ending February

Ari tends to be quite the artist, as Lexi always was. Here I caught her drawing on my bedroom door.

She was 'taking her picture' with Lexi's mp3 player. She makes this face everytime she's getting her photo taken.

After school kiddy pile!

Last month we bought the kids new beds.

Lexi and Ari's bunk bed

Kyler's full size futon

Hard to believe February is nearing it's end. I'm anxiously awaiting March: the return of soccer, spring break, my sister's visit (very end of the month), first blooms and my birthday (i.e. my day off!).

Blue & Gold Ceremony

A few pictures of Ari:

Kyler's cubscout troop had their annual blue and gold ceremony.

This year they made napkin holders. They chose between Oregon State and Oregon State University, the 2 local colleges.

Here's Kyler's.

Pizza and soda--what what!

Lexi and her friend, Sophie.

Dancing to musical chairs, goober.

My handsome guy.

Mama and Ari.

Pin the badge on the shirt.

Musical chairs dispute.

Fist pump victory!

Kyler receiving his badges.

Kyler receiving his award.

The troop with their napkin holders and awards.

Valentine's day

It's Valentine's day...
Kyler with his chocolate and candy from dad.


Lexi with her bear, chocolate and rose from dad.
To me from Jared

Ari and her bear from daddy (she also got a rose).

Ari and I. Yep, she drew on her face.

The Valentine the kids made for daddy (with my help). They used their hands to make hearts.

Their Valentine's outfits and chocolates (Ari had animal crackers). I couldn't bring myself to buy toys--they have way too many! They were happy regardless.

Happy Valentine's Day!

The mushy gift I made Jared.

Happy Valentine's day everyone! May your day be filled with all the love you can tolerate.

Jared's birthday!

Today is Jared's birthday!!
He opened his gift last week when the package arrived. He loves it so far.



I made him a white chocolate raspberry cheesecake with chocolate crust. Probably the best cheesecake I've made.

He wanted to drive to the coast to have lunch at a local brewery.

Our view from our table. Ari was quacking at the birds, haha.

Father and son

Legos and crayons make for a pleasant dinning experience with a baby.

Pretty Lexi

Jared, Kyler and Lexi in the brewery.

Silly face Ari

Cake time

I hope his day was as incredible as he deserves!

And now...on to Valentine's day!

Celebrating grandpa Bob's birthday

Grandpa feeding Ari (Lexi in a chef hat--grandpa brought it for her, which she proudly wears every time she's in the kitchen!)

The kids showing grandpa some funny videos online.

My girls.Grandpa and Kyler

Grandpa and Lexi

The mostly sugar-free cake I made him. Sugar-free chocolate cake, filled with sugar-free chocolate pudding, topped with homemade whipped cream (made with less sugar), sliced almonds, sliced bananas and drizzled with chocolate syrup. His favorite.

It was nice being able to celebrate with my dad. We always have such a good time with him around. Happy birthday dad, here's to the best 57th year known to man!

This weekend, Lexi and I had a mom/daughter date. I took her to get her angled bangs and hot pink clip in highlight (she had been asking for nearly a year and I was hesitant but LOVE the result), went to the mall and finished it up with the family at Olive Garden. Jared and Kyler played laser tag and had a blast.

Now...just a couple of days until Jared's birthday!!

February!

Just a few highlights of our past few weeks:

Fire girls Ari and Lexi
Ari loving Zed

Kyler before his big Portland field trip

Cuddle time with dada

Ari and I met up with our friends, the Melissas and their pretty girls, Tayla and Peyton in Salem.

Ari hugging Peyton

Baby kisses

Ari and Tayla

Baby hugs

All 3 beautiful girls, all born in October 2010.

We bought a van! I love it so far. I named it Vanchez.

Ash, our 12 year old kitty, who had been missing for over 6 weeks, is home! Thanks to a Craigslist ad I had posted and a very nice lady. Funny thing is, the lady who had him lived on Ash St.

And now...one week until Jared's birthday!!