Kenitzer Clan

a beautiful Saturday

2012-02-11T23:30:00.000-08:00

Oh what a beautiful day!!! Saturday we took a trip down to the Dana Point Harbor... we ate and walked and walked some more...Pop Pop these ship photos are especially for you! I wish we could spend EVERY Saturday that way.

moving it outside

2012-02-10T17:47:00.000-08:00

just go with it... this day I learned a HUGE heaping lesson of just going with it. AND go figure it was our best school day yet, in countless ways! Paisley is sporting her new smock she got as an early birthday present from her great Grandparents Grammy and Grampy Banick! It was 80 out so we had school outside in the sun at our wonderful table. School snack lunch and play was all done outside and we couldn't wait to do it again the next day!

flower girl Paisley

2012-02-10T17:38:00.000-08:00

PAISLEY was had the honor to be the flower girl for our dear friends Brian and Aimee's wedding two weekends ago... she looked amazing and had so much fun... I will be enjoying this photos for years to come!!! Congratulations Brian and Aimee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jason's baptism video

2012-02-09T17:24:00.000-08:00

I couldn't see the front so I had to video the screen.... but better then nothing!!!!

Jason got baptized!!!

2012-02-09T16:29:00.000-08:00

Well we wish you could have ALL been here for this life transforming moment... but Jason of course did it in perfect Jason fashion! I am proud pleased and blessed to share with you that last Sunday Jason got baptized. I am going to do my best to retell this...
It was a baptism Sunday at our new church, we had heard a month or so before that this Sunday was coming but other then a few words being exchanged between Jason and I that was it. Sunday mornings sermon was AMAZING. (as usual, we could not be more in love with our new church...) Well it is much bigger then our previous church and it was not until the end of the service when the pastor mentioned those that signed up to be baptized please come forward at this time. My heart sank, I had been praying fervently for Jason to choose on his own to get baptized. (he was baptized as a child, but very much like myself he took his own path for many many years and it just means something new and different as a responsible understanding adult.) The worship started and they explained that we could watch it up on the screen and cheer them on as they allowed the Holy Spirit to fill them and they became new. The cheering and the emotions were UNREAL. I kept looking around feeling like the heavens had literally opened up and the angels of heaven were right there with us singing praises and clapping as children and adults publicly proclaimed their lives to God. They had mentioned that they had towels for anyone who was feeling led to be baptized even if they had come NOT planning on it. My heart was praying and begging the Lord for Jason to surrender and just go for it.... but then my heart changed. I sat down for a moment and just accepted that IF he was going to be baptized it was for HIMSELF not for me. Suddenly.... (oh man I am shaking and crying just recalling this...) I realized Jason had nudged me and was EMPTYING OUT HIS POCKETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I almost fell over!!!!!!!! I anxiously grabbed his wallet phone and keys and hugged him so tightly... he wasn't sure what to do about having jeans and socks and shoes on. I assured him to just go and they would take care of him! Off he went to the front and I collapsed. I could not hold the emotions any longer. I began speaking in a language not my own praising God and thanking him. (I am so glad we were at our church and not somewhere else, or people would have thought I was crazy!) Then I saw it, I saw MY HUSBAND, the love of my life, the father of my children, my rock and hero... standing before our very large church. In his clothes and all he entered the "pool"(It is hard to see since it was dark inside but that is him in the photo with the black jeans and black t shirt, SHAKING in the water being prayed over.) Then it happened.... they dunked him and he left his old self in the waters and came out new. COVERED by the blood of Jesus Christ and filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Words can't explain. I was shouting and clapping and crying and singing... it was amazing. So in perfect Jason fashion, he didn't plan it out, he didn't invite others to be a part of this moment. Instead he was obedient to the Lords calling and didn't make excuses that he wasn't prepared and didn't have board shorts.... THAT is MY husband. He has a twinkle in his eye now that I have not seen in a very LONG time. I have seen the Lord working in and through him, with our children and between him and I already and it is only going to get better. Jason I love you and am SO proud of you. Thank you for taking a leap of faith and raising up to be the Head of our household. YOU are an answer to so many of my prayers, prayers I have been praying since I was a child over the husband of my future... I dreamt of you, I pictured you and I still can't believe I got all of that AND SO MUCH MORE. WE love you dearly. Love Paisley, Kaiser and me!

Paisley's drawings

2012-02-09T16:05:00.000-08:00

These are just for fun drawings that we keep in her very special drawing notebook that she got for Christmas. Again these will all be hers when she is older, but by putting them on here.. I WILL HAVE THEM FOREVER!!!!!

Paisley's drawings and writings

2012-02-09T16:03:00.000-08:00

Oh if only I had it on video of her explaining her drawings. They are extra precious when she explains the details and why she drew what... but you will have to use your imagination!

Paisley says the darndest things

2012-02-09T15:58:00.000-08:00

Paisley has begun Kindergarten and part of her almost daily routine is to write. Until she can write all by herself, she talks and I write it for her. These are her writings and they were far too precious not to share. I want to have these forever and ever.... ENJOY... there will be plenty more where this came from!

Haviland Porcelain

2012-02-09T15:19:00.000-08:00

Can you say TRUE quality craftsmanship... SO my dear friend Ashlee lost her father a couple months past and as I mentioned before the kids and I helped her go through his things and clear out his storage. Well who knew so many good things would become of our trip! The table you saw in a few photos past, those came from her Father. Also we found this gorgeous porcelain. It was in the throw away pile but I took one more peak. When I pulled out one of the cups it felt like NOTHING I had ever touched before, it was so thin and fragile unlike any tea cups I have owned. So I took them home out of curiosity. WHO KNEW!!!!! After a lot of research on these I discovered that the mark on the bottoms of each one dated them to the late 1800's.... which explains the quality and attention to detail! They are just gorgeous and the brand Haviland has it's own amazing story behind it you can read ALL about them here... http://www.havilandonline.com/backmark.htm and here.... http://www.antiques-bible.com/ppf/term/Haviland+Porcelain/definition.asp I had my own little treasure hunt and just touching these pieces has been a special experience! If you know anyone who collects these pieces I would love to make some profit off of them to put back in Ashlee's pocket after all she has had to go through it would be a nice surprise.... anyone???

same table

2012-02-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

SO crazy, so here is a picture of Jason when he was a child... same table just a mini version!!!! VERY cool, and dang is he cute!!!

WAY EARLY spring

2012-02-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

aahhh we have had spring weather, so I started our flowers and produce over again! AND with a great gift from my friend Ashlee, we got handed down the table and chairs set. It needed new life and together as a family we gave it JUST THAT! Check it out... we enjoy devotions and tea and brunch out on that sweet table now. My Grandmother is making us some awesome seat cushions to finish off the set as well I can't wait!!! We wish you were ALL here to enjoy it with us....

Jason turns 34

2012-01-30T22:55:00.000-08:00

Happy 34th birthday Jason...
Jason is my husband, but even more then that, he is my hero. My love for him is so deep and so wide it can not be measured. His strength and determination are admirable. BUT his character is my favorite thing about him. Character is sadly hard to find these days. It seems like the more we hang out with others and attend functions... well lets just say he sticks out like a sore thumb. I love that about him. He has a back bone, morals and he is secure in who he is. And even though he has plenty to brag about with all he has accomplished... he doesn't instead he leans on the Lord giving the credit to Him. He has come a very long way in a few short years (we all have) and I have NEVER been so proud to have him by my side. He is so far from being "a typical guy" instead he cherishes his wife. He LOVES his children and shows them daily with his actions. He does not have a lot of friends, by choice, because he is so careful of who he lets influence him and is so picky with who he surrounds himself with. I am not sure how I got so lucky to be the one to grow grey with him...but Jason I want to thank you for being the leader of our household. Thank you for keeping this family together even when the going gets tough. Thank you for loving the Lord and living out your life in front of myself and our children so raw and real so we have something to look up to and someone to go to. I pray that God gives you the strength to let HIM lead you. You are my love, my joy and my life, with out you life would be just pain boring. I thank God for you, and for the love and encouragement you bring me. NOT to mention two precious gifts.... Paisley and Kaiser adore you just as much, but then you already know that! Jason I love you, Happy birthday!!!

pretend city

2012-01-30T21:12:00.000-08:00

A GREAT field trip at Pretend City... plenty of pretending and many giggles had!!!

snuggles

2012-01-24T23:10:00.000-08:00

too sweet NOT to capture... and hold on to FOREVER. I stinkin love my precious family God has so graciously shared with me. Cheers to weekends, rain, snuggling, warm handmade blankets and EACH OTHER!

Baby shower in the Harbor

2012-01-24T23:08:00.000-08:00

Well our dear friends Stephanie and Ben are expecting and their family threw a baby shower in their honor! Stephanie is Amber's sister the wonderful woman that takes such good care of us down here in California. They are the GENEROUS families that we spend our Holidays with celebrating and loving on one another! They don't do anything "small" if you will... Amazing dinner, drinks and desserts for about 70 or so lucky people! (no big deal right?) We were honored to be a few of those invited for this private party at Proud Mary's down along the water at the Dana Point Harbor... there aren't words. It was beautiful, especially at night! We made the most of our visit are so excited to hold their sweet bundle this Easter!!!!!!

Paisley on the map

2012-01-24T17:19:00.001-08:00

Paisley and her social studies creation... "Paisley on the map" we had so much fun studying maps and map making, then where she is on each map. Jason and her sat down to make a visual to hold it all in one place!

The beginning

2012-01-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

It is time for change. After years of bed rest from my scary and difficult pregnancies, I have become a different person. I don't have the desire to exercise and eating has become merely for pleasure. Most days you can finding me sitting on my butt. BUT not anymore. Tomorrow I begin an 8 day challenge to lose weight and get my active healthy fun loving lifestyle back!!! Naturally I can hardly wait! Here is a great photo that you can totally see the weight in my face. It is embarrassing and time for a change. I am a Mom, but I do not have to look like most of them... so I am taking the challenge and changing my body appearance, inside and out. I will post inches lost and photos so I can see the change. AND if you are interested join me. You can go to www.xyngular.com/tkenitzer GLADLY walk you through menu plans and products if you have any questions at all. Any one can do this and at any age or any weight. It has many healing properties too, my personal family members have been healed from fibromyalgia, high blood sugars and migraines. Call me or facebook me with any questions... LETS loose the weight together and FOREVER! 949-439-2365 First measurements and photos to come ..... AFTER this post, I will just post this stuff on MY personal blog and not the family blog so follow the change at becomingtraci.blogspot.com

art times

2012-01-20T17:02:00.000-08:00

Art! Can you tell we are head over heals about the curriculum that we purchased... in case I failed to mention we began last Monday... and she has started kindergarten. The things we have learned and experienced in only 7 days of KINDERGARTEN... I LOVE our Weaver curriculum!!!!!!!!

yeah for science

2012-01-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

two science projects in a day... great way to end the school week!

having fun learning

2012-01-20T16:41:00.000-08:00

Oh the things WE are learning...

gotta see

2012-01-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

change

2012-01-20T16:21:00.000-08:00

today marked a huge change for me. A great change. I played with the kids... I didn't sit and watch I got in and played. I didn't care what others thought I didn't make excuses, I just played! I am not sure who had the most fun... being on bed rest for as long as I was, laziness became a habit. I found myself sitting and watching instead of joining. Not today. Today was different and I can't explain the freedom and joy I found in just playing with my kids, acknowledging that I am NOT on bed rest anymore, no Dr. can tell me to sit lay down or not do any exercise. I love that we always have the CHOICE to change those things about ourselves that we are not happy with. To day I embraced change and was deeply blessed because of it!

can't beat home school

2012-01-20T16:06:00.000-08:00

Off to collect more samples for a science project AND get some excersize/fresh air and just PLAY!

accessories

2012-01-20T16:04:00.000-08:00

You gotta love her. Since she started kindergarten last week we I have been giving her the option to dress herself, she has her clothes separated for school and home and play and so on. Well today she wanted to leave her fav PJ's on "because it is SO cold Mom..." so I agreed. Well when she was supposed to be brushing her teeth because she was already "dressed" I was confused and then she came out and explained she still had to accessorize! Yes she wore this ALL for school...

rich blessings

2012-01-20T15:39:00.000-08:00

As I am looking at these photos... it reminds me of how thankful I am that we have so much company. It has always been such a steady stream of people coming to stay at Casa Kenitzer, some planned for months or years and others just drop in. I love that people feel welcome in our home and around our family. Especially since we live in a home the size of a box. I am so thankful for our kiddos who love so genuinely and simply those that come into our home. I am blessed that they share their things and put company first. We learn so many lessons having people come stay with us. On the other hand we appreciate our family time even more when the company has left. We are blessed to love each other to LOVE and want to spend time with one another. There is not a BEST way to do family. But I sure love and am blessed by the way we are choosing to live our lives. I continue to pray over those who have stayed with us and those have yet to. We are thankful for the wonderful people that fill our home and bring joy and new culture into our lives. These are photos of us watching winter wipeout... Kaiser, Paisley and Jason's favorite show....

good times

2012-01-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

Oh how I LOVE THESE three photos... The first captures the kiddos literally ALL over Ashlee.... then the last day we were here we helped her clear out and go through her Dads belongings. It was a long dirty and emotional day, but we were together and made the most of it as you can see. The kids wanted their photo next to and on Ed's truck. Ed was the man that took care of Ashlee's father and loved him dearly, he was also our man power going through the storage unit... Well the kids were angels while we dug through stuff for 4-5hours! I think Kaiser will have a truck like Ed's someday, everytime he would walk by it he HAD to run his hand along it and just had a look in his eye, it was too much!

Tea time

2012-01-20T15:14:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned before that Ashlee is my Kindred Spirit... so naturally she enjoyed having tea at our special place just as much as Paisley and I enjoy it!!!

2012-01-19T21:57:00.000-08:00

This was CLASSIC! We were enjoying downtown San Juan and saw some people dressed up as rein actors. Paisley was actually being shy, but they insisted they wanted THEIR photos with HER. I asked her if she would do that for them and she agreed, then of course she began to love it and every time we saw them around town the rest of the day they would get all excited and say Hi Paisley! Hey guys look there is Paisley! They were even taking their own photos... it was really cute, the woman gave paisley a dollar for letting her take her photo. She is still carrying her dollar around insisting that she buy Kaiser a tin piggy bank fire truck that we saw while at the antique store.... she said the green dress was her very favorite and she wanted one like it someday when she was older.

ASHLEE

2012-01-19T19:13:00.000-08:00

When we first moved to California 5 years ago I was prego and lonely. God sent me Ashlee! We became the closest of friends and spent every waking hour together. We have everything in common and are truly Kindred Spirits. (I am blessed with TWO kindred spirits... Ashlee AND my Grandmother!) Ashlee was in the room and got to watch Paisley be born. Not long after she moved back to the East Coast, her other home. We didn't keep in touch and it got a little weird. Thankfully we didn't let that get in the way though. December 3rd her very sick father passed away... and we began talking again online. Unfortunately she was left with all of the responsibilities (long story) and asked if she could stay with us when she came out to hold his service. I was a little nervous at first since it had been so long and so much had changed. BUT boy am I glad that we said OF COURSE! She came out and we instantly picked up where we left off... and even better we have both matured in many ways and it was such a treat to have her and share our family and love with her. The kids were ALL over her and never let her relax, but she is great about it and loved it as much as they did! We had many special times and I am eternally grateful that God placed us together, AGAIN. We wont loose track of each other this time! She currently lives in Manhattan and we are planning for me to go visit her in October. I am counting the days! More on the fabulous Ashlee another post....

umm

2012-01-19T19:02:00.000-08:00

HI larious!!!! Jason took this photo and sent it to me. Paisley was wearing her apron and chef hat and playing kitchen, I guess Kaiser wanted to be like her and this is what you get!

funny times

2012-01-19T18:57:00.000-08:00

The kiddos were taking a bath just to wash their feet and there was only a couple inches of water... who knew they would have SO MUCH fun?

pees in a pod

2012-01-19T17:15:00.001-08:00

Bathroom buddies!!! They are just two pees in a pod these days... They can't do anything with out each other, as you can see!

warm days again

2012-01-19T10:01:00.000-08:00

the warm days of winter.... we set out on an adventure to gather soil samples for Paisley's first Kindergarten science project. It was a hit, Kaiser wanted in on the action too!

holding hands

2012-01-19T09:45:00.000-08:00

our little sweeties!!!!

revelations

2012-01-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

This Christmas season was filled with revelations. I wish that I would have written more of them down, there were THAT many. But here is one I thankfully caught a photo of... So we had a friend over the other night. We were catching up and she was filling us in. She had left her very successful job making plenty of money and even enjoyed her work very much, to fill a place at her church. She is making over half less then what she was making before and has had to dramatically change her lifestyle because of it... (she has done so with nothing but joy as you can see it all over her face) as she explained her daily tasks of getting up early daily to pray over others to have devotions and time in the word daily. I was very happy for her, and also wanted that for myself, but since I choose to become a mother THAT was the season that I was in. Not mothering over other children. So I felt a bit sad in my heart that I couldn't be doing that too! Just like God, a few days later I finally had time and a desire to sit down and figure out Paisley's new and official home school curriculum. I locked myself in my room and was in there for over 8hrs! After I put all the binders together (which was NO small task) next I began learning how to understand the daily lessons. How to read them how to prepare to teach them and how to teach them. Next I had to learn so that I could teach it to Paisley! Well after I was a few hours into it... I laughed out loud when I had a revelation. I heard the Lords voice ask me "What are YOU doing RIGHT now... is this not exactly what you were wanting?" As I looked around I had two Bibles out (two different versions for very clear understanding for ALL of the questions I know Paisley will be asking.) I had Bible lessons and every other lesson that all come directly out of scripture! I wasn't getting paid in monetary values but I am surely storing up my blessing IN heaven! I began this whole time of preparation on my knees in prayer, (this is personal but I am documenting it for my benefit for the future as I will be preparing these lessons EACH day and not just this once) I prayed out loud with my hands cupped open to the Lord, as a symbol of me giving myself and all my short comings to Him. It was also a symbol of me being open to accept all that I was going to need from Him to carry out this task successfully. Then Throughout the prayer the Holy Spirit came over me, and I began singing, I don't know what I sang, it was a new song. NOT one that I had heard before, but one the Holy Spirit put in me. As I finished singing the song I can't explain how I felt physically, emotionally and mentally. But full and at peace touch the surface! So Lord I want to thank you for being my everything. For using me to teach love and serve the two precious gifts you so specifically placed in our care. I thank you for the revelations, I hold them dear to my heart. I document them as a reminder in the hard times. When I am feeling inadequate to teach my daughter, and not good enough to selflessly love and serve my family. God YOU are enough. You are my portion. I am your daughter. I am special. I am important. You have called me to a purpose and in your strength, through your guidance I will march firmly ahead. Carry me when I need it. Fill me when I am empty. Wipe my tears when I cry and please oh please pick me up when I fall! I thank you Lord for your provisions. For your blessings and for your miracles. Thank you for the desire to leave MY highly successful job to stay at home and raise Paisley and Kaiser. Thank you for providing so abundantly along the way. Thank you for always making a way, even when there seemed to be no way. Praise you Lord for all that you have brought me through over the last 6 years. I started SO low, SO depressed and even more lonely. But I praise you God that I always have YOU. You are all I need, you will supply the rest, overly and abundantly because that is how much you love me. Jesus I love you. Thank you for loving me so deeply. Amen.

great times together

2012-01-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

Well Jason was home for 11 days straight... and there was TONS of fun to be had. Kaiser grew up over night and is now big sisters SHADOW. He thinks he can do everything she can... he sets the table, takes stuff to the garbage, takes his dishes to the sink and MUST help with emptying the dish washer! He knows where everything goes too! I just cracks me up. By the grace of God our children have already begun to "rise up and call us blessed!" We had great quality time playing with all of the new toys. Building with legos, playing catch, Barbies and cars lots of cars! Plus some cleaning up and re organizing, but just a little of that. We each started to catch something at one point throughout the break, but heavy doses of Vit C and other Vits kept those from anything more then some sniffles, for the most part. Then one day Paisley woke up and while going to the bathroom complained her tummy heart (I assumed it was just hunger pains since it was first thing in the morning) then she is crying out she has to throw up! In I run with a bowl LITERALLY just in time. Then throughout the day her fever got scary high and she had it coming out of both ends. We prayed over her and cuddled her and cared for her as best we could. She didn't sleep to well through the night and ended up in our bed. First thing the next morning She rolled over and looked at me I checked her fever and her skin was boiling to the touch and her face was sickly. To my surprise she smiled at me and said (out loud) "Mom Jesus healed me! He answered our prayers... I didn't throw up again, all night!" (then in her extremely excited voice) She thanked the Lord for His healing and for answering her prayers. Jason and I just smiled at one another. The next moment I went to feel her fever again because she wanted to get up and ride her scooter and play (things she cared NOTHING about the day before) and her skin was literally cold to the touch. Not even sweaty like when the fever breaks, just plain cold. The color was instantly back in her face and up she flew to go play and EAT because she was SO hungry! Jason and I laid there praising God together at how great He is. How grand His ways are. Personally I learned something, we can pray throughout the day. We can pray in our hearts or minds. BUT there is POWER in praying out loud. Claiming it in His Holy name and the power He has given over us (if we have excepted it) Chalking that up to yet ANOTHER lesson I learned about Christ through my daughter. LOVE IT!

my son

2012-01-04T09:50:00.000-08:00

Oh this basically) NEVER happens, this was the second time EVER! He kept waking up in his crib and so we brought him out and I tried to hold him. MUCH to our surprise and JOY he fell back asleep in my arms so peacefully. It was amazing!!!!!

oh my

2011-12-30T19:00:00.000-08:00

So this may be inappropriate to some... but lately there has been on obsession of poop and pee... kids will be kids. Oh and don't pee your pants from laughing!

and more

2011-12-30T18:47:00.000-08:00

Here is Kaiser getting his first football!!!!!! Need I say more... Thank you Nana and PopPop!

opening presents

2011-12-30T18:32:00.000-08:00

Thank you cousin Ada!

more Brithday fun

2011-12-30T18:17:00.000-08:00

and then the playing after the presents and food!!!

Birthday party time

2011-12-30T18:10:00.000-08:00

all things cars was the theme and we had a lot of fun decorating and making a cake for our precious boy.... Since his birthday is smack between Christmas and new years we had it on the actual date even though it was a weekday. So we celebrated with some of our closest friends and had pizza and cake! Kaiser loved that his cars were out everywhere and everyone was playing with him... it was a great party, thank you to all who came! And to everyone one who couldn't you were missed but remembered in spirit!!!!

party countdown

2011-12-30T18:03:00.000-08:00

getting ready for my party... I just realized I didn't take any photos of the morning fun. We had blueberry pancakes for breakfast one of Kaisers favorites. Then got some stuff done around the house and made Kaiser's cake. Then we we took off to In N Out and took it to the park for a picnic. Then enjoyed some family playtime chasing the kids around on the toys and playing prince and princess. Off we went to the Party store to pick up the order of balloons I had purchased the week before. When I came out with the balloons Kaiser was thrilled repeating his version of the word "balloons" again and again! (It was in the upper 70's) we all had our windows down cooling off from our park play, and off I drove... the balloons that I had placed in the very back trunk of our vehicle... well off they flew up and out of the window in .2 seconds flat. Paisley was screaming partially scared and also disappointed that they were gone. I stopped the car (not even out of the parking lot yet) and Jason asked if I wanted to go grab new ones... I pridefully said No thank you! Off we went back home balloonless! After we calmed Paisley down it dawned on me we hadn't heard a peep from Kaiser... and he LOVES balloons... so I peeked back at him and he had the funniest smile/grin on his face! He had a look that said WOW that was the coolest craziest thing I have seen, can you do it again?

little chef

2011-12-30T16:26:00.000-08:00

Momma's little helper baking littler brothers cake!

two yrs old

2011-12-30T16:12:00.000-08:00

HI!!! it's my birthday today... I am even MORE full of energy today. I can't wait to eat cake and have fun playing with my friends... in the meantime I am going to run around this place with my Daddies shoes on, because I AM SO BIG!

I'm TWO

2011-12-30T16:06:00.001-08:00

So quick to fill Daddy's shoes.....

fun with Daddy home

2011-12-29T12:12:00.000-08:00

running some errands in style!

2011-12-29T12:10:00.001-08:00

cont.

2011-12-29T12:04:00.000-08:00

and then we moved the fun inside...... good times!!!!

warm days

2011-12-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

Day after Christmas... the weather was SO warm. We all went out to play downstairs. We played many many many rounds of penny can, Paisley rode MANY laps on her new scooter Santa brought her. It was a great last day having Eric with us... Thank you Eric you blessed us with your presence and the kids had SO much fun paying with you (on you) THANK YOU and we love you!!!

TOO much fun

2011-12-29T11:58:00.000-08:00

After a day filled with fun we headed home from the Zdrakas house! They were kind enough to have us over as we have done each year, they Eric got to come too. It was amazing being together. As you can see the whole way home the kids were just being SILLY!!! Kaiser just kept saying "peepee, poopoo, peepee, poopoo" OVER AND OVER again!!!! He had us all laughing....

Christmas surprise!

2011-12-29T11:53:00.000-08:00

Well biggest gift this year was having my brother SURPRISE us!!! He worked it all out with Jason (they used call signs and everything when texting.....) and he surprised me Christmas eve night around 9 or 10PM. Then he was there in the morning to surprise the kids as they came out to see what was under the tree. It took them a minute to see him, then... Paisley just freaked out. It was priceless. The video is too long or I would post it. But you can just imagine it was a joyFUL day being together and enjoying Christmas morning.

The excitement

2011-12-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

and there is Christmas morning....

Christmas EVE

2011-12-29T11:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas eve... BALLPARK style! We are always excited to go to Ball Park to celebrate Christmas eve with our good friends, we unfortunately didn't get any photos of the kids all dressed up though... They were having too much fun to hold still long enough!

fun with friends

2011-12-29T11:31:00.000-08:00

well it was a crazy day... we met up with some dear friends at the park... and that lasted less then a half an hour before the wind storm kicked in and blew sand everywhere! So we headed back to our house for some playtime instead!!! Paisley was eager to hold baby Emerson, he just stared at her and laid oh so still for her. They are good buds already!

cont

2011-12-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

park times

2011-12-20T18:41:00.000-08:00

Day TWENTY

2011-12-20T16:36:00.000-08:00

December 20th. Today has been a blessing of a day. We had our dear friend Emily over for the day to catch up and have her help us decorate our traditional Christmas cookies. We started the day with a present exchange. (It was beyond precious to see the sweet gifts Emily willing bought each of us or made but all with her own monies....) Then was some barbie playing, Christmas cookie decorating a short Christmas movie and then off to run an errand. After Emily dressed both Paisley and Kaiser in their new clothes that she bought for them she then finished by braiding Paisley's hair! Off we went for an errand and on the way home I thought we would stop and feed the ducks.... HA! Well I kicked 6 in the chest before I even fed them, realizing quickly it wasn't such a good idea, I continued (with no other choice) kicking the geese that were bigger then Kaiser while Emily quickly threw the kids back into the car! So I found a park to stop at and we played for a short bit before heading home. Right before lunch Emily and I had a wonderful and long conversation about our faith and who we are in Christ, is was such a blessing to me to have her here today and of course the Paisley and Kaiser were blessed too! We have all been so blessed that THIS play date has turned into a sleep over!!! SO many more photos to come :)

mini Jedi

2011-12-19T22:47:00.000-08:00

Jason was going through his stuff and found this hat that was HIS when he was a child... so he passed it on to our hat OBSESSED son! Kaiser was running around with it saying CHEESE Momma CHEESE! So I grabbed the camera and each time he would run. SO I happily chased him throughout the house catching as many photos as possible of him being a total tease!

yoga

2011-12-19T22:41:00.000-08:00

Kaiser was cracking me up... Paisley wanted to do her yoga video after I was done with my workout video this morning. So of course Kaiser was right there too! Here is Paisley doing quite well with her poses... Kaiser would watch the DVD, watch Paisley and then go down and end up in the same pose each time...

presenting chef Paisley

2011-12-19T22:29:00.000-08:00

Traci: "presenting chef Paisley!!!"
Paisley: "Ummm... Mom could you please say presenting chef princess Paisley?"

Thank you Aunt Karen for all of the goodies!!! As you can see they are loving them !!!

Day NINETEEN

2011-12-19T22:22:00.000-08:00

December 19th. Oh these girls crack me up!!! The sweet neighbor girl/Paisley's best girlfriend Milan came up again tonight so the girls could catch up and play... oh so many hilarious quotes... but this photo tops it. After their dinner they got to enjoy a treat Milan's Dad sent with her, chocolate covered fruit. I was teasing Milan and told her she couldn't smile, then THIS happened! I LOVE IT!

Day EIGHTEEN

2011-12-19T22:17:00.000-08:00

December 18th. Twelve days of giving... My Aunt Karen was thoughtful enough to send each of the kids twelve individually wrapped presents. Paisleys theme has been cooking with her very own personalized chefs hat and a perfectly PAISLEY apron that my aunt had my grandmother sew JUST for Pais. The excitement is priceless as Paisley gets to search under the tree for the number of the day, then she patiently helps Kaiser get his present open and then gets her turn to open hers... there is just something so special when people give to and bless OUR children, it is a special thing. A VERY special thing, I honestly can not describe! I will add more photos of Pais baking and wearing her new chefs attire. She is very proud of it ;)

Day SEVENTEEN

2011-12-17T16:12:00.000-08:00

December 17th. My mom and Taylor have headed home and left a void here in our home. I am thankful for cameras to capture the memories we made over their quick trip here to visit us before Christmas... here a few of the good times captured and they can now be remembered for ever.

Day SIXTEEN

2011-12-17T15:59:00.000-08:00

December 16th. As Taylor and I went to pick up Jason from work... we drove into this crazy black storm. I was freaking out (since we don't these kids of storms here often) Then as we arrived at Oakley we were directly under it. The rain began to DUMP out of no where... as we were driving back home we got ahead of the storm, then as we pulled into our home it caught up with us. JUST as we got inside it down poured flooding the patio and into the house soaking the carpet at the front door. It hailed so hard it LOOKED like it snowed. Is was exciting and crazy as out of no where lighting cracked in the sky ans major thunder filled the skies. It was fun being all together inside dry and safe where all around us it was anything but....

Day FIFTEEN

2011-12-17T15:54:00.000-08:00

December 15th. A day of firsts... Paisley and her Auntie Taylor went ice skating for their first time. I was so impressed with both of them! It made for some really great memories...

Day FOURTEEN

2011-12-17T15:11:00.000-08:00

December 14th. Kaiser is such a little lover... and he was EXTRA excited to love on his Grandma Kitty who came to visit. SO SWEET!

Day THIRTEEN

2011-12-14T22:19:00.000-08:00

December 13th. Paisley with her Auntie Taylor... need I say more!

Day TWELVE

2011-12-12T20:08:00.000-08:00

December 12th. Preparing our hearts for the celebration. Anticipating His coming. PREPARE by definition means to be ready. ANTICIPATE by definition means to expect, look forward to, be sure of, to realize before hand. Take a moment to imagine what was going through the wisemens heads as they traveled at night following a star? Can you imagine what was going through Mary and Joseph's minds those last days before Christ's birth? There is no way to measure the anticipation they all must have been experiencing.... knowing that their Lord and savior was coming as a baby and life as the world knew it would be changed forever. The wisemen were prepared. I want to be like the wisemen. God has made it very clear that He is coming back for us. He WILL come again to this earth. I want to live my life ready, ready for the moment when the skies open up and I see Him. I will bow I will fall to my face and worship Him, for all that He is and all that He has done. I will cry, I will sing. I will be in awe of the ONE who made it all. It starts with priorities and what I worship. Whatever has highest priority in life is also what you worship. For years I worshiped drugs alcohol and sadly myself. I was under the false security that I could do it all on my own. The the next few years I worshiped my children, it was hard not to. BUT no excuses. We have a choice as to what we spend our time and money on. These days I choose my Bible. My Bible is where I spend most of my time. Yes of course I have a husband to love and children to raise (and love) and a house to manage and so on and so on. BUT my heart is for the Lord. And only when I am in the word can I really truly give MY BEST. I am reminded to live in anticipation for that moment when He returns because.... He will know my name, He will recognize me and call me His own. I will not be known by my works, but by my faith. Our gift of salvation is free!

Day ELEVEN

2011-12-11T22:08:00.001-08:00

December 11th. Daughter. I have been blessed with a daughter. My first born. Words can't describe our relationship, our bond or our future. When I look at that face and see into her soul, I see freedom. I see hope and forgiveness. I see the anticipation to learn and venture out, not afraid to fail. I see determination and a servants heart. Her smile is a direct reflection of the joy she carries in her heart, for life, for Jesus for others... I call her my angel. My Paisley angel.

Day TEN

2011-12-10T19:17:00.001-08:00

December 10th. Another fun filled day! We each cuddled up with a warm drink and watched ELF. Good laughs and cuddle time... Kaiser got his first taste of Hot Chocolate... he was hilarious. He wouldn't drink the hot chocolate, he would bite at it, each and every time. We were laughing so hard as he attempted to enjoy the sweet drink. Then Paisley and I got dressed up and headed off to our 2nd annual visit to see the Nutcracker. She talked me into letting her wear her Christmas dress and she was SO excited from beginning to end. She sat still through the entire show (on my lap! Enjoying the moments while they last...) And of course has been talking about it and dancing the part of Clara ever since. On a side note, we happened to be sitting directing behind the mother of the girl who danced Clara's role. The whole show she was on the edge of her seat. It was sweet for me as a mother, also proud of her daughter to observe her and her JOY as she watched and cheered on her daughter from her seat. It just added a little extra joy to the experience!

Day NINE

2011-12-10T19:06:00.001-08:00

December 9th. Oh this day was filled with a LOT. I got this new book in the mail... diaper free before three... I started reading it and gained a lot of new/good knowledge! SO, I thought lets get him introduced to the toilet and the idea of potty training. Key word being INTRODUCED. Well once he got some undies on and sat on the toilet, well that has been our entire life now! (side note: there is officially NOTHING cute then a little man in his undies!) The next photo I captured at Barnes and Noble. Our good friends Briana and Aimee invited us to go watch a storytime/reading of Polar Express in Tustin. We love anything that has to do with books, so we were THERE! I knew Paisley would enjoy it, but I was pleasantly surprised to see and observe how much Kaiser enjoyed it too. Brian and Aimee are known for spoiling our children and this night was no different. They each walked out of the store with some treats to remember the night by.... oh how I LOVE December!!!

Christmas school days begin

2011-12-08T20:06:00.001-08:00

Christmas schools days! A dream come true for me... I always wanted to be a teacher. Now I get to be my daughters teacher!!! Tracing, graphs and crafts oh my!

Kaiser and his hat

2011-12-08T20:03:00.001-08:00

Now that Kaiser suddenly has a huge personality... life is extra exciting! He has discovered hats and just has to have one on at all times! He puts it on all by himself and when it falls off he has to get it and get it on right away... even when laying as you can see!

Christmas tree trimming

2011-12-08T19:49:00.001-08:00

WOW I just saw this photo of Pais by the tree and I realized how stinkin old she looks... help I might pass out! Dang Kaiser too!!!!!!!

helpers

2011-12-08T19:43:00.001-08:00

It is official... as if there was ever any doubt.... we have two of THE most helpful helpers. I would have to say it is an equal mix of servant hearts and love and appreciation to be by Daddy's side. (or Mommy) Whatever we are doing, they are there trying to be just like us. It really doesn't get much better. These are the moments we will chat about while sitting on a porch in our rocking chairs with white hair (or non at all) and wrinkles someday....

school days

2011-12-08T19:34:00.001-08:00

wrapping up preschool.... dun dun dun! I am trying to prepare myself. We will be starting kindergarten curriculum after Christmas break. So I have had fun finding activities that are drilling what she already knows. We threw in the learning time though cause she gets lost with out a challenge. Next is money and the rest of our preschool stuff incorporating the 12 days of Christmas up til we start Christmas break!!! We are really getting into the groove and enjoying all of it together.

Day EIGHT

2011-12-08T17:01:00.001-08:00

December 8th. Today I choose to see only the beauty that is all around us. We live in a fourplex and sadly to say I have complained many times about where we live. BUT I am learning to appreciate it all. The Bible tell us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
We have two large windows in our living room area and depending on the angle you are looking out you have a completely different view. Such is life! I could sit staring out our windows (and sadly I have) and complain that all I have to look at is the neighbors boring building that I could throw a rock at they are that close. OR if my heart is right I can enjoy the sunset, I can be thankful for the trees that COVER our windows, both of them. I discovered the beauty this fall. We have been here for three falls now, but this fall it became clear that I have been looking at it all wrong. AND if I look at with a thankful heart there truly is a lot to be thankful for. I really miss the trees from Oregon, and this fall I realized that NONE of the other buildings have this same view with trees covering their windows... but we do! I also discovered this summer that we have the ONLY green belt at the bottom of our stairs in the entire complex! We have neighbors that join together from all walks of life and backgrounds that share time and food together making it feel less like a complex and more like a neighborhood! The list goes on and on. But the point is perspective. Today I choose to see the glass half full. Today I am going to enjoy this unmerited favor God is providing me and my blessed family!

Day SEVEN

2011-12-07T12:47:00.001-08:00

December 7th. My miracle man. As I was cuddling this cuddle bug this morning (poopy diaper and all) I was struck with thanksgiving.
Paisley and I were going through our photos of when Kaiser was born and seeing how small and see through he was. Now look at him. He will turn 2 on December 29th! The joys this boy brings my heart is unbelievable.
After we had Paisley I was curious how number two would be... the first year and half (it doesn't sound like a long time, but it is.) of his life he was so cold. He had no emotion, no connections. He was just there. It just felt we had adopted someones child and there was nothing to build off of. It broke my heart to see him and not understand him or know him even though he was my own flesh and blood. I also felt guilt and burden that I should have done more and maybe he would be more alive. After many nights of prayer regarding his future, slowly but surely over the last 6 months he has BLOSSOMED. Now that he is talking and walking, there is NOTHING he can't do. He is so full of energy and life that I can hardly stand it some moments. He is funny, he is silly, he is a flirt and such a little love bug. If you ask for a kiss or hug he instantly comes running and then gives them out like crazy. He has a look in his eye when he looks at his "sissy" that would melt your heart. In short he is beyond what I prayed for. Go figure! Kaiser you hold a very special place in my heart and Mommy is ever so proud of you and your precious spirit. Don't ever change!

Day SIX

2011-12-07T12:39:00.001-08:00

December 6th. Slowing down life... as much as possible. I hear it all the time when we are out shopping with the kiddos in tow. "Enjoy every moment." Well today I miraculously did a great job at slowing down. Despite my very long list of errands I made time to run into the store to get Jason some much needed coffee for the house. Well with two kids there is no such thing as just running in or swinging by. Usually I would have been bothered that I had to add another thing to my already hectic schedule, but my heart was in the right place and it made all the difference. Instead of tossing the kids in a cart and hauling through the store, I let Pais go and find a mini cart. As you can see they shared and were quite the helpers. I did NOT rush through the store and leave, I let them feel big and helpful allowing them to do everything, Paisley even got to hand the cashier the money and have the grown up conversation about the weather and Christmas season. I learned today how easy it is to slow down. How rewarding it is to slow down. How simple life can be if we just let it be. I also discovered a deeper joy that I get from just observing my specials gifts.

Day FIVE

2011-12-05T16:06:00.001-08:00

December 5th. This is our tree. To you it may look like a typical Christmas tree. BUT I assure you it is not. This tree is made of something I like to call grace. It is also made from unconditional love and generosity. A lot from a Christmas tree right? Well here is the back story... because you know me, EVERYTHING comes with a story! A year ago if you were to look at our budget, you would frown. Or if you were my Dad you would say "you know better then that, or I taught you better then that" (and he would be accurate to say that) But to be honest something happened to me when I lovingly agreed to leave everything behind in Oregon, the gorgeous green state that I had known and loved all 21 yrs of my life. Unless you have done this yourself, you can't begin to imagine what it does to a person. To add to my situation I was pregnant (for the first time ever) and was not returning to work. (at that point in my life my work defined me and gave me pride in what I doing with my life) You could say that before we moved money was never an issue. THEN it happened, we moved to California. Jason was blessed with a much needed job and they wanted him so bad they moved us down. Suddenly we are in Southern California and I never see my husband, I live with my dog and a pregnant growing belly. No friends, no church, no nothing. Looking back it effected me a lot and also effected the way I spent/viewed money. The Lord was faithful to provide every single month, but our hearts were not in the right place. Monies were misspent and at times even thrown away. Never intentionally, but non the less, it happened.
About a year ago we were fed up with the way we were always scraping by and just having enough and it looked like we would NEVER pay off our growing debt. I went around in circles for months trying to get ahold of our finances and make a plan. But to no avail. Then I prayed about it. We had been tithing the whole time but never actually praying about the REST of our money. So we gave it ALL to the Lord. Literally, I remember one month I paid our tithes (that had stacked up) then we were left with FIVE CENTS to our name, before paying rent and groceries. But we prayed about it and asked the Lord for guidance accepting it was ALL HIS money anyway and asking for forgiveness that we hadn't sought out His guidance in the first place.
Soon after, our church announced they were hosting a "Financial Peace University" we prayed about it and the money for the class was provided and Jason was even WILLING to go too! Together we took a major step forward and submitted to God what was already His. Our finances. We learned a lot from the class, most of which we are still using today. Since that class we have also been able to pay off our credit card that was maxed out. Along with the financial debt we were in from Kaisers medical bills.
Just a couple months ago we introduced a minor change, in theory it will be perfect, but it is taking some ironing out. So in the meantime we have spent money that we thought that we had but in fact we had not. We are fine this time around because we have savings to cover these types of things (Unlike before) but it still throws us back. Now here comes GODS amazing timing, His unconditional love and His grace.... The very day that I sat down and became aware of our financial have nots, I was reminded that our GENEROUS friends The Prasse family had insisted months ago that they were going to buy US, OUR Christmas tree! So to you it may be another Christmas tree, nothing special... BUT to us it is a reminder that God cares. God cares about everything. Our rent He miraculously provided, countless times. To our Christmas tree! You see, we would have been fine with out a Christmas tree, many families go with out much more on a daily basis! But realistically I would have insisted that we go out and buy a tree "because it is Christmas, we simply must!" BUT then that tree would have brought me guilt each time I looked at it, knowing I bought something I didn't have the money for. So what did My Lord do... he provided us a Christmas tree free of charge, but didn't HE stop there? OF COURSE NOT! He never does, over and abundantly that is HIS STYLE!!! For the very first time in 5yrs, we have a real SIZED tree. It touches our ceiling and we even had to cut some off to fit our angel! THAT is the God I serve. He loves me unconditionally. He grants me grace and encourages me to try again, He helps me keep in mind who is in control. God used the generous hearts of The Prasse family to bless us. MORE THEN THEY COULD HAVE IMAGINED. If you know this LOVING God, don't forget to give Him glory for all He is doing for you... if you don't know this Lord, know that you can. He is waiting for you, He is all around us if we just look.

Day FOUR

2011-12-05T15:35:00.001-08:00

December 4th. Sunday December 4th to be exact. This Sunday morning we weren't able to go to church because Kaiser is still sporting some Major (yes with a capitol M) green boogers. They sort of frown on him when he shares them with others... SO we stayed home together as a family and we took full advantage of the void left in our Sunday morning...
In Mark 2:27 it says, You are not made for the Sabbath; the Sabbath is made for you.
This day we cuddled, we played, we talked and we did it all as a family. We even napped! In our exhaustion we often talk about the future like... "we should really slow down." or "we really need to learn to say no." Enough talk. It was time for some action. So despite that in the worlds view December is the craziest and busiest time of the year, we are fighting back. As a family we are prioritizing. Prioritizing our activities and minds. We are being intentional with our time. We have a CHOICE, often we just choose to keep going with the flow instead of making change. For us in this season, this is what change looks like. Sitting down together, enjoying each others company and learning to be content. I am in the middle of reading a book appropriately titled, Sabbath by: Wayne Muller it has given me a grasp on why keeping the Sabbath is one of the 10 commandments.... and how so few people honor it. It is also filled with great tips to begin honoring the Sabbath. I find this quote so inspiring and even more TRUE. "What I want is to leap out of this personality and then sit apart from that leaping- I've lived too long where I can be reached." -Rumi
This will become a weekly thing around our home, rest, peace, contentment and being intentional. If you are looking to find any of those pick up this book from the library and give it a read, it will change your life. The Bible is always good reading too... it will SAVE your life.

Day THREE

2011-12-03T17:39:00.001-08:00

December 3rd. Well I am sort of cheating... I am using a previous photo. BUT I simply couldn't capture it any better. Today we picked up our Christmas tree (that was generously purchased for us by The Prasse family) and decorated for the Christmas season... we of course had a beautiful plan of how the day would go. HA! It is now 6pm and we are so "off schedule" that we don't even have one anymore. But as we sit back and enjoy the glow of the Christmas lights and memories that come flooding back from Christmases past we are simply thankful. In THIS photo Paisley is wearing what used to be a dress I wore when I was 2yrs old. I have had it in a box and we recently went through some things, she picked out a few items that she wanted for her own. Now she wears it as a top and she couldn't look more precious. When I study this photo I see Jason, I see me and of course I see Paisley. She is the perfect little girl for our family. Then in the background you see Kaiser standing tall and proud. Knowing that he conquered the stairs AND the slide all by himself and wanting everyone near to know about it. Of course never too far behind him is his truck (or a car or train...) Kaiser is the "cherry on top" to our family. He completes us and brings us all together in a way that I can't explain. Today, decorating our tree and house together in such a flowing fluid way, it was crazy to remember everything we have come through and where were are today, ALL by the grace of God. Traditions memories and giggles are how we kicked off our December of 2011!

Day TWO

2011-12-03T09:36:00.001-08:00

December 2nd. I am so thankful for this sweet peanut of mine. God knew just what He was doing when He orchestrated us! (Not that he doesn't ALWAYS know...) But lately I have been able and willing to slow down. "Wherever you are be ALL there." In the afternoons when we are done with school, chores and lunch (Kaiser is napping!) you can often find Pais and I just "relaxing" on the couch together. She loves getting her back tickled and telling me all about her views on life. And boy does she have a lot of them, especially for FOUR! (I know just where she gets THAT from.) We are all working on our communication and listening skills. My bad habits have infected the family. And we are prayerfully and intentionally slowing down and listening. It has been very challenging but even more rewarding. Thank you Paisley for loving me and sharing these moments with me. You bless me.

Day ONE

2011-12-03T09:29:00.001-08:00

December 1st. Today I embarked on a new exciting journey that I will travel through the next 24 days. It bring me joy to dive into a passion of mine, photography. It also is brings me delight to slow down the last days of 2011. While creating a story to look back on and reflect on the precious moments captured. December Photo Project is a genius idea you can read more about it here: http://www.tredways.org/december-photo-project/
It is not to late to join us!!!

park play

2011-12-02T22:12:00.001-08:00

kiddos

2011-12-02T16:27:00.001-08:00

our sweet sweet kiddos enjoying a warm day at the park... Dang I love these guys. We sure do love and enjoy each other!!!

snuggles

2011-12-02T16:22:00.001-08:00

Paisley's very large bed sure comes in handy! I always makes a great place to snuggle... read books, talk stare at the tacky popcorn ceiling... you name it! Kaiser is copying his big sis laying on a pillow and pulling up the covers all by himself, he was VERY proud of himself. And so were we!

bam bam

2011-12-02T15:43:00.003-08:00

we all enjoyed some rough housing and play time after a little relaxing... Kaiser's newest nickname is Bam Bam, as you can see why! Jason and I are adjusting to a boy... and understanding that he needs to be able to just be crazy and destructive, at times. As you can see on his face, he is thrilled that we are letting him hit and swing instead of taking them away and getting him in trouble for once!

comfy boy

2011-12-02T15:43:00.001-08:00

and then some relaxing after all that food consumption...

our little piglets

2011-12-01T22:14:00.001-08:00

The bird feast and decor

2011-12-01T17:05:00.001-08:00

Making our own "fancy turkeys" before we eat the real thing.... and the bird! Jason was excited about some yummy skin on the turkey I tried a new recipe to him the best skin ever....

cont.

2011-12-01T16:29:00.001-08:00

pigging out

2011-12-01T13:18:00.001-08:00

Kaiser and food

2011-11-29T19:34:00.001-08:00

Kaiser was adorable, he was just the right height to reach all the appetizers/snacks we had out all day. I intentionally places the fruits, meats and cheese to where he could reach knowing he was going to be helping himself... A LOT. Pears, apples and grapes.... then he would move on to the cheese, a piece of meat and then back to the fruits. It was like he had a plan and a palate and he was making his rounds before someone stopped him! He was pretty proud of himself for getting it all by himself, so that made it even cuter...

good ol times

2011-11-29T17:41:00.001-08:00

Daddy and Paisley entertaining themselves.... too cute!

and it begins

2011-11-29T17:38:00.001-08:00

The day following Thanksgiving it is also become a tradition to cook a 20lb turkey for just the 4 for of us for leftovers! SO together as a team we prepared appetizers snacked while the turkey cooked and watched some James Bond and some Charlie Brown thanksgiving. I love how we work as a team and have so much fun doing it!

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-29T17:28:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving begins

2011-11-29T14:03:00.001-08:00

So it has become tradition to go down to San Clemente and spend Thanksgiving afternoon and evening at the Zdrakas house hold, they are so kind and generous to invite us again and again each year! Paisley helped me make a pumpkin pie this year and the crust too! As you can see she even cleaned up too! Kaiser was never too far away from the excitement always curious and as helpful as he can be at his age...

Justin Beiber

2011-11-29T13:59:00.001-08:00

Here is Paisley.... AND Kaiser singing "Baby" by: Justin Beiber.... and getting ALL sorts of crazy! SOrry I am not sure why it is double posting these videos, it hasn't done it before.... SORRY!