Another Birthday!

Tim turned the big 3-0 this year. Although I know I have put many birthdays on lately, I couldn't just let Tim's go by without a tribute to my wonderful husband. Unfortunately, I didn't take many pictures. In the morning he played raquetball with some of his friends, then came home and took a nap (his request). For dinner I made his favorite dish. It's funny, I love to go out, but he would rather stay in, so that is what we did. Later that night some friends came over and we played games. All in all, it was a fun day. Some things I love about Tim: he rarely raises his voice, he is a great sounding board for me and always offers a lot of insight into things I'm dealing with, he LOVES to play with the girls, he gets excited about simple things like...getting a project done or a new tent, and he always puts 110% into anything he does. I love you, honey and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Ali is Three!

Ali's birthday is tomorrow, and Tim's was yesterday, but we swaped them because of something we planned for Tim's birthday. Either way, our baby girl is already 3 years old!! My, does time fly. Some of my favorite things about Ali is her constant smile and laughter, her knack with gadgets, and the way she worships her dad and older sister. She truely is a delight to have in our family. We didn't do a party again this year, but we did go on many adventures. We had lunch with a friend, and them we went to Kangaroo Zoo.

Ali invited her cute little friend Ava, and Lydia invited Gracie. They ran about screaming and having a great old time for a couple of hours.

They got eaten by aligators...

and rode on dinosaurs. Tim and I enjoyed it too because we could sit and talk while they ran wild. Next we headed to the Mayan for some cliff diving fun. It's the girls favorite retaraunt. Then we came home for presents and cake and ice cream.

She got a fishing rod, a new classical CD, some great books, and a digital camera. We all had a great day together. We are blessed to have Ali in our family!

Bumble Bee's Birthday

Bumble Bee is Lydia's doll. She woke up Sunday morning came into our room and declared that it was Bumble Bee's birthday. She was patient while we did everything we needed to for church and lunch and dinner. After dinner though she said it was time for B.B's birthday. She had it all planned out. She had told each of us during the day that we needed to have a present ready. Dad made a card, Ali helped me wrap sharing candy (life savers) and a Hello Kitty pen from me. Lydia spent the good part of the afternoon making magic chalk. Here is B.B's loot. I think she did pretty good for a doll.

Lydia was a good mom and planned a game. We played a game she made up called "Get the Key, Get the Key!" It was a mix between duck duck goose and button, button, who has the button. It was a cute game and not bad for a 4 year old (though dad was pretty bored with it).

And what party would be complete without a cake! Ok, I confess, Lydia asked me to make a cake, but I didn't want to. We ended up agreeing on pudding with chocolate chips and sprinkles on top. We put in a candle and sang happy birthday to Bumble Bee. It was a fun little celebration and the girls had a great time. I did warn her though that now March 1st is B.B's birthday and she won't have another one until next year. She agreed, but she has numerous other "children" I'm sure she is planning a birthday for. Oh well, you're only 4 once.

My First Contest

My friend offered this, and since it is my first blogaversary I thought I would do it. Three people who respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!

2- What I create will be just for you.

3- It'll be done this year.

4- You have no clue what it's going to be.

5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

I will draw the winners in one week and post them on my blog. You could win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it! Good luck!

We Joined the Ranks

We did it, we bought a minivan on Saturday. Sure it was Valentine's Day and most people were doing romantic things, but we went out car shopping...with the kids. We had been looking on the internet and deciding the features we wanted, price range, and make and model we prefered. Then we got our tax returns this week and Tim decided we should go purchase our vehicle before we spent it on little things. So out we went in the snow to be harrased by used car salesmen on V-day with our two disgruntled daughters in tow. We did find a Honda Odyssey with the features I wanted and in the price range Tim wanted (meaning we didn't pick up a car payment). Lydia LOVES the van and is excited to finally have a "cool" car like her friends. She continually opens the garage door to make sure our van is still there. We had to lay down ground rules too that we don't get to watch a movie every time we get in the car. Only on long trips. Now Lydia is asking when we get to go to Washington. Tim wants to go out and fingure out all our new toy can do, and I'm just trying to fingure out how to park the huge thing. I'm glad we got it before the baby's arrival and that we found something that suits everyone. Tim, if you are reading this, you still owe me a Valentine's day though!

Six Years!

Sunday is our 6 year wedding anniversary. I still don't know how I was so blessed to get to meet this wonderful man and that he actually fell in love with me!! He is my perfect match in every way. Some of the ways we match...
1- He's tidy. I never had to ask him to pick up his wet towel off the bathroom floor, or put his dirty clothes in the hamper. He likes things in their place like I do. I know...nice huh.
2- I like to cook, but dislike doing dishes. He doesn't like to cook, but doesn't mind doing dishes.
3- I like to entertain. After we've had guests over we both just start cleaning and it's all back to normal in no time. Daunting tasks seem like no big deal when he's working beside me.
4- He likes my laugh, and I think he is hilarious!
5- His dimpled smile makes me melt.
6- We are both frugal. He loves the good deals I find, and I don't worry about him spending behind my back.
7- I love to talk to him and get his perspective on things. He always sees options I don't and helps me find good solutions.
8- He's smart and always improving himself. I learn a lot of things from him.
9- He works hard. I know he will always do what it takes to provide for our family.
10- He loves me, and I love him.









I love being married to this man and look forward to many wonderful years to come with him!!!

It's a BOY!!

We had our ultrasound today and everything looks good and healthy. When the Dr. walked in he asked Lydia if she wanted a brother or sister, she answered that she wanted a brother. Upon returning home she drew a cute picture of her reading a story to her baby brother. She's very excited. I'm excited of course, but a little apprehensive about raising a boy as opposed to a girl. Tim is walking a little taller and VERY excited about getting a son. He's envisioning coamping, hking, golfing, and rebuilding old cars with his son. He's a little worried about his boy being hen pecked with so many older, spirited girls in the house. We went to Target to pick out an outfit to celebrate. It went something like this:
Angie: Oh cute! How about this one.
Tim: No way! We aren't going for cute here anymore.
Lydia: This one is cute! It has hearts.
Tim: Ummm, I'm the authority figure now on clothes for the baby. This is the right one.
Angie: Isn't this one cute too?
Tim: No, this one. You may need to run clothes by me before you buy them for my son.

He said "my son" a lot today. For a moment I was a little scared he wouldn't take his girls on the fun adventures they enjoy so much with him. Then he bought a sled and asked the girls if they wanted to go sledding today. So, all is well in our household. We are excited to welcome this baby boy into our home in a few months.

So, what are some of the little differences you've noticed between raising sons vs. daughters?