Random life...

Let me start by saying...it's so nice to have Starbucks back in my life! :)
When I went to my usual Starbucks yesterday they were so happy to see me and had my drink ready to go before I even made it to the front of the line.

The kids are on track break now and don't have to go back to school until April 15th. It's nice having them home. We set up another rewards system where they are given two chores a day and if they complete them they get a sticker. Once they collect 30 stickers they get a new Webkin. So far so good, it's been nice coming home to a clean house.
Alyssa is doing an Oceanography class this week that the school is offering. Monday they had the staff of the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef come in and talk to the kids about all different kinds of things. Today (Tuesday) they are going to the Shark Reef for a behind the scenes kind of thing, tomorrow they will leave at 7:15am and drive to Dana Point, CA for an overnight trip to the Ocean Institute. It should be a fantastic trip for them. I know she is really looking forward to it.

Jeff has been working 6 days lately and coming in early and staying late on most days. Who would have guessed how much work loading mail onto trucks could be! The money is great...though I miss him like crazy!

Gabriella has decided that sleeping all night is overrated and is back to getting up twice a night. Shhhhhh....don't say anything but I don't mind. It's a time for the two of us to just sit and enjoy the moment.
She has been sick with a cold most of the month...two trips to the doctors and still not much we can do but wait it out. Not a lot of fun for either of us.

Brandon is still wrestling (freestyle) a few days a week. We missed baseball sign ups but have his name on a waiting list. Jeff is looking into getting him in flag football. We'll see how that goes.

And last but not least me....I'm CRAZY busy but I feel blessed to be that way. Work is work and going along fine. I could sit for an hour and write about my upcoming cleaning and organization projects...but I'll spare you all.

Finally a manual...

I love the bonding one! You mean to tell me when I wrangle all three of my kids into Starbucks it has been a huge waste of quality time?!



FYI: If you click the picture it will make it bigger

Reflecting...

I did it! I gave up Starbucks for 40 days!
Ok...all joking aside...

This was the first year I gave up something for Lent and remained committed to it. I know Starbucks seems like a small thing to some of you (probably most of you) but to me...it was hard...
However, I am most proud and surprised at Alyssa's dedication. When she asked me what I thought she should give up...I jokingly told her her beloved Nintendo DS. She responded like most typical kids would and said "I love that thing" and I asked, what do you love more...Jesus or your DS? It was never a guess...she brought it to me that night and it has remained on the counter...untouched for 40 days! I am sooo very proud of her. I see God working in her...she is a constant reminder how wonderful he is!

By the way...thanks mom...I love you too!!!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

This is a picture of our nephew, Ryan...today is his 5th birthday!
Both Jeff and I feel blessed to have the family that we do, though our niece and nephew live far away I am happy to say that we are still able to have a close and loving relationship with them. When the kids get together it's like they were never apart!
Happy birthday Ryan "TOM"...know that Aunt Laurie and Uncle Jeff love you very much...we wish we could be there to celebrate with you! Hope you get the "pip pops" that you wanted for your "kankles"! Love ya buddy!!!

Don't wanna jinx myself...

Gabriella has slept all night for the last 3 nights in a row...despite her yucky cold! On Friday night she was up 3 times and Saturday she went all night!
It's been great...she goes down for the night between 8-8:30 depending on whats going on that night and I have to wake her up at 7am so I can feed her before heading off to work. it's been wonderful!

More Pictures

5 months old

Gabriella is 5 months old already!
Her current likes are...green beans and peas. Taking a bath with her brother and hanging out with daddy. She dislikes tummy time and waiting to be fed.
She is our love bug and brings a lot of joy to our family!