So, tomorrow morning, bright and early, we're off on our road trip to CA...to go to the ROSEBOWL! Wa-hoo! Me, Colin and my mother-in-law will be driving straight through, so wish us luck. ;0) Colin and I are not only excited about going to the Rosebowl (did I say WA-HOO?!), but we also get to stay with my little brother and his girlfriend. We haven't seen John since April and Lindsey for over a year, so we're definitely due for a visit.
So, I'll update when we get back, and...GO DUCKS!!!!!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Conversations with Zavion
I know it's been awhile for an installment of these, but this one is worth it....
Z: Can we go to Burger King for lunch?
M: Silence
Z: We have the money.
M: Do we? How do you know?
Z: Well, we can ask someone for money...
M: Really? Who?
Z:
************************************************************
M: Where is my double-sticky tape? Has anyone seen my double-sticky tape?
Z: Mom, you're a magician!
M: I am? Why?
Z: Because, you can make tape disappear!
Ohh, how I love my boy! He's so quick now and obviously quite the smart-aleck. We're gonna have fun when this one starts school! ;0)
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The big O-N-E
So, my sweet Miss Avalee turned one year old on December 12th. As is customary around here, we did it up big with a party in her honor. ;0)
The theme was cupcakes, and I decided the theme lended itself to homemade decorations. So, I made (almost) everything myself; from the invitations to the cupcakes.
I had a blast with all the planning, and was super-happy with how everything turned out.
We had a nice group (even though the forecast called for freezing rain, and it was a little worrisome for awhile), and Avalee was thrilled that all the special people in her life were there.
The 'Happy Birthday' banner I slaved over for three days. LOL!
Part 1 of the garland; also time consuming, but the results made it worthwhile (sorry, not the best angle).
Part 2 of the garland; pictures of sweet Avalee over the last year.
The giant cupcake Aunt Liz (and Uncle Brendan too, I heard!) made.
Our cupcake making station. Turned out pretty cute, and the kids loved it!
I really dig this picture Colin took...so fun!
I had a time capsule (did the same thing for Z's 1st birthday) and asked everyone to bring something special to add; Avalee gets to open it on her 10th birthday.
Grandpa adding a rock he hand-cut.
Crissy adding a book of jokes.
We also created a little slide show of pictures of Avalee over the last year. See, that big TV came in handy. ;0)
The cupcakes; Avalee got the giant cupcake to dig into (yes, I used a mold)!
And, she had a few ;0) gifts to unwrap...
And, of course...let her eat cake. Unfortunately, she was a little more dainty than I would have preferred. Darn girl loves her food so much that she makes sure it goes into the mouth, and doesn't get wasted. LOL!
LOVE this picture! Clearly, she thinks we've all lost it... "Umm...you lit a cake on fire & now you're all singing in unison? Wha...?!
Realized it was ok to just dig in!
Love this one of the cupcake looming in front of her!
She decided to make it easier, and just bite the cake!
Obviously, I have a bazillion more photos, but I will spare you with the rest of them. ;0) The party was a big success and I can't wait to start planning #2!
So, a HUGE thanks to Grandma for helping make everything come together. She put up the decorations, helped me get the food ready, cleaned up...well, what didn't she do? You are awesome; thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! And, a big thanks to Aunt Liz for, once again, creating an adorable design for 'the' wall (LOL)! Did I tell you next year's theme is mermaids? You might want to start working on that one now... ;0)
The theme was cupcakes, and I decided the theme lended itself to homemade decorations. So, I made (almost) everything myself; from the invitations to the cupcakes.
I had a blast with all the planning, and was super-happy with how everything turned out.
We had a nice group (even though the forecast called for freezing rain, and it was a little worrisome for awhile), and Avalee was thrilled that all the special people in her life were there.
The 'Happy Birthday' banner I slaved over for three days. LOL!
Part 1 of the garland; also time consuming, but the results made it worthwhile (sorry, not the best angle).
Part 2 of the garland; pictures of sweet Avalee over the last year.
The giant cupcake Aunt Liz (and Uncle Brendan too, I heard!) made.
Our cupcake making station. Turned out pretty cute, and the kids loved it!
I really dig this picture Colin took...so fun!
I had a time capsule (did the same thing for Z's 1st birthday) and asked everyone to bring something special to add; Avalee gets to open it on her 10th birthday.
Grandpa adding a rock he hand-cut.
Crissy adding a book of jokes.
We also created a little slide show of pictures of Avalee over the last year. See, that big TV came in handy. ;0)
The cupcakes; Avalee got the giant cupcake to dig into (yes, I used a mold)!
And, she had a few ;0) gifts to unwrap...
And, of course...let her eat cake. Unfortunately, she was a little more dainty than I would have preferred. Darn girl loves her food so much that she makes sure it goes into the mouth, and doesn't get wasted. LOL!
LOVE this picture! Clearly, she thinks we've all lost it... "Umm...you lit a cake on fire & now you're all singing in unison? Wha...?!
Realized it was ok to just dig in!
Love this one of the cupcake looming in front of her!
She decided to make it easier, and just bite the cake!
Obviously, I have a bazillion more photos, but I will spare you with the rest of them. ;0) The party was a big success and I can't wait to start planning #2!
So, a HUGE thanks to Grandma for helping make everything come together. She put up the decorations, helped me get the food ready, cleaned up...well, what didn't she do? You are awesome; thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! And, a big thanks to Aunt Liz for, once again, creating an adorable design for 'the' wall (LOL)! Did I tell you next year's theme is mermaids? You might want to start working on that one now... ;0)
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Dear Avalee...
My sweet little Miss Avalee,
I can hardly believe you are already one year old. This last year seems to have just flown by, although I can vividly recall all your special milestones and stages.
You are my daughter, my sweet baby girl, and of course I love you more than you will ever know. But, I also love who you are and who you are becoming. You are an amazing person and truly one-of-a-kind.
You have always been such a happy baby! In fact, I believe you are the happiest person (let alone, baby) I have ever known. You are always smiling and laughing, and charm everyone with your cheerful nature. Your smile just radiates from you, and you make the most amazing face when you are happy; your nose crinkles up and your eyes get so sparkly. And, your giggles have to be just about the best sound I have ever heard.
You love people, and light up when anyone (even strangers) talk to you. You are very social, although you play coy sometimes, which is just even more endearing.
You are also so incredibly loving, and we all feel so lucky to be loved by you. You were giving out kisses and hugs long before other babies and are really starting to perfect the process now. A frequent recipient of your loving is your big brother. You love nothing more than to hug and kiss him all over! And, he loves you right back. Even if he's not in a great mood, you always make him smile and giggle with your love 'attacks', and than, he usually he reciprocates. ;0) And, of course Mommy and Daddy frequently get smothered with your little kisses and hugs. Daddy gets the added bonus of the squealing greeting when he gets home from work.
And, you're quite the little talker (just like your big brother!). You were always babbling, but within the last few months have learned lots of new words, and have even managed to string some together. You always make us laugh too, when you respond “Nothing” when we ask, “Avalee, what are you doing?” Or, “What?” when we say “Avalee.” You say “bye” now, which accompanied by your cute little wave, is just adorable.
You are a music lover, which, of course is no surprise in this family. You will play on your little piano or drums for a long time, in your own little world. You used to do a little booty-shaking dance move, but now your signature move is your head bobbing. As soon as your hear music, you start bobbing your head along! And, you've just recently started 'singing' along to some of your favorite songs. I have a little battery operated mouse that sings and dances to 'Jingle Bell Rock' and you just love him. As soon as you hear the song, you start bobbing along and signing with him. 'Wheels On the Bus' is another of your favorite songs, and it always calms you down when you're upset in the car (since you hate being in your carseat). I put on a CD and Z and I will sing along for you, and you immediately calmed.
For these reasons, and so many more, I love you with all my heart. This last year, with you in our lives, has been an amazing adventure. You have added a whole new layer to our family, and we are all so lucky to be with you.
While I will miss this last year, and those amazing baby days, I look forward to the next year. I know you are no longer that little baby that was content to just be held and rocked for hours on end. You no longer have the patience to just stare into my eyes while I sing to you or tell you a little story. You are a girl on the move now. You want to play, and laugh, and tell me stories. You want to see everything, do everything, experience everything. You are turning into a little girl, before my eyes. I'm excited to see what the years hold in store for you, and honored to share in your journey with you. You have brought so much to my life, and I love you more than you will ever know.
And, remember, you will always be my baby girl.
I Love You,
Mommy
I can hardly believe you are already one year old. This last year seems to have just flown by, although I can vividly recall all your special milestones and stages.
You are my daughter, my sweet baby girl, and of course I love you more than you will ever know. But, I also love who you are and who you are becoming. You are an amazing person and truly one-of-a-kind.
You have always been such a happy baby! In fact, I believe you are the happiest person (let alone, baby) I have ever known. You are always smiling and laughing, and charm everyone with your cheerful nature. Your smile just radiates from you, and you make the most amazing face when you are happy; your nose crinkles up and your eyes get so sparkly. And, your giggles have to be just about the best sound I have ever heard.
You love people, and light up when anyone (even strangers) talk to you. You are very social, although you play coy sometimes, which is just even more endearing.
You are also so incredibly loving, and we all feel so lucky to be loved by you. You were giving out kisses and hugs long before other babies and are really starting to perfect the process now. A frequent recipient of your loving is your big brother. You love nothing more than to hug and kiss him all over! And, he loves you right back. Even if he's not in a great mood, you always make him smile and giggle with your love 'attacks', and than, he usually he reciprocates. ;0) And, of course Mommy and Daddy frequently get smothered with your little kisses and hugs. Daddy gets the added bonus of the squealing greeting when he gets home from work.
And, you're quite the little talker (just like your big brother!). You were always babbling, but within the last few months have learned lots of new words, and have even managed to string some together. You always make us laugh too, when you respond “Nothing” when we ask, “Avalee, what are you doing?” Or, “What?” when we say “Avalee.” You say “bye” now, which accompanied by your cute little wave, is just adorable.
You are a music lover, which, of course is no surprise in this family. You will play on your little piano or drums for a long time, in your own little world. You used to do a little booty-shaking dance move, but now your signature move is your head bobbing. As soon as your hear music, you start bobbing your head along! And, you've just recently started 'singing' along to some of your favorite songs. I have a little battery operated mouse that sings and dances to 'Jingle Bell Rock' and you just love him. As soon as you hear the song, you start bobbing along and signing with him. 'Wheels On the Bus' is another of your favorite songs, and it always calms you down when you're upset in the car (since you hate being in your carseat). I put on a CD and Z and I will sing along for you, and you immediately calmed.
For these reasons, and so many more, I love you with all my heart. This last year, with you in our lives, has been an amazing adventure. You have added a whole new layer to our family, and we are all so lucky to be with you.
While I will miss this last year, and those amazing baby days, I look forward to the next year. I know you are no longer that little baby that was content to just be held and rocked for hours on end. You no longer have the patience to just stare into my eyes while I sing to you or tell you a little story. You are a girl on the move now. You want to play, and laugh, and tell me stories. You want to see everything, do everything, experience everything. You are turning into a little girl, before my eyes. I'm excited to see what the years hold in store for you, and honored to share in your journey with you. You have brought so much to my life, and I love you more than you will ever know.
And, remember, you will always be my baby girl.
I Love You,
Mommy
Friday, December 4, 2009
Everything is coming up roses...
So, for those of you that don't know, Colin and I are big University of Oregon football fans. He graduated from Oregon in '03, and was even in the band (both playing & as drum major) a few years.
So, we have season tickets and block out most Saturdays during the fall. Well, yesterday was the Civil War game, which is between the two state universities; Oregon State and University of Oregon. The game is a big deal, mostly because the winner gets bragging rights for a whole year. And, when your co-worker, neighbor, mailman or best friend is your rival, that's pretty darn important.
But, this Civil War was different, because the winner got the golden ticket; a place in the Rose Bowl championship game.
So, yesterday was THE big game, and thankfully it was a home game for us season tickets holders. We were pumped, had donned the appropriate amount of Duck gear, and had sufficiently participated in trash talking with aforementioned persons.
And, long story short...WE WON!!!!!! We're going to the ROSE BOWL baby!!!
C and I are actually thinking about going to Pasadena, so stay tuned... ;0)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Guestbook
