MOPS Convention

This past weekend I went to the MOPS convention in Dallas. The convention was at the Gaylord Texan Resort and what a beautiful resort it was. I went with four other girls from our MOPS group and we had a wonderful time. We are pretty much kept busy with all the sessions. We start our day off all together. All 5,000 women in one room hearing inspiring stories and singing praises. What an experience. Then you fight the crowd of 5,000 for breakfast, lunch, dinner and any snacks in between. ;-) We did bring some things to eat in our room which saved us time and an angry tummy.

After the General Session we broke up into smaller groups of the seminars of our choice. My first class was Leaving Heartprints. The main point I came out with this class is learning that "We were handpicked by God to be our children's mother not to be perfect but to make a difference."

We also must realize our habits can affect our children and we can change that for the sake of our children. ;-) I definitely know that I have some.

We must have stayed up talking and laughing till 2:30am in the morning only to get up by 6:30 to get ready for another day. It was well worth it to have some girl time with some wonderful ladies.

Oh and did I mention getting our pictures done with Kim Hill, Jaci Velasquez, Avalon and hearing Plumb for the first time which i'm going to run out and buy her CDS.

I'm looking forward to MOPS Convention again next year is in Nashville!

Flower Girl

Hailey was a flower girl in my cousin's wedding up in Minter Garden, Canada. What a beautiful garden. I think I went a little camera happy as I have over 200 pictures from the wedding. Here are some pictures from the wedding.

Hailey's pierced ears

Today Hailey wanted her ears pierced. I have asked for a year off and on if she wanted them pierced. To be honest I was more afraid for her then she was of getting them done. I was honest with her and told her it will hurt. We also watched an episode of John and Kate plus 8 where the one little girl gets her ears pierced and cries afterwards. Hailey was such a big girl that not even a tear came out of her or a sound. She just jumped and looked at me when they first did it but was fine. I was holding her hands but to be honest I was squeezing her hand more then she was mine. I"m so proud of my Hailey Bugs.

Another milestone in our children's life. Braden is starting to stand in the middle of the living room and then falls down and claps for himself. It is so cute. Now we just need to get him to WALK!

Hailey's first Hair cut

Hailey got her hair cut not to long ago. I didn't think i'd be so sad but I was when it was all done. I think it was because she has been asking for it and it just seems like a big girl decision. At first I thought maybe she figured out a way to not have her hair done in ponytails anymore. She really does hate having her hair brushed.
She still doesn't like it brushed but with it shorter it doesn't last as long.
Here is a picture of Hailey before and after her big girl haircut!

Braden's First Birthday

July 25, 2008
Braden's first birthday!
We had small family get together to celebrate Braden turning ONE!
I can't believe how fast time has gone by. Here are some pictures of his special day.

Braden's First Haircut

Braden had his first haircut the other day.
Our friend Kari was nice enough to cut his hair for us. He had holding the one shaver while she used the big one on him. It was sad to see his hair go but I did not want him sporting a mullet. ;-)

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Cultus Lake

This past weekend we went to Canada to visit with my grandparents. We had a WONDERFUL time! We went up to their trailer at Cultus lake and Hailey played with her cousin Madison and Evan. They sure had fun swimming, jumping on the trampoline and riding their bikes.



It's amazing how fast kids can become friends. The little girl a few spots down befriended the kids and they all played so well together.



Hailey had her first experience sleeping in a trailer, roasting marshmellows on a camp fire not a bbq grill ;-). And being allowed to go to bed past 10 o'clock. Who can resist sitting under the stars with no pollution.



Braden had his first swimming experience, okay I wouldn't call it swimming as he was all snuggled up in grandma's arm as the water was a bit chilly when you first got in. Then it warmed up. Hailey was always willing to jump right in with her life vest on.



It was really hard to come home but it really isn't that far to go to visit them Sure it takes an extra hour to get there with kids as we stop in Lynden to let them play at McDonalds and sitting at the border can be a hit or miss. Some days you can get there just right while other days you have an hour wait.



I defintely plan on going up there again before summer ends. It's so hard finding time with Hailey's social calendar.

We are doing Vacation Bible school and swimming lessons now and then it's off to another camp at church. Must be nice to be young.



Enjoy the pictures.

A Single mom for 2 weeks

Well Andy was sent to San Jose, CA for two weeks! Wouldn't you know it they told him on my birthday and the next day he was gone!
I keep telling him he needs to quit doing his job so well as he is reliable and they can count on him. I guess that is a good thing as they do want him to be a supervisor. We are just waiting on when that happens.

Anyways. I feel like a single mom. I give all single moms a big kudos to you! I am so spoiled to have someone to call to pick up that gallon of milk or to help me get in the door when I come home with the kids! Now i'm on my own and making more then one trip to get things out of the car.

Putting the kids to bed is longer as its all on me! ;-) Hailey has been a big girl and helping out alot.
Andy also will be back the day before Braden's First Birthday. I guess i'm getting to do all the shopping and planning for that. Thankfully it's just a small family get together to celebrate Braden's special day.