Saturday, March 28, 2009


Time to update again, I know....can't seem to keep up, but I'm hoping that some recent changes will make a difference. This is Alanna....Mario chose flowers for each of the girls for Valentine's day, telling them qualities of the flowers that reminded him of them (thanks to an AWESOME idea from the Achievement Days Leaders in our ward.) Alanna received the Hawaiian Hibiscus...she's exotic, unique flower, whose red petals symbolize courage to the country of Malaysia where it reins as the national flower. Alanna is a little mama to the younger girls....I appreciate all her help when things are crazy!


Isa was given Plumeria, a fragrant and beautiful flower....it escapes me at the moment why Mario chose that particular one for her.....She's doing really well in school, and other than the occasional whiny spell, is a real fun girl to have around.


Mario chose the Orchid for Ellie, because he said the flower reminded him of a princess...and that's what Ellie is. She's growing alot right now. We've had some teaching opportunities lately, and hope the lessons are embedding themselves in her heart and mind. She's a sweet girl.

Gabby...my fearless girl. She received a Day Lily for VTDay, but I thought this photo of her doing the bunny hop was so funny, I decided to include it instead. She's been obsessed with bearing her testimony lately, and the two "in church" attempts have failed miserably. She's been practicing at night with Ellie, while they're supposed to be sleeping, and said to me the other night when I was tucking her in, "Mom, I'm ready to bear my testimony." I said, "ok, let me hear it!" and she did! It was 5 or 6 sentences long, and very impressive for a kid of 2 1/2. It will be interesting to see what lies ahead for her!


Mario gave Sophia an Amaryllis because the bloom easily and boldly. That definitely describes Sophia. She's been working out with the track team, working towards getting her driving permit, and preparing to turn in an application for her first real job! It's CRAZY having a 16 year old. She's a good girl and has been an amazing help during this nutso time.


Then there's Sammie Joy. Sunshine in it's purest form. I can't keep her in the house...she slips out every chance she gets. Her vocabulary is pretty impressive...her most used expressions lately are "no," "it's mine," "pen da dough" (open the door) which she screams whenever she wants anything from the door to a bag opened. She says her prayers now, which is a fun thing...and is doing some of her business on the potty. What a girl!


Van Gogh is big, he's huge, he's chewing on everything! He's done pretty well at learning not to jump on people, at least until they talk to him, and then he considers them free game. We weighed him the other day and he was just shy of 30 lbs. We got him 7 weeks ago at 5 lbs...AMAZING!



This is Mario rocking Van Gogh to sleep. Unfortunately, recently, they've hit a speed bump in their relationship. Van Gogh had been naughty and had been disciplined, and when Mario went to pick him up to take him to his kennel for the night, Van Gogh snapped at his face. Mario was pretty mad. I don't know if they'll recover, but I hope so, cause I'm tired of being the go between for them.

Me? Well, I came to a hard decision this past week, and decided to close 2 of my stores down, and remain exclusively at GoDigitalScrapbooking. It will mean 1/3 of the time spent advertising, and 1/3 of the stress. I'm kinda looking forward to that. Now that I've actually made the decision, I'm wondering why I didn't come to it earlier. The picture of Gabby is made with my most recent release, My Heart Sings, which was used this week for the 4th and Final round in the Supreme Team contest. Mario, Van Gogh and Sophia's pictures are made with Lil' Dreamer, which I think has been my highest grossing kit so far. Anyway, I love designing. I love having things come together, and seeing what people can do with them. And the money doesn't hurt either.

I'm kinda a hermit right now...probably the anxiety stuff, but I sure appreciate all those who keep up with us through this blog, and bless us with their love, friendship and support! You are loved and THANK YOU for being YOU!

3 comments:

Natalie J said...

Hey, I like the post. Your girls (and your little boy) look so cute. I feel like I haven't seen you forever, or anyone forever for that matter. I hope you are doing ok. I am glad VanGogh is a good walking partner. I need one of those. Love you!

Melanie said...

That picture of Mario and VanGogh is HILARIOUS! I love it. Love it.

The girls are growing like crazy. Hopefully we will get to see you guys soon.

Love You!

Mike and Tycie said...

Awe, Your family is beautiful!!! Im going to have to do some reading to catch up!!! Thanks for the invite!!!

p.s. I am so jealous of your newest addition - Van Gogh!!! I LOVE BOXERS!!!