Congratulations Michelle!

I'm a little late on the post, but I wanted to make sure to congratulate my sister, Michelle! Not only did she successfully defend her dissertation this past week, she was also an honoree at the 2009 Women of Achievement ceremony in northern Nevada. Sponsored by the Nevada Women's Fund, it's a huge honor and I am super proud of her for doing her part in breaking that glass ceiling! Good job Michelle!

Here's her picture up on the big screen!

She didn't know Tim and I were planning on attending (since the luncheon was on a Thursday). But, I was proud of myself for actually keeping it a surprise! She was shocked and happy to see us and we were so glad to be there for her big day.

Art and Wind Festival 2009

We went to the annual Art and Wind Festival held in our town. Thankfully, it was nice weather and we weren't freezing or melting in the heat....it was a perfect 70 degrees. The kids had a great time riding all the rides!! A lot of the art was a repeat from last year, which can be a little disappointing, but we still made the most of it and enjoyed our time there!

I'm thinking about getting one of these swing contraptions in the backyard.....I think Noah could stay on it all day long!

It's a little sad knowing they can go on a lot of these rides by themselves.....they're getting so big!

Here's Noah checking out the view from the train ride.

Yard Duty

Tim's attention lately has been focused on the car. The one he won. The one I thought we were going to sell. Yes, that one. Anyway, he's spent much of his free time purchasing parts, fixing things on it, cleaning it, basically everything short of making love to it. We have decided to keep it for the time being and I'm beginning to feel some serious regret over the decision. Painfully, I'm the one that actually suggested keeping it for a little while. 

Since his attention has been focused elsewhere, our poor yard has paid the price. Don't get me wrong; it still looks nice to most people's standards. But I'm used to having a meticulous mad scientist (aka my husband) looking after our lawn. So, I assumed (first mistake) Tim was going to come home Friday afternoon and mow the lawn. Nope, apparently he had a date with his car yet again as the lawn was screaming for help. I took matters into my own hands and decided to get out the lawnmower. I tried to start it while Tim was out picking up a part for his beloved, but I couldn't figure out how (pathetic, I know). After numerous instructions from the kids, "This is how Daddy does it....you have to do this. Maybe it's out of gas," I almost gave up. But then I looked at the lawn again and realized how much it needs me. 

Finally.....the part about actually mowing the lawn! I. LOVED. IT. It was peaceful despite the loud engine of a lawnmower. I was in my own zone. I was by myself (so nice). I felt like I was actually accomplishing something.....it is my new favorite chore. I wanted to mow the lawn again today....I'm sure this feeling will pass, but thought I'd at least document it while I could still remember the feeling.

Helping Himself

Hey Noah, can I help you? Pretty soon, he's going to start whipping up meals for us....can't wait!

Up to No Good

Anytime Noah is being too quiet and not bothering anyone, one has to worry about what he might be up to. In this case, he found Auntie's lotion and decided to moisturize his entire body. He came out very proud of himself until we laughed at him and I insisted on taking pictures. At that point, he turned on us and threw a fit!

He's not so mad in this picture......

Now he's mad....

Welcome Home Auntie!

We are so grateful to have Auntie back with us. After a major health scare and a severe bacterial infection, Auntie is finally out of the hospital and back home with us. The kids missed her so much and we are all so glad to have her back! It's going to take a while for her to get back on her feet, but she's taking it slow and we are doing our very best to take good care of her, just like she always takes care of us! Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes.....they worked!

Here comes Summer!

Running through the sprinklers is such a perfect way to welcome summer.....the kids were having a blast this weekend and made the most of the 100 degree heat! I can't believe swim lessons start up again in less than a month! Yay!!!

Daddy's Birthday Dinner

Daddy was able to choose anywhere he wanted for dinner and he chose.....SuperFranks, which is basically a bigger and cleaner version of Chuck E. Cheese. He channeled his inner kid (which didn't require much channeling at all) and the kids had a blast playing all of the games and running around like crazy. With pizza, cheesy fries, and fruit punch, everyone had a fun time!

Here's Noah chowing down on his pizza. He had three big pieces!

Get out of my car!

Here's Sophie as she comes screaming down the slide!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

Happy Birthday Tim! Today you turn 32 and we hope this past year has been your best! We look forward to the year ahead and can't wait to celebrate your birthday with you. It's hard to believe you and I have enjoyed 14 years together......through college, long distance, jobs and more jobs, marriage, and children....I am so incredibly lucky to share the journey with someone who never fails to make me smile, laugh, and enjoy life. I wouldn't want to be experiencing this adventure with anyone else. Every time Noah flashes his toothy grin, I see you. Every time Sophie laughs hysterically, I see you. I am reminded every single moment how blessed I am to help raise these amazingly beautiful kids and how lucky I am to witness the love Sophie and Noah receive from their father. If only I could remember to tell you more often just how much you are loved, admired, and respected.....well, today is your day. I hope it's fantastic....you deserve it! We love you!

Woof!

My kids have been playing this game lately where one is the dog and the other is the dog walker. They walk around the whole house using Noah's blankie as a leash. It's hilarious and I keep forgetting to record it. However, it's also a very loud game with a lot of barking, running around, and screeching going on. Sierra, meanwhile, just stares at them and goes back to sleep. I just love that they are starting to really enjoy playing together. As long as the "dog" doesn't pee or poop in the house....I'm good. Play as long as you want!

Happy Mother's Day!

Hope everyone had a fabulous Mother's Day.....I certainly did! The morning started out with breakfast in bed, which I couldn't figure out how to do it, so I got up and brought it to the living room to enjoy! I was also showered with wonderful gifts and flowers from the kids.

After a fun trip to the park and ice cream at my favorite place, we headed home and just hung out for the day. Once I put Noah down for his nap, I realized I was feeling a little tired myself so I decided to get a little shut-eye. Three hours later I woke up in a fog......I quickly realized taking more than the recommended dosage of allergy medicine may not be good if you have little children to tend to (my allergies are horrible and I was feeling desperate)! Thankfully Tim was nice enough to let me sleep....actually, he tried getting me up several times but I think I was so out of it he gave up on me. Between shuffling back and forth to the hospital and dealing with these awful allergies, something had to give.....those three hours were incredible! Unfortunately, I might have to make a trip to the drugstore and buy something non-drowsy for work!

Winning Shot

Tim thought it was time to buy me my dream car. Unfortunately, he was only 16 years too late. Tim was in a golf tournament and a few of the holes had certain prizes attached to them. On this particular hole, closest to the pin would win a 1991 BMW convertible......seriously, I know. Tim and I were making fun of this prize last week when he told me about it....who would want a 1991 car? It's almost 20 years old! Are they serious? Well, guess what......Tim won it. Not only that, but he loves the car too. The kids thought it was totally brand new and cannot wait to take a spin with the top down. I figure I might as well join in the fun and pretend I'm Kelly Taylor on 90210 back in 1993. So there you have it.....we are the winners of a very used car, which happens to be in very good condition. Coming to a Craigslist near you!!!

On a another note, I better make sure to congratulate Tim. After all, it was his precision and amazing golf skills that won us this fabulous car. Out of about 100 golfers, Tim had the best ball hitting it 3 feet away from 138 yards. Good job Timmy!

A little late on the weekend update.

We had company this past weekend and enjoyed watching the Pacquiao-Hatton fight. We also rocked out to Karaoke Revolution on the Wii.....let's just say I won't be quitting my day job anytime soon. 

Auntie Michelle and the kids.

Noah making Auntie Jen lift him to the sky for the tenth time!

Julie hanging out with the kiddos.

Prayers Please

My aunt, who also happens to take such wonderful care of our kids, is currently in the hospital. Unfortunately, they do not know what is wrong with her, but she is fighting off some sort of serious viral or bacterial infection that has placed her in the ICU and is also requiring surgery to relieve some of the fluid build-up in her lungs. She is in surgery as I write this. She is such a rock to our family, and as many of you know, it is so hard to find someone that will love and nurture your children like they are her own. She has been with us ever since I went back to work after having Sophie and she has taken care of all the cousins in the family. Please pray that she makes a full recovery.