A Pocket Full Of Sunshine

What a beautiful weekend! I loved every minute of it, burnt shoulder's and all. If only I inherited just a tinge more of my mom's Hispanic skin. Guess I got more of the Irish side from my Dad. Shane and I finally tackled a major project/clean up, our garage. We've been putting it off for months. It's so nice to have it all tidy and organized again. I filled up 3 large garbage bags for "good willy," (goodwill) as Liv calls it, and tossed the rest of junk into the trash. Olivia was on a treasure hunt while going through the mess with us. Nolan on the other hand decided he would use this time to take a nice snooze while in the backpack on Daddy's back. We also got to spend time with some of our favorite people, The Ruff's. Olivia and her best friend Ella were on a mission as usual. Both girls have a great sense of imagination. Olivia said "let's go the the beach!" So they made a beach out of a rubbermaid bin. Before we knew it, they had striped down and were running around the yard nakey. To be that free again! We topped the evening off by stuffing ourselves with a delicious, all American meal. Wish I could eat like that every night, it was so good! Our yard is starting to become very colorful. It's a cheerful place when everything is in bloom. I also love the fact that I no longer have to go to the store to buy flowers. Thank you Lord for giving us such simple creations that make us happy!

I'm 8 Months Old!

NJP has learned some new things this week. This little guy is so determined! He's been trying to climb up our stairs, stands up in his crib, and pulls himself up using anything that will give him leverage. I wish I had everything padded for him, I still feel bad when he gets a little bonk. Hey Laura, didn't you say there's a helmet that kids could wear to prevent bumps and bruises :)? Olivia and I were sitting with him today playing paddy cake, and he was trying to clap his little hands together and say "yay." Nobody else would know what the heck he was trying to say, but as his mom, I got it. This is a fun age. I really do think each stage is precious, but have to admit I already miss him as a newborn. There's nothing like having them sleep and snuggle with you all day long. At the same time, love it when they become interactive, and to watch them explore. He's a lot of fun, we're enjoying him! Just wish time would stand still for a bit, this is going by a little too fast for me.

A friend is someone who chooses you...out of a whole world of people.

Some of our DEAREST friends came to visit us over the weekend. It was so much fun! We wish they lived in Spokane. We are incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. Lance and Shane are just like brothers. They had a great time kicking back, watching sports center, going to DQ for their blizzard fix, and even stayed home with the kids while Shaana and I went out for D's Birthday Bash. The kids think they're pretty wonderful too! Olivia literally followed Shaana around the ENTIRE weekend. Shaana is adorable, trendy, very chic, naturally Olivia wanted to become best friends with her. She had to wear the same colors(& clothes) as Shaana, carry around a little purse all weekend, little stinker even tried to lock me out of my own bedroom saying "mom, please stay out, I want to spend time with just Shaana." I'm just boring ole' mom I guess ;) Nolan also enjoyed the company, and spent his time flirting with Shaana & was very content just hanging out in her arms. Watch out Auntie Lowie & D, you might have a little competition! Thanks for a great weekend you guys, we already miss you! We enjoyed it very much--see you in June, We Love You!

From N.Y. to L.A.

We had such a lovely weekend! Yay, the weather is FINALLY cooperating. One of the highlights of the last couple of weeks has been hanging out with my little brother Noel. He is on his way down to L.A. He just moved from Brooklyn, N.Y. where he's lived for the last 7 years. I wish he lived even closer, but at least L.A. isn't a whole days worth of flying. Besides, now I'll have a built in tour guide for areas in California. Noel is one of the BEST cooks on this earth. While he's been visiting I've been spoiled by his amazing meals, great company, and all the laughter he brings in to my life. Not to mention he's an awesome uncle to my kids. He's also signed up to help me paint tomorrow :-) He's pulled my whole family together since he's been here. It's rare that all 4 of my brothers and I get together, so it's been really nice to spend time with them. It was great to see my nieces and nephews as well. The kids loved it too, they have lots of cousins to play with. Hope all of you that live in this neck of the woods have enjoyed the sunshine, & fresh air. We did!

Hopelessly Waiting For Spring

Thought I'd share one of my favorite moments of last spring since it has not yet visited us. Spring is obviously going to arrive LATE this year. Yesterday afternoon Olivia was riding her bike and playing outside. As for today, I had her bundled up in warm clothes and even wrapped a scarf around her while running errands. What's the deal? It was frigid! I'll just pretend that these butterflies are flying around my yard and landing on all my daisies & tulips(which by the way are desperately trying to pop up.) Maybe this just means that we'll have a nice long Indian summer?

Enjoy The Show!

Liv spends time with her Gam on Monday's.  They usually come up with a fun activity/creation.  They talked about putting on a show and I heard them rehearsing something in Liv's bedroom.  Olivia is always singing, especially bible songs.  Here's what they came up with.  I thought it was pretty cute!

My Little Hunk

Nolan just turned 7 months, and this has also gone by way too fast. He's such a sweetheart, but can be a little pistol at times. He got his 1st tooth a couple weeks ago. Shane and I got so excited because it took Olivia 13 months to get her first tooth. I have to admit he's a mamma's boy, so it only makes sense that he says "ma ma" all the time now ;-) It's super cute! His army crawling around the house is hilarious. We get a good laugh when he gets on his all fours and starts rocking back and forth really fast. He's a little mover, one minute he's right in front of me, and the next, getting in to everything. I know this is just the beginning. Time to get baby proofing the house!