Be Kind

This week was 'Random Acts of Kindness' week. So, Jake's class decided to do kind things all week. They came up with a list of things to do at home. I explained to Jake exactly what a random act of kindness was. He was very helpful and ready to help. I could get used to this...

Day #1- Helping with the dishes

Day #2 - He made his bed all by himself and I didn't even have to ask him

Day #3 - Helping with dinner (barbecuing some brats and hot dogs)

Family Time

I LOVE MY FAMILY!

This is my ABSOLUTE favorite picture of Deon and the kids! 

Me and my girl

My Birthday dinner! 

Jake started Golf lessons

Look Mom, we're flying...

Dad was getting Sophie into the bath and jumped in with her, clothes and all. Jake had to get in on the fun too! They couldn't stop laughing. It was the funniest scene. 

It's a Girl thing

Ready to go! 

Sophie and I had a very special day. She had her very first pedicure. She was so excited. She ran to her room got a purse and put some sunglasses on! Then as we were riding over there she says, "Mom, I can't believe I am going to get a pedicure". Such a girl. It just made me realize that her and I are going to have so many 'firsts' together than only Mom's and daughters share. I think I'm more excited than she is. Sophie is precious. She's so loving to me and my little shadow. I hope we always have a close relationship. I pray every day that God protects her and blesses her life like she has blessed mine. 

She was amazed by everything there. She kept saying,  "this place is beautiful". And,  asking why they were doing this and that.

Sophie picked out her color and got some pretty flowers too. 

A Christmas Surprise!

We made it to California! And, we pulled off the surprise. Nana had no idea we were coming. Jake & Sophie rang the doorbell and she answered the door. She was in shock and totally and completely surprised. She was really happy! We had a good time even though Jake was getting over a cold, Sophie was fighting it and Dad got the flu while we were there. That was a bummer. But, we made the most of it. And, the BEST part...Santa! He made a visit to the GG's house. Jake & Sophie were so excited. They truly believe and it was so magical to see that through their eyes. We really felt the love of Jesus on his Birthday. We are blessed! My heart is so full when I look at these pictures and I cherish all of the memories we made this year.

A little sight seeing

A very Happy Nana! 

We are blessed!

We love Bob

Watching some TV with Alec

Merry Christmas Chica Chula (as Bob calls her)

Christmas Day mass at Santa Clara. It's been almost 9 years since Father Jon married us. It was wonderful to see him. 

Nana & Bob with all 5 of their grandbabies

We used to be 4

Mr. & Mrs.

A spot for everyone...40 people ate dinner together here on Christmas

The cousins; Jake, Bella, Sophie, Maya, Ari, Aris and Phoenix 

Waiting for Santa! 

Sophie was so excited waiting for Santa to arrive

Good TImes! 

We love our Uncle Dan as Santa

Even the big kids get all excited

This is my favorite Christmas picture...my grandparents are simply THE BEST! 

Sara, Saejin and Fam

Christmas in Arizona

Our Beautiful Christmas Tree! Everytime we put the tree up, I have to sing "how I love your branches". 

Pa & Coco came to celebrate Christmas with us early since we were going to California. I made my first pot of Posole and me and the kids made Biscochito cookies. We exchanged gifts and Santa came early since we weren't going to be here on Christmas day. The kids got everything they wanted and MORE! 

Jake's new toy! 

Pa & Jake hanging out...

Dinner at San Tan Flat

Precious girl

it's just Root Beer...but Jake thought he was one of the guys drinking out of a bottle 

Riding the saddle.

Sister too! 

Polar Express

Polar Express day at Jake's school. They got to wear their jammy's and make a train for the polar express parade. After the parade they got a ticket to watch the movie. What a fun day!

We all met at school first thing in the morning...so we said the pledge 

Then, we got to put on the trains

The rest of the school lined up along the hallways and the kindergartners had a parade to show off their homemade trains

Trying to get the class together for a picture

Jake's Christmas Program

Jake's Christmas Program-Cambridge Academy Kindergarten 2012

He wanted to wear a tie and his new hat. So handsome! 

Sophie is always so proud of her Big Brother

Waiting to go on stage 

Jake was hidden in the back row