THIS is my JOY!

Ava came home today!  I can't even describe what it is like to hug and kiss her after 10 days. It is always hard when we make the switch but she is a trooper.  She did cry when she said good bye to her Dad but seems to be perfectly fine now.  I have flown a lot with Ava these past few months and it has been pretty interesting.  She seems to have a hard time with the whole taking off and landing thing.  Today was the second time that she threw a kicking screaming fit when it was time to land.  And what is even worse is what she freaks out about.  She lays on the floor screaming that she is going to poop in her pants!  It is so embarrassing!  The first time I was totally stressed cause what if she really did have to poop, but what can I do when the plane is landing!  The first time she did this I rushed of the plane as quickly as I could to get her to the bathroom and then she was like "oh I don't have to go to the bathroom,"  like she had never even expressed the need. Today when she pulled the same stunt I was not stressed cause I will not be fooled twice.  But it was still a bit on the humiliating side.  Katie got her some goggles for summer and she was so excited that she wanted to wear them in the tub tonight.  When I put them on her I seriously laughed so hard that I cried, she look so funny in them!  What did I do for entertainment before her?  She is definitely the JOY of my life everyday.

Just for fun!

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:

1. I was sixteen and a sophomore in high school

2. Swim team, so I was in the water everyday for 2 hours

3. Prom with Jody Roark

4. I was a lifeguard that summer at the YMCA

5. Best tan of my life!

5 things on my to do list today

1. Breakfast date a Jamba Juice with two friends I haven't seen in over a month (used to see them everyday and I miss them so much)

2. Math class this morning, temple prep class, and then off to biology

3. Work in between all those classes

4. Picking up Becca at the airport!!!! So excited to see her 

5. Some kind of exercise ?

5 Snacks I enjoy

1. Granola bars

2. coke (haven't had a "real" one in at least a month)

3. 100 calorie packs (only 2 points)

4. carrots (okay not really but I do eat some everyday about 3 pm when I get hungry)

5. French Fries

3 bad habits

1. Hitting the snooze button for an hour every morning

2. I am a major procrastinator

3. I never ever make my bed

5 jobs I have had

1. I was a server at Black Angus for 3 years

2. Jamba Juice 

3. NRCHA

4. Vicortia Secret 

5. Subway

5 things you probably don't know about me

1. My favorite color is black. It is the perfect color, it goes with everything! I just never tell people cause it is a little weird

2. I used to tell people I was allergic to work when I was a kid

3.I hate being bare foot and always have something on my feet

4. I watch Everybody loves Raymond every night before bed, it cracks me up!

5. I hate crying in front of people

Flash Back Friday

Well I figured that since I never got around to posting easter pictures last year that I would post some today! I won't have any for this year, cause I didn't even celebrate early with Ava this year. There was no easter basket, no new toys, and no new dress. We did do the disney on ice thing and we did dye some easter eggs last weekend. I just feel like she doesn't need to get everything twice. She will be spoiled enough by her California family and I just have to get used to the fact that I have to share some things and that it is okay. I can still be a good mom if I don't do every single thing bigger and better. I think that I have been trying to compensate for our situation with things and the fact of the matter is that we are great with out them. I do want to share with her the message of why we have this beautiful holiday. It is the celebration of an event that gives us all hope! We all need the atonement and without it nothing else would matter. It is an amazing gift that I never want to take for granted and most of all I don't want my beautiful little girl to take it for granted. The gifts that we have been given by a loving Heavenly Father are truly the most important and I am so thankful that he loved us enough to sacrifice his son so that we all have the chance to return one day!

I'll be missing you!

Ava went to her Dad's yesterday.  I flew to Long Beach with her early in the morning and dropped her.  The whole way there she was very excited and couldn't wait to see her Dad.  When the time came to say good bye she was getting a little more wishy washy about it.  We said our good byes and she drove away.  It is always the strangest feeling to watch her go.  It is nice to have a break, for a day.  But seriously I start missing her by the end of the first day.  I wonder how she is doing, what she ate for dinner?  Did somebody sing to her today?  What questions is she asking?  What are the answers to these questions?  Did she get enough hugs?  Enough kisses?  What did she play today?  I walked by her room today and just looked in.  It was so cute to see the way things were left.  She was having a tea party with Dora on Tuesday afternoon (while I was attempting beauty) and everything was still set up just the way she had it.  It made me happy and sad all at the same time.  I am sitting here now and the best way I can think to describe how I feel is like a stranger in my own house.  It is way to quiet around here!  I miss my friend.  

Too long to wait!

About 2 pm today Ava and I were at Katie's.  We had been there a few hours and I had decided it was finally time to go home and grab a shower and clean up for the day.  I tried to earlier in the day but due to hot water issues I decided to wait.  I am usually showered and dressed by 2 in the afternoon.  I was yelling for Ava to come down and to hurry up a little, please.  She asked if she could just stay while I went, Katie agreed.  As I was getting ready to leave Ava yelled down and asked how long I was going to be gone.  My reply was simply I don't know as long as it takes me to shower and get beautiful.  Ava replied well that will take TOO long for you to get beautiful so maybe I will just come with you.  Me and Katie cracked up!  Maybe you just had to be there but it was pretty funny.  

Disney on Ice

On Saturday we had a special girls day out.  Me, Sharon, and Ava went to Disney Princesses on Ice.  It was so fun!  Ava loved every minute of it and seriously asked when she was going to see Cinderella like every five minutes.  I just love watching her face as she takes everything.  She had fun and as we were walking out after the show was over she was singing her little heart out.  It was so cute, I love to hear her sing because she will just sing the same line of a song over and over and then randomly throw stuff in the mix.   There was also all of my favorite things involved : cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn.  In my opinion if you are gonna do it, do it all the way!

Catching up and a few other random thoughts!

How is it that a week has all ready passed since my last post!  I don't just quit posting on purpose I just tend to be easily distracted at times.  I need to find some structure!  I have never really been good at this, but most of you all ready now this.  Yes there are some parts of my routine that never change, but not enough.   School is keeping me stressed out.  Mostly cause I procrastinate and I am finding that I am not as good at winging it in the class room as I used to be!  It used to be that I could just show up to class and do well, not so much any more.  Consequently I need to develop a few study skills.  Any suggestions?  I am open to them.  I have spring break next week and cant wait!  It will be nice to just have a few days "off" to spend with Ava.  Hopefully the weather will be nice again by next week cause I have really been feeling the need to take her to the zoo.  Then miss thing is off to her Dad's for 10 days.  She hasn't gone for a visit since January so I am honestly looking forward to some down time.  I now that I will be missing her like crazy after a few days, but that is just the way it is. I have really been reflecting on how blessed my life is this past week. Here are few that have really been on my mind:

1. Answered prayers:  one morning last week was starting off all wrong from the start.  I can usually tell within a minute of Ava waking up what kind of morning we will have.  Well, this one was bad from second 1.  I just sat there and thought "I can't do this today, I just can't" and then thought came to ask for help.  A quick prayer was offered and within one minute her whole demeanor changed and everything went smoothly.  The man upstairs hears us, he knows us and he WILL help us.  I know this, with out a doubt.

2. Second chances

3. My freedom.  We have been discussing a lot of stuff on this topic in my Social Welfare class, and it has really hit me.

4. The people in my ward.  They are awesome people who help me probably more than I will ever really now.  But I got a note in the mail from one of them this week and it has really had an affect on me this week.

5.  My family.  I think that my relationships with each one of them have grown a little the past few weeks.  I am thankful for each one of them and the lessons that they teach me.  

I have also learned a small lesson this week.  Check the preschool calendar the teacher gives you, it can possibly save you from a few stressful situations.  Here a few examples

Tuesday morning:  Ava is laying in bed and yells "mom it is my turn for snack today."  Me thinking what and then checking the calendar and realizing that yes indeed it is our turn for snack this week.  Luckily I was able to throw one together without to much craziness!

Wednesday morning: Ava "mom today is bowling day, right?" Me, "yes sweety, today is finally bowling day."  Ava "I need a 5 dollar bill."  Me thinking okay wasn't expecting that then checking the calendar and yes there was the instruction, send your child with $2.50.  Oh, crap I have no cash, not even $2.50.  Had to stop at the grocery store and get some cash.  Glad she mentioned this small detail!

This morning : Ava "what am I doing at pre school today?"  Me " I don't know, lets check the calendar"  Oh it is pajama day!  Yeah, now I don't have to fight the battle of what is acceptable to wear in public and what is not!  

I will read the calendar in advance from now on!

Hot Water

I have lived in my current apartment for a year now!  I love it here and plan and staying for awhile, but I do have one compliant.  A BIG one.  There is only one water heater for all three apartments.  If you are wondering if you read that right I will say it again, there is only ONE water heater for all THREE apartments. There are 8 of us, sharing one water heater.  Seriously people, do you know how bad that can suck on certain days.  Like today, when I had to take freezing cold shower!  Not a great way to start out a day, and I will admit there were not choice words going through my head.  I usually try and get a shower in at night cause there is usually not a problem getting some hot water, but it just doesn't always work out that way.  Okay, complaining is over. 

Tagged

My cousin Kori tagged me forever ago and I am just barley getting to it.  Sorry Kori!

Attached or Single -  Single

Cake or Pie -  Definitely pie

Day of Choice - any day with no school and no work, or days when I get even an hour all to myself and don't have to answer one question ;)

Essential item - my make up bag, or you could call it my "bag of tricks"

Favorite color - black or blue 

Gummy bears or worms - bears (white and red ones)

Hometown - Corcoran CA

January or July - July

Kids - Ava Illene age 3 going on 23

Life isn't complete without - hugs and kissed from my sweet girl

Anniversary - see question 1, I am single 

Siblings - one little sis and one older sis, and 9 steps

Oranges or Apples - honestly neither, but if I had to pick it would be apples

Phobia or Fear - being alone forever

Quote - "There are two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything is a miracle."  Albert Einstein

Reason to Smile - the semester is half way over

Season of Choice - Spring

Unknown fact about me - hmmm can't think of anything interesting

Veggies - asparagus, brocoli, squash, peas, green beans, peas..... I guess you could say I an a veggie kind of girl

Worst habbit - biting my nails

X Rays or Ultrasound - ultrasound with Ava

Favorite Food - I can't decide

Zodiac Sign - Virgo 

An AHA! moment

It is 4 am and I just cannot sleep!  Have a lot on my mind which is not unusual it just doesn't usually keep me up at night!  I started school two months ago.  I can't believe how the time has gone by so quickly, but as usual I woke up yesterday and it was all ready March 1.  I was driving home from Provo last night and I was just kind of doing a recap on everything that has been going on in my life since making this big life change.  And the light suddenly went on.  Everything is working out and not only it working out but I am HAPPY!  See when I started school I was a nervous wreck.  My first day of classes I went to Jamba in the morning to help the new manager out with some scheduling stuff and while I was there I picked up my last "full" check.  Can I just tell you what kind of anxiety over took me as I walked out of there!  I just kept thinking, What are you doing?  You can't possibly believe that you are going to live with out this money?  I am never going to be able to make this work, What was I thinking when I quit my job?  I was really freaked out.  Then I went to all my classes over the next few days, and the anxiety just kept building.  I just kept thinking, I CANT DO THIS!  I was driving home one day really struggling with the decision when this still small voice whispered to me " these thoughts are not yours, they are coming from the adversary and he wants you to fail."  Isn't that amazing, I immediately felt peace.  Even though it was short lived, I felt it.  I have really been struggling this past year with feeling at peace with my life!  I am constantly worrying about how I am supposed to make everything work out for my family.  Financially, spiritually, emotionally.  How am I supposed to do all of this alone!  It can be overwhelming.  I guess the point of all this is that I think in the last two months I have finally been at peace.  I am right were I need to be!  Yes, I am a single mother putting herself through school, but I am not alone!  There are so many wonderful people who are on this journey with me.  I am so truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life who help bear my burdens and lift me up.  Yesterday I was at Katie's house about to leave for the airport.  Before leaving Katie offered a prayer and blessed that Ava and I would be watched over while they were gone. Isn't that amazing.  It was just a reminder to me that Katie and Ryan really do help watch out for me.  I have really missed them since they moved across town.  I don't get to just stop in for a few minutes everyday and I really miss seeing all of them. I am so thankful for the relationship that I have with my big sis, and her family.  I am so thankful for my family.  My parents, my sisters, and my brother in law have all been so supportive. Hope some of that made sense, it is 4 in the morning.

Last Weekend

Ava and I were lucky enough to spend last weekend in Arizona visiting my Mom, Rod, Becca and Nick.  It was so much fun to be there!  I miss my Mom so much.  I moved to Utah so I could live closer to her and then she up and moved to Arizona!  The weather was fabulous and Ava had so much fun playing at the park and drawing with sidewalk chalk!  She loves to be outside so it was a great treat for her to get to play outside after a long and snowy winter.  Her are few pics from our trip, I wish that I would have taken a few more :(

What does your name mean

What Julie Means

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you. You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries. You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice. You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

AVA

My first post on family(see prior post) is of course about my Ava.  What a special child of God she is!  She has made my life so full of love and happiness.  I am lucky and proud to be her Mother.  It is my prayer everyday that I will do the best I can to help her be the best she can be.  It is the hardest job I have ever had.  I had no idea how broad the scope of Motherhood, but I am thankful for the opportunity to experience it, as well as learn and grow through it.  I just want to share some things that I love about Ava:  she loves to cuddle, she is very social and talks to everyone (I hope that she doesn't outgrow this), her dance moves make me laugh, and her smell.  She has the cutest vocabulary.  Here are a few of the cute things she says:

fridge =  fridger

donkey = honkey

toilet paper = paper paper

cup cakes = pup cakes

shadow = eye shadow

Emily = Elomy

Marshmellow = Farfellow

Cooper = Coop (in her earlier day it was pooper)

Everybody = all a body

Pre School = pe school

And her most used word is Why?

There is a little girl in Ava's class named Tuesday.  Gail told me that for the first two weeks of class Ava called her Sunday! When learning the song the Farmer in the Dale, Ava would sing the Farmer in the Desk!  She is such a crack up.

She loves all the people in her family and when asked who is in her family and who loves her she will give you this list: Katie, Ryan, Cooper, Savannah, Luka, you (as in me, the mom), Becca, Grammy, Rod, Nick, Gail (her babysitter), Grandpa Scott and Grandma Nan, Sharon, Brad, Tyler, Elomy, Nathan, her Dad and Clarissa, her sister Alexa, her uncles Sergio, Alex, and Arthur, Kika and Big Butch (her step grandparents), Carly, Jenna, Mike, Cole, Noah, Heidi, Josh, Lilli, Mary, Bubba, Big Josh, Ronnie, and seriously she will go on and on with the list of names.  It is quite the list!  But hey, at least she now she is loved.  She loves being in her Sunbeam class at church and every time we drive by the church she says "is today church day?"  She love pre school and looks forward to seeing all her friends everyday.  She is such a cute little girl.  It is such a privilege to be her mother and her friend.  Lately, at bedtime she will tell me "Mom I love you so much" and " you are so cute mom".  It is the best part of my day.

On Family

Family is defined as: a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head : household: a group of persons of common ancestry : clan : a people or group of peoples regarded as deriving from a common stock : race: a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation : fellowship: the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children; also : any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family family>  spouse and childrenfamily>the staff of a high official (as the President).  I though all of these were quite accurate. Now, you might be thinking okay this is random, but last week in one of my social work classes we discussed families.  My teacher asked many questions like:  Who is in your family? Describe your family?  What do you do with your families?  My family is great because? Sometimes my family is?  The biggest problem facing American families today?  These questions have really been on my mind all week. Family.  It is such a wonderful blessing and sometimes our greatest challenge.  I have been thinking about all the people who make up my family.  I am so truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life who I consider "family".  Here are a few interesting fact about family from on of my social work books.  The family is recognized as humanity's basic institutions.  Sociologists, social workers, psychiatrists, anthropologists, lay leaders, and average citizens agree that the family is fundamental to society.  No other established patten has been found more effective in molding the personality of children and adults.  Social, personal, and emotional ties inhere more intimately in this relationship than in any other social dimension.  I thought these were pretty powerful facts!  I agree with them completely.  My new goal is to do an entry about all the people in my "family" and what they mean to me and how they contribute to my life.  I think that it will be fun and interesting.  Who is in your family and what do they mean to you?

Somebody SHOOT ME!!!!

I just looked out the window and saw that it was snowing yet again!  Seriously people I can't take it any more.  NO MORE SNOW!!!! Especially Mon-Thurs when I have to walk to class.  It is the worst to be walking up hill on snow.  It is slippery and I know that very soon I will actually fall and look like a total idiot.  I slipped so bad last Wednesday that the guy walking behinde me asked if I was okay.  I was okay, but my ego was not.  Somebody please, make the snow stop!  I need a Hawaiian vacation.  Anyone want to run away with me?

Sleeping Beauty

This is my cute little sleeping beauty.  I think that most parents will agree with me that there is just something special about seeing your kids sleeping soundly.  This picture gives you a pretty good idea about how close Ava sleeps to me all night.  Right on the edge of my pillow and keeps her hand on me pretty much all night.  When we go to bed she insists on cuddling and that I squeeze her really tight.  Last night she was getting mad because I wasn't squeezing tight enough! She is such a joy to have around.  The down side to having her sleep with me is that I can't get a good nights sleep when she is in California!  I know I need to start working on getting her to sleep in her own bed, but I have to admit I just like having her with me.  Last night she was up crying with an ear ache so we will be heading to Kids Care right after I go to my math class.  I have a mid term on Thursday so there is no way I am missing class today.  Wish me luck, cause if you know much about my math skills I really need a miracle on this one :)

Food for Thought

I have been thinking about how President Hinckley has had an affect on my life through out the past week and the biggest thing that I could think of to share is the book Stand a Little Taller. Three years ago I made the choice to become an active Latter Day Saint and it was a HUGE change for me.   Not only was I changing the way I lived my life on a day to day basis but I had changed my surroundings as well and add to that a 2 month old baby.  WOW, talk about identity crisis!  I found this book in my Grandpa's office and was really drawn to it.  It became a part of my daily life.  I was spiritually hungry and this fed my hunger and gave me something to ponder the teachings of the gospel.  We are so blessed to live in time where we have the teachings of a latter day prophet and the many wonderful prophets who where here on the earth before us right at our finger tips.  This book has truly made a difference in my life and my testimony.  If you don't have your own copy I recommend you put it on your list of must haves. I want to share the thought from yesterday, cause it is one of my favorites.

Life in Christ

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Luke 9:23

The Lord declared: "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 10:39).  These words have something more than a cold theological meaning.  They are a statement of a law of life - that as we lose ourselves in a great cause we find ourselves - and there is no greater cause than that of the Master. 

Wow!  Isn't that an amazing and true concept.  I want to thank the many people who have taken the opportunity to give service to me and Ava.  Our lives have truly been enriched by your service and I could not make it without the many act of love and kindness that have been offered on our behalf.

Long Over Due!

I can't believe that it has really been more than two months since my last post!  I can't believe how quickly time flies by.  I have been a busy girl.  My life is in the process of some MAJOR changes and I am feeling really overwhelmed.  I quit my job at Jamba Juice (well my official last day is next week, but I have only been working 1 or 2 days a week ) and started back to college at the University of Utah.  I am officially a Ute! I have been in school for three weeks and I am wondering what I got myself into.  I am definitely out of my element.  College seemed so much easier right out of high school than it does now.  I am not in the learning mode any more and I feel really out of my league.  I am hoping that things start coming back to me, but I am having to spend a lot of time re learning a lot of stuff (ex: math).  I have no clue what APA format is and have to write all my research papers using it ( i used MLA in my writing class at SDSU, not that i would remember it now!).  I am amazed at how quickly I made this decision and just jumped into this new life.  I am so excited for the adventures that are waiting in the future.  I am going to apply to the social work program and get my BSW.  If all goes according to plan I will be a college graduate in May 2011.  Mark your calendars for one big party, cause you know I will be having one!

Happy Birthday Ava !

Ava i s 3 years old today! I can't believe how fast the time has flown by! She is the joy of my life and definitely keeps my life interesting . I love her with all my heart. Happy Birthday Ava!

Flashback Friday

Belly shot before heading to the hospital

Me and my nurse. She checked me in stayed with me all day, went home and came back 12 hours later just in time to help with Ava's delivery

Giving somebody an update, don't I look enthusiastic?

3 years ago today I checked into Fountain Valley Hospital to have labor induced. I was 5 day over due with Ava and very anxious to be done with pregnancy and move onto mother hood. Little did I know what I was getting into! I definitely didn't expect to not have a baby on November 16th, but after close to 23 long hours of labor I delivered a beautiful baby girl on the November 17th. More on that tomorrow......

Frosting

Monday morning as Ava and I were pulling out of the drive way to start our day I noticed all the frost on the grass and commented to Ava "look, it must have been really cold last night there is frost on the grass!" Ava immediately replied "mom, you are so silly, frosting is for cookies!" It made me laugh all day.

Tag a long

My cousin Kori tagged me to get me out of my blogging rut, so here goes!

Tag #1 3 facts/habits about me

#1. I LOVE to read! I am always reading something. My mom says its cause I feel the need to escape my own life and I totally agree. It is so nice to just get wrapped up in another world for awhile. I just finished the 3 books of the twilight series and I can't wait until the next book is out. I also like John Grisham, James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, David Baldacci.... anything that sucks me in!

#2. I bite my fingernails! Still at age 26, I just can't seem to kick this bad habit once and for all. I have quit periodically for months at a time, but I always start back up again. I try not to bite in public though because I do know that it is a dirty disgusting habit!

#3. I am a cokaholic(if that is even a word)! Seriously I usually have my first one by 7am. We role through the Jardine drive thru and filler up. I just have to have it. It makes my day all that much better. I try and drink the diet stuff as much as I can, but it just doesn't cut my craving as much as the real thing. So, if anybody is wondering why I am holding on to an extra 30lbs this is the reason. I LOVE COKE!!!!

Tag #2 The Senses

Favorite Smell: I will try and keep this one to a minimum :) Ava, she just has a smell all her own and it is so comforting to me. I really miss her when she is away and I always sleep with her blankie cause it smells like her. A few other favorites: my grandma Clarks house, Warm Vanilla Sugar and Breathe Romance from Bath and Body, Sunsilk shampoo, and Body by Victoria Secret and they have a new scent it is awesome too, it is called Desire.

Favorite Site: There is this place in Southern California on the drive from Long Beach to San Diego were you come around this bend and there is the ocean, right their in front of you. It is amazing! I remember the first time that I saw it and thought WOW! that is my favorite place in California. I love it and just got to see it in August. I wanted to stop and take a picture but Ava was sleeping and I didn't want to wake her up

Favorite Taste: This is a hard one too! Here is a short list: Lemon Sour Cream pie from Marie Calendars, company potatoes, carmel (especially from Grandma Clark), COKE, homemade orange rolls (and I don't even like oranges), anything that qualifies as candy

Favorite Sound: I love to hear Ava talking or singing to herself when she plays. I just sit in the other room and crack up!

Favorite Touch: cuddles from my girl, warm fuzzy socks, flannel sheets (clean ones are the best), and hugs!

Katie, Carly Blasco, and Becca it your turn. Tag your it!

Flashback Friday

It has been forever since my last post! So, I decided to do a flashback Friday. These are a few pictures from the trip to Disneyland we took last October. I can't believe how much Ava has changed in just a year! She even has her binki in this picture ;)

Happy 26th to me!

Two Special Guys

Ava and Brad cleaning the mirror!

Being a single mother I have often worried about who will be a great male role model for her. I know that of course her father will be, he just doesn't have all the characteristics that I think she need in an awesome role model. I am so lucky that Katie is married to such an awesome guy, who lets us tag along on their family outings and spend so much time. Not only does he like us but he has been willing on many occasions to be an example for me and to Ava. I really look up to Ryan and hope that one day my life will be blessed with someone so fun to be around. Ava and I have also been blessed to have Brad become a part of our lives. He is so wonderful to Ava, and to me. He spends time with Ava, giving her much needed attention that I can't always give her. He just plays with her doing whatever she wants . He lets her wash her hands as long as she wants, wash the mirror using as much windex as she want (I never do this), he teases her too! I just love when they get to spend time together. I feel like it fills a gap in her life. Last Sunday Ava and I went to Sharon and Brads for lunch after church. Brad and Ava made silly hats for us all to wear. Then after lunch they disappeared into the bathroom (one of Ava's favorite places to play). They cleaned, which she also very strangely likes to do, then when Sharon inquired on what exactly they were doing for so long Brad's reply was "We've moved on to face washing!" I went to see what exactly this meant, and Ava was wiping his face with a paper towel. It was just too funny. So, Thank you Brad for giving Ava some much needed "fatherly" attention! It means more to me than words can ever express.

Memory Monday!

I thought I would post this picture of Becca on her first day of Second Grade. Becca had her first day of Eight Grade last Monday and I can't believe how grown up she is! This is the way I will always remember my cute little Doobie.

Silly Girl

Ava is definitely going through a fun stage right now. She likes to pick her own clothes, put them on all by herself (after asking me which way the go), pick her own shoes, and fix her own hair. She is actually pretty good at getting her hair into little ponytails, they aren't very cute but it just amazes me how she keeps trying and trying to do it until finally she masters it. She is obsessed with fixing hair right now and stands on her stool in the bathroom getting the comb wet and combing her hair into the funniest little ponytails. She wears her princess shoes most places. Last Saturday I asked her to get ready to go grocery shopping, these are a few pictures of what she came up with. Keep in mind she did all of this on her own, the clothes the shoes, the hair and the accessories. She cracks me and while letting her express herself might be a little embarrassing I feel inclined to just go with the flow and pick my battles!

Cherry Hill

Well, Ava made it back from a two week visit in California on Saturday and I was definitely glad to have her home. On Monday Katie and I loaded up the kids and headed to Cherry Hill. The kids had a blast. Ava and Cooper didn't spend as much time going down the slide this trip like they usually do. Instead they tried to sit on the fountains and wrestling with each other in the water. I must admit that at certain times I was worried that one of them was going to hit their head or scrape their face on the bottom of the pool because they were pushing each other around so much and laying on each other in the water. But they had fun, and that is really all that matters. It always amazes me how well Cooper and Ava can get a long and then within a minute they can be fighting like crazy. I am really glad the we all got to spend the day together.

Ava Shakin her Bacon

Savannah, Cooper and Ava were all sitting in the kitchen last Saturday taking turns "shakin their butts". They would each take a turn while the other two watched and sing shake my butt, shake my butt. None of them really have any rhythm but they sure are funny to watch!

A Fun Weekend

Sharon and Ava sitting on the deck looking at the ducks.
There was a beautiful swan too.



A few weekends ago Ava and I got to go on a little getaway with Sharon and Brad and stay in their condo near Heber. We had so much fun just being away from home. We got their late in the afternoon on Friday and played outside, Ava got to blow bubbles which is one of her favorite things to do right now. We went to a really good restaurant and had gelato for dessert. On Saturday we went to the Homestead for breakfast. There was a big deck outside that went out over a little pond that had fish and ducks. Ava was very excited about the ducks. She calls the gucks and says pack, pack, pack. It cracked us up! We sat in the hot tub for awhile and then we all went to see Surf's Up. It was a cute movie! Thanks Sharon and Brad for a fun weekend!

Flashback Friday

I am officially joining the Flashback Friday group. This week we are going back 7 years to my High School graduation. I thought now would be a good time of year for this with school ending, so today I dug up some old pictures. It was kinda fun to take a little trip down memory land and look through my old scrapbooks that are just collecting dust on the top shelf of my closet. I had to laugh today thinking about how differently my life has turned out that I planned it would seven years ago. I am so happy that is had turned out differently though because I feel like I am in a pretty good place right now. I have a beautiful daughter and I love being her mother. I am on the road to having a career that I really love and would have never imagined myself capable of doing. LIFE IS GOOD!

Hats

Lately I have been working a 9-7 shift so I have some time with Ava in the mornings. I really enjoy getting to spend time with her in the mornings. She loves to cuddle when she first wakes up so we usually just lay around for a little while. We get to eat breakfast together too! I try and cherish every moment that I get with her because there doesn't seem to be enough of them lately. In my perfect world I would get to be with her all day every day, but that isn't the case right now. I can't believe how much I miss while I am at work. I try not to think about this very much because it breaks my heart. I am just so thankful that she spends her time somewhere where she is happy and loved! Anyway, I had Heidi take this picture of us this morning with our hats. Ava wanted to wear a hat like me today. She is just so dang cute!

Interesting Night

Ava holding the yogo after we got home
The recovered yogo! Anybody hungry?

Last night Cooper came over while Katie and Ryan went to dinner. All was going well, Ava and Cooper were actually getting along without any fights or mischief. After there bath they wanted some Yogo's so I gave them each there own little bowl full. They were sitting together on the coach when all of a sudden Ava starts yelling "Get it out, get it out". So I run over to find out what she is talking about to find that her and Cooper had both put a yogo up there nose. I managed to get Coopers out but Ava just kept pushing hers further and further up her nose. It wasn't coming out! I scooped up both the kids and headed to insta care. Katie and Ryan met us there the get Cooper. Katie stayed to help me and it was a good thing cause it took three people to hold Ava down while the Dr. fished the yogo out of her nose. I can't believe how far up there is was! On the way to the Dr. Ava was crying and saying that she didn' want to go to the Dr. and Cooper just kept telling her it will be all right and be right next you the whole time. Hopefully Ava learned her lesson and won't be putting anything else in her nose!

New Hair Do

Last Tuesday I finally took Ava to get her hair cut. I had been wanting to do this for awhile now, with the hope that it will grow in a little bit thicker. The last time Ava went for her monthly visit with her Dad I got my hair cut. She noticed immediately and just kept telling me that she wanted a hair cut too. She requested to have a pink hair cut like mine. I don't know what this means to her, but I told her she was getting one. She sat so good during the whole thing and was excited about her new look. I think it turned out really cute!

Cute Cousins

When I was leaving Katie's house one late afternoon the kids were playing on the tramp. I happened to have my camera and decided it might be an opportunity to get a good shot of the kids. I actually got a few good one (this is rare) so I thought I would share them with everyone!

Some Good News

I have some good news. Next Tuesday is my last day with Einsteins! I was offered an Assistant Manager position with Jamba Juice so I am going back. I am really excited about this change. Of course, as with any change I have a little anxiety, but I really feel that this job change is the right choice. I am really excited and hopefully if all goes according to my plan I will be promoted to a General Manager by the end of the year and have my own store. There are 3 new locations scheduled to open by October and I really want to get one of them.

Update

I know, I am a terrible blogger! But here is a small update on what is new in my world. I moved into a new apartment 2 months ago. I love it there. It is a two bedroom and I love having the extra space! Ava actually sleeping in her room is a whole different story though! I have tried to bribe with Cinderella sheets, Dora pillows, treats and she still just ends up in my bed cause I usually just don't have the energy stand firm. My latest attempt and sleeping in her own bed is her binki. She can no longer sleep in Mom's bed with her binki. She did sleep in her bed (most of the night) last night because she chose the binki. This angle might actually work! I know this problem is my fault, because I have always let her sleep with me, but I am ready for my own space now. Here are a few pics of Ava on her new "big girl bed".

Two two year olds+bathroom=disaster

This is what accured the other night while Katie and I let Cooper and Ava out of our radar for all of five minutes. Those two can get into trouble so quickly! They went into the bathroom and each with their own role of toilet paber managed to clog up th toilet and spred spit wads all over the bathroom and hallway wall just outside the bathroom. Ava was so soaking wet that I could ring the water out of her hair and clothes. What a fun surprise and mess for us!