Ella's 4th Birthday

Where does the time go!! Ella and I had a wonderful time celebrating her birthday.

My baby!!

I feel like every time I look at her, my heart is completely content. She is my best little buddy.

Truly, being my last child, there are so many emotions when it comes to her. Her sweetness, her innocence, her laughter... I wish I could freeze time, because every time with her is perfect.

Yet time races on.

But it's OK because I know this is how it works.

Life is good!

We went to Scheel's and enjoyed lunch, free fudge, and gelato!

She was so happy to have strawberry lemonade.

We never drink soda, but for the birthday girl... it's ok!

We rode the ferris wheel.

Played in the play place. This child can climb!!!! I was so proud of her reaching the top of the rock walls 3 times!!

We went to the store and Ella got to choose a birthday gift- Elena of Avalor doll, which she calls Avalor of Elena.

We ended the night with macaroni and cheese and cupcakes.

She is such a blessing. She completes me.

Cutie Pie

Yard Werrrrrk

Christina is working on Personal Progress and decided to do work to start a garden. It's at least a 10 hour project and she got in her first 3 hours.

At first I was really worried. Do they know how to work? There was shuffling of feet, shrieking... however, both her and Maria really dug in and got A LOT of work done. 

We all worked together to clean up leaves and the garden. We still have more to do, but it was a fabulous start!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Today I was reminded of lyrics from Lauren Hill's Ex Factor.

And then I thought but really, what makes this day any different from the past 3 years?

So with that, I focused on my kiddos! They are my happiness and I'm so grateful to my dad for saving the night and bringing in some pizza while we tried to watch 80's classic love flicks- thank you 16 Candles and Pretty in Pink, swearing much?

Needless to say, the fast forward was used a bit....

We had a good breakfast, love muffins and "donut you know you're special"! Along with strawberry waffles and eggs. This morning I had a phenomenal workout.... 4,000+ steps, 250 flights of stairs.

Although I felt a little sick after.

Love that feeling.

Happy Valentine's you creeper!!!

And the kiddos all got Beanie Boos!!

Papa got some chocolates and before he even got a bite the scavengers pounced.

Needless to say, bedtime included lots of jumping around and loud noises.

Thanks dad for turning down a date to be with us.

And in return, you're welcome.... because you are STILL ALIVE and not murdered by a psychopath.

As for Valentine's gift.... Jody got a battery. An $8 lithium battery that I installed so he could sleep because it was going off in the fire detector. I know, I'm thoughtful like that and super romantic.

The Windy and Cold Day I Maimed Teefy

Unfortunately the museum didn't have much art!! The entire 3rd floor was shut down to set up for a new exhibit. However, they had great projects as usual and everyone had fun together.

Photos courtesy Tobi!!! Lifesaver!!!

Pretty sure the kids aren't supposed to be in there.

After we went to Rancho San Rafael park and braved the icy winds. Brrr!!!!

We enjoyed running around and being active. And of course, while chasing and tackling the boys I managed to get half of Teef's knee skin scraped off.

Nice one.

Fortunately I don't think he hates me, but I've been having guilt trips all day.

Cupcake Wars: Strawberry Lemonade vs. Dinosaur Chocolate

Mom: Tie

Ella & Eli: Maria

Dad: Maria's looks good, tastes weird

Nina's looks weird, tastes good

Fun Times at Preschool

Glad my munchkin has fun in the mornings!!

2nd Annual Women's March

Melinda Gates has said, "A woman with a voice is inherently a strong woman."

There are so many woman who are silenced by abuse, by social pressure, by poverty.

It was wonderful to gather together to raise our voices in unison that women are important. Women need to be valued more. Women have a voice.

I pray my daughters grow up to know the value in themselves and in others. I pray Elijah will be a man who is considerate of women and the blessing they are.

A lot of people showing solidarity and unity in love.

It was a good day!!!

Winter Break

Winter break was a dud! We were all rotating through sicknesses the entire time!! But we are grateful. If we weren't sick, we wouldn't appreciate being healthy.

Plus we got to watch a lot of videos.

Grateful it wasn't anything too serious.

Papa on the other hand.... 

Glad Papa is feeling better after a serious bout with his flu!!

Poor Eli... when you have 3 sisters you're always the prince. Fortunately, he doesn't mind too much. 

Vogue

Sometimes your older sissies say it's time to be fashion models and you're ready. You're ready for the runway, the glamour, and the excitement.

Especially if you've had a new hair cut and feel the personal power.

You are AWESOME!!! Yes!!!

Strike a pose as Nina said. FIERCE!!!