Saturday, November 14, 2009

Emma

Emma shortly after her arrival .

Emma celebrating her 1st birthday in Ephrata, Wa. At grandma and grandpa's home. Erika trying to help her blow out the candle and make a wish.

Emma in Lincoln, City. This is one of my favorite photos of Emma. Arianne took this pic and I sure do love it.


Happy 9th Birthday Emma!


Emma was born on Friday ,Novemember 10,2000. In Spokane, Wa. She was the only baby I had scheduled for a C-section. Emma arrived at 1:08 p.m. She weighed 6lbs. 4oz. and was 17 1/4 long. She was a quiet and content baby. She slept wonderfully at night. When she was up she did not require anything other than being fed and changed. She was not at all fussy.

Lauren and Erika waiting for the arrival of little baby Emma. They were so excited to see her and hold her. Grandma Jo- Jo and Grandpa Neal were both there. They came over to help out with Erika and Lauren. As well as bring them to the hospital to see Emma. They were such a great help to Dan and I.


Emma in her blessing outfit. She was a happy little baby. My mom flew up to help care for me after my C -section. She could not believe how content Emma was. I was thankful for a happy baby. Erika was a colicky baby. It was refreshing to have Emma be easy going.



Emma crawling around. She found this little play lizard. She would not let him go. She would have him curled up in her little fist while she moved around. Trying to keep up with the girls.
Emma playing outside with sidewalk chalk. She was always wanted to be where Lauren and Erika were.
Emma enjoying a day in Couer d' lane, Idaho. She always liked being outside and at the beach.

Emma at Alissa' s wedding. She loved being a flower girl at the wedding. I thought she looked so beautiful in her dress. She loved the braclet Arianne made for her. Emma is now in 3rd grade. I can not believe how fast time seems to be passing with her. She is her daddy's baby. And always
will be.


Emma chose I-Hop for her birthday dinner. She also wanted a chocolate cake. Emma we love you and are grateful you are a part of our family. Happy Birthday M! We love you.



9 things about Emma:
She loves to read!!! You can always find her with a book.
Emma is a daddy's girl
She is quiet
She is learning to play the piano
She loves Wicked !
Emma favorite place to be.... HOME
She enjoys writing stories and pictures to go with it
She loves her grandparents, cousins, and all our good friends
She is faithful about saying her prayers

Monday, October 26, 2009

More BI-ZI Photos!

Emma ready to go out trunk or treating at our ward party. She is excited to paint her face on Saturday nite. She loves Elphaba from "WICKED" and wanted to be a witch!

Up close. I can not believe this is what we will soon be partaking!
Strutting his stuff around the zoo!



All snugly and cozy!



This is where you want your pumpkin to be! I can not believe how close Dan was to making a basket! =)



Sunday, October 25, 2009

BI-ZI at BI-ZI Farms Pumpkin Patch


On our way to the pumpkin patch. These photos were taken from the front seat of my car. I have always enjoyed fall. Fall has always been my favorite season! The colors are so beautiful. And the weather here in the fall is absolutely beautiful.

Falling for fall! The colors are so vibrant. The leaves are falling off the trees. I will miss all the colors and the feeling that comes with fall.

Dan, Emma and I. Taking a break with some hot chocolate. This place is great. They have great cider, music, cornmazes, pumpkin launching, and a petting zoo. The best is the hay ride out there. To find our pumpkins!


More Fall colors.



Pumpkins for launching! This is one of Dan's favorite things to do at the pumpkin patch.



Waiting in line to wash our pumpkins!


Emma looking for her "great pumpkin!"



Lauren mashing some rotting pumpkins...gross. She was the only one smart enough to wear boots. It was muddy.



Decisions, decisions, decisions. Erika took the longest time deciding. Lauren was determined to go green this year. After a while Emma was telling the girls "to just pick one."



The corn maze that we didn't even do. There were no maps this year and with all the mud, we passed. None of us but Lauren had boots on. We waited to late this year to go out. I was so glad it did not rain. The sunshine was out and the weather was beautiful.



Dan getting ready to carry the load. He is so good about having the girls get what they like. No matter how big or small. Our little worker bee. I like this photo of Dan. Thanks for carrying the load!




Dan and Emma enjoying the hay ride. It's amazing how many tractors are running and shuttling people to and from the pumpkin patch.



Emma on top of the world! She really likes climbing on this big haystack tower.



Lauren has always loved animals. And she still enjoys visiting all the animals in the petting zoo.


Lauren is getting older. But, she is big on traditions. She kept asking when we could go to the pumpkin patch. She really enjoys it! She was so happy and excited to be there. It's the little things.. things like this brings out the kid in her!



Dan didn't want to look up at the camera because he was worried that the sheep would take a bite.


This goat cracked us up. He was looking for a way out!This little rabbit was so cute and content! I think he was a little frightened with all the little ones reaching to pet him!



I'm greatful that they taste better than they look.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Happy 12th Birthday Erika!


Erika turned 12 on Monday September 28th! Lauren posted this sign out on the front door along with balloons. She also decorated the house with streamers everywhere! Dan and I can not believe Erika is now 12. It seems the older the kids get the faster the time goes.
Erika loves I-hop so we went there for breakfast on Saturday morning! She loves their pigs n a blanket. Her other favorite thing is Olive Gardens "chicken con broccoli" so for her birthday dinner that is what she had. We ordered out and spent the evening at home.



Erika opening some of her gifts. She has lots of favorites. Lipgloss, Dove chocolates,coke,$$, i-tunes gift card, and clothes, are just a few of her favorite things. Erika smiling for the camera. Erika is such a good helper around our home. She is very compassionate,sincere, and always wants everyone to be happy. She is truly a blessing in our home. We are so proud of her and the young women she is becoming. She always wants to do the right thing.( I know her dad and I hope that doesn't change!) Lauren and Emma both love her. We watched some baby movies of the girls. It was so fun to see Erika as a toddler. She was always happy,singing, and dancing. She was always looking out the window waiting for lauren to come home from school. And always kissing baby Emma (at the time) and saying "how is my little buddy?" She is a good sister to have. I'm so glad the Lord sent you to our home ! We are so blessed! We love you Akoos!


Erika blowing out the candles and making a wish! She loves chocolate cake as much as she loves that raggedy ann blanket ! My mom made it for her when she was about 6! It's one of her favorite things! Happy Birthday Erika! We love and adore you.



Friday, September 25, 2009

Tagged. 10 things.... Here we go!


1. I really enjoy music. It' something I have to have. "Kinda like a needle needs a vein" -Faith Hill. I could do without a T.V. but, not without music. It's like what Alissa's chapstick is for her=).

2. I am not a big cuddly person. It's easy for me to verbally say what I feel than to show it. I'm not a needy person and do not like attention. I do not mind giving it to someone else.

3. I'm a pretty easy going person. I do not like tension or conflict. Peace is good. It works for me. It must be the 3rd child syndrome. If something goes wrong.. I really try not to make a big deal. Fix it and move on. I do not like how I feel when I do get Angry. Believe me I do occasionally.

4.I have to be on time for things. I hate being late. I would rather be 30 minutes early than late. I do not like waiting on people who are running late. I think you have to honor your committments. Peoples time is worth something.

5.I wish I had more of a back bone. I would love to tell people what I really think. I tend to let things go. I wish I could be more direct. I think there is a big difference between tactful and being rude. I'm still learning saying "no" isn't selfish.

6.Wish I could stay motivated or be more goal oriented. I stay with things for quite awhile and then let it go. I'm great about working out during the school year. During the summer I don't workout. I let myself get busy.

7.I like a clean house. I did say I was easy going didn't I? Not when it comes to the house. I like things in it's place. I seem to focus better and can breath easier. Clean home.. happy mom.

8.Wish I had a passion for something that drove me.. I would love to find something that defines me other than being a mom. Being a mom is everything to me but, I know my girls will one day move on. I want to have something for me.

9.I have a hard time treating myself. I wish that was easier for me. I'm not a froofy girl. Along with that I wish I found it easy to just sit and watch a movie. I have a hard time relaxing.

10.Things I love: Dan, my girls, my parents, siblings, and friends. The smell of rain. My bed. FB. Shrimp. Texas BBQ. Coke with lemon. Granparents . Church. The Beach. Fall. Going out for a drive. Chorizo and potato tacos for breakfast. Music.My neices and nephews. Family.Hot Chocolate. Chicken salad. Rocky Road Ice Cream( baskins ) Chicken Fetticuine with Mushrooms.

Alissa tagged me. So I tag.. Arianne, Emily, Alma, Blanca, Angela T. Your supposed to list 10 things about you!

Monday, September 14, 2009


Grandma came to spend a week with us before school started. THe girls sure enjoy her coming visits. THey look forward to all sleeping together in the same room and chatting. They love going to I Hop with her for breakfast. We took her to cottonwood beach, we shopped ,and had some good food. We went up to Olympia to attend a family reunion. It was fun to see Dan's uncles and aunts and catch up. I think we enjoyed Allison and metting her new husband the most! It was wonderful to see Dan's grandpa, and meet some of his cousins he played with. I have never met Dan's grandma. She passed away in December while he was serving a mission. I have always told Dan I wished I could of meet her. I know JO loves her and misses her dearly. Lauren 's middle name is Eilleen. I always liked that name. Way before I met Dan. SO when I mentioned Eileen as a middle name dan instantly said "YES". We had a good time meeting Jo's cousins, aunts and uncles as well. Thanks for asking us to come. I'm glad we did. Thanks for coming to spend some time with us. We love you!

Emma and Lauren enjoying some time together. I had mixed emotions about school starting. We had a busy summer and the kids were to tired to argue. Two weeks before school they starting fighting and getting on eachothers nerves. As well as mine. It is so quiet now. I'm starting to enjoy it. I have Mondays off and look forward to some ME time. I do love the girls. They are daddy's girls and he loves thems so much!


Erika on her way to her open house at the middle school. Dan showed her how to open her locker and would not leave till she got it. He took the morning off to see them off to school. He has done that ever since Lauren started kinder. She is now a sophmore. Dan and I can not believe how fast the girls are growing up. It's bittersweet. I think we are finally enjoying where we are and not wishing time away. Before we know it Lauren will be leaving to college ! YIKES!!!


Erika and Emma on their way to meet their teachers at back to school night. Emma started 3rd grade. She has a brand new school. It's big and really nice! She misses having Erika there for her. Erika was so good about saving her a place on the bus, checking up with her on the playground. I loved both of them going to school together. And having eachother. Erika is adjusting to 7 classes,7 teachers and lockers. She has P.E. first period. I know she will have a great year once she adjusts.
Lauren is in 10th now. I can not believe how fast highschool is going by. She wakes up at 5a.m. to be at seminary by 6a.m. 9Then it's Erika's turn to rise and shine) Lauren wants to play softball again this year for her school. She is wanting to start drivers Ed this spring. Sometimes I can't catch my breath with her. SHe is busy and wants to do well in her classes. She gets up as soon as it's time with no complaints. She wants to attend EFY again this summer. She gets to date next summer! We had a nice talk about that the other night. It's fun to see her growing up. We sometimes disagree. We are so much alike. We are both so stubborn. We do laugh and do love each other! Here is to another busy school year!