Hats

Wednesday is my day to watch Jack and Bella. The first thing Jack and Rylee did was start putting on hats. They both would wear a hat, then switch, then go get new hats and repeat that process. Funny enough, the only one to wear the crown though was Jack. Rylee wasn't interested in that one at all. And at least Jack wore the pink hat backwords, looking a little more cool! My personal favorites were Jack with the pink hat backwards and Rylee in the cowgirl hat. And if you ask my parents, I would usually NEVER think a cowboy hat looks good on anyone. Soooo not a country girl.

This and That

Mike an I instant message throughout the day instead of calling one another. That way we can respond when we have the time. Yesterday we were both busy so it was slow going in our conversation. So yesterday, I told Mike we should really decide how we want to use some rewards money that we've earned on a card. We had it narrowed down to Sears cards for a new television for the loft or food type gift cards, applebees and such. As we're instant messaging the last thing I wrote was, "we really need to order those gift cards." When I came back, here was Mike's response and lo and behold, my response...

Mike: Do you want Sears or Food?
Jamie: Food
Mike: Are you sure? sidenote (Last he talked to me I wanted Sears)
Jamie: Yes

As I'm reading this, I'm so confused. I didn't write that??!! Emily was sitting on the chair behind me with Ally reading her a book. She, as calm as day, says, "I wrote that." I bust up laughing because Mike totally thinks it's me and is going to order a ton of cards I don't want. I rush to the phone and call him, thankfully he didn't order the cards! This wasn't the first time she had conversations with people. The other day Mike walked away after typing with his brother and Emily got on and asked him, "woodyoulikeacoffy" aka if you can't read Em's spelling...would you like a coffee? I ask Mike that all of the time.

On to Ally...she has somehow gotten her name and Rylee's name confused. Rylee is now Ryleeson. Mike gets a kick out of that and of me trying to correct her all the time. So now, we're all jamieson, emilyson, and ryleeson to him. Lovely!

And for myself...I got my invisalign braces on today. You really can't see them that much so that's good. BUT, they are incredibly hard to get off so it's a need to eat basis from now on! The assistant told me it would get easier, I hope she's correct. I'm also bummed because I love sodas and I can't just drink them whenever anymore. She said water is the only thing with my retainers on. She said the acid from anything else gets caught in there and isn't good for the enamel. So I'm down to water and the neccessary 3 meals a day! I also have to brush everytime before I put them back in. So I'll be looking skinny and have great white teeth when I'm done...good deal I guess! But they aren't super comfy right now. In the back of my mind I keep thinking that I can't wait until bedtime when I can take them off. I wish, they'll be on 24/7 till I'm done!

Datenight

Last week was a pretty busy week again. Mike had 2 important lunches...Wednesday with his boss and his bosses boss, recognizing his achievments and then Thursday in Sacramento was a rewards lunch with about 30-40 other agents. So when he's gone a lot from work for things like that we don't really see him the other hours of the day because he's at work. Add working out every evening when he gets home, and it's been a lot of me and the girls! So, Mike surprised me and took me out to the , not so new anymore, Rivers restaurant. It was amazing! He wore a suit, and it wasn't even Valentines Day! And I wore a red dress I bought for Valentines day last year but didn't wear. We were pretty dressed up! We got a bottle of wine, something we've never done and it was so good. We then got a seafood appetizer with shrimp, crab and prawns. Then I got an angel hair shrimp carbonara. It was amazing! So so good. I'm not sure I would want to order anything else if we went again, it was that good. I would love to have the recipe. Mike ordered the lamb and gave me a taste. I don't like lamb but he really enjoyed it! We then topped it off, although I'm not sure how, with dessert. I got the very yummy choc. trio!

Mike even had flowers delivered earlier that day. Red, white and pink Tulips. They're cut down pretty small in this photo as they were starting to fall, but they're still really pretty.

We had an amazing time. Thanks, honey for spoiling me that night! I love that you care enough to take time to plan fun nights for us, even when you're swamped at work!

And afterwards, well...it was super romantic...we put on pajamas aaaannnndddd...picked up Emily and Tessa from AWANA!

What Joel and Leslie REALLY did on vacation...

On Sunday, before leaving, Joel and Leslie made one last check that they had everything they needed. As they get in the car they realize that they forgot their traditional hymns CD. How can they go on a trip without old favorites like "Nothing But The Blood" and "Oh Come Thy Fount"? Laughing at their near disaster, Leslie runs back in the house to grab it out of their CD player. Joel and Leslie take off on their long trip singing "To God Be The Glory" and anxiously await their arrival to their retreat.

Upon arriving and checking in, they receive their welcome packet that includes their scheduled events for the week. They are excited to see fun things like fishing and games, and horseback riding. Leslie has always wanted to go horseback riding, her only concern is the ankle length skirt that she feels is appropriate for a strong baptist wife to wear, but she figures she can side saddle it. Unfortunately, they are distraught to find out that tonights event is karaoke and dancing. Knowing that dancing is not a reverent activity, they choose instead to stay in their rooms and pray for the pastors and their wives who are participating, hoping they will turn from their evil ways. After a half hour bowing on their knees in front of their bed, they realize the late hour...8:30 and decide to turn in...to their twin beds. It's much more appropriate.

The next day sees Joel and Leslie beginning their day getting ready to their beloved hymns again, this time their favorite...Blessed Assurance!
They are excited to see that today is horseback riding. They excitedly make their way down to breakfast. After eating they take off to the stables. Unfortunately, they don't have side saddles...no one told them it wasn't 1845 anymore. So Leslie, not wanting to disappoint Joel, mounts her horse. The ride loses its charm because Leslie feels she is showing way too much skin, her skirt doesn't cover her calves and ankles! But she's reminded of her favorite verse since becoming married...Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord...It calmes her and she's able to enjoy the rest of their ride.

After riding, they were hungry so they made their way to lunch. After serving Joel his food, Leslie then sits down to her own food. She gets a little teary because she misses Zach, but quickly puts herself together and moves on.

The next few days follow a similar pattern. They love their outdoor time and the fellowship of collegues who understand what it's like to lead a church. They find that they are a little more wordly than Joel and Leslie. They like to do things like take naps, laugh, sing, dance...and someone mentioned missing a TV show, can you imagine? They actually watch TV back home. Joel and Leslie decide to kneel in front of their twin beds and pray for their fellow pastors and their wives again and to remember the verse..."judge not lest ye be judged". And are able to move on happily.
The last morning is the morning they've been looking forward to the most. It's a morning filled with devotion and prayer. Unfortunately they are confused when the head pastor begins reading the Bible. They are having trouble following his reading. And then it dawns on them, he's reading from the NIV! They are used to the Hebrew Bible or at the very least the King James version. There are no thee's or thou's in there at all. Joel and Leslie come away feeling sad and empty. But, Joel was able to understand the references the pastor read so they hurried to their rooms and looked up all the verses. As understanding dawned on them, they happily packed their bags, refreshed from their devotion, all the while singing "Sweet Hour Of Prayer". As they get in their car, so ready to go see Zach, their beloved CD finally burns out after hours of use. Leslie, starts to softly cry, but Joel comes to the rescue and pulls out Bill Gaithers latest CD! They travel happily all the way to Redding.

A Day At The Park

Jenn and I figured today was a little chilly but would still be nice enough to go to the park. We didn't factor in the wind chill though. The kids had fun but Rylee and Ally didn't enjoy being cold so we didn't stay overly long. But I was able to get a few cute pictures of Bella and Ally, who played together the entire time, and Tessa and Emily. Rylee wouldn't get down to play for very long so there's no cute pictures of Jack and her.

The car picture is after the park. Jenn invited us to come over to play so the kids could go outside if they wanted to and those who didn't like the cold wouldn't freeze. Of course all the kids wanted to ride together so I had, (from back to front), Ally, Bella, Rylee, Tessa, and Emily all in my car. I had to get a picture of all of those kids sitting back there. It was a lot of fun!

So Jenn, seeing as you'll have every other Friday off, don't plan anything...those Fridays are play days with your friend!

Why I'm Glad Jenn Had a Boy!

It's officially happened, we now have four girls BEGGING got come over to each others houses. And I mean begging! It used to be just Tessa and Emily but lately Bella and Ally have been conspiring to come to each others houses. Today, Jenn watched Ally and Rylee while I helped at Em's school. And when I went to leave after picking them up, Bella went flying down the hall to get her shoes because she was coming with us. Ally, who was all for that, was already telling me that they would sit together in the back of the car. So Bella got to come over and play with Ally this afternoon. They really do play well together!


And that wasn't a first. Last Thursday I picked up Tessa to come over to dinner before AWANA and poor Bella was heartbroken when she couldn't come, so much so that her mom and dad took pity on her and took her to ice cream. So in closing...THANK YOU, Jenn and Jed, for having a little boy. I can't imagine 6 children begging to come over each and every time! It's too heartbreaking not being able to say yes all that often!

Haircuts

I have been growing out Ally's hair because she has a lot of natural wave that's annoying and I thought that the longer it got the heavier it would get and it would naturally straiten out. Not the case. It's been so annoying to keep looking nice and it never does. So, we decided to cut it and give back the bangs...she looks sooo much better. And for a change we cut Em's too but decided to not cut bangs. Her's are all grown out and I probably won't ever cut them until she's old enough to decide for herself.

The Substitute Mommy

When Emily was little I read to her a lot. It was one of the things I was most excited to do when I was pregnant with her. I love books and couldn't wait to read to her. But, having Rylee and Ally so close, they haven't gotten my attention as much where reading is concerned. And I've always regretted it, (see post below where I'm corrupting their minds by not reading to them! =). But that is all solved now. Emily, who also loves to read, is always tucked away somewhere, reading to Ally. And they both really enjoy it. This morning it was on the couch with a Dora The Explorer book. At bedtime, when I'm feeling frazzled but it's not quite time to put them down, I tell them they can read on their beds and everytime Ally climbs up with Emily so she can be read to. It's really sweet.

So there is hope for Ally being a reader too...thanks to her big sister!

A Second Chance Please!

Mike and I have stuck through this last season of ER on tv, I don't really know of anyone else who watches it. Well, last nights episode had 3 alternate endings, basically the same day 3 time 15 minutes each during the show. It was showing how little things she said or did changed the course of her day and 2 patients days.

It got me thinking about all the choices I make for my kids, big and small. I'm a natural born worry wart! Add the typical mommy guilt and it makes for a bad package most of the time. Sometimes it seems that I'm always stressing about what choices I'm making for my kids now...am I reading to them enough, are they getting their spiritual nourishment, am I making sure their teeth are cleaned well enough and often enough, is my disipline helping them to become strong independent God fearing kids or am I not even reaching them? Do I push Emily too much, Ally not enough? Are we too strict, not strict enough? Are we setting bad food habits? When should we get them involved in extra activies like sports, it's important, isn't it? Am I playing with them enough, or am I creating dependent kids?

I could go on and on and on. Does anyone ever feel this way? Like every choice we make is going to drastically change their future, good or bad. Sometimes I definitly wish I had made a different decision and wish I could go back.

But in thinking about it, I forget that God has a hand in everything. That I need to give my kids back to God and let Him lead them and Mike and I in parenting and directing them through life. And truly, worry is a sin. In worrying about making the right choices all the time, it is actually causing me to stumble. It's so hard though, not to be in control. It was hard for me to send Emily off to preschool last year. Not so much because she was growing up and I was sad, but because I couldn't control her actions anymore. I had spent 4.5 years of her life stopping bad behavior, feeding her, telling her what activities we were doing, ect. She had to stand on her own and hopefully the work we had put into her would pay off.

I don't really know why I'm blogging this, I may delete it later, but it was on my mind and I wondered to what extent other parents, or maybe more specifically, those worrying moms out there, thought about this? Do you agree to some extent? Not at all? Wholeheartedly?

Sickness

2009 was supposed to be the year of health since 2008 seemed to be our year to catch everything. But it so far hasn't played out that way. Rylee is down with another cold, running fevers all day, falling asleep off and on, only wanting to cuddle. She's congested and miserable. Em stayed home yesterday with it and Ally's been fighting it but I think it's starting to claim her too.

Even though I have been busy sitting holding Rylee, (who doesn't want down for a minute), I did manage to snap a few pictures of Rylee doing what she does best when she's sick...sleep, even in unusual places like the floor.

So Much For That

In an earlier post, I showed you a picture of Rylee's Santa gift. The riding train that she loved to ride on. Well, I figure that was just a scam to make us believe she would use it correctly. As soon as we turn around, she's using it for her own gain.

I put up the hungry hungry hippos game today so she couldn't get into it while I finished on the computer. Next then I know I see her pushing her train down the hall, parking it in front of the desk, climbing on the seat then the steering wheel so she can reach the game. She does this all the time with things she wants.

It's really become a big problem. She's forever dragging that thing around to reach whatever she wants. I finally put it up in her closet. I figure if she isn't going to ride it, then she doesn't need it. We'll make it an outside toy. I know she'll just push over something esle now, but maybe I'll have a day or two before she figures out what that may be. One can only hope!

It is winter, isn't it?

I know most people think I'm probably crazy...but this weather is depressing! I want it to rain or be really cloudy or something that feels like winter! I know I'll probably enjoy the weather but I definitly wouldn't mind the real winter weather to come back! Does anyone else feel that way?

This morning Emily was the last of the three girls to get into the bathtub. Rylee and Ally were already in and playing with their toys when I told her to get it. For Christmas, they got all new bath toys so there are a lot of fun things they want to play with and one or two that they really want.

So as Em is getting in, I hear her ask Ally for the toy she has. It's this turtle that is a sprinkler. Ally, of course, says no. So in Em's sweetest mommy voice, she proceeds to tell her this...

"Ally, you need to share because that is the kind thing to do and God wants us to be kind Ally. God tells us we have to be kind and share, that's what he says. So you should be kind, Ally, and share that toy with sissy."

I thought it was so funny. Pulling all the stops out to get what she wants. I've never heard her give herself that lecture before!

Christmas Part 2

Christmas started out really nice this year. Emily had asked Santa for a princess alarm clock and a cotton candy maker. Santa was happy to oblige the princess alarm clock, for which she was so excited that she didn't even ask for the cotton candy machine. Rylee recieved a little train that has a million buttons on it, she is happy to go backwards on it all day, (she can't figure out how to go forward). And Ally recieved girly blocks to play with. She absolutely loves to make towers and only had boyish colors to play with.

On Christmas day we went to my parents house from breakfast on. It was so relaxing and we were all having a great day, that is except for Allyson who got the stomach flu at 1:30 and was down and out the rest of the day. Then Rylee woke up with it Fri night/sat morning. And last but not least, Emily sat.night/sun morning. Luckily it was only a 5-8 hour bug. They literally went from sick one minute to totally fine.

In between all of that, we visited Mike's family in Dunnigan. It was a chaotic morning, not knowing if Rylee was going to be well enough to go but we made it there and had a really nice time. It was fun to get all of the cousins together. It was especially fun for Emily and her cousin Abby, who are about 3 months apart. I'm pretty sure we didn't see them the whole time.

All in all it was a great, relaxing Christmas. Em's winter break is going by way to fast. I think I've said it before, but I prefer having her home. It makes the day so much more relaxing not rushing to get ready and out the door.

Merry Christmas!

This has a been an unusual Christmas season for me. I got in the spirit super early and have never had that rush rush rush feel. I'm not sure why, as the girls and/or I were sick almost all of December so we didn't get a lot of the traditional stuff done. I think God must have given me an extra measure of peace because I was able to let it all roll off of me. We didn't get our family picture done this season and normally I would stress over that because I really like it done, but I figure we won't change that much if we have it done after the new year! So, don't expect that holiday letter from us, it won't be coming but maybe be looking for a new year's letter!

Since Friday, I have been doing a little Christmas catch up. Trying to squeeze in some holiday fun. Mike took off most of Tuesday and all of Wednesday. It was so nice to have him home, I love it. We had a lot of fun family time at home or just going around looking at lights.

I'll gave a brief explanation of each picture and try not to make it too long, that way you won't give up on this posting!

Emily at her Kindergarten Christmas party on Friday

Emily with her teacher, Ms. Maeder!

My dad and mom were kind enough to take the younger two so I could go to Em's school and watch them have their party. I was just getting over being sick so I didn't get to help plan or do anything but it was so much fun watching her at school. She is so good, and so respectful. I love watching what an amazing little girls she's turned into.

My mom wanted to do a Christmas program this year, (which was wonderful) and she wanted to include the kiddos. So she put together the music and scripture reading and my kind awesomly talented Aunt Leslie made all of the costumes herself and donated them to the church for further use. They all looked super cute.

And if I may brag for a second, Emily did the scripture reading and she memorized it and it was flawless on Sunday. She was so serious and did an amazing job. Mike used our camera to record it but accidently deleted it. We were disapppointed. So, since I was going to download it for you and can't, here's what she recited...

Matt. 2:1-2
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

The two most adorable angels you have ever seen !

Christmas Eve we finally made it to see Santa. It was about a 25-30 min wait. The whole time Ally is so excited. Then when we're about 2 families from the front, she starts to shake, then when we're next, she starts to cling to me and cry that she doesn't want to see him. Rylee is fine at this point, she's too young and there's a little puppy in line behind us that is licking her hand and she just thinks that's the funniest thing. Anyway, we start to move towards this super sweet santa and when we get in front of him, Ally lights up and wants to sit on his lap. After telling him what they want, he instructs me who to put where on his lap for a picture. As you can see in the picture, Emily is serene, Ally is holding it together (barely) and Rylee wants nothing to do with him. The only time she wasn't sobbing was when I would ask if she wanted a candy, she would wail "Yeah", look up at Santa like, "Are you giving me the candy? If so , hurry up already" and then start wailing again. I thought the picture turned out cute though.

Decorating Christmas cookies on Christmas eve. Em helped make the dough then wanted to watch a Christmas movie. Ally moved in and was really into cutting out the cookies with cookie cutters. Ally is much more my project girl.

Oh my gosh, look at the pile of sprinkles on that cookie! Only a 6 year old could enjoy that! She was quite proud though!

The girls before Christmas Eve service. I love Ally in this one!

Wait, are you kidding? We actually got a cute picture with all 3 looking nice and in the same direction at the same time?!! It must be a Christmas miracle!

Happy 6th Birthday Emily!

I took a trip down memory lane yesterday and found the pictures from Em's 1st birthday party. In some ways it seems so long ago and yet it feels like just the other day. I still remember her ripping into that cake that first year, it was such a special and fun night. One of Mike's co-workers back then gave her a leopared stuffed animal purse that she fondly calls "yellow kitty" and still sleeps with every night.

Now, she's a big six year old. Full of life, loves to learn, and has a lot of passion.

I also wanted to show pictures of Em's 2-5th birthday but can't seem to find year 2-4 pictures (so nana, send a few over if you can find them). The thing I love in all of those pictures is there is always one person at her side, opening gifts, singing happy birthday ect...Tessa. And it's so fun to see how much they've changed over the years. Tessa is definitly a loved and valued friend!

Anyway, I just wanted to tell her happy birthday and to share with you how much she's grown over the years. I'll post about her actual party another day.

P.S. I've been getting so many comments lately about how much Rylee looks like Ally, but I totally see a little Rylee in Em's one year birthday picture!

Just Wanted To Say Thank You...

Mike, I just wanted to say thank you for teaching our 16 mo. old how to climb the ladder to the top bunk, something she never even considered before you taught her. And double thank you for not teaching her to go down! It's her absolute favorite thing to do and if the ladder is down, she's on it. Luckily, she hasn't yet tried to come down without me.

Oh, and Mike, I know what you're doing next weekend...teaching Rylee how to safely come down. Love you!

Early this week I took the girls out front to ride their bikes as it was beautiful weather. Rylee came out with us and as usual was into everything, including other peoples garages. So I sent up Em to get the bag of Leggo blocks that are in the back of the closet because the girls never play with them. I figured since I never have them out maybe they would distract Rylee.

They didn't distract Rylee but they did distract Ally. She played with them for an hour and a half strait and has basically been playing with them a good portion of every day. It is the ultimate babysitter for me. Now I just have one child following me around. Ally builds towers up as high as she can until they fall, (or Rylee knocks it down), and then builds them back up all over again. She's getting much better at connecting them too. At first it didn't take to long to topple over but now she gets them almost as tall as her. And by the way, she's usually wearing a princess dress while she's building...gotta keep it girly ya know!

4th File 4th photo

This is the morning of Ally's second birthday.

For You Biggest Loser Fans Out There

http://tv.yahoo.com/blog/the-biggest-villain-on-biggest-loser--48

This story was on Yahoo about icky vicky being a villain on the biggest loser. It was great!

I have to wonder how here friends at home will view her now and if she'll ever be ashamed of her actions?