Alexa turned 3!

So with all of the excitement of the baby, I failed to post a VERY important event. That is the birthday of our current baby, Alexa. She turned three on September 26th and we had a little family party for her. This year she is really into Mickey Mouse so we had a Mickey themed party. She picked out the matching everything and her own cake and would ask for days if it was her birthday yet and she'd say, "I so excited about Mickey Mouse party. I want Mickey Mouse plates, and cups, and Mickey Mouse cupcakes." Just randomly, out of the blue. She knew which day on the calendar was her big day, and we'd frequently talk about it.

Well the big day arrives. I had the party at 2 p.m. Not the best decision because it was late enough that she needed a nap and either went without it and would be unhappy or took one and would wake up unhappy. Not a win - win. We went with the nap and she woke up as expected, just as people were arriving.

The video clip is priceless because she was crying the whole time we sang to her. She did NOT like being the center of attention with everyone looking at her. She didn't enjoy her big day very much at all. She pulled her hair out, typical of her, and didn't want to even look at her new toys and clothes until everyone left. I didn't get any good pictures of her because she was hiding her face in all of them so the one with her Mickey Mouse loot is after everyone was gone and she could continue being herself!

Some things about my Lexa:

Alexa is such a good, sweet little girl. She loves her big sister and follows her everywhere so goes. She gives the new baby a kiss everyday and gives her "big hugs". She loves playing with her best friend and cousin Launa and talks about her daily and prays for her each night. She is very excitable (at home anyway). She's shy out in public and even around family if too much attention is on her - in that case she hides behind my leg or wants me to hold her. She's a very fast runner - I attribute this to the fact that she runs everywhere she goes and always has . . . even in the summer wearing platform flip flops! She loves to read books and likes playing with her little people that go with her doll house. She loves watching Dora and Cinderella. She's a very good eater and tells her dad to "bring her treats" when she talks to him on the phone. She loves nursery (odd since she's shy, I know). She likes to pick out her own clothes, especially panties, and always wants me to put bows in her hair (which is odd since they only stay in for a maximum of 5-10 minutes). She loves to have her nails painted and typcially chooses pink (shocking). She is still a cuddler and loves to be held. She tells me almost daily, "Moma I want hold you." So precious! She loves her blanket and won't go to sleep without it. We love her dearly and are so glad she's a part of our family!

Drumroll please . . . .

We had our ultrasound this morning and found out that we're having a . . . . . . . . . . . GIRL! Apparently we are destined for a family of daughters. I was just sure we were having a boy and was really eager to call my brothers and rub it in. For our family this is 8 granddaughters in a row and I wanted to be the one to break the streak. The Lord had other plans! Ashlee's reply was, "Mom I think Heavenly Father sent us a girl because girls are easier." I think she's right - until they become teenagers! :)

We are truly very happy about this baby and having another girl will be a joy. My sister and sister-in-law just both had girls too so this baby will grow up with two girl cousins and they'll all be in the same grade so that will be so much fun for them and for us.

Everything looked great on the ultra sound. She's healthy and growing like she should. Her heart beat is strong and all is well. She was just kicking and kicking throughout the whole thing. The ultra sound tech had a hard time getting still shots of her so we already know she's a "kicker and a mover" . . . she'll fit right in!

Our big news . . . .

So our big news is that I'm expecting! I am 15 weeks right now so have a due date of March 15th ish. I guess I really don't know who knows and who doesn't so this is our way of making sure that everyone who cares, now knows! We're super excited and will find out in a few more weeks if it's a boy or girl. I'll keep you posted!!

First Day of School

We had a hard time with the sun while taking pictures so she's in my shadow. I love this picture because she's showing all 6 of her missing teeth. She had a busy summer (so did the tooth fairy)!

Ashlee was so excited for her first day of First Grade! This would mean school all day long, hot lunch & 3 recesses! She was nervous about her bus ride - and I made things worse by discovering we were going on the wrong bus - it was like 5 blocks away from our house. So on day 2 she had to go to a new bus stop and start the worrying all over again!

We got her on the bus and then followed her to the school to get her settled. She met up with friends right off the bat and was excited to be reunited with the playground toys. We left her happy and confident . . . that's not how she returned to us.

No kidding I was so anxious for her to get home and see how her first day was and I got what every mom would expect (from a boy maybe) one word answers such as: good, ya, fine, okay. I was totally disappointed. We get home and I run to the school to find out about the bus schedule and so the girls are home with Dell. When I get back Ashlee is crying and Dell says she's been like this since I left. She was mad that "I made her wear these fancy pants (skinny jeans) and these shoes that gave me blisters." I'm just the meanest mom ever because I didn't let her wear shorts and a lot of other kids, or ALL the other kids according to her, wore shorts. To make a long story short she was pretty much a beast the rest of the evening. No kidding she was crying, pouting, just being a pill. Dell and I just couldn't believe it because that is SO not typical of her. Much to my relief day #2 was much better. I got her off the bus and she told me story after story about school and was happy as a lark. I said, "wow I sure like this Ashlee a lot better than yesterday's Ashlee." and she said, "I know mom, yesterday I was just really tired." I guess the first day of all day school, hot lunch and 3 recesses really took it's toll. But rest assured she adjusted after one day, and as long as she gets to put shorts on as soon as she gets home, I'm no longer the meanest mom!

I'm a slacker

So I am self-admittedly a slacker. You'd think I could update my blog at least monthly! Here are some of the things we've been up to:

- Ashlee started and finished her first season of TBall.
- Alexa potty-trained (horray for this one . . . this was back in April, I think)
- My city league slow-pitch team started up again and we've been in full swing (no pun intended!)
- I was called to teach the 11-year old primary class and am also over activity days for the girls 8-11.
- I went to Girls Camp all week as a tent mom.
- We spent a week with my side of the family at our annual Sanpoil camping trip.
- Ashlee tried to waterski with help from Uncle Rich.
- Dell had his first Sandcastles class! (this is a program he became certified by M. Gary Neuman for in teaching children how to cope with divorce). http://www.supportingchildren.org/
- Ashlee started swimming lessons.
- Alexa changes outfits 5 times daily and pulls her hair out even more times than that (I give up, I tell ya!) So if you see me in public, like today for instance, don't judge me on her appearance. You have to pick your battles and she's winning these ones. There's only so many times I can redo her hair and make sure she's matching!! :)

A Recap of Events

A lot has happened since my last post. Here'a a quick recap:



Ashlee and all the other girl cousins (my only nephew is 13) get to enjoy the latest toy at Grandma & Grandpa's house. Dell was uncertain about it and decided the only way to justify it is if we bought a helmet. $60 and one wear later we've decided that was sure worth the money! :) The girls cruise up and down the canal bank and have created their own little race track in my parents' yard.


All the grandkids in their Easter outfits - we love to get matching everything!


Ashlee turned 6 years old


We finally purchased and put up our fence. I did a lot of the work while Dell was at work each day. We also had a friend help us out that knew what he was doing. After watching me digging post holes and putting up boards Ashlee told me, "Moma that's a boy's job."




My baby sister went to Prom and the whole family was there to watch (the next day was Mother's Day so we got a two-for-one deal). Her poor date . . . there were like 6 cars in the driveway and 25 people there when he pulled up.


We celebrated Mother's Day in Othello. I'm so lucky to be a mom to these two girls!

As easy as riding a bike

Can you remember your first time riding a bike - it wasn't so easy. I remember my first time. My cousin, Jennifer, got a new purple bike with a long banana seat and as soon as I saw it I knew I had to learn to ride. She, being a year older than me, was ever so kind in teaching me. My 5 year old cousin held on to the back of that seat as we rode from my house to her house and back over and over until I mastered it. Kids now days have it easy . . . I learned on gravel with no knee pads or helmet of any kind - thank heavens! I don't think I'd have wore them even if they had them! :) I remember that night not wanting to go to bed for fear I'd forget how to ride in the morning and woke up first thing and jetted over to her house to prove I still remembered.

So I've been waiting ever so patiently for my eldest to learn how to ride. I was 4 when I learned so thought she should be just as eager. To my dismay she wasn't. We tried last summer without success and Ashlee found she loved her scooter and didn't give her dear old Princess bike another thought. This year I decided it was time. She's going to be 6 on May 2nd so I wanted to get this accomplished before that. A 6 year old that doesn't know how to ride . . . that's just not acceptable!

So here it is, Spring Break, and I told her we're gonna get this thing done by the end of the week. Today was our first try and to my amazement she took no time at all. She's still a little unsure and I have to remind her to "pedal" as she seems to forget - she sure doesn't forget that brake though!

A word to the wise . . . . don't teach your children how to ride bikes with flip flops on. I did and wouldn't you know somehow the toe nail on my big toe got ripped half way off. This is the toe that I just had surgery on and just got the nail looking normal again. Lucky me!

Oh, FYI the video is a little long. Dell didn't pause at all during it so I couldn't cut it down. I made him video since I was the one that taught her earlier . . . I wanted the credit for future reference. ;) Her accomplishment benefited us all as a trip to Chuck E. Cheese was the prize (I do bribe my children - and it works!)

Winter Basketball

5 years old

Ashlee has been playing basketball for the past few weeks each Saturday. We signed her up last year and she really liked it. They basically just teach fundamentals to the kids. How to dribble, pass the ball, shoot etc. I could see big improvement this year compared to last year. She had a hard time shooting last year - wasn't quite strong enough to get it up to the basket. This year she had no problems and made a lot of her shots. The video is one of those times.


It was also fun to visit with Wendy Beus each week. We planned it that way - using our kids to be able to spend more time together! It worked out well for us all. Here's a picture of Kaden and Ashlee

Action shot! Apparently I'm not a good picture taker. I tried to take a ton of her shooting and this was the best looking one I got!

I have the best husband!

Our Valentines Day was so much fun. Dell got each of his girls something special. For a man who absolutely HATES to shop, he did such a good job in picking out something special for our girls.

Ashlee LOVES animals and has begging incessantly for a dog. We are planning on giving in to her demands, but we've got to get our fence put up first!

Alexa loves anything soft and cuddly. We've had issues at bedtime lately because she lost her most precious bunny at my mom & dad's house a few weeks back. Her new bear seems to have filled in that void for her. Way to go hunny!

Flowers are a girls best friend. When they delivered them I was gone so saw them on the doorstep when I pulled up. You can't get a better surprise than that. We also got a sitter and went out to dinner and a movie. We didn't see a romantic movie, we saw TAKEN, which was an edge of your seat type of movie. We really liked it - worth seeing in the theater!

Other events from this weekend were painting our room - quite a task. Every time I paint I remember that I HATE painting. I guess that's why I wait so long in between paint jobs . . . that's the only way I'll do it again because I forget how much I hate doing it! It's such a mess and you have to worry about spilling the whole time and I'm never satisfied that I did a good enough job at the top because I always get paint on the ceiling. Really people . . . taping does not work!!!!
Ashlee helped out a bit and even got to write her name.

Alexa got her first haircut by yours truly. I figured I couldn't really mess up too badly. She has enough hair that it was like three snips. It makes her look so much more grown up.

Every day things

So I know a lot of moms let their kids play computer games. I am not one of them. I use my computer to work so basically it's off-limits to my kids. I don't want them touching the screen and messing things up from clicking on things they have no ideas about. Anyhoo, the other day I was doing some billing and Ashlee was in the room with me drawing - just to be with me really. I had some envelopes to stuff so I asked her if she wanted to switch and she could play a game while I was stuffing my envelopes. Well she LOVED the games I put on for her and coaxed me for a week afterwards to play again. What have I done??? As you can see, sister is intrigued by just watching!

This is a glimpse of one of the many times a day Alexa changes clothes. She loves to wear skirts and pajamas. This picture captures one of each!

So my first reaction was to yell . . . WHAT ARE YOU DOOOOIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGG???? Then I realized it was my fault for leaving them unattended for a moment and kids will be kids. When I asked Ashlee why they needed so many bubbles, Ashlee told me, "cause we're making animals, Mom." They thouroughly enjoyed it and it took me quite awhile to get all those bubbles to go down the drain!

Ashlee showing me one of her scary "animals".

It's been awhile . . .

I haven't blogged in awhile now, and the saddest part is I still don't think I have anything truly noteworthy of blogging about. No fun pictures, exciting trips, big events . . . just normal stuff - and who wants to hear about that!?!

One new change in our family is that now I will be home on Wednesday nights and Dell will be gone. He was called in as the First Counselor in the YM Presidency so as a result I was released (I was serving as the 2nd Counselor in the YW Presidency). I was really, really sad about that. I have loved serving in YWs with the Beehives. I did get another calling - among the boys. Even though I am son-less at this point I guess I need to get a headstart on cub scouts as that's where I'll be serving. So I now get to attend pack meetings, round tables, and weekly den meetings with the 9 year olds. Last night was my first pack meeting and I have no idea about how things run in the scout world. I guess I'll quickly learn!

Another change in our family was the passing of my cousin Jimmy Taylor. His passing was unexpected, but he lived a lot longer than doctors ever said he would. He was 33 years old and passed away on January 26th. Jimmy was a very special part of our family because he had downs syndrome. I grew up next door to Jimmy so he was very much a part of my daily life. Some of my cherished memories of him are his laugh, how much he enjoyed camping and being around family, how he'd never get out of the water - even if he was burnt to a crisp, dancing with him at Prom, and walking together at high school graduation. I'm so grateful for the profound impact he had on us as a family and for the experiences we shared. I'm grateful for the knowledge I have that because of Jesus Christ I will see him again in his perfected form. I'm grateful to know that for the first time in 33 years he is as "free as a bird", that he is no longer held back by the limitations of his body. I'm so grateful that we are an eternal family. I'll miss ya, Jimmer!

30 has arrived . . . .

So yesterday was my birthday, "January 5 I'm alive" and I turned the whopping 3 - 0 . . . that's right, 30 years old. I don't know how I feel about that - OLD, I guess! :) My cousin gave me this card that said "You're 30! You're Mature! You're Responsible! And to teenagers everywhere you're OLD!" Then on the back it said, "Red Rover, Red Rover, Your YOUNG years are OVER!" I thought that pretty much summed it up! I totally loved that card. It was laugh out loud funny.

So my day was pretty low key. School started again for Ashlee and so we got back on routine. Dell took me out to a nice dinner at PF Changs and we had a great time. It really didn't feel like my birthday because Dell threw me a surprise party a week earlier. My sister was in town so he wanted to do it before she left. That was really fun for me and I got really spoiled, which is nice when you're turning 30! Anyhoo so I've had a week's worth of celebration - or preparation rather. I appreciate all of the nice cards & phone calls. Nothing is better than hearing from friends and family on your birthday so thanks!