Health Insurance-Gotta Love it,Gotta Have it, Gotta Hate it...

Yeah, it's a sore subject right now! It's a love, hate relationship. You gotta love it when you have a baby and the bill is only $250.00 instead of thousands. You gotta have it when you have 2 young children with frequent trips for colds, flus,vaccines etc... You gotta hate it, when it comes directly out of the paycheck and they double the price of the plan.

So, it's that time again. If you've ever been enrolled in a health plan through your employer, you know, every year around this time you have to re enroll in your benefits. Well, our family is now enrolled under the FAMILY PLAN with Chris' company. This year the plan went up in price but that's not all, the company decided they will contribute less, THUS... OUR PLAN HAS DOUBLED IN PRICE. Yeah, happy new year AXA employees.. you are indebted to more money out of your paycheck.

Now that I've been drama I will say we are thankful because it's still less than if you had to get a plan on your own. But it still was a big hit and I am not very happy (if you can't tell) But, this is life and being responsible parents with kids. Gotta love it!!!

I AM THANKFUL FOR HEALTH INSURANCE... WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR???

The Late Halloween Pictures

So fun to have a new addition this Halloween. We attended the Bug A Boo event at our church as we always do. It was just as good as it always is.. game booths, bounce houses, food, game tables and trunk or treat cars decorated and passing out candy. It's so fun to see the kids all dressed up. Some people go ALL out. Brie was just in a Pooh sleeper.. I don't like to dress up babies when they can't even sit up yet, everything ends up around their neck and all folded anyways. She made a cute little pink pooh and Alexa made a beautiful Tinkerbell. So what's for next year????

Happy Birthday Hal (Grandpa) and Chris (Daddy)

Hal, Chris' dad turned the big 50 on November 16th and Chris turned 23 on November 13th. We celebrated with the family, had a Macaroni Grill catered dinner and had some cake at the house. It was a fun time. Happy Birthday to two of the most amazing men!!!

THE MANY FACES OF BRIE.....

Out of all the 8 pacifiers we tried, she chose this one!

Snuggle Time

I'm typically a summer girl. I would definitely label myself a sun goddess. Before having kids, I religiously went to the tanning bed daily. I love the feel of the warmth it relaxes me and I often would go after work and take a short nap and relax. I don't go anymore. For One, I don't have time.. Two, it's not a priority and Three... it's not the healthiest choice and I want to watch my kids grow up, not die from skin cancer. I still love the sunny days and do not enjoy rain but I definitely find enjoyment on a nice cold day, dressing my little girls in a warm outfit and snuggling. The picture explains it all.

My Working Man

Chris is now a full time working man (since last June). And at a fresh 23 years old (his birthday was just on Nov.13th) he wants to make sure that he looks mature and well groomed while going out and meeting clients. After all, who wants a punk 23 year old managing their money. Chris is very educated, devoted, loyal and motivated and is doing well at his job. Thanks for letting me brag about my husband :) But, the past few weeks he decided that to make himself look more mature that he's going to part his hair and do a comb over. Well, many family members have kind of said something to me like " When did Chris start doing that?" or "Do you like Chris' hair like that?" The truth is, I don't. I actually joked and softly mentioned to him a few times but he didn't get it. So, today as he was getting ready, he asked. So, I was honest and said, that makes you look like a dork, like you are trying too hard, like Dennis the Menace... etc.. but of course in a joking way and we laughed together. But, here are a few pics of some of his fun new hairstyles. Which one do you like best? Needless to say, we'll be getting him a haircut and a new style here shortly. The best part is, I think he's handsome with all of them!

Fun With Grandpa Hal

When Grandpa Hal comes (Chris' Dad) the kids have a blast. Alexa loves when Grandpa plays the guitar and Grandpa had fun dressing Brielyn in Laker gear since daddy is a Clippers fan. Brie wasn't very happy, it could've been that the outfit made her feel like a boy or she knew daddy would not be happy when he got home! Hal is AMAZING with the kids and Alexa talks about him all the time. We love you Grandpa Hal!!!

DANCE
As though no one is watching you..

LOVE
As though you've never been hurt before..

SING
As though no one can hear you..

LIVE
As though heaven is on earth..

HULLABALOOS CLUB HOUSE

My mom and sister (Lynelle) took the kids to this amazing indoor club house. Alexa had a blast and the kids couldn't get enough. Just looking at the pictures makes me wish I was a kid again. They have it all...a karaoke stage, bikes, giant inflatables, air hockey, puppet shows etc.... FUN FUN FUN. Moms, you should check it out online, it's pretty inexpensive.

The Power of Prayer

Brielyn has made a turn for the best. Everyone that's been around her agrees she's like a completely different baby. We are so thankful for all of your thoughts and prayers. Brie is now taking a pacifier and able to calm and soothe herself. She takes naps regularly during the day and no longer cries every minute she's awake. We are able to venture out of the house and even go on spontaneous outings..... So, I am a happy MOM. She is cooing and smiling all the time. I am really getting to enjoy her. YEAH!!!

Dress Rehearsal for Halloween

The day we got her costume we wanted to see just how cute Tinkerbell would be and how well her wings fit. These are pre Halloween pictures. I'll post pictures from the night of hopefully soon!

Baking with Mimi

My mom has come over numerous days to come help and she definitely does a good job at making Alexa feel equally loved, important and special when mommy has to spend time with Brielyn. Alexa and Mimi made Cornbread to go with our dinner that night. Yes, she was sitting on the counter table (Never thought I'd let her do it but how else could she do such a good job mixing!) Now, Alexa loves to bake with me. She's gonna make a great wife one day.