Happy Birthday Calli!!!

Today is Calli Sue Grace Sassifrass Candelamalaria the Turd's 5th birthday! Again, I can't believe how fast time goes when you have little ones running around. Calli is such an amazing girl and so sweet and loving... some of my favorite memories of her...

- Wearing Caden's jammies EVERYWHERE we went

- Hugging the complete stranger in Mervyn's

- Crying and begging when Caden was in preschool until she finally got to go

- Sounding out EVERY word while reading... CCCCCAAAAATTTT CAT.... CCCCCAAAAATTTT CAT! :)

- Having the worst onion breath after eating her favorite food

- When she sings "Give you Hell" by the All American Rejects. Oooooops!

Calli is such a special girl and it is such a pleasure to have her in the family. She is so peaceful and shares that with every one she comes in contact with. She is the first person to say sorry, to give hugs, to ask others not to fight, and to give toys to kids who are crying. I remember the day she was born and how I cried like a baby when the MD told me I had a little girl... I still feel the same! Ask anyone that knows her how incredibly special she is. Every person she comes in contact with is affected for good!
Calli- I love you more than you will ever know! You brighten every day for me. You bring so much joy and sunshine to my life! Your smile melts my heart! I love you girl!

Can you pick out Brian's biological father in picture #2? I will give you a hint... look for Brian! :)

http://www.brent.edu.ph/baguioalumni/PhotoGallery/70s/fs_aux.html

Happy Birthday Caden!!!

So it is a day late... but Happy Happy Birthday to my one and only son! I can't believe he is 7 years old. It just isn't fair! Some of my favorite memories...

- playing "catch" with dad at like 6 months old

- crying at the door to play outside(rain or shine)... he would try to peek under the door to look outside

- calling 911 on accident while playing with the phone. They called back to make sure everything was ok. :)

- driving while Caden tells me which direction we are traveling. Who needs a navigation system?

- Caden eating spinach dip by the spoonful but not even touching spinach

- first day of school

- first soccer game... he thought he was so cool

- the best hugs in the world. He never wants to let go

Most of all he is just one of the best kids in the world. He is kind, intelligent, funny, crazy, calm, outgoing, friendly, protective, understanding, considerate, compassionate, and so dang cute!

Caden-I love you... "my son... my son.... my only one"!!! :) You are so special to me! I will never be the same person again since you came into my life. You have taught me more than I will ever be able to teach you. Thank you for being that person that I will always strive to be.

Back to Work

Today was my first day back to work in 2 weeks. Let's just say I was a little reluctant to go. :) Although once I got there, it was good. The kids were a little crazy after being out of their routine for 2 weeks, but all in all, I think it went well. My cheer class was actually canceled today because of the broken heater and a leak. Ah scary! I am actually a little relieved that I don't have to brave the snow again today and go teach.

Like I said in an earlier post... I am a little OCD so I find comfort in a routine. In all reality, I am actually happy to get back to normal around here. I love knowing what is next on the schedule and what I have to do the next day. :) Weird... I know!

A Kidless New Years

First of all, I can't believe how time flies! I am shocked to look back over 2008 and see all the of the stuff that has happened. I am excited for a new year and a fresh start!

This holiday season has been a blast and Brian and I got to spend A LOT of time with the kids. We were excited to get them home and send them off to my mom's house for a few days. Don't get me wrong... I love my children and I love spending quality time with them. But after being in a car with them for over 60 hours and not leaving their side for 10 straight days... I was so happy to see them leave. My mom is an awesome grandma and tries to take my kids overnight whenever the opportunity presents itself. I called her and told her that we were going to an adult only New Years party and she agreed to take my kids for three days! :) What an awesome (and crazy) lady.

Brian and I went to our good friends house to enjoy an evening of Rockband,

Tri-tip, Scene it Pirates, and amazing company. We had a similar party last year and I think it is in the making of becoming a tradition.

My kids came home today and I did miss them so it was nice to have them home. Cienna is a little crazy sometimes so I am sure my mom was excited to be rid of her for a bit. Apparently she screamed and cried under a McDonalds table for about 20 minutes while grandma, brother, sister, and Ubba all tried to convince her to come out. She also had a major meltdown when she couldn't sleep in some certain area. :) Weirdo! Ah the joys of 3 year olds.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a nice, safe New Year's and I look forward to hearing about all your families for the next year. Love and miss you all!