Loving My Life

With my hands lifted high.

2011-09-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

It has been a few weeks since I have gone to church and this morning I was wanting nothing more than to surrender myself during worship. And so:

With my hands lifted high I praised my Lord. I thanked Him for His never-ending love and asked His forgiveness for my short-comings.

With my hands lifted high I asked Him to take my heart in His hands and give me some of His grace and love to share with others.

With my hands lifted high I asked Him to continue to guide my life in a direction that will honor Him.

With my hands lifted high I asked for His blessing over my family. For my relationship with my husband, for the safety of our children, for Miss E (always for Miss E), and for our lives to continue to be founded on our love for our God.

I am in the beginning stages of doing something I have wanted to do for years. I am terrified. I am excited. I am nervous and full of anticipation. I can't do it alone. I feel that this step can lead to an amazing ministry on my part and I can't help but look at all that can go wrong. I should be focusing on all the good that will come out of this journey. But it will not happen unless I am able to surrender it to the Lord and allow Him to take care of my needs. The number one need is finding someone to help me with the girls, and during potentially odd hours. So I am sending out a virtual prayer request. Please Please Please pray for me. Pray for the journey I am about to start and pray that I will find the right people to help me reach the end of the journey because I WILL NOT succeed without the gracious help of others.

So with my hands lifted high I send my prayer request to my Lord and I hope that you will join me in lifting up and praising our God.

Miss E

2011-08-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

Little Miss E just turned three!

This past year has gone by in such a blur...and I wouldn't change a minute of it!

"When E is three years old, she will be able to talk!" That is what M told me a few days before her birthday. I giggled and said "That would be great, but that's not how it works. She won't be able to talk right away, but we still have to keep teaching her." Inside, I was wishing for the same thing that M was. I have been wishing that she would just wake up one morning and say "Love you Mama." I know it is not going to happen overnight, but for some reason, when I went to get E out of bed the morning of her bday, I was actually holding just the tiniest bit of hope...which meant I was just the tiniest disappointed when it didn't happen.

I have heard it all, from "My sister's son didn't start talking until he was four years old, but when he did, it was full complete sentences!" to "Enjoy it now, because soon you won't be able to get her to stop talking." But I am SO tired of listening to what other people have to say, because I would take non-stop talking over non-stop whining anyday. I would love to be correcting her grammer and sentence structure than trying to get her to babble the few sounds that she knows. I would rather be teaching her the alphabet than teaching her how to work her communication device.

But I know that everything is in the Lord's hands. And that alone is a daily struggle; to completely let go and surrender it all to Him, knowing that His plan is perfect and everything will work out just the way it is suppose to.

A picture that makes me smile.

2011-08-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

I took this picture a few days ago. I don't know why, but everytime I look at it, I can't help but smile. I don't like feet...I absolutely HATE my own (just ask my husband, he will roll his eyes because I am constantly complaining about my toes!). But for some reason, the feet of these three have found a special place in my heart! I love B's feet because they are strong and masculine; they are the feet of a hardworking Marine who loves what he does (weird, I know, but I can't help it!). M loves having her feet played with and her toes painted! And then there is E...hers are my favorite! Her toes are long and her toenails are the oddest things I've ever seen! She likes to put her feet on me and stretch all her toes and I love to rub right in between her pinky and 'ring finger' toe (what would be the appropiate term for the toe next to the pinky toe?).

Why did I feel the need to talk about feet? Who knows! Totally odd? Of course!

The new face of Dyspraxia

2011-06-18T17:02:00.000-07:00

Two years, 6 specialists, countless doctor appointments and blood tests later; after hundreds of miles driven, and one burnt out Momma...the bravest little girl I know FINALLY has a diagnosis!!!

Emily has officially been diagnosised with Dyspraxia. I am still searching websites to fully understand what it is we are dealing with; but here is a list of what I have found so far:

1. Definition: Dyspraxia or developmental dyspraxia is "a disorder characterized by an impariment in the ability to plan and carry out sensory and motor tasks. Generally, individuals with this disorder appear "out of sync" with their envirnoment."

2. It is a life-long disorder. It can not be cured, however, it can be managed through therapy.

3. Often comes with language problems and sometimes a degree of difficulty with perception and thought. It does not affect a persons' intelligence, but it can cause learning difficulties.

4. Simply...experts believe a person's nerve cells that control muscles are not developing correctly. The brain and the muscles are not coordinating with each other properly.

5. Symptoms vary but include the following (pre-school age):

* slower at achieving motor milestones (late to sit up, crawl, stand up, walk, run, etc.)

* easily distressed and prone to temper tantrums

* may constantly bump into objects and fall over

*difficulty with peddling a bike or similar toy

*lack of any sense of danger

*continued messy eating. May prefer to always eat with fingers.

*poor fine motor skills

* limited creative play and imaginative play

*isolation with peer group, may prefer adult company

*persistant language difficulties

*sensitive to sensory stimulation (Sensory Processing Disorder)

* limited response to verbal instruction

*slow to establish left- and right-handedness

6. Four out of five children diagnosed with dyspraxia are boys. (Not common among girls)

If you know my daughter...then you know she fits every one of these symptoms. As I continue to visit websites and read as much as I can, one thing is certain...we have a long road ahead of us. Emily is not going to have an easy childhood, there are going to countless obstacles that are going to threaten to tear her down, but I am not going to let that happen.

Education is the first step, I am going to continue to educate myself, my family and my friends.

Prayer. The prayers will never cease. We will beat this and we will come out stronger than we've ever been, a stronger family and stronger disciples for the Lord.

Patience. There are going to be moments when I am going to want to throw in the towel and give up. I won't. I will not give up on this little girl who holds my heart in her hands.

And as I continue to learn, be certain that I will share all I know with all of you. Because the more you all know, the more certain I am that we can come together and give this little girl the courage to overcome anything and everything!

Thank you all for your continued prayers. I feel so relieved that we finally have a name to what we've been dealing with over the years.

Why not?

2011-06-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

So, I know I haven't written in awhile. But I am like, so busy, ya know? Well, tonight I went to move my purse and as I am about to fall over due to the shear weight of it, I decide to clean it out. As I am continually taking things out and questioning how it can all fit in my purse, I decide to make a list. So here you go, because you were all dying to know what I had in there!

The List:

wallet
bible
reciepts (mechanic, gas, food, misc, valet...cause that's how I roll)
wrappers (gum, fruit snacks)
brochures
day planner
X-mas CD from our church
grocery lists (a dozen of those)
hospital bracelets
shot records (girls and the dog)
X-mas card from the Miller Clan
medicated pads
business cards
gift cards
prayer journal
cocnert tickets
the all important feminine products
diaper
coin purse
toys (bouncy ball, race car, silly band, stickers, barbie, watch, doll diaper, necklance, marker)
hand sanitizer
pens (multiple)
socks
lip glass (like 6)
hair ties
bobby pins
graham crackers
old dresser hardware
pack of batteries
swiss army knife
gum
allergy medicine
ribbon
magnets

Seriously, why must I always carry around so much stuff?

Really?

2011-03-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

Has it really been two months since I last wrote? Wow...okay. The latest is coming up soon! Promise.

January 23rd.

2011-01-24T17:54:00.000-08:00

I got Madison a Children's Bible for Christmas and last night we read the story of David and Goliath. After we were done, we talked about what had happened and why David had the strength to defeat the giant even though everyone thought he was too small. I asked Madison why she thought David could beat the other guy when no one else thought he could do it. She told me, "Because of God?" and I said yes, and that David was strong enough because he believed that God would give him the strength to win. He had God in his heart and when we live in and with God, then He will watch over us. I told her that I had God in my heart and so did her Daddy. She asked me how God was in my heart and I said that it was because I asked Him in and I believe that He is in Heaven and I believe that if I love Him, then I get to live with Him in Heaven. I then asked her if she wanted God in her heart and she said yes but how. I told her that all she had to do was ask Jesus to live in her heart and He would forever be with her. And so she prayed...

Dear Jesus,
Thank you for today. Thank you for a fun time with Nana and Papa. And thank you for a pretty day. Jesus, please live in my heart because we need you. Please keep Daddy safe because we miss him...(and then she continued on for another 3 minutes about how Daddy was keeping her safe so the bad guys can't get us).
In Jesus Name, Amen. (We always end our prayers with the sign language word for Amen so that Emily can always 'say' Amen with us.)

This almost 5 year old little girl gets it. She knows that if Jesus lives in her heart...then life is GOOD.

Thank you Lord for opening up her little heart. Thank you for reveiling yourself to her. Thank you for giving me the right words to help her understand. Please provide me with wisdom and strength. Continue to pour out your love for us because we can't survive without it. Continue to give me the right words to encourage her everyday to follow after you.

Sunset

2011-01-21T15:44:00.000-08:00

The girls and I enjoyed a beautiful sunset down at the pier with one of my best friends..

Some Christmas photos.

2011-01-10T17:35:00.000-08:00

Madison helped her friend Julia decorate their tree.
I got to meet Miss Ella and Miss London for the first time!

Papa having snuggle time with his girls.

We were blessed this Christmas with these gifts (below). The ASYMCA on base hosted a 'Secret Santa' and a wonderful civilian family chose us and bought the girls some amazing gifts!

This Barbie jeep is the BEST hand-me-down gift we have ever recieved!

Picking out a great tree with Nana and Papa!

2010. The Williams Rewind.

2011-01-08T08:41:00.000-08:00

I want to take a look back on 2010. I still can't put my head around the fact that the year is over. It went way too fast and I wasn't ready for it. But it's been a great year! So, let's do this...The Williams' Rewind...

January:
Emily started Physical and Speech Therapy.
I took the plunge and went back to college!

February:
Madison starts Preschool for the first time!

March:
I finish my first college course with an A and begin my second class.
Madison is knee-deep in school and dance classes.
Emily meets with an Endocrinologist.
Blain and I get our first couples massage!
Madison turns 4 and I turn 26!

April:
Emily begins Occupational therapy along with Speech and Physical. She also recieves her orthotics!
Madison and Emily go to the dentist for the first time.
Blain and I celebrate 5 years of marriage!
We get a beautiful Husky puppy and name him Sokka.

May:
I continue with school. An A in my second course and begin my third.
Emily does well with therapy and is learning to adjust with her braces.
My cousin Hannah graduates from college.

June:
Emily cries through a week of swim lessons.
We get Emily dedicated at church.
Blain and I are allowed a few date nights!

July:
Madison conquers swim lessons.
Blain turns 27.
Emily gets her second MRI.

August:
Emily turns 2 years old.
We say good-bye to Blain as he leaves for Afghanistan.
We move into a one-story house.
Madison starts Preschool.
My cousin Hannah moves in with me while Blain is gone.

September:
Emily meets with a Genetisist.
I continue with school, start sign language classes and volunteer to teach sunday school at church.
We miss Blain.

October:
More school, more volunteering, more thereapy and doctor visits.
We still miss Blain.
Emily speaks her first word: NO.

November:
I agree to sign 'O Holy Night' for the Christmas program at church...practices begin.
Still conquering school.
Emily still conquering therapy.
Still missing Blain.

December:
I receive my 6th A in a row!
Blain is still missed.
We travel for two weeks during the Christmas season and spend time with lots of family.

Thank you 2010 for being wonderful! You will be missed. But 2011 will be so much better...why you ask? Because the love of my life comes home from deployment!!!

catching up

2011-01-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

I haven't written since Thanksgiving. I've pretty much been on an emotional rollercoaster through all of December. But now, I will be playing catch up.

Favorites from Thanksgiving.

2010-11-29T16:10:00.000-08:00

My cousin Danny...BEST. PICTURE. EVER.

Thanksgiving was awesome this year. Despite the fact that half my heart is in Afghanistan, I was surrounded by people who love me! Here are some of my favorites from Thanksgiving this year.

Boyd side of the family.

My sissy, my Momma and me!

Me and my girls.

Me and my Daddy.

Thankful

2010-11-29T15:52:00.000-08:00

Now that November is coming to an end and I've yet to write about all the things I'm thankful for...I'd like to take the opportunity to do that now! I have a great life. I am so blessed.

I'm just gonna start from the top and work my way down!

1. I am thankful for a God who loves me unconditionally. He is my fortress and my strength.
2. I am thankful for the most amazing parents. My mom and dad have always been supportive, understanding, strong and patient. My mom is someone I can always count on to help me out and make me laugh. My dad is the first man to ever love me and because of him I'm not afraid to try anything. He has always been my number one fan!
3. I am thankful for my little sister. She is an amazing young woman who is one of my best friends. We love to laugh and enjoy getting together to make fun of our parents!
4. I am thankful for a husband who is kind and strong. I have known him since we were 12 years old, but after 9 years of friendship followed by almost 6 years of marriage...I am still learning about him. Did you know he can juggle? Who knew? I sure didn't! I swear I fell in love with him all over again when I saw him do it for the first time!
5. I am thankful for two beautiful little girls. They drive me crazy but I'd go crazy without them. They are my world.
6. I am thankful for the most stupendous in-laws. My mother-in-law and father-in-law are a gift from up above. They love me and support me and they will drop what they are doing to come and help me out. My mother-in-law and I talk often and I get very sad whenever I realize that its been days since our last conversation.
7. I am thankful for my sister-in-law as well as all my extended family. I'm tellin' ya...so blessed.
8. To the friends I've known since junior high as well as the friends I've made since becoming an adult...I am so thankful for each and every one of you. You have all shaped me into the woman I am today.
9. I am so thankful for pizza...that's right. If you know me, than you know my favorite food is pizza. Italians=culinary geniuses.
10. I am so thankful to be a military wife. I am so thankful to all the men and women who choose that path in life. You are true heroes. As are your spouses.

That is my short list! I have so much more to be thankful for: hot water, Netflix, electricity, Cheez-its, The Wiggles, etc...but those are the big ones!

Emily taking a ride on Rocky!

2010-11-14T14:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a video of Emily taking a ride on Rocky!

Emily and Rocky

2010-11-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

My cousin Hannah and I took the girls to ride her horse Rocky. I've heard many many times that horses are often used in therapy with children with special needs. I wanted to see this for myself. Could riding a horse really have a positive affect on my Emily? Was I ever amazed! We were at the ranch for two hours and Emily did NOTHING but smile and laugh! She had not ONE tantrum or meltdown. She spent an amazing two hourse petting horses, cows, goats, dogs and sheep. She ran around through the fields and didn't even cry when she fell! While riding Rocky...she was completely content and at ease.

I am now a firm believer in the theraputic nature of horses. And we WILL be going back!

Sisters

2010-11-12T19:03:00.000-08:00

I just had to share THE BEST picture ever taken of the girls! This photo is simply beautiful and I love it.

235 years old today!!!

2010-11-10T14:30:00.001-08:00

Happy 235th birthday to the United States Marine Corps!

OORAH!!!

USMC Christmas

2010-11-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

I've been busy making my Christmas gifts the past few weeks and it got me thinking about this Christmas and how different it's going to be. When you have a husband who is deployed during the holidays, everything seems to shift into something that's almost surreal. He's really NOT going to be here to help decorate the tree? To help pick out presents for our girls? To help wrap them? To watch as we let them rip into them Christmas morning? NO. I am doing the shopping alone, I will be wrapping alone and I will be watching their eyes sparkle as they see what's under all that paper...alone. I miss my husband. The girls miss their father. We want him home.

The good thing about this Christmas? I am blessed to have an amazing family and the girls and I will be traveling to see everyone! While I wish the love of my life was by my side, this is the second best thing. To be surrounded by those who love me, who (to some degree) understand how I will be feeling this holiday season, and who will do their best to make it a special and wonderful occasion for the girls and I.

And finally...I've had some trouble while putting Blain's Christmas package together! I mean, what do you send your husband when he is off 'fighting bad guys' (as Madison puts it)? You can't send him that new video game he wants...or even anything that won't fit under his bed! You have to remember that he has to bring it all back with him eventually...so what is out there for my Marine? I think I have finally figuered it out! While I'm not going to gush about the creative and awesome things I'm going to send him (in the off chance that he actually decides to check this blog) let me just say that I am a super cool wife and he will hopefully love all the little things I've found for him!

So...you know you want to pray for us...RIGHT? Well, I have the perfect prayer request! Please pray that the girls and I will be able to enjoy the holidays without being thrown into a pit of depression. And even more important than that...pray that Blain will find comfort in knowing that we are safe and happy. Pray that he is not brought down with despair while spending the holidays apart from...EVERYONE. I can't imagine what's it's going to be like for him to wake up on December 25th and know that he can't spend Christmas with his children...but rather, be sent off to work once again. Pray for him...please please please...pray for Blain.

Miss Maddie

2010-11-04T07:14:00.001-07:00

Yes, I spelled it Maddie and not Maddy. That's because yesterday I took the time to 'get to know' my daughter! You see, I've realized that with everything that's going on with Emily, Madison sometimes gets pushed to the side. Well, not this week. Maddie is home with the flu, poor girl. And so she's been getting more of my attention. She wanted me to ask her questions, so I started alittle survey on who my daughter is...this is what we've got so far. (But then I realized that she is 4 and so some of these answers differ every day...but as of yesterday):

Favorite food: Mac N Cheese

Favorite treat: Lollipops

Favorite snack: Goldfish

Favorite person: Daddy (I love this girl)

Best friend: Julia and Maggie

Favorite color: Pink

Who do you want to see right now: Daddy (Love her more!)

Favorite sister: Emily (She giggled when I asked this...like 'duh mom')

Do you like school: Yeah

Favorite toy: Ladybug pillow

And when I asked her if she wanted to spell her name M-A-D-D-Y or M-A-D-D-I-E...she said Maddie...so there we go!

A look into the mind of my Sweet Pea. We are on day 3 of the flu...prayers for her would be appreciated!

Perfect Sunset.

2010-10-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

I don't want to talk about anything medically related! So I want to share with you some beautiful sunset pictures I took two nights ago at the Ocenside Harbor Pier. My dear friend Andrea is visiting the girls and I. We went to the Sunset Farmer's Market and than took a walk down the pier and ended up getting some beautiful photos. Enjoy!

Below is Madison and her Auntie Andrea!

The one below with Madison staring out over the pier with her lollipop in hand is one of my favorites!

Genetics

2010-10-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

OKAY EVERYONE: We had our appointment today with the Geneticist concerning Emily's blood results. And below is everything we talked about. It's alot, so take your time! If you have any questions, feel free to ask...I'm still learning about it all! But we do have SOME answers at least! Next up...the Pediatric Neurosurgeon!

We all have multiple strands of chromosomes. Each chromosome contains two identical strands; one strand from mom and one strand from dad. Each strand contains a bunch of genes. With Emily...her chromsome 7 pair is off. She has one good strand and the other strand is missing 41 genes. This is the "chunk" of chromosome 7 the doctor was talking about.

Now, everyone has roughly the same things dormant in our DNA...we all have genes for Down Syndrome or Cystic Phybrosis...it's when our pairs aren't right that those disorders surface. Some require both genes to be present (to be dormant), sometimes only one gene needs to be "good"...it's usually when both of those genes are missing...is there something wrong. However, in Emily's case, that's not so. There is one particular disease called CEREBRAL CAVERNOUS MALFORMATION or CCM2. This particular disease requires two good genes (one from each strand in Chromosome 7) but Emily is missing one of those genes and so...tada...she has Cerebral Cavernous Malformation.

So what does this mean? This disease causes blockage in blood vessels, slow blood flow throught the affected area and strokes...but in adults. The problem here is that gene research is still fairly new, not all the genes have been broken down and figuered out...what's more...gene research in children is almost non-existent. The doctor only found ONE article about this disease in children, and it was like a teenager or something. There is so little research because it's rare that a child (let alone an infant) needs their genes tested (outside of cases like down syndrome) so Cerebral Cavernous Malformation is even rarer...does that all make sense?

So what next? She is giving our file to the Pediatric Neurosurgeon and requesting a consult for me to speak with him because here is what she's thinking... When adults have strokes and they do an MRI to see how or where it started it can be tricky because many times these blocked blood vessels look like...cysts! So it very well could be that Emily's "cyst" is actually early onset CCM2. But that's for the Neurosurgeon to decide...he may want another MRI to check again! Ugh! If it IS CCM2 than they will need to do surgery to release the blood vessels and get it flowing again. If it's NOT, than well...just another thing wrong! Wow...that's alot. Please feel free to process that and ask questions...I'm SURE I forgot something!

Thanks everyone...and of course...continued prayer would be wonderful!!!

Symptoms

2010-10-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

Gearing up to see the geneticist tomorrow and I've been doing some of my own research on Chromosome 7. As I was looking through all the syndromes and disorders that are associated with a deletion in genes within Chromosome 7, I realized that I needed to have a list of all of Emily's symptoms in front of me to compare and contrast with what I am seeing in all these articles. So here it goes:

1. Large head
2. Prominent forehead
3. Elfin-like ears (yes this is a symptom present in alot of these syndromes!)
4. Enlarged genitalia as well as pubic hair
5. Low muscle tone in hands and feet
6. Speech delays
7. Learning disabilities
8. Slow physical development
9. Behaviors (really...it's a symptom!)
10. Sensory Processing Disorder (not a symptom per se, just something else we're dealing with)

That's everything I can think of at the moment. I know this helps me...to see everything together in one list!

Oh and OF COURSE...11. Cyst on her pituitary gland!

Answers!

2010-10-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

We have finally recieved some answers!

The most recent set of blood tests came back with an "interesting" result...Emily is missing a big portion of Chromosome 7. I don't know what that all means, but we meet with the geneticist on Thursday to go over all the results. The doctor is currently researching all the genes that are located in Chromosome 7 and what is means to be missing a majority of those. She said that she has already found one set of genes that could be causing the cyst in her brain. While she does her research, I will be doing my own! I'd like to go in there on Thursday with some idea of what she is talking about! Wish us luck!

You ready for this...

2010-10-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

Okay...here it comes...BIG NEWS!!! Ready? Are you REALLY READY?????

My Emily has FINALLY said her first word!!!!!!

Yup! That's right! Emily has her first word! I am so excited!!!

"NO"

It's the most perfect and beautiful "NO" that has ever been spoken!

I'm thinking about throwing a gala in her honor...

...

2010-10-13T23:35:00.000-07:00

This right here is what happens when your husband is deployed, you haven't heard from him in 2 weeks, you happen to get on Facebook at the exact time he gets on, and you chat for almost an hour...

...your children tend to be ignored causing them to find entertainment through dirty dishes and an empty Cheeze-it box.

The Prayer

2010-10-09T19:06:00.001-07:00

We are in the car, on our way home from Saturday night service at church. (I teach 2nd-5th grade girls) Madison is telling me about Sunday School and then...out of the blue...

Maddy: Why did God give you two girls?

Me: What? What do you mean?

Maddy: Why did God give you two girls? Two sisters?

Me: Oh, you and Emily? Well, He wanted me and Daddy to have two beautiful little girls to raise.

Maddy: But why didn't He want you to have a boy? Why can't I have a brother?

Me: I don't know. Maybe God just wanted you to have a sister.

Maddy: But I can ask God for a brother...right?

Me: Sure, you can ask God if you want.

Maddy: Can I pray now?

Me: Of course, you can pray to God whenever you want.

Maddy: I'm gonna pray. Jesus, Please tell God to give me a brother. I want one sister and one brother. Please give me a brother. In Jesus Name Amen. It was just a short prayer Mom.

Me: That was wonderful. Prayers don't have to be long. God listens to all your prayers.

Maddy: Because God can listen to my heart. He hears me even when I don't talk. Because He lives in my heart.

Me: (tear) That's right. (Proud Momma)

My Maddy is so full of love for our God, it's amazing. I am so proud of her. Despite the fact that she still hasn't gotten over this whole 'brother' business...

The Breast Pump

2010-09-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

(I babysat for a friend of mine and she's still breastfeeding...I let her use my breast pump so I could have a bottle in case the baby needed it. After it was washed, I had it sitting on the counter and that's when Madison saw it.)

Madison: "What's that Mom?"

Me: "That is something for big people, for Mommies."

Madison: "But why?"

Me: "It's for them to use."

Madison: "What do they do?"

Me: (Ugh, I might as well tell her.) "It's a breast pump Maddy."

Madison: (Weird look on her face) "What's that?"

Me: "When Mommies have little ity bity babies, they can put the pump to their boobies and get
milk so they can feed their babies."

Madison: (Pondering look on her face) "Oh. Well...when YOU have a baby BROTHER in YOUR tummy than YOU can use that pump and give my baby brother milk when he wants milk."

Me: "........."

Madison: "Okay Mom? You can do that when YOU have my baby brother."

Me "Oh...okay"

Madison: (Getting really excited) "I get a baby brother?"

Me: "No honey, we'll have to wait and see okay?"

Madison: "Okay. I'll ask Daddy if I can have a baby brother." (Walks away looking pleased with herself.

Having Fun

2010-09-06T17:14:00.000-07:00

We found something new that Emily loves! BIKE RIDING!!! Found this brand new seat at a Garage Sale for 20 bucks...got my Father-In-Law to set it up and WHAM! We are ready to go!
While I am still getting used to having her behind me, she loves it and I love that we have found something that can help with her behaviors.

Now that Emily is in a toddler bed AND sharing a room with Madison, she is free to get up out of bed on her own. And she does, almost every night she crawls into bed with Madison. This is how I usually find them! I just adore this picture.

We are slowly getting into our own routine without Blain here. There are moments when I don't even want to move I miss him so much. But for the most part, we are getting things done and keeping busy. Come home soon love!

My big girl

2010-08-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

Emily is officially in a toddler bed. I thought it was going to be this long, stressful, drawn-out process to transition her to a big girl bed...nope. First night I put her in, she slept the whole night without problems!!! Way to go Monkey!!!

Speechless

2010-08-23T19:17:00.001-07:00

I haven't blogged in awhile...

Alot has happened the last couple weeks...

Yet I don't feel any desire to sit here and type it out...SO...here is the short version:

1. Blain left. I cried. Madison cried. We are praying 7 months go by quickly.

2. We moved. And we LOVE our one story house. Thank you to everyone who helped.

3. Started my next class. Ethics. Wicked-hard.

4. My cousin moved in to help while Blain is deployed. Bless her heart.

Wow...that was the short version.

stress

2010-08-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

I feel like we have so much going on right now. I feel like time is moving ahead without me. I am always feeling tired and when I stopped to think about it...my life at this moment can be described in one word...stress. I am stressed.

Blain is deploying. It's coming up way too fast. Days.

Emily's MRI showed a 4.5 x 5 mm cyst on her pituitary gland in her brain. We see her Pediatric Neurologist next week. The thought of a cyst (benign or not) in her beautiful head scares me.

I want her to speak her first words SO bad.

We are moving into a one-story house next weekend. It is such a blessing, especially for Emily, but the thought of doing it without Blain makes me a little sad.

Just started my Ethics class. I'm only a week in and it's already the hardest one I've taken.

I have to remind myself on a daily basis that God never gives us more than we can handle. He will never burden us with challenges too great. As long as we open up our hearts and surrender it all to Him, we will always make it through.

Lord, I surrender it all to you right now. Help me to be open to recieving your love all through out the day. Thank you for sending me friends and family who support me. Bless our family as we travel through this tough time in our lives. Lift us up when all we feel like doing is falling down. Thank you for loving us unconditionally. Amen.

2

2010-08-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a moment where you were stopped directly in your tracks and you thought "How did this happen?"...

That happened to me yesterday. Emily turned 2 years old and I find it so hard to believe. It is so true what everyone says...time goes by faster the older you get. I remember so vividly every moment of the day she was born. I remember how tired I was getting up in the morning, finding out that I had no reason to get up that early because they rescheduled my induction for later in the day. I remember the look on my parents' faces when they came walking through the door. I remember finally heading to the hospital and not being able to talk because I was so nervous. I remember the pain soooo well. That part is a myth by the way...not everyone forgets all about the pain of childbirth. I think maybe it's because I went through both deliveries with ZERO medication and so the pain is so much more present in my memories. I remember the doctor immediately placing her in my lap, I remember the shock of finding out it was another girl (only because while I was pushing I felt like it could very well be a boy), I remember being glad that we chose to once again NOT find out the sex of the baby before hand.

And that face. The beautiful face with the pointy elf ears and the cone head. My girl.

And now she is TWO years old. How did this happen? Where did the time go? What have I been doing for the past two years? Oh...that's right...I've been changing diapers, washing spit on clothes, going to doctor appointments, taking walks, trips to the park, moving twice, worrying every day...you know, the usual.

Life has been good to us and I am so thankful for Emily. A little girl that keeps me on my toes each day and who shows me what true love is all about.

Happy Birthday Emily! You are so loved.

ModPosh Design

2010-07-30T16:08:00.001-07:00

My good friend Monica just opened her Etsy store...ModPosh Design!!! Check it out!!!

http://www.modposh.etsy.com/

Spending time in Patterson.

2010-07-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

We have been spending some time in Patterson this week. Yesterday was a day of total relaxation! We hung out, went in the pool and had a delicious BBQ with our friends Jason and Nyki. It was their daughter's first time in the pool too! We ended the night with a movie and ice cream! Today the boys are out on the lake rippin' it up on the jetskiis. Here are some pictures from yesterday. Madison and Papa in the middle of a serious jam session!

Yup...that's me and my husband! I love this man!

Adriana just fell in love with the pool!
Above: Me and Nyki

Below: Adriana LOVING the water!

The latest...

2010-07-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

The past couple weeks have been really busy but so much fun!

Madison took swim lessons for two weeks and did so wonderful! I was expecting a timid little girl who wouldn't leave the steps...but her teacher had some special powers because she had her floating and kicking and blowing bubbles the first day!!!

Madison with her swim teacher, Yvonne.

We also had a great visit from one of my best friends!!! Desiree flew out to spend a week with us and I am so glad she did! We spent the days taking walks, going to the park, spending a few hours at the beach, an afternoon at the pool and enjoying naps!!! Love her.

On a more serious note...Blain's pre-deployment leave is fast approaching and while I'm excited to get him home for a couple weeks, it means that deployment is not far off. Prayers for us!!!

27

2010-07-14T14:35:00.001-07:00

Yup, that's right...today is my husband's 27th birthday!!!

Happy Birthday to an amazing man!!!

Quick update and prayer requests...

2010-07-12T14:28:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile since I posted, so I'm just going to give a quick update and ask for some prayer!!!

Madison is currently in swim lessons and is doing wonderfully. The first day she got in the water, the teacher got her to do things I've been trying to do for years!!! She only has three lessons left but I'm hopeful that she will now be more confident in the water. She is starting to get an attitude with me and so my patience is starting to be worn thin. I ask prayer that we can get through this pre-adolescent stage and find a good balance between us. I want to continue to be a caring and patient mom and the days when all she wants to do is talk back, I find that woman to be long gone. I pray that I can continue to show her what it takes to be a woman of God and to treat all people with love and respect.

Emily recently went in for a second MRI and it was such a hard day for me. She did wonderfully through the entire thing but was exhausted the next couple of days. The prayer request I'm asking for her is that when we get the results, everything will be normal. I pray that there is no cyst or tumor in that beautiful head of hers and that there is no further reason to worry.

My next prayer request is for our entire family. Blain is being deployed and we now know the actual date. While I can't share it for security reasons, just know that it is soon and we are beginning to prepare. I am sad at the thought of having to spend the rest of the year without him, I am sad for the girls...they have gotten incredibly close to their daddy over the last few months and I know it is going to be a tough time for them. I am asking prayer first for Blain. That he will be safe while he is away and that he is given many opportunities to write or call us. I ask prayer for myself, that I will be a good single parent while he is gone and that I am given the opporunities to take a step back and get refreshed when I feel like I can't go on alone anymore. I pray for each of the girls, that they will understand that daddy will be coming back soon. I pray that they will rely on eachother for support and love in the way sisters only can and that although they're young, they can get a grasp on the entire situation.

We need prayer!!!

Love

2010-06-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

Just wanted everyone to know that I love my husband. He is a kind, gracious and funny man. He loves our children and enjoys making them laugh.

Shhh...they're sleeping.

2010-06-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

Emily just started to "pretend play" with Madison and I love it! They now cuddle up together and pretend that they are sleeping. Emily finds it fascinating to have me watch her while she closes her eyes, sleeps and then wakes-up!!! I love the little things that kids find entertaining.

Grrrrr.....

2010-06-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

I just found out that my favorite blog from a complete stranger just went private! I can no longer head over to her site and laugh until I have tears in my eyes. I am very upset.

Hooked on Phonics

2010-06-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

Last year for Christmas Madison got Hooked on Phonics from my parents. Well, we started off really well, doing a letter a day and having our "school time" each day. Then I started slacking and before I knew it...months had gone by! So we are now getting back on track. She loves sitting at the kitchen table and going over the letter, it's sound, finding words that begin with the letter of the day, and practicing writing the letter. Then we move upstairs to the computer where she gets to play a computer game with that letter.

If you've never used Hooked on Phonics...it is a must have. The program is simple, yet effective!!! And she loves feeling like a big kid because she gets to use the computer all by herself.

Apricot Fiesta

2010-06-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Madison with the new Miss Patterson!

The first weekend in June was the Apricot Fiesta in our hometown. So we decided to make the trip up there and spend the weekend with my family. It was great to catch up with old friends, especially since it's been awhile since all four of us were there together. We even brought Sokka and he was an amazing dog the entire time!!!

The girls loved the parade. Emily was old enough to really enjoy it!

They both have such excited faces...I love the one below where Emily is looking at Nana.

This year Madison rode the pony!!! She cried last year and so it was a big deal that she not only got on the pony...but loved the whole ride!!!

Catalina Island

2010-06-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

Blain and I went to Catalina Island over Memorial Day Weekend for our last couple's weekend before he leaves. We had a truly wonderful time strolling along the water, going to the movies at the Casino theatre, lounging under a tree in the grassy area, eating out every meal, soaking in the sun by the pool, and of course...holding hands!!! (Now that we have two children, it's very rare that we get to hold hands and I always look forward to it!)

My Sweet Pea's last day of preschool!

2010-05-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

We had an End of the Year party last week to celebrate the end of the school year. Madison's preschool does a great job putting together these get-togethers and this one was awesome! Madison recieved her certificate and Emily loved the bubbles!!!

I got a cricut I got a cricut I got a cricut hey hey hey hey!!!

2010-05-11T14:46:00.001-07:00

WOW!!! I am SO late at wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day!!! I sure hope it was a wonderful day for all the Momma's out there!

As for me...it was such a low key day and I loved every second of it! My Mom and Dad sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and they are currently adding a touch of sunshine to my kitchen table! I woke up to find a personal Cricut just for me from my wonderful husband!!! And a card that made me cry! Really...tears were flowing!!! We enjoyed a great service at church, Panda Express for lunch and I took a delightful two hour nap when the girls went down. The rest of the evening was spent playing on the floor with my kiddos and snuggling up with my man to watch Avatar.

I love my life.

5

2010-05-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

We are now officially The Williams Family 5...we have a new addition to our family.

Meet Sokka!!! He is our 10 week old purebred Siberian Husky and we love him already.

days FOUR-EIGHT

2010-05-03T22:21:00.001-07:00

I get to see my girls in just a handful of hours and I can't wait! These past few days have been great, but I'm ready to hold my babies!

Went up to Lake Arrowhead for 4 days and had a wonderful time with friends and family. A good friend of my mother-in-laws put together a great scrapbooking weekend up in the mountains and it was just an overall productive yet relaxing time. I got 3 months worth of photos scrapbooked (which I'll post some of my favorites later) and yet still got to enjoy the lake!

And today? Got to go see the Bonnie Hunt show and it was awesome! I love being in the studio audience and I'm so sad that her show is in it's last few weeks. She is so funny and so genuine. The show we taped will be aired on Wednesday the 12th and it's with Jonathan Rhys Meyers!!! He is in the movie August Rush and the Showtime series The Tudors!!! Love Love Love him! It was so fun to be like 200-300 ft from him!

Tired, going to settle down and maybe stay up until the girls arrive!

days THREE and FOUR

2010-04-29T11:03:00.001-07:00

I actually did a little better yesterday and it was all thanks to my hubby and an impromptu lunch. Drove over to Mainside where the husband works and we got to enjoy a delicious meal of Wendy's burgers and fries without interruption from the kids! Doesn't happen very often and so we really took the time to absorb it. When I got home, I went right upstairs to take an exam for my history class and came out with a not-too-shabby 86% and then proceeded to once again avoid housework and find a comfortable spot on the couch to continue my indulgence in my marathon of Roswell: Season 1.

We left the house in the evening to...well, you'll find out soon.

As for today...I decided the house was unliveable and so I have cleaned up and vaccumed the living room, filled the dishwater to it's full capacity and am on my 3rd load of laundry! After I finish up here, I am going to bite the bullet and get some homework done because I leave first thing in the morning for my SCRAPBOOK WEEKEND at Lake Arrowhead and I am beyond excited!!!

As for my girls...I miss them. So much.

day TWO

2010-04-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

I am still not whole inside without my children here. Are they getting to bed on-time? Are they taking their naps at their normal time? Are they eating everything they should? Wait...they are on vacation...calm down Sara and relax. Let them enjoy their time with their grandparents and great-grandparents!!! If they want to stay up till 9 (eek) they can, if they want to eat junk food all week (gulp) let them. I need to relinquish control.

As for me, I am going to continue to submerge myself in tv and lounge around, while avoiding all forms of housework.

day ONE

2010-04-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

YESTERDAY:

I gave Madison a big hug in the morning and wouldn't let her go, she then started one of the sweetest conversations...

Maddy: "What are you doing Momma?"
Me: "I'm giving you a super big hug because I'm really gonna miss you."
Maddy: "Don't be sad Mommy."
Then she puts her hands to my cheeks.
Maddy: "I'll be back in ONE week, okay? I promise. Don't be sad cause you'll see me soon."
Me: "But one week is a really long time and I'm gonna miss you."
Maddy: "But mom, I promise. I promise I'll see you in one week."

I love that little girl.

TODAY:

This is day one without the girls and I feel like there is this huge void in my life. This is what being a mom is isn't it? Once you have children you really loose apart of yourself to these minature people! But at the same time, while I miss them so much...a mother NEEDS time to herself! For my sanity, for my relationship with my husband, for the need to step away so that I can be a better parent...time away really is a good idea.

I think I especially need time away from Emily every so often. Her Sensory Processing Disorder can create stress so easily and there are times where I just need to step away and remind myself that it isn't her fault. That's the hardest part, there are times where I will just snap and yell at her and than immediately feel guilty because I know she can't control what's happening to her.

And so, while I am already going nutso without them, I am going to cherish this time to focus on myself and my husband.

April 23, 2005

2010-04-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

Today Blain and I are celebrating 5 years as being husband and wife!!!

I love that he chose me to be his partner for the rest of his life, I love that he went out and picked a beautiful ring to place upon my finger. I love that he was 100% into the wedding planning and even did many things on his own...without me! I love that he said "I do" and gave me the most wonderful first kiss a husband could give his new wife. I love that a few months into our marriage, he told me he wanted a daughter. (I went ahead a gave him two!!!) I love that after 5 years together, I still get butterflies when I look into his blue eyes.

There are days when I want to throw his precious XBOX 360 right out the window. There are times when I want to toss the frying pan at him and yell "you fix dinner then!" There are nights when his twitching and the grinding of his teeth make me want to put a pillow over his head (ever so gently of course!) and there are times when I don't even want him to touch me.

But isn't that what a marriage is? The good the bad and the spontaneous hilarious moments? We have had a wonderful 5 years together and I am so glad that the good has outweighed the bad 1000 to 1. I am totally looking forward to the next 5 years, followed by another 5 years!!!

Happy 5th Anniversary to us!!!

*Loving my Life*

I love Emily's "squeezes"

2010-04-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

While I don't consider Emily to be a "special needs" child, she does require alot of extra attention and alot of patience on my part. I realized the other day that no one, outside my close circle of family and friends, really know what has been going on with Emily. And so, I have decided to share it with everyone!

At the age of 9 months, I and Emily's pediatrician noticed that her head was larger than most 9 month olds and she was also starting to grow pubic hair. At 12 months old, the hair (down there)continued to grow, her head grew at a much faster rate than normal, and she was behind on all her milestones. We got sent to an Endocrinologist who proceeded to take an insane amount of blood from my one year old and ran every test she could think of! Emily also had an x-ray to check her bone age, a head ultrasound and an abdomenal ultrasound. Everything came back normal.

When we moved to Oceanside, we went in for an MRI of her brain and found a new Endocrinologist who ordered more blood tests and another bone age x-ray. All blood work came back normal and because her head and pubic hair stopped growing, decided that there was nothing more he could do but monitor her.

The MRI came back showing a shadow on her pituitary gland. We will be going in for another MRI in June to find out if the shadow was just created by the machine, or if in fact there is a cyst or tumor there. Prayers would be appreciated.

Emily is also developmentally delayed in all areas. She is currently in speech, physical and occupational therapy to help get her up to par with all the other 20 month olds out there! In a few weeks she will be recieving orthotics or ankle braces to help stabilize her ankles. She has very low muscle tone and this not only allows her to be insanely flexible, but it is also preventing her from walking properly and from developing her fine motor skills in her hands.

And lastly, the occupational therapy that she is recieving has been developed around Sensory Processing Disorder. It is a neurological disorder that pretty much sends her senses hay-wire! She can't properly interpret and react to tactile sensations. This is the reason for her constant meltdowns and tantrums, add to the fact that she can't talk and we're talking major 1 year old drama! I am still learning about this disorder and trying to understand all that goes with it.

Needless to say, Emily has been going through alot lately!!! But she is a tough little girl and a joy to have around. She loves walks, bubbles, hot dogs, and her big sister. When she's not having the best day, she craves "squeezes" which is our word for a big bear hug! Thank you to everyone who has been supportive it is needed and greatly appreciated!!!

Bad day turned good.

2010-04-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a very tough day for me. Emily decided to have a meltdown the moment she woke up and so for the first 45 minutes of my day, she screamed. I was able to get breakfast on the table, get dressed and get the girls dressed before heading out the door; but I had to do it all with screaming in my ear. Emily had two hours of therapy ahead of her and I was nervous that they weren't going to be able to get anything productive done due to her behavior. I was right. Both sessions were tough but the therapists stuck with it and didn't give in! Thankfully they did all they could to wear her out and she took a great two hour nap after lunch.

Luckily the nap did some good and she was in a much better mood throughout the rest of the day. We than took a good 2 mile walk, which she loved. And when we got home my day was given a breath of fresh air when I got a call from a dear friend of mine. Hearing her voice just made everything else seem meaningless. Have you ever picked up the phone on a tough day and just let out a sigh of relief when it's the exact person you need to talk to at that moment? That's how it was for me. So thank you Andrea for calling at just the right time. You gave me the boost I needed to make it through the evening.

More zoo photos...

2010-04-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some zoo pictures that Madison didn't take! Although Emily cried ALL morning...we were still able to have a great time!

The girls!!!

My Madison!

Above: Daddy was the only one who could get Emily to fall asleep!

Below: Mommy and Maddy

Photos by Madison

2010-04-14T11:47:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo on Saturday and I decided to give Madison control of the camera for awhile. Here are her best photos:

Friendless in Oceanside

2010-04-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

Why is it so hard to make friends at Camp Pendleton? We have been living on base for almost 6 months and I haven't had a lunch date with a friend, a playdate at my house, or a girls night out...nothing. This is not to say that I don't have friends. I have some of the most wonderful women in my life and I love them dearly. Trouble is, they all live so far away. And I'm a nice person! I like to have fun and be silly. I am kind and considerate, a good listener and supportive. So why is it that I don't have one friend that I can call up just to hang out with? It seemed so easy in Monterey. I was lucky enough to make three amazing friends...yes that means you Kim, Melissa and Veronica!!! So why can't I have that here?

And so this is why I love technology. Cell phones, skype, facebook...all three have kept me connected to the friends that I just couldn't live without. Because even though we are 100's and for some 1000's of miles apart, I can always count on technology to keep me connected with the people that are so precious to me.

Easter

2010-04-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

Easter was a little different for us this year. The reason? We didn't see any family :( It was strange, but overall it was still a great day. We feel so lucky to have found a church we can really call home. Service was fantastic, with a drama that gave me chills! We did our usual Sunday Panda Express, followed by naps, and a trip to the park. The girls looked adorable and Emily is officially crushing on our friend Zach!!! After church, she gave him hugs and laughs and spent most of the time gazing into his eyes! It definetly made his day!

I love my life.

Pizza

2010-04-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

I am a true pizza-holic. I love pizza. Whenever I am in my hometown visiting my parents, they know without question that we will be having pizza at some point during my stay! So when I was given a pizza crust recipe from a friend of mine, I was super excited to try it. Needless to say, it's a huge hit at my house! My husband loves that it's homemade and I love that it tastes good and costs like $5 to make!!!

Thirsty

2010-04-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

As we were sitting down for lunch today, it started raining. Madison, with her never-ending bucket of questions, asked me why it was raining. I simply told her that the clouds were full and wanted to share some rain with us. She pondered that for a full two seconds, than (with attitude) turned to me and said, "Um no, its cause the sidewalk was thirsty!"

I love the way 4 year olds think.

Knock Knock

2010-04-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

While playing in Madison's room the other day, I decided to tell her a joke.

ME: "Knock Knock"
PAUSE
ME: "now you say Who's There?"
MADISON: "Who's there?"
ME: "Banana, now say banana who"
MADISON: "banana who"
ME: "knock knock"
MADISON: "Who's there?" (she learns quick)
ME: "banana"
MADISON: "banana who"
ME: "knock knock"
MADISON: "who's there"
ME: "orange"
MADISON: hahahahahahahahahahahaha

And that's when I start laughing hysterically at the fact that she thought "orange" was the punchline!!! I love the things that 4 year olds think is the funniest thing ever!!!

I love my life.

Listen up all you married people...

2010-03-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

For everyone who is married, and especially those with children, listen up! It is imperative that you and your significant other MAKE the time to get away just the two of you. This includes entire weekends, one day or even a few hours...get away and get to know each other again! If you are saying that you don't have the money...either work it into your budget or do something that doesn't require money, like a beach day! Stop making excuses and just do it! You will both be better spouses and better parents.

Blain and I have made it a point to get away once or twice a month and we look forward to "our time" because not only do we get to sleep in, stay up late, eat junk food and do stuff we can't do with the girls around, but it tends to set the tone for the rest of the month. Personally, when I am able to get away from being a mom for a couple days, I am more focused and have a great deal more patience.

This "couple time" is one part of my marriage that I am most proud of. Yes, we love and respect each other, and yes we don't fight and we work together to decide what is best for our children. But we are both very aware that spending quality time together as man and wife and not mom and dad, is what helps us to be the best parents we can be. It's what keeps us best friends and it's taught us a great deal about each other.

We spent this weekend alone and WOW, it was great! We went to $3 movies on base, we tried a new restaurant, we spent a couple hours tanning on the beach and we just returned from a couples massage. It was SO worth the money and we are going to work it into our budget and get it done again in a couple months. Thank you Blain for a wonderful weekend alone with you.

Age is just a number.

2010-03-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

I just turned 26 and there are days were I feel 50! Age really is just a number.

Now that I am in my "late twenties" I wanted to take a look back at what I've done in my "early" twenties!

At age 20 I was going to college at CSU Stanislaus, majoring in Sociology. While I didn't love school, I enjoyed pursuing my degree. I was working with an amazing company called Central Valley Autism Project, Inc. I was also dating a handsome young man named Blain!

At age 21 I was continuing on the path to my degree while planning my wedding! Blain and I got married April 23, 2005 and that summer found out we were expecting our first baby.

At age 22 I stopped going to school to prepare for the birth of the baby. I also took leave from work. We welcomed Madison on March 15, 2006!

At age 23 I stopped working for CVAP for good because we were moving to Monterey, CA where Blain was going to DLI to learn Arabic. Did I mention he decided to joing the Marine Corps?!? We missed him like crazy but were looking forward to starting a new chapter in our life!

At age 24 I was loving our time in Monterey and was also babysitting at our house and loving every minute of it! We also had a bit of a surprise...we found out we were expecting baby number 2! We welcomed another girl, Emily, to our family on August 6, 2008.

At age 25 the girls and I moved in with my parents for the summer while Blain was in Texas for 5 months for training. That November we all packed up and moved to Oceanside, CA and are now loving our life in Southern California.

I am now 26, going on 5 years of marriage and raising two girls. Though I started my "grown-up" life earlier than most, I have enjoyed all that I have learned and look forward to what my late twenties has to offer.

January

2010-03-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

Madison and Lainey

January was a relatively calm month! The girls and I did spend a few days in Patterson with my parents. It was great to see some friends and just hang out with the family! Madison got to spend a fun-filled morning with her best friend Lainey and I got some time to talk with another adult! Emily loved playing with the dogs and she got to see her friend Adriana, who is getting so big! I also got the news that I get to go on a scrapbooking weekend with my mom-in-law and my best friend Nyki at the end of April! That is a weekend I am really looking forward to!
Emily having fun wearing a wig!
Below: Emily is trying to get in on the princess fun!

Has it really been 3 months?

2010-03-11T19:02:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I haven't written in 3 months! I promise...I will catch up!

Wonderful Christmas!

2009-12-31T20:07:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! The girls are at that age where they can really enjoy it! We seperated our "opening of presents" into three shifts. Christmas Eve we opened gifts just the four of us after a yummy pizza dinner! Than Christmas morning we opened stockings, late morning Blain's parents came over and we opened gifts with them. Blain made another delicious turkey and my parents arrived just in time for dinner! It was such a treat since our parents rarely get to see each other. So we had a great time visiting with everyone. Than after dinner we opened presents with my parents.

Our living room was overthrown with dozens of toys, princess shoes, clothes and books! But what a wonderful day we had!

Locks of Love

2009-12-05T13:31:00.001-08:00

Before photo above.

After photo below.

After years of hoping one day I could donate my hair to Locks of Love...I finally DID IT!!! What a great experience and I am loving my short hair!

And this was after my hair was styled!

Madison and Emily's first campfire.

2009-11-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

Before moving to Oceanside, we spent a great night out with Blain's parents. We took a drive down to Huntington Beach and made a fire. We enjoyed hot dogs and S'mores and watched the sunset!

Madison ate two hot dogs and we loved watching her eat her very FIRST s'more!

Bath Time!

2009-11-15T10:59:00.000-08:00

Madison loves her bubble baths!
Emily loves playing with the bubbly washcloth!

Nothing better than kisses from your sister!

Sweet girls!

2009-11-13T13:51:00.000-08:00

Gonna take some time and get pictures up from this last month! We've been between houses for the last month and now that we're settled I'm ready to get back to posting!

Here is Madison and Emily wearing some of Blain's gear! They had a blast looking through all his stuff!

It's been too long!

2009-10-05T18:01:00.001-07:00

So gorgeous!

Beautiful photo of Blain and I at the Grand Canyon!

Amazing sunset!

The beauty just took my breath away!

Yes, we are totally in love!

It's been far too long since I last posted!!!

For now let's just say that we are in Norwalk, awaiting the day that Blain checks into Camp Pendleton and we are given a house!!!

Blain and I had a great road trip from Texas to California! We stopped at the Grand Canyon (a first for the both of us) and we were taken away by the beauty of it!

The girls are also thrilled to have their daddy home!

Emily + pillows = total cuteness!

2009-09-11T21:16:00.000-07:00

So comfy!
Hi Mom!

Aren't I cute?

Yeah I think I am super cute!

This was such a sweet moment for me. I didn't know she knew what a pillow was or how to use it! Children really do learn by observing! The same day she started laying down on pillows is the same day she started hugging me...that's right...I now get hugs from Emily all through out the day! I love it!

Uh oh...it has started!

2009-09-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

Yup, that would be Madison in bed with a boy! HeHe!!! While in Monterey, we were so lucky to have been able to get together with some of our old friends! That included a playdate with my good friend Tanya and her son Jayden! They had a great time playing cars, chasing each other around the house and yes, laying in bed hiding under the covers!

Visit with Great-Grandparents!

2009-09-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we went and spent the afternoon with my Grandparents. The girls had a great time and Madison got cookies!

Power Team video!

2009-08-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

Here is another member of the Power Team Ryan King aka "Bonzai" running through big blocks of ice!

Power Team

2009-08-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Madison staring at their picture!

Jamie Morrison lifting a log!

Michael Collins aka "Srgt Rock" bending steel bars!The Power Team was in Patterson this week and what a treat! These are a group of guys who, through various acts of strength, send a positive message to the teens of today. Not only did they come and do shows every night from Wednesday to Sunday for the community...they also went to every school and talked with the students about bullying and alcohol. We went and saw them 3 out of the 5 nights and they were great! Madison even got a crush on Jamie Morrison! Though she didn't want to take a picture with him...she did show him her new TinkerBell shirt at church! What a fun week and thank you to the Power Team for coming into our community and helping over 200 people make committments to Christ!

Our night in San Francisco!

2009-08-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

The store next to Shotwell has this bench outside and Michelle says that she loves to watch the dozens of tourists who pose with these monkeys each day! My mom and I couldn't help ourselves!
My sis and I outside Shotwell.

Michelle has been working so hard the past few months. She has been helping her friends Holly and Michael get their store ready! So on the night of the Grand Opening of SHOTWELL, my mom and I decided to go out and surprise her! I am not a San Fran girl...but I love my sister and wanted to show her how proud of her I am! You did a great job Sis and tell Holly and Michael that their store is wonderful!

A Pint for a Pint!

2009-08-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

Yup...that's right...I donated blood today! The Delta Blood Bank came to Patterson today and I was so excited because I have NEVER donated before! It was an interesting process and the needle was big...but I did it! Yay! And for my donated pint...I got a gift certificate for a pint of ice cream at Baskin-Robbins!!! Yahoo!!!

Madison's first trip to the movie theater!

2009-08-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

While Blain was here with us this past week, we decided it was the perfect time to take Madison to see her first movie at the theater! We dropped Emily off with our good friend Nyki and we were off to Turlock! We took her to lunch at Panda Express and then went and watched Ice Age 3! She wanted to sit in the top row and she was so good through the whole thing! She took turns sitting on our laps and alone on her seat, she ate her snack and then she fell asleep on the ride home!

What an experience for us! And we were so glad to give Maddy some Mommy/Daddy time alone!

She wanted to try using chopsticks!

Daddy had to help a bit!

Above and Below: On our way to the theater!

Waiting to get our tickets! Below: And SO excited too!

These of her and her Daddy were taken before the movie started! I love how excited they both are!

Happy Birthday Emily!

2009-08-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

My baby is ONE year old and we had a great weekend celebrating with family and friends!

Her first present arrived the day of her birthday from her Aunt Mia and Uncle Jeremy!

"No Daddy! I can do it!"

Even Madison got some presents!

Birthday Bath-time!

Cake time!

2009-08-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

This year, along with the small cake I made just for Emily, I also made cupcakes and mini cupcakes! It was so fun baking and decorating them...and even more fun eating them! Emily wasn't too sure of the singing...but seemed to enjoy getting her fingers in the squishy frosting!

More photos!

2009-08-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

"Hi Momma!"
Me and my Sis-In-Law, Heather!

Once the cake had been eaten...she was in dire need of a bath!

Emily's best friend, Adrianna!

And Emily with her favorite cousin, Shawna!

So many photos to share!

Even more photos of B-Day!

2009-08-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

Me and Grandfather.
Emily with her Great-Grandmama and Great-Grandpapa!

Emily with her Grandpa.

Very intent on squeezing that water bottle!

One of my favorite gifts was this bracelet that my friend Erin got her! Love it!

Birthday cont...

2009-08-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

Aunt Laura had a great time!

This was one of the funniest parts of the whole day! Emily's new toy was the hit of the party! Everyone had to get their time in with it!

Uncle David had to put his glasses on to join in the fun!

Great-Grandma had alittle help from Aunt Margaret!

Here, Emily finally gets her turn and she loved it!

And below-Papa shows Madison how to play!

Happy Birthday to my sweet Emily!

2009-08-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Yeah...that's right...this little girl turns 1 today! I am so blessed to have her in my life...just sad that the time has gone by so fast! I love you Emily and Happy Birthday!

Our Oregon RV Family Trip!

2009-07-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

A great picture of Michelle and I!

Me and Stella!

This last week, my parents rented an RV and myself, the girls, my sissy, her dog, and my parents piled in and drove to Oregon! We went up for a wedding and while the RV was packed tight...we had a great time! These pictures are my favorites from the trip!

Happy Birthday Momma!

2009-07-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend we celebrated my Momma's 50th birthday!!! We went up to Copperopolis and had a great weekend jet skiing and enjoying the water and weather!

Above: Me and my Daddy!

Below: Uncle Mark and myself!
Below: Madison loved her first time in the lake!

Below: Some of the decorations I set up at the lake house!

2009-07-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

Madison playing Hi-Ho Cherry-O with her Uncle Mark!
Birthday decorations!

Nana and Emily hanging out at the lake!

Madison swimming with her Papa!

The beautiful and DELICIOUS edible arrangement we got my Momma for her birthday!

My ballerina!

2009-07-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

Madison started ballet classes last week and she is in love! She did such a good job listening to the teacher and following along. Her only problem? She didn't want to do the stretching...she wanted to get up and dance! This is an 8-week summer session...the perfect amount of time for us! I'm excited to see if she continues to like it. I would love to get her in classes when we move! Above: She followed along very well!

Below: Waiting her turn!

My 4th of July weekend...

2009-07-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? I spent the whole Fourth of July weekend with Blain in Texas! I've been planning this for weeks and it was executed perfectly! Blain had no idea I was coming!

I bought my plane tickets a few weeks ago and worked it out with some friends in Texas to help me surprise him. Rose picked me up from the airport, and Chris took Blain out to distract him. They got the key to his room and when he was on his way back, they left me there to surprise him when he walked in! It was perfect and I loved it! I got a hotel room off base and we spent the next three days sleeping in, eating junk food, going out to the movies, swimming, reading by the pool and just enjoying the short time we had to be together.

Of course, like all good things...it came to an end too soon! But I was able to come home to two little girls who had big smiles waiting for me! What a great weekend!!!!!

My handsome husband!

He never seems to cooperate when I want a picture!

This is pretty much what all of San Angelo looks like!

Dad's 52nd Birthday!

2009-06-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

Yesterday was my Daddy's 52nd Birthday! To celebrate, we had a some good friends over for a yummy dinner! I decorated Luau style and we had such a great time visiting, laughing, eating and opening presents! Happy Birthday Daddy!

These girls are too cute!

2009-06-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

Jill and Karen.
Mike and his girls!

"Happy Birthday..."

Madison helping her Papa blow out the candles.

Even more bday pictures...

2009-06-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

Me and my Mommy!
Carlos and Julianne.

Eating a super yummy dinner!

Julianne and Emily.

Emily with Gabe.

Father's Day 2009

2009-06-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

This Father's Day was quite different for us. Because Blain is in Texas, we weren't able to see him. But we made sure to send him some love! Madison got to paint him a frame and she did a beautiful job! I put a picture of the girls in it for him and now it sits on his desk! We were able to get Skype working, so the girls were able to see his face and talk to him. We are definetly missing you Blain!

Crazy hair!

2009-06-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

A week ago...Emily woke up and was sporting this totally rad hairstyle! I loved it!

Summer Fun!

2009-06-20T13:11:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of Madison with one of her best friends, Sara. They spent the whole day outside in the sprinkler and had such a blast!

Nothing too exciting...

2009-06-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

...has happened the last couple weeks. I have taken a bunch of pictures, I just have to get around to posting them! I always feel lazy when I'm at my parents' house. Still like a guest in ways and am not motivated! But the girls are doing well. Madison has turned into a teenager trapped in a 3 yr. old's body. She is defiant, rude, she yells at me, then will cry a half-second later, then laugh another second. (Total drama queen.) She is completely independant, and doesn't want me to help in anyway. Of course, this makes me all moody and then I yell back at her. *Sigh* I'm just not sure what to do!
Emily has made progress in her moving around this past week. She can now scoot across the floor. It's not crawling, but she's moving and she's getting better each day! We are very proud of her and hope it will help to keep her out of therapy!

Still get to talk to Blain each night. Miss him so much! He's doing as well as can be expected. Reading alot, swimming everyday, and finally bought a car! Well, truck actually. But he is no longer stuck on base!

When I get around to it, I will be posting all photos from this past month!

Fiesta Weekend.

2009-06-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time of year! We just had the annual Apricot Fiesta and what a weekend!

Friday night was the Miss Patterson pageant. Miss Chelsea White won over the judges and was crowned in front of hundreds of people! Both Madison and Emily stayed up to watch it! Neither of them fussed and both went to bed at 11 pm! Can you believe that?

Miss Patterson '09 Chelsea White with Madison!
And here again with my Dad!

Saturday was the parade! My dad looked amazing as always! I love his fiesta outfits! Emily slept through the whole thing and Madison was in awe of everything coming down the street. Her favorites? The dancing horses and the "Princesses" as she called them! The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting with old friends, walking down the booths trying not to buy the place out and having yummy fiesta food! After the girls came home to take naps and cool off, we walked down for a bit longer than came home to get ready for fireworks. Emily went to bed, but I took Madison to one of the baseball fields to watch them. We brought out our blanket and it was a great way to spend Mommy-Daughter time!

Yeah...totally awesome! That's my Daddy!

Sunday was the community church service, which went very well. Then home for naps, and then one last trip around the booths before it was time to say good-bye to the fiesta yet again. As always, I am already looking forward to next year!

Oh my!

2009-05-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

I just realized it's been awhile since I last posted. What a week we've had! After Blain graduated and departed for Texas, I was lucky enough to have my Mom-In-Law spend a week with me! It was because of her that I got a nap every day and a hug each night! Thanks Margie!!! It was also because of her that I didn't just break down and cry every morning! I miss Blain...alot! But lucky for us, we've been able to talk every night since he's been gone and that makes all the difference! When Margie left, I had one day with the girls alone. I think it was needed but it also provided the perfect setting for me to have my one and only meltdown since Blain left. We got through it and Madison was such a source of comfort. "Mommy, don't cry. It's okay Mommy" I am so glad she loves me!

Thursday, two movers came and started packing up the house. It was not stressful and actually a pleasant experience. On Friday, they came with the crates and loaded up our house...only then did I realize how much stuff we really have! I couldn't believe it! That night the girls and I, my parents and my grandparents went and stayed at the hotel on NPS in Monterey. The next morning we were able to get the entire house clean in 3 hours...go us!

Now we are in Patterson, getting settled. And photos will be coming soon!

6th folder 6th picture tag

2009-05-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

1. Go to your 6th folder...

2. Go to your 6th picture...

3. Blog about it...

4. Tag your friends...

This photo was taken just a few months after we moved to Monterey in 2007. My In-laws were here for the weekend and my dear friend Kim Johanson and I decided to make a Chinese dinner inspired by a recipe for home-made fortune cookies we saw on the show "Take Home Chef"! The dinner was yummy and the table looked GREAT!!! The recipe for the fortune cookies was so simple...and even though they looked kinda odd...they tastest DELICIOUS!!!!!

Whoever has a blog...TAG...you're it!

HE DID IT!!!

2009-05-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's right...Blain passed!!! With the highest score being a 3 and needing a 2 to pass...Blain came home with a 3 in listening and a 2+ in reading!!!! Those are great scores and we are so proud of him!!! Well done Blain!!!

He leaves on Thursday for Texas for 5-6 months where he finishes the second part of training!

And than it's off to San Diego where we will be permanently stationed!!!