And She's Off!!

Maile is off to California this morning with Grandma and Grandpa. It was a hard decision for me to let her go, but I knew that I could not stand in the way of memories she will cherish for the rest of her life! I hope she has fun and I will miss my baby for the next 3 days!!! This will be longest I have been away from her but I am sure she is going to have a blast!

Mommy and Maile's Date Night

Friday day was a very stressful day for me. The past few weeks have been packed with lots to do and the girls, especially Maile have been somewhat difficult. She is at the age where she is only going to do what she wants to do and if you tell her otherwise she will stick her tongue out , or give serious attitude. Frankly I was up to HERE with her behavior. So I had somewhat of a mini breakdown, wondering what happened to the sweet, loving girl that I was beginning to see less and less of. So I knew I needed to get her alone and just spend some quality time together. So after sobbing on the phone with Zach we decided that I would take Maile out on a date. It was really a great night. We started out at Red Robin for dinner and then followed dinner up with some shopping and ear piercing. Maile loves her earrings and was such a brave girl getting them pierced. On the way home we stopped off for some frozen yogurt and then headed home. This night was crucial for me and her also I am sure. I got to talk to her and enjoy only her. I didn't have the twins needing my attention or any other annoyance getting in the way. I just had an amazing evening with my daughter. After Friday we have decided that it is going to be mandatory in our house that the kids get some serious one on one time with a parent. They need that special bonding that they don't always get in the normal everyday routine. I now remember that I need to cherish my sweet children no matter how rotten they may be acting, because end the end they really are wonderful little creatures that we will mold into awesome people someday!!

Krispy Kreme and Presidents

I am not exactly sure how the two fit together but some smart marketing rep for Krispy Kreme figured most people would want more than their one free donut and that the Presidential Inauguration would be a good way to cash in on America's love of comfort food on such an emotional day. Anyhow, we made our way to Krispy Kreme today as a fun treat for the girls and we ended up having a lot of fun!! They have the viewing window where you can watch the fluffy treats come to fruition and they even have a toy box loaded with toys. While the kids played I got a chance to see just why I must steer clear of those tasty delights! The girls got cute little hats, full bellies and yes I ended up buying into their sly gimmick and brought home a half dozen more for the boys!

Painting!

I bought painting supplies for the girls last christmas (2007) but I just decided that I need to let them be creative and not worry about what kind of mess it would leave behind. So we painted and they loved it! And the mess was not as bad as I thought it was going to be! I feel bad I waited so long. Anyhow they all made beautiful pictures but Becca's did stand out, I think I have a little artist on my hands. She was concentrating so hard and used all the colors and painted her whole page! I am one proud mamma!

Toddler Mania

I sometimes watch my sisters two kids or a few friends kids but usually not all on the same day but last thursday was an exception. Both my sister and Jasmine needed to pick up an extra shift and so I had 7 kids on my hands. One three year old, 4 two year olds, and two baby boys. It was an adventure to say the least! A good napping schedule and lots of entertainment was what kept things from getting too out of hand but I can easily say that I was exhausted by the time the last two munchkins were picked up!

A Snow Tradition

For the past few years we have gone up to Mt. Charleston with friends to go tubing in the snow on New Years Day. This year we decided to try taking Maile again and this time she loved it!! My little girl was so brave just going down the hills all by herself. Zachary also had a good time tubing and hanging with his buddy Taylor. The day was a lot of fun and really exhausting! Can't wait for next year!

2009

This year I am feeling highly optimistic about how good of a year 2009 will be for my family. I just have this resounding feeling of goodness when I think about the year up ahead. I was really excited for the holidays and now I am getting really excited for spring and summer. I just know it is going to be great. The girls are getting to be a great age where we won't be so limited in our activities. Zach and I have resolved to spend more quality time as a family this year and for me that is really exciting. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us. New year, fresh start, unlimited possibilities!!