Playdate with Janelle and Cousins Sleeping over

 I've known Janelle since I was 12 years old. She really helped me come out of my shell. She was always a great friend that could make me laugh. She has a little boy now and lives in Upland. We went to go visit. We walked to a park and had some awesome trees. The kids loved to climb.

 Some of the cousins came over and they spent the night because there was no school the next morning. They played some games, and watched a movie. In the morning, we played a game of hide and seek and the kids played. I love creating these opportunities for them to become closer. Family will always be there. 

Carter loves wrestling with Uncle Jason.

 Playing some games.

 They all slept downstairs and did really well.

 The next morning they played and played and played. It really went by fast and I think they all had a great time.

Valentine's Day

 I love the holidays. It's so fun for the kids. I keep all the decorations every year and just get a couple things for them. It really doesn't take much and they love it.

 A little Valentine for them to wake up to. Jocelynn asked me if I was going to put the hearts on the floor. I guess she remembered from last year.

 Grandma and Grandpa left them a bucket of candy. Carter was very excited!

Jocelynn was excited for her Valentines party.

 Daddy left us surprises in the car. He got Carter a Pez candy, Jocelynn a necklace and me a Brighton necklace and Bracelet and sweet card. It was so sweet.

 I was able to go to the class party and it was fun to see her interact with her friends. 

They played a game and had to find their match.

 Yummy ice cream sundaes!

 That evening Daddy met us at Disneyland. We went to California Adventure. It was later then we planned so we decided to stay for the Water show. The kids loved it, especially Jocelynn. We want to go again so we can get closer. 

 We were going to take a picture but then Jocelynn was so excited to see the Little Mermaid up above.

 We had a great Valentine's Day!

Black Tie Party

James called me during the day and said he was asked to attend a Black tie party at the Beverly Wilshire hotel . . . that night. He asked if he should go and if I would go? I kept thinking ok I need a babysitter and something to wear. My mom said she would watch the kids and Melinda said she had dress, shoes, and jewerly to wear. They are my lifesavers and I don't know what I'd do without them. I was so excited to go. The next week was Valentines Day so it was nice for us to get to go out. The guy that asked him to go works for Southern California Edison in the local Public Affairs Department. 

The event was for a regional redevelopment agency in Los Angeles. We got to sit in the front and the food was amazing. We had a salad, and chicken and shrimp and dessert was so good also. They had a lot of things to choose from, a mini apple pie and chocolate strawberries. Most of all I loved just having this time together. James also got to know more people. It was a great night!

Ellen, James Birthday, Oliver

In November of last year, I was lucky and blessed to be able to go to the Ellen show. January of 2012 I went to her birthday show. My friend had an extra ticket and asked if I wanted to go. At the birthday show, she invited us all back to the 12 days of giveaways. All year I looked forward to this. I left with Winter at 5am. The staff told us at 8am that we would be coming back by 2pm. When we came back we were told we were going to a movie. We knew it was with Gladis (she is on Foodnetwork). After the movie we got to go to the show. I have never been so excited. We got to be in the front row. Ellen gave us a $1500 gift card to Target. I cried. I was so grateful. My friend was saying how she just wanted to give her son a good Christmas. I cried for her and me. I was touched by how giving Ellen was. That gift card has helped us so much this year. It will be a moment I will never forget.

 Everyone tells me how much these 2 look alike. After these 2 pictures I couldn't stop laughing because they had they same expressions in both pics. I love these boys!

 James turned 37. He wanted a store bought cake and the kids decorated it. 

 We love him and I'm so grateful he is the father to my children. He works so hard for us.

 I made it through the first semester :) . . . I mean trimester. I didn't get sick but lacked energy. It felt good to be able to start getting things done again!

Baby Oliver was born. He was a big boy 9 pounds 12 ounces. I can't believe we will be having a baby again real soon!