The Frederick Family

Transformers- an obsession that is passed on.

2012-01-25T19:53:00.002-04:00

As the title states- both Ems and Eles LOVE transformers--Emmy is delighted when it goes from Car to "Giant"- and then wants it transformed back- let's just say Daddy is only too happy to oblige.

Could they be cuter?!

All I want for Christmas is a horsey ride!

2012-01-25T19:35:00.003-04:00

YES- our Christmas Vacay included- not only motorcycles and first steps-- it included horseback riding.+++++++
Papa loved every second with his girlies.

Our friends Kathy and Kelby were kind enough to let us come and enjoy their amazing home and furry friends.

Life couldn't have gotten better in Elle's opinion.

And Emmy was in HEAVEN.

~let's just say cowboy Josh wasn't too broken up about showing off his moves either!

"Daddy, I want a pony!"

Uncles.

She got her Booky's horse sense-- not so much mine...

Thank heavens Uncle Dave was there-

Uncle Josh took Elles on her very first carraige ride!

Christmas hike!

2012-01-19T21:45:00.003-04:00

We went on a Christmas hike in the afternoon- much of it was spent like this. What an amazing Uncle.

I found a tent-- Merry Christmas Dave.

Dad and Josh were in heaven-

As was I- trying out my new LENSE!!!! yes- it's amazing-- there will be more portraits to come-- these are the very first tries.

The hike made all of us tired~ Elles decided the only way to sleep was with Uncle Dave-- and yes, it looks like he is strangling her-- but she was fine.

Christmas Eve~

2012-01-19T21:38:00.004-04:00

Setting out the cookies for Santa--

on Christmas Eve we give our home made gifts-- I for some reason don't have them on here-- I'll have to find the pics- but~ I was lucky enough to get 2 this year- Dave made me the one he owed me from last year- he gave me a bag of styrofoam balls last year... ghetto- so this year I got a hawiian nativity-soooooo worth the wait.

On Christmas day- Booky watched Elles- she decided to take 4 steps AND get her first tooth-- let's just say we need Booky around more often!

Christmas Morning...

2012-01-19T21:28:00.004-04:00

Santa's note this year-- not the cutest- but there is always next year for him to improve...

Christmas morning is always a party-- but this year was especially fun~ Josh brought the humor with this classy gift- "who you callin tiny?" yep- that is now the favorite family joke.

I'm ashamed to say it-- but I have been promising this gift for over a year- FINALLY I came through!

Elles loved her blanket from Uncle Josh~ and Papa was there too-just not in the pictures...

After we opened presents the kids rode the dirt bikes again-- let's just say these puppies are worth their weight in GOLD and they are heavy... (don't worry Emmy always rode with someone)

Emmy's opening getup- everything she got had to tried on immediately.

Headbandz~ a new favorite game!

2012-01-19T21:25:00.001-04:00

For those of you who have not played this game...do.

and as with most things in life~ the Disney version trumps all others...

Emmy even got into it- family game times- GRAND!

Santa at Tuachan with Grammy and Papa Rich!

2012-01-13T19:06:00.003-04:00

While in St. George, we got to go to Tuacahn-- I don't know how to spell it... they have Santa, singing, lights, and a live Nativity- ah! I love it!

Here we are waiting to see Santa- loved it!

It was cold- but thankfully they had their adorable matching coats!

I can't even stand the baby blues!

I love Christmas- it is such a happy time- filled with love.

lots of it!

Emmy with one of her favorite people!

This is the only picture I got with both of them- and the ONLY first Santa picture with Ellie that is even passable-- what a winner huh?

We got to see the live nativity- I cried through the whole thing-- seeing it done with "real" people sitting in the cold really puts the whole thing in a different light- I loved it! It also brought back very happy memories because the live Nativity was one of J and my first dates 4 years ago-- he bet me the camel would pee- it did- what fun!

We were so happy that Grammy and Papa Rich could join us- it was cold but so worth it!

Kisses from Grammy- one of BOTH of their favorite things!

We LOVE Tuachan-- it really is one my favorite things about St. George.

Uncle Dave!

2012-01-13T19:01:00.002-04:00

The jury was out about Uncle Dave in Ellie's mind for a little while-- but they soon became fast friends-- and by the end were BESTIES!

and of course Emmy always has to get in on the action...

We've missed our Island loving Dave-- he graduates soon from BYU HI and we can't wait!

Christmas Cuties! 2011

2012-01-13T18:55:00.002-04:00

Emmy at 3 and Elle Belle 10 months.

They quickly got a little crazy...

but stayed darling.

and then got crazier...

and crazier still.

FIRST day of Primary.

2012-01-11T19:07:00.002-04:00

For anyone who is not Emmy's mom- this picture is just darling... for me- this picture makes me cry- it's awful- how is my baby girl a Sunbeam?

Weirdy Wednseday~

2012-01-11T18:49:00.002-04:00

Emmy latest FAVORITE pastime- walking on the ceiling- J even has a song- "oh what a feeling walking on the ceiling"- best. dad. ever.

Not the easiest way to hold on to her--

Grammy says Elles is a rubber or gumby baby--its true!

Emmy plays with her makeup and play kitchen- all of the time.

Ellie's favorite thing to do is either- climb the stairs or dance on the table-- oh, and play in the potty water-- she is a weirdy, busy little bee!

Christmas-- the first of several...

2012-01-11T18:21:00.002-04:00

Our Christmas started with a PACKAGE from the Gill/Petersons-- our amazing Atlanta friends-- lets just say I was more excited than Ems-- and as you can see from the pic~that's pretty excited.

We then drove 6 hours to St. George- we drove Friday night- slept at Jason's mom's and woke up to our Christmas morning (a little early) at their house- sooooo fun!

Grandma Connie came for Christmas dinner-- a FEAST that faulted nothing. Miss Penelope wasn't quite sure about Grandma Connie--

Here are a whole bunch of Great Grandchildren-- I love it!

Some of both of our families met at Chili's for a true family party- loved it!!

Emmy enjoying Grandma Connie and Jack!

Why we take these pictures--- I don't know. Why I include them in my blog posts---I REALLY don't know.

Little matchy lovey cousins-sooo cute!

10 Months!?!

2012-01-11T18:06:00.004-04:00

Yes- that's right- 10 months! How can that be-- and truth be told she is actually 11 now- the pic is from 10 months though-- I'm just that behind...

The 10th month was a BIG one-- many fun things happened- including FIRST Christmas, meeting and hating Santa and MEETING UNCLE DAVE!!! In Elle Belle's 10th month she is still quirky and cooky as ever.

She ADORES her binkie.

She is literally the cutest little thing alive.

She still is a perfect little cuddle bug who loves a massage anytime- anywhere- she also can sleep anytime- anywhere- LOVE this girl.

On Christmas Eve to be exact Ellie took her first real steps== 4 of them (here she is on TOP of our cocktail table-- nice-- she decided to be the queen of climbing and table dancing ~the weirdy Wednesday post)AND...

her first TOOTH broke through! top left bucky- what's scary is the second one is on it's way~and it's the left one next to it- uh oh.... I LOVE this girl-- she is perfect in every way!

Thanksgiving~

2012-01-05T19:21:00.002-04:00

It was Penelope's first Thanksgiving!

and she loved it.

There was face painting-- Aunt KK was kind enough to paint Emmy's face-- it was a lot cuter BEFORE Emmy touched it...

We went to Sacramento for Thanksgiving and it was a blast- steeped in fun, family, food and festivities!

When Grandma Di wasn't cooking- she was walking Elles around- (post to come about Ellie's greatness in walking and tooth)

Like my Grandma, I ADORE the parade-- and I've passed it on to Ems- yes!

I love this pic-- check out Emmy's face in both- classic.

Ahh the feast-- and it was a feast indeed-- DELISH is all I can say-

At first, Elles wasn't so sure-- then she decided that she loved everything about Thanksgiving.

Emmy and the twins had a partaaaay riding Uncle Jason around-- Ellie tried to get in on the action-- but I think it may have broken J's back.

To top off the trip, Aunt Kaley made cake pops with Emmy-- they were beautiful.

emphasis on were-Uncle Cam dropped them and this was the final result-- they still tasted amazing though!

I am thankful for these cute girlies who brighten every moment of my life- I'm thankful for an amazing husband who is practically perfect in every way- I'm thankful for generous and loving family-I'm thankful for the gospel, I don't know what I would do without it- I'm thankful for such a blessed life in a country I love-- we really couldn't ask for more.

Cousins!

2012-01-05T19:14:00.002-04:00

Little best buds-- Emmy loves her cousins--

While at The Borchardt's house Emmy had the time of her life-- this includes but isn't limited to: blanket rides.

escaping the "crazy rolling log"

and then even more blanket rides.

Can't you just feel the glee?

Action shots--these kids have some serious hops!

hineys and candy necklaces~

2012-01-05T19:08:00.002-04:00

It's been forever- I know, unforgivable- I have to much to catch up on! But with this new year comes a new goal-- get back to the blogger I once was-- whoot whoot!

What is it about a sleeping baby?! I can't even stand it.

irresistable.

This child! She is such a doll baby.

Emmy's 3rd birthday party!!

2011-12-13T18:48:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday to Emmy- yes- Ellie enjoyed the cake too!

Emmy turned 3 in St. George-- my mom came out and let's just say we partaaaayed!

Here she is blowing out her candles.

loving her Aunt TT and cousins...

*glamor shot* Emmy got all kinds of play makeup and lipgloss-- she gave me a makeover after the party-- if the lighting had been better you would see that I look like the star of Cir du solei.

Emmy got to have so many special friends there-- here are pics of just a few-- she didn't get pictures with many of her cousins-- why- I don't know. THANK YOU to all of her cute friends for coming and for the generous presents-- she seriously loved all of them.

3 going on 16- so cute! Emmy wears heels better than I do- She really is a delight- I love everything about her and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect 3 year old!

Little Bear Tree Farm!!!

2011-12-12T17:55:00.003-04:00

I feel a new tradition in the making!

Jason has told me about this place since before we were married- they used to go as family~

you cut down your own tree!

you drive up in these Christmas mobiles- love it.

It was fun that we got to go as our little family- carrying on the Frederick tradition.

Emmy- loving small things- found her little tree first off.

This was my outfit -- DARLING!

This was after her woodland diaper change.

best family pic yet-

Emmy loves her Cami

Best Friend!

The move~

2011-12-05T18:38:00.004-04:00

Our move was a little while ago- but I'm catching up and it was classic so I needed to post this-- we had given our 30 day notice so that our last day was Thursday- the ward was coming Thursday night after work to help us move- Friday morning was the walk through- we then dropped off the moving van and right afterwards we left for LA to meet Justin, Bran Bran and crew at Mickey's Halloween Party at 4:00pm-- insanity right? All in all it went off without a hitch-- Jason had a VERY intense schedule at the time-- meaning I got to pack up the house (a lot we left packed) while wrestling with 2 little darlings under 2- fun times-- I got everything packed and arranged and even managed to make halloween costumes-- I was feeling pretty good about myself-- until mayhem ensued-- in a miriad of little situtions-- I captured just a few of them on film- enjoy.
nice.

Yes-- she is sucking on a sucker-- not the best choice- but MUCH better than the lightbulbs in the picture that I found her sucking on-- but did not photograph.

Our new house-- love it!

Our Super hero ward came through for us and the move was VERY fast!

OK- so all of these items were things I found my children with-- and didn't stop to take a picture-- Emmy was marching around with the hatchet crowbar- like it was her flagstaff in colorguard. Ellie was sucking on the food processor blade- it's a miracle she still has a tongue. Both girls had nails in their mouths, ears and other bizarre places-- what were they thinking?! And so, though I was mother of the year for just a moment-- the title has been revoked-- BUT I think I deserve honorable mention for keeping the kids whole when they were so obviously bent on self destruction.

The apartment from Hades~

2011-12-05T18:01:00.004-04:00

We have since moved-- and I try to stay positive on this blog-- but I feel like this should be preserved for history's sake. Understand that it still was a palace compared to Dominica-- but we are in the USA now and certain standards are expected to be met.

Here it is-- really- it would have been fine~minus the guy above us who OD'd and died and the fact that there was no mailbox for a while-- not to mention the lack of hot water and a fridge when we moved in...or that the people above us smoked like chimneys and would drop their cigarettes on us or that there was a black widow crawling up the wall from the floor or that the swimming pool was condemned and closed by the HEALTH DEPARTMENT-to point out a few.

now this is petty- but notice the doors on the cabinet-- NONE of them shut- in the whole house...an irritation that quickly flew into a full blown deal breaker after a few shin hits and near misses with the girls finding dangerous things.

All of the electric switches looked like this-- wait for it... yep-- 2 prongs-- you would be SHOCKED at how many things are NOT 2 pronged- TV's, computers, and microwaves to name a few.

and last but not least-- this was the stove-- the place was built in the 1950's-- and I'm fairly certain this was the latest and greatest at that time... not so much now. Needless to say- I don't miss it-- and I'm happy that we gave the land lady our 30 day notice the second day that we lived there.

Auntie Amber's package!!!

2011-12-05T17:46:00.003-04:00

I know it is waaaay after Halloween- but I finally found these pictures- long story.

Auntie Amber sent us a package-- Emmy was delighted.

literally.

There were sooo many fun presents and it was so thoughtful.

THANK YOU Amber!!! We loved everything!

Brake Changing~

2011-11-25T03:32:00.002-04:00

Jason is the world's most amazing husband~ not only did he change the brakes the night (he didn't get off until waaaay after dark)before our trip to St. George- he entertained the girls (so I could do the laundry) while he was at it--

I know-- he really is super Dad/Husband and I am thankful for him!

Fall is FUN!!!

2011-11-25T01:39:00.002-04:00

Nails!!!

2011-11-24T23:32:00.002-04:00

Booky and Emmy getting nails--paradise!

It was my mom's FIRST time getting nails-- GROGEOUS!

The nicest ladies in the WORLD did Emmy's nails for free while she waited- I'm in love-- not as in love as Stari (I think Abi Star might be a toddler in tiaras)

Is this not the cutest thing ever?!

I LOVE to have my nails done- and now Emmy does too!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU momma- one of my happiest girl time memories.

Time Out for Women~please go!

2011-11-24T23:24:00.002-04:00

I know, you're thinking...women- not Emmy- we are having seperation anxiety issues. It was the BEST time-- happy b day to Star and Ems and hooray for ALL of us being together! Thanks again Mom.

Me- and my favorite 3 year old!!!

The First Hot Cocoa of the season!

2011-11-24T23:14:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year again!

Hot Cocoa from my Grammy's pot...ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. home.

9 month old!!!

2011-11-24T22:53:00.003-04:00

oh so cute!-- I was waiting for her to feel better before I took the pic-- but she has been sick this whole month. STILL no teeth~ she crawls everywhere- fast~she stands alone for a few seconds~she climbs stairs~giggles when you smell her toes~waves~AND shakes her head no. Yes, she is brilliant!

Elle Belle is a DELIGHT-- she is 9 months of fun~ she is a busy busy bee... you can't leave anything out or she'll get into it.

my little sicky girl.

Could she be cuter!? and her hair just gets longer- love it!

On Saturday nights we have a sleepover downstairs in front of the fireplace-- I love what a wild little sleeper she is!

Her gravitational pull towards messes is stronger than that of the sun...

Her ability to MAKE messes is also amazing-- I know it should make me tired~ but I just delight in this adorable little girl.

and here is Emmy at Ellie's 9 month shoot.

My latest obsession~ felt food.

2011-11-24T22:44:00.002-04:00

So~ I have 10000 posts to catch up on-- and what am I posting about? Felt Food... yep, I'm sick!

Emmy has asked Santa for a play kitchen- and so I thought I would make some things to fill it (should Old Saint Nick cough up the goods)

I feel some VERY fun food parties posts coming our way soon.

Costumes~

2011-11-07T18:33:00.002-04:00

Ok- Our costumes started out like this.... my dress was found in the lingerie department of goodwill (I road I would NOT recommend taking...) the cloak started as two curtains and Jason's was a woman's coat ~and from these humble beginnings...
pset
we ended up like THIS!!! a Tangled family- (Flynn Rider, Mother Gothel, Rapunzel herself, and adorable little Pascal)

Who says watching TV isn't interactive?

The Great Pumpkin Photo shoot~

2011-11-07T18:21:00.003-04:00

There are about a million-- but I LOVED them all and figured that you would too! ;) Happy Halloween.

The Murray Family Farm~

2011-11-02T15:24:00.003-04:00

This is just a random pic of Elles--
She is so cute I had to include it...

Now- on to the Murray Family Farm--LOVE it-- all of the below farmish posts are from this place-- it was a PARTY to say the least.
Just a random princess moment-- (these obviously didn't post where I planned)
The petting zoo-- Emmy could have left after this-- she LOVES animals.
Ellisen zoning out as we waited for the pig races.
As you can see by the ribbon-- Emmy's pig won.
Oh- my Dog in the dog race won too-- Elles and J- not so lucky.

They had this awesome ride~
An awful live band-- that Emmy danced and threw hay to.
Pumpkin painting.

face painting-- the line was too long though-- so I just painted Emmy's face--
All in All==it was AMAZING and such a fun time-- if you are ever near Bakersfield around Autumn...make a stop for SURE!

the jumping pillow~

2011-11-02T15:19:00.002-04:00

Let's just say it brought out the awesome in all of us.
Emmy found a tutu friend -- it was friendship at first sight.
It brought out Jason's ability to hover.

and Emmy's ability to be crazy.

The Patch!

2011-10-25T23:31:00.002-04:00

Waving to her fans while on the hayride.
The Patch-- LOVE it!
How she managed to find another baby pumpkin~
My 2 little pumpkins-aawwwwwww.
Ellie- of course eating the little pumpkin...
little lovers-- sooo cute!

How Tall this Fall?

2011-10-25T23:10:00.001-04:00

Spookley's Maze

2011-10-25T23:06:00.002-04:00

Best corn maze ever-- it had story boards going through it!
Emmy loved Spookley the Square Pumpkin.
If you get the chance to read this book- do it-
It's darling.

Aunt Annabelle's Farm

2011-10-25T23:02:00.001-04:00

Jason teasing the big Aunt.
Emmy caught in the spider web.
everyone racing past the spider web-- running aunts are waaaaaay more fun.
Ellie almost getting eaten mid run- great times.

Apple Hill

2011-10-25T00:30:00.005-04:00

Oh, how we LOVE Apple Hill- the whole place is a party-- GREAT times! Here are just a few of the highlights.
One of the days highlights- running down, and then up, and then down again-- the clay hill-- endless fun.
The Apple treats. yum!
As you can tell by the jeans- Jett loved the running hill too-and didn't want to stop.
Waiting in line for the pony rides--
Once Jett realized that ponies were involved- he was happy again.
Emmy started out with tender petting of her pony--

Then she got weird...
and weirder still--
Then she got cocky- I love her.
Look at Jettman going in for the grab-- I love it.

Weenie came too- what a treat!
Emmy's favorite thing- to swing.
I think this was their 49th ride-- Emmy loved her cotton candy (thanks TT) and took it everywhere- multitasker.
Emmy discovering her worms and dirt (thanks KK) I LOVE her face in each of these-- you can see the transformation.
Grammy and Emmy-- not the best picture subjects...
Pure joy-- right here-- who knew all it took was caramel apples?!
Father of the year~
for SURE Father of the Year.

The Sacramento Show and Shine!

2011-10-19T20:31:00.002-04:00

There is a neighborhood by Larry and Diana's house where pilots live and they keep their planes at their house-- all of the street signs are low- so that the wings won't get dinged and the streets are huge- because they are runways.
There was a fun thing there and Jordy was brave enough to get his face painted!

Emmy was not as brave and went for an armpaint-- progress.
The planes were really cool and it was a great time!

Courage House 5K

2011-10-19T20:19:00.003-04:00

Yes, you read correctly- we did a 5 K-- well- the girls and I WALKED a 5 K-- But J ran a 5 K-- he was very fast.
It was in Sacramento-- and we got to do it with Grandma and Grandpa, Grammy and Papa Rich, KK and Cami, TT, Jordy and Jett- it was a PARTY!
Emmy RAN across the finish line-
Here we are during it-- Grandpa pushed her some of the way-- Grandma walked or ran with her the rest of the way- it was great.
ok- yes, that's me in the background with the sleeping baby strapped to my chest (Elles has inherited Emmy's ability to sleep anywhere) but when I said Emmy ran across the finish line-- it was true-- but she also ATE it right before it-- like the kind of fall when you sprawl out.
so, she ran holding KK's hand after that.
Afterwards there was a dance party to celebrate our awesomeness.
Ellie even woke up and joined in the fun.
This is our only 5 K pic of Grammy and we have NONE of Papa Rich~ SAD!
Here some of us are.
Emmy and Uncle Cami- Best friends-- look up the Courage House-- it is a great thing--

Pumpkin Patch at Apple Hill-

2011-10-19T20:04:00.003-04:00

We found the cutest pumpkin patch-- they had wagons to pull.
Which might have been Emmy's favorite part.

or, maybe the patch itself was her favorite~
She found Ellie's pumpkin right away.
She took it very seriously.

Emmy then found her very own pumpkin-- Grammy helped her cut the vine-- it was a GREAT time!
Yes-- this is her little (literally) choice.
She is in LOVE.
The tractor was also a favorite.

Elles LOVED her pumpkin-- she just kept trying to eat it.

WW a little early.

2011-10-18T22:37:00.001-04:00

This is what happens when Emmy gets to play with my jewelry- I love the pose.
and the face-
classic

Fuzzy boots photo shoot~

2011-10-18T22:26:00.002-04:00

I adore sleeping babies.
We had an impromptu photo shoot~
I bought the fuzzy boots when I was picking up Dan in Poland-- FINALLY, I get to use them!

oh- she is soooo cute!

This is literally my favorite picture of Penelope to date--everything about it-- perfect!

Jammies make babies edible!

2011-10-18T22:20:00.000-04:00

Are you kidding me?
I really could eat her alive.

Elle Belle at 8 months!

2011-10-18T22:04:00.005-04:00

My sweet girlies!
At 8 months~ Elle no longer wants to lay on her blanket...
she instead wants to sit,
crawl,
pull up,
laugh,
babble,
yell crazily,
or just wiggle around as much as possible.
You and Emmy just get to be better friends every day and you are simply a delight!!! No teeth yet-- but you couldn't be cuter ;)

Let the disasters begin!!!

2011-10-18T22:00:00.001-04:00

I was doing the dishes and looked down and saw THIS-- are you kidding me?! 3 days ago Miss Ellie decided to crawl and now she apparently ALSO likes to pull up on things... and so, let the disasters begin.

My 2 princesses!

2011-10-17T15:04:00.002-04:00

Emmy LOVES to dress up like a princess~
Elles has wanted to join in the fun for some time now....but I didn't a have a dress small enough for her
until now-as you can see- she was shocked- and delighted
and quickly joined in the princess fun!
She even got into character enough to stand like a princess- I love that girl!

Ok- so, she's not a carrot top-- BUT she is definitely strawberry!

2011-10-15T23:01:00.002-04:00

The color has not been altered on these pictures at all--
in some lights she really is a RED head--
and then in others not as much.
She is not a BRIGHT red head-- but for sure ginger-- and much closer to my goal of a red head!

Crazy Smiler

2011-10-14T20:59:00.001-04:00

I love this little mouse!! She is for sure the happiest baby alive- but lately she has started doing this crazy fake smile-- I managed to capture two of them in the pics below!

Emmy Sleeping on the potty-funniest thing ever.

2011-10-14T20:58:00.000-04:00

September 29, 2011 Goodbye to Emmy's Binky.

2011-10-13T15:34:00.002-04:00

We gathered up all of Emmy's binks and left them on the the table for the Binky Fairy to come and take them.
Something I wasn't expecting was that Emmy has gotten less attached to her loveys since the Binky left-- I was thinking it would be the opposite.
She fell asleep in her little pile-- I sobbed-- and I mean, broke down~ full on broke down. When the fairy came.
We had been talking about it forever-- so Emmy was ready-- the first day there were 2 little sad moments--and the second day there was only one--She went do bed without a peep and has been just fine-- the moral of the story wait until your kid is almost 3 and they will have an easy adjustment!

Our Move part 1

2011-10-13T14:54:00.003-04:00

This is the last Picture I took before we left--we were at the airport and I told Emmy we had to go-- this was her reaction-- funny, because she really is all about adventure-- but I have to say that I was feeling the same way.
We (the girls and I) flew from Atlanta (after driving 3 hours to get there) to Sacramento CA-- with a stop somewhere like AZ- it's all a blur.
Thankfully our amazing family was waiting for us in Sacramento while poor Jason drove with Justy across just about every state and over multiple mountain ranges-- he is my hero==
Emmy and Ellie were delighted to be back with their best friends again.

matchy matchy

I LOVE this face!
I LOVE this face!
the best of times!

Grandma took us to the park-- Emmy found a worm- of course she did-
I literally got ONE picture of Diana's bottom last time we were there-- I was livid-- and so I made up for it- a little- this time!

Grandpa Larry has grapes that grow at his house-- Emmy really thinks it is heaven there.

The profile that could launch a 1000 ships.

Our LAST SC and BIG MO-- and a little girl who looked like Titan!

2011-10-13T14:44:00.002-04:00

Ok-- this is Miss Titan (my nephew) they say that you have a twin somewhere in the world-- I found Titan's-- sadly-- she is a girl and NOT photogenic-- she was adorable in real life and I kind of wanted to call her Abi Star instead of Elizabeth- her real name.
The food, the pre-show games, the family time, the fun, the movies- oh how I miss the MO!
Again-- in real life- it was uncanny-- in pics-- not so much-- but you can get a tiny hint.
My sweet CRAZY girl-- she is a daredevil for sure!

Atlanta!!! whoot whoot!

2011-10-10T21:16:00.003-04:00

Great Gatsby's!
My 2 curly Q's!
Part of our GORGEOUS tour that Annie and Ryan took us on.
Don't even ask me how potty training is going...
We got to play at all of my old stomping grounds-- it was a PARTAY!
Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee!

Not the most modest choice of bottoms ;)
My mailbox-- that is still short from when my mom backed over it and my dad stuck it in without replacing the pole!

Stone Mountain laser show-- the best of times!
BEST FRIENDS reunited at the laser show.
Moody Madness-- sooooooo happy to get to see them!
Gina and Belly boo.
NOT best friends... there's a running joke that Hawken and Brooks (2 different boys from 2 different family friends) will be vying for Ellie's attention in the future-- Hawken-- you might be winning at the moment ;)
It really was the funnest weekend-- for so many reasons-- one of them was that I got a break from parenthood and Ryan and Annie filled their "kid Coffers"

and Atlanta would not be Atlanta without an AMAZING meal from Susan Gill (Annie's talented mother)-- aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh- my mouth is watering just remembering!

Jason's birthday- a day of miracles!

2011-10-10T21:10:00.002-04:00

As the post states-- both Emmy and Ellie fell asleep at the same time for a nap on Jason's b day-- it was spectacular!!!
I got to wrap the presents and decorate the cake.

Because we are poor and have one car-- I never got to the store for wrapping paper-- that, combined with the fact that we are moving to CA where people love trees-- we recycled our grocery bags and made wrapping paper ;)
Jason loved everything.
but mostly that we matched as part of his surprise!

Our Augusta Besties.

2011-10-10T21:04:00.002-04:00

This is Jen-- my best friend from craigslist-- seriously-- she sold me a chore chart and played almost every day after that!
This is her ADORABLE son Rylan on the day they moved to TX-- it was extremely early-- that's why Emmy looks like princess agatha.
they loved each other and were the best of friends.

so cute! that's Mason Elle Belle's BFF-- we miss them!

Emmy's tall pink sneakers and our last picture of Harry!

2011-10-10T21:00:00.002-04:00

This pic is for Aunt KK-- she loves that little pout!
Our LAST pic with Harry- waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa- we just love him!
Grammy bought Emmy these sneakers and gave them to her for her 2nd birthday-- we've been waiting for them to fit-- and they finally do!!! hooray ;)
haming it up.

Uncle Josh- is such a cool uncle.

2011-10-09T00:53:00.002-04:00

I had a young Uncle-- and he will always have a VERY special place in my heart-- he taught me many things that only a young uncle would teach, and I'm soooo very happy that my kids get to have a incredible young uncle too! Because Uncle Josh is so cool that he will out a bug on his face to be hilarious.
and take the time to feed Ellie-- even though she is crazy!

Jason's b-day in Charleston.

2011-10-08T23:46:00.003-04:00

Our trip started with this ;) a good omen.
I LOVE South Carolina for sooo many reasons-- one of them is signs like this.

and the fact that there are homes like this- or nicer all over the place.
because there are amazing historical sites like this home-- from BEFORE the American Revolution.
Emmy loved our walking tour ;)

the other thing about Charleston that was amazing was the food-- what a DELICIOUS city!
see!
For J's birthday we went to one of the best restaurants EVER- Magnolia's-- PLEASE go there if you are ever near Charleston-- it was amazing!
see!
Jason tried shrimp and grits for the first time-- he almost died.
I just LOVE Charleston. Everything about it makes me happy-- I'm so happy that we decided to go there for Jason's early bday.

we got to have another beach trip while there too-- another PLUS.

We also got to see one of the nations oldest plantations-- neat.

It was hot- really hot.

The nations oldest slave cabin row.
This is the row of oak trees that the Gone with the Wind backdrop was based on.
The trip was fun fun fun- see!

Finger Painting!

2011-10-08T23:28:00.002-04:00

Emmy LOVED her 1st finger painting experience.
Elles enjoyed it too.
Here she is really getting into it--I love the face.

yes- it got a little crazy...
The party ended when a whopper storm blew in out of nowhere and we had to run for our lives-- lightning, thunder, whirwinds--- the whole nine yards-- see Emmy's worried "save me and the paintings" face.

Do NOT leave unsupervised~ever.

2011-10-08T23:17:00.002-04:00

As the post title implies~my children have a little too much energy.
Elles is a busy bee (the pictures are backwards) Emmy is helping clean up-- because she is amazing.
She rolled away from the evidence-- but forgot to drop the bag-- sloppy.

Grammy's b day!~ smilebox pictures--

2011-10-05T20:35:00.003-04:00

we did a photo shoot for Grammy's bday-- it didn't go well-- but here it is!

WW-- Doughnut or poop?

2011-10-05T20:30:00.002-04:00

So- I pulled Ellie out of the bumbo and THIS is what greeted me-- I assumed it was poop==but it smelled suspiciously sweet...
Ems had shared a doughnut-- I love that girl!
she is an amazing sharer and caretaker.
Ellie often eats her bottle like this and then falls asleep/--WW
and another WW- she is so funny.
and cute!

One Last Disney Day~

2011-10-05T20:10:00.003-04:00

For my 30th birthday Jason's Mom was kind enough to give me a 3 day hotel stay next to Disney as my present-- and, miraculously~ it was the LAST weekend that our Disney passes were valid! Emmy got to have one last Disney fun and we got to have a much needed vacay-- THANK YOU MOTHER!
Emmy got her fill (well not really) of the princesses.

and we got to have gorgeous Disney moments-- my fav.

Emmy remembered that the carousel is one of her most favorite things.

She really thought she was the star and waved to everyone as flew by.
Ellie endured and enjoyed-- a little of both--
She is perfect.
I love this-- I love Emmy pushing and Elle's leg position- they are both so funny.
Thanks to a VERY dear friend-- my family got to go to one of the Disney days with us-- hooray!

When Mom and Josh had to go home (it POURED and they were on the brink of pneumonia) Emmy could only read and not say goodbye- Josh thought it was hilarious.
Booky with her 30 year old baby-- wow.

Papa got to stay with us until the park closed- here he is with his girlies.
"see the castile papa!"
Ellie even got in on the princess action-- I'm soooo happy!

So this is love.

I'm sorry-- but that face!
My amazing friend Jen let me borrow their pup tent-- I LOVED it and may never go back to a pack and play.

Labor Day=Best Friends and Birthdays!

2011-09-30T18:31:00.003-04:00

Annie and Ryan came up for Labor Day and for my 30th BIRTHDAY-- I'm soooo behind- I haven't even posted J's bday-- but I figured I would so this and then so his ;) ps- Ryan found Emmy's Pocahontas wig-- awesome.
It was HOT.
We went to the TRIPLE- yes triple feature at The Big Mo--- it's only been a week and I am aching for that place! The movies ended at 4 am- and yes we stayed-- the girls fell asleep- but it was a GREAT start to a great weekend.
Ems had her first rootbeer float-- she liked it- obviously.
and then that night AMBER came up too--- what amazing friends I have to celebrate my life!
what a party.
Coconut cupcakes- HEAVEN from Annie's mommy. I love that woman (Emmy called them lettuce cupcakes-- she is so funny!)
Emmy with her two A aunties-- she is so lucky!
Wifesavers ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh put a little South in your mouth-- yep- that's the slogan ;)
Baseball on Labor day-- so nostalgic.
Emmy loved her first baseball game.

HAPPY HAPPY times!
fun times
BFFs
the cutest couple around ;) ha!
Nature loving ladies.
One of the best weekends ever! I LOVE best friends and am sooooo thankful for them in my life.

Mr. Harry and Emmy's snow cone~

2011-09-30T18:02:00.002-04:00

Mr. Harry (or Missa Haiwy as Emmy says) bought Emmy her very first frozen treat from an ice cream truck-- she was delighted. He said she could pick anything and the snow cone was the winner~interesting choice.

They are best friends and Emmy still talks about him and says she misses her Mr. Harry- I am so grateful for amazing people- we have been blessed to find very kind friends in all of the many places we have lived-- I feel like Heavenly Father keeps putting these great people in our lives and it is a tender mercy.
Ems is the world's best sharer and Elles appreciates it!

Happiness is~

2011-09-13T20:04:00.002-04:00

Fruit gum!
Sleeping wherever you want.
My first pecan pie (delish!).
Adorableness.
Awesome street names.
"Good Girl" treats.
Eating toes.
Flowers from my husband.
Sleeping whenever you want.
Dressing alike.
Sleeping in strange positions.
"tricking"
The Krispy Kreme light buring bright!

It's a Bug's life...

2011-09-13T19:56:00.003-04:00

The infamous Spider and Cada~ yes- one morning, we woke up and this little bit of lovely was outside our window- let's just say that Emmy was ecstatic to say the least and often tells the story of the "Spider and the Cada"
Going with the insect theme~ we found Mr. preying mantis outside of Hobby Lobby... Emmy again was delighted...
He was huge and kept us busy for a LONG time.
Until he hated us and flew directly into Emmy's face-- we both SCREAMED and then laughed so hard-- and she said "He didn't know me! I thought I was going to eat him! ha ha ha ha" (in a high hysterical voice that was a little panicky and I have to say I felt the same way ;)

Ellie is my favorite 7 month old!

2011-09-13T19:42:00.003-04:00

This post is mostly about Elle Belle- soooo I thought I would start with a shout out for Miss Ems- I love her and she is amazing- and she gets cuter every day!
Ellie loves to blow raspberries-- she sounds like a motor boat ;)
nice-
Penelope Jane-- at 7 months, you stopped breast feeding (literally on your 7 mo b day- last feeding)~
You babble all of the time~
You can sit up~
You love to skoot but not crawl~
You love to eat~
You roll everywhere~
You are delightful!
You understand the words BaBa and "are you hungry?" and get super excited when I say them~
You LOVE LOVE music and always dance when you hear it~
You love your sister and are VERY patient with her~
All in all, I couldn't ask for a sweeter, prettier or more fun little friend to have around- I love you and LOVE to send time with you and kiss your edible cheeks and thighs! ah! you are perfect xoxo

7 months

2011-09-11T21:38:00.001-04:00

I have a million adorable pics of this kid to post-- but here is the 7 month before I catch up! how is it that she just gets cuter?!

1st BiKe RiDe!!!

2011-09-09T22:42:00.002-04:00

Emmy has been dying for a bike--she rides them when we go to Walmart (classy)- I've been trying to justify making a $70.00 purchase for a 2.75 year old... soooooo- I found one at Goodwill for $6.00!!! hooray!!! yay!!! and yipee! needless to say- Emmy is delighted and she is pretty good-- the steering is a bit of a struggle- but she is a great peddler--

PROUD little thing isn't she!

Emotions by Emmy~

2011-09-09T22:10:00.002-04:00

I asked Emmy to show me faces for different feelings-- these are what she came up with-- I love them!

Hair, Harry and everyday fun!

2011-09-09T15:25:00.003-04:00

Our life is fun! The elders are next door~ Emmy loves them-- and they love us!
Emmy's hair just keeps getting more and more gorgeous!
Emmy got a post card from Mickey Mouse (he has Booky's handwriting!)-- the picture says it all~
again- we have pretty fun days!This is Harry- Emmy's best friend- we love so many things about Harry: his gold teeth- , his mini cigars-and the voice that comes with it, his rings, and his kindness... but most of all~that he is the nicest guy in the world and that he adores Emmy (and the feeling is beyond mutual) if she sees him she starts to squeal "Harry! Harry! Hello!" and runs and hugs him- and then he says "hello Miss Emmy! give me some suga!~ oh, wow! that was so sweet-- you have the best kisses around!"

Roller Skating!!!

2011-08-30T00:37:00.003-04:00

Elle Belle adored the roller skating rank- I adore her eyes!
and this little ducky face that she is doing lately~
She adored her Booky~
Emmy LOVED roller skating. She patiently waited for Uncle Josh and Booky to visit so that we could go skating.
There were some highs--
lots of them~

and there were some lows~though not as many lows.
oh- and there was blood~
and tears.
but all in all- fun times were had by all.

Emmy really did have the time of her life.

She wants to go back right now.

Water Babies!

2011-08-30T00:33:00.002-04:00

Are you kidding me?!
the cutest bum in the world.
I love this pic because Emmy is having the time of her life.
Emmy will forever be a water baby-- and Ellie is following in her footsteps.

Then and Now-- I still love scrubs!

2011-08-23T21:13:00.002-04:00

Emmy
Ellie

*I think I'm going to take a pic of each baby like this- hopefully, the surrounding will improve each time ;)

My 6 month old~waaaaaa!

2011-08-20T00:31:00.002-04:00

How is it possible that this little lovebug is 6 months?! I HATE it- I want her to stay frozen like this forever...
She is on suicide watch~
She LOVES her sister- they are BFFs!
She is BUSY-- she is scooting and rolling everywhere.
She is a VERY easy smiler- unless she doesn't know you-- then, no dice.
She has the MOST edible profile in the world.
I call her octopus arms- because she somehow gets into everything.
I can't get over how much I enjoy Penelope- everything about her is perfect. She literally delights me constantly!

Grammy's b day!

2011-08-20T00:07:00.001-04:00

Make a scrapbook

Family Medicine!

2011-08-18T19:53:00.002-04:00

Jason just finished Family Medicine-- it was a sad day...
He worked with Dr. Livia Capuy- we love her!

He also got to work with Dr. Halbert Capuy-- they are the nicest people- with a friendly office and we are sad to have this time end-- Jason liked FM and said that if that's what he ended up in he wouldn't be sad- but it wasn't necessarily his favorite either. One down-- on to OB we go!

Prayer Pads

2011-08-18T18:25:00.002-04:00

Our most memorable family home evening activity yet!-- I found some gardening kneeling pads at the Dollar Store and thought that we could make them our prayer pads.
The girls LOVED it.
See.
Jason loved it too!
The finished products- front and back.

Home sweet home...South Carolina style

2011-08-17T22:12:00.002-04:00

Our bedroom-- nice bed huh! We are leaving so soon that it didn't make sense to put it together.
Several views of the girls room-- please note that Ellie is in a picture on the wall-- that's about all that she gets of this room though-- she still sleeps with us- in Bakersfield she will get to finally share a room with Emmers.
A kitchen shot the L side is looking at it from the living rm-- the right is the what you see if you are standing in our front doorway...
The library ;)
The living room-- the suitcase and couch are now gone (we sold our couches for some much needed cash) but it is a little embarrassing because now the options for sitting are the lovesac or a bright red camping chair-- awesome.Our one fabulous bathroom-- the tub is a miracle.
The BIG negative to this place (aside from the forest green carpet) is that we are on the top floor- no thank you. Emmy loves it though and is my very best little helper!

My best girls!

2011-08-08T19:49:00.003-04:00

I could just eat this little lovey up!
Everyone said that I would love Elle Belle as much as Emmy-- I didn't believe them. But it's TRUE!!! I really didn't think it possible but my heart somehow doubled--
I just love this little sweet girlies!

What a little character!

2011-08-08T19:31:00.003-04:00

"don't take my picture" nice. It was a sweet moment (3 seconds before this shot) because Emmy was holding Ellie- a favorite pastime- and Elles fell asleep.
Ems got a new suit-- I told her to model it for me-- these are poses I got-- are you kidding- she could not be cuter!
my sweet little Emmalina Anne- oh how I love your amazingness! here are a few quotes from this funny and quirky 2.75 year old...

"oh no! somebody colored on my fake boy!!!" (about her Cabbage Patch's bottom)

"Momma, you are my best girl! Did you know that?"

"close your eyes *pause* you can open them!"

"lookit! I'm tricking!!!" (while summersaulting)

"he wants to hold you-he worried. Don't be rough with him- be very careful 'cause, he little~just love him" (about her baby panda bear)

"I'm doing something funny~everyone laugh! *pause* now cry."

"What's for dinner? McDonald's?! Are you excited?" (with literally NO pause between phrases.)

"I can't do it, 'cause I'm little." but after seeing the rollerskating rank... "I can do it- I big! I bery tall."

"A poopcock scared me one day, I was super mad." (about the peacock at the Sacramento zoo)

"can I lay by that sister?"

"hey momma, are you alive?" (yes, are you?) "ya, only little bit alive."

"oh! look at that little baby- soooo precious!"

"Ellie! I'm so proud of you!! good job!"

"Cause, feelup (Philip) might help me- because Prince Feelup nice to me."

"Twinners!" (about anything the same)

yep-- those are just a few of the gems I get to hear daily-- I figured it would be fun to look back at them and laugh.

Tap shoes!

2011-08-08T19:25:00.003-04:00

This is Emmy's "I'm not in the mood" face-- and she says as much.
but wait-- "I have tap shoes on? thank you for reminding me- that makes me soo happy!"
*please be advised* you should only use tap shoes as directed-- for example: if you-or Emmy- were to decide to dance on the cocktail table and then to do a crazy leap on to the couch... you would most likely slip in the table- and do a belly flop knocking all of the wind out of you~ just a little advisory--

Our AMAZING Walk

2011-08-04T21:27:00.003-04:00

This is how our walk starts-- it is also one of the prettiest houses ever.
across from that house is the Savannah River-
there are MANY creatures to find- we don't find the creatures nightly-
we walk the 3 miles and yell hi as we hurry by!
there are flowers and plants from my childhood
and Emmy got her 1st honeysuckle!!!
Ellie loves it.
Emmy found cattails and played in the creek.
Ellie sat on Daddy's shoulders for the very first time!
It is even prettier in the twilight when fireflies come out~
The forests of South Carolina are incredible-- I LOVE this place and want to live here forever-- it is simply gorgeous!

The Big Mo!

2011-08-02T22:47:00.003-04:00

Another AMAZING thing about NC is that there is a drive in movie-- so so so fun! this is the line of cars that lines up every Friday night- it opens at 6:30 and we play until dusk-about 9:00 when the movies start-- it is always a double feature.
Miss Ellie loves it there- because she gets to play and then play some more during the movie~

Emmy loves it too- because of the playground...

They also have refreshments there, boiled peanuts-funnel cake- yes please!- and you can bring in whatever food you want-- we always brings fabulous things! The South has not been good for our weight loss plan- but we have at least stayed the same due to our walking (post to come)Both girls love it because we are free to sit on the car and talk and play all during a movie-- and J ad I love that for the exact same reason- no babysitter- 2 movies-no sneaking food into the show-and sleepy girls (Emmy watches Snow White on a mini TV in the car). NC we simply love you!

Little Eater~

2011-07-31T22:59:00.002-04:00

Ellie LOVES boiled peanuts...
pickles
and pretty much anything else she can get her hands on- I love how she looks so guilty in all of these!

on a normal note-- she is eating baby food like a little trooper- she REALLY loves bananas, carrots, squash, pears, blueberries, strawberries and peas- she is not a fan of green beans.

Annual Cow Day!!!

2011-07-31T22:01:00.002-04:00

YES! It's true~
the sign says it all~
Let's just say that we had free lunch AND dinner-- all of us dressed up!
Even those who don't eat chicken-yet.

*as a side note it was also Brandi's b-day~ I'm so happy that she was born on National Cow Day- it's easy to remember!

Sleeping Beauties

2011-07-26T22:42:00.003-04:00

My new favorite picture-- tender and precious.
I came in from going to the store and this is what I found--love it-
When we first got to SC the girls and J got sick--look at this little sicky-holding her head- sad!

Starting Rotations with Family Medicine.

2011-07-26T22:07:00.002-04:00

My amazing little cupcake eater-- I mean helper!- OK-

UPDATE:

Jason got into the Kearn Medical Program in Bakersfield, CA-- quite a feat. That's the good news-- the bad news is that it starts Sept. 24th-- and we were really out of $$$-- and the loan doesn't come in until a few weeks AFTER you start rotations-- seriously?! How do people do this? Anyways-- we decided to try to sneak a few rotations into whichever ACGME certified program starting soonest-- hence our current location-- North Augusta, South Carolina-- and I wish we were doing EVERY rotation here- if I like Bakersfield 1/2 as much as North Augusta- then life will be grand. I'm hoping we can come back here for residency-- or a sub I or 2- something! Jason will be doing Family Medicine and OBGYN here-a lot of med students don't start with FM-- I for one am DELIGHTED that we did-- it has been a great way to ease into rotations so to speak- for everyone, no baptism of fire here- it's been amazing- we live almost on the state line of SC and GA-- so J works in Georgia and we live in SC. There will be a lot of posts coming up about our adventures here-- so get ready.
To celebrate Jason's first day in rotations- we made him these cupcakes-- I know- they look like brains or something-- I got the wrong frosting top-- boo- but they were delish and I think I feel a tradition of "themed food" for the first day of each rotation we pass through- fun!

Off to South Carolina we go!

2011-07-26T12:56:00.002-04:00

Emmy and J drove up in the moving van-- let's just say~they had a blast and it was a PARTAY- obviously.
The night before we left-- Papa just couldn't let go.
Booky played with Ems while we packed- aren't they lovely?!
Our last Sunday--could this little bundle be any cuter?!
Josh's little sweetie pie

Ellie's little piggie tails-- seriously?!

Dave's necklace-

2011-07-26T12:51:00.002-04:00

I feel like this should be on WW- but here she is-- LOVING Uncle Dave's necklace!

UTAH!!!

2011-07-21T23:55:00.003-04:00

I would be lying if I didn't say that I have been subconsciously dreading posting about Utah-- I had over 500 pictures-- yes you read correctly. I have narrowed it down to 90 pictures... It's a wild ride but here are all of the UT posts (there are 16 so you will have to click on the Older Posts at the bottom of the page to enjoy them all)-- here is Justy's last moment with Miss Penny Poo.
Our last hug goodbye- wa.
Another moment I love it!

Two Blue Jays-

2011-07-21T23:26:00.003-04:00

Tiffany has a company Two Blue Jays and makes these cute feather hair pieces-- here we are modeling some of them.
Emmy loves hers and wants to wear it all of the time.

horses and walks

2011-07-21T23:13:00.002-04:00

Emmy loves horses-
she is so brave
This is Emmy's TT hair -- and her "I want a pony face!"
yep- horse makeout- there it is.
girlies!

My hero Brandi pushing all the girls uphill- love her!!!
Grammy will Elle

Antics!

2011-07-21T22:41:00.002-04:00

We had a wild afternoon...
There were aliens...
warriors...
crazy turban men, panty faces and sheet heads--basically nothing but awesomeness.

First Salsa!

2011-07-21T22:37:00.002-04:00

Emmy made her very first salsa with Grammy (something I have yet to do)
Grammy please don't be mad at this picture-- you are much more beautiful than this- but it was so cute.