Hello Blogworld!!! My pc is DEAD and I have no way to connect thus the lack of posts and comments. Trust me, I miss it!
We moved into our new house in Catalina about a month and a half ago, and so far we really love it. It is great for our family and what we need at this time in our life so we are very thankful!
Shaelana is doing fantastic, still creating many more opportunities for "Uh-Oh" posts, but to save everyone time, I'll say she is a typical toddler. Big attitude, big agenda, most of which she shouldn't be doing. SMART! She is trying to count to three, can point out many body parts, and sings in baby babble. She understands many directive things and follows appropriately (Where's your cup? Let's go night-night. Time to take a bath. Sit on the potty....etc.) She is officially no longer drinking a bottle. We made her quit cold turkey when we bought her some great new sippy cups. A week later she was forced to say bye-bye to the binky as well. She is sleeping in a toddler bed, in her own room, through the night with NO tears! YAY! HUGE accomplishment in that department. We all sleep better now! She is amazing and I love her more everyday!
Lexie is getting so big! She is writing and reading and learning addition, and counting and recognizing coins. Her favorite subject is art. She loves to doodle, color and draw. She is very inquisitive about God now and is asking many questions. We love sharing with her about our Heavenly Father. Children her age have so many questions about every single thing, so its great she's applying some of those to her faith too. I'm impressed with her intelligence.
Easter was great! We had a big picnic with the family at the park, flew kites, blew bubbles, played on the playgrounds and wore ourselves out! I have some great pictures of the girls from then, but don't have my pictures on this pc....so I guess they'll wait!
Hopefully I will be back soon!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Uh-Ohhh!!!
Well, it's official! Shaelana has moved right on into the early toddler stage. Yes, I know she is only 13 months, but that isn't stopping her from giving us a little preview of what is called the "terrible twos"! Thank goodness I'm a Momma with a sense of humor and a camera with a battery charge just in case. Otherwise, you might have missed out on these oh so funny moments in our life!
Let's start with pudding. Late one evening, Mommy and Shaelana are sharing some chocolate pudding, when Shaelana decides to be a big girl and feed herself. Mommy's turn is now over, and her share has ran out! This is how it ended...
Let's start with pudding. Late one evening, Mommy and Shaelana are sharing some chocolate pudding, when Shaelana decides to be a big girl and feed herself. Mommy's turn is now over, and her share has ran out! This is how it ended...
Oh yes...Sugar rush leads to passing out in Daddy's arms less than 10 minutes later.
THEN! This past Sunday, while Daddy and Mommy are enjoying a movie at home, Grandma asks if it is okay to give Shaelana a lollipop. SURE! We say in unison, looking forward to the time the lolli is sure to guarantee us of uninterrupted silence to finish the movie. Oh no no. A few minutes into this delicious sucker, our little one starts whining and getting pretty mad and vocalizing this. We glance up from our movie to find her in her high chair with this dilemma...
"Look at the mess I've got myself into now Mom!"
"What is going on?! Where is my sucker?"
This picture turned out to be one of my favorites ever and it was purely accidental! I LOVE the reflection of her and her Daddy!!!
Into the bath she goes!
She was babbling about her experience and I love that I caught this funny face!
YAY!!! We got it out!!!
Still good enough to eat I suppose...In the meantime, I managed to capture this great picture of her gorgeous eyes!!!
AND WE ARE NOT DONE YET!!! Just today, Mommy got a phone call from Daddy. Less than 2 minutes into this phone call, it is eerily quiet. Anyone who has a one year old knows that strange silence and can only assume it means trouble! Then comes the noise...as I step around the island in the kitchen, I find our dear Shaelana planning her next meal. See for yourself what the little chef had in mind...
Oh yes! It's Italian Night at the Bell house! Plenty of spaghetti for all!
Uh-Oh sweetheart, you have been caught red handed.
"No worries Momma! I'll put it back!"
This could take awhile...
Well, I guess this is her official "I've been caught" face. She doesn't really seem too worried though.I have to give her credit! She did make an effort to help me clean every bit of it up! She made me laugh every time and brought true joy to my day just in all of her exploration. How blessed I am to have a healthy, curious baby who is learning of the many things that she has been wondering about for so long and who keeps every moment of my day an everchanging surprise experience. I love her endlessly!!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Change of Heart
Well it has been over a month since I have blogged and I figured I better update a little before I let it all pass me by. I think after the whirlwind of the holidays and Shaelana's birthday all compressed into a few short weeks, I was looking forward to a much needed spread of "regular" life. LOL! It was nice to just relax.
In regards to the title of this post...some months ago, I blogged about an upcoming move to Colorado for our family. After giving it alot of thought, having many changes in our personal circumstances, and finally realizing the impact that our extended family has on our everyday life, Brandon and I have decided to just stay put for a little while. We continued having more and more uncertainty as to whether or not we were making the right choice to move, and feeling like we never reached a point of peace in the decision, and having that confirmation through prayer that we were searching for, we realized we aren't supposed to be somewhere else at this point in our life. When the two of us stopped resisting that fact, blessings started pouring in from the Lord as if to say "You are making the right choice!" It is so wonderful to have the peace that only comes from the Father. So our change of heart is to stay in Arizona until we are lead elsewhere by the Lord, if that time comes. We have been staying at Brandon's parents house for a couple of months now, during the change of our decisions, and today, we finally signed a lease for our new home! We couldn't be more excited! It is fitting for our family of four, and we are all thrilled to be able to spread back out into our own territory. Brandon's parents have been incredibly gracious to open their home to us, and tolerable of our unforeseen circumstances, and the very different stage of life that we are all in so we are very thankful they have helped us along the way. Our home is in Catalina, Arizona. It is on the outskirts of Tucson, and there is much more room to breathe in the neighborhoods here, with wonderful views of the mountains!
Brandon also got a new job at Tucson Medical Center in the business office, which he is loving thus far. He is happy there, and that is a big thing after being in a field for so long. It was a much needed position regarding the economical changes. When the impact really hit us in that area, we learned and grew quite a bit as adults, individually, as a couple, and as parents. I have always been a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and once again, this remains the truth in this circumstance as well. We were able to step back, and take a close look at our financial situation and make changes that improved our status to allow us to live within our means and still be very happy with what we have. It feels SO wonderful to know that we are growing up!
We also had another wonderful closure to a long, treachorous journey with the child custody case for Lexie, our 6 year old daughter. That is now closed, and we share custody with her mother, allowing us to get Lexie regularly and every other holiday. It is so nice to have her back as a permanent part of our life, and being blessed to raise both of our daughters together. She has made the transition remarkably well, and I am so proud of how she has handled all of the changes. It is heart breaking that children have to endure some of these things because of errors that we make as adults, but I am blessed that God made them so resiliant and to love unconditionally. She and Shaelana thoroughly enjoy their time together too, which makes our family feel more complete!
On the downside of everything, Shaelana, Brandon and I have inherited the monsterous cold that is attacking the population lately. It is certainly no fun! I sound like a seal when I talk, supposing seals could actually talk! We are going through tissues like crazy and somewhat irritable, but with everyone hurting down to their toes what can we expect?
I have started a much needed, long put off, struggle to get back in shape. I am happy to report that, while I am still far from my actual goal, I have lost 16 pounds towards that and 8 inches overall. It is long overdue, and I finally just decided that I need to do this for my health and the longevity of my life for myself and my children. I haven't done anything but some good ol' fashioned exercise (I got a new treadmill!) and eating much healthier. I have to admit, I am a bit obsessive with counting calories, so it reflects back onto Brandon and the girls meals as well, so they have all been eating healthier too, like it or not! LOL! I'm happy with what I have done thus far, but really feel like I can improve my efforts, so I'll try to update here to keep me on track.
Lexie received her report card last Friday, and did exceptionally well in all of her classes. The only issue that we had to discuss with her, and really get her to work on is her "inappropriate socializing". Now, even though she is not my biological daughter, any that know me, KNOW very well that I wasn't exactly the quiet, shy type in school, so it was easy for me to relate to the poor doll. Her dad is just like me, so she lucked out in the aspect that we understood. We did tell her that there is a time and place though, and her education, and her friends education needed to come before her conversations. How many of you can relate to that? I mean, I know all of my friends on here were just as gabby as me back in the day!!!
Shaelana is a little pistol that is into EVERYTHING! She is walking and running everywhere. She dances and tries to sing. She has the biggest attitude EVER, and we are certain she has "little dog/man syndrom". Shaelana is really petite for her age, and she makes up for it in attitude and sound. She's a loud mouth, vibrant, and saucy as ever. She is certainly a handful, but we love every chubby inch of her. Right now her favorite word is no-no because she hears it constantly! We have been so blessed!
Unfortunately I don't have any related pictures to post. I kicked myself in the butt all last Friday because I actually packed my camera in my diaper bag, then left it in the car while Brandon, Shaelana and I joined Lexie for her Valentine's party. I went all out and made every kid and teacher awesome treat bags with a load of candy, school supplies, and toys. Brought Lexie a special balloon, and the whole class Valentine cookies. The kids were so fun, and adored having a baby in the class. After they got all hyped up on sugar (thanks to yours truly) they danced and Shaelana was out there with the big kids rockin it out. I was so mad for leaving my camera outside, but couldn't bare to miss a minute of the fun! Sometimes the memory is more important I suppose than a documented picture. That was my first experience as a Mom at school! I can't even imagine what it will be like when Shaelana starts kindergarten! I can wait though, I'm enjoying my baby while she still is one.
In regards to the title of this post...some months ago, I blogged about an upcoming move to Colorado for our family. After giving it alot of thought, having many changes in our personal circumstances, and finally realizing the impact that our extended family has on our everyday life, Brandon and I have decided to just stay put for a little while. We continued having more and more uncertainty as to whether or not we were making the right choice to move, and feeling like we never reached a point of peace in the decision, and having that confirmation through prayer that we were searching for, we realized we aren't supposed to be somewhere else at this point in our life. When the two of us stopped resisting that fact, blessings started pouring in from the Lord as if to say "You are making the right choice!" It is so wonderful to have the peace that only comes from the Father. So our change of heart is to stay in Arizona until we are lead elsewhere by the Lord, if that time comes. We have been staying at Brandon's parents house for a couple of months now, during the change of our decisions, and today, we finally signed a lease for our new home! We couldn't be more excited! It is fitting for our family of four, and we are all thrilled to be able to spread back out into our own territory. Brandon's parents have been incredibly gracious to open their home to us, and tolerable of our unforeseen circumstances, and the very different stage of life that we are all in so we are very thankful they have helped us along the way. Our home is in Catalina, Arizona. It is on the outskirts of Tucson, and there is much more room to breathe in the neighborhoods here, with wonderful views of the mountains!
Brandon also got a new job at Tucson Medical Center in the business office, which he is loving thus far. He is happy there, and that is a big thing after being in a field for so long. It was a much needed position regarding the economical changes. When the impact really hit us in that area, we learned and grew quite a bit as adults, individually, as a couple, and as parents. I have always been a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and once again, this remains the truth in this circumstance as well. We were able to step back, and take a close look at our financial situation and make changes that improved our status to allow us to live within our means and still be very happy with what we have. It feels SO wonderful to know that we are growing up!
We also had another wonderful closure to a long, treachorous journey with the child custody case for Lexie, our 6 year old daughter. That is now closed, and we share custody with her mother, allowing us to get Lexie regularly and every other holiday. It is so nice to have her back as a permanent part of our life, and being blessed to raise both of our daughters together. She has made the transition remarkably well, and I am so proud of how she has handled all of the changes. It is heart breaking that children have to endure some of these things because of errors that we make as adults, but I am blessed that God made them so resiliant and to love unconditionally. She and Shaelana thoroughly enjoy their time together too, which makes our family feel more complete!
On the downside of everything, Shaelana, Brandon and I have inherited the monsterous cold that is attacking the population lately. It is certainly no fun! I sound like a seal when I talk, supposing seals could actually talk! We are going through tissues like crazy and somewhat irritable, but with everyone hurting down to their toes what can we expect?
I have started a much needed, long put off, struggle to get back in shape. I am happy to report that, while I am still far from my actual goal, I have lost 16 pounds towards that and 8 inches overall. It is long overdue, and I finally just decided that I need to do this for my health and the longevity of my life for myself and my children. I haven't done anything but some good ol' fashioned exercise (I got a new treadmill!) and eating much healthier. I have to admit, I am a bit obsessive with counting calories, so it reflects back onto Brandon and the girls meals as well, so they have all been eating healthier too, like it or not! LOL! I'm happy with what I have done thus far, but really feel like I can improve my efforts, so I'll try to update here to keep me on track.
Lexie received her report card last Friday, and did exceptionally well in all of her classes. The only issue that we had to discuss with her, and really get her to work on is her "inappropriate socializing". Now, even though she is not my biological daughter, any that know me, KNOW very well that I wasn't exactly the quiet, shy type in school, so it was easy for me to relate to the poor doll. Her dad is just like me, so she lucked out in the aspect that we understood. We did tell her that there is a time and place though, and her education, and her friends education needed to come before her conversations. How many of you can relate to that? I mean, I know all of my friends on here were just as gabby as me back in the day!!!
Shaelana is a little pistol that is into EVERYTHING! She is walking and running everywhere. She dances and tries to sing. She has the biggest attitude EVER, and we are certain she has "little dog/man syndrom". Shaelana is really petite for her age, and she makes up for it in attitude and sound. She's a loud mouth, vibrant, and saucy as ever. She is certainly a handful, but we love every chubby inch of her. Right now her favorite word is no-no because she hears it constantly! We have been so blessed!
Unfortunately I don't have any related pictures to post. I kicked myself in the butt all last Friday because I actually packed my camera in my diaper bag, then left it in the car while Brandon, Shaelana and I joined Lexie for her Valentine's party. I went all out and made every kid and teacher awesome treat bags with a load of candy, school supplies, and toys. Brought Lexie a special balloon, and the whole class Valentine cookies. The kids were so fun, and adored having a baby in the class. After they got all hyped up on sugar (thanks to yours truly) they danced and Shaelana was out there with the big kids rockin it out. I was so mad for leaving my camera outside, but couldn't bare to miss a minute of the fun! Sometimes the memory is more important I suppose than a documented picture. That was my first experience as a Mom at school! I can't even imagine what it will be like when Shaelana starts kindergarten! I can wait though, I'm enjoying my baby while she still is one.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Happy Birthday Baby!!!
This past Sunday, January 4th, was a huge milestone in our family. It was Shaelana's 1st birthday! For weeks I had been both anxious for the day, and dreading it. I am just in amazement that a year has already past, and how quickly she is growing up. Like so many mothers before me, I really wish I could just stop the clock at times. Unfortunately, I'm not that powerful, so we had to celebrate! I wanted it to be something memorable, so I made a big deal out of it. We decided to have a ladybug fiesta! For 2 solid days prior to the party, I shopped, cooked, prepared...with little sleep I might add for this event. I really wanted her cake to be something special, and not your typical grocery store bakery cake. So after a lot of research and skepticism of my own skills, I began my 8 1/2 hour journey towards what turned out to be a perfect accent for the day. Here she is in all her glory...
Shaelana's first birthday cake. Cherry chip cake, with cream cheese icing and marshmallow fondant.
Several pictures were taken.
Views from all angles
I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome! We decorated everything in red and black ofcourse, most of which was accomplished by Brandon and my sister Raderika, as I was still stuck in the kitchen. Brandon, and I were wearing red and black, and Shaelana was sporting a darling little lady bug outfit that was a gift from Aunt Raderika.
It was well worth it though. How can you have a true fiesta without a ton of mexican food?! Everything was home made and turned out really great. We had chicken enchiladas, chips and homemade salsa, hard tacos, soft tacos, beans, 7 layer bean dip, punch, and all the condiments you could think of to accompany it.
Lexie did her part to add to the party decor. She did all of this by herself, including hanging it up by the gift table! She did a great job!
My mom, brother in-law Jason, and my dad enjoying themselves.
Lexie having fun playing in my nephews room
Grandma Ruth (Brandon's mom) and the birthday girl
Time to open presents! She was well aquainted with tearing things open since we just had Christmas, so she was able to take care of it on her own, even though we had lots of little helpers on stand by.
Here she is with one of the toys that Papa Jim got her. She has a really big fascination with cars right now, and she LOVES ones that have lights and sounds. When this was opened, she was very distracted from continuing!
My little dolly so proud of herself. She was hamming it up for everyone in the room!!!
We also got a ladybug pinata and stuffed it full of candy. Let me tell you, this thing was ridiculously hard to crack open!!! All of the kids beat on it for a good 20 minutes, and finally the men intervened and decided to bust it open. It was really cute seeing all the babies take a whack at it though.
Shaelana gathering up some of the loot that landed her way.
Time to sing the birthday song! She was fascinated with the candle!
Getting her first bites of icing.
Loving this whole help yourself to some cake thing!
Mmmm. Really getting messy now!
At the end of the day, we had a very happy birthday girl. She was blessed with many many presents from educational, fun, useful, things to drive mom and dad batty, and darling. We truly enjoyed ourself and had a great day!
I am beyond proud of her and all of the wonderful elements that she brings to my life. Brandon and I have said many times how we really can't imagine what our life would be like now if we hadn't had her. She has an enormous personality and commands attention everywhere we go. She is our little star. Her intelligence far surpasses any expectations we might have had, her vocabulary is really extensive for her age. She LOVES to make us laugh, and believes she is the funniest person. She is our greatest source of entertainment, and while I do my best at teaching her many things in life, already she has taught me so many valuable things about life and about myself. I love her endlessly and I am truly so proud of her!!! Happy Birthday my little darling!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
A Very Merry Christmas
We had such a wonderful Christmas this year! Brandon and I were so excited for Christmas, we decorated the house before Thanksgiving! All month long we watched all of our favorite Christmas movies, some repeatedly, and we made lots of holiday treats (probably too many) but most importantly, we made really special memories. We started Christmas Eve at Brandon's parents, where his aunts, uncles and cousins came over for a big turkey dinner, presents, and a movie. We then headed over to my parents house and were joined by my brother and sister and their families. We had a spread of holiday goodies and finger foods, opened even more presents, and all the babies played together. My nephews were good little boys and went to bed, while Shaelana and my niece decided to hang out with the adults regardless of whether or not Santa was on his way! The girls occupied themselves with marshmallows and cookies while all the adults played silly Christmas games with no shortage of laughter!!!
We came back home around midnight and Brandon read Twas the Night Before Christmas to Shaelana to put her back to sleep. Santa came to visit shortly after and left even more presents and goodies in our stocking.
I woke up early Christmas morning, and finally had to wake up Brandon and Shaelana. They were both sick and sleeping so hard and I couldn't wait anymore! Later that day, Lexie came over and we had Christmas with her as well. The girls played and giggled uncontrollably with each other, and the day was consumed with trying out all the new toys.
In addition to Christmas, we celebrated Brandon's 26th birthday!!! He is a Christmas baby, and you can imagine how difficult it is to compete with such a major holiday on your birthday. I made him his favorite cake - german chocolate, and he opened birthday presents that evening. Shaelana really got a kick out of the Happy Birthday song! I hope Brandon did as well! In honor of his birthday, I just want to say two things to him...Babe: first, I love you more every day and I am so blessed you are my husband! I hope all your wishes come true. And second, welcome to 26, now you are old just like me so stop making fun of me!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!!!
We came back home around midnight and Brandon read Twas the Night Before Christmas to Shaelana to put her back to sleep. Santa came to visit shortly after and left even more presents and goodies in our stocking.
I woke up early Christmas morning, and finally had to wake up Brandon and Shaelana. They were both sick and sleeping so hard and I couldn't wait anymore! Later that day, Lexie came over and we had Christmas with her as well. The girls played and giggled uncontrollably with each other, and the day was consumed with trying out all the new toys.
In addition to Christmas, we celebrated Brandon's 26th birthday!!! He is a Christmas baby, and you can imagine how difficult it is to compete with such a major holiday on your birthday. I made him his favorite cake - german chocolate, and he opened birthday presents that evening. Shaelana really got a kick out of the Happy Birthday song! I hope Brandon did as well! In honor of his birthday, I just want to say two things to him...Babe: first, I love you more every day and I am so blessed you are my husband! I hope all your wishes come true. And second, welcome to 26, now you are old just like me so stop making fun of me!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!!!
Photo Op!
Mommy's turn...
Big smiles for Christmas
My Very First Christmas!
Playing with cousins
Opening her very first present
All the baby cousins
"What is that?!" - Shaelana
Her first pony!
Trying out the new toys!
Carrying on a family tradition for atleast 3 generations
Lexie opening presents
Merry Christmas!
Gimme gimme gimme!
The prettiest princess
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