First Day of School

Shopping with Katrina is a hoot! This girl has always loved fashion. At 18 months, I could park her stroller in front of the clearance rack at Gap. She would sort through the clothes, saying either "yucky Mommy" or "oh, I like it." And, I must say, she picked out some cute stuff, even then.



Now that she's 6 and all grown up, she is even more fun to shop with. My mom took her back-to-school shopping, and Katrina was in rare form. She had a definite opinion about what she liked and didn't like. And we had to try on everything. And model it. For Daddy, and the store staff. And everyone had to give their opinion. Including Violet. Who didn't really care.



As "interesting" as it was to purchase clothes, I should have known that the selection process for that all-important First Day Outfit would be just as entertaining. Katrina did not disappoint. It took her an entire weekend to decide. We switched outfits about 12 times. But, we forgot about shoes. And once that morning rolled around, I wasn't willing to fight. And so, I give you Katrina's first day of school outfit, complete with non-matching, but still very cute shoes.

Thankful Thursday...The Palmers

**October is Clergy Appreciation Month. We are so blessed to have the pastoral staff that we do at our church. They are truly a gift from God. This month, each of my Thankful Thursday posts will feature one of these amazing families.**

The Palmer Family

I vividly remember the first time I met Mark. Jerome and I were in high school, and he had been trying to convince me to go to Power Lunch. It was a free lunch sponsored by some of the local churchs for the high schoolers. Well, I finally went, and got to meet Mark. Little did I know what a huge impact this meeting would have on my life.





You see, I was not a Christian when we were dating. Not even close. I guess the best way to describe my "religious" persuasion was ... well... witchcraft, combined with a little demonic worship. But, Jerome and Mark prayed for me, trusting that God had a bigger picture for our relationship.



A year and a half after we started dating, I accepted Christ. I asked Him to heal me of the deep wounds, forgive me for rejecting Him, and to love me like no other man ever had. I know that Mark's tenacious prayers for me were instrumental in my salvation, because I could literally feel my walls slowly crumbling in the light of God's grace.



A few years later, when Mark and Jill married, I was given a gift beyond compare. The gift of a friend. It had been many years since I had a true girlfriend. A woman I could trust, who I could confide in, who loved me for me. Jill has become that and more for me.



Mark and Jill have served in many different areas in our church, in many different facets. But, in everything they do, they serve with humbleness, honesty, integrity, and love. It is evident in everything they do that they truly love our church and the people in it.



Anyone can make superficial relationships, and pretend like that is enough. It takes a true friend to push beyond the surface, to discover the core of a person's being. Mark and Jill are that. They love beyond what is seen, to what is needed. They are not afraid to speak the truth, but gently love people through their yuck.



Mark and Jill, you know how much I love you. You are a treasure and a gift to me. I am so grateful that God crossed our paths so many years ago, because I would not trade our relationship for the world. Thank you for all you do for our church, and us. Please know that it does not go unnoticed.

Girly Girls

Sometimes, it's really fun to have girls. Aside from the drama, and the crying, and the chic fights (yes, we've had a few already), they are really, really fun.

My girls LOVE to have their toe nails painted. So, the other night, we had a party.

But, first, we had to put the dirty little monkeys in the bathtub and scrape off the grime. Who knew little girls could get so dirty? It shouldn't surprise me, I know. They are my children, after all. But they are very gifted at getting dirty.

So, once everyone was clean & sparkly...

...we painted toenails. Katrina requested my polish, which is dark pink. She also couldn't keep her foot still for the photo because SOMEONE (Daddy) was making her giggle. Thus, the fuzzy shot. But, you can see that, finally, her toe nails are beginning to look somewhat normal. Don't ask what they looked like before. That's a story for another day...





Because I'm mom, I got to choose Violet's color. I chose light pink. This was her first time getting her nails painted, and I must say, she did really well. She sat so still. I think she was so thrilled to finally get to do a "big girl" thing that she was slightly overwhelmed. But aren't her little tootsies cute?





Madison, of course, had to be different. She chose turquoise. She was so proud of herself. We had to wear sandals for the next week so that she could show everyone, including the City Market clerks, random strangers on the street, and her grandparents, her fabulous little toes.



I love having girls!

Things I Never Thought I'd Say

We all have those moments. Those times, in exasperation, we say something to our child that, in retrospect, we NEVER thought that we'd say. Things like ...

Ketchup is not finger paint.

Don't shake that bread at me.

We do not flush superhero capes down the toilet.

Footballs do not live in the refrigerator (had to steal that one from my friend Jill - it's still one of my favorites).

Don't touch your poop.

WE DO NOT EAT POOP!

It's not polite to growl.

Don't put dirt down your diaper!

No, Madison. You are not the Lord.

Please put your underwear on before you sit on my bed.

Let's take the bouncy ball out of our underwear please.

Yes, your boobies are tiny.

What have you said that you never thought you'd say?

Fair Fun

Those of you living in Durango will be shocked. She is just now posting pictures from the Fair? I know, I know. I'm a slacker. Please forgive me.

Every year, our county has a fair. We are talking down home, cows and pigs, carnival rides, quilts and canned goods kind of fair. I love it. I have loved the fair since I was little. And, we are creating a little herd of fair-lovers of our own.

We visited all the exhibits (my favorite part), but couldn't stay very long because we were "missing" the carnival (the girls' favorite part). Except the bunnies, chickens, turkey, and geese. I think they would have spent all day in that exhibit if we let them. Not that I blame them. I personally think that some of those tuffted roosters are pretty hilarious too.

And, no fair visit would be complete without cotton candy! Here's my herd, enjoying their treat.

Violet wasn't so sure about the cotton candy at first. We actually had to force it into her mouth. I know - what were we thinking? But, she quickly figured out that it tasted FABULOUS! And then, we were done.





So, what do you do with three sugar-buzzed kiddos? Why, send them on rides, of course! Daddy & Aunt Celine had to ride one of the adult-only-puke-your-guts-out rides, so the girls waited patiently. And laughed as Daddy screamed.









I personally cannot ride ANY carnival ride without losing my lunch. Most of the time I can't even watch the rides without getting queasy. So, I became the official photographer. Here is everyone, getting ready to ride the strawberries. Katrina loved it. Madi was all for it, until Aunt CC started spinning the strawberry. Then we had issues. But, she buried her head in Daddy's side and stuck it out. But she didn't want to ride again. Can't say that I blame her.






The big girls had fun riding the jeeps...






... and thought that this nice carnival worker...

... was absolutely hilarious...

... while they were riding the swings.

Even Violet thought he was hilarious.

I'd say that our outing to the fair was successful.

Violet the Pirate

Hi everyone, this is Violet. I think my mom has been giving far too much attention to my sisters on this blog lately. I woke up during the night, got myself out of my crib, and pirated her account. We all know this blog is SUPPOSED to be about me, since I am the youngest. Isn't everything supposed to be about me?


Anyways, I thought you all would appreciate an update on what I've been up to lately. Since mom has been talking about my sisters so much.


So, here I am, enjoying my first fudgecicle. I know, I thought it was cruel that my parents made me wait that long too. But, unfortunately, I am not old enough to go buy them for myself.





To show my appreciation to my mother for giving me this wonderful manna from Heaven, I smiled so prettily for the camera.






But, then I thought she might take away my sweet goodness. I had to protest. I threatened to touch her with my sticky, chocolatey hands.




But, alas, she took the stick anyways. Don't worry, this injustice did not go unacknowledged. I made sure my opinion was heard.


Let's see, what else have I been up to? Well, I learned how to drink out of two cups at the same time. Yes, I am that talented.





Madison and I are honing our culinary skills by sitting on the counter and helping mom cook dinner. By helping, I mean eating whatever she is cutting up at the moment. What she doesn't know is that, sometimes, I only eat half of the veggie, then put the other half back in the bowl. What? She's always telling us to share. I think I'm being very obedient.

I'm also developing my artistic talent. Although I've been demoted to crayons only after a certain body art incident. I don't see what the problem was. Most of my aunties and uncles have pretty drawings on their bodies - I just wanted one too.

But, I can still express myself sufficiently using the crayons. See?

The other day, Mom was packing up all the clothes we didn't fit into anymore, and getting out all of our "new" clothes. Really, only Katrina gets new clothes. Madison then gets her clothes. I get whatever survived those two. And people say that the youngest is spoiled? Whatever!

But I digress...

Madison was a wonderful big sister that day, and introduced me to the joy of playing in a plastic tub. Who knew such a simple item could be so much fun?

I only post this next photo to show you that Mom and Dad are really good at taking photos of me when I'm not ready. I wish they would have given me time to prepare. After all, I have an image to maintain.

Being the youngest does have it's perks. The other day, Mom tried to put me down for a nap at my Grandma and Pepe's house. Well, obviously, this was a grave insult. I succeeded in screaming for so long that I convinced her I was ill. So, she rescued me and I got to take my nap with her instead. See, perks!

But, my favorite past time right now is getting admired by the tourists. We have a lot of tourists that come to our town, and a lot of them like to eat in my Pepe's restaurant. Well, there is a fireplace there that is simply perfect for photo opportunities. I love to crawl up there, put on my cutest, sweetest face, and let the adoration roll in.

So, since Mom has virtually ignored my far more exciting and glamorous life, I have taken it upon myself. I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into my days. And, don't worry. If Mom starts ignoring me again, I will be back...

Madison's 3rd Birthday

So, what would you do for a three-year-old's birthday in the middle of summer? We had a pool party! I know, I know, her birthday was in July. I'm a little behind, ok?!?





She really didn't need anything, and we didn't want to go overboard, so we decided to get her one of those little plastic pools, and have a couple of her friends over for fun. Boy, that pool was the best investment we made all summer!

Here's one of those shots that just makes you go "aww..." My darling waiting for the pool to fill up.

And here is her beautiful friend Lily (who just moved to CA, *sniff*), enjoying the dandelions in our yard.




Katrina was, of course, the brave big sister who showed the little girls what the pool was all about.




After pool time, we sent the girls on a treasure hunt to find their craft project. We made treasure bottles from old water bottles, rice, beads, and other "treasures".




We let the girls pick their birthday dinner. Madi picked pizza and fruit skewers. Here we all are, praying before our meal. I am so glad that Jerome thought to snap this picture. It is one of my favorites. What a blessing, to have a group of young children that know that we don't eat until we pray together.




Here is Madi and her little friend Kate, enjoying their cupcakes.




Violet, wet from all the pool fun, enjoyed her cupcake too!




Although she was a little perturbed that there weren't any presents for her.




A few days later, we had my parents over for another birthday dinner. My mom insisted on getting Madison an ice cream cake. Madison succeeded in getting ice cream in her hair while attempting to blow out the candles. I'm still not quite sure if she was trying to blow them out or catch her hair on fire, because the candles are obviously still lit.

All in all, the girlies had a fun time. Madison is already planning her party for next year. Although she keeps trying to convince me that it's next Tuesday. Whatever girlie, whatever.