Back by popular demand...

well not really, but the filming and sound quality is so much better than my original hand held camera job, I thought I'd share it again.

Click HERE, then scroll down to A Stud and a Babe to see Kooper and Sarah in action.

And a random picture of me and my Stud just because:)

growing pains

Last month my poor little Lisey had her wisdom teeth removed. She laid around with ice packs and mumbled gibberish for the first day or so while we tended to her every need and fed her smoothies with a spoon.

We all laid around her room to keep her company while she insisted we stop making her laugh 'cause it hurt to much.

Just as she'd recovered from puffy cheek syndrome, her close friend, who's a boy, decided (over a text) to go separate ways and explore greener pastures. She sprained her toe in dance shortly after and limped around on crutches reflecting her sad state both inside and out.

Good friends and trusted time healed her various wounds and had her back in the saddle in no time.

She even landed a job to model for an upcoming book trailer in the Edward/Bella genre. So mysterious...

She looks so serious in this photo shoot but truth is she is a happy, positive little light for good in the world and I am so grateful to watch her work her magic as we journey these winding roads together.

a LOVEly day

Since Señor Nielson and I had a hot date planned for Valentine's day we decided to have a party to celebrate the holiday Sunday after church. We pulled the boxes of card stock from my old stamping days and decided to focus on making cards for each other that we'd surprise each other with throughout the coming days. Analisa helped cut out heart shaped bread for the french toast while Brett and Katherine, Sarah and Blake danced to a little Natalie Cole in the dining room. (Wish I would have taken a picture!)

Who knew my sweet husband could design a card like the best of 'em. He even wrote me a poem in Spanish and printed off a picture of us which he glued on the inside. Presh, as my teenage girls would say.

Analisa made a special Valentine dedicated to all the boys who she's cautiously given her heart to only to have it ripped in half. Ouch. Poor girl thinks no boy will ever come around again. Yet she has 4 dates lined up in the next 10 days. ??

Even Samuel got in on the action. This was after he'd returned from a screaming fit in time out for not wanting to share the alphabet stamp set. What's a party without a few tears, right?

Overall, love was definitely in the air on Sunnydale.

After a few hours of food, card making and music we took our party outside and enjoyed our first day of true Spring weather! I kept asking why everyday couldn't be like this. The answer always the same, so we can fully appreciate the good ones when they do come! Snow expected tomorrow. (heavy sigh)

Mr. and Miss's Chicken are the nick names they've affectionately called each other over the last year or so. They look out for each other.

I love Valentine's day! Any holiday really, for the chance it gives us to celebrate this beautiful family we've created together.

Sarah

My first born officially became an adult last month. She turned the ripe young age of 18. We have been busy testing, rehearsing, auditioning and visiting college campuses wondering which of the many paths that lie ahead is the best choice for her.

As her mother, I've always sought to direct her in all aspects of life. Friends, books, music, classes to take, people to date or NOT to date. For the most part she's heeded my council. However, being the free spirited soul she is, sometimes not. She has taught me so much about trust, faith, patience and most importantly about finding the good in ALL types of people. At times she has stood out as a little ray of sunshine in a sea of darkness. I instinctively have wanted to protect her from possible threats to her spirit but have learned to let go, just a little.

It has been fascinating to watch her blossom into someone who can easily hold her ground for that which is good and right. When I've accompanied her to various school or church functions I sit back in awe as she lights up the room and has everyone smiling within minutes. Her testimony is solid, her future bright. The closer she gets to leaving home the more she realizes what a special place it truly is and for that I am most grateful.

When asked what fun adventuresome thing we could do to celebrate her birthday, her reply was, "I just want a single cupcake, your famous enchiladas and to be surrounded by my family. That is my ideal day." Wish granted.

Grammy and Grampy. Two of her biggest fans.


sunshine


With her Tia Moni, who always says she loved her first and most!

Sarah and the real live Blake. (Her boyfriend of the last 4 months.) They spend most of their time together laughing and giggling. I think they're adorable. Brett...not so much...not yet anyway.

flu

You know they're sick when they cry out, "I feel badder than the word, BAD!" Poor little babies.