Happy Birthday Max!

I can't believe my little guy is already 2. He got help from Sophia in blowing out the candles on his cake and when that didn't really work, Cody helped by holding his head inches from the cake so Max could spit all over it. Thanks to my sister, who sent him a music playing, spinning, could be used as swords toy. But we are so glad to him with us.

Framing

So we actually have started on the house. The roof should be on next week. Very exciting.

Randall

So I was sitting here checking my email and I heard Max start to cry. He came running in and his ear was red and had teeth marks. I called Sophia in and asked her what had happened. She informed me that "Randall" (the guy that can turn invisible from "Monster's Inc") had bitten Max. I have nothing for that. I tried to tell her that Randall doesn't live here but was trying (rather unsuccessfully) not to laugh. She laughed and turned around and went to her bed for time-out. Does that count towards teaching/disciplining?

New Year

Last week was Sophia's first Sunday in Sunbeams. I can hardly believe it. After church, she came home with her first CTR ring and held it up to me and said, "Look Mom. My DSW ring". She is my girl.

Okay, okay, okay

I got it - update the blog. But can we all just focus for a second on what a great job I have done in keeping up with this. Who really thought I would update as much as I have (not me). Anyway, quick update of the past few weeks. I went on a cruise with my sister Jenny (yeah!) and no kids (yeah! yeah!). It was totally fun. I loved every minute. We had a blast with the kids on Halloween, although Sophia got really upset when I started giving away the candy she had collected during Trunk or Treat. But seriously, did she really think I would let her eat all of it? And we had already gone through 2 1/2 of the big Sam's Club candy bags and there were still kids coming. But don't worry - I didn't give any of the chocolate away. I think that I probably can actually live in Farmington now. Costa Vida (Cafe Rio) is now open in Farmington, NM. Yeah! Although I feel like we have eaten there so often in the last few weeks that we have to take a break. Cody is not allowed to talk to people, especially at church. He gets us roped into all sorts of things. Tonight was some youth talent show and they asked if we would come and do some sort of "commercial" during the show. You know, like the ones the church does. Sure. Oh, by the way, I found out at about 9pm last night. So anyway, Sophia and I have been practicing "I hope they call me on a mission" because Cody's brother just got his call last week (Fresno, CA, spanish speaking). Anyway, we dressed the kids up and had them sing and little trooper that she is, Sophia sang her heart out. It is a true testament to the power of bribery. Although when we asked what kindof treat she wanted, Sophia said, "Bacon".

Happy Birthday Sophia!

Sophia turned 3 yesterday. So exciting. And yes, I did make the Barbie cake. Sophia saw one and said (imagine the most dramatic tone of voice), "Mom. Loook at that cake. It is so beautifuuul. Can I have it". So I had to. Let's just say, never really made a cake like this. So I baked the cakes, Cody constructed the cake and then I decorated it. All the kids loved it and I'm glad I did it, but next year we are totally doing the Costco cake. Anyway, we did a thing with Sophia this year. We told her that for every present she opened, she had to go find a toy to give to someone who doesn't get them. So, Cody let her open a present the night before her birthday. After she opened it, we reminded her that she needed to go find a toy for someone else. She ran to her room and was gone for several minutes. She came out and presented me with the toy she was willing to share. When Sophia was younger we gave her a play wallet. The toy that she presented to me to share with someone else was a fake credit card from the toy wallet. Thursday I decided that I was not going to end up with a handful of fake cards and I put a pile of toys on the bed and told her to pick from that pile. She ended up picking all of Max's toys to give away.

We actually started

Finally! We started on the house. The backhoe came on Tuesday and now the pad for the foundation is level and ready to pour the foundation. I am so excited but really freaked out. Lots of decisions (not really my strong point) and I can't see any of it until it's done. So we'll see how everything goes. We went to Colorado two weeks ago for a baby blessing and were also able to see our friends, the Hasketts. So fun.