A Very Happy Easter

As you can see below the kids had a great Easter. I love Shelby's tulip basket, the Easter bunny brought some really great stuff this year.

So how did all the eggs get cracked? That's kind of a funny story that I don't have pictures for. I was in a rush to hide the eggs and didn't see the chicken wire in the lawn, the next thing I knew I was flat on my stomach. My arms and back were killing me for over a week. So, why the chicken wire in the lawn, apparently it keeps the turkeys from eating the freshly seeded areas, who knew? John's Aunt did apologize for the mishap. The lesson I learned: always look where you walk, and remember the easter bunny hops, not runs.

C upcakes Anyone?

This is the time of year that I start planning for the Birthday parties in July. Last year I make ice cream cone cupcakes and they turned out great, but it seemed like I could do better. I couldn't pass up this Giant Cupcake Pan made by Wilton. They retail for around $30, but if you watch sales and have coupons you can get it for around $15.
This was my trial run with the cupcake pan. The cake was great, the decorating less desirable. I'm going to need a little more practice before I can serve one of these.

And this is the ice cream cone molded cupcake pan I found at LakesideCollection.com. This magazine has all kinds of random items for really great prices. These I have to say turned out really good. It was a lot better than having a cupcake shoved into a stale baked cone.

Shelby told me I diod a great job on all the cakes. She's so sweet, or maybe she just wanted some cake :-)

Little Ballerina

Shelby began ballet lessons in March. We started on a trial basis for one month. She loved it so much we are continuing through the summer concert in June. It is always a challenge for her to try something new and it takes a lot of convincing on our part to prepare her. She does make a beautiful little ballerina.

Snow in El Dorado Hills?

This morning we woke up to snow falling and already covering the ground. It snowed here three years ago and ever since Shelby has asked when it will snow at our house again. I remember when I was a kid, snow is sooooooo exciting. I think Shelby feels the same. I will admit our snowman looks a little like a bear. But he's still cute.

Brandon was just a baby the last time it snowed here, so this time he really enjoyed himself.

Happy 8th Anniversary

January 21, 2001 was a day we will never forget. It was the day we began our life together.

I just wanted to say how very much I Love John and how lucky I am that he is my Husband. I cannot believe how fast the last 8 years have past. I know we have many more memories to make and cannot wait to see what the future has in store for us. Thanks making the life we share together amazing.

I will try to post a photo later, I will have to scan some in since we got married before the digital revolution.

100th Day of School

I cannot say how proud I am of Shelby and us. She has just finished her 100th day of Kindergarten and has no absences or tardies. Yeah, Shelby. (Now I'm going to knock on wood so I don't curse us). Shelby was assigned a project for the 100th day. Her assignment was to find a collection of 100 (something all the same) and display it in a unique way, not just in a baggie. John had the idea of using colored cheerios and making a picture. I really didn't want to use a food item so we used buttons. The mascot of the school is the Gator so here we have our 100 button gator. I think it turned out really cute. School projects can be a lot of fun, especially when you get to be creative.

Sorry about the quality of the picture, I just couldn't eliminate the glare.

Christmas 2008

Where should I start, when the kids woke up at 5:30 am, when I burned my thumb, or when I threw away Shelby's Student ID card? I guess I will just start at what I believe is the beginning of the season. This is the "stocking tree" I was fortunate to get from Raley's so long ago. It was used as a display for ornaments and I saved it just as it was going to be thrown in a dumpster. I just love having my stocking tree because I think it is a unique idea. A few years after John and I were married we didn't want to bother with a tree (I know... bah humbug) so we just used this tree. It's a little Charlie Brownish and I'll have it forever. Next, we went to the tree lot and choose this cute 6 foot tree. In the past we have had trees that are nine feet but I opted for a little smaller this year. It was absolutely perfect.

This is my Mom's angel. I begged her for it because she wasn't having a tree this year and I said my tree has never been the same without it. My Grandma made it, so I grew up having this angel on my tree. It really was a nice addition.

Every year since I was born my Mom gave me an ornament that had to do with something I like or was into from that year. I have continued this tradition with Shelby and Brandon and found these adorable Precious Moments ornaments this year. Shelbys is a collector of Cinderella and her Prince.

Brandon's is a cute little boy holding his blanket and sock monkey. I couldn't resist since he says his blankie is his best friend.

Now it is actually Christmas morning and boy did Santa deliver, that guy is amazing. Shelby received her Pink Princess Vanity with her favorite princesses and even got princess perfume.

She was just a little excited Santa gave her a wallet filled with money.

Then we have the five hundred army men. That's right, I said 500, 250 green and 250 tan, with a pump tank and jeap for each side. THIS MEANS WAR.

Brandon is ready for battle. Luckily Santa brought the tote to keep the army men indise of otherwise I would be stepping on them all day and night.

This was an amazing Christmas. I am sorry it took me so long to post about our adventures, but this year I'm trying to have a little more fun.