Happy Birthday Stevie Kate!

Birthday #3 for Stevie Kate! It’s time for me to gush about her a little. For those of you who know her, you will probably agree that she can be a handful. We are working hard on harnessing those fiery traits and turning them in the right direction. Here are some of the things that she does so well and that we love about her…

• She is such a ray of sunshine in our home. Always wants to give hugs and kisses, especially to Dad.
• Full of love for perfect strangers (good and bad :-)
• Loves to try to make Kelly laugh with crazy voices.
• Always so proud of Jake when he performs or completes something.
• My little buddy and helper - mopping, laundry, cooking, you name it.
• Loves being pampered and loves accessories...in fact I call her Fancy Nancy quite often. Our home pedicure routine is a favorite.
• We love when she uses her soft sing-song voice to tell a story or sing a song.
• She has the greatest facial expressions.
• Wants to be like her girl cousins and talks about them daily.
• Loves to say her prayers at night.

I can’t imagine my life without you.

Quotes From Jake & Stevie

After talking about our trip to Nevada...
Jake: "I want to live with Aunt Nikki and she can be my Mom."
Me: "That makes me sad Jake. You already have a Mom."
Jake: "But I have already been with you for a very long time."
Five minutes later...
Jake: "Mom, I've decided I want to stay with you because you are my Mom."
Me: "Good choice."

While watching Dancing With The Stars with me...
Stevie: "I want to be on there Mom."
Me: "That would be fun."
Stevie: "But I only want to dance with Dad."
Me: "Good choice."

Stevie's Favorite Song

We broke out the video camera a while ago to capture Stevie singing her favorite song. It is from The Polar Express movie. Needless to say...that Christmas CD has been playing in the van since about November. Maybe it will accidentally get lost soon :-)

Stevie is generally not shy at all and loves to showcase her "tricks." This video cracks me up because I had the view finder faced at her so she was watching herself and exaggerating everything.

Easter

Last year we OD'ed on Easter Egg Hunts...I think we did 5 or so. And this year...only one at Grandma's house on Easter Sunday. The baskets and decorations didn't even come out of the closet until then. We did a few things at home...hunting for their baskets from the Easter Bunny and coloring eggs. I was thinking out loud to Jake about last year vs. this year. And he said "Maybe next time you will do better." I think he may have heard that coming out of my mouth just a few times :-)

Here are a few pictures. One of the things I love about having two girls is matching the outfits occasionally. I know they won't always like to match...but for now I am enjoying it. And Duff and Carrie...I had to include these pictures that Kassidy and Stevie took...great smiles.

Fun in Nevada

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our trip to Nevada last week. When my children are around Aunt Nikki and Grandma...I think that I disappear for them. They love you so much and feel the love from you. I guess Kelly still loves me the best :-)

Stevie told me that her favorite part of the trip was "pigs." Jake's favorite parts of the trip were riding the Ferris Wheel with Aunt Nikki and playing with Tyson. And I think Kelly's favorite part was getting attention from Jackson and Max. Drake did a great job on showcasing his pig Porkster...I was very impressed. Thanks for all of the fun times and for all your help with the kiddos!

Another Great Ski Trip

Here is a link to Steve's new movie...a chronicle of his ski trip this year. Isn't he talented?
>Click HERE<

Playgroups

Here are a few recent pictures of Jake, Stevie, and Kelly with their friends from playgroups (and Kassidy :-). Love them all like family. We are so lucky to have so many great friends that are close enough for us to see them this often.

I have decided that playgroups are for both ME and the kids. Of course the kiddos get to play. AND I get to chat with the other moms - share good news, bad news, gossip, whatever. Isn't it crazy how much better you feel when you are around others who are going through the sames ups and downs as you?

And...I couldn't help but including this picture. The BEST of friends, through all of the ups and downs...