Friday, September 26, 2008

Butterfly Brigade

One of the things I love about living in the Fields is the yellow butterflies that come out at the end of the summer. Thousands of butterflies can be seen hovering over the fields, flying through the neighborhoods, and lying dead on the side of the roads after fateful collisions with the fronts of cars. My kids also love butterfly season. Callie, in particular. She decided to collect dead butterflies in a jar this year. The picture below is one of her holding her latest catch. Notice her shirt- coincidence? Hmm....
These purple bushes in the front of our house attract butterflies like magnets. It's usually the first place the girls go when they step outside.
Emmie, Callie, Alexa and Rylee. Emmie and Rylee live just down the street. The girls run through people's yards and scour the bushes and ditches just to find a butterfly that isn't quite fast enough to get away. Yeah, it's a tricky business catching butterflies. It's also good that we live in a neighborhood where no one cares that kids run through their front yards all the time...
And this is the end result. A poor butterfly caught in a jar with flowers (the girls think this way the butterflies can eat and won't die) that eventually I set free because I feel so bad for it. At least it occupies their time, right?

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

So, lately I've had trouble getting my kids to clean up after themselves. It's really starting to bug me. And, they are starting to be rude about it. Today, Callie threw a deck of Go Fish cards around the living room. When I asked her to pick them up she looked at me, smiled and said, "No can do, cupcake." Yeah. I have no idea where she got it, but I had a mixture of irritation and laughter bursting out of me. And, she has yet to clean up the cards....

Tuesday, September 23, 2008


I can hardly believe that Andrew and I have been married for eight years. At times it seems like we've known each other forever, but when you say the number eight, it doesn't seem to match up. Andrew and I met just over eleven years ago while we were freshman at BYU. Who would have thought back then that it was all bound to work out for us? Andrew was my best friend. We did everything together, talked about everything and spent more time together than I would have thought possible. Did you know that he had to outright tell me that he liked me or I probably would have remained clueless forever? I think that is why Andrew and I have always been so right together: first and foremost, he has always been my best friend. It doesn't mean that we are perfect and that we don't drive each other crazy sometimes, but it does mean that we have a solid foundation built on something that was formed long ago. And after so many years, he is still my best friend- the one I would rather spend time with than anyone else. I feel very blessed to have him. He is a wonderful father to our girls; and even though he lives with raging hormones and girlish chaos, he seems to keep his cool and even enjoys it, I believe. So- Happy Anniversary, Andrew. Thank you for loving me despite my flaws and for being my best friend.

* I'm not sure what went wrong with these pictures when I scanned them in... sorry they look a little odd.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Ugh

Kidney stones- even writing the words make my insides ache and my brain scream in terror. I shudder at the pain that such things invoke. I have lived through the pain twice now. Three years ago I woke in the middle of the night with the worst pain I have ever felt. It required a trip to the emergency room and some serious medication. So, on Monday I felt a pain. It felt familiar. I cringed at the thought of what it could be, even though I knew what it was. So, Wednesday night was my own personal nightmare. Luckily, it is over and I can move on. However, I am now forced to look at my lifestyle and decide what I can change so these awful things don't plague me. I'd even be happy if I could guarantee five years between each episode instead of three. There are lots of factors to take into account in the production of Kidney stones. For me there are two: chocolate and soda. I've got to get rid of at least one of them. I can't decide which. They are my comfort foods, my stress foods, and my yummy just because foods. So, I'm taking a poll. Help me out, please: which do I cut out of my life? I'm sad just thinking about it....

**I also must mention that I have the best group of neighbors and friends around, who took great care of me and my kids (mostly my kids) on Thursday after my ordeal. Thanks Stacy for dinner and taking Callie; Stacy, Kelsie, and Courtney for playing with Alexa and Callie; and thanks to Stacia and Melissa who may have not even known that Alexa was at their house. You guys are great!! And to the rest of you who made phone calls, offers and condolences, thank you for caring!!

Happy Anniversary!

I just wanted to wish a Happy Anniversary to my wonderful parents. 22 years!! They are such amazing people- I am truly blessed. This picture was taken about three and a half years ago when I was pregnant with Callie. For those of you who don't know, we are a blended family. He had four, she had five and they had one together. I love my family- they are all so great. We've never referred to one another as step brothers and sisters- there was never a reason because we've always gotten along so well. My parents did such a great job bringing us together. Kudos to any of you who can figure out who belongs to who. Can you guess?

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Benja

Benja happens to be the Aunt of my friend, Sam, who lives up North. (Sam lives up North... Benja lives here....) She owns this great Thai restaurant just off the Boulevard. The name of the restaurant? Yep, it just happens to be Benja's. They have great Thai food and an amazing sushi bar. Every time Andrea comes to visit, the sisters-in-law go there to eat. Since Andrea is leaving tomorrow, last night was the dinner. We had a great time and the food was fantastic, of course. I'd recommend it to everyone- and no, Benja did not ask me to put in a good word for the food. Thanks for a fun evening everyone! Andrea, we are going to miss you! Callie actually started crying yesterday when Andrea mentioned that she had to go home. She REALLY loves Andrea and will miss her more than everyone else, I think. I suppose it doesn't help that three-year olds can't comprehend time and she doesn't know how long it will be before Andrea comes back. Oh, to be young and oblivious to the world. In front: Lydia, Andrea, me, Louisa (my mother-in-law)
In Back: Michelle and Carrie

Sunday, September 14, 2008

First Haircut

Yes, that's right- she is three years old and I am just now cutting her hair for the first time. I've been holding out because she has this beautiful blonde, CURLY hair at the bottom that I just couldn't let go of. Her hair keeps growing in darker and darker and she is cursed like the rest of us to have stick straight hair. We still aren't sure where that little curl came from, but I loved it. Anyway, is was time. The ends were just too scrappy and uneven. Last night after her bath we stuck her on the stool and took care if it. She was a good sport about it, but only because Aunt Andrea convinced her that it wouldn't hurt and would look great. Whenever I brought it up, she ran away and told me "NEVER!" Thanks, Andrea!I hope I got it straight. She had a hard time keeping her head still. No one look to closely when you see her....
Here lies Callie's blonde baby hair, (well, some of it). May it rest in pieces...

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Rock On, Baby!

Last night the girls and I went to an ACDC concert... kind of. My nephew, Austin, has been a part of something along the lines of School of Rock for the past few months. It's a bunch of kids who learn guitar, vocals, drums, etc. and they focus on one band or singer for the term (or whatever you want to call it). So, his group was ACDC; we spent the evening rocking out to some LOUD music. And, we were all pleasantly surprised. They were really good! Callie has found her calling in life- She rocked harder than everyone and never stopped moving. It was a little loud for her, but once we got the earplugs in, she was good to go. At the end of the evening, we went to Blue Bunny for Ice cream and she informed Austin that she wanted to be in a rock band just like him. Fun times I have to look forward to, huh? I hope she doesn't become some roadie for a crazy band at the age of eighteen and we spend months at a time wondering where she is.... Anyway, it was a good night. The girls had fun and want to do it again. So Austin, what band are you focusing on next? This is Electric Theatre- on Tabernacle downtown. It's pretty old, but I suppose that gives it a certain charm. :)

Callie and Andrea. Callie walked in with her fingers in her ears and stayed that way till Andrea got her some earplugs. She chose her own outfit and sunglasses telling me that it was a great outfit for a rock concert.
Austin on guitar. I'm not sure who the kid in the back is, but he had a pretty good voice when it was his turn to sing. There was one crazy seven year old in the band, who was totally in to the music more than anyone else. And whenever he could get a chance to grab the mic, he'd say something really weird in a strange voice. He at least kept us laughing.
A dark picture, but this is the whole stage. There was an area in the very front for people to stand, dance and be crazy. We sat in chairs behind that, elevated above.
Callie, Alexa and I in front of the theatre after the concert.
Callie sitting on stage. Alexa wouldn't want to sit up there with her, but Callie tells us that it was "awesome" up there.
Ice cream after at Blue Bunny. Callie in her rocker roadie pose. Jim, Louisa, Michelle, Callie, Andrea, Alexa and Austin.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Les Miserables

Last night my sisters-in-law and I went to Tuacahn to see Les Miserables. For those of you who don't know, Tuacahn is an outdoor amphitheatre that is built right into the red rock. It's amazing. I worked in the box office our first summer here in St George and still think it was the best job I've ever had. Les Mis was good. I think we all made the comments, "It's not 5th Avenue or Broadway", but it was still good. The music is some of my favorite, and even though I was seeing it for a fourth time, I still got lost in the story. I didn't get home till after midnight, but it was worth it. If I can't spend the evening with my sisters, these three are the next best thing. Lydia, we missed you! Me, Michelle, Andrea and Carrie. Can you tell who hasn't been sitting in the sun this summer? Man, I look WHITE.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Happy, Happy Birthday!

I just wanted to wish a Happy Birthday to two of my favorite people- my old roommates, Amie and Kassie, have birthdays today and tomorrow. They are two of the sweetest, best people I know. Some of my happiest, funnest memories are of hanging out with them at BYU in our apartments at the Villa and Liberty Square. (Yes, we lived the high life back in those days.) They are both the type of friend that would do anything for you. I have always appreciated their listening ears and kind words. Now, why do you guys have to live so darn far away from me?!
Anyway, I love you both. Happy Birthday. Live it up this year... next year we'll all be old. :)

...FINALLY!!

Yay!!!!!! Can you tell I'm excited?! As many of you may remember, last year before Leah was born we needed to buy a new car with more room. I wanted a minivan and Andrew wanted an SUV. Andrew and I fought for days about what it was going to be. I'm not kidding- we really fought hard. Even Andrew's parents were witnesses to our arguing and told one of his other siblings later that they had never seen us fight before. :) I guess we both felt pretty strongly about it. Anyway, after a few days, I gave in with the final words, "I think this is the biggest mistake we have ever made and I want to have nothing to do with it." And, ever since that awful day I have driven a car that I despised... and I have taken quite a few opportunities to let Andrew know that I hate it. I'll admit, I haven't been very nice. Don't get me wrong- it was a really nice car. I would have loved it if it hadn't been so hard to get three kids in and out of it. So, I may have lost the battle on that fateful day last April, but this week I won the war. We are now the proud owners (well, I'm proud... Andrew is being a good sport about it) of a minivan! We got a great deal (thanks to Andrew's Dad who really should have been a car salesman in this life) and the girls absolutely love it. The day was fairly eventful- Andrew and his Dad also got new cars too. I hope you smile at the pictures below. My new minivan. Isn't it pretty? The color wouldn't have been my first choice, but every time I look at it, I love it more and more. I even woke up the next morning and checked in the garage just to make sure it was really there. Yep, I'm lame.
Andrew's new truck- another killer deal.
Andrew's Dad's new (well, to him) 1981 Corvette... in perfect condition... isn't it beautiful? OK, so maybe he came out better than Andrew and I, but I really couldn't be happier.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Alexa's Post

Alexa informed me this morning that we hadn't posted anything on our blog for a long time. She's right, of course, but her idea of a fun post and my idea of one are totally different. However, I'm feeling nice this morning, so we are posting Alexa's blog. Yesterday the girls and I had an unfun errand to run for Andrew (taking pictures for an appraisal). We hardly ever do it and the girls hate it. I told them if they were good and didn't complain that we could go to the store and pick out new lip gloss (they LIVE for new lip gloss... they are such girls). So, Alexa decided we needed a picture . You can hardly see them in the picture, but Alexa is happy.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

First Day of School

Yes, it is that time of year around St. George where school is now in session, even though the rest of the world still has weeks left till school starts. I suppose I will be glad when we are done in May next year and you are all still going strong till June. Can you believe I have a child in Kindergarten?! It is exciting and fun. Alexa loved her first week of school . I think she wishes it wasn't so short of a day. I am praying that all day Kindergarten hits our school before Callie goes. We walked her to school everyday this week. A few reasons for that: first, the school is only four blocks from our house; second, it's actually not that hot at 9 in the morning and the other girls like getting out; and third, Callie spent the majority of her week puking her little guts out and the thought of having her in the car was scary. I was lucky she did OK on the pick-up side. The one day we walked to pick her up was way too hot- we won't do that again till October or so. ANYWAY... so begins the life of schedules and time frames for us. No more escaping to my Mom's for weeks on end just because I feel like it, no more storytime at the library in the mornings (for Alexa anyway), and no more staying in our PJ's just because we feel like it. We've entered a new phase of life... and we LOVE it!! Alexa wouldn't smile because she said the sun was too bright... silly girl.
Her backpack that she is so proud of- it's almost as big as her, huh?
Alexa with our neighbors, Parker and Jordan. Jordan is also in Kindergarten. Parker is in 3rd grade. Alexa will be walking to school with them everyday. Isn't she lucky to have two cute bodyguards to care for her on the way to school? Actually, there are probably 20 kids in our neighborhood who walk to school. They should all pretty much be sticking together.

For Jodie

Here are the pictures you wanted. Hope they work for you. Let me know if you need anything else. The piece of plastic at the top has a name... I couldn't tell you what it is, though.
*For anyone else reading this- Erica's sister-in-law made this for me when I had Leah. Makes nursing so much easier. Check with Erica to see if Susan is still making them.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Just one more...

How many posts can you make in one day before people are finally sick of you?? I must have a lot to say today...

Leah had her tubes put in this morning. It went really well. She didn't cry when the nurse took her away and she didn't cry when she came out of the anesthetic and she didn't cry the rest of the day. We were so happy! And, we were in and out in exactly one hour, which made it even better. I think Leah must have a high pain tolerance. Seven ear infections in a matter of ten months can do that to a kid, I guess. Anyway, hopefully it will make this winter a little more pleasant than last winter.

My little brother, David, got engaged on Saturday. Thanks a whole heck of a lot for waiting till Monday to tell me the news. No, no- thanks for letting me find out from our sister on Monday that you had good news to share. You know I'm just kidding... kind of. Anyway, we LOVE Angie and are so grateful she will be a part of our family. My girls adore her. Hey- didn't you guys promise to come visit sometime?


I have to give a talk on Sunday... again. That brings the total up to 5 in three years, folks. Do I need to learn something that I'm not aware of?? Luckily, I have the help of a couple of sisters and a mom who agreed to be "guinea pigs" this week for me. We'll see how it goes. It's a good thing I don't have an aversion to speaking or I totally would have gone inactive ages ago.

School starts for Alexa on Tuesday. One week!! We are getting really excited around here. We found out yesterday who her teacher is and what class she will be in. There are seven other kids from our ward in her class. OK, you family from Washington will laugh at this: 8 kids from our ward in her class and that is one of six kindergarten classes. The REST of the kids in our ward who will be in Kindergarten are dispersed in the other 5 classes. Funny, huh? Anyway, she is thrilled and we are thrilled for her. We are now in the process of convincing Callie that it will be fun to be the "big" sister at home while Alexa is gone everyday. That will be the hard part.

I started and finished Breaking Dawn on Saturday... thank goodness. I needed to read it and move on with my life. It is now out of my house and probably won't be back for awhile- there is already a waiting list of friends who want it. It was really good! Nothing like what I expected, but the perfect close to the series.

OK, I think that is all the news I have to share.

This is For Tracey

OK, I know you will all read this post, but it really is just for Tracey.

Hey, is there a reason I can't comment on your blog?! I've been trying for ages and still can't leave a message for you. Glad to see everything is going well- love the pictures. I tried calling- I'll try again once I get the whole time thing figured out... How many hours is it? By the way- are you missing a Cars Leapster cartridge? I think I may have found it. Let me know and I'll send it.

I am horrified that this link even exists (found it on someone else's blog) and even more horrified that I was curious enough to take the quiz and TRULY horrified that it tells me I could fight off 15 five year olds if I had to. Good thing I'm no longer in Primary.... OK, I know you're all dying to take this quiz too, so go to it.
15


"Funktown"

So, one day last week my friend Stacy and I swapped kids. She took Alexa to play with Joslyn and I took her daughter, Jaide. Callie and Jaide are so cute together. They danced to Camp Rock music, carried purses around, played in the sprinklers outside for awhile, rode bikes and acted "cool". Callie got her sunglasses out for them to wear and kept saying, "Let's go to Funktown". I have no idea where she heard it or where she thinks Funktown is, but it took all I had to not laugh at them. I had to get a pictures of them in all their glory. They were so funny! I love three-year olds.

Bugged

OK, irritated is a little better description of what I am feeling. So, last Thursday I went to Costco and bought a pair of jeans. My friend, Kami, had told me they were a great deal (which they were) and were really cute (which they are). I bought a pair and LOVED them, so I thought I would go back and buy another pair. Then, as I was going over the receipt, I realized they charged me too much. So, the next day I went back and told them and they looked it up and told me the price they rang up as was what they were. I went back and looked at the sign and they had changed the price. OK, I'm not crazy- I know how much the sign said they were when I bought them. I know how much Kami paid for hers. You mean to tell me that in a matter of less than 24 hours they can change the price and I get screwed?! I called my mom and raged over the phone. She, of course, told me to just go buy another pair even though I was totally ripped off because they are so great. You know how hard it is to find jeans that you think are cute... So, is it the principle of the matter that I not buy another pair or do I just suck it up and forgive Costco for being stupid?

Friday, August 1, 2008

Hooray For Short Hair In The HOT, HOT Summer!

So, I got my hair cut this week. I LOVE it! I should have cut it short ages ago. DeAnna did a great job and it's way easier to do than I thought it would be- I think that is why I was so terrified of short hair. The pictures below really don't do it justice- it's an A-line, stacked in the back. I haven't had hair this short since that fateful day in the spring of '96 when a beloved sister kept saying, "let me just even it out a bit more". (Does anyone remember that?) Anyway, I'll try to take better pictures some other time- it really does look great and I love it.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Tagged... Thanks, Mom!

Wasn't it thoughtful of my Mom to tag all her daughters with a new one? Yeah... we all think so. :)

I am - - - tired.
I want to be - - - a Corporate Lawyer (that isn't to say that I don't love being a mom- it would just be nice to know that I accomplished the feat of Law School)
I need - - - a big chunk of chocolate to munch on.
I wish - - - my kids would sleep past 7am on any given day.
I'm scared - - - of deep, dark water.
I will never forget - - - the fun teenage years I had growing up with my brothers and sisters... we were so blessed to have each other and had such a good time together! In case anyone is wondering, I have the BEST family ever... seriously- you should all be jealous.
What the world could do without - - - cockroaches- really, what IS their purpose?

OK- I tag all past roommates who read this- you know who you are.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Fourth of July Celebrations

So, I'm a little late in posting pictures for the 4th... It seems so long ago I can hardly remember what we did! Believe it or not, swimming lessons weren't canceled for us, so we spent the majority of the afternoon at the pool. It suited us all fine, because it was so stinkin' hot outside. We came home, had our own BBQ, then went to our friends, the West's, for some fireworks. Just as we were finishing up, it was time for the big fireworks downtown, so we drove over to watch. I think the girls had a great time. They were absolutely exhausted when we got home. Both Alexa and Callie said they needed to be carried to their room because they were too tired to walk. This is the kids throwing Pop-its. Gotta love those things.
Leah wasn't a fan of fireworks. I think they may have been too loud for her liking. Andrew and I had a fun time talking about the first 4th of Julys for all the girls. Alexa was a few months old, we were living in Provo. We watched the Stadium of Fire fireworks from our neighbors, the Butterworth's, yard. She laid on a blanket and slept through all the noise. Our friends, the Brinkerhoff's, kept commenting on how good she was and were amazed by her. She was, of course one of the only babies around at the time in our circle of friends... none of us knew any different. :) Callie was only a couple weeks old on her first 4th. We watched fireworks from Aunt Carrie's Dad's house. Callie slept through the whole thing in her car seat. I remember being so relieved because I hadn't wanted to go anywhere that night. She was great. Last year Leah also slept in her car seat during the fireworks show, but from the car. We drove to the field by Summit and watched from there. It has become our new place to watch the fireworks from. Such a good view and so easy to get home!

I hate lighting off fireworks... it makes me nervous. Thanks to the West's for taking on the responsibility and letting us partake in the fun!

A Total Bust

So, I tried to take the girls to see a Kung Fu Panda last night. Tried is the key word. The air conditioning happened to be broken in the one theatre room where the movie was being shown. It had to have been at least 95 degrees in there. We had to leave early... Callie was sweating like a pig (or perhaps a large overweight panda). Anyway, she wanted to sit on my lap and have me blow on her neck and feet (I know- gross) so she could cool down. So, I was roasting from the body heat factor. I went to complain twice to the manager. The first time he played dumb and said, "Oh, is the air not on in there?" DUH!!! The second time I wasn't as nice and he gave us free passes to come back another time. Smart guy. Alexa didn't want to leave, but I insisted. If I had to listen to Callie any longer I would have gone crazy. One of the girls' friends who went with us was even complaining of a headache it was so hot in there. You just can't live without air conditioning in a place like this. How did they do it in Brigham Young's time?!
*Like my little picture below? From what we did see of the movie, it looked good... I would possibly recommend it if I had been able to concentrate on any of it. I'll give a full review once we see it again.

My Battle Wound

This is the nasty bruise I received while running through the forest at Girls Camp last week. It looks way worse in person, I assure you. Long story short: I was trying to get to one of the girls quickly, jumped over a log that was partially covered in tall grass, hit my leg on two knots that were sticking out but were hidden by the tall grass. I have no idea how it didn't bleed. I kept pushing on my jeans waiting for the blood to seep through. Instead I got a disgusting bruise that looks like someone took a swing at me with a baseball bat. Gross, huh? I figure it will be lingering on my leg for another three weeks....

Monday, July 14, 2008

I'm Ba-ack!

I spent last week at Girls Camp with my ward. It was a great week and now I am exhausted. We had 35 Young Women, 7 Young Women Leaders, 6 tents, 4 fun-filled days, 1 not-so-fun evening of torrential rain, and a massive clean-up of mud when we got home. We were one of only six wards in our Stake to stick it out through the downpour- five wards went home Friday night. I am very lucky to work with AMAZING women in Young Women's. They made the week more than enjoyable, despite all the hard work to pull it off. We also have some pretty amazing Young Women. They make it easy to work hard because they are worth it! Despite the one evening of rain, the weather was fantastic. It was cooler than St. George, but was hot enough to burn nearly everyone's noses and necks on the first day. We were grateful the camp added flushing toilets this year- a major upgrade from last time. Now, if we can convince them that hot showers are a must...
Andrew had the three girls while I was away. He was a trooper to stay with them so I could be gone. I am thankful he makes it possible for me to fulfill my calling and doesn't complain about it. He suffered through swimming lessons in 110 degree heat, fevers in the middle of the night, and potty-training. And despite it all, was in a good mood when I got home and told me it really wasn't that bad! He even had dinner planned for Saturday night, had the house clean, and let me take a nap in the afternoon. What a great Dad he is!
So, there will be more posts to come- I'm far, far behind (I haven't even posted our 4th of July pictures yet!). I'm just too tired to do it now.... Just wanted to let everyone know that I am alive.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Isn't she cute?

Here are some of the most recent pictures of Leah... just because she's so cute. She is endearing in every way except one: for some odd reason she has the highest pitched scream I have ever heard and she likes to use it frequently. My ears are going CRAZY. I can hardly stand the sound of it. I have come to the conclusion that we must just live in a loud house and she wants to be heard as well. I hope it will go away very soon before she starts breaking mirrors and china with her noises. You know she's tired if she is willing to lay down next to you and fall asleep. It doesn't happen very often, but I love it when it does.
Alexa left her half eaten apple on her stool one day last week. Leah went over and shook the stool till the apple fell down.
And then she feasted. She was fairly proud of herself. I was impressed with her ingenious plan.
Leah usually plays in my room while I shower and get ready in the morning. Well, either my shower was WAY too long or she was still tired a couple hours after getting up. She emptied the contents of the basket she always plays with and then fell asleep in it. So sweet.
This is her new favorite place: Callie's chair. Uh-oh.... not good. We have had several fights already; the chair had to be taken away today because Callie completely pushed Leah out of it. What will I do with those two? If I had known that Target was never going to make another chair EXACTLY like this one, I'd have bought five. I'm not kidding. Everyone wants to sit in this chair. It's not like the normal moon chairs that fall over and kids can't get in and out of. This one is perfect. Even Leah can crawl in and out of it without hurting herself. If only I had known how great it was three years ago...

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Camp Rock

Callie's birthday was a success last week. She has been waiting for so long to have it be her day. It's hard being so young and seeing everyone else in the family have a birthday before you. On each of our birthdays she has asked how long it is till hers. We tried to make the day extra special for her because she waited patiently through Andrew, Alexa, Leah and my birthdays without much complaint. We decorated the house, had pink donuts for breakfast, and a new outfit for her to wear. She was a happy little three year old. Opening her new clothes. A Dora skirt, of course. I've really gotten soft in recent months to actually be the one to buy clothes with cartoon characters on them!
Her other presents had to wait till Dad came home from work. Actually, Andrew came home and Callie was gone with Grandma at the Bear Mill making a cute pink birthday poodle.
Jordan and Parker came over in the morning and played for awhile.


We had Callie's birthday party on Friday night. I think she had a great time. She was really looking forward to having friends come over to be with her. I let her choose the menu for dinner: pizza, soda, cupcakes, popsicles, strawberries, grapes, and Hershey kisses (which I forgot to put out; luckily, she didn't notice). We watched the premiere of Camp Rock on the Disney Channel. These girls were hilarious. As soon as the movie started they were dancing and screaming and yelling. It was really loud in our house. They eventually lost interest in the movie, which we knew they would, and mostly just played together. However, since Friday, my girls have watched Camp Rock once a day. So, it was no great loss on Friday- we've made up for it. More Dora stuff... do you see a trend? Her favorite present was a Camp Rock pillow.... the picture of it wasn't great, so I didn't put it up.
A Dora purse from Aunt Andrea. And, Dora underwear. Now, if she would just USE the underwear. Ahhh.... what am I going to do with her?
We looked everywhere for Camp Rock plates, napkins and stuff but couldn't find any. We settled for Dora. Have you had enough Dora yet?
Callie and her cousin Amber waiting for pizza.
The movie started and they were crazy! And, when the Jonas Brothers actually came on screen they were even more crazy. How did I, of all people, get girls who are such girlie girls? I'm surprised no one got hurt with all the jumping around they did.
This was in the beginning of the movie when we had high hopes they would actually watch it. We knew better, of course.
Pink cupcakes with pink frosting with pink candles. Another request from Callie.
Callie's new nightgown after the guests have all departed and she wound down from her eventful day. Happy Birthday, Callie! We love you so much!