When Daddy Comes Home

Rachel can actually sing all the words to this song all by herself, she just gets a little 'camera' shy when she has to perform...kind of like her mother.

Blog help

I've had several people tell me that they can't read the texts on my post. They say that all they get is a white page and pictures. I don't know what's going on, I've looked into it but I'm not very computer literate. It seemed to have all started when I changed the background. If anyone out there has any advice on what's going on or what I can do to fix the problem can you let me know. Thanks. (I'm posting this in black and white so hopefully someone out there can read it and help the helpless)

I've had several people tell me that they can't read the texts on my post. They say that all they get is a white page and pictures. I don't know what's going on, I've looked into it but I'm not very computer literate. It seemed to have all started when I changed the background. If anyone out there has any advice on what's going on or what I can do to fix the problem can you let me know. Thanks (I'm posting this in black and white so hopefully someone out there can read it and help the helpless)

Do you want to play Blue's Clues?

Today was Rachel's 2nd Birthday, can you believe that my little girl is 2!!? On Friday she had her 2 year check up, she is still small for her age (32 1/2 inches tall, and 22 lbs) but if you were to sit and talk with her for a few minutes you would think she was older. This morning when she woke up we asked her if she knew what day it was. After showing her the Happy Birthday banner and telling her what it said she said "Happy Rachel Birthday!" She was so excited for her birthday and for her cousins to come up that she kept talking about it all morning. I guess I should back up a bit. The night before Marc and I made her birthday cake. It as originally suppose to be a Blue's face cake but after looking at it (before we had it cut up and decorated) we thought it wouldn't be enough cake so we decided to bake another one and make a a layered Blue's face cake. Well AFTER baking the cake we realized that it would be enough cake but what were we going to do now with 2 cakes!? Well, make a Magenta cake too (Magenta is a friend of Blue's on the show). So we ended up having 2 cakes. The cakes were super cute and all of the kids loved them...but we do have a lot of cake left over...anyone want some?

Okay so back to the party. While Rachel was taking a nap Marc and I attacked the back yard with balloons and streamers, and filled up the pool. When the cousins arrived (just in time for Rachel to end her nap) they all got on their suits and splashed for a while in the pool. When everyone had enough they got changed into dry, warm clothes and came inside where Aunt Amy and I had prepared everything for them to build their own pizzas. That was a hit with everyone, it was fun and super easy. After everyone was fed and happy we had a rousing game of Blue's Clues. Marc was sport enough to play the part of Steve (or Joe) - the host of the show. Everyone got a 'handy-dandy notebook' to put their clues in. The clues were: 1. a present 2. Rachel 3. the garage. After thinking about what the 3 clues could mean Zac the ever clever one said 'maybe we have to find Rachel's presents in the garage!' Boy is he smart.

Inside the garage the kids found a wagon full of Birthday presents for Rachel. There were so many presents from those that love here I couldn't have posted everything that she got. But she loved everything (thank you everyone for the gifts!). She got several books (one that makes noise from Uncle David and Aunt Amy-she loved it! She got the biggest grin on her face when she discovered that it makes noise), dishes from grandma and grandpa Anson, super cute clothes, puzzles, an Aqua doodle set that I'm excited to have her try out (thanks Aunt Amy and Uncle Joseph), a Triceratops and 'cell' phone from grandma Dorothy (the real one) and the biggest hit of all the gifts a red wagon from mom and dad!

The kids all loved taking a ride in Rachel's new wagon. Marc was kind enough to be the 'horse power' for that fun activity. While the kids continued to play and begged to open Rachel's gifts "NOW," I went inside to get everything ready for the big reveal of the cakes. Up to this point Rachel had not seen them and I was excited to see her reaction. After Marc set the cakes on the table we called Rachel over to see them. I guess I was expecting a bigger reaction then what she gave, but I do know this, she liked them and was happy. The cousins were excited too...almost more excited it seemed.

Most everyone got a little slice of Blue and Magenta. Rachel enjoyed the frosting more...in fact that's all she ate. But everyone else enjoyed the cake, it was super moist very delicious. After eating cake the kids insisted on playing more Blue's Clues, so uncle Marc humored them again and again. And what was Benjamin doing during all this you ask? Well just hanging out with who ever was yearning to hold him. Thanks everyone for what ever part you played in making Rachel's 2nd birthday so much fun.

Here's to 3 years

Aug 17th is our 3rd year anniversary! Wow only 3 years? In many ways it feel like we have been married much longer - now whether that is a good or bad thing or due to the fact that we dated for 2 years I'm not sure. But I do know this, my life has been so blessed since I met him . We have had our ups and downs but through it all we both remain committed to one another and the family that we have created. Thank you honey for your love, support, and patience with me as I continue to learn and grow. Love you for always and eternity. Love ya, hug ya, really - really kiss ya!

Like Father, Like Son

Our little man is already so talented at pulling faces just like his dad (e: Marc's scary face). This is just one of his many, we dub it 'the duck face.'

The video really doesn't have anything to do with the title, but it's too cute not to share. Someone out there will appreciate it I'm sure. Sorry about the fuzzy part, don't know what happened there. Also just as a disclosure, the crying in the background of Rachel is when she bonked her head...she's fine don't worry.

'Grandma Dorothy'

Even though my mom has been gone a meager three hours Rachel has found a way to continue to play with her 'Grandma Dorothy.' When we got home from story time today Rachel went into her room to find 'Grandma Dorothy'. I reminded her that grandma had gone home to MN and we would see her in a few months. Next thing I knew she came running out with this doll saying "I find her, Grandma Dorothy!!" When Marc came home for his lunch she said the same thing to him and insisted that he play with Sonja Lee (a Little People's character) and Rachel would play with 'Grandma Dorothy'. Well they had quite the adventure during his lunch break. They went to the ocean, fed corn to everyone, tickled daddy, 'Grandma Dorothy' now is the sole driver of the Little People's bus and right now 'Grandma Dorothy' is taking a nap with Rachel. I'm sure that by Sunday 'Grandma Dorothy' will be attending church with us and going where ever we go. Thanks for the memories and all of the help mom. Love ya, hug ya, miss ya, kiss ya!

Blessing Day

Today our handsome little man was blessed by Daddy. My mom was gracious and talented enough to make an outfit for him. We specifically asked for a bow tie in honor of his uncle David who couldn't be here today. (We miss you!)
Here is the whole family who came to share this special day with us. Aint we cute?

Here is his very special Aunt Amy who is busy filling in for his other Aunt Amy who couldn't be here today either. (We miss you too!!!)
The cousins couldn't get enough of him, but I think he had enough of them; we love ya anyway. Thanks for spending time with us.

How to keep a healthy level of sanity, according to Rachel

1. Be mom's big helper, but don't eat your vegetables - especially the green ones. 2. Jump like crazy every chance you get - trampolines are optional.
3. Chocolate is your best friend. 4. Run 'round and round' like you just don't care.