Pretend City

Fun pictures from our trip to Pretend City for Ethan's birthday. Every kid should at least enjoy this place at least once, it was so much fun. Kids get to use their imaginations on so many "real" world things, I felt like I was a kid again in this place. If only our "adult" lives were just like "Pretend City".

Happy 2nd Birthday Ethan

On March 4 my little boy turned 2 years old! Really was it 2 years ago that our family became a family of four. 2 years has gone by so fast and I officially feel like I do not have a baby anymore. We had such a fun filled weekend with our little boy. We went to Pretend City on his birthday and Disneyland with family on Friday. I wish I could be 2 again to have all this fun.

As I reflect on the past year my heart just melts on how much our little boy has grown. You are so precious Ethan, your smile and laugh is so contagious and always makes us laugh. You have a sweet nature about you, and you love to be loved on. You give the best kisses, as you would say "that's a good kiss", you are mischievous (as any 2 year old boy is), you have LOTS of energy, you crack us up with the funny things you say, you LOVE trash trucks and can imitate them quite well. You are always up to something, but your sister keeps you in check most times. You love your sister Taelor, even though she tries to boss you around. You do your own thing, you have strong qualities of being a leader. You enjoy running around, playing soccer, driving your cars around, building things, causing mischief, but most of all playing with your sister. You learned your ABC's and can count to 10, you have ears like a dog and are always asking "what was that noise". You are just downright ADORABLE!

Ethan, you are and always will be my little boy, I can really see why boys are truly attached to their moms. I can only pray for the wonderful things God has planned for your life, What ever it may be I know it will be good. You are so adorable and innocent with so much personality that makes me so happy to be your mom. I know weird to say, but, one day I know you will find the woman of your dreams and mom will not be the "woman" of your life anymore, it kind of makes me sad but I know in the future you will be the best man ever! I can only hope I raise you to be a gentlemen just like your daddy, to always put others first, to always stand up for what you believe in and to always be you! I love you my little man and I always will, just like you will always be my little boy no matter how old you are.

Love,

your Mommy

Trader Joes Brown Rice

I am not much of an instant rice girl, I like to make my own rice but I got a box of the Trader Joe's Brown frozen rice (on a recommendation from a friend), and I have to say it is pretty good and the best part is that it takes only 3 minutes! There are 3 bags per box and one bag is just enough for my family of four (remember my kids do not have big portions, nor do I). It is a little under $3. I don't use it all the time just when I need a quick meal and don't feel like waiting for over 20 min to cook rice. I suggest you try it! I will post other favorites since this is my favorite store to shop at!

The Shack by William P Young

This is one AMAZING book and I recommend this to everyone. I will tell you it is a pretty hard book to get through the first few chapters (emotionally) but the story that Mack tells when he meets God is so touching and leaves you looking at your own faith for more of God. That is all I will say, so please if you get the chance read this book. If you want to know more about this book go here.

One of my resolutions this year is to read at least 6 books, that could be nothing to some people or a lot to others but to me who has very little time to even blog or check emails or find time for myself that is a good amount for me. I hope I can get through more than 6 but we will see. I am already on my next book Dear John by Nicholas Sparks, only because the movie is coming out soon and I want to read it before I see it since its been on my nightstand now for 2 years. I hope everyone finds a great book they like and at least reads one this year.

Ethan can count to 10

Last night Saul was reading a book to Ethan and was counting the caterpillars in the book and then to our surprise Ethan counted all by himself to 10! We were shocked. Now he thinks it is so funny when he does it. Good job my little buddy!

The Coble Kids foundation Haiti relief fund

After seeing all the devastation in Haiti, it leaves me wondering what I can do. I found this Haiti Relief Fund it is organized by the Coble Family in Ladera Ranch. They are collecting necessities for the children of Haiti. It breaks my heart to know the children there are in such need of everything and anything we can give. I know I will be dropping off some necessities this weekend. I hope you can too.

Toddler bathrobes by Dwellstudio

If only these weren't $68, because they are just too cute!

But if you have the money to splurge you can get them at Arte Bebe.

Cute party idea

I just had to share, I came across this on a blog, this Raggedy Ann party is just too cute! Would be so cute to do for a little girls party!

The Noble Wife....Proverbs 31

Sometimes life gets so busy, complicated and days and weeks pass by and I sometimes ask myself, am I being a good wife, a wife that God wants me to be? I know I try everyday to do my best to be a great mom and wife but some days when I am just drained I feel like I have only given it 50%. As I was reading the bible the other day I came across this passage in Proverbs 31 (I picked out the verses that I felt applied to my life, or that I should at least live up to).

An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.

The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

She does him good and not harm

all the days of her life.

She seeks wool and flax

and works with willing hands.

She rises while it is yet night

and provides food for her household.

She dresses herself with strength

and makes her arms strong.

Her lamp does not go out at night.

Strength and dignity are her clothing

and she laughs at the time to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom

and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

Her children rise up and call her blessed,

her husband also and he praises her.

Many women have done excellently,

But you surpass them all.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands,

and let her works praise her in the gates.

I am going to write this on a small index card and always keep it with me, to remind me of the wife God has chosen me to be. I hope these verses will touch other wives as well. God chose me to be Saul's wife and I pray every day that I live up to these expectations.

Happy 3rd Birthday my little Princess Taelor

Happy 3rd Birthday!

On December 31 Taelor turned 3 and right before my own eyes she seams to be growing up in a flash. I can remember after a year and a half of "trying" for a baby how excited, I mean overjoyed we were to find out we were pregnant. That was nearly over 3 1/2 years ago and still it only seems like it was yesterday. It only seems like not too long ago we were just new parents bringing in the New Year of 2007 in the hospital with our new bundle of joy.

I didn't know how much a child could bring so much joy and love into your heart until I had a child of my own. Taelor, you have been an amazing little girl who brightens my life everyday. You are growing into such a wonderful, sweet, beautiful, and thoughtful girl. As I look back on this past year you have grown in so many ways. We started the year with the "wonderful twos" and boy some days it was a great big challenge. Lots of time outs were given but you sure learned quick on how to be a good little girl. You gave up your binkie and was potty trained all in the same week. Your vocabulary changed from a few words to full conversations and I am blow away at some of the conversations we have. You have learned so much over this last year from talking to pretend play, you learned your shapes and colors and how to draw them, you learned to count to 10 and your ABC's, you learned how to sing songs, how to dance and twirl, how to dress and undress yourself, you were potty trained a little after you turned 2, you learned how to adapt to change and you did so well at it, you have learned to be polite by always saying please and thank you, you say "I love you mommy" with a great big hug when mommy most needs it, and most of all you have learned about God and how much He loves you! There are so many other things this year has brought into your life but those are just a few that stick out in my mind.

Taelor you are a little girl with so much ambition in life, you are headstrong (sometimes a little too much), you take charge and always want to be in charge in whatever you do, your neat and tidy (like your dad), you like things done your way, you are sensitive and loving, especially to your brother. You have a kind heart and your sweet little words always amaze me, the mind of a 3 year old just amazes me. You are still a bit timid but you come out of your shell when you are comfortable, you listen well most days but like any other 3 year old you have some bad days, you love to color and read books, sing songs and dance. You love to be a "little mommy" to all your dolls (and sometimes to your brother). Your little stubborn attitude shows sometimes, but usually gets overshadowed by your kind ways, you have a deep voice that makes me smile every time you talk, you always want mommy around and you are still my little shadow. You love to pretend play and make us dinner and go shopping (mostly to Target). Dressing up is a must with you, tiaras, wands and princess dresses it is so cute to watch. You just started getting into Barbies and I love the imagination you have. But most of all you have learned about God and how to pray (as much as a 3 yr old can), you love going to Sunday School and seeing the joy on your face is priceless. You have so many cute ways about you, too many that I would be here forever writing. I look forward to all the new things you do in your 3's!

My dearest Taelor, I love you so much, you are not only a joy to be around but a blessing to mommy and daddy. We have been so overwhelmed with so much love since you have been born. You have a sensitive side of you that I hope will stay with you forever. You have a heart of gold that I know will always lead you in the right direction in life. The naiveness of a 3 year old is very enduring and I hope this remains with you for as long as your little heart lets it. You have made me a proud mom, your a loving daughter and a loving sister. Seeing you with Ethan melts my heart. I hope you will always be there for him as you are now and that the two of you will remain as close as you are now. He loves you so much, your his "sissy". I hope you can always see the good in everyone and that you will touch someones life everywhere you go. Always remember to pray and put God first in your life and to teach others about Him. You are a gift from above and I never take that for granted. Each day you do something that amazes me, the things you say, the way you move, even your actions, I soak it all in and I hope to never loose these wonderful memories that are stamped in my heart. I hope as the years go on that we always remain close and that you know I will always be here for you. Life is not easy, but I hope you will always get the best given to you, not through material things but through richer things such as love and kindness from others. You deserve only the best and I will pray for all the wondeful journeys God has in store for you. I look forward to the next year of your life and to see what God has planned for you. This year will be another year of learning, I have great big dreams and hopes for you this year. I pray that God will protect you and guide in and will always be with you every step of your next year. I love you more than you will ever know my little 3 year old! Dream big dreams and always reach for the stars my little princess! Happy Birthday, I am proud of the little girl you have become.

I Love You,

Mommy