Misc. Monday: Dinnertime

Dan wanted you to see what it (sometimes) looks like around here when I am making dinner.

Wee-One Wednesday: Our Baby

Time is going so fast! I can't believe Iris is almost nine months old. She crawls all over the place, squawks loudly, pulls herself to stand, and bulldozes through Lilly games. She is still one of the happiest little babies you will ever meet. You just have to make eye contact and you will get the biggest smile. She makes "mama" and "dada" sounds, and has an awesome laugh that comes straight out of her belly!

Sew Crafty Sat: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Here are a few crafty things I've done to get ready for Christmas. I'm most excited about the advent pockets. It was hard for Lilly to understand that we only open one a day! She is really excited to celebrate Jesus' birthday this year.

Wee-Ones Wednesday: First Tree

We took Iris to get her first Christmas tree. Lilly was just weeks old on her first Christmas, so we never had to deal with a crawler (or a baby who pulls herself up to stand) and a tree at the same time. So this year, we decided to get a small fake tree that could be placed on top of the coffee table. Lilly was very excited to help decorate it this year and I tried my best not to move any of her ornaments. My favorite was when I came home from work the next day to find Iris' teether toy placed carefully onto the tree. Ahh, memories.

Misc. Monday: P.S.

I took the girls to see Santa today. Lilly was coloring as we were getting ready to go and told me she wanted to take her picture to Santa. She held on to it the entire ride in the car, made sure it didn't get wrinkled in the stroller, and held it while we waited in line. When it was our turn, she couldn't wait to give it to him. Santa was very grateful and even put it up on his desk. He was a great Santa because he seemed genuinely pleased. When he thanked her, she promptly replied, "You're welcome." When he asked her what she wanted for Christmas, she said, "Slippers, so I don't slip on the floor." (She refuses to wear socks in the house because of running and slipping). It was really sweet. There was an older boy in line who wrote him a list of things he wanted, and our little girl brought him a picture. As we were leaving, she said, "I love you, Santa!" I was so proud!

Misc. Monday: December 1

Shhh...Dan and I didn't go to work on Lilly's birthday, so we could take her to Disneyland. We were planning on taking her sister too, but Grammy offered to keep Iris. We thought that was a nice idea because we knew Lilly would feel pretty special going out with both her parents. We got passes for this next year. She really loves Disneyland, and we live so close that it is easy to go for a few hours and come back home. Her birthday really was the perfect day. She was so proud of the birthday pin they gave her, and all day long we heard, "Happy Birthday, Lilly!" There were no lines and towards the end of the day, on our 3rd time on It's A Small World, she grabbed our hands, then arms, and proceeded to get up on her knees to kiss our cheeks. Yeah, I choked up. It was a pretty priceless moment.

Misc. Monday: Gobble Gobble

Did I tell you that in the midst of Lilly's birthday and Sophia's birth, I made my first turkey? It was pretty yummy if I do say so myself!

Sew Crafty Saturday: Party Part II

I wanted to share some of the crafty details we did for Lilly's dance party. I made the girls' tutus and sewed the streamers together to make them ruffly. We took everything out of the hutch and off of the shelves in order to display some of Dan's albums (the cutest covers, of course)! and set out different musical instruments. He picked all the songs and the guys practiced once a week for 3 weeks! My mom made the super, cute star cake and decorated it with little stars and guitars. Lilly even had guitar barrettes in her hair. I made little food labels, used cookie cutter stars for sandwiches, and used guitar scrapbook paper to make some signs. We prepped paper plate tambourines, bought kazoos, blow up guitars, and little instruments from oriental trading company. Dan took Lilly on their annual trip to Build-A-Bear, and this year she chose a Hello Kitty who was also incorporated into the party. We had so much fun planning this special day; hmn... only 4 months till March!

Wee-One Wednesday: Now I'm Three!

There are about 200 pics of Lilly's party because it was amazing! It could not have gone better. I will have to blog it for a week! Everyone danced and ate and laughed. Lilly was sooo happy. Dan and the band were awesome. Thank you, Bobby & Rich for being a huge part of her special day. Brian, you were a super cool Father Goose! The dancing started with a knock at the door and Father Goose asking where the pants party was at. Lilly had to tell him, "NO, it's a dance party!" Grandma made her a yummy, star cake. Auntie NeaNee and Uncle Mike found her adorable her birthday shirt. Everyone participated and you could really feel the love in the room. At dinner that night, I asked her what her favorite part of her party was and she said, "The friends." I am so proud that people and relationships are more important that presents. What a big girl she is becoming! Happy Birthday, My Lilly! xoxo, mom

Wee-One Wednesday: Sophia Michelle Persi

We are very happy to introduce our new niece and cousin, Sophia Michelle Persi ! Born around 4am this morning, 20 inches, 7 pounds & 9 ounces. Mother and baby are doing great! What a wonderful gift to be thankful for. Have a happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Sew Crafty Saturday: Three

Part One: I can not believe Lilly is almost three. She is no longer a baby. I am constantly surprised by the little details of her life that I do not remember. It all goes by so fast, and I definitely feel like I am just along for the ride. I thank God for entrusting me with these little lives. It is such a responsibility!

Part Two:Birthday party preparation is under way over here for her big dance party. She is very excited. I don't know if you know this, but we dance almost every night before dinner. Dan, Rich, and Bobby have been working hard on the set list. Lilly planned the menu of all her favorite foods (Hope everyone likes pickles)! and I have been working on the decorations and outfits. Here is a new birthday wreath I made for the front door. I really like it, and can reuse it because I used clothespins to attach the Birthday person's name. Aren't I clever? Ha!

Wee-One Wednesday: Lilly to the Rescue

"Mama, Come here! Iris is stuck! Come quick, Mama!"

Misc. Monday: Wood King

I think I have mentioned that long ago Dan had an apprenticeship with a wood worker. He learned a lot and really enjoyed it. Here is his latest installment. Lilly loves it, and her mommy is very impressed. Thank you, Daddy!!!

Wee-One Wednesday: Toothy Grin

Can you see my 2 little friends?

Misc. Monday: First Playdate

The ladies and I had the wonderful opportunity to babysit Reese while Heather helped out in Maddie's Kindergarten class. All the two babies wanted to do was touch each other's heads, and Lilly couldn't believe Reese was crawling and kept saying, "Baby Iris can't crawl." I told Lilly to stop rubbing it in her sister's face! Heather and Maddie brought over lunch when they came to pick up Reese, and the two bigger girls played for a bit, while us Mommies got a chance to talk. Such a fun day!

Sew Crafty Saturday: Boo-tiful

I found this adorable outfit in the Chasing Fireflies catalogue for $55. Let's just say it was the "inspiration" for Iris' Halloween outfit which was closer to $20, and I think just as cute! The onsie is from baby Gap, the leg warmers are by Babylegs, and I made the headband and the crinoline apron skirt myself.

Wee-One Wednesday: Pumpkin Patch

Well, it was a hot one this year, and of course I dressed the girls in all black. We decided to go to Cal Poly Pomona. They only do it for one weekend, and I think everyone in So. California was there! Everyone was nice. The prices were great and we had a lot of fun. Lilly didn't want to pose for pictures. She was much happier to run free. Who wouldn't be, right?

Mis. Monday: Frightfully Cute

We hope you had a fun Halloween! Friday, we carved pumpkins with my mom and the Givens Fam. Saturday, all of the grandparents came to see the girls, and Auntie Nea Nee made a surprise appearance. We trick or treated around our street with Grammy, Bobby and Amy, and finished the night off with the Garcia Family. There are over 300 pictures of the night on my camera (Whoops!), needless to say, here are just a few!