Sun Lover

Always a sun lover am I...a person who blossoms in warm, sunny conditions. My feet ache in the winter time for freedom in flip flops. Winter time sure proves a struggle, still adjusting from sunny days everyday and a consistent and modest winter, desert climate of Vegas. I get so homesick this time of year of our home of 4 years. Yet today, I was sitting in my kitchen and the sun was blaring through the back door and side windows onto the floor. This area of my kitchen has become my favorite area in the house. Whoever ordered the plans for this house, I've noticed among the other styles of our home on the street, ours is one of the only ones with this "bay window like" feature on the back of the house. I have come to realize, this has to be an extra gift just for me. I actually get so desperate for summer sun, I lay on my kitchen floor in the sunshine that illuminates through these windows! I close my eyes and can hear those palms swishing in the wind. This might be enough to get me to spring like temperatures, flip flops, and some family bbqs. Don't forget the planting of flowers, love that too. Taking the boys outside to run in the yard and hit up the t ball of course. Please spring, come soon! ~ your loving warm weathered friend, Steph~

Snowdays...the strangest things go down on snowdays!

Mr. Frank- the snowman created by one Daddy & Parker

( he shops Old Navy apparently)

I turn around from washing dishes to find I have a naked window washer!

After his loving Father tries to explain we don't wash windows naked, we don't want Mommy & Daddy to go to jail over exposing the neighbors, the cabana boy decides to cover himself with the dishtowel and run off...


the product of dipping one's binkie into a pile of ketchup, over, and over, and over...

dip into ketchup...eat..dip into ketchup...eat..

Growing into bigger things..but still holdin' fast to those blankies!

The blankie family..Lotus (front and center), Dotus & Frotus

sickie Parker taking it easy..

Trying on Daddy's shoes..2 different kinds!

only 12 more years until I can fit in these big ol' shoes!

Some more memorable moments for me watching my little dudes. So ready to "step into Dad's shoes"...well not exactly, but yet, still needy enough to cling to soft, cozy blankies that have been there along the way since babyhood.

Sure..drive your monster trucks on me in church

As much as my boys continue to grow up and their interest in man things increases by the day, I have to say I really enjoy special moments with them. Like today in church, both of them driving their little toy monster trucks all over me and my sweater, boots and even head at one point. I'm glad they know they have the kind of Mom that wouldn't scoff at such behavior, I welcome it and have come to enjoy it. Everyone always says "they grow up so fast, and to enjoy this time.." well I have to say the more Parker grows up, the more I enjoy him. The most amazing thoughts come into his mind and bursts of love these days. He greets me with open armed hugs and tells me sweet things unexpectedly. One day a few weeks ago I had a miserable cold and was driving him home from preschool. I tell him I love you Parker randomly, all the time and he repeats it back to me. On this particular day after he said he loved me he added "and when you are sick, I will love you even more!" Absolutely heart melting, no prompting..just from the bottom of his little 4 year old heart. More than anything, I want my boys to know how much I truly love them and always will no matter what choices they make in life, or don't make. I am so thankful for these 2 little men to raise, to cuddle with, race cars with, talk about their boogers and to share love with.

A glimpse of God direction

I love it when God reveals his plan. Ever have one of those moments where it dawns on you..or something falls into place, the right opportunity, or reasoning behind why a door so long ago may have closed? Sometimes we seem to get an immediate answer to things, sometimes we don't and always wonder, and sometimes we get resolution to those things even years later. I am trying to say, I get it God..an answer from years ago, resolve and contentedness and even joy about your plan. You made me..to be wife to him, to be Mother to these 2..to live THIS life, in this place and in THIS way. A brilliant and mighty God you are...

Bubbles & Boo Baie`

The Jackster himself has mastered the world "bubble" during bath time. Although it sounds a bit french, Boo Baie`is how it comes out from the mouth of this babe. I love watching him imitate his older brother and repeat new words...bear, downstairs, Dada, Mama, Carker (Parker), car, chooch (train), food, drink, Nana...just a few.

He has learned the art of climbing all too soon. Caught him not only on top of a kitchen chair, but then the kitchen TABLE itself the other day! Frequently he stands a top the coffee table declaring my wooden chest his baby domain from where he shouts his baby wants and desires...and it's only the beginning. This kiddo is all boy, rough and tumble all the way.

Anniversary 2009

7 years later....

the amazing anniversary omelet!

what a way to start the new year; work boys, work!


Our 7th anniversary we celebrated, just 2 days after the hustle and bustle of Christmas Day. A beautifully crafted ham, egg & cheese omelet entered my life the morning of December 27th, along with the other members of the household. I have never been the same since....we now have grown accustomed to a family sized omelet where we can serve it straight from the skillet while it resides on the table.
Another reason to be so thankful and reflective of what this 7 years means to me. This anniversary is just a reminder of the memories we are making in a 7 yr. marriage with 2 creatures that share our intertwined DNA. All of this would not be here in our worlds if not for that wonderful night, December 27th, 2002. More love, more times to cherish, more to learn and work hard to keep our family balanced and thriving....
love to you, my husband!