Happy Birthday Angie!

It is my dear friend Angie's birthday! I can't tell you how much I love you and how sad it makes me that I don't get to see you as often as I would like. You have taught me so much in my life, that I am eternally grateful. You are an amazing mother and I love to brag about how you are a stay-at-home mom... and you sacrifice for the good of your family. You have always put your family first and I think that is amazing. I love to hear you laugh. I think you are one of the most beautiful people I know, both inside and out. I thank you for always (trying at least) to real me in and make the right decisions - no tractor rides:) You have a huge heart and an immense amount of passion. You are kind, generous, loyal, and loving. I love you so much and when I think of you I smile. Thanks for being you and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Ups and Downs

As most of you know, Ruby is my very sweet and VERY sensitive child. Abby is my electric spitfire with a giant spirit and a knack for bugging (hitting) Ruby. I can't stand it anymore. But, I hate to say, it bothers me more having to listen to Ruby cry 5 times a night because Abby scratched, hit, pulled hair, threw something at her. Then I put Abby in time-out and Ruby whines more because she is upset that Abby is crying!!!! As of yesterday Anthony and I devised a new plan: Operation Strike Back. Ruby officially has the green light to hit back - only on her arms or legs or back. So yesterday Abby scratched Ruby's cheek and I immediately told her instead of whining to mommy, hit her back. Ruby ran over to her and hit her on the back. I was so proud of her, however, Abby laughed hysterically, climbed on the arm of the couch and jumped off. She is probably thinking "this is a fun new game!!!". The up is that Ruby didn't whine. She stood up for herself and it is a BIG step in the right direction.

Bachelorette Party!

So, I went a little unconventional as far as bachelorette parties are concerned, but I loved ever moment and can't wait to go back. We went to my bosses cabin in Phelan - about 10 minutes from Wrightwood. We relaxed, played games, sang karaoke - thanks to my neighbors set-up, watched movies. My sister flew down and Kim, Kelly, Angie, and Julie also came. I wish we could have stayed one more day. The snow was beautiful. I can't remember the last time I saw it snow.

On Sunday afternoon we went into Wrightwood and stopped at a little bar called the Raccoon Saloon - it was so much fun... I just wished Ang and Julie were there. They had to go home Sunday morning:(

Raccoon Saloon! I'll be seeing you again!

Playing some Shigiti(a card game) at the cabin.

Wrightwood.

As I was putting stuff in the car getting ready to come home, I stopped and took a moment to look around and truly feel grateful. The kind of grateful that makes you smile when no one is looking. It was slightly snowing, yet I was warm with love. Love that I have been so lucky to be enveloped by in my life. Anthony was home with the girls and I wasn't worried at all. It was the first time I was away from them and actually didn't feel guilty - not that I didn't miss them. I missed them terribly and could not wait to hug them and smell them. I was so proud of Anthony, too. I know that that sounds like a back-handed compliment, but it's not. You know all your husbands out there - ok, most of your husbands - would have a tough go of it being on their own for a weekend. I love you honey and, thank you for loving me.

Bridal Shower

My Shower was last Friday and we had so much fun! My mom and the girls did such an awesome job - decorated cute, great food, lots of drinks. My sister Jessica flew down for a wild, and I am sure tiring, couple of days. I am so grateful to my family and friends who put it on and came over to celebrate. As usual, people were so generous. THANK YOU everyone! I love you!

Kelly and I. I think ever since she read the Twilight series, she became part vampire - her eyes are always red:) Love you!

Shannon and I. LOVE your dark hair!

My amazing sister. Thank you so much for all you did!

The wedding party. Can you say Black?

My girl Kim... mmmmaaaa... I stinking love you!

I have a really cute picture of Ang and I, but for some reason I cannot get it to download - dang blogger - anywho - love you so much and thanks for everything!

Remember us?

I know I shouldn't put naked pictures up, but dang I love Abby's booty!

Ruby dropped her ice cream... so sad:(

We came home from the zoo and my dad was outside washing the car... Abby couldn't resist getting drenched.

Ruby at the Japanese Gardens. I love taking the girls here... but sad news... all the thousands of coi fish died from a Virus.

Abby at the Aquirium. She LOVED it so much. I had to keep a VERY tight leash on her. She kept trying to climb in the touching tanks.

"Ruby's Room" at St. Joseph's OB department. Our good friend Kevin is a brilliant photographer who we are VERY lucky to have him take pictures of the girls. If you know anyone who needs pictures taken... check out his website: www.capturedyouth.com. He is worth every penny and then some!

Way back: Anthony and I on New Year's Eve.

I love this picture of Abby. It speaks VOLUMES about her personality. This was on Christmas.

Now I will be back to loving blogging more!