Audrey Turns Five

Audrey Grace turned 5 on Saturday.

In our house, turning 5 gets you the ability to chew gum and get your ears pierced, in addition to whatever other presents family and friends gift upon you.

We had a late night the night before. She slept very well.

sleeping - last night as a 4 y/o

When she awoke on her birthday she was all too excited to start her birthday activities.

I'M 5 MOMMY!!!

We started the day officially with breakfast.  She's been BEGGING to go to Coco's for months.  We promised her breakfast at Coco's for her birthday.  So there we went.

Making a tower out of the creamers

After breakfast, Auntie Becky came up and gave Audrey her gift.  She wins the big prize for the soundtrack to the movie Frozen and a new pair of flip-flops - without the back strap.

New "grown-up" flip-flops without a back strap

"Frozen" Soundtrack

She got to talk on the phone with family who doesn't live local -- Gramma Janet, Auntie Berta, Gramma Linda, Brother Andrew.....

Talking on the phone to family

Then we went to the mall and got her ears pierced.  It was a traumatic experience.  It took us about 10 years to calm her down from the first year.  Josh agreed to get a new earring of her choice if she got her second hole done.  She wasn't happy with it, and screamed up until the gun reached her ear.  As it did, she quit screaming, took a deep breath, said, "be brave! be brave!" and was perfectly fine.  She said the 2nd ear didn't hurt at all.

"Be brave, be brave be brave." - If only she had said her mantra on the first ear.

Holding Daddy's hands to help him be brave

Be brave Daddy

Pretty new flower earring

It was Kymi's Prom on Saturday too, so we spent the afternoon getting ready to take fun formal-ish photos for Kymi and her boyfriend Tom.  In the process of getting set up, we got to take other photos too.

Then the girls and friend Tina helped decorate the birthday cake.

Mmm ... chocolate cake with strawberries

In addition to the already mentioned presents, Audrey also helped pick out her very first bible.  She's very excited to learn about Jesus and where He lived.

EFF -- OH -- YOU -- ARE .....

Oh my goodness.  FOUR years old.  

Four years ago today you came into this world.  You had to make a dramatic entrance cause nothing is simple/easy for you.  You have turned my world upside down and I am so happy for that.

You are so smart.  Every day you tell me something new that you know and I have no idea where you are learning these things.  You obviously pay attention to the world around you and pick up on everything that happens.

You are caring and loving.  You love your sisters and brother.  You really look after your little sister and make sure that she's OK.  and you totally look up to your big sister and want to do whatever she does.  And you miss your big brother.  You tell me almost every day how much you miss him.  You were over the moon when you got to talk to him the other day.

We went up to Mount Diablo the other day and you surprised both your dad and me with your hiking/climbing skills.  You were diligent in avoiding poison oak ("Green is Mean") and you were quick to hike up the hills and find the next way to go.  You knew when to sit and slide down a rock instead of walk.  and you were great at finding foot holes to get up the rock.

You love church and God and Jesus.

You love to dance and sing and play the drums and the piano.

Your favorite shows are My Little Pony and Strawberry Shortcake.  

Just like a typical little girl you are totally into Barbies and Princesses - and I think that's fantastic.  Cause you also know that you can be anything you want when you grow up and you can be a strong woman and a girly-girl at the same time.

You are totally on the verge of reading.  You're able to sound out all the letters and are putting them together in word form.  You even know some words already.

You color "like a boss."  Your art skills are shocking me daily.  I love seeing what you do at daycare every day and bring home.

I love you Audrey Grace and I'm so happy and proud to be your mama.  God gave me a great little girl for a daughter and I hope I honor Him by raising you right.

Happy Birthday Audrey Grace!!!!

Annie Noelle......

My dearest little Annie Noelle.

Two years old.  I can't believe you've been in my life for 2 years.  In a way, it feels like you were just born and the 2 years flew by.  And yet, it also feels like an eternity because I barely remember not having your beautiful smile to see every day.

You have the best facial expressions.  Your nose scrunches up when you are confused.  Your cheeks are big and round and kissable when you smile.  Your mischievous smile is so cute that I can't help but laugh when you think you're being sneaky.

You told me last night that you're a big girl now.  Yes, dear you are a big girl.

You love to do whatever Audrey is doing.  You so want to be like her.  You want to play the same games and have the same toys.  You eat the same snacks.  You want to wear the same clothes.  Yet you are not afraid to assert your independence on her.  To tell her "no" and make sure she knows that you are your own person.

You love to cuddle with mommy and daddy and Kymi.  You crave the interaction with other people.  But you know how to sit down and play by yourself.  To look through the books and point out all the animals and other things you know in the pictures.  You can sit and color by yourself without needing help.  

You are an observer.  You watch someone do something over and over again and then you try it and you can do it too.  You sit at Daddy's drums and do exactly what he does.  You watch the big kids reads books and then you read books to all of us the same way.  You stand up "on stage" and sing your heart out.  You love Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

You are a spitfire.  When you want something, you make sure we know.  When you don't want something you make sure we know.  There is no talking you down when you have your mind set on something.  Your Gramma Janet laughed at me when I explained this to her.  She just loves that you are just like me.  

You just love to "steal" your mom and dad's I-Fream (ice cream) and pah-corn (popcorn).  You love your horbread (cornbread).  Your favorite fruit is bananas.  You eat ketchup by the spoonful and ignore the hot gog (hot dog) on your plate.

Happy Birthday baby girl.  Many blessings for a wonderful year full of learning, growing, exploring and loving.

Happy Birthday Audrey Grace

Three. Three. Three. 


Three years ago my life changed.  I became a mommy.  


Audrey Grace, my first-born daughter.  My beautiful little girl.


In the last year I've seen your vocabulary explode.  You speak not just in full sentences and paragraphs, but you tell stories.  You have a great imagination.  Your logic and reasoning skills are amazing to me.


You've told me that we can't call you by your nick-names anymore.  As sad as that makes me, I will do my best to call you Audrey, as you request.


Your hair has grown so long and the curls are really starting to take shape.  I have been told many times to cut off the long hair in the back, but I just can't bear to see it go.


I forget that you are only three.  Sometimes you act like a 5 year-old, sometimes you act like a 13 y/o.  I am amazed at how big you seem.


Being a big sister suits you well.  You are so kind to your baby sister.  You have great compassion when she gets hurt.  And you love to do things with her and play with her.  I love to see you grow and mature and turn from a toddler to a little girl.


Happy Birthday Audrey Grace!!!!

Happy Birthday Annie Noelle

Annie Noelle Roosa ..... My second baby. You are more special to me than you know. Your tenacity and stubbornness are much like mine. You refuse to do things the way the world says you should. 


 You have kept me guessing about you since the day you were born.


 I love watching you explore and learn. You try so hard to keep up with your older sister, but when you realize you can't, you are content watching her and learning from her. 


 I know God has special plans for you and I'm excited for all the things we will do together in the next year. Happy Birthday Baby girl.

Happy 2nd Birthday Baby Girl

My first born. My drama queen. My beautiful baby girl. Today you are two years old. You make me laugh every day. You make me cry, every day. You don't know how much I love being your mom.

I love watching you try to play with the big kids. I love watching you figure something out and seeing the smile on your face when you realize you can do it. You are so proud of yourself.

You have a huge heart that loves to love.

You love to interact with the world around you.

You love to cuddle with your momma.

You love your baby sister and I know some day you'll be able to show her all about this world and tell her all the mean things that mom and dad do.

You love your big sister and love that she plays with you on your level.

You love to watch your big brother play his drums and his guitar. You are so proud of him.

You love to sing and dance to your daddy's drumming in church.

And that singing and dancing is going right up to God. You truly make a joyful noise to the Lord. Especially with your voice. I love to hear your 2 y/o song medley when we drive home from work. From "Jesus Loves Me" to "Circle Song" to "Twinkle Song" to "Rejoice," with an occasional "God's Army," "Noah Song," and "Crazy The Lord," tossed in. It warms my heart and soul to see my baby girl praising God at such a young age.

Thank you, Audrey Grace, for being my daughter. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Jenni

Today is our friend Jenni's birthday.



We love you Jenni! Thank you so much for being a part of our family. You have blessed us beyond belief and we are so grateful for you!

Happy Birthday Andrew

Today is Andrew's 16th birthday. 


 Andrew is a great kid.  I'm very blessed to know him.


He tries to be tough and be a "skater" and at least have the rebellious look to him.  But not very deep down, he's just a big softy ... and that's fine with us.  He loves his family, and would rather hang with us on a Friday night than go outside and hang with his friends.  He goes out of his way to do nice things for people.   He sticks up for his younger sister.  He does housework without prompting.  He loves to play with his baby sister.


Happy birthday Andrew!!!  Thanks for being such a great step-son!!!

Audrey's first Birthday

Yesterday was Audrey's first birthday.  I was very pleased that I got to spend the day with her.  She obviously didn't know the difference and just went on like any other day, but the day was as special to me as is my own birthday, if not moreso.


We began the day by eating breakfast.  A simple breakfast of cheerios and yogurt.  

My little girl LOVES to smile for the camera, no matter what she is doing.

After breakfast we went to the doctor.  All the nurses and technicians and employees said happy birthday.  She grinned from ear to ear.  Still having no idea what was going on, but she's such a happy baby.

She managed to get away with not getting any shots.  Lucky girl!!!  (We go back in 2 weeks for the shots.)

While at the doctor, we read a book together about the Human Body.  

After the doctor we went home and she took a nice long nap.

When brother got home from school, she watched him play his guitar, and even joined in a little bit with her egg shaker.

We ate dinner as a family and then we all sang Happy  Birthday.  She danced along as we sang, and when we got to her name part she started laughing.  I wish I had that on video.  It was beautiful.

We let her open one present yesterday, and she'll open lots more on Saturday for her party.

My little baby girl is one year-old.
We all survived her first year of life.

She had a very scary and traumatic entrance into this world, but her first year has been wonderful.  We are so blessed and lucky to have such happy little baby.

Birthday Brag Blog

Today is Joshua's 36th birthday.

Yesterday's "Priceless" post bragged about him and his new God-journey. Today's post is just bragging about him.

I love my husband very much.

He provides for us emotionally, financially, domestically.

He is better at housework than me. And he never complains that he does most of the chores. Nor does he often ask for help.

He is AWESOME with Audrey. Always helping me when he can - changing diapers, entertaining, getting dressed, showers, bed, feeding, etc. It's obvious that we are PARTNERS in this parent thing.

He is a great dad to his other two children too. Instructing them, disciplining them, loving them. Letting them be themselves. Showing them how to love God. Chatting with them on their level. Never teasing or criticizing.

He is constantly showing love for me in romantic ways. Telling me I'm beautiful when I'm feeling at my worst (and unprompted even). WANTING to spend time with me. Doing my mundane errands with me. Letting me go shopping when I feel a shopping bug. Not complaining about shopping for my things when he's with me. Playing silly games with me. Kissing me randomly. Dancing with me in the kitchen.

Happy Birthday Joshua. I'm glad you are in my life and you get to live another year!!!!

Roberta

Today is my big sister's birthday. She's 4 years older than me.

While we fought a lot growing up, I always looked up to her and wanted to be just like her. I would "borrow" her clothes and dress just like her. I thought I got away with it, but she always knew.

She looked out for me and protected me. She took care of me when I was sick. She made sure the bullies didn't pick on me. I remember one day in particular she had to tell her friend not to cuss around me.

She is my big sister and I love her very much. She is a great mom, wife, daughter and sister. I hope that I am to Josh what she is to Larry. I pray that I am to Audrey what she is to Daniel.

Happy birthday Roberta.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is mom's birthday. I wrote this about her a few years ago and it's worth repeating.

My mom is a very special woman. She makes everyone around her feel very special. Well, at least me anyway; I can't speak for everyone.

She made a big deal out of breakfast with her. She wouldn't make it, but we'd go out. I remember being in middle school when I had braces and after my orthodontist appointments we'd make a stop off at Le Peep for breakfast; or if we wanted to go shopping, we'd get a Cinnabon first for breakfast.

But I think my favorite was when we worked together. Every morning we'd stop at Latta's bagels and get a bagel and a coffee (or beverage of choice) for breakfast. I know she did this whether I was with her or not, but it just made me feel so special to be with her in the car and then getting breakfast. A very fond memory I have of one summer was not only getting breakfast, but also listening to Chuck Swindol during the drive. It just so happened that he was on during the 25 minutes we would drive to work. VERY COOL. We heard some great sermons that summer.

Happy Birthday Dad

Today is my Father's birthday. I won't reveal his exact age, but let you know it is less than 60.

My father is a unique individual (as we all are I guess).

I get my techno-junkiness from him. And my analytical mind. And his curly hair. And small mouth with small teeth.

I have 3 very fond memories of my dad as I think back to my childhood - of course as I reflect on these 3 specific memories many more come to mind.  I'll try to stick to just the three.

The first memory is when I was 6.  On Sunday of one week I had a conversation with my mom about what it means to be Christian.  I distinctly remember sitting on the kitchen counter while she was cooking having this conversation.  I told her that Jesus was in my heart already; I asked him when I was in her womb.  She informed me that it doesn't work that way and I need to ask Him now.  I contemplated this for the week.  Friday night I was lying in bed and prayed "THE" prayer.  I asked Jesus to live in my heart.  I had this image of Jesus driving down in a red truck and shrinking up very small to sit on a couch in my heart.  At any rate, the next morning I was afraid to tell mom, because then she'd know that I was wrong during our earlier conversation.  So I told my dad.  I remember playing basketball in the front yard and stopping for a minute to tell him my news.  He told me that I had to tell my mom and she would be very pleased for me.  My dad was the one I felt most comfortable telling this very important news to.

The next memory is when I was in high school.  I had gotten into a car accident.  My mom was out of town.  I called my dad from a friend's mom's cell phone.  I had gotten a ride home and there was my dad.  He had dropped everything at work to come home and spend the evening with me.  He knew I needed someone there.  Unfortunately I didn't stay home for the evening; I wish I had realized how insensitive I was being back then.

When I was 11 I was hanging out with friends.  We were all riding each other's bikes.  I got on a bike and rode down a driveway.  I thought I heard someone call my name, so I turned my head and to look.  I cut the corner too close and ran into the mailbox.  I felt a scratch on my hand.  I wondered if I needed a band-aid.  When I looked at my hand I saw the inside of it.  My friend's mom took me inside and helped me clean it up.  She was on the verge of taking me to the hospital when my mom got home and my sister told her what happened.  My mom took me to the hospital.  Later in the evening (I'm not sure how much longer), my father showed up at the hospital and handed me my bike helmet.  No, I was not wearing it at the time of the accident.  Of course, I had to inform him that my helmet would not have helped me in this case.

I had my first roller coaster ride with my dad.  His belly laugh still rings in my ears as I was crying and shrieking the whole time.

My father went with me when I got my driver's license.  

My dad advised me on my first car purchase.

He helped me move countless times in college.

My dad is the one who took care of me when I had my tonsils out in high school.  I woke up from a nap and saw a TV with satellite hookup in my room.

Anyway ... Happy Birthday Dad.  I wish I could be in Arizona to celebrate with you.

Weekly Happenings - 2/6/09

New/Noteworthy: Sunday was communion in church. This was a noteworthy day for us because we haven't missed a week since the last communion Sunday. Actually, we haven't missed a day since a couple weeks before that, but still ... we thought it cool that we went communion to communion. And we're starting to meet people and talk with them before and after the service.

Interesting Activity: Watched the Super Bowl on Sunday and celebrated Josh's birthday. He's now old enough to be president of the US.

Biggest Accomplishment: I finished a baby quilt that I designed for an online gift exchange.

Where we went: church, Quest Laboratories, crazy.....

What I learned: The Saturn of Pleasanton ROCKS!!!!

Weekend Plans: Josh has a gift card to cash in on some new jeans. I want to get a couple more pieces of maternity clothing. And maybe we'll go for a long walk at a park or something. We'll see what the weather holds for us. I also have a few sewing creations I want to try. My creative juices are working overtime right now.

Fun Photos:

The quilt that I designed. With the exception of the center piece and the backing, it was all scraps. The only thing I had to actually buy was the backing, and that's because the backing I had was too small. But I got it on clearance for $2.50/yd. I got 3 yards. The center piece came from mom.

 

 

 

Thankful Thursday

Today's Thankful Thursday edition goes out to Sarah. Sarah is one of my best friends. She and I Have known each other since 6th grade, and have been friends since 7th. We were in band together in middle school and high school. I had a crush on her brother. We went to youth group together. We dated brothers. We were in bible club together through high school. We both majored in biology in college (although at different colleges). We are both Trekkies and Sci Fi Geeks (she more than me though). Our passions are very much the same, even though they've led us down different paths in life.

Today is Sarah's 29th Birthday. Happy Birthday Sarah. I miss you and wish we could see each other more often.

Throughout middle school and high school, I bought Sarah Star Trek Calendars for her birthday. It started as a cool gift, then became a joke, and then tradition.

Your bday present is late this year, but it'll be there eventually. I promise!