The Jewkes Box

One fun-filled Thursday

2012-02-07T23:55:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, we picked Pearl and Kelsey up from preschool,

and headed to the bowling alley.

The very bowling alley I spent nearly every Friday night of my junior high days--

after eating a salad and vanilla coke at the Galaxy Diner, of course.

The girls had so much fun, and even let Violet take a few of their turns.

Violet would have bowled the night away,

but Pearl and Kelsey were kind of over it by the middle of the third game--

which was just fine by us...

Those bumpers, along with those ball-roller-thing-a-ma-jigs

are a sure-fire way to bowling success.

Look at these two cuties.

Maybe these two will join a league one day.

After wearing ourselves out on the bowling lanes,

We went home, and had a visit from Grandpa Jewkes--

who was in town to take Kelly to a cougars basketball game.

Pearl, Kelsey, and Violet performed a few impromptu songs for Grandpop,

and then he offered to take us to dinner. The Pizza Factory was the obvious choice,

as the girls love those twisty breadsticks.

Grandpa didn't get much personal space throughout the meal...

but he didn't seem to mind.

Grandpa and Kelly headed to their game,

and the girls and I finished the night off with a girls night at home.

Movie watching, nail polishing, and a sleepover to top it off.

Good day from beginning to end.

Jazz vs. the Clippers - the Heartbreak game.

2012-02-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

Sheila got tickets to the Jazz vs. Clippers game last week.

Two of them went to us, while two went to Jen and Cory.

Insta-double-date!

Now before we got all settled...

I had to make a stop at the ice cream station.

I went with the cookie batter frozen yogurt

packed with lots of fruit, and then of course chocolate and caramel.

It was really really good.

You know, when it comes to being a good fan--

Jen does not disappoint. She came all decked out in a Jazz jersey,

and Jazz earrings to boot! I didn't even know they made those!

Rumor has it she raided her daughter Brookie's closet
for the above mentioned items.

So the game. It was a heart-breaker.

107-105 for the Clippers.

One of those games that is close enough to hold onto hope

until the very last second--

but in the end, their best efforts just weren't good enough.

I'm talking three points not good enough.

On a more light-hearted note...

We observed a very watchful usher

kick four groups of people out of the seats in front of us.

We watched as each group looked around,

filed into the seats, and were promptly asked to show their tickets.

One after another, they were all sent back to their original seats.

Then the real ticket holders showed up at the end of the 3rd quarter.

Right when things got tough.

Another note would be that when things did get tough,

and Jenny and I were having "too much fun laughing,"

We were told by our husbands to pay attention to the game {we were!}

and then we were banned from talking until the game was over.

The last and final item of importance,

and it is very important...

would be that Jen had a goal for the evening.

That goal was to get on the jumbo-tron.

At any and all costs.

She busted some major moves to get on that thing,

and was featured on the "Disco Cam" segment of the night.

Disco may not be her first choice in dance genres,

but it got her on the big screen, and boy was she happy.

See for yourself:

She's on the way...

2012-02-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Amber is having a baby girl any day now.

We knew she wouldn't get much use out of her

three year old son's boyish hand-me-downs--

so we took her out to dinner and "showered" her with a few frilly gifts.

We went to Arella's Pizzeria. It was my first time there, and it was sooooo good.

Mandi and I split the BBQ chicken pizza

on their whole wheat crust with fresh avocado to top it off.

I can't stop thinking about it.

Getting dessert was a must, and the raspberry cookie skillet was the obvious choice.

It was heavenly.

Now everyone was being a little camera shy except for that

darling baby Henry, who was loving the spotlight.

Henry's many faces: the smirk, the worrier, playing it cool, and the tease.

Okay, I guess he was a little camera shy in this one...

Then there was Amber, who didn't want her picture taken altogether.

At least Sara cooperated.

Oh there we go!

She finally let me take her picture.

After all, it was her party...
and despite what she thinks--
she is beautiful even when she is nine months pregnant.

Can't wait to meet that little sweetheart.

A Little Monday Sunshine

2012-01-30T09:42:00.002-07:00

She was obviously saying "cheeeeeeeeeese!"

Pearl's New Look

2012-01-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

Pearl's glasses came on Wednesday.

Aunt Jen had the girls while I was at work,

so Pearl had to wait very patiently for me to bring them to her.

They were the perfect fit for her tiny face.

When she first looked at herself in the mirror,

she started to tear up. Happy tears.

Which made me and Jen emotional too.

It's like she's really seeing now for the first time.

Since I ordered her glasses online, we went to her eye Dr. today

to make sure the lens prescription was correct.

While we were waiting for the lady to check them out--

Pearl pulled her fake flat iron out of her purse,

{which she insists on carrying now to hold her glasses case}

and proceeded to fake curl her locks.

I kid you not.

And I even got a picture.

Well that was that--

and then the eyeglass lady came out with good news...

the glasses were perfect!

After a little adjusting of the frames,

we were good to go.

We came home, and ate some of Kel's delicious Mickey Mouse pancakes.

Things taste better when they're cute

Then we had to have a little photo shoot.

I mean, talk about getting a whole new look.

And this girl makes it look goooood.

She is so stinkin' cute in them, and she wore them all day long.

I'm a proud Mama.

Here's to seeing!

Hooray!!

p.s. the website we ordered

her glasses from was Zenni Optical

Their glasses are cute and affordable.

Roseola

2012-01-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

If you look closely around Pearl's age,

that she's emblazoned on her hand...

you'll see some tiny red dots.

They are all over her tummy,

back, arms, legs, hands, and feet.

Now we know that the virus she had last week is Roseola,

and it finishes out with a big fat rash.

At least we know it's almost over.

Lots of baths with tea tree oil are going on over here..."

Snug as a bug in a rug.

2012-01-25T08:47:00.001-07:00

I love this girl.

Meet Princess

2012-01-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

When Uncle Johnny came over Sunday night,

he brought with him a beautiful beta fish for Pearl and Violet to call their own.

Pearl got to name the fish.

The name she chose is Princess.

Princess is a

boy.

So there he sits.

Happily swimming around--

in a delicate vase with pink and purple glass beads.

Completely oblivious to the fact that...

he has a really girly name.

Welcome to the family Princess.

We love you already.

Weekend Rundown

2012-01-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

My weekend started off with finding a new favorite place to eat.

I love when that happens.

I went to Fuji Sushi with the primary presidency,

to celebrate Etsuko's birthday.

Kathy, Me, Estuko

Cindy & Marcia

We pretty much all got the teriyaki salmon bento box,

and man, it was good.

We talked about politics in the school drama programs,

and the amazing healing powers of essential oils--

Etsuko swears by them.

Later that evening,

we dropped these little stinkers off at Gram's

for a night of coloring, and movie watching.

Then we headed to the movies for a double date with Jen and Cory.

We got there first--

which doesn't happen often...

Kelly got bored, and started doing weird things,

so naturally, I had to document.

I had my frozen junior mints,

so I was good to go.

The Horton's arrived in matching eye-wear,

and Jen sang a song about Tiny Tim the Turtle,

while Cory ordered her quesadilla.

We saw Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

It was great.

What made it even better was Cory and Jen.

They are just like a bowl full of fun.

Let's see...

Saturday, saturday.

Yeah, Saturday wasn't so fun.

Pearl was burning up with a fever,

and once again had a terrible sore throat with great big tonsils.

It always happens on a Saturday, I tell you.

When insta-care is the only option.

Pearl wasn't too happy about going,

but she did it anyway.

Here she is seen making fish faces at a fish,

and I actually caught a smile between tears.

They called her back,

and it seemed to be going just fine.

That was until they did the strep test,

and she kicked and screamed and then some.

It was rough on everyone involved.

She got a lollipop and some stickers out of it,

which can do wonders for one very upset four year old.

So after all of that-- viral infection !

Is it sad that I wish for something that requires an antibiotic?

strep! ear infection! tonsillitis!

At least when it's one of those, you know they'll feel better soon.

I took her to get an icy treat for her throat, and then

we got her all motrin-ed up and off to bed.

Sunday was good for the soul.

Great Sacrament meeting, with talks given by the Bishopric.

This year they want to focus on getting back to the basics.

The primary kids are doing great with the new song we're learning.

Violet loves nursery, and that is great news for all.

The good thing about 9:00am church is that everyone comes home and takes a nap.

We then woke up and had a special visit from Johnny & Sam.
Johnny is what you would call a hands on Uncle.

He's a lot of fun, and just what the Dr. ordered

for a little Pearl who wasn't herself.

Plus, your heart would melt to see Violet

running down the hall saying "Nonny! Nonny!"

So it was definitely one of those weekends that went from good,

to bad, to good again.

Blurred

2012-01-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

From now on--

our little Pearl's pretty brown eyes will be looking at the world

through a pair of square-framed, pink glasses.

Until of course she's sick of the pink, and goes with another color,

or someday-- maybe even contacts.

Bottom line is-- her vision, especially in the left eye is not so good.

She had an appointment with the eye doctor last week,

and my heart sank when she couldn't see the letters that were

a good three inches tall.

I had noticed that when Pearl was tired,

or trying to concentrate on something--

she'd cross her left eye over.

She was also getting headaches occasionally.

I talked to Kelly about taking her to get her eyes checked,

but I hadn't been super eager about getting her in,

since it was so rare that it happened.

Our last trip to California, my Mom mentioned Pearl's eye crossing,

which kind of jolted me back into making the appointment.

The Dr. said that she was crossing her eye over to try to get her eye to focus better,

but what happened is that crossing her eye caused her brain to

shut down development to her left eye.

So she started out with slightly poor vision in both eyes,

and now it's dramatically worse in the left eye.

The Doc said that when she wears glasses,

the glasses will do the focusing for her,

so she won't have to cross her eye over to see.

He said that there is a chance that doing this will reverse the damage,

and allow her brain to continue developing a better connection to her left eye.

I understand that the vision in her right eye isn't perfect--

but she was able to see pretty small letters with that eye.

So what we're hoping for, and praying for--

is to get her left eye back up to that level.

It makes me sad to think that everything she sees is blurry!

I know that she doesn't know anything different,

but I can't wait for her to have a nice crisp view of the world.

We set out to find the perfect pair of glasses.

One thing she knew for sure...

they had to be

pink!

We went to a few different optical centers,

and ended up at Costco.

Pearl walked right up to this pair,

put them on, and said

"okay Mom, let's buy these and go."

Unfortunately they were too big for her tiny face,

and she wasn't digging the small, round metal frames--

not even the pink ones!

The day was pretty much over,

so we decided we'd keep looking in the morning.

I wanted to treat Pearl for surviving the appointment.

Let's just say the pupil dilating eye drops weren't easy on anyone...

She had her pick for a dinner date with me.

Anywhere she wanted to go... she went with Wingers.

She ordered the mac and cheese,

and we ate popcorn, and played tic-tac-toe while we waited.

We came home from dinner and I read reviews on online optical centers.

From what I read, Zenni Optical had the best reviews, plus--

we found the perfect glasses, that were small enough,

plastic frames, and fuchsia!

The other great thing is that they were really inexpensive.

We'll take them in somewhere when they get here in a couple of weeks.

Then we can be sure the prescription is right, and they fit well.

I am happy that Pearl is okay with this big change in her life.

I worried that it would be hard on her.

Then I found this picture.

Pearl's first self-portrait of her new look.

She looks pretty happy to me.
I love my easy-going Pearly girl.
She makes me so proud.

The Uncooperative Client

2012-01-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

Violet paid her first visit to my work today for a trim.

She looks all angelic and compliant in these two pictures--

but a little angel she was not.

I think people would be surprised to hear that

most of the kids hair we cut are really good.

We are well-equipped with movies, lollipops, toys, bubbles,

and any other antic we can come up with to appease an unhappy kid.

but... sometimes. Yes, sometimes we get a kid who takes our

"bending-over-backward to please" efforts, and spits them in our face--

quite literally.

Now ,Violet wasn't the worst I've seen, cause wow! I've seen bad...

but... she was definitely not in the

"we're in this together, let's just cooperate and get through it peacefully."

frame of mind.

She wasn't getting what was going on.

She couldn't understand why we wouldn't

pick her up out of that dang pink car.

She wanted out!

After a rough 15 minutes, with tears, and trying to break free--

we made it through.

Thanks to a red lollipop,

and Kel discovering that holding a blow dryer up to a bubble wand

creates a perfect stream of bubbles.

So yes it's true.

My very own daughter would have

definitely gone down on the "difficult kid" list.

Good thing she's cute.

Things that happened on January 10th, 2012

2012-01-11T06:16:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning from a dream about my cousin Jessie.

I can't remember the details, but I know she was in it.

I checked my phone to see a message from my Mom saying that

Jessie had her baby girl last night. She was four weeks early.

She weighs only 4 lbs. 15 oz. but was healthy and breathing on her own.

Jessie thought it was nothing, and told Garan they should stay home and wait it out.

Luckily he put his foot down about--
she was born 13 minutes after getting to the hospital!

Pearl had her un-birthday party at preschool today,
since her birthday is in the summer.

She was excited to take a treat to share with her classmates.

We made Funfetti cookies, which hello! are delicious!

I wanted to frost them cute, with sprinkles on top,

but just like her bread and noodles--

she wanted them plain.

She came out of school grinning from ear to ear.

She got to unwrap a gift from her teacher,
(a book called: Commotion in the Ocean)

and told me about the song her class sang while circling her.

It goes like this:

(to the tune of 'Here we go Round the Mullberry Bush')

Here we go Round the birthday girl, the birthday girl, the birthday girl.

Here we go Round the birthday girl,

today is Purr-rl's birthday!

Then something about the kids circling around her,

and she pretends like they are candles and blows them out.

What more could a pretend birthday girl ask for?!

So while Pearl was at preschool--

Vi and I met up with some friends at Mickey D's.
I oohed and aahed over Kristen's baby boy and Mandi's baby girl,

while Violet explored what the enchanted musical playland had to offer.

Violet played Pingu on my phone,

and took her first two screen shots.

Maybe her score was at a record low on Pingu,

but she used those tiny little fingers to press the top button,

and home button simultaneously to take some screen shots--

and I was so proud.

We picked Kel up, ran some errands, and then we came home.

I should just level with you here and tell you that at this point I took a nap.

It was an hour long, and the sky turned from light to dark in that time.

Kelly said that I woke up in a panic shouting:

"Are you kidding me?! I slept through the whole day?!"

This was a rude awakening for him,

as he himself had fallen asleep in his recliner.

Well that was that--

We got up, and the girls and I made 3 big batches of banana bread muffins,

while Kelly slaved away in the garage with a manly D.I.Y. project.

It involved a trip to Lowe's, a YouTube video, some sawing, and a lot of tools.

When all was said and done, we had a well-built camera slider for Elevated Films.

It's used to create nice smooth panning shots, and usually costs around $250.

Kelly built it for under $40, and I think he is super cool because of it.

last but not least...

tonight Shelly showed me a song called

Next to Me by Sleeping at Last.

It is dreamy.

I loved it and so will you.

click here to listen.

Choosing the right.

2012-01-09T06:14:00.000-07:00

Pearl is moving up in the world of primary.

{Thanks to Aunt Cristy-- and her special dance moves

for getting Pearl to laugh.}

This little honey is now a CTR 4 and has the ring to prove it.

With this ring comes responsibility,

and an understanding of choice and accountability.

Last week I walked into the kitchen to find Pearl and Violet

peeling the wallpaper off the wall at a loose corner.

They got in big trouble for it, and we haven't discussed it since.

Well today after church Pearl said to me:

"Mom... I'm not going to rip the paper off the wall anymore--

because now I have..." and without saying another word,

she lifted her fist in the air and showed me her ring.

A new little reminder to do what's right.

*Thanks for the sassy dress Gram!

as you can see, it's perfect for dancing.

insta-love

2012-01-06T06:13:00.000-07:00

Do you have instagram?

It has to be one of the very best apps out there, and it's free!

I love it because it's a newsfeed of simply pictures-- and I love pictures!

It's fun to see what everyone is up to with a quick snapshot.

I love following Kelly on instagram.

It's fun to see our life through his point of view.

I put together his most recent batch of pics with his captions.

1.) "And on the cat piano keyboard, Violet." 2.) "instant beard."

3.) "lunch with Kelly King." 4.) "an after lunch soak."

5.) "dancing and santa... boom goes the dynamite." 6.) "because she can."

7.) "My beautiful four year old watching Avatar... she loves it!"

8.) "the Christmas easel from Nika is hard at work, holding this masterpiece."

9.) "...and Violet has found use for it as well."

{don't worry, the easel is bolted open}

10.) "the 'Little Darling' double feature continues with Heidi.

Stacey's favs have now become Pearl & Violet's

11.) Just picked up some new lighting for elevated films. Hazaaa!

12.) "Remember breathing on cold glass and writing your name...?"

13.) "When the first gift was given." 14.) "Pretty in pink...all eleven layers."

15.) "Sleep where you fall, dream where you sleep."

16.) "I've had my lunch (markers), now to catch up on the DVR.

Gnomeo & Juliet, sure."

p.s. Our usernames are staceyjewkes {I know, creative!} and jewkel.

Leave me your username if you're on instagram

so I can follow you back :)

West Bountiful girl, 6, trying to help her native Haiti with goats

2012-01-04T00:29:00.000-07:00

Our little friend Taci has proven at a young age,

that her heart is much bigger than the six year old body that carries it.

This little sweetie pie has always longed to help Haiti--

The impoverished country where she was born.

She was adopted by our dear family friends,

who searched for different opportunities, until they found a way for her to help.

They found an organization that raises money to donate goats to Haitian families.

The families will use the goats for milk, and food-- and if the goat has babies,

they can then sell them for money as well.

Taci has decided to sale her hand-crafted melty-bead magnets,

and drawings of Haitian children with goats--

for those who donate to the cause.

All of the money will go towards helping as many Haitian families as she can.

Every $100 is enough to donate one goat to change a family's life.

She has already earned enough for six goats!

She hopes to reach twenty.

I'm so proud of Taci, and the amazingly ambitious little girl that she is.

Read the article from the Standard Examiner through the link below.
West Bountiful girl, 6, trying to help her native Haiti with goats

*All photos from the Standard Examiner

2012

2012-01-01T01:39:00.002-07:00

{image}

I love knowing that after 365 days-- we get a reset.

A new year, for new hopes,

new memories to be made, and self-improvement.

I hope this year is a unanimously a good one.

Good luck to you and yours :)

Here's to a new year!

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-31T06:39:00.000-07:00

Christmas started with a stop at Grandpa's.

He seemed very Merry & Bright,

even toting a different cane than usual.

If there is one thing that our family isn't lacking... it's good cooks.

Can we say homemade spring rolls?

Kritsana's spring rolls could be world renowned.

Tonya is pretty much the lamb cooker.

Like always, everyone pulled together, and there was a

delicious spread of comfort food laid out on the table.

I love spending time with family on the Holidays.

Kayli had surgery on her ankle, poor thing...

and Riley wore one of those sweaters that could pass for an ugly Holiday sweater,

but it's almost good looking enough that you're not sure if it's worn in seriousness...

I know because it happened to me.

Turns out it was meant to be a joke.

Nika drew Pearl's name for Christmas.

She opened her present before we left, and it went like this:

Pearl rips into the paper, gasps upon seeing an art easel--

runs and hugs her Dad in excitement, and then is directed to the actual gift giver...

who gets an enormous hug.

Thanks Nika Dawn. If you couldn't tell... she loves it!

Scott and Cristy celebrated their first

Christmas together as a married couple.

My Family on Christmas Eve.

Christmas beauties.

We stayed at Grandpa's long enough for Uncle Dave to rig up his laptop

to the big screen T.V. so we could skype with my family in Longbeach.

It was great to talk to them, and especially great to see Grandpa's reaction.

He said "This Old Man has to get used to all of these modern technologies."

It was a great end to our visit--

and then it was off to the Lindsey's house

to be with the Jewkes side of the family.

We had Amy's lasagna, and salad,

and too many gingerbread cookies.

Then it was on to the Christmas pajamas.

Waiting is the hardest part.

Here they are! Christmas jammies 2011!

We tracked Santa's location, and talked about Uncle Jason's

nightly foot-moisturizing routine.

If Derek looks sad in the above picture--

it may be because he had a hunch that he was on the naughty list...

Luckily we got a hold of Santa's Naughty and Nice list.

He made the cut!

So did a couple other cuties I know.

Then there were my nephews Jake and Mason--

They didn't fair so well this year...

Britney, Brooke, Maegan, Emma, Katelyn, Kelsey, and Pearl

were brave enough to put on a little Christmas program for us.

We were delighted to hear:
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer

Santa Claus is coming to Town

And the sweetest rendition of
Frosty the Snowman you've ever heard.

So our Christmas Eve was very jam-packed, and we loved it all.
We hurried home to open up mine and Kel's p.j.s, got the girls to bed,
and finished some last minute wrapping.
Santa must've liked those frosted gingerbread cookies--
because when morning came, they were gone...

Today you are sixteen

2011-12-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

Little miss Mari, my beautiful sister.

How did I get so lucky to have a sister as creative, and talented, and spunky as you?

Do you remember when we took these pictures a year and a half ago?

We had so much fun, and laughed so hard-- like always.

I came home and uploaded the photos to my computer and thought--

"Holy cow! my baby sister is a knockout!"

I always knew you were beautiful, and thoughtful, and bright...

but I am so proud of the young woman that you have become.

When I see this picture of you, it gives me a little twinge in my heart.

It makes me remember how much I missed you.

This picture was taken in Guatemala when Dad made a trip out to visit you.

He also brought home a video he had made of you that we watched over and over,

and couldn't wait until we could have you home with us.

It would be a total of three years that we waited for the process to go through.

Mom was so good about sending you care packages of clothes, and stickers,

and pictures of us, so you could get to know us.

We also watched you grow up through pictures from the ages of one to four.

I remember coming to the airport to pick you up so well.

You were so adorable in your leopard print jacket.

This is one of my most favorite memories.

You spoke the most beautiful Spanish.

Your prayers were long and so full of gratitude.

You were hesitant at first to eat the food in the pantry,

not knowing who's it was.

Mom finally sat you down and told you that it was for the whole family,

and you were welcome to have as much as you wanted.

You would grab bags of food, and in all seriousness tell me:

"This if for the whole family."

In Spanish of course.

Everyday I couldn't wait to get home and make you and Ben hangout with me.
You always loved to dance, and drive around in my car with me

while we sang really loud.

You and Ben were the perfect little pair.

My life couldn't possibly be as happy without the two of you in it.

I love you Mari, and can't wait to see the great things you do with your life.

Happy Birthday!!

Music to my ears.

2011-12-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

Everybody who knows Violet knows that

"Ya-vee" has always meant "I love you" in Violet language.

The phrase is very charming, and at times-- hard to come by.

It has always been said only when prompted,

and even then-- you'll only hear it if she feels like saying it.

That is what made it all the more endearing today,

when I was mid-walk across the kitchen.

She looked right at me and said:

"I yaaa yoooou." drawn out long, and clear as a bell.

She sat perched on a bar stool next to Kelly.

and there she stopped me-- frozen in my tracks.

Me: "Did you just hear that?!"

"I did!" Said her proud Pops.

Me: "She told me she loves me, without being forced!"

She told me she loved me just because she felt like it.

If I even tried to explain how happy it made me--

my words would just fail.

How I love this perfectly stubborn little girl of mine.

Gingerbread Men

2011-12-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

We had a jam-packed, magical Christmas weekend.

Still sorting through a gazillion photos of it all--

posts to come soon.

******

Gram gave us a gingerbread man making kit last week,

and we had a ball dressing our little men {and women}up.

The cookies definitely did not go unscathed...

These pics of Pearl crack me up.

And that's a wrap.

It's Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

Hoping your Christmas is filled with
happiness
and
love.

I can't wait to see the
magic of it all
through my children's eyes!

Violet's Vocab - 18 months

2011-12-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

Cristy made this video of Violet, and I love it so much.

It's just about every word that Violet says at this point.

Her fave thing is to shorten words down to their first syllable.

I love this little girl.

I Love the Holidays, I do ~ Barney

2011-12-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

This morning at 11:10am we gathered outside of Pearl's preschool,

with all of the parents who were excited to hear our preschoolers sing a few songs.

They came walking out of the house in a line singing "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas."

Then there was a darling song called "I love the Holidays."

Which is a catchy little tune that google tells me is a Barney original.

And then there was "Suzy Snowflake." by Rosemary Clooney.

Seriously cute song, and one that I've heard Pearl singing around the house.

I love that Pearl has a preschool teacher who teaches her music.

I think music is a big part of a happy childhood.

They ended the program with "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

Then it was time to turn in the hat and bells--

and Pearl sure loved those bells.

We were proud of our little singing Elf.

Nelson the Fearless

2011-12-20T01:36:00.001-07:00

Ride em' Cowboy!

Sick for Christmas? and Ben stops by.

2011-12-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

We are sick up in here.

sore throats, colds, achiness, and fevers.

We missed our ward Christmas party Saturday, and church yesterday,

and it looks like Pearl won't be going to dance tomorrow--

which is especially sad because every one of her prayers includes:

"Please bless me to be able to go to ballet... and tap."

She is super dramatic about being sick, and lets out great big sighs.

Then today she said:

P: "Mom, I can't do this anymore."

Me: "Can't do what?"

P: "I just can't be sick right now."

I agree with ya there Pearly girl.

The week of Christmas is a pretty inconvenient week to be sick.

At least we know our mugs of hot chocolate and

endless stream of Christmas movies are there for us.

On a happy note...

Look at my brother Ben and his beautiful date Kinzie.

Kinzie and Ben have known each other a long time,

and Kinzie asked Ben to Bountiful High's Christmas dance.

Like a true gentleman-- he flew in from California to take her.

They are both just so darn good looking,

and Kinzie proves that modest truly is the hottest.

I love her dress.

She had already gone home before we took any pictures,

so we made her turn around so we could see these cuties together,

and embarrass the heck out of Ben.

I was so glad for an excuse to see my little brother,

and Pearl pretty much thinks he flew in to watch her dance...

Have you ever been so tired...

2011-12-17T12:33:00.001-07:00

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

2011-12-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Kel's Mom got us ticket's to the Tabernacle Choir's Christmas show.
we went with Kel's sister Amy and her husband Austin.

After a frightening experience in parking--

which involved a very un-merry lady sneaking into our parallel spot

by pulling forward while we were backing into it...

Then Kel got out of the car and very nicely said:

"hey, we were here first, is it okay if we park here?"

with a funny little "diffuse the tension" chuckle.

and the un-merry lady said, "No I was here first."
as she was darting her car in and out.

to which Kelly said, and now not quite as nicely:
"You can't parallel park nose first."

and then Austin stayed parked slightly in her way,

while we watched her inch forward and back,

forward and back, about 13 times.
It was super-duper awkward.

Then we found a new parking spot.

We had planned on eating before seeing the show,
but what, with the whole parking situation, we were out of time.
The line was out the door for our first choice, the Nauvoo Cafe,
so we walked to the Blue Lemon on the way to the conference center.

With a major time limit, we got ourselves fizzy drinks

and delicious pastries and ate while we walked.

I want to go back again when we have more time.

It was a cute place, and the food was great.

We, along with a bazillion other people made our way into the conference center.

They have the most incredible artwork, and escalators that go on for days.

It was so nice to be in our seats in such a beautiful, and peaceful place after a hectic arrival.

It was decorated so beautifully. I loved the decorated Christmas trees around the stage.

Jane Seymour, and Nathan Gunn were the perfoming guests of the evening.

It was truly incredible. My favorite part was when Nathan performed

"The Night Before Christmas" set to music.

It had to have been over ten minutes long.

It felt magical.

It was a great way to jump into the Christmas spirit.

A Trimmed Tree

2011-12-14T06:01:00.000-07:00

Decorating the Christmas tree has to be one of my favorite traditions of the season.

We had Pandora set to Michael Buble's Holiday station.
It was the perfect station for the occasion.
Kelly danced with Violet while singing "The Christmas Song"
In his best Frank Sinatra voice, which is actually pretty darn good.

Pearl, as always takes the decorating of the tree very seriously.
Violet loved adding her own touch to the tree-- but not before studying,
and poking and more than likely licking each ornament that went on...

We gotta have Kel for those hard to reach branches--

and especially those tippy-top branches.

He is our family's official tree topper.

I love all of the ornaments.

It's a very happy tree.

Do you think Pearl is happy with her handy-work?

Meet Nelson

2011-12-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

Nelson is our family's special elf.

The girls were intrigued by the story of Santa's little helper--

who would be sneaking around our house for the next few weeks.

Pearl had a few too many questions about just how Nelson

would be able to get to the North Pole and back every night...

afraid of what he might be relaying to Santa Claus.

They got to hold him while he was still in the box, as to not take away his magic.

It has been a great to be able to persuade a stubborn child into listening,

by telling them "Nelson is watching..."

Pearl is so excited to find his new hiding spot every morning.

We were happy to find he'd made his way onto the ledge of our piano.

Pearl liked that he was somewhere that she could get up nice and close--

but not too close, because she knows better than that.

She pounded the keys to the rhythm of jingle bells, and sang right to him.

This has got to be one of my favorite pictures ever.

Welcome to the family Nelson.

Winter Showcase - 2011

2011-12-12T01:42:00.000-07:00

Pearl danced her little heart out on the big stage.

One of the girls named Jersey was supposed to walk down the line of girls,

and tap them on the head while each of them made one pretty turn in place.

Well, Jersey froze with fear, and she got off to a very late start.

It was so funny to see the girls adamant about not going on with the dance

until they were spun around. Except for Piper--

who was doing her Hark the Herald angel arms,

while she was being tapped on the head.

Pearl has always turned at least three times every practice,

but she cut it down to two on the stage.

She has the sweetest little chasse into an arabesque you've ever seen.

We got a wave from our little ballerina, which made her forget where she was

in her dance-- so she just did one tendu after another,

with carefully pointed toes. When all else fails, tendu.

She got back on track for the hand holding, spinning circle,

and the girls ended their dance kneeling down, with arms above their heads.

It was so adorable, and seriously a proud parent moment for me.

Violet sat so still and quiet, watching all of the dancers.

You could tell she wanted to be up there too.

We have the best family, who came to watch Pearl.

She is one very loved little girl.

Pearl was showered with flowers,

a snow globe from Gram-- in fact it was the snowglobe from Gram ;)

and she even got to see Santa Claus.

Then Gram treated us to Chuck-a-rama,

where we had our fair share of scones with honey butter,

and huckleberry jam.

It was a really great day, and Pearl is already asking when she can dance on the stage again.

I think we have a little performer on our hands...

Up on the big stage

2011-12-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

Today Pearl will be dancing on a big stage for the first time.

Her dance studio is putting on their Winter Showcase,

and Pearl has learned a sweet little dance to Hark, the Harold Angels Sing.

The Mariah Carey version-- which has always been a Christmastime staple.

She is so excited about it-- she had a hard time falling asleep last night.

She was wiggling around and holding back giggles, so I asked her what she was thinking about.

She said I'm so excited for my "formance" tomorrow, and to dance on the stage!

I remember that feeling, and I'm so happy that she's excited about it.

Her costume is laid out, and her after-performance flowers have been purchased.

And don't worry Nana... the camera is ready to go, so you won't miss a thing.

Now, we'll see if she breaks into her own hip-hop moves mid-dance--

just like she did at the last practice...

Fanning the magical flames of Christmas

2011-12-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

Pearl and I made a trip to Walgreen's the other night.

They have quite an array of Holiday items,

and Pearl was pointing out every glittery thing we passed.

There was a certain item that quickly made it's way into her heart.

It was one of those music playing snow globes--

with three really cheap looking Disney princesses fixed into the center.

She told me she had seen one at the Walgreen's in California with Nana,

and hoped we could find one here. She gasped when she saw it.

She picked it up, gave it a good shake and watched

the little white specks flutter inside the glass ball.

Her eyes lit up, as she timidly asked if Santa could bring one to her.

"Oh, we'll have to see." I told her, noting where it was on the shelf.

Then we purchased some lights for the porch, and made our way to the car.

I buckled Pearl in, and reached for the ignition just as I heard a faint

"Can you open this please?"

There, gripped the the palm of that tiny little hand was

a jumbo-sized lollipop. Not one of those huge flat circle lollis...

but one of those big round ball lollipops.

From the brown and white swirls,

I'd say she picked the root beer flavor-- her favorite.

We marched right back into the store and she placed the lolli

right where she found it. She headed for the door,

and I steered her to the register where I told the clerk

of our "sticky-finger" situation.

I scooted Pearl forward as she very quietly said sorry to the store clerk--

who really didn't give a hoot...

but the elderly woman checking out at the register looked back at me

with one of those knowing "I've been there," types of smiles.

We got back in the car, and had a good long talk on shop-lifting!

Then I explained to Pearl how sad it was that she did that--

because now Santa wasn't going to be able to bring her

that {semi poor quality} snow globe since stealing was on the

"naughty list" of things to do.

She didn't say a word.

We drove across the highway, and up over the overpass--

and then she spoke...

"The North Pole is really far away." she said, pretty matter of fact.

I waited for her to expand on that statement...

"The North Pole is really far away,

and Santa can't see me because he's not in the sky yet."

Well I'll be darned.

She had a point.

I wanted to laugh, but instead I did what I thought would be

in the best interest of a daughter with questions,

and a mother without any answers...

I broke into singing "Santa Claus is coming to Town."

I got uncomfortably louder at the whole

"He sees you when you're sleeping,

he knows when you're awake,

he knows if you've been bad or good,

so be good for goodness sake!" part.

I think I even flapped my hand around to the beat a bit,

and looked back at her through the mirror for effect.

She joined in on the singing, and that was that.

So thank you to the writer of that blessed song.

You made a believer out of a skeptical four year old.

Bracing for it.

2011-12-04T21:17:00.001-07:00

Last Wednesday night we were hit with a major wind storm.

The winds reached 102 mph in parts of Davis County.

The house sounded like we were rocking in an old creaky ship,

with storms a raging outside of the windows.

It sounded like the glass was going to blow in.

I looked out the window to see the cushions of the lawn chairs

blowing straight up into the air.

It was almost like they took on a human characteristic,

hanging on for dear life.

by morning, all of the chairs were blown into a pile--

as far as they could go before the fence stopped them.

We also had one tree that couldn't stand up to the wind.

I think we were really lucky.

Our power went out Thursday morning around 6:30am.

I was in the kitchen, and I watched the lights take a couple of big blinks,

and then they were out. They stayed out for 36 hours.

Our house got cold, and as the day went on, it got dark.

Sheila took us out to Litza's Pizza for a nice hot dinner.

Then we crashed at Kelly's Dad's super swanky condo in Salt Lake.

We brought the Smith's along with us, and Shelly had a sleepover at our aunt's house.

With everyone safe and accounted for,

we were able to relax and watch movies in a nice warm place.

Another wind storm is on it's way as I type this.

They are predicting that they will reach 70mph.

Church was cancelled today while the community pulled together

to clean up all of the debris, to avoid dangerous flying objects.

It was great to see everyone coming together.

The parking lot at Bountiful high was made into a makeshift dump for

all of the trees, and branches.

{photos from ksl and deseret news}

We did have sacrament meeting tonight at 4:00.

There was definitely that calm before the storm feeling in the air.

I know that compared to other natural disasters that happen around the world--

this ordeal is very small...

but today I sat in the chapel

as our Bishop offered advice and encouragement--

and I looked around to see all of the faces that are dear to me,

and the men who had spent the day out in the cold,

helping their neighbors prepare for the next storm to come--

and realized how much love our ward family has for one another.

I felt really blessed.

Our flashlights have fresh batteries,

the heat has been blasting through the house to keep us warm as long as possible--

and I'm off to bake banana bread muffins.

We'll see if this storm is as bad as they're saying...

Holiday Special - From Elevated Films

2011-11-28T14:49:00.001-07:00

We are offering a Holiday special over here at Elevated Films.

Book a family outing for only $99! Regularly priced between $200-$300.

We will garauntee the first four families to book will have their edited video pacakaged up,

and ready to gift for Christmas! Any grandparents dream ;)

You can also purchase a gift certificate at the discount price,

for the gift recipient to use at their convenience!

Another great gift idea! Happy Holidays :)

Here is the Gilvear's family outing video, to give you an idea.

A Golden State Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

It is Thanksgiving, and we are here in the Golden State celebrating with my family.

I flew in with the girls early yesterday morning.

Kelly and my Grandpa-- who both have an aversion to flying...

dropped us off at the airport at 5:00am, then drove straight on through to California.

They made the trip in less than twelve hours.

They had some amazing conversations that we need to write down.

The last flight of family comes in tomorrow,

and then nearly all of my Mom's family will be here together.

Something to be thankful for, in and of itself.

We spent a couple of hours at Seal Beach today.

It was beautiful, and warm enough to walk in the foamy water's edge.

Violet fell fast asleep on my shoulder, and Pearl faced the water

with her arms outstretched-- taking it all in.

**************

I have so many things to be thankful for.

I'm thankful to be an American,

and for the people who have died for my freedom.

I'm thankful to have a roof over my head, and food on the table.

I"m thankful to have a good dependable car to get us where we need to go.

I'm thankful for a dvr to record good shows to watch with Kelly.

I'm thankful to be the primary chorister.

I'm thankful that we are able to put Pearl in ballet, and that she loves it--

and prays "that we can go to ballet and tap, and preschool" everyday.

I'm thankful for her preschool teacher who has taught her so many new things,

and has creative art projects for them to do every time they go.

I'm thankful for my friends. I have such great friends in my life.

I'm thankful for my cosmetology license. I worked hard to get it,

and I'm thankful to have a skill that I enjoy doing,

and have been able to use for ten years now.

I am thankful for my iphone.

I'm thankful to be able to cook and bake delicious food.

I don't like doing the shopping for it--

but I like making it.

I'm thankful for restaurants and movie theaters.

They make for a great date night, and I sure am thankful for

date nights with my husband.

I'm thankful for my dogs Scarlet, and Gritz--

and my parents dog Max.

I'm thankful for football.

it makes my husband happy, and I enjoy going to games with him.

I'm thankful that Violet loves to hold baby dolls,

and hug them, and kiss them goodnight.

I'm thankful that Pearl draws one picture after another all day long.

I'm thankful that both of my girls love to sing.

At this point Violet mostly hums along with Pearl,

and throws in a word every now and then.

I'm thankful for Kelly's family. They are so fun and they get so loud,

and I love every single one of them.

I love my nieces and nephews very much, and am proud of their accomplishments.

I'm thankful for computers and blogging, and being able to keep record of my life,

and keep in touch with other's lives.

I'm thankful to have my husband as a business partner.

I'm thankful for my camera, and to be able document my life through pictures.

I'm thankful for my brothers, and brother-in-law Scott. Everybody needs a brother or two.

They are pretty much always happy and laid back, and funny.

At least mine are.

Plus, they are all great at being uncles.
I'm thankful for my sisters. They are my close friends,

and the best people to have dance parties with in the kitchen.

I'm thankful for my parents who are the greatest examples to me.

I'm thankful for the sacrifice they've made to move to California,

and lead the missionaries of the Long Beach mission.

They are good at what they do. We miss them,

but I know this is where they need to be right now.

I'm thankful to be a Mother.

Nothing in the world could every be more satisfying,

and rewarding as being a parent.

I'm thankful for Pearl and Violet, and their different personalities.

These little ones come as they are,

and I love watching them become their own little people.

I'm thankful for Kelly.

He has to be the funniest person I know.

He makes me laugh until my face hurts.

I'm thankful to have the gospel in my life,

and know that my family is mine forever.

I'm thankful that I could probably go on with this list--

but won't because holy cow it's long!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Saw it, loved it-- so what?

2011-11-21T19:09:00.001-07:00

So we saw it...

Kel took me to the theater on a very snowy Friday night.

It was my first time at the new Megaplex by our house

We ate a quesadilla dipped in guacamole,

and got a drink out of the fancy fountain.

So the movie...

I hate to admit that I... I...

I loved it.

There, I said it.

I get that it has some of the lamest lines of any movie on the planet,

and that wolves reading each others minds

doesn't translate well into wolf-ish voice overs on the big screen--

and that maybe the honeymoon was akwardly drawn out...

but I don't care!

It is a total thrill to see the books come to life.

The wedding scene is so beautiful. I loved Bella's dress.

And there is more I would say, but I don't want to spoil it.

It was fun, and I'm glad my husband is a good sport,

and I'll leave it at that.

Things of Pinterest

2011-11-16T23:25:00.001-07:00

I think that Pinterest is life-changing.

Inspiration galore!!

Everything you love in one convenient place!

Fun to re-pin friends great finds!

{it's like giving a virtual high-five!}

Kelly likes to use a lot of play on words regarding my love for pinterest--

Things like:

"I think I found something that would be of pinterest to you..."

Or, "Don't you find it pinteresting that..."

and that sort of stuff.

If you do not yet have an account--

you must get one!!

If you need an invite, leave me your email address and I'll send you one.

Otherwise it can take weeks to get an account.

One of my favorite things to pin is new recipes.

Here are a few of the recipes that we've tried, and are now on our favorites list.

Grilled Chicken with Lemon Basil Pasta

This photo and recipe are both from The Pioneer Woman.

I can't even tell you how delicious this was--

and how awesome I felt for making it.

She mentions that the chicken was a second thought,

and that the pasta takes the cake--

which is very true. The chicken was really good-- but the pasta alone is incredible.

Although next time I make it, {which will be soon} I'm going to add shrimp instead.

I think it would be perfect with the lemon and basil.

I pinned numbers 1, 2, and 3 from Gina's Skinny Taste.

She has really delicious, healthy recipes-- which I need to make more often...

1.- Coconut Chicken Salad with Warm Honey-Mustard Vinagarette

This was a very very close second for me, if not a tie...

Salads are not usually Kel's favorite, but even he loved it.

The combination of the coconut chicken with the flavors of the

warm honey-mustard dressing is so delicious.

2.- Fresh Mozzarella, roasted red peppers, basil,

and balsamic vinegar on whole wheat bread.

I could pretty much eat this sandwich for lunch everyday.

I press it in a Panini maker, so it's nice and toasty,

and the cheese is slightly melty.

3.- Spinach Lasagna Rolls.

These are vegetarian, and so so good! The only veggie in the roll up is spinach,

which was good, but I think I'll saute and dice up mushrooms and eggplant to add to it next time.

4.- Pumpkin Gingerbread - pinned from allrecipes.com

This bread is spicy, and perfect for the season.
I subbed the all granulated sugar for half granulated,
have brown sugar. Next time I'll go all brown sugar.
It just makes sense.
If you are a fan of gingerbread, {Mom} you will love this.

I baked a loaf today, and the girls devoured slice after slice.

It made our home smell very festive.

I can see this bread being an absolute must for us for
the months of October through December.

Until next time, when I've found more things of "pinterest."

Elevated Films

2011-11-15T00:50:00.001-07:00

Kelly and I have have had a little filming business on the side
for about five years now.

We've done mostly wedding videos, and events, and life story slide-shows.

It's been something that we've loved to do, but with Kelly working full time,

we haven't been able to put in the time and effort that we would have liked.

A few months ago we were on a date,
and started talking about how we should just

take the plunge and make it our full-time business.

I'll never forget planning our family business over dinner, at a table for two.

The decision was made on a Friday night, and by Monday night,

we had three weddings booked. We hadn't posted any advertising,

or mentioned our plans to anyone--

so it really felt like a reassuring push for us to go through with it.

Kelly gave his notice at work... put in his last workday in August--

and our new full-time business was born.

It has been a lot of work, but great to be doing something we love--

and so much fun to spend time together as a family,

right in the middle of our workday.

The way it has gone up until now, is that Kelly has does the filming,

and I've done all of the editing--

but he is now doing a lot of the editing as well.

I think we make a pretty darn good team.

We're excited for the future, and feel really blessed.

Here are some of our recent projects we have worked on:

Hope Kids Princess Party.
Linsey Holley, who gets to dress up as Cinderella for a living--
invited children with Cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses
to her "castle" for a Royal Ball.
Don't you love when people do really good things for other people?
Kel said the event was incredible.

Salt Lake Temple
This is Kelly's darling cousin MacKenzie and her husband Andrew.
There are from Moses Lake, Washington, but were married here
at the Salt Lake Temple. We were honored to film their wedding.
It was such a beautiful day.

Tyler and Tara.
Tyler has been a dear friend of ours for years,
and we are so happy he found Tara.

T + T - Backyard Reception

A Day in the Life

I'm really excited about this new service we offer.

We spend a couple of hours with your family at home,

at the zoo, the park, or any other outing you love to take as a family.

We went to Wheeler Farms with the Gilvear family, and had a ball

acting like a couple of flys on the wall watching this sweet family together.

We have a few more things in the works that we're excited about.

I'll keep you posted here, and you can also stay up to date

by liking our facebook page and checking out elevatedfilms.com

Keep us in mind, and spread the word!

We want to keep doing this forever :)

Eleven

2011-11-11T23:59:00.003-07:00

{image}

My Grandma June passed away when I was six years old.

When she knew she was dying, she told my Mom she worried

her Grandchildren wouldn't remember her.

I remember my Mom telling me this as we were

backing out of my Grandparents driveway days before she passed away.

I knew I would never forget her-- and to be honest with you,

there are few days that pass that I don't think of her, or feel her near.

In the shorts years we had with her,

she filled us with a whole-hearted love, that would last a lifetime.

Her favorite time was 11:11.

She would say "make a wish!" whenever that time struck.

We'd close our eyes and think of the most significant thing

our hearts could desire. {Mine was always a horse...}

I gave up on the horse wishing, but the tradition stuck.

The thing I find so interesting is how often I happen to look at the clock,

just at the right moment. It's almost like Grandma is saying hello.

Growing up I always made a wish.

Sometimes I still do...

but sometimes I say in my head "I love you Grandma,"

and sometimes I think to myself what I would tell her if she was here.

Today I wondered if some big, exciting event

would happen on 11/11/11.

I went to work, and did ten haircuts in four hours.

It was super busy, but the most exciting thing that happened was when a

darling little six year old girl said to me:

"Could you please try your very best not to cut my neck."

Holy Moly it was funny, and no necks were cut...

Tonight we were getting the girls ready to take to Gram's

while Kel and I went on a date.

As is our little routine-- each girl stands on the stool

in the bathroom to have their hair done.

One right after the other.

Pearl was first. She was happy, and excited to see Gram.

I finished up her hair and sent her on her way.

I looked in the doorway to see my little Violet

clad in her fuchsia puffy jacket with jeggings and pink rain-boots.

I said "is it Violet's turn?" She gave me a "eh" and a quick head nod--

which means yes. My heart wanted to burst at the seams.

What could be more "epic" or significant in my life

than exactly what I'm doing right now?

I scooped up my little eighteen-monther,

and kissed her cheeks until she said "dop"

I pulled her hair into one little fountain-top piggy in the middle of her head.

She smiled at herself, and gave me another head nodding "eh"

when I asked her if she liked it.

I patted her little bum and told her to go show Daddy.

She tromped out of there in her clunky boots and made her way to Kelly.

I want to freeze my life as it is now on 11/11/11.

When my girls played so well today-- hiding under the blankets,

laughing and squealing with happiness.

When Pearl begs to come everywhere with me-- and I love it.

I love having her as my little sidekick, and I never want that to change

When Violet wants to sing "happy birthday" over and over again.

When my husband took me out to dinner and our conversations

spilled over into the car ride home and beyond.

When I have the best family and friends a girl could ask for.

They've always been there for me.

When I think of how blessed I am to live in this Country,

and for the freedoms that have been given to us at an insurmountable cost.

I love my life. Just as it is. It isn't perfect. I don't think anybody's life is--

but there is nothing I would rather be doing with my life

than raising my own little family,

with my best friend, who I will always love.

I know that the role of being a wife and a mother is divine, and I don't take it lightly.

So tonight when the clock struck 11:11 on 11/11/11--

fireworks didn't fill the sky, and time didn't freeze as I would have liked...

but I closed my eyes tight and thought of good things I want for my family.

I told my Grandma I love her and miss her,

and a stream of worthy wishes flashed through my mind.

Hey, this only happens every 100 years.

I figured I could make more than one.

Home of the free, because of the brave...

2011-11-11T23:59:00.001-07:00

To all who have served:

{image}

18 months

2011-11-09T23:43:00.001-07:00

Today marks Violet's first eighteen months of life.

She makes us so happy.

Can you tell from these photos she's a little stinker?

Stinker or not, she is a complete thrill--
and we love her a whole lot.

Halloween - 2011

2011-11-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

I love this picture so much.

It is "Pearl and Violet" in a nutshell.

Violet took off running the second after I snapped it--

and Pearl chased after her.

Which is also pretty typical "Pearl and Violet."

Pearl has talked about being Princess Aurora

for months and months now--

but then decided we should call her

Sleeping Beauty last minute.

It was the first Halloween I didn't have

any say in her costume...

and although I've always loved coming up with costume ideas--

It was so fun to watch Pearl transform into

exactly who she wanted to be for Halloween.

She was beautiful and graceful, just like a real princess.

Then there was Violet, who is just my little bug-a-boo,

so naturally a ladybug was the perfect choice.

It may also have something to do with the fact that I was a ladybug

for Halloween when I was little,

and I love making my girls do things I did when I was young.

But really...

what a glorious little ladybug she makes.

A glorious little ladybug who doesn't like to sit still...

not even for a second...

I wasn't really anything...

I just wanted to wear clown-ish makeup and a pink wig.

Kel's sister Amy gave him the "Hey ladies, don't fear the beard"
shirt for his birthday.

All he needed was a sweatband, and some shades to copy the look--

So that's what he did, and a costume was born.

We pretty much have Halloween down to a science now...

Go to the Boswell's for hot dogs, and a bounce house

{can you spot the un-invited guests!? spooky!}

See friends who may or may not be embarrassed by their husband's costume...

{p.s. Mandi, Wyatt makes a darling cow, and I can't wait to meet baby girl Buck ;)}

Violet has to scowl at the Hallo-weenie-ers.

I Prove that I don't "fear the beard."

Then it's off to Amy's for warm soup, rolls, and pumpkin squares.

Yum!

Our group of trick-or-treaters is dwindling down fast!

All we have left are the littles,

who's friends aren't the priority quite yet...

but I know it's bound to happen.

As per tradition, the Dad's led the girls on their candy seeking mission.

Austin has this thing figured out--

No Sunday shoes are allowed.

"There was one Halloween I had to carry two girls home!"

Also, "everyone wears a coat."

He doesn't care if those sleeves under your

flapper dress {Katelyn} ruin the effect or not--

Everybody's staying warm!

And last but not least...

The pumpkin buckets are the worst!

"They swing back and forth when the girls run like this

{insert Austin's imitation of little girls running that will ALWAYS make me

laugh when I think of it, and I won't soon-- if ever-- forget..}

and the candy dumps right out."

Well they took the pumpkin buckets anyway--

and whatta ya know...

Austin was trailing behind picking up all of Kate's dumped candy.

Violet wanted to go bad,

but her lips were still purple from the Hallo-weenie party

so I made her stay with me Gram, and Amy.

I would say she had just as much fun as the other kids did...

giving candy to cowboys,

playing with the Queen of Hearts septor--

and cuddling up to "Gram the Beautiful and Good Witch,"

Oh, and she also ate about three pumpkin squares all by herself.

The trick-or-treaters trekked long and hard,

and the dresses came off as soon as they walked through the door.

Plastic pumpkins were dumped across the floor,

and the goods were assessed.

Then Halloween was over just as fast as it came.

The Carving of the Pumpkins

2011-11-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

We saved our pumpkin carving until the night before Halloween.

That seems to be our tradition,

which makes for nice fresh jack-o-lanterns

to light the way for the trick-or-treaters.

When Violet kept trying to eat her pumpkin--

we decided she was hungry,

and switched her pumpkin out for a pile of warm noodles.

Pearl was ready, ready, ready!

She wanted us to cut into those things now!

While she chose to decorate hers with markers.

Kelly got to work, and let Pearl help get the "guts" out.

Then Kel really got down to business--

pulling out razor blades and what not.

Pearl made her own fine display of art.

She's big into writing everyone's name right now.

I gave my pumpkin miniature fangs,

and topped her off with pretty lashes.

I gave Violet's pumpkin a simple carving,

and that was that.

Kel's pumpkin was based on a character from "Adventure Time,"

a cartoon he likes to watch with Pearl. He was spot on if you ask me.

I thought they turned out pretty darn cute--

and I love the smell of candles burning in a pumpkin.

And by the choice of Princess Pearl...

She tried to take over Violet's pumpkin,

{but we settled on sharing}

and let her precious pumpkin stay inside--

safe from the cold October air.

Cheryl's Gardens

2011-11-05T17:51:00.000-06:00

There is the cutest little garden shop called Cheryl's Gardens,

right in the middle of fifth south in Bountiful.

Cheryl revamps the whole thing according to season and Holiday.

I've always wanted to check it out,

so we decided to go there to pick out our pumpkins this year.

There was so much to see.

It felt like we were in our own Halloween heaven.

She had the most incredible decorations for sale.

I love the creepy butler.

Violet was asleep before she laid eyes on a single pumpkin.

Kelly ended up taking her back to the car to sleep
while Pearl and I explored some more.

She loved sticking her head through all of the cutouts,

and seeing how she measured up to the big pumpkin.

They had a full-size Teepee that I couldn't pull her out of.

She had so many questions...

"Where are the Indian's beds?"

"How do they get food if they don't have a kitchen?"

Maybe she is feeling a tie to her roots--

after all, she is 1/32 Shasta Indian on her Dad's side.

She takes pumpkin choosing very seriously.

She left no pumpkin un-considered.

We went home with four perfectly picked pumpkins.

Cheryl told us to come back for Christmas...

we most definitely will.

Trunk or Treat

2011-11-03T06:06:00.000-06:00

We had a ball at our ward's Trunk or Treat party on Friday night.

I loved seeing all of our cute primary kids dressed up.

Pearl and her fellow Sunbeam classmates Jackson and Mckenna

stuck together most of the night.

Violet was so interested in all of the strange costumes.

She made for a very cute ladybug, who didn't want to wear her wings.

I walked the girls through the parking lot while Kel passed out our candy.

Pearl said "trick or treat" to every trunk we came upon.

Any other time of year, I would suspect that my camera was playing tricks on me--

but the above pictures make me think otherwise...

{I'm kidding, Dad ;)}

So we underestimated on the candy.

We were just finishing up making our rounds,

when Kelly tipped the bowl into my view.

We had 4 pieces of candy left--

and a lot more trick-or-treaters.

I strapped Violet and Pearl in their carseats,

while Kelly handed out the last of our loot.

Then we got the heck out of there.

It was a lot of fun--

and next year we'll make sure to bring more candy...

Hail to the Princess Aurora

2011-11-02T01:00:00.003-06:00

This was Pearl after her preschool Halloween party last Thursday.

They decorated jack-o-lantern sugar cookies,

played pin the eye on the monster,

and performed some spooky Halloween songs for all of the Moms.

The wig came off about half way through the party,

but it was fun while it lasted ;)

Happy Halloween...

2011-10-31T08:53:00.003-06:00

{image}

To listen to a spooky broadcast

of an old radio show click here.

It will take you to

"The Ravine" by Ray Bradbury.

A scary story that I heard in 4th grade,

and haven't forgotten since.

Happy Halloween!

SpOoKy DeCoR {by Pearl}

2011-10-28T06:13:00.000-06:00

Meet Bucky the pumpkin.

He proudly sits atop the piano,

bringing a festive Halloween flair to our home.

Pearl has the best preschool teacher out there.

Along with having the kids decorate a pumpkin to take home...

She had them work on spooky banner flags throughout the month to string on a line.

Pearl wanted to make sure all spooks were perfectly positioned,

and accounted for.

Pulling out her banner will be a

Halloween tradition for years to come.

Sweet Bread with Gram

2011-10-26T06:05:00.000-06:00

{Violet loves her Grammy}

Gram took us to the Pizza Factory for family night.

I had to document Pearl and Grammy's

fool-proof method of washing up.

I think it's genius.

Then it was onto the cinnamon-sugar bread twists.

Pretty much the reason for our visit.

Pearl said "Mom, I wanna go see if they have the

sweet bread in there with Grandma."

Well obviously they did, you little trickster :)

Something you should know about the bread-twists:

they now serve them with a sweet cream frosting,

which was noted by Grandma to taste

just like a bowl of vanilla ice-cream.

This is good and bad.

Good because-- well, who wouldn't want to dip

a cinnamon-sugar bread-twist into vanilla ice-cream?

And bad because-- well, the bread-twist that was once good enough on it's own,

will never be good enough again... without the sweet cream frosting.

Pearl just went right ahead and polished that thang off.

Violet is a dipper.

She loves dipping everything--

but when it comes to that sweet swirly bread,

she'll take it dipped or not.

Cinnamon-sugar kisses are the best.

Pumpkin Madness

2011-10-25T06:22:00.000-06:00

{image}

If you are like me, and can't get enough pumpkin in your life this time of year--

you must check out Skinny Taste's Pumpkin Madness.

So many delicious and healthy recipes to try.

Hooray for flavors of the fall!

Kelly takes Pearl to the Ball Game

2011-10-24T09:48:00.001-06:00

This little Cougar fan was so excited for her football date with Daddy.
There was lots of cheering going on :)

So that's where it went...

2011-10-21T06:08:00.000-06:00

Fresh Cut

2011-10-19T00:19:00.001-06:00

Do you know what I love to do?

I loooove cutting off a substantial amount of people's hair.

I'm not the type of hair stylist that would do it without asking,

although I've heard of those types...

but when I get the go ahead,

I very happily go right ahead.

As you can imagine--

I thoroughly enjoyed cutting over six inches off of Shelly's hair.

We also made the blondes a little blonder, and added some lo-lights.

Obviously Shelly is gorgeous no matter what she does with her hair.

For now though, I am loving this fresh new look.

This and That

2011-10-17T06:05:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was our primary program.

We didn't have a single kid with stage fright.

Every single one said their parts, and they all sang their hearts out.

I am one proud primary chorister :)

{Pearl on Saturday, after the primary program practice.}

Pearl delivered her part right into the mic:

"Heavenly Father planted (and by planted, she means planned)

for me to go to the temple."

She was so cute up there with the sunbeams on their riser.

She swirled her little arm through the air as though

she was the one leading the music.

The kids worked so hard for today,

and it paid off. They were wonderful.

For the next week we'll be able to imagine what it would be like

to have a little boy in the mix.

Cooper is the temporary addition to our family while his family

is cruising around the Caribbean.

We get to keep him for a whole week, and if you can't tell...

We're excited!

Tune in to hear more about Violet's first haircut--

and how I wasn't the one that gave it to her...

Pretty in Pink

2011-10-14T06:30:00.000-06:00

I can't tell you how many times Pearl has told me that

she wants me to color my hair pink--

or that when she grows up, she'll color her own hair pink.

Her little bob needed some maintenance,

so I trimmed it up, and pulled out the can of

spray on, wash out, pink color.

I put some streaks of it through her hair,

and she couldn't believe her eyes.

Those pretty pink streaks were gone with the next days bath,

but man, it was fun while it lasted.

As per her usual request,

she watched Mermaidia, picked a pink balloon,

and made a couple of rounds down the slide

before we headed home.

She's already talking about when her hair will be

long enough to come in again...

And that is why we're sticking with a bob for the time being.

Fall + Apples = Happy Memories

2011-10-12T23:33:00.000-06:00

Dear Mrs. Cavanaughs,

you had me at fresh dipped caramel apples.

Oh Mrs. Cavanaughs, a place where dreams are made of.

Rumor has it,

{as in one of my young women from my old ward who used to work there told me...}

Mrs. Cavanaughs is a favorite of our beloved President Monson,

who gives their chocolates as Christmas gifts,

and chooses their sugar free selection of goodies for himself.

To me, Mrs. Cavanaughs and happy childhood memories go hand in hand.

What, with the personalized bunny shaped mindy-mint the Easter Bunny left

every year-- adorned with each child's name in a thin ribbon of frosting.

Or the package of soft, perfectly sweet caramel popcorn

my Mom would occasionally buy, and share with everyone...

but most of all it was coming home from school on rare occasions to find

a freshly dipped caramel apple sitting on the counter.

I'm talking freshly dipped in a thick coating of

soft, buttery, melt in your mouth, deliciousness.

We all cut away at it one wedge at a time.

It never lasted more than a day.

I saw the sign, and I had to stop.

I let Pearl pick out a treat for her and Violet.

She skipped right over all of the pretty things,

and went for a push pop, and sixlets.

As for me, I picked the caramel apple--

and I didn't share a bite.

The Power of Color

2011-10-10T06:34:00.000-06:00

I had a wonderful opportunity to attend a class given by Lynda Smith on

the Power of color.

Lynda is my jokester of a brother-in-law, Scott's Mom,

and honestly one of the most endearing people you'll ever meet.

The class she taught was on a concept I had never heard of before--

There are four divine natures of being:

Divine Lightness- Extroverted, fresh, spontaneous, happy, upbeat

Divine Connectedness- Serene, sensitive, careful, questioning, thoughtful

Divine Sureness- Extroverted, volume, dynamic, abrupt, direct

Divine Stillness- Sophisticated, striking, clear, deliberate, authoritative, precise

These are divine qualities we are born with,

and Lynda teaches how to radiate your divine qualities with the colors,

and even textures you surround yourself with.

Each of the four divine natures has a scheme of colors that illuminate your face,

and compliments and accentuates the divine qualities you posses.

Then on the other spectrum of that--

there are colors that will make you look drab and dull,

and do no favors for expressing your divine gifts and talents.

Lynda has a large stack of fabrics that she would

drape over everyone's shoulders.

It was amazing to see a person's face light up with just the right color

that corresponded to their divine nature.

Then she would drape the wrong choice of color over them,

and their face would turn dull and drab.

The most interesting thing to see was a mother and daughter

who had the exact same coloring, but different divine qualities.

They didn't have a single color swatch that lit up both of their faces.

What I loved the most about the class, was that Lynda's whole reasoning behind

seeking out your divine nature, gifts and talents--

is so you can embrace who you are, and appreciate the divine qualities you were born with,

as well as love and respect others for the different qualities they posses.

I walked away from the class understanding myself better,

and I love this quote by Lynda that goes right along those lines:

At the end of the meeting she offered a special promotion

for her all natural mineral makeup and skincare line,

Bloom in Joy

which I've been using and loving for about six months now.

I really feel strongly about her all natural products,

and think after watching this video she posted here you will too :)

I haven't tried everything yet, but everything I have tried is fabulous.

Here are my suggestions of products that I can't live without...

I have the lipstick-- which is super concentrated color,

that is moisturizing at the same time.

I love the packaging it's in too.

I top the lipstick with the lipgloss for a bit of shine.

it comes in a convenient tube with a built in brush on the end.

The other thing I love about both the lip color and gloss,

is that they have a really great, fruity flavor.

Next up is the sweet chai scrub and and vanilla mint moisturizer.

the scrub smells so good, and gets your lips nice and smooth,

and the vanilla mint chapstick seals in the softness.

Okay, the eye makeup remover!

I usually don't bother with eye makeup remover,

and just use the same face wash on my eyes--

which is a really bad thing to do.

I causes your eyelashes to be brittle and break off.

This eye makeup remover isn't your typical oily remover.

It's in a solid form, that when using a cotton pad wipes off your eye makeup,

while leaving your delicate eye area and lashes clean, and moisturized.

The body butter! Best thing that's come into this house.

Pearl and Violet both have really sensitive skin.

We always slather them with lotion after bath time,

but the still have dry patches of skin that were irritated from the lotion.

This body butter is the first thing that has truly smoothed out their skin,

and they love that I make a swipe down each

arm, leg, tummy, and back, and then rub it in.

I guess it's more fun that way.

Last but definitely not least is the organic facial serum.

The tiniest drop is all you need and it and absorbs quickly,

leaving a perfectly moisturized face and neck.

I put my makeup right on top of it, and love the way it looks.

It gives your skin a beautiful healthy glow,

and.... it smells like oranges!

click on all of the pictures to take you to each product on the website,

or just browse around at: www.bloominjoy.com

There is also information on there about contacting Lynda

for your own makeover and color analysis here.

To get 10% off of your order,

enter the code: October

offer good through October 24th.

Dressing up a Great Dane

2011-10-07T06:35:00.000-06:00

Kellly told me that I better go outside to see what Johnny and Sam were up to.

"You won't regret it" he said.

Turns out that Johnny and Sam were debating on whether

Romeo the Great Dane should be a horse for Halloween, or not...

They even added a little cowgirl to the costume

for a bolder statement.

Turns out that Romeo doesn't want to be a horse for Halloween.

What, with that heavy saddle and all.

I'll tell you one thing though...

That dog can sure jump.

Maybe he's telling you he wants to be a kangaroo?

Well dog-on-it!

I guess it's back to the drawing boards...

twenty-eight

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

Happiest birthday to the best of the best!

xoxo

Stacey, Pearl, & Violet

Tight Squeeeeze

2011-10-05T06:10:00.000-06:00

Why do Dad's insist on squeezing tight apparel onto their children's head?

I have a picture of me around the same age as Violet,

with blue ruffly bloomers pulled snugly on my head--

a gesture made by my Dad.

So imagine my surprise when I came to find Kelly

laughing as his baby girl tried to peel her stretchy leggings off her head.

She finally got them off...

and her jokester of a Father pulled them back on,

even lower for another entertaining round.

Luckily this cutie is a good sport.

A good sport with the

sweetest little over-bite you've ever seen.

Ode to October

2011-10-03T06:38:00.000-06:00

You know it's October when...

A care package stuffed with Autumn themed books,

toys and goodies makes it's way from Long Beach, CA

{thanks Nana :)}

And then you'll be asked by a 4 year old,

and scorned with a demanding "boo!" by a 1 year old,

to read those autumn-y books

a lot of times-- because they are really cute,

and get you in a fall-y kind of mood.

You know it's October when:

You eat a stack of hot pancakes

while you watch another session of conference

come and go before your eyes

leaving everyone inspired and uplifted in it's wake.

{even Scarlet was edified}

And Gritz was just plain cute while basking in the sun.

Welcome October.

Things to do in October:

celebrate Kelly's birth

watch the leaves change colors

visit a pumpkin patch

carve pumpkins from pumpkin patch

listen to old spooky radio stories

pull out cardigans

watch {at least a few of} the following movies:

Hocus Pocus

Casper

Corpse Bride

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Little Shop of Horrors

Edward Scissorhands

Ghostbusters

Practical Magic

Catching up over Cafe Rio

2011-10-03T06:03:00.000-06:00

Friday we lunched at Cafe Rio with

Cam, Andrea, and baby Corbin.

Cam was in a ward that Kelly served his mission in,

in San Jose, California--

and he has stayed a very dear friend to us.

Over the years we were able to attend his wedding to

his beautiful bride Andrea,

and now meet their adorable little Corbin.

It is always great to see them, and get caught up on their lives.

Cute family you have there Cam :)

Tonsillitis, and a cheerful Uncle

2011-09-30T06:37:00.000-06:00

Pearl has tonsillitis.

She missed dance, and one day of preschool this week--

and wasn't too happy about it.

She did get to watch some Mickey Mouse clubhouse

with her little sis in the big brown chair,

and well-- the "hot-diggity-dog" song

always brings some smiles around these parts.

You know what else brings smiles around these parts?

Uncle Johnny.

He gets his hair pulled,

back climbed on,

and ordered around--

but he always does it with a smile :)

And check this out!

Pearl was feeling better, and no longer contagious--

just in time for the monster carnival at preschool yesterday.

Her favorite part was the face painting...

and she made for a sweet little monster with her choice of

pink paint, with little tiny hearts.

There's nothing better than seeing my girls smile.

Weekend Review

2011-09-26T13:44:00.000-06:00

So yes, I do know that the Cougs suffered

an absolutely humiliating loss to the Utes last week...

but fair-weather fans we are not.

We headed down to Provo for a Friday night game

against UCF. It was an exciting game to be at.

Obviously because we won--

but also because we went about winning in an action-packed

93 yard kick-off return touchdown kind of a way.

That hasn't happened to BYU for 13 years, and man it was fun to see.

We went down with Kel's Dad and nephew Jake--
who was happier than he looks in this picture...
that's what six days a week of football practice does to you, right Jake?

We sat behind Uncle Mike, Aunt Pauline,

and Brandon and Lindsay.

Lindsay is 15 weeks pregnant, and finding out what she's having next week.

She can't wait to prove the Chinese gender chart wrong--

Kel told her that's the medic in her...

she's finishing up her schooling to become a P.A.

Final Score: 24-17

Final say: I like winning.

It's a lot more fun than losing.

The highlight of my Saturday was watching the
General Relief Society broadcast with my sister Shell.

It was so uplifting and motivating.
I took a bunch of notes to look back on.
I loved all of the speakers--
but oh how I love President Utchtdorf.
He speaks to my soul.
I loved his talk about the "forget-me-nots"
and saw this free printable on pinterest and had to share.

{click here to download and print your own!}

I came home renewed and grabbed my family to get some dinner.

We went here:

Cause sometimes ya just gotta.

Plus, the girls ♥ their strawberry milkshakes.

Sunday was nice and relaxing.

And that was it.

our weekend in a nutshell.

Close, but no cigar.

2011-09-26T06:15:00.000-06:00

At least she's onto the right idea...

Benny-two-shoes

2011-09-22T12:37:00.001-06:00

{Ben on his 14th birthday}

Benny my brother--

I can't believe you turn 16 today!

On my way to bed last night,

I passed the photo albums--

and stayed up way to late looking through all of your pictures.

Here you are on your flight home from Guatemala.

You had no idea how excited we were to

finally have you home with us.

On our way home from the airport,

Grandpa treated us all to Chuck-a-rama--

and you devoured a plate of french fries

dipped in lots of ketchup.

Benny do you know how happy you have always made me?

My life would not be complete without you in it,

and I'm so thankful for parents who followed their hearts

to Guatemala, to find you and Mari.

I don't doubt for a minute that you both were meant to be in our family

long before we came to this earth.

You were the funniest little kid.

remember the karate kid phase?

Or how about when we couldn't take a picture of you

without you pulling a face?

Best Spiderman I ever saw.

You came up with the fake wall climb pose on your own.

And last but not least,

who could forget the song you wrote yourself called

"The Apple"

It went like this:

"The aaaaaaaple, {now a little higher} the aaaaaaaaaaple."

I love you forever little buddy,

and I wish we were in California to celebrate with you.

Happy birthday!

Happy Student

2011-09-20T07:07:00.000-06:00

I don't think a girl who loves to craft as much as Pearl,

could ask for a better preschool teacher, than one who helps her pint-sized

pupils craft every time they come.

This girl loves showing off her handy-work.

Tiny Dancer

2011-09-16T06:03:00.000-06:00

We signed Pearl up for dance this year,

and she was beyond excited--

and to be honest, so was I.

Dance was a huge part of my life from the time

I was three to my junior year.

I couldn't wait for Pearl to try it out.

She has gone through phases of asking to do different things,

but dance has always been her constant wish.

Naturally I had to take her to Pat's Dancewear on Main Street.

That's where my Mom took us when we were young,

and I couldn't wait for Pearl to feel the excitement of browsing through

the beautiful leotards and wrap around skirts.

She literally ran up and hugged the first soft pink,

bejeweled leotard she found.

It was a little pricey for us,

so we aimed her towards some plainer--

but {obviously} still pink choices.

She waited patiently to try on some ballet and tap shoes,

which we got with a little extra room to spare.

We left with an even more excited girl--

if that was even possible...

Let me tell you,

the 2 day wait from the time we purchased her apparel,

to her actual dance lesson was grueling.

She asked if it was time for dance nearly every hour.

Well, the day finally came...

and I think she was a little nervous,

but mostly excited.

I meant to bring my camera,

but all I had was my phone.

I'll get more pictures next week.

Look at this face--

I think she's happy!

She was a little shy going into her class,

but really warmed up once everyone was there.

Miss Kathryn left the blinds open, so I snapped of few shots through the window.

I can't even explain the smile that was on Pearl's face the whole time.

It was pure bliss.

She came out to change from tap shoes to ballet shoes,

and I asked her how is was.

"Mom! It was so, so great!"

She said, accentuating each word with

squatting legs, and swinging arms.

Then she ran back down the skinny hall to studio 2,

where they finished the class off with ballet.

I was really glad to see her love something so much,

and can see years of dance ahead of us...

Water{melon}-logged

2011-09-15T00:00:00.002-06:00

Pearl and Violet inherited a love of watermelon

from their Grandma Jewkes--

They have the ability to devour watermelon

to the point of discomfort, and lethargy.

Yesterday I cut open a watermelon for the girls,

and while I cut half of the watermelon into wedges--

Pearl very sneakily took her teeth to the other half.

They ate, and ate, and ate until nearly half of the watermelon was gone.

Then Violet took her third bath of the day,

and the girls plopped down to watch Tangled.
With bellies as full as theirs were--
it was about all they could do.

Goofball

2011-09-13T08:46:00.001-06:00

Violet figured out how to make funny faces,

and she cracks herself up.

She'll make a face-- then laugh at herself,

and do it again.

Silly little cutie.