December 2009 and 2010

Well, are you all surprised I'm actually still alive? I am a seriously delinquent blogger! Anyway, since I'm so far behind, I thought I would post what was going on a year ago and what's happening now. Maybe between that all and my intermittent blog posts you might feel like you still know us even if we are on the other side of the country!

December 2009, our last Previa bit the dust...or should I say pavement?? I was driving to pick the kids up and the drive shaft dislodged from the car, locking the back wheels up while I was driving freeway speeds! I spun around and this is where I ended up:

Side of the road, nearly tipped over and totally stranded. The best part of this story is the miracles we saw in our lives to help us along. First of all, what a miracle that I was not hurt, the kids weren't in the car, and that there weren't any cars around me. Second is that we were able to find a van that suited our needs and was such a good deal and that we were actually able to purchase it before the scary slugs did that showed up as we were negotiating with the sellers. We decided to finally part from our Previa days and purchased a Honda Odyssey. It's really weird blending in for a change...Finally, what a miracle and blessing it was to have Rob's parents to help us through the time we were without a van. We appreciate you so much! I feel so grateful for the Lord's hand in our lives and how mindful He is of our needs.

And here's December 2010:

This is the DC temple and it's Festival of Lights. We stopped by for the Handbell Choir beforehand and browsed the light display afterwards while sipping "hot" chocolate. Mostly the kids guzzled the lukewarm chocolate while Rob and I tried to keep the kids from blocking the path, but it was a memorable day. I hope the kids were able to feel the peace and beauty that surrounds the temple and the love our Savior has for us.

As of late

Well, we have been very busy around here! I can't believe my last post was Spring Break! It's hot in Texas now and it feels like summer is in full swing! We have a contract on our house and will soon be leaving the great state of Texas! Look for posts on that to come!

Here's a summary of what we've done the last few months:

Managed to get everyone dressed up and hair done for Easter Sunday! I am so grateful for our Savior and His eternal Atonement that enables all of us to be better people.



Had a few weekends with Rob around! I am so amazed at how much his presence influences the girls! They were little angels with him around. Other times, not so much. We've had bouts of "ice skating" on the kitchen floor, snacking that ended up all over the kitchen, time out and more time outs, teething, whining, etc.. I'm sure some of those would have made great pictures, but I was too mad to want to remember those moments. I'd much rather remember these...

Celebrated Sydney's first birthday! She has been so fun to have around! She is standing up on her own and LOVES when we praise her. She is the world's biggest graham cracker fan and is probably the toughest baby I know. Her sisters love her and sometimes show her a little too zealously, but she has learned to voice her concern and stick up for herself.

Here's a list of a few of the words she can say (doesn't always mean she'll say them, but we have heard them come from her mouth!):
Dada, Mama, Sisters, Cracker, Bubble, Audrey, Uh-oh, Paci
We love you Sydney!

More time with Daddy! We sure miss that guy!

And we generally just hung out!

Lots of big changes are coming our way! We'll keep you posted!

Slammin' Spring Break!

Here's what we did over Spring Break in Texas:

Went to the Dollar Movies and enjoyed Disney's latest fairy tale:

Spent all day jumping and bouncing at "Jump For Fun". That was the best!




The kids had a great time and took GREAT naps when we got home! Thanks Grandma!

Bytheway, the pigtails this week on Lily are momentous! Her first ones since we chopped the mullet! Hooray!

Stopped in to enjoy the Dallas Nature and Science Museum - HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!

Came home and celebrated the holiday with our 2nd annual Shamrock Shakes!

Played outside ALL day! The weather was beautiful and sunny! The kids rode their bikes all day while I spent nearly 4 hours cleaning out, vacuuming, washing and waxing every surface of my car and anything inside of it! I should have taken a picture of that, who knows how long it will last!

We had a nice visit with Rob's sister and even took a nice bike ride/jog to the park for a picnic lunch and some sickening tire-swing spinning! Luckily no hurling took place!

We welcomed the first official day of Spring with a cold rainy day inside with movies and nail painting that ended in this:

Anyone think we've had enough Texas snow for one year ???

Belated Buzz!

Hello all! Many of you may be wondering why Robert is jumping off decks in Maryland and where the rest of us are on this long lost blog! Here's the scoop: Rob got a job in the DC area and has moved up there while we hang out until we sell the house. I am working hard to keep the house up and the kids happy for the most part and owe all my success to the blessings of the Lord. I can feel his strength sustaining me in what would be a difficult time. I am so grateful for our Heavenly Father blessing us to be able to bear our burdens! Rob has come home to visit a bit, which the girls LOVED! I don't think we've played that much tag or hide and seek in all of the time he's been gone! Here's a snapshot of Robert hanging out with the girls!

More Snow!!!

Rob got more snow in MD and so went back to Deck Diving!

Fun in the Snow!

Robert got 34 inches of snow in Maryland, and in true Robert style he took advantage of it: