"Christmas Vacation"

Christmas Eve

Notes to Santa. Sasha wanted him to have fruit or he won't be

able to fit down our chimney soon. (so cute!)

Their new luggage is all packed and we're ready to go

The book that told them their real present this year.....

we are headed to Disneyland right now!

Christmas Day at our hotel

The girlies love the Teacups (yuck)

Tower of Terror, Sasha's favorite ride

Kaili's favorite ride California Screamin

Gotta have SPRINKLES cupcakes

Newport Beach

I had the pleasure of meeting Kathy Joosten of Desperate Housewives, sweet lady.

More Disneyland!

"The" wishing well....Jason asked me to marry him here 10 yrs. ago

Ending our trip in Las vegas seeing Cirque du Soleil

This was an awesome Christmas totally surprising the girls with a family trip to Las Vegas and California. We left Christmas morning right after breakfast. We had so much fun and really enjoyed the time with just the 4 of us. They really enjoyed Cirque du Soleil (Mystere) in Las Vegas. I would love to do something like this in the future. I loved spending quality time with my little family, what's a better gift than that?

Girlies Dance Recital

Kaili is the second in on the right.

Sasha is the last on the right.

The girls just had their Christmas Recital. Kaili chose to do Hip hop and did a great job. Her body has so much muscle for her age she could really hold her stalls well. Sasha wanted to be more traditional and do Jazz. It was definitely her style, she twirled all across the floor beautifully. I'm so proud of them and they looked so happy and beautiful.

Steelers vs. Broncos Game

Before the game started (my face still pretty swollen from my
wisdom teeth surgery a week before, UGGH!)

Us and Macey and Jason

WE WON!!!!!

So I'm a little late putting this on but, the Swine flu decided to enter our home and we've been down and sick for a couple weeks. Jason and I went with our friends, Macey and Jason, to Denver for the Steelers game. I didn't know I'd like it so much but it was a blast. We stayed in an amazing hotel right next to 16th street. (outside HUGE walking mall and restaurants) It was an exciting game and the Steelers won. The stadium only had Steeler fans when there was still 8 minutes left. (real supportive "Broncos" fans) Haha! I would definitely go to an NFL game in the future. Fun! Fun!

My Little Girls 9!

Kaili turned 9. I can't believe it! She had a Halloween birthday a couple days before her real birthday. She had all her good friends there. We played games, made candy apples, and spooky spiders. Kaili made her own birthday cake, a ghost. On her real birthday we had a family funeral (Jasons Grandpa passed away). We spent the day with his family. It was a beautiful service, just how he would have liked it. Then we decided to invite family for a fun night at Boondocks. She had so much fun playing laser tag, arcade games, and go karts. Thanks to everyone who came and made her night!

Kaili girl,

I can't believe how fast time has gone. You are growing up to be such a sweet young lady. Daddy and I are so proud of you and how hard you work. You are doing so well in school and are such a big help at home. Your little sister looks up to you so much and we know why. You definitely know what you want in life and we have no doubt you will work your hardest to make sure you succeed for what that is. I hope your day was special for you. We love you more and more everyday!

Love,

Mom & Dad

Miley Cyrus Concert!

Limo all decorated!
Sasha before she found out her BIG surprise!
Kaili also before she knew
As they found out where they were going for the night.
Miss Miley herself!

They're so excited!
All the cute girlies! Sasha,Karli, Ku'uipo, Kaili, & Jerzie.
Apparently this was soooo cool to do with all their energy.
Me and my little cuties! (Sasha would not keep her eyes open)

So, this took me a while to post on here but, here's the story......I told the girls their costumes had just come in the mail and they needed to try them on just to make sure they fit. So they did, then their little friend (who was going with us) was trying hers on too and they wanted to show each other. I took some before pics and told them to go out the front door to get in the car that Daddy was already outside waiting in. They went out and saw the Limo and Daddy waiting. They weren't quite sure what to think and what was going on but they ran and got in the Limo anyway. I asked them if they could guess where they were going and Kaili did. We picked up the rest of the gang and went to dinner all while listening to Miley's music the entire time. It was so much fun and a great Girls Night Out! I love seeing them so happy!

First Day of School

So the girls first day of school was on Monday and it was bitter sweet for me. Kaili started 3rd grade and Sasha started 1st. Although it's nice to have some time for myself it's also so weird to not have a little one home in the day to take care of. They were both really excited to start. Kaili was up early and ready to go. Sasha, on the other hand, said "I'm tired and don't want to wake up". She's just not a morning person as I have mentioned before. They had a great first day. They also made these cute cupcake bouquets all by themselves for their new teachers. They're getting so big. I can't believe how time flies!

Sasha's 6th Birthday !!!

Sasha had such a fun birthday. This year she planned the whole thing herself. My mom (Nana) took all her ideas and ran with 'em. It was a Bedtime Stories theme with water games and a pinata. Activities included, making their own bedtime stories, slip 'n slide, water balloon fight, dizzle drizzle drench, cake, and presents. She had so much fun! Thanks Nana! She also had a bed for a cake made by her Nana, it was the cutest cake I've ever seen.
Then on her real birthday Jason got up early and made her a cute breakfast in bed. She wasn't too thrilled though. (she takes after her mama, not a morning person) She said "I'm tired, take it back downstairs and I will come down when I wake up." My sweet lil' grump!
After that we spent the day swimming (Sasha's wishes). Then later we went to ice cream with all the family.
It's hard to believe my baby will be starting 1st grade. We love you so much Sasha Bear and enjoy the sweetness you bring into our family. Happy Birthday cutie pie!

More Lake Powell " That hurt my Butt!"

This is video of Jason jumping off a huge cliff. (according to our calculations it is somewhere between 75 and 90 feet tall) CRAZY!! If you listen you can hear he hits butt first which is not what you want to do. He's still payin for it with a black and blue bruise on his rear. WOW!!!

Kaili is so cute and tough. This one was not quite 20 feet. What a big cliff for my little girl. I can't believe she did it with really no hesitation. She definitely gets that from her dad. She was so cute when she comes out of the water she giggles and is ready for more. Great job Kaili girl!! We Love you!

"Playin Catch Up" (lake powell & Sasha's graduation)

Look closely Jason's riding someones back
Silly boys and their trains
Starting the hike
Our whole clan
Us at Rainbow Bridge
The only pic of Jay not making a crazy face

Roastin' marshmallows

All my cuties

Sasha telling us all to "Rock On"

My girlies riding on the front of the boat. (so cool)

Sasha and Mama

My brave little Kaili girl

The famous Dangling Rope ice cream

They're sooo cute!

All the tough guys BBQ 'in (Jason, Jason, Jason & Jerry)

Seriously!

Me, Stacie and Macey

Me and Stacie

The "Daddy" frog

Sasha, Daddy, and Kaili Gettin' their tube on!

Jay showin off some cleavage

Me and Sasha Bear

Me and Kaili girl (she got me with the bunny ears)

We had so much fun in Lake Powell. I will try to give a quick overview of all the fun.

Swimming, frog hunting, tubing, water skiing, fishing, hiking, exploring, card games, spoons

cooking, smores, cliff jumping, high wind drama, rain, water slide trains, sun tanning,

cuts, bruises, eardrum popping, sleeping, eating, relaxing and a lot of bonding in all ways.

The girlies had a great time and I'm so glad we could make these fun memories with them.

SASHA'S KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION

Sasha and some Kindergarten classmates

Cute little Sasha and her Diploma

Sasha and Ms. Z

I am so proud of Sasha. She has learned so much this year. Her math skills are amazing and she is reading incredibly well. She got straight A's this last quarter and her teacher was super impressed with her progress. She also made a lot of friends and isn't so shy anymore. We are so thankful to have her sweet spirit in our lives. Congrats Sasha Bear! We love you so much!

Rock n' Roll Marathon

Gettin their goodies
Right after he finished
Us and the artist
Mile 5 ish
The finish line
He did it!!!

Jason ran the San Diego Rock n' Roll Marathon this last weekend. He did such an awesome job. I am so proud of him. This is one of the things he told me he had on his bucket list even before we got married. I can't imagine running 26.2 miles. His time was just over 5 hrs. (that's because they start them in different groups but start the clock on the first group)
I never met anyone like him, he can set any goal (no matter how hard) and stick to it until it's complete. He's such a great example. He actually had an injury about 4 weeks ago and that would've been an easy way out, but not him, it just made him work harder. I love him so much and he makes me want to work harder on my goals.
CONGRATS BABE!!! Love you!

"Dash"

Kaili's pic "We will always remember you"

Sasha's pic of her playing with Dash

Kaili's pic of Dash chained up by our swing set playing

Our sweet little Dash passed away today. We will miss him so much. He was such a big part of our family. We have so many great memories of him and loved him so much.

He made the girls so happy. He couldn't wait for them to get home everyday. He may have only been 3 lbs. but he thought he was as big as a chocolate lab. He was so sweet and sensitive, he could always tell if you were sad or had a bad day. It's going to be really hard without him, but we know he's in a better place.

We love you Dash!

Happy Mommies Day!!!!

I just want to tell all the moms of the world to have a great Mothers Day! I especially want to tell my Mom how great I think she is, and how important she is in our lives.
My Mom is such an awesome Nana to my kids. They really know my mom because she takes the time to do things with them. Some examples are, cooking, shopping, dinners, parties, make-up lessons, candy making, sleepovers, and here and there they might get a singing lesson in (which we all know the kids probably teach her more than she teaches them in that area).
I love that she has a great sense of humor and makes us all laugh. I love that she has always been there for me and my family. But, most of all I love that she showed me how to be the best mom I can be.
I love you Mom!

HaPpY AnNiVeRsArY BaBe!!

Happy Anniversary! I can't believe it's been 9 great years already. I wanted to write 9 reasons why I love you so much.



9. You just deal with my OCD. (you're so passive)

8. You have always worked so hard so I can stay home and raise our kids.

7. You always make me laugh and keep me smiling.

6. You support me in every decision I make and stand behind me.

5. You are very ambitious and self motivated.

4. You are the cutest dad to our girlies, they love you so much. You are a superhero to them.

3. You make me see the good in other people and show me patients.(which we all know, I don't have much)

2. You truly make me happy! I look forward to seeing you everyday.

1. You love me for just being me, you are my best friend.

Funny lil' Girl!

So Sasha asked if she could take a few pics with my camera the other day, so I said "sure, but bring it back soon". Well 10 minutes later she still had the camera so I thought I'd better check on her and my camera. I ask her if she took any and she said yes, so I look on the camera and she had taken 68 pics in 10 minutes. She's so funny and cute. Don't we all wish as adult we loved taking pics of ourselves? Well I guess there are still a few that love it, but I don't. I love my girlies so much, they make me laugh everyday. These were too cute not to share just a few. Enjoy!




One in the mirror
One great Fishy face

One of her good strong teeth

Her oh so funny face

And a I'm so sweet face

"My Sweet New Niece"

Her name is Ka'Lya ShirRay and she's my newest niece. She may be 7 weeks early but she's doing great. Weighing in at 4 lbs exactly and 16 1/2" long. She has TONS of dark hair and totally looks like her siblings. We are amazed she stayed in this long, we planned on her being born weeks ago. She was born at 5:30 PM and I got there at 5:27 PM. I almost missed it. She is so tiny and cute! Me and the girls can't wait to enjoy her.

Happy Easter!

Working hard to make the eggs beautiful.

Kaili's note to the Easter Bunny. " Dear easter bunny I

always wanted your signature can you pleases sign it."


Finished product



The car ride to the next egg hunt

Easter Day all dressed up

Cute Kaili girl
Sweet Sasha
Egg hunt at their grandparents
Sasha filling her basketKaili's basket is full

We had a great Easter weekend. The girls got some great things from the Easter Bunny including, a new Wii game, swim suits, dresses, outfits, melting beads, and life jackets for our trip to Lake Powell. We were so glad the weather held out for the egg hunts and today turned out to be a beautiful day. I hope everyone had a happy Easter.

Jason's half Marathon

Jason did the half marathon this past weekend. He did a great as always. It's just a practice for the marathon in San Diego in May. He set up a group of cop friends to do the marathon with him a few months ago and he also set up a training schedule that they help each other follow . He's always been active and sets really high goals for himself, I think that's what attracted me to him. I'm so proud of him and all his goals he always reaches. He's such a good example to the girls.
Here's some pics. (he's wearing the red shirt)

Kaili's Baptism Day!

My Kaili girl got baptized and we are so proud of her and her decision. She was lucky enough to be baptized and confirmed by her two grandfathers. It was such a special day and she has been really excited about it. We had to put it off a bit due to my moms recent back surgery and my own surgery. But, we finally made it happen. She looked so beautiful and so grown up. Kaili is always so helpful to others and is such a good example. We are so blessed to have her in our lives. She was so happy that so many of you came and showed your support for her.
Also, I had a birthday and celebrated it on the couch, with family around. Sasha was so funny giving me tonz of birthday kisses. Kaili was so cute, she made me a party hat (in the pic). Thanks Kaili girl. I would also like to thank my mom for the "creative cake" (it had a little accident and we can't help but to tease her). We all had a good laugh! Thanks to all!

OCD and Surgery Just Don't Mix!

So I know I've been a slacker on my blog but I think I have good reason. Let me begin, So along with all my regular surgeries I have every 6 months, we thought we'd mix things up and throw in another. Why not? What's another surgery, right? J/K Actually this ankle has been a bugger of mine for quite some time. It has taken quite the beating in it's life of being a gymnast, cheerleader, and family BBQ volleyball player. Yep that last one is what did it 5 years ago, volleyball. I was playing at my parents for a family BBQ, I jumped ever so high to do a "professional spike" then landed to hear a POP that echoed in my ears. So the trip to the ER told us it was not a broken bone, but very stretched out ligaments and tendons that made that loud POP. I went on my way and tried to heal. It never felt normal again, aching and randomly popping in and out of socket. Over the last 6 months it got progressively worse. I couldn't even wear heels anymore. And all you women know how sad that is for us. It would pop out of socket every couple days, then once a day, then 5 times a day, then 10 times...... So I finally decided to see a ortho surgeon like my hubby suggested. And the results........ Surgery ASAP, my ankle has a good sized hole where bone and cartilage should be from falling in and out of place daily. The tendons and ligaments need a total reconstruction and a possible transplant from my hamstring. WHATT????!!
So I was a bit freaked out. No driving for 6 weeks, a hard cast for 6 weeks, and let go of control in quite a few different areas for 6 weeks.
But I'm alive and venting. I've had some great help and visitors. And that's what will get me through the next 5 weeks 2 days. My 73 year old grandma came over today, watched the kids and made us dinner. She's so sweet and always willing to help! Thank you Grammy, I love you! Thanks to everyone that has been trying to keep me sane, it means a lot

I want to tell my hubby how grateful I am for him. He is so patient to put up with me and my OCD. He has really been keeping up with the house, the kids, laundry, dinner and so on. I know I have A LOT of things I like done my way and he's done so good trying to get it done "that" way for me . He's always seeing what I feel like eating or what movie he can rent for me, or if I need to go on a quick drive just so I won't go crazy. He's so good to me and the girls and I am so lucky. I love you so much sweetheart! Thank you for all you do!

Every Girl Needs a Girls Night! (free earrings)

I just wanted to let all the ladies know I own my own company called "Bead it Up" that is all about girls nights. For those who don't remember it is a custom made jewelry business that is very affordable for all budgets. It cost nothing to host a party, in fact you get free jewelry when you do. I have thousands of beads to choose from and you can make all kinds of things designed by you. Just to list a few......necklaces, bracelets, watches, earrings, binki holders, anklets, key chains, badge holders, and more. The best part is you make it at the party and take it home that night, no waiting for your order to come in. I have great gift ideas for baby showers, birthdays, graduation, and so on. I also have plenty of items that are already made or you can order items if you feel your creative juices are not flowing that night. Invitations provided. In this economy we all are trying to save and with these great prices you won't have to go without.
Here is a list of average pricing for some items
Bracelets $6-$10
Necklaces $8-$12
Binki holders $9-$14
Baby bracelets $3-$6

*Right now I am offering, along with the other jewelry that you earn, a free pair of earrings just for hosting a party.

If you would like to host your own party please leave a comment or call me and we will be in touch very soon.

Finally...... Christmas Pics!

Christmas Light Update!

I thought I'd update you about my christmas light situation since I had so many people ask. I searched a ton of stores at their after christmas sales and had no luck until a couple days ago. Yep, that's right I found them. They were all gone at your regular stores (Walmart, Home Depot, Target, Lowes, etc.) I found them at a craft store of all places. I bought more than double of what I actually needed and I got them 80% off. Awesome!!!! I am so excited as you all know if you read my "Hum Bugs Suck" post. And I guess it pays to be patient. Thanks for all you comments and thanks for letting me vent to y'all.

Coming Soon!

So I usually try to post regularly but, we have been crazy busy. Also, it doesn't help that almost all my holiday pics are on my brothers computer because my memory stick was full and I needed to take more pics immediately. So I promise I will soon be boring y'all with my events of the last couple weeks and I'll have plenty of pics. But for now here is one of us on Christmas day at my Mom & Dads house.

"Elroy the Elf"

So we had a delivery from the North Pole today. It was "The Elf on the Shelf". The kids were exstatic that an "Elf" from the North Pole actually came to our home. They had to give him a name and they chose the name Elroy. (a total elf name) He leaves every night and reports to old Saint Nick, but returns before the kids awake. The kids get up and search for him in the morning. He can't be touched or he'll lose his magic and he can't talk but he does listen. The kids were so cute about it and it's a great tradition to have every year. These are the things that make the spirit of Christmas come alive.

"Hum Bugs" Suck!!!

So for those of you who don't know I love, love, love Christmas. I love the trees, the smells, even the snow(in December), the gift giving, the food, the cozy fire, hot coco, wrapping paper, the parties, the lights....oh wait the lights! I don't have my lights this year.
And that's why I'm warning all, "Hum Bugs" suck.
I have a little story to vent about that nearly ruined the happy spirit of Christmas for me.
So it all started about 8 years ago when we bought our first house. I knew when I had my own home I (meaning Jason) would put up my all time favorite lights on our house, Clear C9 lights. Well after a lot of exploring I realize they are hard to come by, they are the first ones gone off the shelf. Year after year I searched as soon as all the Christmas stuff was put out. Well it wasn't until last year in our second home I finally succeeded. Yes! Yes! Yes!
Jason spent days putting them up just right to make me happy. I was like a little kid on Christmas morning. The house was decked out and I had waited years for it to look like that.
Well here's where the story turns. We sold our second house earlier this year and because of the snow we couldn't get the lights down, there was still plenty of ice and snow on the roof. So I asked the new owners ( who I politely let move in a week early) if we could get them sometime later because I had just purchased them and they were hard to find. She nicely said " sure that's fine, it's much too dangerous to get up there now." She even said she may just have her son take them down when the snow melts. We moved to our new house and carried on.
Well as life got busy and school started for the kids I didn't think too much about it. Come the beginning of November I start looking through my Christmas stuff getting all excited and realize, I don't have lights. So I don't have a phone # for them but I know the address (being that it was our house) So I sent a polite letter telling her I realized after looking at my Christmas decor I still hadn't picked up the lights and if it would be possible when convenient to pick them up. Normally I would have just said Oh well, no big deal, I'll get new ones. However in this situation we know how long it took me to get the first set of lights.
Well, I get a voicemail a few days later saying (in an I don't give a crap tone) ......."Sorry hun, my husband said your just gonna have to get new lights. If you wanted them you should've come and gotten them sooner. Hope you have a Happy Holiday!"
"*@*%@*" What! Who does that? We had an agreement. I was in tears. Those lights were more than just lights to me, they were a big part of my Christmas happiness.
My sweet hubby searched for lights for me everywhere. But, no luck! I guess I have another 8 years before I will have the lights that make me so happy like a kid on Christmas morning.
So the moral of the story is, there are a lot of "Hum Bugs" out there but don't let them take away your Christmas spirit!

Winter Family Pics!

Our good friend Kim did our pictures for us. She did such a great job and picked such an awesome location. Thanks Kim we really appreciate you taking time out of your day for us!
P.S. I love all the color editing you did.

Funny lil' Sasha! Short and Sweet!

This is what I will always remember about my kids being young.
They are so cute and carefree and I think I can learn a lot from them.
So if ya need a smile today, I know I can guarantee one after watching this!

Happy 8th Birthday my Kaili Girl!!

(Kaili's 4th Birthday, look
how sweet. Ku'uipo & Kaili)

Oh how fast you've grown!


So we celebrated Kaili's birthday a bit late due to our trip to Florida. She chose to have a bead party with some friends from school after we got home. They had fun making and designing their own jewelry, eating cupcakes, and lots of giggling.
It's hard to believe she is 8. I can still remember taking her home from the hospital, hearing her repeatedly saying "uh-oh", jumping off everything, and getting black eyes. She is such a good girl and we are so lucky to have her here in our lives. Happy birthday sweetheart, I love you!!

Family fun in Florida!!

FLORIDA!!

So I promised lots of pics from our fab trip. There are a lot but they're worth the time.
Just a quick list of what we did and why we were not bored once.
1. Check in and get the kids their last surprise, a convertible. (too bad it was freezing cold)
2. Meet my cousin Mike and his wife Amie at their house for talkin and yummy dinner. Thanks guys, it was so great catching up and too see your pretty house.
3.Meet up with some of our good friends and old next door neighbors, Jen, Ryan, and kiddies. We went to lunch and St. Augustine Beach. It was a blast, the kids were so excited to see each other. Thanks for showing us around. We love you guys!
4. Spent our first day at Disney World.
5. Headed to Key Largo to stay the night in the Hilton right on the beach. So beautiful, but freezin cold.
6. Went to the alligator farm. Jason was forced to overcome his fear of snakes thanks to his brothers volunteering him at the snake show.(paybacks gonna get ya)Rode the air boats and watched a man get the crap whacked out of him by an alligator.
7. Back to Disney World for Halloween Party with Mickey. (worth the extra money)
8. Attempted Daytona Beach. It was chilly.
9. Fly back home where I was really looking forward to relaxing and celebrating Kaili's 8th birthday! It was nice to get away and it was great to have Jason all to ourselves, but really there's no place like home.

We had a great time, but it's really great to be home. While we were out there hitting record lows since 1953, I heard of the weather here was 60-70. Nice!!