Family Snow Day

On Js actual birthday we took a family snow day to Shaver.  The kids had been asking to go to the snow for a long time.  So we decided to make a day of it.  We had so much fun sledding and hiking.  Then we ended the day with a shake.  Yum!

J's Birthday

This year for the kids birthdays we took it real low-key since we took our family trip to Disneyland.  So that being said, we had just a nice little family party for the J.  He requested a Zelda birthday cake.  So since that was the only real thing to spend money on, we went for it.

We did go to lunch at Red Robin with the fam and then opened gifts.  Fun times celebrating J turning 7 :)

Js accomplishments

I love to see my children accomplish things. In January J  got the Bud Rank Reader, Writing and Master Mathematician Award and then in February J was able to test out of orange belt and gain a green belt.  Go J!!

With his school award

Breaking his board to get the Green Belt

First Date

Tonight Neil took Haven on her first date.  To say she was excited is an understatement.  She has been talking about it to everyone ever since she found out!

She drew a picture of her outfit.  She knew exactly what she wanted to look like.  Her outfit matched clothes that were already in her closet so I helped her get them and set them aside.

Her picture next to the outfit

Then today at Campus Club she was talking with the teachers and decided she wanted to wear her hair in a braid.

So tonight I got her all dressed up in the outfit she picked out, braided her hair and then Neil came and rang the door bell to pick her up.  I believe they went to Starbucks.

She also made a crown for Neil to wear :)

This date was not only to reinforce the Daddy-Daughter bond, but to also teach her how a young man should treat her on a date.  I cant wait for Neil and Haven to tell me all about it!!

My Birthday

I had a super great birthday this year!

First off, Haven made me a super cool birthday crown.  It was so special and very thoughtful.

The kids gifts were precious to me also.  J picked out a K-cup carousel for my coffee and H picked out a purple cup for me.  I love their thoughtfulness   Neil got me something Ive wanted for a long time.  Its a Map of History - Biblical alongside natural.  Its the best!

 Then, my mom payed to have a sitter come to my house so I could spend the day shopping, having lunch and hanging out with her and my sis and her girls.  She also gave us all $$ to spend.

I did get to start my day with Starbucks and I bought the Les Mis cd. Happy!

We had lunch at Cheesecake Factory.  One of my most favorite places!  Neil even got to come join us.

 That night I got to go have dinner with some great girlfriends of mine.  I felt so blessed!!

A new Experience - Teppanyaki

For our birthdays, my parents took us all out to Teppanyaki.  The kids had never been before so it was super fun for them.  We got a great cook that really put on a show for us.  Fun times!!

For our birthdays, my parents took us all out to Teppanyaki.  The kids had never been before so it was super fun for them.  We got a great cook that really put on a show for us.  Fun times!!

Christmas Day

This year was very special for me.  Since the kids are older their sweet personalities are starting to show through.  We told the kids that we weren't going to have presents for them under the tree this year.  That instead they would get their stalking stuffers and we would be giving more this year.  So they got to pick out a toy to give to a needy family and they knew that we were gifting extra to our Compassion family.

But the best part was the kids making their own presents for Neil and me and for each other.  It was priceless.  I love that they can do this and that their hearts are so tender.  Very special for me.

In the morning the kids got me up.  We went to their stalkings by the fireplace.  Neil read us the Christmas story and we talked about it a little bit.  Then we took our stalkings into the other room to open everything up.  The kids were just as excited to give us their gifts as they were to open their own.  So endearing to me.

Sweet notes from Haven

Up close

Opening Stockings

Opening Stockings

 Then we went over to Neils parent for our traditional present opening extravaganza and holiday meal.  This is always a fun time.  The exclamations the kids made were so entertaining.  It was a great time.

At Gigis 

At Gigis

 Later that day my parents came over and my sis and her fam.  We also decorated cookies.  Yum!!

It was a great day!!