Police Mavinap!

  Surely, you would all know that is Lexese for "Feliz Navidad".  Lexi's very favorite place to sing seems to be when on the toilet (come on, you know you do it too).  Monday evening I walked by the bathroom, door wide open, Lexi doing her thing while singing "Police Mavinap" at the top of her lungs.

  Audrey has been getting in the Christmas spirit as well.  Like most kids she is counting down to Christmas morning.  She's a bit tricky with her approach though.  She shaves an extra day off her count every morning.  Earlier this week we had a conversation that went a bit like this...Audrey: "Mommy, only 3 days left till Christmas!"  Me: "Sorry Audrey, it's actually 4 days." Audrey: "No, I'm not counting the rest of today."  Me: "Audrey, I don't think you can do that at 9 o'clock in the morning."  Audrey:  "Uhhh, Mom. It's 3 days." 

She definitely has her system and there's no messing with it.  I think she'll see the flaws once she discovers Santa doesn't use the same system as her.
  As you can see we are getting into the Christmas spirit at our house and anxious and excited for Christmas Day.  We hope you are as well, and Police Mavinap to all!

Disneyland!

I finally got around to posting our Disneyland pictures.  I haven't had time to even looking at them since we got back, it's really making me wish we could go back real soon.  The pictures really speak for themselves, so there isn't a whole lot I can say about them.  I will add this though.  Audrey's favorite was the Monsters Inc. ride in California Adventure, and Lexi's was the Haunted Mansion.  Lexi went in the Mansion twice.  The first time I took her and she was screaming and trembling from head to toe.  I thought I had traumatized her for life.  After it was over she started yelling, "Yay Lexi!  I did it!"  Then she said, "Can I go on again?"  And so she did. The second day Audrey was a bit tempermental, that's why we don't have a single picture of her with the Princesses (who we waited in line for 45 minutes to see, for Audrey!).  We all did have fun though and can't wait for next year!

Yeehaw!

Audrey stuck with her theme this Halloween. She had lots of fun with all of her accessories and was the cutest Pink Cowgirl I've ever seen. 

We spent Halloween night with some friends in the ward.  I think the girls had so much more fun than past years.  I'm pretty sure Audrey found strength in numbers, she wasn't nearly as frightened by decorations as in years past.

 

 



The girls decided to take care of this guy.
 I actually had to physically stop the girls from beating up this
decoration so I wouldn't have to buy the lady a new one.



Waiting for the goods.

                                   I think she's done.







The Many Faces of Lexi

So... in an earlier post I had mentioned that Lexi would be Belle for Halloween.  Apparently, I was wrong.  Here's how things really went this year.


Tuesday Ward Trunk-or-Treat

Grumpy, Tired Cat



Wednesday Storytime
Ballerina





Sunday Halloween
Happy, Rested Cat
& if you guessed it, yes, her hair is supposed to be ears.



Thursday Preschool
Pink Tinkerbell





Disneyland

I know some of you have been waiting very patiently for pictures from our recent Disneyland trip. Guess what?!  You'll have to wait a little longer.  We have so many pictures that I want to share with you and I don't want to just post a long list of pictures.  So, please, just hang in there!

4 Days to Go!

 In just 4 days will be driving to Disneyland!  Since August, Tim and I knew that we would be going to Disneyland this October, but we (meaning I) decided to wait as long as possible to tell the girls about the trip.  I didn't want 3 months of "Are we going to Disneyland tomorrow?"  and "How many more days till we get to go?"  Tim made me promise that we would tell the girls before we were actually on the road driving to Anaheim.  So, at the beginning of this month I made a cake and a cute note for Audrey to read, telling the girls about our plans.  So now, instead of months of "When are we going?" from the girls, I have had a whole month of Tim saying "Guess how many days until Disneyland?!"  Yes, we're excited.  

Halloween Preview

Friday night was trunk-or-treat at Audrey's school, so I thought I would just post some pictures since it's been a while since I've posted pictures.  Audrey is a "Pink Cowgirl" this year.  Whenever somebody asks her what she will be this year she is very specific about that.  She's not just a cowgirl.  Lexi chose Belle this year, though I really wanted her to be a horse.  Every cowgirl needs a horse, right?  My idea didn't fly.  I suppose it's good that I have independent girls who think for themselves. 

 

Grandma Tini made these super awesome Halloween pillowcases.  I think she inteneded on the girls actually putting pillows in them, but they decided candy was much better.  If they actually fill them, Tim and I will be snacking quite nicely for the next month!

That's Our Timmers!

  This past week our family received the exciting news that Tim did in fact pass the Bar Exam.  Not that anyone was doubting but, man, it felt great to actually see the official results.  It was very exciting for everyone.  Audrey's response was, "does this mean Daddy won't have to go to work anymore?  Does he get to stay home all day with us?"  I didn't want to burst her bubble by telling her that it probably only means that he will now work even longer hours.  So I just explained that "he has to work until we can get you girls married and out of the house."  Lexi's good with whatever all the excitement is because she got to go to a "fancy restaraunt".  Cafe Rio, yum. And I'm excited because today for the first time in forever, while filling out a medical form for one of the girls, I really had something to put in the Father's Occupation line.
  It's been good for Tim and I both to see that all of his hard work has paid off the way we envisioned it would. I'm so proud of Tim for studying so hard and sacrificing so much the last three years and even more so this last summer.  I'm also impressed that the girls and I made it through the summer sane and happy!  Yay Tim! 
 

She's Three!?

  Wednesday was Lexi's big # 3 and she was living large!  She got to go to a "real restraunt" for bagels, she chose her favorite dinner (hot dogs with mac and cheese), and even a Belle birthday cake.  But the highlight of the day for her was being in control of the music all day in the car.  Which means we got to listen to a whole lot of Michael Jackson.  She knows every word to "Bad", "Thriller", and "Smooth Criminal" and we were rocking out all day.  I wish I had pictures of her shakin' it in the back seat, she gets so into it that you can actually feel the car bounce a bit from her kicking legs.
  Lexi had a tough time deciding what kind of birthday she wanted.  She finally settled on Belle and as a result she now has enough Belle clothes to fill a princesses wardrobe.  She was so cute opening presents.  After opening every gift she would gasp quite dramatically and say "Elmo Twinkle Toes, FOR MEEE!"  Or "Pink cowgirl boots, FOR MEEE!" Yes, she did get a lot of shoes, she's her mom's girl.  But, she seemed so genuinely amazed that each gift was really all for her, it just blew her mind. 

  It's been a lot of fun observing my little Lexi this week because she seems to feel so much more grown up.  Like turning three really was a big deal.  We are still buying princess pull-ups, however she is so proud of being able to go to pre-school (she was much better behaved this week), loves sleeping in her big girl bed, and, sit down for this one... she asked me to put blankey in the wash and then actually let me.  It's going to be a fun adventure watching this little high energy, strong willed, feisty kid grow up.  I hope I'm ready for it all!

I Have Butterflies in My Legs!

  Monday morning you could feel the excitement in the air. Audrey was ready to go, and then it was time to get in the car and actually go to school. "It feels like I have butterflies in my legs!" Kindergarten was everything she has hoped for and more. Audrey loves her teacher, playground, reading time, snack time, and new friends. Today, they even went to art class with "two real art teachers", according to Audrey.  Also, she now thinks she wants to take the bus home from school since she has friends who take the bus, and she can't wait until her teacher assigns homework.  She'll change her mind on both of those soon enough.
Now, can you tell a difference in her mood before school and after?  I didn't think so.

Before

After

 

  And then there was Lexi...

  Alexis started Co-op Preschool on Tuesday, and I've been a bit nervous.  With good reason I may add.  She is infamous for her biting, bullying and the general playground instigation, and let's not forget titty-twisters (my only excuse is that he was older than her, and bugging her).  Infact, after I first met Lexi's Nursery teacher after we moved into out current ward, I asked how Lexi was behaving.  All the poor lady could choke out was that "Lexi is a bit, uhhh... aggressive."  Yes, yes she is.  So, yes I was very nervous about Tuesday.  Part of me wanted to stay by the phone and wait for the poor mom to call me to pick up Lexi early.  The other part of me wanted to be gone so she couldn't get hold of me, then she could deal with her, or call Tim.  I stayed away from the phone as long as I could.  And when I picked up Lexi from school, I was informed that there was actually a threat to call me so I could get Lexi early.  But, she was scared straight and everyone survived the morning.  Today went a little better, and we'll just take it from there!

There are more pictures!  Check out the girl's pages for more pictures of their first day of school.

The Final Countdown

  So, for starters, if my blog is looking as sad on your screen as it is on mine, I apologize.  The background isn't working and for some reason neither are most of my slideshows.  Hopefully some day soon that will be a project.  Or, better yet,  maybe I'll just get a new computer and start this blog off fresh and new!  But, really that's not at all what this post is for.
  I hope this blog won't be too boring for most of you since there won't be any cute munchkin pictures today.  Just me blabbing on to whoever will listen/read. I'm sitting here, unsure about how I'm supposed to be feeling right now, since I only have 3 days left until my babies leave me for the world of academia.  Audrey starts Kindergarten on Monday and Lexi begins co-op preschool on Tuesday.  Now, I know what most of you are thinking, "Celeste, get a hold of yourself!  It's only Kindergarten, just 2 1/2 hours a day.  There's plenty of time left in the day for fighting kids to drive you crazy."  And I know that.  It's just that these two crazy girls have been right beside me from the moment they've each been born.  And now I'm afraid everything is going to fly by way too fast.  I may as well start college applications next year. 
  I am excited though.  It's going to be fun watching Audrey having so much fun in school and making so many friends (since everyone is her friend whether they know it or not). And Lexi...  well, maybe she'll learn how to make a few friends.  And the girls are excited too.  Audrey is constantly asking me to look at the calendar with her so we can countdown to open house night at school (tomorrow!) and the first day of school.  She is slightly nervous though.  Last night after I tucked Audrey into bed she started to panic because she couldn't remember her address or phone number.  "Mommy, I have to practice my phone number tomorrow with homework so I can remember and go to school!"  But, when I quizzed her she still had them both down pat.  Lexi is just excited to be doing some of the same things as Audrey, like buying backpacks.  She knows I want her to be toilet trained before school starts and she is working her little behind off trying to do that (pun not completely intended).  She is so close, but when she does have an accident the poor girl has a meltdown.  She just wants to be a big girl so badly.
  So, if you're curious to see how we all survive the first week of school, come on back next week for a full recap and plenty of pictures. 

Summer Trippin'

This summer has not been one of travel.  Everyone we know here has been out of town more than they've been home.  Not us.  We, on the other hand, have been preparing for the stupid, evil Bar Exam for a very long three months straight.  So, the minute Tim was unchained and set free from the fore mentioned stupid, evil Bar Exam it did not take us long to pack whatever was in sight and hit the trail. We had plenty to do while we were in Reno and Grass Valley.  There were cousins to play with (and a new little one to meet!), Grandparents to be spoiled by, sugar intake levels to drastically increase, school shopping for the girls, movies to see before they left the theater, and an Aunt/Sister to see and a pretty engagement ring to see! That was pretty much our whirlwind week.  Tim and I even got to go on a real date, Eclipse wasn't too shabby!
My one goal for our next visit is to take more pictures while in Reno.  It seems like no matter how lazy we may be while we're there our time goes by too fast and I never really get the camera out.  My only explanation for all of the Grass Valley pictures (and there were plenty more pictures I didn't want to bore you all with) is that my Dad seems to have his camera out the whole time we're there and I attempt to initiate a "clicking duel" just to see if I could ever take a picture as nice as his.  I never will, but at least this way I remember to document some to the girls childhood and hopefully they'll remember these visits when they're older.
I hope you enjoy the pics below.  And now, since there is still some summer left, we are off to the pool!

What am I Supposed to Say?!

  Originally, I was going to leave this one in Audrey's Quotes.  However, I have so many thoughts on this one that I thought I would share the complete story.   Audrey is a contemplative girl, those wheels in her head are always turning and she asks some of the best questions.  Our best conversations tend to be in the car.  She managed to catch me off guard today though.  It went like this:
A. "Mom, why did God give Santa magic?"
M. "Well... um, you see, uhh, gulp...  I guess so Santa could do nice things for all the kids on the earth."
A. "OK.  How do Reindeer fly?"
M. "Magic"
A. "Why did Jesus give elves funny looking ears?"
M. "I don't know that one, Audrey."
A.  "I wish I were an elf."

Help!  I'm spiraling down a dark path of deceit and false doctrine!  On the upside, I'm pretty sure I've secured one more year of Christmas magic and joy for a little girl.  In that case, I may as well prepare some really good answers for anymore Santa related questions thrown my way.  I'm counting on many more years of childhood imagination and a desire to believe in wonderful things like magic.  I'm also crossing my fingers and praying that when the doubt does set in for Audrey she'll remember how fun believing was for her and she'll continue that for her younger siblings.  So, for now I'm just going to keep telling myself it's ok and maybe even a good thing that I'm lying to my children.

I almost forgot!  If anyone could find a scripture verse mentioning a jolly man with a twinkle in his eye, a belly that shook like a bowl full of jelly when he laughed, and maybe even something about flying in the night; it would be much appreciated!   

Birthday Fun

Wednesday was Tim's birthday and since he has been so busy and studying so hard all summer the girls and I thought it would be nice to make him a fun cake.  We thought real hard and brainstormed for a few days and decided on a Batman cake.  Now, you all need to understand a little something about the cake.  I have recently become obsessed with a show called Cake Boss.  The guy on this show owns a family bakery in New Jersey and makes awesome cakes like roulette tables that actually spin and a huge leaning tower of Pisa.  These cakes are incredible.  So, as much as I really did want to make something nice for Tim, it was a great excuse to play with cake and frosting.  I think Tim did enjoy himself though.  I made his newly favorite pineapple burgers and he got a new playstation game.  If anything it was fun to see the girls excited about planning surprises for Daddy and to see Tim relax a minute without any notes in his hands.  Seriously, I'm amazed he doesn't put notes in a plastic sheet protector so he can read them in the shower. Don't tell him I said that!

Ice Cream and Fireworks

I suppose it's about time I posted our July 4th pictures...

  Despite the hot weather we had a really great Fourth.  Saturday morning was the community parade.  The girls (and Mom) had a great time dressing up and accessorizing before we headed out.  Tim was sad that we were missing the Argentina World Cup match, but we recorded it and he was a very good sport.  The parade was worth it though.  The girls loved the Alice in Wonderland and the Princess and the Frog floats.  Star Wars was Tim's favorite.  After the parade we hurried home to get our traditional ice cream churning in the ice cream maker.  Then we relaxed/studied and ate the rest of the day.
  Even though most of the festivities were held on Saturday, the fireworks didn't happen till Sunday night.  So that night we headed off to our Best Buy parking lot for some good ol' casino fireworks.  We gave the girls some pop-its and sparklers while we were waiting.

I'm sorry if the slideshow isn't working for you.  I'm working on it.

Happy Daddy's Day!

 This post won't be long, I don't want to embarrass Tim.  But, since this is my blog and I can do whatever I want I will tell you all one thing (and Tim too if he's reading).  His girls are the luckiest kids in the world.  They have a pretty awesome dad.  He is all ways ready to dance, sing, or play with his girls; no matter how busy he is.  We love you Daddy!
 

Birthday Extravaganza

 Allright, Grandmas and Grandpas, Aunts and Uncles, Audrey adorers world-wide.  I know how this works, you've all probably been on here at least once since this morning expecting an Audrey birthday update.  And an update you shall have.  Princess and the Frog is beginning it's second course for the day so I have a few minutes.
 Before we begin though... Why did none of you warn me that the fifth birthday was going to be a bit emotional (for me, Audrey was fine)?  For the last week Audrey has been warning me that when she turned five I wouldn't have to carry her to bed anymore, on account of her just being too heavy for me.  I would smile and say "ok, we'll see" but, I never thought she would actually go through with it.  Last night after prayer she sprinted off to bed like she was on fire.  Tim scooped up Lexi and he skipped off to tuck her into bed.  I just hung back a minute and told myself how stupid it would be for me to cry.  Tim promises that she'll forget all about it tonight and I'll be carrying her to bed again, I hope so. 
 More evidence of my little baby growing up came yesterday when we finally let her get her ears pierced.  A few weeks ago Audrey picked out the earrings she wanted (Hello Kitty) and she was constantly asking me just how much it would hurt when she had it done.  I answered as honestly as I could and I truly don't remember mine hurting at all.  Audrey would walk around the house pinching her ears, getting ready I suppose.  Tim was getting nervous himself (I'm sure that's not what he would call it) and would tell Audrey that she didn't have to go through with it.  She was determined.  Well, Audrey walked into the mall yesterday, of her own free will I must add, and jumped up into the chair.  Apparently, the first ear hurt because tears started streaming down her cheeks and she yelled at me "That hurt!"  She sniffed through the second ear then summed it all up by saying "I'm never getting my ears pierced again!"  Don't feel too bad for her though, or hold a grudge against me, because later that night I asked her what the best thing of being five is and she quickly replied "getting my ears pierced".  And today at the park she would walk up to someone and keep tucking her hair behind her ears until they would notice.

 Audrey also had a great time with friends.  We've met a great family with three girls.  The two oldest, Mollie and Rubie are the same ages as Audrey and Lexi.  They are the cutest, sweetest girls and our girls just love them to death.  We met at McDonald's for a very elegant lunch and playdate.  They had a great time not touching their food and getting stuck/lost in the play structure.       

                                      

                                      

As a special birthday bonus our friends from Reno surprised us with a call that they were in town. The girls got to play all morning at the park and I got to catch up with Jamie.

                                     

 Finally, as you can see I have given up on birthday cakes.  I'm accepting that decorating cakes is most definitely not my calling in life.  And I allowed Audrey to pick out a yummy Baskin Robbins ice cream cake.  Do you notice the birthday theme?  We also found Hello Kitty books at the library.

Happy Mother's Day!

Most of you mothers who will be reading this are driving home from a fun-filled weekend of visiting us.  So, first of all thank you for being here this weekend it meant a lot that you were here.

From the moment I was initiated to Mommyhood almost five years ago I couldn't wait for Mother's Days when I would open handmade gifts from my kids.  I was dreaming of a jewelry box overflowing with macaroni necklaces and shelves littered with popsicle stick picture frames.  And of course diamond earrings and gold bracelets lovingly picked out and purchased by Tim.
  Well my friends, that last one may not have happened (yet) but the time has come.  I have entered the era of handmade gifts and I have learned my lesson.  Be careful what you wish for.  A week ago while the girls and I were at Michael's they had a table set up where kids could make their moms jewelry.  Audrey being the crafty type went straight for the table and worked hard to make me what she thinks are the most beautiful pair of earrings.  She couldn't even wait to leave the store before giving me the earrings.  I smiled and promised I would wear them Mother's Day Sunday.  Luckily, I thought, that would give me a full week to find a way out of wearing the huge light reflectors that Audrey had made me.  Later in the week as the earrings sat on my jewelry box taunting me I noticed how hard she had worked on them.  Then I started to feel bad that I didn't want to wear them.  What kind of a mom would I be if I couldn't show people what a lucky mom I am to have a daughter who loves me so much and sees me as a much more beautiful person than I truly am.
  Needless to say I put my earrings on this morning and proudly wore them to church.  

2 Years 8 Months 4 Weeks and 1 Day

But really I haven't been counting.  If I would have bothered with that, a timeline of Tim's law school gig would probably include: One Lexi birth, a summer in Reno, 3 Halloweens (mouse, cat, ladybug, butterfly, abby cadabby, and tinkerbell), 3 Thanksgivings (2 of which I roasted the turkey all by myself!), 3 Christmases,  9 birthdays, 2 apartments, 2 wards, 6 church callings, 1 brand new niece/cousin, 1 brand new nephew/cousin, 17,369 episodes of iCarly, 17,370 Abby Cadabby movies, and 21 finals exams.

  Remember though, I haven't been counting a single moment since that fateful August afternoon when we landed in a tornado of 105 degree days and 90 degree nights, school loans and piles of textbooks.

  Before our family embarked on this adventure we were promised by good intentioned friends and family that the time would just fly by.  I appreciate their trying to help but it's simply not true.  I for one have felt every minute consumed by Law School and was beginning to believe that the much spoken of J.D. degree was just an urban legend, a mythical certificate that Tim would never really obtain.  Not to say I ever regretted our decision to continue Tim's education.  I just couldn't picture what it would be like once this new life we had adapted to was over.

   And through all of this we have had an abundance of good fortune in family and friends surrounding us.  They have helped me forget the years, months and weeks still waiting for us, they have encouraged Tim to forge on in his unique style of diligence, and most importantly have spoiled the girls with so many clothes we can't close their dresser drawers and so much sweets I'm amazed the girls have all their teeth.

  It's now been a full two days since Tim has graduated and it's just not sinking in that in three months we will begin a life as real people.  After Tim is finished with the dreaded BAR exam we will be involved and working in our community and even have a child in school.  The Real World is coming on full speed.  What to do!

A Little Peace & Quiet

  As you all know Lexi is more than what you would call "active".  She's like a tornado, dynamite, a shark, and electricity all trying to be contained in a very small box.  We recently found out that maybe that's just the way we need to handle her, in a very small box.  Or hamper.  A few days ago Lexi pulled out all our dirty clothes and insisted on being in our hamper.  I decided to see where this would take us.  It was the most peaceful, bite-free, tear-free, timeout-free evening we have ever had.  I am seriously considering buying myself a new hamper and giving Lexi our old one.  She would pull the top down and just cuddle with blankie.  Here's some pictures of how Lexi spent at least an hour in a hamper.  Look carefully in the last picture for those green Lexi eyes staring back at you.