New Year

I am so excited to be entering a new year.
2008 was a rough year. Todd and I definately felt more down's than up's. But we also realized the value we have in and for each other. What a great man I am married to. (Yummy too might I add.) Life will go on. This is a new year, hopefully filled with not as many obsticles. More up's than down's. What doesn't kills us makes us stronger, right? Well, we aren't dead, so we must be stronger:) 2009 is going to rock.

Christmas Morning

Christmas is quite the event at our house, like most homes with little ones, the excitment can be overwhelming for the kids and stressful for the parents. This year was no different. Christmas Eve started off with dinner, new jammies or sleep pants for all of us, and Christmas stories. Then off to bed for the kids with wishes for Santa to bring the coolest stuff. At our house, Santa brings one thing and then all of us get something for each other. It doesn't seem like a ton, but with a family of 6 (7 with Val), it seem like the tree was loaded. So here's where the real adventure begins.
Santa Claus made it to the Bates' home. Look at all that loot. Santa spoiled us rotten. He must love us:)
My boys were crazy insane for Nerf guns this year. However they could get them. Spencer got 2 Nerf guns. One is called a long shot which Sara shopped so hard for and the other is a Gatling gun (whatever the heck that means) that Adam found for him. He also got a Nerf Wii game from me, movies from Todd and a ball thingy from Lily. Santa brought him a Didj. (Which is an advanced version of a leapster.) And a game and case to go with it. Santa also brought him a Star Wars DS game and candy in his stocking. He seemed very pleased with his haul. No complaining, only happy smiles and lots of shooting.
I don't know if Spencer thinks this is flattering or annoying but none less, Adam asked for almost the exact same things as Spencer did. He got 2 Nerf guns (same kinds as Spencer) from Sara and Spencer. He also got a Wii game called My Sims Kingdom from me, and a Lego chess set from Todd and Lily got him a marker coloring set thingy. Santa brought him a Didj with a game and a case also, but Santa didn't test it out very well and it will need to be returned to the North Pole for a replacement. He seemed ok with that. He had his guns. He could still fight Spencer. O' and he also got a Lego Batman DS game and yummy candy in his stocking.
I just hope the Elves aren't on vacation yet. I heard they were heading to Fiji for a break.
Miss Lily received a vanity set from Santa. She loved it. Todd got her the cupcake maker. I got her a dolly, Spencer got her a Dora Leapster game, Adam got her a Barbie and Sara got her a hot pink and black dance bag for her dance shoes and costumes. She also got a Barbie Christmas Carol movie which we've only watched once. (What the heck?) And her stocking had a Mommy and big sister that goes with her Doll house from last year and candy. (The Mommy from that doll house had a tradgic accident that somehow involved Adam and some missing arms. Lily just said she died. It was pretty sad. Poor Mommy.Poor Lily.)
Quick funny story. Last year we (or Todd rather) had a hard time getting Spencer to stay in bed. So this year the kids were warned that if they came out of their rooms for any other reason, than to go potty, I would text Santa and ask him to come back get everything that he left my kids. It worked, no peakers. And at the designated time of 6:01 am all the kids were up and ready, although not totally awake yet.
This year Sara was so funny. She was told over and over "No, No, No" when she started to open presents. (Todd even started keeping the tape in the tree. Like a pretty ornament:)
So, when it came time to open the presents she was a little unsure of whether this was allowed or not. She seemed hesitate at first but she quickly caught on and opened the presents with vigor and was even searching for more when hers were all opened up. She got a caterpillar ride on thingy from Santa. Her Daddy got her a Dolly house, I got her a Dolly, Spencer got her a baby (that she loves), Adam got her a Little People camper and Lily got her a clipo table thing. She was in heaven. It was a fun year with her and all the kids for that matter. Val got a
 really cool hair dryer that you can see through, a jacket, a shirt and a gift certificate to get her hair done.

I have to say that I was a Grinch for a while this year. It took me quite a while to 'get into the Spirit', but Christmas morning and all the kids faces will melt even the coldest of hearts and I again started loving Christmas. And I am thankful I have 364 days left to shop for the next one. Happy Holidays everyone.

Thanksgiving Pictures

This year we celebrated two Thanksgiving dinners. The first one, on Thanksgiving Day, was at John and Lacey's house with my side of the family, the other one on Saturday, was at my house with Todd's side of the family. The kids had so much fun hanging out with their cousins and eating pie. Yummo. As you can see, the pie was all over their faces.
Look how precious. John pretends to be tough, but when it comes to his daughter and my girls, well, he's a big teddy bear. His rough, toughness disappears. So Sweet.
Lily and Savanna were bustin' a move as Lily showed Savanna how to do her dance. As you can see, Lily is a cheeseball and loves to show anyone and everyone the dance she is learning in dance class. Savanna caught on quick and together they put on a little 'performance'. It was so stinkin' cute.
O' look at this. Joey is flipping me off. Imagine that. So original. But still he's cute. He really is a handsome kid. It's to bad he's such a huge dork that he can't look at the camera and smile. Maybe someday I'll capture his sweet smile. I'm not betting on it though. Wish me luck, someday I'll catch him unexpectedly. Until then, I'll keep getting these fabulous 'flipping off' pictures. Someday, I keep telling myself, someday he'll stop being a dork and smile.
So both days were filled with lots of yummy food that we are still trying to digest. Two holiday dinners rock!

Thanksgiving

Wow! Another year has flown by. I have so many things that I am thankful for. I try to think of things everyday that I am grateful for, today is a great day to reflect on all the things that I am grateful for. So here I go.

I am blessed everyday to be a Mommy and a wife. I have the most beautiful, smart, wonderful kids. They are the light in the sky, the skip in my step and always a breath of fresh air. They make me smile, jump for joy and fill complete.

My Boys

1.Spencer is the most wonderfully brilliant big man. He is a wonderful brother, friend and son. He is brave, yet wears his heart on his sleeve and totally 'gets' me. He understands when we need him to understand. He's very logical and is always asking questions. I love that this past election season we got to have real conversations about life, politics, religion and the rights of others. I love that when confronted he sticks to his guns and chooses to stand up for what he believes in. I adore him and that beautiful smile of his. I am thankful everyday that he is mine.

2. Adam is the wonderfully quick witted, tenderhearted, little man. He is charming and so funny. He's always had a light in his eyes. He makes me giggle about something everyday. He says some of the most off the wall stuff, funniest things at the most random times. He is absolutely the laughter and entertainment in our family. He also has a huge heart. He has a love for people, his family and his friends. He loves music and has watched videos over cartoons since he was little. He is artsy and creative. I am blessed to be his Mommy.

I am blessed to have these two little men who even though they fight, they absolutely would be lost without the other one.


My Girls

1. Little Miss Lily made a grand entrance. Since birth this beautiful little girl has been the other woman in Todd's life. The look on his face, I knew I had competition. She is beautiful, fun-loving, tender hearted, joyful, and a snugly little Daddy's girl. She is a girly girl through and through. I love that she lets me play with her hair and do her nails. I love that she plays with Barbie and dreams Princess dreams. I love that she loves to dance, her little booty shakin' makes me smile. She's also quite the little singer, right now her favorite song is 'Hot & Cold' by Katy Perry. She's just a joy, and Todd and I have been blessed with the privilege of raising her.

2. Little Miss Sara Rose owns a piece of my heart that could've easily been darkened by the sad events that followed her birth. The loss of my Dad effected me in a way that made me feel desperately lonely. This brand new baby of mine allowed me to bond with her like super glue. She has been an easy, mellow, wonderfully sweet baby. She is incredibly smart and sassy. She takes in everything around her, studies people and seems to know if she can trust them or not. She is warm and beautiful and I adore her. She is my ray of sunshine and she is mine.

3. Valerie. She is not mine but she owns a piece of my heart. Since the first time she hugged me, we have had a bond. She is a beautiful girl with such a big heart. She has a compassion to love everyone around her. She has a conviction for her values. She is smart and strong and I love her so much. I am thankful that she is my sweet niece.

I am thankful to be able to raise these beautiful little girls to be strong, confident, wonderful women.

My Husband

My lover, Todd. My everything. My heart and soul. My slayer of dragons and fixer of things:) I am blessed that I get to be his wife.


My Brothers
My Brothers. I adore all of them. All of them bring a unique quality and purpose to our family. They are so wonderful. I am thankful for each of them.

My Friends
My friends. Wow! What a wonderful group of women are in my life. Arlene, Sala, Keri, Nicolle and all my other friends and blogger buddies. I love you all.

My Extended Family
My extended family is amazing. I adore all of you. You are each special and bring happiness and support into my life.

My Country

I am so grateful to live in this wonderful country we live in. I love being an American, having the freedoms I have, living the life I get to live. I feel privileged to raise my family here. I love our military and the freedom they protect. I love that I get to vote and have a voice.

There are do many other things that I am grateful for, my home, my husband's job, food to eat, vehicles to drive, my utilities, my health and my family's health. And the list goes on and on. I love you all. Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone.

July 4th 2008

 Today was a crazy busy kind of day in the Valley. The 4th of July is always a big event here in our little town. We have a parade, BBQ, and fireworks. The parade is one of my favorite events. One of the things I love about our small town is when there is something 'big' going on, you seriously recognize 90% of everyone around you.
 The parade lasts only about 10 minutes, there isn't much to it, but the kids end up collecting a ton of candy. The were a few floats, horses, and of course the fabulous fire trucks. This year we were treated to 'Smokey the Bear'. He looked like he was going to fall over, plus he was wearing some rocking Wranglers. Arlene and I were cracking up. The rest of the parade consisted of people campaigning. So the kids had a great time at the parade. The rest of the day and evening we went to Arlene's, and had a big
 ol' honkin' BBQ. Full of food and beer! Todd was toasty and o' so happy. He was crackin' me up. When he has some alcohol, he comes out of his shell. He is very charming and full of stories.
 Later that night, some of the kids set off fireworks. I am scared to death of fireworks and enforce the rule that a grown up needs to be present and watching over all fireworks, so my kids didn't get to set off very much until the next night. They didn't seem to mind though. It was a great day. The parade was great, the BBQ was great, and all the company was great. We love the 4th of July!

Grateful Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, as a nation we are supposed to reflect about and honor our Soldiers who have lost their lives in service for our country. These men and women are selfless and are absolutely worthy of a national holiday. Thank you to all service people. Even though I don't support this war, I support you.

On Memorial Day when I was younger, my Nana always made Pat, John, Joey and I go with her to my Mom's, my Grandpa's and my baby cousin Amanda's graves and 'fix them up'. We would clean them up, (she never thought the cemetery workers did a very good job, plus they were "always trying to cut down her tree") and make sure there were fresh flowers on them. The graves always looked great. She would always have a new arrangement to put on each grave and a crap load of others from years gone past. She always made sure everything was just so and wouldn't leave until the graves looked beautiful. This was always something that creeped me out, I don't like cemeteries, I don't believe for one second that's where your loved one is actually at, but I admired her for taking such great care of her loved ones that have passed on. Memorial Days were always a reflection for her. She would remember our loved ones and kind of be 'down in the dumps' all day. She deeply loved everyone that she had lost and wanted to make sure she was still taking care of her loved ones. And now, as an adult, I rarely go to the cemetery, even on holidays such as today. I hate it there, it still creeps me out. But my memories of my Nana and what a wonderful Grandmother she was, will always pop in my mind on Memorial Day. Maybe I will make it to the graves to 'fix them up' someday, who knows.