Wyoming

James, Jocelynn and I drove up to Wyoming with my parents. I was sick the way up so that wasn't too fun but Jocelynn was such a good girl so I was grateful. It was in the 20s in Wyoming. So cold. Jocelynn had such a great time playing with her cousins. Many days I wouldn't hear from her for hours. It was nice.

Here she is in her Christmas dress before church.

Jaeger and Jocelynn are about 6 months apart. They play so well together and many times I would hear them in the room laughing together. They love each other.

Jocelynn also loves Jordyn. She played with her a lot and I had to take this picture when I saw them hanging out together.

We went sledding on Monday and that was so much fun. Jocelynn loved the snow but I think she liked throwing it in the air the best.

My mom got the kids some tubes and it was so fun.

Jocelynn making a snow angel. We had a great time in Wyoming and can't wait to return.

Masters in Business Administration at CBU

James started the Masters program at Cal Baptist University May of 2008. He graduated Dec 18. We are so proud of him. Hasn't been easy but he did it. It's amazing how much Jocelynn has grown in a year and a half. He is so happy he completed it when she was so young and so am I. I remember when James started at RCC 8 years ago. We also took classes together. It's been a long road but I'm grateful we have the same long term goals. It may take us awhile to get there but eventually we will and it'll be amazing to look back together at where we came from!

Jocelynn was such a good girl during the ceremony. My grandma also came.

My mom and dad.

My brother in law and James good friend, Keven.

We celebrated at Woodranch BBQ for dinner. It was a wonderful day. I got James a nice Bulova watch for graduation. He loved it.

Pregnant

I'm 9 weeks pregnant. Our due date is July 29th. I found out I was pregnant on a Thursday and decided to wait to tell James on Saturday when we were going to the temple as a family. We've been wanting to take Jocelynn and what better way to announce our family is expanding.

Friday we went to James work and went out to lunch. On the way back Jocelynn said "Daddy, mommy has a baby in her tummy." It caught James off guard and because my friend Melinda had a baby the day before, he said "you mean Melinda?" She said "No mommy!" I thought, thank you Jocelynn! :) We played it off.

So the next day it was a beautiful day. We put a blanket out and Jocelynn asked Dad to read her a story. He didn't read the title and just opened the book. As he continued to read he caught on. He did say he knew something was up after Jocelynn made the announcement the previous day. The book that Jocelynn is holding was the book James opened when I found out I was pregnant with Jocelynn. So I thought it would be perfect for him to open the next book. It was a great day. Grandma and Grandpa Kirk were at the temple putting up Christmas lights so we shared the news with them also. We are very excited. Jocelynn will be such a great sister!

Random Acts of Kindness - Thanks Liz!

My friend Liz posts random acts of kindness on her blog that she notices people do. I had one to share so thought I would start doing this also. Last week I went and got Jocelynn's haircut. I had no idea it was cash only. Her hair was cut, and Jocelynn was getting hungry. I had no cash on me and the lady was so kind. She said don't worry about it. Pay me when you can. I thought that was so kind of her. She could have made it a lot more difficult for me. I went right to the grocery store and came right back. I was so grateful for her random act of kindness!

"I Am a Child of God"

Jocelynn has always loved to sing. The first time she started singing was around 10 months old to "Baby Signing Time." She just learned "I Am a child of God" and loves to sing it. We love to hear her high pitch. Here are the words to the song

"I am a child of God and he has sent me here.

Has given me an earthly home, with parents kind and dear.

Lead me, Guide me, walk beside me. Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do, to live with him someday!"

Balboa Fun Zone

Last year we went with Jessica and Keven to Balboa Zone.

Saturday we went with my mom and dad. It was a beautiful day and so much fun. Jocelynn loved it. We even ran into our neighbors in Ontario from 20 years ago. We can't wait to go back. I love Balboa.

We stopped for ice cream. I got a Balboa Bar. Yum. Jocelynn took over the driver seat.

We went to lunch at "Burger Basket" It was so good. Thanks for coming mom and dad!

Happy Halloween!

My cute nephew Nathan!

So Jocelynn was a cupcake this year. I saw this picture on Etsy and someone was selling it for $120. I thought "I could make that!" I was so proud of myself and it was a ton of fun. Jocelynn loves cupcakes so I thought she would love her costume. When I brought it out she would not take it off, she loved it. Thursday evening was Trunk or Treat at the church, all the attention and chaos was too much for her. SHe wanted to take it off. I thought No!! The next day we went to my mom's work and she was not thrilled to put it on again. But . . . she saw her cousins in their costumes on Halloween and was wearing hers everywhere. I was pumped. She wore it the whole time trick or treating and looked super cute!

Here's the backside.

Aiden - Spiderman

Tyler - Buzz Light Year (He's taken off in the picture)

Jocelynn - cupcake (candy bag to match)

The total to make this cost me $10 with extra fabric left over. $120???? I hope no one bought it.

Like mother . . .like daughter

We got Jocelynn a soccer ball. She was making her mom proud :) Look at those dribbling skills . . she's a natural.

Staying Busy!

This is just a little bit of what we've been up to. We went to the children's museum again with Angela and her daughter Olivia. My friend Winter and her son Cash were also there. Olivia loved dressing up. She kept trying to get Jocelynn to dress up and finally she gave him. Livy was very happy!

My mom got me a book of activities to do with Jocelynn. Like most toddlers, she gets bored and needs constant stimulation. I'm curious to see what other toddlers are like but Jocelynn gets bored easy. This activity was so fun. I really enjoyed it :) We cut the bottom of the water bottle, attached a washcloth with a rubber band, and put dish soap in a pie tin. She blew in the pie tin and as she stood up it went up with her. She ended up rubbing the bubbles all over herself.

This is baby Gabrielle. Jocelynn loves to visit her and we are so excited to be a part of her life and to watch her grow!

We go to the park often. She loves to run around.

Jewelyn Cid Okamoto Aug. 28 1973-Sept 27 2009

Sept 27, 2009 my friend's wife passed away from giving birth. I didn't find out of her passing until Tuesday Oct. 6th.

Sunday Oct 4th I gave a lesson on Charity. I prepared all week for this talk. I believe when we are asked to give talks or have callings in church they are to help us grow as individuals. Teaching this topic truly prepared me and helped me grow. Charity is the "pure love of Christ." It's kind, compassionate, service, love, forgiveness, etc. Teaching this made me want to make more of an effort to reach out to others. . . to reach out to Phil and his new baby girl Gabrielle.

Phil was my friend at Ontario High School. Before they were married he would often talk about her. Phil is such a kind, humble man and his wife is the same. They just have this sweet spirit about them.

I met Gabrielle Emi Okamoto today. I've made a commitment to be in this child's life! She reminds me a lot of Jocelynn when she was a newborn (lots of hair) and a cute Filipina nose. I don't know why this happened but I do know that I have a testimony that families can be together forever. I have a testimony that our Savior lived and died for us that we can have eternal life. This life on earth is so short and there is so much sadness and heartache. Let's all continue to make an effort to reach out to those we know and don't know. We are brothers and sisters on a journey called life. Let's comfort one another and lift each other up! Please pray for Phil and his daughter Gabrielle. Here's a touching song that someone wrote to Phil about Gabrielle. The site below has a place for donations if anyone is interested.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-f9S7lAks4

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gabrielleokamoto

You Tube

Does anyone know how to post a YouTube video on here? Thanks!

Children's Museum

My sister in law, Rachel told me about the Children's Museum in Chino. It's only $3 and adults free. Jocelynn loved it and can't wait to return. The buckets behind her are legos. She would build on the table or wall. There was also a little computer in the corner.

This room had Police motorcycle and fire truck.

Her and Cash playing at the table with all the food.

Tons of food to go shopping! There were also puppets for a puppet show and a space room.

Pumpkin Patch 2009

We went to the Pumpkin Patch this year with the Giles and Salos. We had a lot of fun. It gets me so excited for the holidays! I love pumpkins!

Jocelynn loved the animals.

Goats crack me up because they are so annoying! They just go right up to you and try to eat everything on you.

We rode the tractor at the end of the night and that was fun!