The Happiest Place on Earth!! Woohoo!!

The Princesses

I'm loving this . . .

The Hundred Acre Woods

Arrr Matie

Look what I found.

Protecting the Castle.

Still Happy

A Bugs Life

It was so fun to take the kids to Disneyland. We all had so much fun - I couldn't have asked for a better vacation. My mom and I drove (and I was having some serious detour, taking the wrong path, heading in the wrong direction, selecting the wrong freeway, getting off the wrong exit , issues - and I am being really nice to myself.) Good thing I get over 415 miles on my tank of gas. Great laughs. We missed the beach, but we went to Disneyland three days in a row and we nearly saw and did everything. The kids loved the hot tub and just playing at the hotel. Here are some pictures of the fun.

Quote of the Day

I love Markessa's little funny statements, so I started calling them the "Quote of the Day." The other day on the way to school I decided to sing children songs to the kids, I used to only listen to kid music in the car when Markessa was little, so I was feeling bad for Grady. Anyway this is what Markessa had to say about it. "Mom I think you can get sick from singing too many songs." I guess that was a good way of saying STOP SINGING MOM! Right? Well it's not going to happen. I can't make it through a single day with out at least a little ditty coming out.

Poor Kitty

So I killed a cat last night and I had no idea what I hit, so I turned around and drove by. Both kids were crying in the car and I didn't know what to do so, I just went home. Well, Markessa was clearly upset about the white kitty, but today in our morning prayer she said, "Please bless Jesus will take care of the white kitty." I love her little prayers so much, they make me feel better about killing things.

Can I get some cooperation? Please?

So I watch Regis and Kelly about once every six months and I just happened to turn on the TV when they were announcing their Baby Contest, and I normally would not enter my kids in a baby contest, but they are giving away $175,000 toward college education, so I am on a mission. I need to get a cute picture right? Well Markessa cracks me up, at least looking at the pictures now she does. At the time it wasn't very funny. Here are the pictures in chronological order. (I did have to bribe her with candy to even get started.)

OK Break out the CANDY!!

It is starting to work.

OK we're done.

The first one is usually the best anyway.

The Happiest Jail on Earth

We went to the Train Park with our friends Julia, Carter, and Hunter who came back to visit from Puerto Rico. We miss them so much. Here are some pictures of us on the train and in jail "let us out!!" :)

2008 Reflections

In Relief Society on Sunday the teacher handed out a piece of paper with 90 spaces for each of us to list all of the things we were grateful for in 2008. I haven't started it yet, but I thought about it and at the very top would be my two amazing children. I wrote these poems earlier this year about each of them. There is so much to be grateful for. I hope we can reflect on the past year and find many joys.

A Breath (For Markessa)

I realized time slips away so easily and you grow up more every day.
Taking moments to a far distant place, where I long to go and stay.
Now I know - every second is so rare, as I catch myself stop and stare
At your beauty and zest for life, I wonder what I've missed so far.
I can't take for granted what has been given to me
So I stop and look - watch and see.
Then almost like slow motion it seemed - time held its breath for me.

Sweet Wonder (For Grady)

Sweet baby, sweet wonder
It's you that brings me peace
When I can't sleep - I rock you
I hold you and look into your eyes
You look back with awe
Sweet baby, sweet wonder
I need you more than you need me
I can't wait till morning, so for now
I'll just dream

Where's Santa

"Mom where is Santa?" Markessa thought Santa was going to be there when she woke up. I guess I didn't explain that he only came and left evidence that he was there. Too much evidence!! As always. Happy Christmas!!