Moments...

It's moments like these that just melt my heart.. Gracelyn has been trying really hard to get potty trained. It is at her discretion but nonetheless she is trying. This morning she wanted to sit there and read books. I soon heard singing and had to quickly grab my camera. The itsy bitsy spider has never sounded so cute!! Push the play button to hear...

Addyson Elise Brandt

Monday morning at 3:19am after 22 hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing Tami and James brought beautiful Addyson into this world. What a little bundle of joy!!


I got to sneak to the hospital this afternoon and get a quick snug in. Ooohh she is so cute!! Weighing in at 7lbs 11oz and 19 inches of perfection.

Good work you two.. We love you.. Now get some sleep because your world is about to be turned upside down!!

Building Blocks

These colorful blocks are Gracelyns most favorite activity right now. We build many structures in a day that all get knocked over. Usually it goes like this....

TA DA

and then there is the WOW factor (look how big it is)




and then comes the sneaky little face right before they all come tumbling down.

Followed by the
UH OH.. every time! Priceless...

In Loving memory of Mrs. Halvorson

Thursday evening we got news that Mara's former pre-k 2 teacher Mrs. Linda Halvorson passed away. Mrs. Halvorson taught at First Pres for 22 years and was so loved by every child that came thru her doorway. The excitement and love for learning she taught all the kids was so amazing. Science projects, circus day, crazy hat day, prayer time, projects and the beach were just some of the many things the children that were taught by her experienced.

Late this summer Linda fell ill to what was an auto immune disorder that was attacking her liver. Unfortunately this made her very weak and unable to fight any longer. The family has had a rough go of things with the failing economy and her illness. The thoughts, donations and prayers have been amazing throughout the First Pres community. Mara is having a hard time with it but she just keeps reminding us that she is in heaven with Jesus. I know she is right!!

Please say a little prayer for Linda tonight, for her family and for yours.

The school is taking donations to help with medical costs that were incurred thoughout this tragic situation. If you are interested call the school at 253-272-7145. The kids are also selling "Hope for Halvorson" bracelets for $10 a piece to raise $ for the family.

Thank you Mrs. Halvorson for the wonderful year you gave us in your classroom and a lifetime of wonderful memories.. You truly touched all of us with your love and kindness.

What is it???

Today Justin was out mowing the lawn and this was laying in the middle of the yard. YuCk.. I am sure a bird dropped it but it looked scary!!! I guess it is some sort of crawfish?? mudbug?? Well whatever it is I don't like it!! and to think people fry these up and eat them in the south....

Detective Sol and his assistant...

Wednesday afternoon Mara had her buddy Solomon over for a play date. When I ask Mara if she wants to have a play date it is usually with one of the many boys in her life. Maybe it was the full year of being the only girl amongst 6 boys... I'm not sure.. but either way they are all great kids and when they are together it is as if they play like siblings.

This afternoon they were detectives. They had their spy gear on and were going around the house looking for clues. Not really sure what they were looking for but it appears it had something to do with this life size Barbie.. I know she is a little scary..

Thats what friends are for...

Sunday evening Laura had the bridesmaids for her wedding come over for a little thank you dinner before the big day.

We ate, drank and laughed our tails off. Maybe it was the 4 bottles of wine that did it but either way it was such a great night. Each of us got individual gifts that pertained to each one of our personalities and friendships.

One of the gifts included was a magnet with an inspirational quote... This is what is said.....

Be Happy in this Moment.. This moment is your life!

Thought it was just perfect!! Can't wait for the big day!!

Another Baby Girl..

Saturday afternoon we got to celebrate the upcoming arrival of McKenzies little bundle that is due in November. All of the family was there to share in this special moment and I got to be there as well. Many of the aunts and cousins had not seen us since we were little so it was really fun to catch up.

Mac and Maya got lots of fun things.. many of which were hand made. These are always my favorites!!

Congrats Mac.. I can hardly wait till she is here!!

Too Cool..

Last night was a stay home night for all 4 of us finally!! Justin has been gone and our schedules have been nuts!!

Last night we baked Ranger Cookies and played around before bedtime. Gracie had dug out all these old sunglasses from the dress up bin. It wasn't good enough to be wearing an old flower girl dress, she had to spice it up. Here are the many shots of her and her sis with cookies on their face and these goofy get ups. What could be more entertaining on a Friday night?? Here is the recipe for these yummy treats!!
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Ranger Cookie Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup shortening
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups corn flakes
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup flaked coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat until well blended and smooth. Sift flour, soda, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl. Add corn flakes and oatmeal and sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture; stir in coconut and vanilla. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet and bake at 350° for about 10 to 12 minutes.
Makes about 6 to 7 dozen ranger cookies with oats and coconut.

Cool and Enjoy with a tall glass of milk!! Yummy............

Cha cha cha

Wednesday afternoon I volunteered in Mara's classroom. It was the last sunny day so Mrs. Leach and I decided to walk then over to Wright Park to play for a bit. On the way back Zachary decided it would be fun to do the congo line and sing cha cha cha. Luckily I had my camera because I was able to get a quick pic. It was so funny to see 17, 7 year olds doing the cha cha cha!!

Mornings

Mornings are my favorite time of day. The girls get up early, I have my coffee and they are oh so cuddly. Every day the two of them climb up on the couch for yogurt and cartoons. Rather then each of them taking a couch they always share the small one. It is so cute to have them together and to be best buddies!

Doing the Puyallup

So the fair is just one of those events you just do. Not really because I enjoy it just because I have done it every year since I was little.

As you can see not much has changes in 31 years. The kids still have fun, there are masses of people, long lines, the giant slide, games and scones.





This year we went with my mom, brother, and we met up the Nino family. It was great having my brother because he took the kids on all the rides that I hate. The last ride of the night MacKenzie got to ride the Extreme Scream with her mom, dad and juju. I know the pic is hard to see but she had the worlds biggest smile across that cute little face!!

Good Friends

Last Saturday Tami and James had the annual "Beer Olympics". I unfortunately had to work late and didn't make it for the events just the after party. I was able to get a quick pic of me and some of my closest friends. Kelly, me, Heather, Christian and Nick. You guys totally rocked and I was cheering ya on the entire time... Just so you know these events are not easy. Obstacle courses and all!! Kelly and Heather were the only girls that actually participated. DOn't worry ladies I will be there next ya with you holding that trophy!!

A long time ago in a Galaxy far far away!

So this was the reason I have been so busy this week. Mara invited 24 of her school friends to her Star Wars Birthday Party. I made Jedi badges, costumes, 4 games, and I built a blacked out area where the kiddos watched Star Wars and then later played light sabers. They pinned the light saber on yoda, unfoze hans solo from the carbonate, used their force to throw disks and had pod races. It was a wild and crazy afternoon but really super fun.

Next year it is cake, ice cream and calling it a day. I am one tired mommy!!!