Happy Thanksgiving

We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! Ours was great.

Here is our BIG girl on the potty. So far not so good. I am not looking forward to this journey. But I thought this picture was so cute. Any suggestions would be helpful!

Our friends went out of town for the weekend. So we get to play with Moze their new kitty. Sadie and Moze had a wonderful play date.

They played cat and mouse and took turns being the mouse.

I am greatful for my wonderful husband who took the time today to cook us a wonderful Thanksgiving feast. It was very delicious.

I am greatful for a beautiful and healthy girl. She is the light in our lives and I'm so very greatful that we were blessed to have her as a part of our family.

I am so very greatful for such a loving, caring, and patient husband. He truly is my very best friend and I'm so very greatful for him. I am so very greatful for the support he shows me with all my crazy ideas. I'm greatful for a lasting and loving marriage.

I am greatful for my family and friends. I have really missed my family this year and it really hasn't seemed the same without a bunch of people gathered together and yelling at the football games. (GO COWBOYS!!)

I am so very greatful for the love of my Saviour Jesus Christ who helps me with all things. I am truly blessed in so many ways I can't list them all.

Sadie and Daddy eating their Pumpkin pie.

During half time of the Cowboys/Raiders game the musical group "Daughtry" performed. Sadie loved it. I got her dancing in a couple of videos. She has some moves huh?!

Daddy giving Sadie Whipped Cream from the can.

Saturday, November 21, 2009 we loaded up and headed out to Hart Park to try and get some family pictures for the Holiday cards. While we were driving we hit pockets of "showers" so needless to say it was a little wet. Then the wind picked up and it was really chilly. Then when we got there I realized that I left the tripod attachment at home. It wasn't going really well. I'd given up and decided we would try again another day. So we started playing with Sadie and her bouncy ball. Well we almost lost the bouncy ball in Kern river, but Steve was able to fish it out before it headed down stream. I was DONE at this point.

Steve decided to try and get some pictures. He is so smart that he figured out a way we could balance my camera on the tripod. So we got some really great pictures. We are going to try again next weekend to see if I can be a little more prepared.

Funny Sadie Story

Sadie Story:

So Sadie has a new thing lately when it comes to baths. She will "swim" in the tub. She will get on her stomach and kick her legs. It's really cute. Well last night she started having a runny nose and she coughed throughout the night. So this morning when I put her in the tub she started swimming and sneezed. Her face went in the water and she came up covered in bubbles and boogies hanging from her nose. She turned and looked at me and said "gross". hahaha!

I loved it. I laughed so hard. I know I'm a horrible mother. But it was an unforgettable moment.

Our Sadie

Last night was a "Sadie" night. She got to pick what we watched and what we did that evening. Of course "colors" were involved but mostly it was all about DANCING!

Our baby girl is growing up and it's hitting smack dab in the middle of the face. My sister-in-law did a book for Grandma Eastlick of Sadie and in it she used things that I had written about Sadie last year. It was then that I realized I needed to update that list.

"20 Things About Sadie"

1. She LOVES to dance. And I don't mean just twirling around. She can bust out those hip hop dance moves like nobody's business. She and I have lots of fun dancing with eachother.

2. She is a morning person. (Takes after her Father in this area)

3. She loves to Color with her "colors"

4. Minnie Mouse is her best friend, but Darby is a close second.

5. She has a smile to melt your heart!

6. She is learning how to use the Potty. She went twice last night. We are very proud

7. She has more energy in her little pinkie than the energizer bunny.

8. She is a talker. She could talk your ear off. And for the most part you can understand her and actually carry on a conversation. She actually knows what the words mean. "COME ON" her favorite phrase.

9. She is the friendliest people I've ever met. Although she is starting to get a little cautious of strangers, which Mommy is very happy about.

10.She loves the WIGGLES. She knows all their songs and dance moves. You should hear her in the car everyday it's really cute!

11. She has two best friends, Atley (our friends daughter) and Dee Dee our puppy.

12. Sadie has some of the funniest faces (She gets that from me)

13. Sadie is very independent. She loves to do things herself & sometimes has a hard time listening.

14. Sadie is a snuggler. She loves to crawl up in your lap with a blanket and watch a show or read a story.

15. Sadie has the greatest laugh. She is such a happy little person and when she laughs uncontrollably it is the cutest thing.

16. She is a big helper. She loves to "help" in the kitchen, whether it be cooking, cleaning or putting things away.

17. She loves to clean. It's the funniest thing. She'll get the broom out and sweep the living room floor (carpet) or get a wipe and just wiped stuff down.

18. Sadie's hair is getting longer and darker. We had to cut it last month because she had a funky mullet hair do going on, and she's too pretty for that. She loves to do her hair like Mommy now.

19. Sadie loves to "smells" things. Whether it be food, perfume or candles.

20. Sadie loves to "sneak" surprises out of Steve's pocket. Most of Steve's shirts have a pocket and he will put treats in there for her to "sneak". She will crawl up into his lap and pull the pocket and act surprised and get a treat. It's one of my most favorite things to watch. I know that it's a special moment that both Steve and Sadie will always have.

Don't you love the faces? Notice our smiles are similiar and then our smirks are similar. I absolutely love it. Makes me feel like there is a little piece of me in there.

I am a dancer video - she wouldn't dance once she saw the camera, she kept saying 'Cheese'

Numbers Rumba video - she is a crazy girl. notice her look back to make sure I am video taping her. Quite a change from the first video.

Our baby girl is growing up so quickly. At times it feels like it's been years and then there are times that it feels like only seconds. She has her own look and personality. She is so smart and wants to learn. She loves everyone and is such a trusting little soul. She is our little princess, no matter if she is playing with her bracelets or playing in the mud. She will always melt my heart when she tells me she loves me. I just want to freeze time and keep this time for myself. I am cherishing every moment with her and trying to memorize everything. Thanks to my blog I at least have something to look back on and go "Oh I remember that"

Sadie's "Colors"

Sadie had a "colorful" day on Sunday. While I was out taking pictures Steve and Sadie had a great Daddy Daughter day in their PJ's.

Sadie loves her "colors" (crayons) she is always asking for colors or stickers. When I got home we colored in her Winnie the Pooh book. She can get very serious!

We are having a little problem with the concept of not eating the crayons. But she is getting better.

I traced her hand and she said "you" so I traced my hand.
After I traced my hand she wanted to do the same thing with Daddy. I thought it was really cute.

Impromtu Fall Photo Shoot

Well Saturday Virginia and I took the girls out to Hart Park so I could look for a some good locations for upcoming photo shoots. I ended up getting some great pictures of the girls. And they had a lot of fun playing in the leaves and laughing at the geese.

Atley Olson
These two are best buds. It's really cute!

"The Geese"

I have posted the REALLY good photos on my Snaps & Scraps blog and then the rest of the photos on my personal photography blog (links to each are on the side of my blog).

Oh and just to throw a pitch out there for my photography....there are some beautiful colors out at Hart Park right now. So if you need Holiday Family pictures taken and want a "Fall" look, now's the time to do it.

A Little Insight

On my way in to work this morning a song came on my IPOD shuffle. As I'm driving the lyrics just hit me really hard. I've listened to this song several times and have always loved it. But this morning for some reason really summed up where I am right now in my life. So I thought I would share the lyrics with you.

"At this point in my Life" lyrics by Tracy Chapman

"Done so many things wrong I don't know if I can do right,

Oh I, Oh I've

Done so many things wrong I don't know if I can do right

At this point in my life

I've done so many things wrong I don't know if I can do right

If you put your trust in me I hope I won't let you down

If you give me a chance I'll try

You see it's been a hard road the road I'm traveling on

And if I take your hand I might lead you down the path to ruin

I've had a hard life I'm just saying it so you'll understand

That right now, right now, I'm doing the best I can

At this point in my life

At this point in my life

Although I've mostly walked in the shadows

I'm still searching for the light

Won't you put your faith in me

We both know that's what matters

If you give me a chance I'll try

You see I've been climbing stairs but mostly stumbling down

I've been reaching high always losing ground

You see I've conquered hills but I still have mountains to climb

And right now right now I'm doing the best I can

At this point in my life

Before we take a step

Before we walk down that path

Before I make any promises

Before you have regrets

Before we talk commitment

Let me tell you of my past

All I've seen and all I've done

The things I'd like to forget

At this point in my life

At this point in my life

I'd like to live as if only love mattered

As if redemption was in sight

As if the search to live honestly

Is all that anyone needs

No matter if you find it

You see when I've touched the sky

The earth's gravity has pulled me down

But now I've reconciled that in this world

Birds and Angels get the wings to fly

If you can believe in this heart of mine

If you can give it a try

Then I'll reach inside and find and give you

All the sweetness that I have

At this point in my life

At this point in my life"

I was going to explain why this hit me hard, but I just think that it's too personal. I will just them the lyrics with you and hopefully it may have touched you.

Happy Halloween Everyone!!

We started out our evening by stopping by Albertson's for a little trick or treating while shopping.

Then we got home and Mommy had to have her photo op.

Sadie and her upside down baby pumpkin

Then the trick or treating began. Sadie had to practice with Daddy a couple of times before we headed up the street.

We walked up and down our street. She did really good until right at the end. She was getting tired lugging that big ol' butt around.

Then our traditional pictures with Frankie.

For the record Sadie didn't care for him last year either!!

Hope you all had a great Halloween! We sure did!

Pumpkin Carving, Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown & Pizza

Well Friday night was our Family's Date Night. We had pizza delivered, watched "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" and carved our Pumpkin.

"What Happened to all the guts?"

"You want me to touch what?!"

Playing with the pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin Patch

First let me start off by saying we had a very busy couple of weeks. And sorry for all the pictures. But there were just too many to choose from. Hope you enjoy them.

So we found out that we live literally 5 minutes from this really cute pumpkin patch off of Taft Hwy. So we went down Wednesday night after we got home from work. I'm not going to label all of the pictures. They pretty much tell the story.

I'm just so happy I have a happy daughter and a loving and PATIENT husband.

I do have to tell you I think this is one of the funniest pictures. She was trying REALLY hard to pick up this pumpkin, but the pumpkin won!

Ok another funny story. This gourd Sadie decided she wanted to taste one of the bumps. It was really funny. She didn't mind the taste one bit either.

Steve took the gourd and examined it to make sure there was no real damage.

This is really funny. Sadie and this little boy were "baa"ing at the sheep and the sheep were talking right back to them.

"What the Heck are you doing Dad!"

Trunk or Treating

So we got to attend our first Church activity since we moved to our new house. TRUNK OR TREAT! It's always a favorite of mine. And we got to meet a lot of new people.

Funny though, our little elephant from Fantasia, won the best overall costume of the night!!

YAY! We were so excited and she had absolutely no clue what was going on. All she knew was she got a certificate and got to pick out a special prize.

Mommy as the Mad Hatter and our Ballerina Elephant.

And yes it was a chore to keep her still for ONE picture.

She had a hard time seeing because of the hood, so we ended up just pulling it back and letting her go.

No she hasn't gained that much weight...the bottom and belly were VERY padded.

Decorating for Halloween

We had family night on Sunday this last week and decorated our house for Halloween.

It turned out cute if I do say so myself.

(Frankie did make his appearance but we were using him for the trunk or treat at Church so he is not out yet)

What can you say? She's dang cute!

So I have to put this in. Sadie is very concerned with the tree in our front yard. I don't know why she's so concerned but the only thing I can think of is the tree bark is peeling off.

Daddy got my old wig out of the tubs and tried to scare Sadie. She's not having any of that, even though she was very cautious of him.

Here she is a safe distance away from the strange Daddy.

She was laughing at Steve and the wig here.

Then Steve put the wig on her. She was ok with it, but only for a few seconds.

Here is our attempt to get a posed picture. She has such attitude sometimes. I have no idea where she gets that from...cough Steve cough. haha j/k

Sometimes the unposed are the best.

Night Time view of decorations

Disneyland Fall 2009

Friday I decided to take the day off and hitch a ride with some friends, The Olson's, down to Disneyland. I have never been to Disneyland for the "Halloween Decorations" and since my annual pass we got last December doesn't expire until the 3rd of December I decided to take advantage of the ride and company.

Here is Sadie and I after we just got off the tram from the parking lot. I have to say the ride to Disneyland was a bit of adventure with two toddlers but we all made it. Sadie was ready for a nap when we got there, however there was just too much to see and do.

So here are some of those decorations I mentioned. Isn't it great?

Here we are outside by the Mickey Mouse flowers. They were beautiful with the fall foliage.

This pumpkin is HUGE and in the middle of the square on Main Street.

I thought this was so pretty. They are on every light post.

Here we are on Main Street. I swear Sadie is really happy. She was just ready for nap.

My second adventure of the day was watching both girls while Andy and Gin went on Indiana Jones. They both did really well which to be honest I thought Atley was not going to be very happy, but she did great. Didn't even notice that her parents were gone. haha! sorry Gin.

We had lunch again at the Golden Horseshoe and I was pleased that "Billy Hill and the Hillbillies" were playing when we got there. Andy and Gin hadn't seen them before. And they are always entertaining.

After we ate we hit a few rides for the girls. Here is Sadie in the Dumbo ride. I really don't understand the change in her. She was absolutely terrified. She kept saying "Buckle" and grabbing the seatbelt. (At least she knows what it does right?) As soon as we were moving though she calmed down.

Here is Andy, Gin & Atley. They were in the Dumbo right behind us.

Then it was off to the Carousel Horses. No big deal right? She loves horses and loved it last time. WRONG!!!

Here are the Olson's before we got on the ride.

Here is Sadie and I on the horses. She is not a happy camper. I am hot and sweaty (it was 88 degrees) but I'm crackin' up at my scaried cat daughter who just keeps saying "Buckle, BUCKLE"

See the tears? Someone was definitely ready for a nap.

Her first time on the tea cups. She actually loved it.

Here I am. Yep I'm kickin' it in the shade watching the girls while Andy and Gin went on the Matterhorn. Sadie was OUT! So when Andy and Gin got back they took Atley to the Submarine/Nemo ride after they broke the Matterhorn ride. Come to find out they were a bit of a jinx with the rides that day. Indiana Jones broke after they went on it and they even broke the tram at the end of the day. hahaha

My sleeping beauty

Alright we've made it to the Parade portion of our day. The girls loved it!! And Sadie and I actually danced the conga with the Characters. Sadie was completely beside herself. We danced with Minnie Mouse and Mary Poppins who fell instantly in love with Sadie. (Who wouldn't) I will upload pictures of that later. They are on Gin's camera.

Atley watching the parade.

After the parade we made our way to the Tram. While we were waiting for the "shoppers" Sadie and I rested by the fountain. There was a nice breeze which helped cool us off. Oh and Sadie's eating her popcorn. (She lives off the stuff now)

So on the way home we decided to find a fast food restaurant for dinner. We got off the freeway and were at a light trying to decide which way to go and all of a sudden Sadie shouts "COME ON". It was so funny all three of us couldn't help but bust out laughing. So that's her new thing. Funny thing is she knows when to use it. Who said she wasn't brillant?