I have a SECRET to tell you....

We ended the night with a vanilla cupcake with frosting and candy sprinkles!!!

Alexa blowing out her candles

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! MMmmm chocolate milk and a donut for breakfast

She played princess during the day!

Alexa's special birthday candy

Daddy and Alexa with their candy bag

Mommy and Alexa on the tram

MY PRINCESS TURNED 2!!!! Alexa turned 2 on February 28th. We began the celebration on Wednesday. It was Mimi night so Chris and I dropped Brielyn off with my mom and took Alexa on a special trip to Disneyland. It was PERFECT! We went on 4 rides in 1 hour. She also got to pick out a special candy; of course she picked the Belle figurine filled with sweet/tart little candies. The next morning (her actual birthday) we took her to the donut shop to pick out her birthday donut. She chose chocolate with sprinkles. We had an awesome day playing at the park with some new friends Michelle Twal, Jenny Johnson and her sister and sister's son. For dinner she got pepperoni pizza and ranch dressing. Her cousins came over to give her a special birthday balloon and stickers then daddy came home with cupcakes and cookies to share and a special birthday present with 2 new Disney Movies and 2 new color books. WHAT MORE COULD A PRINCESS ASK FOR? She still has a birthday party to look forward to on Saturday! More princess, candy, cake, presents, family, friends and all that good stuff that makes birthdays FUN.

I am so proud of Alexa and the smart, smiley, lovey little princess that she is. She has the best personality. I am loving every minute of being home and experiencing my children. I look forward to what God has in store for her future. HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY ALEXA, WE LOVE YOU!!!

Park Day with Aidan

Ouch! She insisted on her shoes being off. She got a few splinters.

Brie's first encounter with grass. She doesn't just lay on the blanket anymore. She's mobile. She got to taste it and feel it.

Awwww.. Cousins!

I love this action shot. They had a blast. And, Alexa is getting brave.

Lyndsay just got home from India and I was sure she could use some extra rest to get used to the routine and being home. The girls have been stuck inside for a week since it's been rainy and I knew they'd love get outside SO..... we picked up Aidan from Pre-School, then headed off to McDonalds and had a picnic at the park. It was the perfect day! Alexa, Aidan and Brie had a blast.

But, something weird happened to me. A "good" kind of weird. God spoke to me at the park. He hasn't been silent lately.

Last time I went to this park, there was a young man there. I was sure he was coming off some kind of high. He started scaling the park benches and crawling on the ground, picking up stuff and smelling it. He kept running his hands through his hair, pacing and talking to himself. But, I was with others so I just kept my eye on the kids and let it go. Well, guess who was there today? Yep, there he was, he appeared from nowhere right onto the park benches. He looked as though he was molding something. Then he walked over to the fountain, ran his hands under the water and flipped his head over, cleansing his bangs. At first I got scared and made sure I had my eyes on the kids, then I started to contemplate leaving since I was there by myself and with Aidan. I mean, that would be horrible if something were to happen and I had someone elses kid as well. But then, God quieted me. He got me still and said "Instead of sitting here worrying and trying to figure out what this young man is doing, why he is here, what he'll do next... why don't you pray for him?" I stayed quiet and just sit there responding to God like, " You're so right God." You wouldn't let anything happen to me. That's why you brought me here at this time, this place, this very moment.

I started to process... He is here on this earth like you and me, searching for happiness. That's what he's doing all day. He may not be choosing the right things, but I'm sure that's all he wants is to be Happy. No one likes to be sad, alone, stared at. He needs JESUS. So I prayed. It was so powerful.

Got Adult Acne?

As an esthetician I was a bit upset when Dermalogica released its products to consumers. It used to be exclusively sold and distributed to licensed professionals only. The reason I was upset was because I loved their products; but why would you come to me (for my services) if I used a line that you could buy yourself? So, when I was practicing I didn't use it. However, from a different perspective... I think it's nice to have such a great product line available for those that may not have the money/time to go to an esthetician. The well known Oxy, Clearasil etc. are really high in benzoyl peroxide and really over -drying causing the reverse affect. If you have ever dealt with acne (I have for years) you know how frustrating and depressing it can be. I remember times it was so bad I was so embarrased to go out in public. I went to the dermatologist and went on every medication. No amount of makeup would make me feel better. Today I still struggle with acne just not as severe and in waves of my life.

Last week I found myself struggling with my acne again as it was taking over one side of my neck and getting overwhelming... I know it has to do with my hormones not being balanced. I am breastfeeding and taking a new form of birth control so my body is out of whack. I started to do some research on what's new out there. The reason for my post is. I know that there is not one miracle cure for acne. Some products work for some while they won't for others. So, as a sufferer from acne, I thought I'd share something that I found amazing....

Dermalogica launched a new line to the public ( you can find at most salons, beauty stores or online) called mediBac "Adult Acne Line" It's especially formulated for more mature skin since the teen lines can be a bit harsh and over-drying. I have tried it myself and love it. The wash is awesome and I especially like the mattifier. It's perfect to wear under your makeup; for an all day combat of acne. The line is extensive and also has a mask, lotion and spot treatment. There's a starter kit with sample sizes or you can purchase each product individually.

The line is a bit pricey, but if you suffer from adult acne it is worth it. I find myself at 25 years with 2 kids and less time for myself. The least I can do is take care of my skin to help feel better. If you suffer from a bit more than the occassional pimple.....Try it, you might like it.

Disneyland Date Night

Picture of Chris and I on the tram.

It was Wednesday Night " Mimi Night" when my mom watches all of her grandchildren. It had been a cold, rainy day so Chris and I decided to leave the kids with MIMI and venture off to D-land by ourselves. It gave me a chance to wear the gloves Chris' brother got me 2 years ago and we got to bundle up for a change. Sounds weird, but it was fun. I don't wear tennis shoes or socks during the year. We figured it would be pretty dead due to the weather and we went pretty late. For the most part it was not too crowded but you still had about 30 minutes for most rides. We did get to run onto Pirates of the Carribean and The Haunted Mansion. It was fun and brought back a lot of memories from my passholder days from way back. The Bambrick Family and Lasch Family were there so we met up with them for a bit and they are catching me up on my D-land Lingo! Most of all, it was nice to be with my husband without the kids.

Thanks MIMI for a night off!!

Alexa's First Sleepover

Autumn did Alexa's hair

Ahhh Cousin Kisses

Brie loves Cousin Autumn

Mmm.. Trix at 8:30 at night, what a treat!

Sneaky Girls

Cheese!

Alexa sharing a lick

On Sunday, February 17th Autumn came over for a sleepover. Her mom is in India and she had Monday off for a holiday; so it was perfect. Chris had most of the day off too, so that made it fun as well. That night Autumn got here late around 8:30 so they had a bowl of cereal (yeah there were lots of exceptions for the sleepover) read some books, snuggled in their Princess sleeping bags and watched "Snow Buddies" then fell asleep around 10:30PM. Alexa did well, she fell asleep in the bag til about 4 AM then she was ready to sleep in her crib again. I didn't know how she'd do since she's so young; but she loved it. Monday morning Chris made us a wonderful breakfast with eggs, bacon, toast and sausage! The girls played some more then it was time to make cupcakes. That was a blast and we got to share with family and friends. We had some yummy pizza for lunch then had a cupcake and played some more. Alexa, Brie and Autumn had the best sleepover... Thanks for coming Autumn, We Love You!!

Valentines Day

Valentines Day was low key this year. Alexa and Brielyn passed out Princess Valentines to family, friends and neighbors. Chris and I decided to celebrate together the day before so that my mom could watch them and we wouldn't have to be in the middle of the Valentines Day havoc at the restaurants. It's a good idea!!! We had a great dinner and margarita at El Torito then sped off to the movies just in time to see "Fools Gold" It was a good movie but I fell asleep. That doesn't mean anything coming from someone who can no longer stay awake through a movie. I'm exhausted these days so if I am stationary staring at something, I WILL FALL ASLEEP. But, we had a great time and really got to enjoy each others company. I got a card and some chocolate and Chris got a card and a book about "Bulldogs" I can't get him the real thing yet so I figure I'll let him read about them so when we are ready we can do it right. We said we weren't going to get anything for Valentines since we upgraded and spent some of our money on buying the Deluxe Disney Passes.

INDIA

Lyndsay's in India! What? Yes, Lyndsay Boulton, my sister is in India. She along with 18 other individuals from our church are on a mission in India. Our church does it every year, in fact, Chris went 2 years ago and I met him for the first time when he returned. I fell in love with him in his Punjabi dancing and singing in front of church teaching the congregation the songs they learned in India.

Lyndsay left last Sunday and will return February 24th. I am so proud of the woman that Lyndsay has become. God blesses those who receive him and Lyndsay is living proof. I love her so much and look up to her and the wonderful example that she has been. She didn't use the excuse of having 4 children to not go to India or the fact that she had Namonia and wasn't fully recovered the day she left. She was determined to serve God and go to India. I miss her but more so; I am so glad she's there and proud of her. When I looked at the picture(courtesy of Dave's blog) I laughed. The things you'll do for Jesus! She'd never hold a bird like that... are you crazy! I love it. I know Lyndsay is extruding her love for Jesus all over India and onto every soul she touches. It's amazing what we can and will do for Jesus. I can't wait to hear how India has touched Lyndsays heart and all that she's experienced.

Please join us as we welcome Lyndsay and Team India home on March 2nd. Our services are at 9 am and 11 am. See you at:

Revolution Church in the city of Lakewood; off Norwalk and Del Amo at Artesia High School.

Brielyn's Photo Shoot

We had another hot day and I was dying for her to wear her hot pink Ralph Lauren Polo dress. So, I tried it on and luckily I did because she filled it out all too well! Here's a few shots I got. Keep in mind Alexa got a photo shoot the night before but I can't reveal those yet because they are part of her birthday invitation and I don't want to ruin it. I'll post those later.

The Happiest Place On Earth

You have to take a picture in front of the castle...

I love this store!

Perfectly Pink

She could barely reach, but managed

I told her to get up on Minnies bed and this is the pose she gave me. Perfect!

Alexa and Daddy waiving Hi to Mommy and Brielyn

The family on the Winnie the Pooh Ride

We finally did it! On Saturday, Feb.9th we purchased our yearly Disneyland passes and took the girls for the 1st time. They really enjoyed it. Alexa was pretty quiet, just taking it all in and smiling. She liked the characters from afar but we never waited in the long lines to take pictures. Next time. Brielyn was an angel. She slept for the most part but woke up just in time for the Winnie the Pooh Ride. She was a crack up.... she held onto the bar in front and bobbled her head back and forth to see both sides of the ride. She was in awe of all the bright, fun colors. As we were walking out of the park saying goodbye to D-land Alexa wrapped her arms around Chris gave him a big hug, looked into his eyes and then gave him a big kiss. It was so sweet yet it was so perfect (the timing and all) it almost seemed staged. I think that means she had a good time.

She has re affirmed she had a good time due to the fact that she's been talking about it ever since. She tells everyone " I saw Minnie" or " Uh Pooh Ride"

We'll be back soon...

Another Hot Day

It covers her rolls well!

Close Up, she'll hate me for this later

Look at that chin, oh wait, there's more than one!

We started having warm weather lately. This got me super excited and I'm hoping it lasts. It also prompted me to go through Brie's wardrobe and get out all of her dresses that fit her now. If you have kids, you know, it's hard for them to wear all of their clothes. The size has to coordinate with the season. Brie is getting good use of some clothes Alexa never got to wear and still had tags attached. There ARE perks to having girls back to back~! Here's some recent pictures of Brielyn before Disneyland in her dress. Oh yeah, and she's already trying to crawl, you can even ask Ashley Bambrick. I'm not just saying that since she's my daughter :) She has the moves down she's just working on coordinating it all together in sync. She's all over the place already.

BRIELYN... Our Drool Bucket

Brielyn is our little leaky faucet. She's teething in a big way but it doesn't stop her from smiling. She's been a pretty happy baby and we are very thankful for the joy she has brought to our family.

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

She was ready to go out on the town...

IF THE SHOE FITS, BUY IT!!!

In this case, the shoe didn't quite fit and it was MIMI's so she couldn't buy it. But, she loved to borrow them. We caught her in the act and then had her get in them again for some pictures. I love this so much because I used to do the same thing when I was a little girl with my aunts heels. She actually can walk really good in them. Scary!!! Thanks Mimi for letting her play dress up.

Saturday Night With.. The Young's

Who needs to put it on the cupcake when you can just eat it?

Where's my cupcake guys?

Hey Chloe, you have something on your face.

Just eat it like this Chloe!

It started off like this..... but not for long



This is before they got whooped by a girl!

On Saturday night we had The Young Family (Elijah, Lisa, Chloe and Nile) over for dinner. It was lots of fun. Their kids are only 12 months apart. Chloe is about 20 months and Nile about 8 months. It was a blast with 4 kids under 2 years old and 4 adults (some act like kids.. j/k) There was never a dull moment. It was adorable to watch the kids interact and Nile (the ladies man) put the moves on both of my daughters.

Bowtie pasta with chicken and fettucine sauce, corn with garlic butter, garlic/cheese mashed potatoes and garlic bread along with a glass of wine (thanks Young's for the wine) makes for an amazing dinner.

For dessert I made chocolate chip muffins for the girls to decorate with Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting and some pink, white and red sprinkles. They had soooo.. much fun.

The guys played some Wii and finally got us ladies to join after the decorating mess was over :) Lisa showed all of us up winning both games of Bowling. She says she's never played before, but I think I know what she does when the kids are taking their naps! We were just embarrassed because we thought we were good.

We had a great time and look forward to doing it again soon.