It's official-she's one

Thanks Aunt Sharen for making Maleena's birthday cake this year. It was the most delicious chocolate cake with pink cherry frosting. I loved it, but I can't say that Maleena agreed with me. She wouldn't even take one bite. She has been sick and is still working up her appetite, but I thought for sure she would dig right in. She refused, even covered her mouth with her hand. Happy Birthday anyway sweet girl!! We all love you so much. It is sure hard to believe that it has been a year already. I know everyone says that it goes quick, but I feel like my baby just wasn't a baby quite long enough. On the other hand, it is so fun to watch her grow. It is also fun to watch her with Jeff. She loves her Daddy and I am grateful for that.

Valentine's and Celebrations

For Valentine's Day we went to a local hotel and swam the night away. It was so fun and a nice surprise too.
Then we invited family to come swim and enjoy some doughnuts for Maleena's birthday. Thanks to those that could come. Next time we will have to be a bit more organized, but it was a spur of the moment thing and not a big deal since it was her first birthday. None the less, it was fun to say we had a party for her.
It turned out good that we celebrated early because Maleena has been sick the last few days and actually refused to eat anything on her real birthday.
Poor girl- we are still waiting to blow out a candle and sing to her. We will have to get a picture when she feels better.

Birthdays

Miguel is 4 and Maleena is now 1!! Miguel wouldn't leave the house without his umbrella. We are waiting for pictures from Miguel's party, but he had a good time surrounded by family. It is fun watching him grow and develop his own personality. Maleena is getting used to her new teeth and we are loving her big smiles.

sad sort of sledding

This was our best attempt at sledding this year. I will say that we were not the only ones on the hill and it really was fun. There was more snow than it looks like in the pictures, but still pretty sad sleddin day for the kids this year. The worst part was the wind-it was so cold.

Maleena and I spent most of the morning huddled together bracing ourselves from the cold. It was fun though in the end.

How pretty-

Maleena is nearing 11 months and we can finally say that she is crawling!! She is doing great and brightens all our lives with her contagious smile.

Christmas Catch up

These pictures are prior to a day filled with fighting, melt downs and several this is stupid.  Gotta love my kids, but sometimes I wonder if anyone else struggles to see the good on what is supposed to be a beautiful day.  I will say that we did have amazing moments and I guess that will have to do for now.

Traeton got his beef stick from Santa, something he really wanted.

Maleena was just happy to be involved.

This is from our family re-enactment of Christ's birth.  So cute!!

What is Dad doing?

I started looking at the recent pictures that we have taken on the camera and came across this one. I will admit that she is a cutie no matter what, but a little ninja- come on Dad. It is interesting the changes that are taking place around our home now that Dad is home and I am working full-time. It is also apparent that we haven't taken very many pictures lately. We will have to do better. These are a couple of the latest ones of Maleena. I love her sweater in the bottom ones and her Grandma Keller gave her the pretty Christmas dress.
Thanks Grandma!

I am going to miss my kids

I can't believe that tomorrow I start working full time. It has been like a nightmare come true. One of my biggest fears. Maybe I am being a bit dramatic, but it is soo hard to leave my babies. I have never liked doing it and hoped that I wouldn't have to leave them for this amount of time, but job loss and financial concerns have compelled me to need it. I am grateful that I finished school and am now able to get a job. It will be working for Health and Welfare and the job I hoped to get when all my children were in school. I am still not sure I am ready, but tomorrow is the day. It is a blessing for us and Jeff and I feel that it is the right time, given that he is going to start school in January, but I still cry at times just thinking about it. I am so thankful that my little sister Sharen is here to help me through this struggle. Even without asking, she offered to watch my kids so I wouldn't have to take them to daycare. I would gladly pay her instead of a stranger. I know she wanted to move closer to family and made the decision to leave Boise, but I have been so happy to have her close, especially now. I am praying that this change is not too hard on Maleena as I am still nursing her and she really is a mamma's girl. I am hoping for the best and trying to stay positive, reminding myself that the Lord knows what I can handle. I know the Lord had a hand in how I got the job and I am thankful for that.

Maleena shares my worries in this picture, exactly how I am feeling inside. 

What a star!

Though it took some convincing, Trae decided to play basketball this year. It has been so fun to watch him out there. The highlight came when he was able to make a basket and score some points for his team. (Even though they don't keep track at this age) He is a lot like me in that it is extremely hard to try new things. I don't want to look like an idiot and I hate that he shares that with me. I admire those that can be carefree and willing to make mistakes. Oh, I still make mistakes but I am learning to handle them better than I used to. Trae did a great job and I felt so happy for him. Thanks to the Grandparents and Uncle Jordan for showing up. Trae was unsure whether he wanted anyone to watch him, but I know each week he will feel more confident and comfortable. This one is for him-We love you Trae, you continue to amaze us at how far you have come.

Yuck! don't eat everything

Jeff and I were just talking about how nice it is that Maleena is able to eat what we eat. We were surprised tonight to find out that she also enjoys Box Elder Beetles. Yuck!! I am so glad that Jeff was home to find that one. We were all enjoying being together and Maleena was playing with some toys on the floor when Trae thought it looked like she put something in her mouth. Jeff searched around and sure enough he came out with half a bug, still distinguishable, but pretty much gone. I don't recall the boys eating bugs, but my sweet baby girl found one. Something is wrong with this picture. I guess I shouldn't be so worried about her being able to chew her food, it turns out she did pretty good on the little beetle. Sorry I know it is gross, but I just had to post. Maybe they have Fear Factor, infant style.

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It seems that my blog doesn't update on my sister's blog and show that I have posted anything. I just wanted to see if it will this time.

Happy Halloween!!

We had a great Halloween night. I was pleased that the sun was shining and it wasn't too cold. I knew it would be hard for the boys to be outside once it got dark, because it gets so darn cold. We came home with a lot of left over candy from our ward trunk or treat. Last year we ran out, this year we probably had half our supply left-maybe next year we will be just right. Miguel liked handing the candy out more than he liked going and getting it. Actually, it was the highlight of the night to get to answer the door at their Grandma's house and see who was there. I love traditional trick or treating. I just think it is more fun and the walking is good for me and my kids. Needless to say, we have a ton of candy at our house and I am the one that ends up eating most of it. This year we had two ninjas and a chick-