today Lulu and Levi started their first day of preschool at home. Lulu has already finished a year of preschool at home. Now Levi is joining her! Although we have never really stopped our learning/playing today we started our official sit down work from Heart of Dakota. Lulu has already done this but the wonderful part of this curriculum is that it can cover a few ages and you can make it harder for olders and easier for youngers.

Some other things that have been going are:

Looking at our new view of the sunrise from the back patio. We have been in our new house for a little over a week. My refrigerator didn't fit into our new kitchen so I have to walk out to the garage until we get one to fit. Ila started crawling and is on the move! Ila said her first word. Drum roll please........she said mama!!! I was so excited. Both Lulu and Levi said dada first so I was just a tad excited for my turn.

Here is Ila May enjoying our first fire in the fireplace.

We're Here...

2012-01-28T13:25:00.000-08:00

We are in our new home. Here is my dining room right now. We are in the midst of moving mess but glad to be here.

Yesterday we moved. My parents moved early in the morning out of this house and into their new home and once the truck was empty everyone came to our house and it was our turn.

Here is Mark taking down the book shelves.

And below are the kids looking at the moving truck.

As the guys were moving all our things the kids got to play in the backyard for the last time...sniff, sniff. We have spent hundreds of hours out here.

More to come....once we unpack.

Bed Time

2012-01-23T08:15:00.000-08:00

Bed time around our house is fun. We gather as a family in the kids room and sing. This is a time of family worship. Then we spend time praying and then it's time for bed. Mark and I have really come to enjoy this time with our children. The kids really look forward to it too. We love to hear the sweet little prayers that Lulu and Levi say. It's always interesting to hear what is on their hearts for that day.

Friends from Alaska

2012-01-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

Last night we had some friends from Alaska come for a visit.

It was a late visit but very fun, so much fun that they left around 3am.

It was a great visit and went too fast.

Levi Talking on the Phone

2012-01-21T10:57:00.000-08:00

Here is Levi talking to my mom on the phone. I love his facial expressions, he's so serious. The first thing he asks her is "why your Christmas tree not up?"

We're Moving!

2012-01-20T07:35:00.000-08:00

We are very excited to say we are moving.

We bought this house back in Sept. 2005 and it's been a great little home for us. We won't be selling our house just renting it out. And we will be moving 7 blocks away into my parents house! This is the house I grew up in. My parents have been wanting to downsize and move for a while now. Next weekend they are moving to a house they own about 20 min away. Mark and I are very excited because we will have so much more room, about double the amount. Now that Mark is working from home and we are getting ready to homeschool, a bit more space will be very nice.

Here is a picture of our new home.

Click HERE to see my mom's post about moving.

Nap Time

2012-01-19T19:08:00.000-08:00

Ila May took a nap like normal today. But this time I had her sleep looking at the beautiful snow. I was thinking how beautiful it has been out with all our snow and how much I enjoy just staring out the windows at it so I thought she might like it.

Notice the icicles at the top of the window on the left? Just beautiful. It's frozen around here. There's a layer of ice sitting on top of about 4 or 5 inches of snow and then another inch of snow on top of the ice. It's been fun to play in. We made some ice sculptures today.

My dad

2012-01-18T14:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we walked in the snow over to my parents house. Levi was all tuckered out and Papa's lap was a good place to take a nap.

My dad is the best Grandpa ever. He spoils them just enough but still respects the way Mark and I parent. My dad has been our biggest supporter (along with my mom) in how we put God first in our life and how we are letting the Lord plan the size of our family. My parents have told us many times that the biggest regret they have is that they didn't have more children.

My dad owned his own business while we were growing up and again is right there cheering Mark on while Mark is in the beginning of building his business. My dad has the biggest heart and gives to his family and sacrifices for all of us. I love you daddy and thank you for all your love and support.

Love Kimmy

More Snow Pics...

2012-01-16T12:22:00.000-08:00

Hope you're not tired of our snow yet? We sure love it!!

Today my mom came over to play in the snow with us.

Ila made it out today in the snow for a bit.

She seemed to enjoy being outside. But she enjoys most things. I can't really think of anything Ila doesn't like. As long as she is around all of us she's happy.

Then my mom took the kids for a ride around the block on the sled.

They went again and this time Levi helped pull Lulu.

As I'm typing this the snow is falling even more. It's that very fine powder snow. It's so dry and fine. It was really hard to pack the snow today. Normally our snow is wet and slushy. And it looks like we are going to be getting more!! Can you say NO SCHOOL for my mom!!

Snow Ice Cream

2012-01-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

Since we had snow, we made snow ice cream. I have never made this or had it. But I had two cans of sweetened condensed milk and remember reading about snow ice cream. My recipe is from Paula Deen.

I doubled the recipe and it made a ton, so I froze the rest for later.....I just tried some and it's still good!

8 cups snow

1 - 14oz can sweetened condensed milk

1 t. vanilla extract

I poured the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla in first then put my snow in. Unlike the directions that say pour the milk and vanilla over the snow.

I probably used about 20 cups of snow. The less snow the sweeter it will be. But it was really sweet so I added more snow.

Then I poured in some of our cold coffee from the morning and made it coffee snow ice cream. YUMMY! It was really good and seemed a lot like coffee ice cream.

The kids LOVED it.

Mark enjoyed it too. He's not a sweets kind of guy but sure enjoyed this. We enjoyed this treat after we had our freezer cheeseburgers. The cheese burger were very tasty. This is our second Sunday having them. My freezer meals have been such a blessing.

More Snow!!!!!!

2012-01-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

Today we got more snow!! We are so excited around here for snow. We went to church and there was just about an inch or so and when we stepped out there was about this amount and it keeps coming!

We got the sled out.

Doesn't the beetle look a little sad all covered in snow? Driving a VW in the snow is fun since the engine is in the back.

We had a lesson in what kind of snow we can eat. HA! Snow is so refreshing after running around and getting hot in all the snow gear.

Here is a video of Mark pulling me on the sled! It was so fun. Ila was napping so she missed the fun.

Flash Back - Snow Day

2012-01-15T16:19:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Mark holding Lulu back in Dec. 2007 for her first snow. Lulu was almost 8 months in that picture (the same age as Ila).

Here is Mark holding Lulu today in the snow in the same spot! Yes, I staged it but it's cute to see.

Playing in the Snow

2012-01-14T17:12:00.000-08:00

Today we had a very light dusting of snow. It was still enough to play in though. Today while Levi and Ila were taking their afternoon nap Lulu came up and told me "Mommy, I prayed that God would let us go out and play in the snow after naps." After I talked to her a bit about her sweet little prayer I found out she was excited that the snow didn't melt while Levi and Ila were napping. God allowed the snow to stay so they could go play after naps. We love answered prayers!!

Here is Lulu's snow man she worked very hard on.

Levi loved sitting in the snow and watching Lulu run around.

Here is the snow family Lulu and Mark made.

This is what Ila May did while everyone was playing out in the snow. I also wanted to show off her hair. I usually have a bow in it so her cute little poof on top never shows.

First Snow

2012-01-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

It's snowing right now in the Pacific Northwest! We hope we get a few inches. Wouldn't that be fun?

Going to Mema's

2012-01-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week we went to spend the day with Mark's mom in her motorhome. Mark's mom and step dad are up here in Washington for a while trying to rent a warehouse they own. Normally they live down in Oregon but until they rent the warehouse, they are living up here!! Selfishly we are hoping they don't rent it too soon, just because we like having them close.

The kids LOVED playing in the motorhome. We had lunch in there and Connie recorded a few cartoons for them to watch. They got to watch them on the bed in the back.

Levi's favorite part was pretending to drive this huge thing.

I met Mark in April 2002. Mark's parents sold their house a month earlier in March of 2002. That was the house Mark grew up since he was 4. They bought this motorhome a handful of years earlier but decided to go full time in it and that's when they sold their house. They have since bought some property in Oregon and built a "barn" to park in. But until their warehouse rents the warehouse has become their new "barn" up north.

Here's a view of the their home on wheels with the trailer they tow. The small mini motorhome off to the left is for when they take short trips. Sometimes Connie will park the mini in front of our house when she visits us.

Here's Levi again pretending to drive. He absolutely loves to drive anything. If he's not sitting in a real vehicle pretending to drive he's holding an invisible steering wheel in front of him making motor noises.

Here's a picture of the other half of the warehouse. We brought their bikes so they could ride around. Connie found a scooter that you sit on and zoom around on. It was a blast! I rode that thing all over and Lulu and I were having so much fun. Mark and I had to take turns, it was that much fun.

New Hats!

2012-01-13T00:50:00.000-08:00

Ila got a new hat for Christmas but it was way too big, but fit Lulu. So Lulu ended up getting a new hat and I went into the local gift shop/pharmacy and asked the owner's wife if she could make a matching one for Ila. I got to pick up the hats a few days ago. Here they are!

Kiss...smooch...Lot's of love.

Ila's hoping to get another kiss!

Movie Night

2012-01-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

This evening we had movie night over at my uncle Bob and aunt Tamar's house. This is our second movie night with them. They ordered pizza and we all enjoyed a movie.

We live right down the hill from uncle Bob and aunt Tamar. It's so nice to live so close to our family.

Here is Mark and uncle Bob who is my dad's younger brother.

Here they are enjoying their gelato. Levi asked uncle Bob to feed him and uncle Bob did, what a great uncle!

Thank you uncle Bob and aunt Tamar!

We love you.

Welcome Home Grandma Aunt Linda

2012-01-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

Today my Aunt Linda arrives here in Washington from Montana! She's moving home. After a few years living in Missoula, MT she's coming home to be near her family. We are so excited and can't wait to be neighbors. She will live about 10min from us. Most of my extended family lives about 2-10min from each other. It's so fun.

Lulu helped me make a banner to welcome home Grandma Aunt Linda (that's what my kids call her). We took it over to my Aunt Bev's house and hung it on the garage door. That will be the first thing they all see tonight. They (Aunt Bev, Uncle Rick and Aunt Linda) have been driving all day from Montana.

These little people love my Aunt Linda and can't wait to see her more often.

After the banner was hung we all ran down to the lake that Uncle Rick and Aunt Bev live on. It was a beautiful day today in the Pacific Northwest.

We put the camera on the docked rowboat.

Then we let the kids run the hill about a dozen times.

This picture is from July 2009. Here is Aunt Linda and Lulu at my Uncle Bob's wedding.

Aunt Linda is the oldest of four. Aunt Bev is next then my dad and the youngest is Uncle Bob.

Welcome Home Grandma Aunt Linda!

Eight Months

2012-01-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

Ila May is 8 months today! She has been fussy lately but still just as sweet. She wants to be held a lot, which is fine with me. We moved Ila May from the co-sleeper to a pack-n-play right next to our bed. She has a little more wiggle room now. She can fit in 6-9 month clothing and a few 12 month things just because I have them, but they are a bit big still. I have given her a few bites of certain foods and she is just not interested. I did it just for the fun of it and for her to try some things. I think I'll put off any foods for a while still. Also right now she weighs 15.4lbs!

I love you Ila May!

In the Backyard

2012-01-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

Mark trimmed a few trees in our backyard this weekend. The kids helped with the trimming using Levi's play tools.

Then after their hard work, we all played.

Ila May even enjoyed being out in the backyard.

She really wanted to take some pictures herself. Here she is grabbing for my camera....still my smoking hot camera by the way. It has not combusted yet and is hanging on, smoking every time the flash goes off. LOL. It's actually very neat looking...smoke billowing out sending up smoke signals.

Penguins

2012-01-05T10:53:00.000-08:00

This week we are learning about PENGUINS!

This morning at the front door was a package from my mom with all these penguin things in it. A book about penguins, pictures of real penguins, fun facts about penguins, activity sheets of penguins, songs about penguins and even Safeway's brand of Oreo cookies called Tuxedos with a penguin on it. And a can of albacore for lunch today since penguins eat fish.

My mom is amazing!

So to add to the fun we made a penguin snack. This was so fun and actually very tasty. The kids devoured them all.

Mark and I got 1 each out of the ten I made.

Here's mine right before I ate the poor little fellow.

This is all you need to make your very own penguins to eat. It seemed tedious but it wasn't too hard to do and went really quick.

Did you know that there are 18 species of penguins in the world?

Did you know that penguins take small naps in the water?

Did you know that penguins eat snow as a source of fresh water?

Did you know that penguins use sign language to communicate with each other?

Taking a Break From Cooking!

2012-01-04T09:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I spent 8.5 hours cooking. We spent about $127 at Costco in the morning and I made 44 meals for my family!! Some of the food I used we already had like our beans and rice and some chicken breasts. Here is what I made:

3 Chicken Enchiladas

4 Taco Rice Casseroles

15 Twice Baked Potatoes

2lbs of Taco Meat

1 Chicken Fajita

3lbs Ground Chicken Sausage (toss into pastas)

16 cups Shredded Carrots in 2 cup increments (for tossing into meals)

2 Kielbasa Soup

1 Meatballs in Sauce

12 cooked Chicken Breasts cut up for salads or pastas (about 4 meals +/-)

34 Frozen Burritos

24 Cheeseburgers to grab and reheat. Click HERE to see what I made.

Plus I have about 8 cups rice ready to use too.

This was one of my goals for the new year and I did it! I really felt God's hand in it. Since Mark is self employed we were able to plan for this and he spent the day with the kids. I started at 2:30pm and put the last piece of foil on my Enchiladas at 11pm. Praise God!!

My tips for this are: clean as you go (huge help in our small kitchen), have HUGE mixing bowls and a wonderful husband to support a day of cooking.

WOW! Now I'm off to go play with my kids and not cook for a while.

ETA: I have 2.5 lbs of cheddar cheese, 3lbs of mozzarella cheese, about 16 cups worth of carrots, 24 hamburger buns, 48 oz of sour cream, half bag of bacon pieces and 2 more onions along with 3/4 container of taco seasoning left from our Costco trip. I'll use most of it for next time.

Ila May "Talking"

2012-01-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

Here is Ila May today "talking" to me. I usually get a bit of one on one time with her while Lulu and Levi nap. It's so fun, I just love this time with her.

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T00:27:00.000-08:00

Here are the kids at 11:50pm getting ready to go outside and make some noise to celebrate the new year.

Waiting.......only minutes to go.

Happy New Year! Here is Lulu listening to the fireworks with her noise makers.

Mark and Levi celebrating.

My mom came over earlier in the evening to celebrate. We played games and toasted to the new year early. She helped the kids make noise makers out of paper plates and dried beans.

Play Time

2011-12-29T11:00:00.000-08:00

This morning we woke up early to take the kids to the indoor park at the mall. The stores open at 9:30am but the mall opens up early. We got there around 8am and we were the only ones there. The kids got to run and play, it was great.

This tug boat has been in this mall since I was a little girl. My brother and I used to play on this exact boat. It's been moved and I'm sure re-done but it's the same tug boat that I played on at the same mall.

Ila got to play a bit....she was tired and didn't really like it.

Since my mom is on Christmas break she came with us.

This playground is on the 3rd floor of the mall. Here is the view we had.

Great Gift Idea

2011-12-28T10:47:00.000-08:00

I want to show one of our gifts that we got for Christmas. It's such a great idea and the perfect gift for any family. Everyone can use it and even the person that has everything can use it. My brother Todd and SIL Stephanie got this for our family.

It's an emergency kit. It will last us about 3 days and I can keep it in our van. I'm going to add toilet paper, size 3 diapers and bottled water.

Here is a look at the inside. Three packs of freeze dried food (expires in 5 years). Little bottles of alcohol, a very warm blanket, a tarp and a well stocked first aid kit.

I have been meaning on doing this and now I can just add to it. The basics are all put together.

Sleeping Baby

2011-12-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

There is just something so sweet about a sleeping baby.

Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-26T09:55:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning was so fun. My brother and his wife Stephanie came over early along with my parents to see the kids wake up and open gifts. Mark's mom Connie spent the night with us and the night before helped us stuff stocking for EVERYONE! We stayed up late and watched the movie A Christmas Story while wrapping and stuffing stockings.

Here are both Grandmas. They are great friends and truly love each other.

Here is Aunt Stephanie showing off her new scarf and socks.

Here is my mom showing off her new hat and bling.

Connie has never been with us on Christmas. This was so special for her and for us to have her here.

I made Ila May 3 new headbands. This is one of them.

The kids got Mark a fun puzzle. They love doing puzzles together. This one is so sweet because there are 3 little kids on it in a candy store. The oldest is a girl the second is a boy and the youngest is another little girl.

Lulu and Levi each got a new Volkswagen. Can you tell who got which one?

Then in the afternoon we all went over and spent the rest of the day at my parents. They had their annual Christmas open house. We saw more family, friends and neighbors. My mom made a ton of food and we just nibbled all day long on all sorts of nummy things.

This was Ila May's first Christmas. We had so much fun spending time with family.

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-24T19:01:00.000-08:00

Today we had a wonderful Christmas Eve celebration over at my Uncle Rick and Aunt Bev's house. This is a tradition that we have had for years, since I was little. We have gone to Aunt Bev's for Turkey sandwiches and gifts for as long as I can remember.

Here we all are!

From left to right: Ila, me, Tom aka Papa (my dad), Lulu, Chris aka Grammie-goo (my mom), Mark, Stephanie (my brother's beautiful wife), Levi, Aunt Karry (Aunt Tamar's sister), Todd (my older brother), Aunt Tamar (married to my Uncle Bob), Uncle Bob (my dad's younger brother), Aunt Bev (my dad's older sister), Uncle Rick (married to Aunt Bev).

Missing: Aunt Linda (my dad's oldest sister), Erika & Rick her husband (Linda's daughter, my cousin), Cousin Mark (Aunt Bev's son), Cousin Heather & Adam her boyfriend (Aunt Bev's daughter), Zazel & Avi (Cousin Heather's & Adam's children).

Papa and Ila May

Uncle Todd and Aunt Stephanie

Aunt Tamar and Ila May

Levi playing by the Christmas tree

Aunt Bev playing a new game with Lulu and Levi.

Levi with his new "fire truck" that Uncle Bob and Aunt Tamar got him......he was over the moon!

Grammie-goo and Ila May

Brothers, Uncle Bob and Papa

Dessert!

I LOVE this picture!!!

The girls!

After all the gifts and food Uncle Rick took the kids to see his trucks. Levi was in heaven.

Last time we were over at Uncle Rick and Aunt Bev's Levi got to sit in the trucks. He has been so excited to go back over not for presents or toys but to see Uncle Rick's trucks.

We hope you have a...

2011-12-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Our Little Artist

2011-12-23T08:55:00.000-08:00

Lulu has found a new passion. Painting!

Yesterday when Levi and Ila were napping I spent some great time with Lulu painting. We had a blast and we are going to make this a new nap time activity for her and I.

I just love this little girl.

Mark proposed.....

2011-12-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

7 years ago today! Here we are today and below is us back then.

Another fun fact about Dec. 18th is that 3 years ago today I found out I was pregnant with Levi!!!

Babysitting the Dogs

2011-12-12T20:52:00.000-08:00

The past 4 days we were on a mini getaway over to my parents house (6 blocks away). They went on a wonderful beach vacation to celebrate my mom's 60th birthday. And while they were off having fun we had fun babysitting their two dogs, Arthur and Lucy.

Lulu and Mark put together the new Playmobil nativity set my mom just got as a gift from a dear friend. Thank you Mary! That is what they played with 90% of the time there.

They also played with puzzles.

Ila May enjoyed scooting around. When the dogs would come by she would start talking to them and she would get so excited.

The kids ate at the kitchen counter a lot.

They made a fort.

The dogs even got to play in the fort.

Ila played in the fort too!

Since my dad has a ~~movie theater~~ big screen TV we watched some fun movies. Notice Arthur enjoyed the movies too, he's right in between Levi and Lulu.

Here is Ila May sitting in Papa's chair.

Seven Months

2011-12-09T09:40:00.000-08:00

Today Ila May is 7 months. She is rocking on her knees, still working on sitting on her own. She has her two bottom teeth. I have given her a few bites of green beans and apples sauce. She loved the green beans. I took some canned ones and put them through the food mill. It was just for a taste not really to eat. She is at that point where she will grab anything in front of her. Ila's favorite toy right now are small chew toys that she can hold. She also likes her soft dolls and this purse that sings. She loves scooting in her walker. Right now Ila is wearing 6-9 month clothes.

Happy 60th Birthday Mother!

2011-12-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Check out my mom's blog to read her birthday story.

I want to wish my mother a very Happy 60th Birthday today!

I love you Mother, you are not only my mom but my best friend. I love how we talk a few times a day on the phone. I love how your home is my home and my home is your home. :)

I love how you love my children so much. I remember growing up you would always tell me your goal was to be a grandma. You sure are! You are the BEST grandma in the world. And you make 60 look amazing!

A quick trip down memory lane:

Back in 2004 we ran across the Golden Gate Bridge. That trip was so fun. We had a blast. Remember running through China Town early in the morning and seeing underwear hanging out to dry and the little old ladies making breakfast on an open fire on the sidewalks?!?!

In 2005 you and I had so much fun planning my wedding. If I could do it again the one thing I would change would be, making you my matron of honor.

Then in 2006 you and I were planning a trip to Paris in April 2007. Well, the day after you got the time off for our trip I had to break the news to you that our trip would have to be put on hold and that you were going to be a Grandma in April 2007 for the first time.

And now you have 3 grandchildren! You are blessed! Thank you for being there for me as a stay at home mom. You set such a great example for me and when I have needed you the most you have always been there. I love you. Love Kimmy

December Pictures

2011-12-05T13:41:00.000-08:00

I had to take some pictures of these cuties. I got the girls matching dresses the other day. They have a few matching dresses and I just love to see them in them!! I would match them all day, every day if I could. What is it about matching? I used to see families who would all match and didn't understand it until I had my own. Now I didn't want to leave Levi out but purple just isn't his color. I'm not that crazy....yet.

Sister pictures.

Now I did say my new goal was to post the first picture I take....more natural and not so "perfect." These are them! I didn't just take one, but I didn't go for perfection in the few I did take, and to my surprise they are perfect! My other reason for taking a few and not just one or two is that I took a few with the flash and a few with out. But the ones without the flash get blurry if someone moves but seem more pretty. My flash is so bright! Anyone else have a Cannon Power Shot SD880? I call it my smoking hot camera, literally. When I take a picture with the flash, smoke comes flowing out from the flash and smells like a fire. YIKES!! I did some research and it's a common issue with this camera model. I'm afraid one day it's just going to combust and I will have to stop, drop and roll on it to save my SD card with all my smoking hot pictures on it.

Happy December!

Ila's Baby Shower

2011-12-03T17:55:00.000-08:00

Today our church put on a baby shower for Ila. All the ladies came and celebrated our sweet Ila May. I was very surprised and feel so blessed that they wanted to give her a baby shower.

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Lulu, Mark and Mark's mom went and picked out a Christmas tree!

Lulu actually picked this one. It was perfect, slender and just tall enough for our living room.

Here's Mark bringing it in the front door.

The guys making sure the tree was secure.

We have always done white lights on our trees. This year Lulu asked if we could have colored lights. And since I have been trying to add more color into our life and brighten up the house I figured colored would be great. Smart idea Lulu!

Here is the living room today in the day light. The tree is a bit sparse and our collection of ornaments is rather slim. But Lulu, Levi and Ila May love it.

(Look close and you can see Ila May on the floor there)

Our house smells so good, just like a Christmas tree.

VW Christmas Tree

2011-11-27T09:30:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Family Photo 2011

2011-11-25T21:30:00.000-08:00

2011

2010

(Ila was in my tummy)

2009

Happy Thanksgiving Again!

2011-11-25T21:16:00.000-08:00

Today we had another wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at my parents house. My mom for a few years now has hosted Thanksgiving on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Here is my dad with one of his older sisters, my Aunt Beverly.

My parents set it up this year as a buffet. My mom again outdid herself. She makes the best stuffing and that's my favorite part of the meal.

My brother Todd and his wife Stephanie.

Here is my Uncle Bob with Levi. Uncle Bob is my dad's younger brother.

My dad and Lulu.

Here is everyone after the meal sitting around talking.

Earlier in the day we came over to my parents house around 10:30am. We wanted to spend the day with my parents. Here are the kids having lunch out in the living room.

It was such a relaxing day with my parents. My mom and I did a little cooking together. She read a lot of books to the kids. They played and played.

Mark had some work so he did that at the kitchen counter. Praise God for work!!

My parents recorded the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. So the kids got to watch that. We also watched the old version of Miracle on 34th Street.

Here we are earlier on in the day. This is my parents home. This is the home I grew up in since I was 6 months old.

Lulu got to write out the names for the place settings.

Her I am with Ila May, her first Thanksgiving.

Levi and Ila both took naps today at my parents before all the guest showed up. This is my old bedroom.

Here is Lulu bouncing around the house.

After we left around 8pm we took my Uncle Bob home. Mark and I live 2 min from my parents home. Uncle Bob and Aunt Tamar live 2 min in the other direction from us. We are right in the middle. Basically the same neighborhood. This home is just down the street from all of us. So festive!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T23:01:00.000-08:00

Here is this years Thanksgiving picture. It's always ~~stressful~~ fun trying to get the perfect picture. Mark encouraged me this year to just go with the very first one I take. So the top one is it. I like that idea! Back in the "old" days of film cameras we only would get one (maybe two) tries. That's my new goal, the first picture is going to be what you see here.

This was just too cute for me not to post. I love Levi and Lulu touching heads. They just love each other so much.

This year my brother and his wife Stephanie hosted Thanksgiving at their new house in Seattle. It was a mix of my mom's side of the family and Stephanie's mom's side.
Yes, those are chickens my brother and Stephanie are holding. No, we didn't eat chicken, we had a very nice turkey. Todd opened up the back door and 2 of their chickens ran into the kitchen. The kids loved it.

Lulu and Levi got their very own table and could color on the table cloth (paper)!

This is my cousin K.C. We grew up together, she's 3 years younger then me and got married a little over a year ago.

Todd and Stephanie did an amazing job hosting. They had 3 tables set and made everyone feel so special with the details and thought put into the evening.

My parents with Levi, Ila May and Lulu.

Mark and Levi playing after dinner.

The girls, my mom with Lulu and Ila May and I.

Here is my brother at the very end of the evening eating pie with Lulu and Levi.

...in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Johnny Jump-Up

2011-11-22T13:40:00.000-08:00

I finally got the Johnny Jump-Up out. Lulu and Levi were both in this when they were babies. Now it's Ila May's turn. We hung it from the door jamb in Mark's office. She seems to like it.

Sitting Around the Fire

2011-11-22T13:30:00.000-08:00

Around here it's been very cold. We have not been outside in a while. It's just too cold and wet. I always forget about this time of the year. The rest of the year we are able to enjoy being outside even if it's wet because it's not that cold. So we have been playing inside a lot. Lot's of coloring, projects, baking, laundry :) and fires!!!

The past few evenings we have sat around the fire reading stories and eating popcorn.

A Box

2011-11-19T19:14:00.000-08:00

It's true, all they really want to play with is the box, not the toys.

What I'm Thankful For...

2011-11-18T16:19:00.000-08:00

My refrigerator!

An older lady was asked what modern kitchen appliance would she hate to go without these days. She said "running water." WOW! Can you imagine?

This week our fridge stopped working. We woke up and the temp inside it said 68 and there was a smell coming from it. Yuck! We had to toss most things but also were able to freeze some and save the pickles along with other things. Very thankful that not too much was wasted.

Mark called Sears where we bought our fridge 6.5 years ago and today we had a technician come out to repair it!! Last night we deep cleaned the fridge and freezer. We figured it was a good time to do it since nothing was in it.

Here's our repair man. He gave us a time between 1pm and 5pm. He showed up at 1pm!! My grandpa always said "if you're going to be audited make your appointment on Friday at 4pm." Well, I think the theory works with repair men too. Our repair man was quick and knew right away that we needed a new fan motor.

I'm thankful I no longer have to live out of our cooler. It's been so cold here lately that just keeping things outside worked really well too. So that is a blessing.

I'm thankful for my amazing parents! My parents ran to the store for us the first night and bought us ice and some staples since we had to toss most of our things. Thank you!!

Ahhh, here is my fridge right now. It's working!!! Sort of bare but I'm thankful for my working fridge and our well stocked freezer.

A funny story about this fridge is that 6.5 years ago when we bought this house we had to buy a fridge. We had seen the house with out a fridge in it and I was used to seeing the big void in the kitchen where the fridge should have been. So the day we moved in I was at home waiting for Sears to deliver our brand new fridge. Mark was at work and when the fridge showed up I called Mark crying. I told him we needed to return it, it was just too big! LOL. The silly things we cry over. I was overwhelmed with just moving and now my kitchen seemed too crowded now. But actually it's the perfect size for us now. I love it and with a growing family it has been great.

Ivan Tom

2011-11-16T21:09:00.000-08:00

Tonight we were out running errands. We had a few stops to make. Since Levi is doing such a great job with potty training, we had to stop when from the back seat we heard him yell "I have to go...." So we found a McDonald's and also got some dinner. We found a table and sat next to Ivan Tom. Ivan Tom was so sweet and was talking to us about our children. He told us that he was one of 16 children and that he was right in the middle. He encouraged us and asked us if we were Christians right after Mark prayed before we ate. We said "yes we are" and he told us he was too. Then we talked about church and the blessing that children are. He encouraged us to "train them up in the way they should go." He then shared with us that he has 4 sons and his youngest son is our Senator Rodney Tom. It's always neat to visit with people. You just never know who will encourage you or who you might get to encourage.
But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13

Mark's Birthday

2011-11-15T10:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Mark's 36th birthday. I met Mark when he was 26. I have almost known him for 10 years! We had a really nice day. I made Mark a big breakfast, one of his favorites. Spuds, eggs with bacon and hot sauce all over it.

We did gifts in the morning when Mark's mom showed up. She spent the day with us.

We got Mark some fancy canned coffee drinks, 3 new ties that Lulu picked out (thrift store finds), PJ bottoms, some new chili paste and hot sauces, 2 books (thrift store finds) and some of fun things.

Mark's mom and step dad are now up in Washington for a while. They own a warehouse north of us about 45min and they are trying to get it rented. So until it's rented they are now living in their motor home in the warehouse. We are so excited about that because we get to see Mema so much more now. I'm sure we will be going up to the warehouse soon and Papa Tony will hopefully get to meet Levi and Ila for the first time. God's plans aren't always what we would choose but we know that there is a plan and a purpose. Papa Tony (Mark's step dad) has never met Levi or Ila so having them this close hopefully will be a blessing and answer to prayer. We are praying that God would move mountains in that relationship.

Here is Levi doing the happy dance as Mark was opening his gifts.

Lulu helped make this cake and she put in the candles too! This cake is from the Duggar's website HERE. It was very yummy.

Here is Mark with him mom, Connie.

Happy 36th Birthday Mark!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Happy 36th Birthday Mark!

2011-11-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday!! Look how cute you were!

You were born on your due date.Your grandma drove your mom from Ashland, OR to Medford to the hospital there. Your dad was at work that day. When your mom had your brother 3 years earlier the doctor told her that the next time she has a baby to be close by since it would go as fast. When your mom felt the first "butterflies" (as she described them) they headed to the hospital. When they got to the hospital there was no room in delivery and your mom's contractions were coming on really fast. So they gave her a shot to stop her labor until there was more room. Your grandma and mom waited and waited. Finally your mom felt the urge to push and your grandma ran to get the nurse. The nurse came in and told your mom that she didn't know what she was feeling and that she was not ready to push. But when she check your mom, you were crowning! The doctor didn't even get his coat on and out you came.

Your mom told me that when you were 3 months old she was up late and couldn't sleep because at this time your dad had left and you all had been in a homeless shelter and just now into a new apartment. She put you in the swing to sleep by her in the living room. She looked over at you and your were limp and blue. She ran an grabbed you and she shook you and you gasped for air. She ran to the neighbors and they called 911 and took you to the hospital. They think you had what could have been SIDS. Praise God your mom was right there with you.

From the moment your mom brought you home your brother loved you so much. He would tell your mom "my baby."

One thing I find funny is that your mom had to spank you a lot! Your brother she only spanked once or twice. She said you love to test her and would make her so angry sometimes, but yet still just melt her heart.

The thing I love to hear about you from your teenage years is that you were liked by everyone. You didn't have a "group" and you weren't part of the "cool" clique or the jocks. You loved the Lord and was kind to everyone you met.

Even today you are so kind to everyone and you have a very caring, compassionate heart. You love to learn and just tonight you told me you wished you could be in God's word 24/7. I love seeing who God is molding you to be. You are my best friend and I love how much fun life is with you! You are an amazing dad and I love watching you with our children. I can't wait for more with you!

Happy 36th Birthday! I love you.

Turkey!

2011-11-12T23:07:00.000-08:00

This evening my parents came over so my mom could drop off our new topic to learn about. Turkeys!

Look how cute this turkey is that my mom made us!

Then my mom told us inside the turkey was something to snack on. So she carved it and Lulu and Levi were excited with anticipation on what it could be.

Popcorn! Our favorite snack.

Here we all are (Ila May was napping).

Mark got the turkey leg.

The kids ended up having a blast (and making a mess) playing with the pop corn. Levi was on the hunt for any un-popped kernels.

My dad and Lulu

Ila May woke up and missed our entire turkey dinner. Yes, this was our dinner. Growing up popcorn was an actual dinner we all enjoyed (usually on the weekends when my dad cooked). How we ate it was with grated Tilamok Sharp Cheddar Cheese on top. So yummy! Mark and I have been married almost 7 years and the past 2 years or so he has finally agreed that popcorn and cheese can actually be a dinner. And recently when we talk about what we should have for dinner, he now says "let's have popcorn and cheese."

Sisterly love. Lulu and Ila just love eachother.

Six Months

2011-11-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Ila May is 6 months old. It feels like I just did her last monthly picture. I still think of her as a newborn. I think I treat her like one too...lol. I'm very protective of my babies. Ila May is starting to sit up on her own. She can't do it yet completely. She'll sit for a bit then tip right over, smiling the entire way. She has no teeth yet but is still drooling like one will pop out any moment. She started drooling at 4 months so for the past two months I keep saying "a tooth must be coming in." She's not a fussy baby at all. Ila May is still sleeping in our room. Lulu was in her crib when she was 7 months old and Levi was in the crib at 5 months old. But Ila May will probably be in our room for a LONG time. I can't even imagine putting her in a crib yet. Ila May has been moving her mouth like she's talking. That's her new thing. I think she thinks she's talking too!

Such a happy little girl!

The dress Ila May is wearing is Lulu's old dress. I just love putting her in Lulu's dresses and outfits.

Here is a picture of Lulu in the same dress at 4 months old.

Sitting Up

2011-11-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

Ila May started sitting on her own today. She's not quite 6 months yet. All 3 have sat up sometime in their 5th month. I'm actually surprised she is doing this though. She's such a baby it seems compared to Lulu or Levi. She's tiny and loves to be held.

And this is why we have the pillows behind her.

Girls Day Out

2011-11-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

Today Lulu, Ila and I went to a baby shower for a mother in our church. It was so fun for me to take my girls and get them all dressed up. We had a great time and there were many other little girls there too. While we were gone Mark worked on his beetle and Levi got to help once he was up from his nap. After they worked on it they went for a drive. Levi loves riding in the beetle.

What's been going on?

2011-11-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

Mark's home business has now gone full time. Mark supports architects, builders and developers with their need for architectural drawings and designs.

Our nursery became my sewing room and when Mark decided to start working from home full time and left the company he was with, my sewing room became his office. I'm so excited for him and very proud of the bold step he took to do this. Our faith is in the Lord and know if we commit this to Him, He will see our plans through.

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

This is a family business. The other day Mark had Lulu and I working! We were stuffing envelopes and putting stamps on them. We have been sending out letters and business cards to business in the area. I asked Lulu how much she charged per hour, she told us $60. Ha!

Look how hard she worked!

Then some other exciting news.

Levi is working on potty training! He got a sticker right before bed tonight!

Way to go Levi!

And Ila May is now wearing cloth diapers! I started Lulu on cloth diapers when she was born. Then we went on a trip and I learned how lovely disposable diapers were and out went the cloth diapers. Something about just tossing the dirty diaper and being done with it is really appealing. Well, Mark and I feel that God has really been placing it on our hearts to glorify Him in every way. That includes our money. For us this was one cost I could help with. I still love disposables but boy are they expensive! Plus I have been praying about my utter dislike for laundry. Really I have been asking God to help me with laundry. That's one chore I just have not enjoyed. But now I have to do it or Ila will be out of diapers! Knowing they are for her and knowing how I am helping Mark by cutting costs, it makes it a bit more enjoyable.

Plus, who doesn't just love the big diaper butt look on babies?

Does this diaper make my butt look big?

Reformation Day

2011-10-31T20:17:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Reformation Day. Lulu and Levi have been looking forward to today. We have been talking about what the Protestant Reformation means and the amazing sacrifice the reformers made for us.

We colored stained glass window coloring pages. We played pin the beard on the theologian.

One of the fun games that we do just to have some fun, is the candy game. They decorate a paper bag, then I scatter and hide candy all around the living room. While I'm doing this they all are waiting in the bedroom for me to call them out. When I call them out they get to go on a candy hunt. I played this game growing up at my birthday party but I thought it would be fun for this celebration.

Notice in the picture above the little hand grabbing a "find."

Then to take the celebration even further we had a "papal" roast.

We had a wonderful dinner this evening.

After our dinner we had a blast playing pin the beard on the theologian.

Levi's turn!

Mark's turn!

I think Mark practiced.

I obviously need to practice!

Then Mark took the kids next door to our sweet neighbors house. She's like a grandma to the kids. We scrounged up something for them to wear and they went trick-or-treating over to see her and say hello. She made them fun goodie bags yesterday and was excited to see them today.

Right before bed we all listened to an audio book about Martin Luther, called The Barber Who Wanted to Pray written and read by R.C. Sproul. He wrote it as a children's book. It's a sweet story and a great way to learn how to pray.

Reformation Sunday Bonfire

2011-10-30T18:29:00.000-07:00

This afternoon my parents came over for a bonfire. We roasted s'mores and some hot dogs. It was wet and rainy but pretty warm.

Lulu - 4.5 years.

My dad and Ila May (5 months)

Family picture out by the swing.

My mom roasting a marshmallow.

Lulu enjoying her s'more.

Levi liked his s'more in separate pieces. Plain chocolate, plain graham cracker, plain marshmallow.

Someone ran off with the entire bag of marshmallows.

My dad brought his umbrella just in case.

Ila May fell asleep.

We had a fun afternoon playing in the back and having my parents over.

Happy Friday Cake!

2011-10-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

Hope your Friday is as yummy as ours has been.

My friend Kelsey sent me this recipe and it's delicious!

Check out Kelsey's Blog for the recipe.

Bath Time

2011-10-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is Ila's first sink bath. She seemed to enjoy it.

The Walker

2011-10-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

This baby walker has been one of the best pieces of baby equipment we have ever owned. My mom got it for us when Lulu was a baby. Our house has pretty much all hard surfaces so our babies can roam the house in this. Ila pushes her legs and scoots backwards everywhere right now, but she is realizing if she leans froward she can go forward.

Levi ( December 2009)

Lulu (January 2008)

Ding Dong!

2011-10-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Probably twice a week (some more, some less) I get a text message first thing in the morning from my mom that there is something on the front step for the kids. She drops her surprises off when she's on her way to work. Sometimes it's flowers for Lulu, bananas for everyone. We just never know what the surprise will be. Today my text message said "Have Levi look outside!!"

He was so excited. He was jumping up and down. He had no idea what was in the bag but it didn't matter.

What could it be????

Lulu needed to help open it.

Hard boiled eggs!!!! Levi's FAVORITE! And there are stickers on them!!

Yummy! Thank you Grammie-goo. We love you!

Click HERE to see my mom's blog post about it.

Big Brother

2011-10-24T17:51:00.000-07:00

Levi LOVES being a big brother. He's super good at it too.

Rainy Day

2011-10-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today is a very wet rainy day. It's one of the grey, damp, cool days that the Pacific Northwest will be seeing for the next handful of months. Spring will be a welcome blessing come April (give or take). Since it's just what it is around here we still have to go outside. Rain coats and boots are a life saver!

This afternoon Mark and I are working on a rainy day activity....Painting! We are finally painting our living room after 6 years in this house.

Bye, bye white walls!

I'll be posting before and after pictures once we are done.

G.G.'s

2011-10-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

Today we all went and had lunch with my Grandma. We call her G.G. since she is now Great Grandma.

G.G and Ila May

G.G. and Lulu

Here are Lulu and Levi peeking in her back door.

Ila May and Mark saying goodbye to G.G.

Fort Building

2011-10-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon was fort building time.

Fire Day

2011-10-15T23:02:00.000-07:00

Today we went on a tour of a new fire station in our area. They had it all set up for tours and for kids to climb and play in the trucks. My mom found two really fun fire hats earlier in the week for Lulu and Levi to wear.

Here is everyone walking to the fire station. Lulu had been wearing her hat since the moment she woke up this morning.

Levi LOVED sitting in the trucks. Lulu enjoyed it too.

Then they got to climb up onto this truck. It had a surf board and paddle on it. We're thinking it's for water rescue???? We do have a lot of water around here.

Papa and Levi

Then we took the tour of the new station. We got to see where the firefighters sleep, eat, play and do laundry. It was really neat to see the living quarters. Here is Levi meeting a real fireman!

Here we are in the kitchen. While we were in there, there was a fireman that was cooking himself some breakfast. So my dad started talking to him about who does the cooking and the dishes. We even got to open up the 4 refrigerators to see what they all like to eat. Lot's of ice cream!

Click HERE to see my mom's blog post of our day at the fire station.

Five Months

2011-10-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

Today Ila May is 5 months old. She weighs about 14lbs. She likes being in the walker scooting around the house. She's been waking 1 or 2 times at night to nurse. This is something new. But I'm actually happy to wake up in the middle of the night and have that special time with her while everyone in the house is sleeping. When I was pregnant with her that's one of the things I was looking forward too. But then she slept the entire night from day one and I didn't get that time with her. So now at 5 months I get to enjoy the night feedings. She's been drooling like crazy and biting everything that she can, so I know she's working on some teeth but none have come through yet.

Oak Harbor Trip

2011-10-08T20:32:00.000-07:00

Today we had such a fun day meeting some friends that I met on a Christian parenting forum. We have gotten to know each other for a few years now and today our families actually got to meet. We drove up to Oak Harbor, WA to Peter and Angel's home. Peter is in the black coat and Angel has her arms around the girls. Christy is from Missouri and drove out to WA to see family in the area. She is on the end holding her little guy. There were 3 families in total. Ten children and one on the way for my friend Christy, her 5th!

Here is Lulu and Levi waiting for the ferry boat to dock so we could load.

Here we are riding the ferry boat. A first for all the kids!

Then a nice lady offered to take our picture with Mark in it. Christy's husband had to stay back in Missouri for work. Hopefully we can meet him next time.

Peter and Angel put on a wonderful lunch for us. You can see more on Angel's blog HERE. Her blog is amazing! She has some wonderful recipes and always has something encouraging to share. She has a knack for making things beautiful and adding the extra touches to make others feel so special. That's exactly what she did for all of us today.

Here are all the girls.

The men!

We had a beautiful day! I wish we lived closer to these families. Thanks Peter and Angel for welcoming us into your home.

Apples

2011-09-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was John Chapman's birthday. He's better know as Johnny Apple Seed. Last week we learned about apples. My mom has been picking a theme for us, so far we have learned about grapes, chickens, the American flag and now apples. She gave us all sorts of things to do with apples. Did you know that national Apple day is on Oct. 21st and that Johnny Apple Seeds favorite book was the Bible?

We made a quick and easy apple cobbler with oatmeal raisin cookies and apple pie filling. Mmmmm, so good.

We did a tasted test of apple juice vs. apple cider. We also have been eating different types of apples. My favorite are the granny smith, Lulu's were the red delicious and Levi loved the non organic honey crisp because it was the biggest one.

Then we cut one open to see the star in the middle. Something I learned was that each seed pocket contains seeds and the health of the plant is determined by how many seeds are in each.

Our Red Delicious had 8 seeds. Seems pretty healthy to me.

4 1/2 months

2011-09-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Ila May 4 1/2 months

Levi 4 1/2 months

Lulu 4 1/2 months

Today all 3 of them.

I can't believe how different our children all look from each other. Do you see any similarities?

Favorite Things

2011-09-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the store as a family. And when we had parked and were walking through the parking lot we all spotted this orange Volkswagen all the way on the other side, so we had to go check it out. From a distance we didn't see that is was a chopped version or that it said Tillamook on it. But as we got closer we noticed how cute and little this VW bus was.

Two of our favorite things, Volkswagen's and Tillamook cheese. This is truly the only cheese I buy. I was raised on Tillamook cheese. We have been to the Tillamook cheese factory in Tillamook, OR many times. If you have never had it, don't because you will never be able to eat another brand again. Also, if you have never driven an air cooled VW, don't because you will want to buy one and start driving it. Mark has a beetle and any opportunity I get, I take his beetle to run my errands. They are so much fun to drive.

Click HERE to check out the Tillamook Love Loaf tour site. They took our picture and said they would post it. Who knows, maybe we'll be on there.

Grand Opening

2011-09-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

Today our local Fred Meyer had a big grand re-opening celebration. This Fred Meyer has been here since I was a little girl. It was time for a remodel. They were handing out free coffee and doughnuts. So I thought it would be fun to check it out the new store and take the kids for a treat.

Cousins

2011-09-19T14:57:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we drove down to Salem, OR to visit with Mark's cousin and her husband and kids. They drove up from Medford, OR. We met in the middle for the day. We played at a park and had a picnic. The last time we saw Brian and Ani was almost 3 years ago. I wasn't even pregnant with Levi then. Ani was pregnant with Duke their youngest at the time. So we got to meet Duke and they got to meet Levi and Ila.

Their kids are Cole (6), Ava (4) and Duke (2)

The kids just ran and ran and ran. They had so much fun.

4 & 4

2011-09-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

4 years old and 4 months old

Grandpa Don

2011-09-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Mark's dad Don flew up from Medford, OR to stay with us. He flew in Thursday evening and flew home Tuesday morning. We had a great time with him like always.

Mark and Don put up a swing for the kids. We enjoyed this all weekend.

Grandpa Don had to try it out first to make sure his grad kids would be safe.

Every year Don always wants to go look at some classic cars. There's a special dealership in our area that has all sorts of fancy cars.

Lulu and Levi looking into the hubcap of a classic VW bus.

Then it's off to the Harley dealership. Don rides a Harley and loves coming here.

We had a fun weekend. This was Grandpa Don's first time meeting Ila May. His 6th grandchild.

10 Years Ago..

2011-09-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

everything changed. I look at our precious little children today and they will never know what life was like before 9/11/01. Those of us who do know what it was like have forever been changed. But we have a God who is sovereign and His love is everlasting!

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

Click HERE to read a neat story on the second graders who were with President Bush when he first heard we were attacked the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.

Four Months

2011-09-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

Ila May is four months old today. These past four months have been filled with so much, it feels like she's been here longer. She has found her voice. She loves to hear herself. It's part squeal, part scream, part laugh. Just so cute. She loves her thumb when she's tired. After her little photo shoot this morning she found her thumb and went right to sleep. A real joy and dream baby!

Levi's Birthday Party

2011-09-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

This year Levi's birthday landed on Labor day. We started the day with some gifts and fun time with Mark since he didn't go to work!!

Here's my little 2 year old. What a joy he is in our life.

Mark helped Lulu and Levi dig a little trench and they made some rivers.

Levi enjoyed sitting in his river/mud hole.

2 years old!

After playing in the mud they got hosed down.

Then we headed to my parents house to have a family party for Levi. We decided to get some family photos too. My brother took some on his nice camera. Can't wait to see how they turned out!

Mark's dad, Don stayed with us for a few days and flew home on Tuesday back to Medford, OR. Mark's mom Connie was in town also from central Oregon and came to the party.

Here is my side with Todd and Stephanie and my parents.

Then Levi got to open all his gifts. He made it through the first gift and was content. He didn't have an interest in the others so Lulu helped him out.

Here is my mom and Ila May.

Happy 2nd Birthday Levi!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Levi!

2011-09-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my little man! I can't believe you are 2. You can talk so well and are so funny. I laugh all day long watching you and listening to you. I know I can always get a great hug from you and my favorite are you kisses. I love getting kissed by you!!

(Levi swinging on our new buoy swing)

Click HERE to read his birth story.

How Did You Sleep?

2011-09-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

This is a question we always ask our children in the morning. Here is how I found all of them just last night. This morning their answerer's were "great"!

The Evergreen State Fair - 2011

2011-08-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

Mark's mom was in town and took us to the fair. We had a great time.

Lulu got to ride a pony. She was so excited about this.

Faces were painted!

Last year Mark was so excited to try some Cajun Alligator on a stick. But they were sold out. So all year he's been looking forward to it and this time he got some!!

The rides were just as fun as they were last year. This roller coster was Lulu's favorite ride. Levi will hopefully be big enough next year.

We saw all the animals.

The kids got to ride on some toy tractors. It was like tractor bumper cars.

This was a ride Levi was big enough for.

Lulu wanted to go on the roller coaster again......and I had to join in on the fun too!!

After all the rides and attractions we were hungry. So we got some fun fair food.

After our dinner we walked around and looked at all the displays and contests.

Hot Air Balloons

2011-08-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday Mark and I woke up around 5am! We wanted to take Lulu and Levi to see some hot air balloons and we needed to get there around sunrise for their launch. I called and ordered some maple bars from our favorite bakery and we quickly swung in and picked those up, then headed out to Snohomish to Harvey Field. Well, it was very foggy. So foggy they canceled the morning balloon flights. We even waited in hopes the fog would clear and by 8:30am we headed home.

So, we decided to try again later that evening for the evening launch. This time we took sub sandwiches and had a picnic. The really great thing was that there was no fog! Just wind. :( So the balloon launch was on hold. So while we were waiting for the wind to die down we got to watch skydivers jump out of their planes and land in the same field we were having our picnic. We also could see the planes take off and land too.

I don't know if you can see them but behind Levi's silly grin are some skydivers getting ready to land.

Finally we saw the big balloon vans pull out onto the field and they quickly started setting up and filling the balloons. We walked/ran out there a good half mile so we could get a closer look.

We headed back to the van after the balloons were launched and heading off. We decided it would be fun to chase them and see if we could see them land. We did find them and were about no lie 2 min too late to see them actually land. It was really neat to see the entire process.

Peek-A-Boo

2011-08-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

Ila May was playing Peek-A-Boo with Mark last night.

And here she is just a bit later fast asleep with her thumb in her mouth.

My Babies

2011-08-23T14:36:00.000-07:00

Lulu is almost 4.5 years old. Ila is 3.5 months old and Levi has a couple weeks until he turns 2!

Lulu loves anything pink and sparkly. Notice she's in her ballet outfit. She dances and sings around our house all day long. She just memorized the first verse to Amazing Grace. She can't say L or R yet so she sounds like a little New Yorker. Lulu likes things in their place and loves order. She takes initiative and does things without asking. She loves to be in charge. I know if I ask her to do something it will get done and it will be better then I would have done it.

Ila loves to roll from her tummy to her back. She sucks her thumb when she's tired and falls asleep with it in her mouth. SO CUTE! She's my first thumb sucker. She loves to "talk" to us. Anyone can hold her, she's very social and content. She sleeps the entire night. I just put her in her bassinet when it nap time or bed time and she plays for a bit then falls right to sleep. She started drooling just a bit, so I'm expecting a tooth in the next few months. Lulu and Levi got their first at 4 months. So we will see.

Levi is my boy. He loves cars, truck and trains. He loves to pretend he's driving a car and holds the pretend steering wheel out in front of him while making the motor sound. His motor sound is really good, he can even make it sound like he's down shifted. It's so funny. Levi is funny, he loves to say hi to people in stores and is not shy at all. Even though he's outgoing he's very mellow and goes with the flow. The other day he just laid down in the living room and took a little nap. When he's hungry he will eat a ton, and when he's not he eats like a bird. He loves to listen to Lulu and let's her boss him around. He just loves it! He loves Lulu and will do what she tells him. He loves Ila and is always asking to hold her.

Grapes

2011-08-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

This week we are learning about grapes! Yesterday morning we woke up and I read a text from my mom that said "look on your front porch." She does this often, and the kids are always excited to see what she has dropped off. Yesterday she dropped off this tray full of different types of grapes. The tray was full. Not anymore! She also printed a picture of grapes and all sorts of fun facts about grapes for us to talk about. My mom will be helping us with homeschooling and have what she calls "Grandma Class." She also is going to pick a theme for us to learn about and this week it's grapes.

After my mom got off work she came over to the house and we all plied into the van to visit our local winery. One of the fun facts was that grapes grow on a vine. "What is a vine" was the question that came next. Because we live in an area that has everything under the sun, we were able to go walk through a vineyard and actually see what a grape vine looks like not even 10min from our house.

Lulu and Levi at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery.

Did you know that grapes are 80% water?

Date Night!

2011-08-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

Last night Mark and I dropped Lulu and Levi off at my parents to spend the night. We had a special date planned.

We went home and had a wonderful steak dinner out on our patio with Ila as our entertainment. Earlier during the day the kids and I walked to the grocery store. I had the butcher cut me two beautiful Porter house steaks (we ended up splitting one). We opened up a bottle of wine and enjoyed the backyard. It was a nice warm evening too.

Back to School

2011-08-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

My mom had to go back to work/school. Summer break for her is over. We had 5 weeks of fun, fun, fun! She's the attendance secretary up at my old high school. So yesterday we went up to her school and had lunch on the football field.

I used to run track on this very track. Lulu and Levi had a blast running all around. They were tired and took great naps!

Miss you Mother! Good thing we live only 7 blocks from you.

Three Months

2011-08-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

Today Ila May is 3 months old. She has been such a joy and it really feels like she has been here much longer then 3 months. A few days ago she turned over from her tummy to her back while she was in bed. She did this twice in the same day. She is very vocal. Coos and talks to us so much. She loves to smile at people and lights up when her brother and sister talk with her. I just started putting her on the floor to "play" a bit. She loves this. Something that we are so excited about and thanking God for is that her eye has completely cleared up and healed. She had a blocked tear duct just like Levi did. Hers was just as bad as his and her eye was starting to get infections. We have been praying that it would heal and clear up. It's been clear and draining like it should for the past 6 days!!

Cousins

2011-08-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

This top picture is of Lulu (May 2007) at my Aunt Bev's house on her blanket. The picture below is of Ila today at her house on the same blanket.

Here is Lulu and her cousin Zazel. Zazel, her mommy and brother flew out here from Brooklyn, NY for a visit. We've been having lots of fun hanging out with them. Zazel's mom is Heather, she is my first cousin. Her mom is my Aunt Bev, one of my dad's sisters. Got that? Heather just had her second baby in January, a little boy named Avi.

Zazel and Lulu

My mom and Ila.

My dad and Ila.

Yesterday we all went to see the movie Winnie the Poo. This was Levi, Ila and Avi's first movie.

Here is my dad with all the cousins. From Left to right: Avi (6.5 mo), Levi (23 mo.), My dad Tom (59 yrs), Ila (almost 3 mo.), Zazel (5 yrs) and Lulu (4.5 yrs.).

Here is Levi, Zazel and Lulu having a snack at our house.

And here is Avi and Ila. They are 3.5 months apart.

A Walk Around Town

2011-08-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my mom, the kids and I walked around our town. It was a beautiful day.

There are bronze statues similar to this all over our town.

These bunnies have been here forever. I remember when I was little climbing on them.

Then we ended our walk around town walking out on the docks. We sure live in a beautiful part of the world.