Decembers are SO busy!

Well, it's only a few days until Christmas and it's been a very busy month already.  Eric and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary on the 15th of the month.  It is mind-boggling that it's been THAT long!  We've had our ups and downs, but I'm grateful to have such a wonderful companion and the greatest dad in the whole world!  Our kids never doubt that their dad loves them and I think that's really special.  

Camden is now on break for 2 weeks and he's enjoying it!  First grade is going really well for him.  He just brought home his first "honor roll" report card.  All A's and 1 B (89%).  We are very proud of him.  He might be the youngest in his class, but he's definitely keeping up -- and then some!  I've been one of the room moms and I really enjoy the kids in his class!  They are a fun group of kids.

Karina has been growing out of the tantrums and attitude more every day.  She is so close to 3 and I'm hoping 3 will be "magic" for her.  She was potty-trained in August, but has regressed a few times and that has been particularly stressful for mommy.  Both our kids were difficult in that area.  I've heard stories of kids that are easy to potty-train.  My carpets can prove otherwise for mine!  I'm hoping we're done with diapers -- finally!  

Eric has been very busy selling homes this year.  He has put in more hours for smaller commissions.  The home prices here in Vegas have really plummeted.  Our home is now worth just a few thousand more than Eric paid for it 10 years ago!!  That is crazy.  Eric has been working on iPhone applications and has a few really great ones that have materialized this year.  The second one should hit the "app" store in the next few months.

I have been enjoying the extra quiet in the house during the day now that Camden is in school all day.  He really seems to love it and Karina enjoys having the house to herself.  There are no arguments during the day unless Karina wants to fight with me!  I have had some pretty good cupcake orders this year and still love it when I get the chance to make (and eat) them.

Camden and Karina are so much fun to have in our lives.  They love to laugh and wrestle and they are in constant motion.  I know one day we will really miss the way they are right now at these ages.  I love them so much.  I'm sure they will be bombarded with gifts (once again) this week, but I'm hoping they understand the real reason we celebrate this time of year.  I keep trying to reinforce the story of Jesus' birth, but it's hard to compete with the commercials and toys.  I'm so grateful for my Saviour and the example He is to all of us.  The things He endured for us to have the wonderful blessing of living forever with our families and friends.  I will forever be thankful for Him.  

Merry Christmas to you all!

1st Grade, Week 2

Camden is really loving 1st grade.  He has noticed the homework is harder than kindergarten.  It took us 30 or 40 minutes to do his homework last night and he'll have that much Monday through Thursday.  Yikes!!  How do working moms do it?  Camden showed me his monkey bar progress on the playground this morning.  He was so proud of himself for making it all the way across without help!

I'm amazed at how much I get done during the day and how quiet it is.  I remember how productive I was when it was just me and Camden home during the day.  He did his own thing and I did mine.
I have to give Karina a little praise, too.  She has been diaper-free for about 3 weeks now!  She's a BIG girl! It's so nice not having to rush out and buy diapers every week ($$$).  Her attitude has improved so much.  I think she likes having her own time at home to play and be herself.

She has a new toy microphone (see picture) that she loves to sing into.  She puts on her high heels and a dress and dances around.  It's very exciting for me -- I want my kids to be little singers, too!  She also loves the building blocks in the picture.  Camden got them for his birthday, but they both love to build towers as tall as they can.

Camden and Karina are growing up too fast.  I'm trying my best to enjoy every day.  The late nights are still happening way too often with Karina, but we'll get there eventually -- right??  They are so cute and have wonderful personalities.  I am very blessed and very grateful for our family.  You have to taste the bitter to enjoy the sweet . . . and I'm enjoying it all right now!

Happy Birthday Camden!

Happy 6th Birthday Camden!

August 14, 2009

It's hard to believe you are already 6 years old. The birthdays are just flying by. Try not to hurry through them, okay? Enjoy every second of every minute. We love having you as our little boy. We couldn't have hand-picked a better son than you!

You are such a little entertainer and you do the funniest things to make us all laugh -- especially Karina! You are our little goofball.

You may still love Buzz Lightyear, but you will always be our little hero. You have such a good heart and always try to do the right thing. You may look for trouble once in a while, but you are never mean. I love that about you.

Camden - you bring so much music into our home. Thank you for loving music as much as Mommy & Daddy do. I think it's awesome that your favorite song right now is, "Step in Time" from Mary Poppins.

And last, but not least, you have an amazing spirit about you. You are so "in tune" and have lifted us in more ways than you may ever know. We love you so much and are so grateful to have you in our lives. We treasure the boy you've become and have enjoyed every minute!!

Happy Birthday Camden. Let's have a FUN weekend!

Pure Karina Mischief

Just when I think I can blow-dry my hair without incident, Karina proves me wrong. Please see "Exhibit A:"

Do you think she was upset by it?? See "Exhibit B:"

Yeah, not so much. I figure someone else might find the humor in this and get a good laugh. I probably will later.

Summer Getaway

It's hard to believe we pulled Daddy away from his work long enough to take a 3 day weekend trip to California last weekend. He has been very busy with real estate this summer. We went to Huntington Beach the first night we were there. By the time we got to the hotel (behind schedule) and to the beach, it was probably 7:00 p.m. My big bro, Jonathan, and his wife, Vanessa, live about 2 minutes from the beach and hooked us up with all the necessary beach gear. Thanks Vanessa (and Alice)!!

We had a wonderful time just playing in the water together and enjoying the ocean breeze.

The next morning, it was time for Disneyland!! We hadn't been there in 2 years and were so excited to go and play again. It was Karina's first time there.

Dumbo was the first ride of the day and is one of the rides they are still talking about!

Karina's favorite movie these days is Monsters, Inc. Camden and Karina loved the Monsters, Inc. ride. It was like driving through the movie. We went on it twice in a row! Karina wants to have a door like Boo's in our next house.

The kids both got Mickey ears hats and had their names embroidered on the back. They are so cute!

We were able to go on so many rides. Karina is so adventurous and was willing to go on any ride she was tall enough for.

Of course, the last ride of the night had to be Dumbo! One last flight and we were beat. Thanks to Mickey Mouse and all his friends for a fantastic day!

Summer Break

I thought I was going to love year-round school, but just as the real summer is kicking in, Camden's summer break is already over. Good thing it's only kindergarten now. We still have the afternoons to play in the sun!

Camden had his last baseball game on Saturday and had a great season with the Gators. This picture here is so Field of Dreams. "If you build it . . . he will come."

Eric was one of the assistant coaches again and Camden loves having him out there with him. Next year, it might be time for Daddy to be the coach. I think he would be great!

Camden is our lefty at the plate. He writes with his right hand, but swings the bat naturally with his left. He was known as the "Lefty Bomber!"

He is a natural athlete and we love watching him improve each season. Here is a picture of him with his trophy. This is his buddy, Eli, next to him. These 2 are ones to watch for in about 2022 in the big leagues!!

We also spent last week in Georgia visiting my mom in Peachtree City and sister, Jessica, in Savannah. Here are just a few pictures of the kids at the beach in the Atlantic Ocean. What a blast! I can't wait to go back to Savannah and eat at Paula Deen's place.

This is Karina's Baywatch picture. She loved running to and from the water.

We'll have to see if we can get to the beach again this summer. The kids really wanted to build a sandcastle, but we didn't have the time or the proper tools. They loved it!

Swimming Lessons

We finally have the kids in swimming lessons!  Camden and Karina had their first lesson yesterday with my cousin's niece, Courtney.  Karina is usually so shy with EVERYONE, but was happy to meet Courtney and went right to her.  I was thrilled!  Here are some cute pictures of their first lesson.

Here is Camden swimming into the "Batcave."

Here is Camden singing, "motorboat, motorboat."  This was a song to teach how to kick his legs to go faster or slower.  He was a little nervous blowing bubbles under the water and holding his nose to go under water, but got a little better by the end of the class.

Here is Karina taking to the water like a mermaid!  She has no fear.  Scary for Mama.

Courtney tried to keep Karina on-task, but the pool toys were just so distracting.  She especially loved this lobster.

This is Camden feeling comfortable in the water with just a paddle-board.  Good thing their was a lifeguard and a mommy on duty!

After only 30 minutes of lesson time, I am feeling confident that they will be swimming well in no time.  Next lesson is tomorrow.  We can't wait!