Yummy Habits are Hard to Break

I recently gave coffee and espresso up for green tea. It hasn't been easy. I have had a couple of "Tall" indiscretions. BUT, in one week without my daily 2 cups, I have lost 3 pounds, and can cinch my belt down an extra hole. Whew. With that little incentive, I can keep this up.

So Helpful

Carleigh wouldn't eat for me this morning, so Autumn decided to step up to the plate while I was clearing our breakfast things. I have to say, Carleigh did much better for her.

Can you say "Neener, neener"?

Locked Out

Sissy no longer wants her in her room with her. Poor CarCar. Locked out.

Amanda's Senior Portraits

Stacey and I had a fun session in Oceanside with Amanda and her mom. What a beautiful girl.

A much needed distraction..

After Autumn had her eye appointment yesterday we were all a little down in the dumps. Another surgery is not what we wanted to hear. We had some dinner at the new Seau's in Temecula, and then saw a kid's hair cut shop and wandered over. Boy, we were pleasantly surprised!!

First, they popped her into a Barbie Jeep, and put on a Cinderella sequel and then proceeded to chop away. She didn't even notice...

After, they styled her with a cute little flip, some glitter and a nice clip. Then they took her to another room where the polished her nails, dark blue with glitter (of course), with some fun kid rock.

She loved every second! They had a whole room for dressup and make up, designated for birthday parties. Autumn has already decided this is what she is doing for her birthday next year. Do you know any little girls that want to join us?

Western Center Trip

This week, my buddy, Colby celebrated his 5th birthday. We planned to take him to Earth Oceans, but the movie didn't start until two, and since we had Grammy with us we decided to take an even better field trip. I read about the Western Center, in Hemet. They have a Mastadon display, that I knew Colbs would love.

Aren't these the two cutest five year olds ever?

It was such a 'hands on' place, the kids had a chance to sort recyclables, use a stationery bike, and build with blocks in an attempt to follow patterns

The best part was definitely the HUGE Mastadon and Sloth they had on display

The kids thought this computer program was pretty neat

And, even had the opportunity to do a simulated dig

This was the Sloth. Yikes, he was scary

And, Max the Mastadon, he is the biggest they've found

This is really cool. They found 'Little Stevie', mapped out his exact placement, and used his fossils to create this dig site. That is how they found him, and those are his bones, under glass

And, of course we stopped by the gift shop and bought my two favorite five year olds a special treat

Happy Birthday Colby!! We love you.

Neurology Appointment

We took Autumn for her first Neurology appointment this week. In case you are unaware of what we have been facing, Autumn has been having episodes of dazing out that last a couple of seconds. During these episodes she pauses and stares. I would love to think they are daydreaming, and although that is still a possibility we (her parents, and then neurologist) are leaning toward the fact that she may be having Absence Seizures. They mimic daydreaming, except that the person will only be partially conscious. If we say her name, or clap she does not respond until the spell breaks. Another symptom is the awkwardness of her movements. Often times we notice that she moves with a stiffness, apparently, thats a sign of having just had a seizure. The doctor said he would be very surprised if this is not the case. If he could have gotten her to seize in the office, from hyperventilating, he would have given a prescription immediately. Unfortunately, she got very frustrated with the method and wouldn't participate, so we are going to take her for an EEG on June 3rd. I am trying to get that moved up, and will update if we get in somewhere. If no issues are found on the first EEG he will send her for a 24 hour EEG, because this seems like a high possibility for her. Right now, I don't know what to think. On one hand I just need answers for the problems she is having. On the other hand, who would ever wish their child to have disorder in their brain? Not me. So, this is hard, and the mystery is not solved yet. We can use all the prayers you can muster, just keep my girl in your thoughts. Thanks for all the support and understanding.

Mmm.. lunch!

The Wild Animal Park was offering seasoned meal worms. You know my husband had to have one. And, if Daddy has one, Auty needs one too. Well, she needed to at least hold it. Shawn ate it, only he dropped it first. As if a meal worm isn't bad enough, then you drag it through the filthy sidewalk too. Nice.

Crazy Hair Day

Was a hit!!!

(This is the only picture with most of the kids)

Compare!!

Autumn just turned 5, and Carleigh is about to be 10 months old. What better time to compare them at 10 months?

Still think they are twins?

An evening in Oceanside

We went out to Oceanside on Tuesday evening for a picnic dinner and some sand castle building. What a beautiful evening it was. The water was in quite a ways, but it was nice and sunny, and of course Autumn was dressed for the occasion in her rain boots.

Look at my fancy castle, I think I am a pro

The girls loved walking in the water with Daddy, and Autumn had a chance to see how the boots hold up in deep water

and, even with my point and shoot, there was some magic to be had. Look at my beautiful little family.

We are definitely going to be doing more of this as the warmer season approaches.

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

The Cousins

Aren't they cute?

Happy Birthday To My Sweet Girl

My sweet girl was born five years ago. The time has flown. She has moved twice, been through almost two years of preschool, had a surgery, been given an amazing little sister (to whom she is THE BEST big sister), and done many other big things. I can't believe that we are already at the year when Autumn starts kindergarten. It seems like just yesterday I was in the hospital, holding this huge baby, that I wasn't sure I wanted to take home. It didn't take long to bond with the little one who gazed into your eyes, and made so many profound expressions. She has always been my kind, sweet babygirl.

Now she is my big five year old girl. Guess I can't call this beauty a baby anymore, can I?

We celebrated her big day at Disneyland, a tradition we started when she was just two. She had a blast, mostly thanks to her Papa and Grammy who made the day so special.

Here's to another wonderful year with a beautiful, delightful daughter.

Happy Birthday Autumn Chayse!

We saw the butterflies!!!

What an amazing thing to take your children to! It was wonderous.

More pictures to come after our busy weekend at Disneyland.

Princess Autumn

Has the best Grammy ever, she makes her the most amazing dresses. Autumn would spend every day, and night in these dresses. Thanks Grammy.

How To

How to keep a busy child contained:

And, she did it herself. I will be using this..

She thinks she can stand

She is so proud of herself

Once she gets upright she forces my hand away and then goes caput.. Its hilarious. My strongwilled child.

Sweet Moment

I love these tender moments.

So gross..

Doesn't he know he could get frozen like that?!

Mama had the pleasure of photographing a very fun family for our Haiti Day.