Faith turns 10

One of my absolute favorite pictures of both Paula and Faith. On September 15, Faith turned 10. It has been a long rode for this kid and she is definitely an amazing girl. I took cookies out to Faith's class. She struggles with reading and writing but does great in math. We talk as much as possible going to college and doing something that she will love and would be great at. Of course, we have some time to figure that one out. My goal this year is to spend some quality time with her and help her with her reading and writing. I know she struggles and it's a huge reasons she does not like school. I cannot imagine struggling with those two things and enjoying going into a classroom. This weekend, we spent time working on a homework project, a time line of her life. She looked through her baby book and we both cried. Paula had started a scrapbook for her and while reading it, I remembered how funny that woman was. When I read to Faith, I could hear Paula actually telling the story. I wish she would have been able to get farther in the book but regardless, it is something Faith can treasure forever! After going through the book, looking at pictures, and talking about other events throughout Faith's life we were able to get started on the project and finished it the next day. We also spent time discussing 'girl' things. I cannot believe she is 10 and it is definitely time to start discussing certain things so I know she'll have the right information. On Saturday morning, we enjoyed some shopping and breakfast. We had a great time and she picked out Webkins for her birthday present. I love that girl more than I can explain. After she left my house, she went to Amazing Jake's with her friend Jessie to celebrate her birthday! She was so excited to go.

Happy 10th Birthday Faith!

I LOVE YOU!!!

Morgan is 12

Morgan, 2006, Halloween

I spent the day with Morgan because tomorrow... she will be 12! She spent the night last night and unfortunately, I had to finish a team paper. She went to bed while I finished homework. This morning, I had a quick appointment and headed back home where we watched the movie I got her... Hannah Montana. After, we headed to Red Robin for lunch, then to see the movie All About Steve. Ok- not what I expected and a bit much for her but we still had a good time. She wanted to see a movie; however, there really was not anything out there at this time. We also went to Border's so she could get a book (or 2).


At lunch, we talked about going to college and what she wants to do. She said that she wants to be an author and write books (about horses) and live on a farm. We've been talking about her going to college now for the last few years. She is growing up so quick and before I know it, she'll be scheduling for college courses! I cannot wait to see what she will actually do with her life. She has more of the artistic side to her so writing is something I could see her doing. We talked about a degree in communications so she could do journalism and writing. I can just picture her on a farm somewhere, not too far from home though, with horses and writing books or for magazines. College is a definite; however, her being happy is just as important!


Oh- I also asked if she wanted to get married and have kids. She just kind of shrugged. This is something I do not think she has really thought about. Strange because at that age, I thought I was going to marry Shawn, live on a farm/ranch, and be some sort of cowgirl! Hmmm... almost the same as Morgan. How things change... we'll have to see what happens with her!

Happy 12th Birthday Morgan!

I LOVE YOU!!!

Drugs, fake boobs, death, and good hygiene

The girls came to spend the night this weekend {sorry, I didn't take pictures}. We had a really good time. Faith made me the cutest valentine's and it was the best gift I've ever gotten! I LOVE IT!!! So we got to talking this weekend, I honestly don't remember how the subject came up, but I asked if they had talked about drugs at school. They said yes and Morgan told me all about the officer who came out for the DARE program. Now, this is not the first time we have had this discussion but I pretty much think it is important to continue discussing!
So next, Faith and I were playing skipo, listening to music. When I Grow Up by The Pussycat dolls came on. Well, Faith asked "did they say boobies?". I said yes. She got embarrassed and I told her that sometimes people got fake boobs. She asked if they felt like metal. I laughed! {Morgan was watching some horse racing show about jockeys}.
Finally at bedtime, Faith and I talked about her mom. We cried. I told her about the last time she saw her mom. What she said, what she did. I really believe she struggles with things and I think we had a really good talk. I told her my regret and cried. She's 9 and hopefully she understands that it is ok to miss her mom and to cry about it. I love that kid!
We spent Sunday discussing good hygiene. Faith learned to wash her face and put on deodorant. I harped on Morgan for washing her hair, face, body and I sounded like my mother. I hate that but I just want her to take better care of herself. She got mad at me. Then she forgave me. I decided when they get mad at you, you must be doing something right.
Oh- and finally I took them to see Confessions of a Shopaholic. Too cute and we discussed debt and credit cards! Life is good and we had a great weekend!

Happy belated statehood day (Feb. 14)
Peace~

Carnival of Venice

The Carnival has very old origins. It is a festival that celebrates the passage from winter into spring, a time when seemingly anything is possible, including the illusion where the most humble of classes become the most powerful by wearing masks on their faces. The official start of the Venice Carnival dates back to 1296, when the Senate of the Republic made the Carnival official with an edict declaring the day before Lent a public holiday. After an interruption lasting almost two centuries, the tradition of Carnival was rediscovered by the Municipality in 1980 and since then it has taken place every year with success.

When I was in Italy, I picked up a mask. Tonight, I was showing Faith some picutres and we talked about the mask I bought while I was there. She wanted to see the mask... so here we are:

Funny Faith moment...

This morning I got the windows tinted in the 4runner and we all know you cannot roll down the windows for a few days.... well, I picked up Morgan and Faith and they saw the 4runner for the first time. They approved. {I am still thinking of a name for it}

Anyways... I explained {very well I might add} they were not allowed to breath or touch anything! Also, under no circumstance what so ever... were they allowed to roll down the window {basically told them I'd dump them off on a corner if they did! HA-}. So... about an hour later Faith asks me "uhmmm... Jenn, what do we do if we fart in your truck?".

My first thought is why the heck is she asking me this... but then I realize... most people roll down the window when they fart! This must have been something on her mind for a bit because they'd been with me for at least an hour at this point. This will definitely be one of those blackmail stories for down the road! I need to add... a bit later we are eating and the girl lets out the hugest burp! Was she suppose to be a boy?

Donating, movies, and girl talk

Yesterday I picked up the girls and my mom. We did a little shopping and then delivered a bunch of cereal and other items to the Ronald McDonald house Donate here.

If you are interested in donating there are many different ways you can do this. We did the Inkind Donation and if you click on the link it will take you to the wish list.

We also took in 20lbs of soda pop tabs POP TABS

The girls are becoming vary familiar with what the Ronald McDonald house does for our community and I hope to keep this tradition up for years to come and even add on.

After the Ronald McDonald house, we headed to the movies to see Marley and Me. Now, I figured this would be a fun movie being the girls love animals and I LOVE labs. I knew the ending would be sad but had no clue how it would effect Faith. She just cried and cried. It broke my heart! What the heck did I do to her? Well, after the movie, I dropped Morgan off at home and took Faith for a little drive to talk about why she was so upset. She asked me "why do people put down dogs". She was crying. How the heck am I suppose to answer that??? Well, I figured it out and I think we had a really good talk about death {well as good as you can get when you are discussing death}. I love that kid! It tears me apart when she is sad and I just want to fix it and make everything better for her. We talked about school too and how smart she is. How she likes math and she could become an engineer! She said she wants to travel {this would be why I love her so much!}. As she struggles with reading, I am trying to help her understand that she can do anything she wants to and build her little self esteem right out of this world! We had a really good time together and I need to remember more one on one time with the girls. They both are amazing as usual but they are growing up so quickly. I went as far to discuss scholarships with Morgan for college!

Happy Monday~

Peace!

Merry Christmas

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

Traditions stayed the same for me as I went to Gold Canyon on Christmas Eve night to spend time with the girls. We had a good time. They both got a 2009 calendar (tradition), a singing toothbrush (they were totally excited), and a toy (Morgan a Hannah Montana Barbie and Faith a Fur Real Tiger). Not to mention the Wii at my house including a couple of games they have yet to open! And no, I did not get a new puppy. The one I am holding is up for adoption so if anyone is interested, let me know. She is absolutely adorable... oh how I want to bring her home but I am sticking to my rule of only labs from now on (that's when I am actually ready for a new dog).

Dixie and I

A yummy desert I made {Thanks to Cherrye at My Bella Vita for the recipe! This was a great hit and so easy to make. I even made it again for Christmas day at my aunt and uncle's house}

Morgan {This is one of my favorite pictures of her, she is beautiful!}

Morgan with her Hannah Montana calendar.

Faith opening up her Fur Real... I love the look on her face in this one.

Faith with her calendar of puppy's, kitty's, and bunny's

Morgan, Faith, little Faith, and I {Little Faith is Susie's daughter. She is a doll and wants to spend time with the girls and I... I'm trying to keep it just the girls and I but every once in awhile definitely try to include her. I will always be the aunt who has gum...}

At my mom's house on Christmas morning. I went over to put the mud pie and fruit salad together while my mom finished the hard boiled eggs. She has never carried a purse but recently has been carrying a small bag around that she puts stuff in. I thought it was time for her to have her own official Coach purse. This is a little bigger than what she is used to but I think with time, she'll get use to it. Well, at least I LOVE it {she secretly does too}!

Finally, my fruit salad for Christmas day. Very simple and extremely fabulous!

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
3 medium firm bananas, cut into chunks
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped nuts (I used almond slivers)

{I added strawberries, grapes, apples, and extra pineapple}

In a large bowl, combine the milk and whipped topping until well blended. Fold in pie filling, bananas, pineapple {additional fruit} and nuts.

Have a Happy Weekend!

Christmas Lights

After we finished the tree, we went to look at the Temple lights. We also drove around my neighborhood where there is a cul-de-sac which is always lit up. They have a huge snowman {see picture below}. We picked up pizza and came home. The girls played the Wii and then we watched Elf. Fun night!

Christmas.... Tree

Yesterday morning I set out to find the "perfect" tree. I had to get my mom's truck so the tree didn't have to go on top of my jeep. Then stopping at lots to find the tree {I'm a bit picky!}. I finally made it to A&P nursery, around the corner from my house and spotted the tree. I asked the guy if he would put it in the stand for me and pretty much make it so all I had to do was bring it in the house and decorate it. No problem he said... so I get my tree home and... it is crooked! Like I know how to get a saw out and straighten it up. So... My tree is a bit crooked. I suppose it adds character though. Actually the way it is facing, it is not that bad. Anyways...

Next onto lights. Now, I love a lot of lights and I have never had problems with stringing them. Everyone tells me they are getting artificial trees because the lights are already done and they hate putting lights on the trees... Oh whatever! Well let me tell you.... this year.. I HATED putting lights on! What the heck!!! I think everyone cursed me. For some reason, I started at the top. I usually start at the bottom. The last row of lights... did not work. Now, my lights are old so ok, I'll go get new ones. Which I did. Then, those were not enough. CRAP... I do not want to go back to the store! So I decided to space the lights out a bit... so unwrap the lights and place them farther apart. YAY... it works. I plug them in. The top strand of lights {which remember are probably 12+ years old} well, half the friggin strand works and half does not. Now let me ask you this.... HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? Plus... I plugged them in 30 minutes ago before I put them up there. Now, I am frustrated. So back to Target I go... but when I get there, I decide I don't want to fight the crowd so I turn around and go to Walgreens... who cares if I spend more money. It's the convenience, right? Well... Walgreens has a "buy 1 get 1 free" deal. SCORE!!! I come back home, finishing putting the lights up... and waited for the girls to show up.

I let them help decorate the tree this year. It was fun! {The angel ornament is what I picked up in Venice made of Murano glass... it is one of my favorite ornaments}

Girls church musical

The girls had a Christmas musical at church tonight. Faith has gotten so good at being more sociable. She did not figet or anything tonight... She did so great! She was even Mary {with no lines though}. Morgan had lines throughout the entire program. She was awesome and so animated with her lines. I remember her first church Christmas program back at Gilbert Christian. I think Paula was going to have a heart attack because Morgan was so shy.

{my camera or the lighting in the building did some wacky things to the eyes!}

Color, Cut, Style...

Well I stink because I do not have photos... next weekend I will have some photos to post.

The girls spent the night last night and it has been awhile since the three of us have been together. They are amazing and exactly what I need some times! We had fun just hanging out. Last night they played and watched a movie while I struggled over homework. Faith kept asking if I was done yet. She also said she is going to go to college after high school so she does not have to go to school online like I do! HA- little does she know she will probably go to school online because it will be the way most will eventually go to school. We talk about the importance of getting a college degree all the time so I think they understand they'll be going to college! I am not sure what was up with Faith but she kept asking me how much everything in my house cost. She was making me laugh. She would not go to sleep until I went to bed last night, she usually doesn't. However, Morgan climbed into bed around 11. Faith and I headed off around midnight.
We woke up this morning and headed to see Audrey to get our hair cut. Faith still has the same cut with bangs, just above her shoulders now and Morgan changed her to the same cut. I am trying to convince Morgan to start styling her hair in the mornings. So when we got home today I handed her the flat iron and showed her how to use it. We tried it on Faith's hair and then Morgan did her own. I even had Faith try it. I think (and hope) they'll start using the flat iron on their hair now that they know how easy it is to use! Now some of you may not understand but this is great news because they never do anything to their hair. Since Susie has come along though, she does do stuff with their hair but in the mornings for work she leaves too early so obviously the girls need to learn to do their own hair. Anyways, I am excited!
After our hair (I had color and a cut... normal color it is now) we ran a few errands and the girls are going to help me organize the second bedroom so I can eventaully put a bed in there. I need to get rid of my corner desk and once my friend Nicole finds a new house, she'll be taking it away! It feels good to start getting rid of stuff I do not use or need.
That was our weekend! Relaxing... Hair... Fun!

Faith's day

So today I took Faith for her birthday gift! Yes, I know, I'm almost 2 months late. For the girls birthday's this year I did not get them a present (wait... yes I did! They each got to pick something out at the store... Morgan got the Miley Cirus CD and Faith got a webkin). We also went to dinner to celebrate their birthdays and as you know, I got Morgan tickets to see the Jonas Brothers (even though they only sang about 4 songs). Faith is a bit harder to find things for that are a bit "special" she is still pretty much only into dogs and cats. Morgan suggested me taking Faith to a dog show! Serious!!! There is no way I would sit though a dog show sooo I had to figure something out and that I did.
We went to Red Robin for lunch then over to As You Wish to paint. Faith painted a dog... After, we stopped at cold stone creamy and had ice cream to celebrate her birthday. From there, we went to borders were she spent her gift certificate that my mom got her. She got a few books, even picked out chapter books! I am really proud of her because it seems her reading is improving! GO GLASSES!!!
I totally did not get any pictures! Sorry about that but the girls are spending the night on Friday night and then we are headed to get our hair done (my colored and cut, their's just a cut) so I'll try and take some pictures then.
Ok- it is time to get some sleep. Tomorrow is Monday... ick!
peace~

Kristi Yamaguchi Friends and Family

So on October 12, I took Morgan to see Kristi Yamaguchi and friends. This was her birthday gift. We had incredible seats but I think the best highlight of the night was the Jonas Brothers! Yes, Morgan's first taste of a "concert". Apparently there was some girl there by the name of Demi Lovato. Morgan got so excited! {does anyone else know who this is?} Jordan Pruitt also performed {another person I did not know}. My favorite was watching the ice skating, not sure how much Morgan was in to that!

We had such a blast! This was another one of those great "mom" moments that I am blessed to be a part of. Don't get me wrong, I wish more than ever Paula was here to share these moments with the girls... and I know if she was still here, she would be. Just to see the look on Morgan's face for the couple of hours we were there was priceless and worth every moment of the screaming teenage girls. The other moment was when she threw her arms around me and said she loved me and thanked me! Seriously, does life get any better than that?

the show airs tomorrow {Saturday, November 8} on NBC {channel 12} from 4-6 pm EST {that would be 2-4 AZ time}.

It is airing the actual performance we saw and yes, I will be recording it!

Now for the sad part... I had read on the website that we were not allowed to bring cameras. Not wanting to risk the chance of this being an issue, I left my camera behind therefore having only my cell to take pictures with. {sorry for the poor quality}

The photo below is of the Jonas Brothers {this is the one that turned out the best}. I also tried to get a good shot of Morgan getting into them singing. Below is one of her clapping. She even screamed at one point! Too cute!!!

P.S. This daily posting is actually fun... it is a good way for me to journal and one day I will be very thankful! Thanks for reading...

Being positive

Being that my last few posts have seemed so negative, thought I would throw some positive stuff out there!

So what is positive? Last night I was talking with Faith on the phone. Little quick backgroud: Before I left for Italy I told her I would take her out for an afternoon to celebrate her birthday (yes, I am late but we have all been busy). Anwyas... I told her we needed to do that soon as in this weekend and she agreed. She wants to bring little Faith (the soon to be step sister and yes, they are both named Faith!) so I told her that was fine (little Faith is 6 and I think they both need other nicknames besides big Faith and little Faith!) ANYWAYS.... We'll be headed out to lunch, As You Wish, and Borders on Sunday in celebration of her birthday. So you are wondering what the positive part is? Grab your kleenex because it was quite tender. When I hung up the phone I told her I loved her. Now, I always do this and usually get a reply back but it is more a jumbled "love you too". Last night though, it was a full "I Love You too". That people is worth everything! I just had to share because I honestly love those girls as if they were my own and would do anything in the world for them (I know you all know this!). They are incredible girls and pretty much, my mission is to make sure they grow up to live healthy, balanced, successful lives. I am so looking forward to this weekend!

For those of you wondering about Morgan... I took her to the Kristi Yamaguchi/Jonas Brothers family night a few weeks ago (will post pic's and an update soon). That was her birthday present. I think it is cute Faith asked me if little Faith could go. I am really glad they get along. Of course Morgan being the "big" sister... well, we know how that is. I am glad we get our own time together, I think it really is beneficial for Morgan to get away on her own and Faith too (if she wants). Of course I love having them both together.

Have a Happy Thursday!

Happy Birthday Faith!

Faith turns 9 on the 15th.

I love this kid. I remember when she didn't like me {she was 1}. She clung to Paula and wouldn't go to anyone else. The more I was around though... the more she warmed up to me. To the point when I volunteered in her class at church {with Paula} and then Paula bailed on being with the kiddos and I was still there... Faith would sit on my lap the ENTIRE time. She wouldn't go to anyone else. Since then... we bonded. So many stories of this child who is growing up!

Once again, I wish that Paula was here to enjoy these moments with her girls. She would be so proud of Faith. She is a sweet, caring, and loving girl and I am so proud to be a part of her life!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH!

Happy Birthday Morgan

Morgan turned 11 today!

I remember the first time Paula and I scrapbooked together at a late nighter. Morgan was probably about 2 years old. Every single picture Paula picked up was of Morgan. She was crazy insane over Morgan {what mother isn't crazy about her adorable blonde haired, blue eyed daughter?}. Seriously though.... I was going to have to listen to this all night???

What a long way I have come since that night though. Now I am the one showing pictures of Morgan, telling stories about her and totally crazy about that blonde haired, blue eyed kid! How I wish Paula was the one doing it though... she would be so much better than me! And... I might add, so proud of her loving, caring, beautiful daughter.





Happy Birthday Morgan!

Dentist

Remember the days of being young and going to the dentist? Unsure what that man was going to do to you? Oh, I do! I did not like the dentist. I remember when I was about 12 or so I had to go for a cavity and I was terrified. My dentist was not the oh so friendly kid dentist and he prescribed me valium. I remember when I was done and my mom was paying that I reached for the door, missed, and almost passed out. My mom came running for me! {PS. my mother is a Saint!} Yep, I remember that day well... I still don't really care for the dentist!

So why the dentist story? Well, today the girls had a dentist appt with a man who sings to them. They really like him. Morgan went to the dentist years ago and had a bad experience... and let's just keep it at I finally took them to the dentist last May. Needless to say after all these years, Morgan has some cavities and Faith needed her 6 yr molar's sealed and some teeth pulled. So today was the day! Back to the dentist we went.

Now, I had it set up for Faith to have a little bit of valium {I'm wondering if it's bad I was jealous she had some!}. Morgan was going first and Faith would have the "fun" med so it would take effect before she got in the chair. Morgan did great! She went back on her own and came out fine. While she was with the dentist, he found 2 baby teeth to pull out so he did. (eww at gauze). Faith was in the waiting room with me slowly having the valium take effect. We went back to the dentist chair where I stayed. Faith did great! The valium helped, not to mention the laughing gas, and "sleeping medicine" (shots).

Faith is completely done with the work on her teeth. Morgan has to go back to have a couple more cavities filled. But I sure felt for them, especially Faith because I remember my fear of the dentist. We went to Border's after, got books, had lunch (and ice cream). All in all, it was a good day. The girls are doing much better.

Happy dentist Tuesday

Susan G. Komen walk

So today I told the girls the Susan G. Komen walk was coming up... {Oct 12 if anyone is interested}



their reply was "YAY"



We have walked every year since Paula passed away and every year, the girls are not too thrilled to walk 3.1 miles (Morgan enjoyed it last year!). I think they are getting it!



Just thought I'd share!



These pictures are from the walk in 06 {see how much Faith enjoys this event}. I didn't take many pictures last year and apparently do not have any from 04 or 05. I suppose that means I need to start taking more pictures!

1st Diamondbacks game (for the girls)

So I had the girls 4th of July weekend. On Sat. we went bowling (see post below) and on Sunday, I took them to their first Diamondbacks game. I'm not sure how much they enjoyed it. They would be bored, then they would get into the chants. I think all in all they had a good time. Apparently, every Sunday is kids day so when we walked through the gates, the girls received a free t-shirt! I love the 3rd photo where they both looked thrilled!

Bowling

I took the girls bowling a couple of weekends ago. We had a blast! They both did really good {even getting a strike or 2}. Of course we had the bumpers and amazing how crappy I still bowled! Here are a few pics.