February Festivities

This year February brought a collective sigh at our house. Josh finally has a little better rotation where the girls get to see him every day. The weather is warming up to the point that open windows and trips to the park are routine again. Add to that a birthday and Valentine's and we've been keeping plenty busy :)

I turned 28 on the 3rd and I loved it because Tienna was SO excited. I'm not quite sure why but she was all about my birthday - she loved helping me open presents and was so anxious about the birthday candles she blew them out for me before "Happy Birthday" was finished. Oh how I love that girl!!

Next up, Valentine's Day. I came up with a couple of projects to help keep Tienna busy (she's all about projects right now) that turned out cute. I think my favorite was our 'heart attack' window, which I completely forgot to take a picture of before we took it down. Anyway, the window was covered in colored hearts with four huge hearts - one for each family member - that Tienna masterfully decorated. Below those were smaller hearts that listed things we love about that person. It was so fun seeing what everyone listed; it's always good to have little reminders why you're loved :)

Utah

 A couple of weeks into January I had to go up to Utah with the girls to get some dental work done. (The dentist my mom works for was kind enough to do the work for free so I figured it was worth the trip. Darn those post-baby teeth problems!) Of course Josh had to work but we had some friends drive up with us. My friend Keirsten and her little boy Jace were nice enough to drive up with us. Jace and Tienna kept each other busy most of the drive and Kiara was an angel. I know that we've only been in CA for 8 months but the drive from here to UT is a piece of cake now :) 

Anyway, we were only in UT for 5 days but had lots of fun with cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents. It's always nice to have a bit of a break, especially during Josh's busy months. The girls were spoiled with lots of loves, attention, some new outfits and I was spoiled by having plenty of willing hands around to hold Kiara and entertain Tienna. We had a blast but I think we were all glad to get back to the California sunshine and daddy. :)

Grandma's toys are always better...

Not quite sure what Tienna was doing here

Tienna schooled Jessie in Guess Who?

We got to see Grandma and Papa Pollei a couple of times. 

Kiara loved all the attention - everyone let her play with their electronics so she was in heaven :)

Kiara loved Steve

Christmas 2010

Christmas was a new experience for us this year. For the first time we did our own thing at home rather than traveling to Utah. While we missed family it was a great experience. We loved having more time to relax and have our own fun little traditions rather than trying to see everyone and do everything in Utah.

Josh had to work on Christmas (the 25th) so we had our Christmas a day early. The girls didn't know any better and when it came time for dinner and I had forgotten a couple of things the store was still open so it ended up being very convenient : ) Tienna LOVED the whole idea of presents and being able to help Kiara open hers. She is such a faithful big sister!

Here's a couple of pictures from the morning - Santa surprised Tienna with several princess dress ups and some little toys and Kiara got clothes and toys. I know, not very original but it was fun all the same.

With Josh working on the 25th we ended up hanging out with the McCune's whose dad also had to work (curses on being an intern!). It was the perfect break to get out and let the kiddos play with new toys and Emily made us a yummy dinner. Thanks again!

finally...

I'm finally getting around to this whole updating the blog thing. Honestly, I've been thinking about it for weeks but life lately has been a little unpredictable and just a tad overwhelming at times lately. From Christmas through the third week of January we were all sick (picture at least two of us sick at all times), had a quick trip to Utah, my turn teaching Sharing Time all month, a teething baby, and Josh finishing back to back months of intense call schedule. Add to that any attempt to keep the house clean/organized, kids who aren't sick entertained and every other bit of day to day life and it's no wonder it took so long to get back in the groove of things. All I can say is yea for February!! 

February may bring yet another call month for Josh and likely another trip to Utah to finally finish my darn tooth but I'm trying to make a more conscious effort to have a positive attitude about things. I've always imagined myself as someone with a positive outlook on life but somehow in the last 6 months that has changed and definitely not for the better. After a couple of months of feeling that I'm not living up to my potential it's time to finally do this and push myself. It's amazing what honestly examining where you are at in life compared to where you want to be helps you realize, so here goes!

Just as a tidbit of things to come, this might be one of my favorite pictures from the past couple months.