Semi-Home Made

Now that the Christmas break from school has begun, I am relieved and anxious at the same time. Relieved because I am not running around town doing errands, gifts for teachers and classmates, baking cookies, Christmas programs for all three kids at different times, and so on. I find myself at times not enjoying the season, it becomes more of a checklist. Prior to me becoming a mother, I remember dreaming of the day when I have children so I could do all those things for them and make their childhood as perfect as I could, and be happy doing so. I had visions of me making cookies and cakes to take to school. The best I did this year was baking the pre-made cookies. I did feel guilty for not making them myself, however, the guilt lasted about 4 seconds. Thank you Pillsbury. And even with that, I forgot them in the house as I drove away taking Piper to school.

THANKSGIVING 2010

Friends and cousins

This is the first in 5 years tht we did not host Thanksgiving at our house. Although I really enjoy the planning, preparation, cooking, baking and hosting, it was really nice to just sit back and enjoy the food prepared by someone else. We spent Thanksgiving with our friends that Roberts in Chino. The kids had a great time running around all day and night. There were a total of 4 families, 17 kids, a giant blowup slide/jumpy, 4 turkeys, lots and lots of mashed potatoes and deserts, and LOTS of love, laughter adn good times.

Thanksgiving dinner is one of may favorite meals. It's up there with chips and salsa. It is not just the food that I love, it is the time when family and friends are together. It is all about the relationship that I have with my loved ones that I am so thankful for. It is all about the memories that we make. It is the time with one another that is the most meaningful and for that I am so thankful.

The younger kids table, Mia, Sophia, Stephen, Buffy, Paris, Chloe, and Piper

The big girls' table. Hayley, Hannah, Lexi, Elle and Aspen

My two favorite guys ever, Chad and John

The little boys' table Hayden, Ty, Jack and Chad

So fancy

Deena, Andrea and I. Many years of friendship.

Andrea does Thanksgiving Martha Stewart style, no paper plates here.

John carving one of the 4 turkeys, and Hayley strikng her modeling pose

Steve and I waiting for the turkey

The NASA Experience

Inside the habitat unit where the astronauts do research

My brother-in-law Scott designed the Habit Unit that NASA will actually use to place on the moon/Mars as a research unit for the astronauts. This is pretty amazing and we were able to have a tour of it while they they were actually simulating out in the desert of Flagstaff.

Buffy and Daddy inside the Habit unit where the astronauts do research

Lava River Cave

This cave was about a mile deep and 32 degrees inside

All my kids hiked in the cave with flip-flops and Buffy had no jacket

With Uncle Scott

It's too cold in the cave for me.

My pretty Piper Girl

Grand Canyon Adventures, or Lack Thereof...

Our family

Chad on Uncle Scott's shoulder

Piper directing Chad where to stand

The Grand Canyon is marvelous to look upon, for about 15 minutes. Although I am in awe with its beauty and grandeur, I can't just stand there and stare at the canyon for more than 15 minutes. I wanted to hike down below or to a waterfall, go water rafting, or anything but just stand by and observe. Our kids are so young to be doing all those activies. This is not to say that it was not memorable spending time with each other. By the time we revisit, hopefully all the kids will be able to hike and have real adventures to remember.

San Onofre Trails

Chad was wiped out

My beauties

Piper did not want have her picture taken

The whole gang

Sweet Chloe

After 3 miles of bike riding, Chad fell asleep.

MY HUSBAND

Today a friend on Facebook posted, what we think should come first, our children or our husbands. I thought about this the entire time on my jog to the beach. I realized that while my children are so young, they need my, well our fullest attention and devotion. Let's face it where else are they going to get it. This is not to say that John by all means is pushed aside. We were together before the children and will be together when our nest will be empty. I am so eternally grateful for John in my life. He's the most loving and devoted husband and father. Our children can't ask for a more fun daddy. Whether he's packing and loading up our car for camping, for the river or just for the day at the beach, he does it with love. He's teaching our kids to love life and have fun. I love that he volunteers in the girls' classrooms, plays Polly Pockets with them or just dancing in the living room to Wii 'Just Dance'. With all the good things I can say about my husband, I think the most important thing that I love him so much is that he loves Christ and is always making sure that the spirit of Christ resides in our home. For that I am thankful for my husband and feel so blessed to have him as my husband and eternal mate.

CHAD IS 2!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Chad!!!! We love You so much!!!

He loves the movie 'Cars'

Loves playing in the dirt
Loves cousin Madi
Daddy and Chad at on the boat at the river

With Mommy at the river.

Chad, Chad I don't think there are enough stars in the galaxy that match the amount of love I have for my little man. I cannot believe he's already 2 years old. I still remember finding out that I was pregnant with him and how excited John was that he is finally going to have a son. He is definitely all boy! Chad loves cars, motocycles, skateboards and loves being on boat. I must say, he is very spoiled with lots of love from his sisters, mommy and daddy. We are so in love and so proud of him, he can read all the letters in the alphabet and is being potty trained. He's a bit obsessed with the movie 'Cars'. He carries McQueen everywhere he goes! If if was up to Chad, he would be watch the movie all day and everyday. He loves his family and brings so much happiness to our lives.

Chloe Turned 6

Little Pet Shop Cake Chloe decorated herself.


Chloe and friends

Swinging good time

So happy to be at Disneyland

My brother nick named Chloe, ChloExist because she is the sweetest and kindest little girl. Her sweet spirit brings so much love to our family. For her birthday, Chloe wanted to have a swimming party with all her friends. One of the friends she wanted to invite was in her kindergarden class and this friend is in a wheel chair. I told her that I don't think that would be a good idea because since it is a swimming party her friend would not have a good time watching everyone else swim. She thought about it for a minute then looked up at me with her big doey eyes and told me that she doesn't want to have a swimming party for her birthday because she wants to make sure ALL her friends will have a good time. We love our Chloe and are so thankful for her love and kindness.

Buffy turned 8 and was baptized by her Dad. It is such a happy event for us to have our oldest child baptized in the church. We are so proud of our girl, she has lots of energy and such love for life and loves to learn. She's like sponge that just soaks up knowledge. She has such an appreciation for the arts, especially Beethoven and Monet. She is constantly quizzing me on these two scholars. We are so blessed to have such a vibrant and intelligent daughter.

We are so proud of you Buffy

Grandpa and Grandma Howe

Daddy and Buffy

Happy Birthday Buffy

Buffy turned 8 and had a great time with a swimming party that lasted from 3 until 10 oclock at night. She made it easy for me this year by requesting an American flag cupcakes. I had fun making them.

Her sisters served her breakfast

BUFFY'S FAVORITE THINGS

Riding her bike to the beach

Reading

Swimming

Hanging out with friends

Creme brulee

Steak

Ravioli

Fruit salad

Playing the Piano

"Fur Elise" & "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven

Playing games on the computer

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PIPER-GIRL!!!!!!

Piper turned 4 in February this year and in many ways she is beyond her years. She is very bright and funny, and of course so pretty. I am just amazed that she can navigate on the computer as if someone has taught her. She is so eager to to all the things her older sisters can do. She keeps asking me when she can have piano lessons. She loves singing and learning how to write. She is so witty and quick with jokes. Piper has no fear and will have no problem telling you how she feels or if she is not pleased with you. She had a party at preschool and at home with 2 cakes because she could not decide between Barbie and Dora. Piper brings so much fun and joy to our family. My most independent child by far. She is motivated by chocolate and French toast. I don't know how it is possible but this child does not eat vegetables at all. I have bribe her, beg, and threaten and with very little success. I feel so guilty because she loves all the food that are so bad for her. Piper's ideal meal would be, french toast for breakfast, cake for lunch and mac-n-cheese for dinner. Nothing nutritrous. Well, she actually does love strawberries and pinapples.

Piper's favorite things

Her dolly

French toast

Cholocate

French Fries

Mac-N-Cheese

My lip gloss

Chocolate cake

Guacamole

Strawberries

Pinapples

Our beautiful girl.

Enjoying birthday cake

Daddy made Piper's favorite breakfast.

At preschool.