First Day of 7th Grade

September 2010 - First Day of School! Bernice Ayers Middle School. Second year of Jr. High. Wow, time flies. I remember when Jade started seventh grade in Utah, I know I cried as I walked down the hall with her. I know I felt overwhelmed walking down the hall with Jade - remembering my own horrible experience in Jr High...I was a huge nerd. I didn't cry when Bay started, not sure why. I didn't walk down the hall with her. Maybe I was more prepared with the second child. Maybe I have accepted the fact that my last child is growing up. I am not sure. I love the difference in each of my girls. They are so different and yet so beautiful in their own ways. I am so greatful

for them. As I reflect on Bailey I am so thankful for how happy she makes me. We laugh our heads off most of the time. Sometimes we have drama, but it is over just as quickly and we are laughing. I am wowed by her talents just as I was and still am, wowed by my mom's. I always wished I could sing and be an amazing performer....but lo, I am like the littlest angel, I sing at the top of my lungs and hardly sound like an angel ; ) So, it is as if I hold a link between the generations. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday that I am a mom. No greater gift ever!!!!!!!! I love you Bailey! Keep up the good work!!!

Last Day of Summer!!!!

Riding Bikes on Doheney Boardwalk with Tristene!!

Mom made me wear a helmet : (

Ahhhh!!!!! We almost Crash...wait that was with my cousins ; )

Good Bye Summer Days!!!!!

Thoroughly Modern Millie

September 2010 Bailey starred as Millie, in the Junior version of the Broadway Show "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and her adorable friend Tristene had her first role as Ruth. Set in the 1920's....They had lot's of fun outfits and Bailey had a black wig....she sure looks different!!!!!!! We have the BEST family support! Now that Ashley and boys live nearby they all came. Sunny, Steve and the 4 youngers were visiting, so Sunny and Riley came. Ben and his kids always come. Jessica was visiting - and opted not to bring her 2 yr old twins and 3 month old baby (good choice) - she has opposite of Sunny - though Sunny's are a little older. Nana and Papa came. My poor mom has been sooo sick and still soo sick and just cannot hardly walk, she was sad to miss, and my dad sadly was unable to make it also. The kids were all so quiet. I told them to watch for the "funny" chinamen and the "kissing" scene between Bay and the lead boy. The kids giggled their heads off at that. I couldn't believe how entranced they all were. Sunny had the opportunity to see this on Broadway in New York - I am sure this Jr. version was just as enjoyable and Bailey was just as good as the NYC Millie ; ) right??????

New Beginnings

"You are a Pearl of Great Price"

If you can believe it...the time is upon us...for Bailey to be 12...and be in Young Women's!!!!!!February 3 we put on an amazing New Beginnings Program with the San Clemente 2nd ward to welcome our incoming Beehives for the year. The theme was "You are a Pearl of Great Price." We had an amazing speaker, Julie Dyer, who spoke on this topic. She was one of those speakers that has the ability to make you die laughing, and then a few minutes later have you crying because the spirit is so strong. She was a little "irreverant" so I loved her!!!!! Not your typical returned missionary, seminary teaching, mormon mom. But "she get's it" and she helped the girls to begin "getting it" too!!! Bay reached for my hand during the speaker, and I can't tell you how many moms commented after the program. They said their daughters would NEVER do that in public. I am so grateful Bailey is so full of life and love and not afraid to show it. The speaker also focused on turning to the Lord in your trials and not the world. Bay shared she had felt the spirit strong that night and knew The Lord would always be there for her. I can't thank my Heavenly Father enough for so many wonderful people that are a part of my life and my girls life. What an example this Julie Dyer was. The girls recieved a very unique gift at the end. It was an "actual oyster" that the girls had to pry open with a special plastic knife. Inside the oyster was a pearl. Each pearl was individualized, some more pink, some more white, some even black. They were all so beautiful. Then they had a beautiful silver chain and special charm that held the pearl. It was to remind them that they are each "a Pearl of Great Price". I love being the 2nd counselor in the YW's program - I love my beehives and feel like I am finally "home" in my calling. And most of all I am glad Bailey doesn't care that I am one of her leaders...She is 12 in a few more weeks!!!!!!!My baby is growing up : (

Daddy Daughter Dance

Bailey had a Stake Daddy Daughter Dance for Achievement Days on January 30. She was so

excited for her "date" with her daddy. They taught them some ballroom dances and Adam was such a good daddy. You all know he HATES dancing, but he was a good sport and Bailey came home so happy. Thank heavens for daddy's and daughters : )

Bailey's HS Musical Performance December 2009

Bay performed as Gabrielle in High School Musical. She did it through San Clemente Dance and Performing Arts Center, where she also is on the dance team. She did an awesome job. She had many singing parts and a few duets with "Troy". She took voice lessons and is pretty good. She seems to be following in Grammy's footsteps - she is our little performer and seems to love it.

December 2009 Christmas Baking

Bay, Kenzie and Kayla helped me (Jen) do some baking for the holidays. Kids always make the experience alot more fun. Why???

1. They know how to get every last stitch of batter off of a spoon and out of a bowl
2. They don't care if you mess up on the ingredients
3. They always say the treat looks and tastes incredible - even if it is only mediocre
4. They view their own creations as materpieces even when they are lumpy and misshaped (everything has a silver lining)
5. They make bigger messes and don't even care- coz mom or the aunt will clean it up : )
6. The pans look like they were filled during an earthquake
7. They lick their fingers inbetween everything they do and magically we don't all come down with crazy diseases
8. They scream and shout when the timer goes off - which bugs the dads and papas : )
9. They get the treat all over their face (but so does Jen)
10. I just realized the pictures I am uploading about our great holiday baking...are some measley blueberry muffins...we did make some incredible cookies later on....so i can brag about those (no pics to prove though) : )

Jade Turns 20

We are now officially parents of a 20 year old!!!!! November 27, 2009. We all went to our family's favorite restaurant - BJ's Pizza - nana and papa came along. We had incredible Chicago style pizza and then the best dessert ever - the pazookie- individual cookies baked with a scoop of ice cream on top...sooooo good!! Adam and nanas fav- triple choc, all the rest of us love peanutbutter. Then we saw the best movie ever...Avatar. I am soooo thankful for Jade. I am so glad she came in to my life when she did. I love being a mother- there is nothing better than being a mom. I am so proud of Jade- she is working hard at school and work, she is making her dreams come true, she is building a good career for herself and her future family, she is strong in the gospel and in her testomony of our Saviour. Most of all, she is always learning and growing and striving to be better. That is what I am most proud of her for. Picking herself up, dusting off the dirt and starting again. You have really grown into a beautiful young woman. I love you!!! Daddy loves you and Bailey adores you!!!!