Friends or Sisters?

It's 4:30...I should be getting dinner ready (does anyone else dread this time of day?), but instead I find myself sitting in front of my computer. Productive, right? I am beginning to realize that putting my Mac on the desk in my kitchen wasn't the best of ideas. I swear it calls my name!

Ok...on with the point of this post! I enjoyed lunch today with 3 of my dearest friends. As I drove home, I was thinking about how much we have shared together. Our friendships started during the days of big bangs, Wet & Wild lipgloss, Esprit bags, & pegged Girbaud jeans. Now here we are 20+ years later, girls no more. Where has the time gone? I have shared so much with these remarkable women. Our friendships have been full of both laughter & tears. We have seen one another through some of the hardest times in our lives.

I am so GRATEFUL for their constant friendship. I am GRATEFUL for their unconditional love, support, & acceptance. I am GRATEFUL that no matter how much time passes, we can always pick up right where we left off. I am GRATEFUL that I can truly be myself with them. They know me as well (maybe even better) than I know myself. I am GRATEFUL for their examples...they each teach me in ways that they don't even realize. Jaime teaches me of genuine kindness & compassion toward others. She finds the good in everyone & everything. Tiffany shows me how to face my trials with grace & courage. Melissa teaches me to be strong during times of adversity & to be loyal to those I cherish. I am so truly blessed to have their friendship(s) in my life. They are my sisters & I love them dearly.

January Blues

January... Need I say more? Everyone I talk to says how down they are feeling right now. Why does January do this to us? I find myself feeling very restless which usually results in me ending up at Target... NEVER a good plan! So I have decided to take on a few projects around the house in an effort to avoid the "Target trap." How are you fighting the January blues?

Grateful

A friend of mine designs fabulous gratitude journals. The purpose of these journals is to write down something that you are grateful for each & every day. Being grateful changes your attitude & outlook. It helps you to see the good in every situation. So I have taken this challenge... At first I was a little leery, but I can already see the benefits of doing it.

I hate mornings. I am NOT good at them...my college roommates can attest to this! Anyhow, my morning today began as usual: fighting with the alarm clock by pushing snooze several times; finally getting out of bed only to realize that I have once again gotten up too late; muttering a choice word under my breath. Not a pretty picture, right? As I lifted Lyla Jane out of her crib, she greeted me with a huge smile, wrapped her arms tightly around my neck, & said, "Ma-ma, I wuv 00!" Instant attitude change. This is one of those parenting moments that make it all worth it. So today I am GRATEFUL for these 3 beautiful children whom Heavenly Father has entrusted to me. I am GRATEFUL for their sweet spirits & unconditional love. I am GRATEFUL for the quiet moments like the one I had with Lyla this morning that buoy me up & remind me what is truly important in life. Today I am GRATEFUL!

GQ

I had to share this picture of William. He just started to pose like this without any instruction. We were all dying... He thought he was pretty hot stuff!

Seriously?

I received a few sneak peaks today of our latest family pics. All I can say is, "Seriously?" I am speechless which is saying a lot for me. I love them. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Katie & Dan! Your talent continues to amaze me.

Birthday Central

2 birthdays in 3 days. What was I thinking, right? The second week of November is now referred to as "Birthday Central" in our house. Those of you who know me well, know how much I LOVE all things birthday...especially when it comes to kids' birthday parties. We kicked off the festivities this year at IncrediblePizza with Nate's parents. My kids had never been, & needless to say, were quite excited.

Next, a combined family party for Lyla Jane & Will.

Then, a dino-themed birthday party complete with an erupting volcano cake. I couldn't of pulled this off without Grandpa & Grandma Coyle's help. There were 14 boys total!

And last, but certainly not least, a surprise trip to Disneyland!!! More to come.

5 Years Old!

William Patrick turned 5 on November 17! 5...This seems so old. Officially a little boy. Old enough to start elementary school. Embarrassed to have mom give him kisses in front of his friends. Tall enough to ride the "big" rides at Disneyland. Over "Lightning McQueen" & "Thomas the Train." Even though it makes me sad to see him get older, I am in love with the 5-year old version of him. He continues to be the sweetest boy. William LOVES life. As Grandpa Jerry says, no one has a much fun as Will. He is so creative & has an amazing imagination. He has a thirst for knowledge & I never tire of his questions. This boy has his mommy wrapped around his finger for sure!

Will's current likes are:

1. Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, dinosaurs. Oh & did I mention dinosaurs?

2. Volcanoes

3. Skeletons & the human body

4. "Creating" - give him a roll of scotch tape & some popsicles sticks & he's one happy kid!

5. His friends - This boy is ALL about playing.

6. School - Every morning is started with the question, "Is today a school day?"

7. His mom - Always has been his mommy's boy. He still loves to cuddle!

8. Legos

9. Outings with grandma - The dinosaur museum is usually his first choice. Grandma's a good sport!

10. Bathroom talk - Seriously, what's with boys & bathroom talk? Who knew the word "fart" could be so funny.

Happy Birthday, little man. We love you!!!

Boys will be Boys...Or Girls?

A few weeks ago, William had his buddies Daniel & Mason over to play. All of the sudden I noticed that it was a little too quiet (never a good thing!). I began to look around the house for them & finally noticed that the door to Olivia's bedroom was closed. This is what I found! You can't tell from the pictures very well, but William's face is covered in makeup. They thought it was absolutely hilarious... I guess even little boys like to play beauty parlor now & then.

2 Years Old!

I can't believe our sweet "Janie girl" is two. CRAZY!!! She seems so much more grown up to me at this age than her brother & sister did. She is a spitfire & is so full of life. She talks non-stop & keeps us really busy! She is really strong-willed & definitely holds her own with her brother & sister. We love her spunky personality... Nate & I are already worried about what she's going to be like as a teenager! Her current likes are:

- Minnie Mouse & "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse"

- Winnie the "foo"

- William: She loves to wrestle with him & thinks he is hilarious. No one can make her laugh like him.

- Tomatoes: Seriously the only thing she ever wants to eat.

- Swedish Fish: She's her daddy's girl

- Books: Especially "Goodnight Moon" & "10 Monkeys on the Bed"

- Her monkey feet p.j.'s

- Grandma "Nina"

- Her bottle: Not proud of this one, but this girl will NOT take a sippy cup. I know, I know... It's got to go! I am taking suggestions of how to get rid of it.

- The phrase "Oh Yeah"

Happy birthday, Lyla Jane! We all love you so much & can't imagine our worlds without you. You make our home so fun!

First Snowfall

William always anxiously awaits the first snowfall. This year was no exception. Once he woke up & looked out the window, he couldn't get outside fast enough. Of course, his buddies Daniel & Jake joined in for the fun!