Sam's 8th Birthday and Baptism

We had lots of Gabe's side of the family join us for the baptism.  My parents came too, but unfortunately had to leave before we could get any pictures with them.  Right after the baptism, we had a big lunch complete with Subway sandwiches.  I think everyone had a good time.  

Federation

Ashlee and Ben got Superiors once again for their piano solos, as well as duets (Ashlee & Gabriele).

With their music teacher, Mrs. Jensen.  She has been a great teacher, and she has done a lot for these two.

I am so proud of them, my heart is bursting.  

Ashlee's 13th Birthday-- Spa Night

Ashlee wanted a spa party to celebrate her 13th birthday.  Since I had no idea how to pull this off, I enlisted the help of Gabe's mom to help me.  She was a wonderful help to me!  Without her, I couldn't have done it.

 Facials 

 Pedicures

And of course friends, presents, and cake!

Happy birthday cutie!

Random Stuff from January

For project week, Ashlee worked really hard (30+ hours) on researching and building a small replica of the Alhambra.  It turned out great!

Ben entered his composition piece "Get Down and Drum" into the reflections contest, and ended up winning first place in his category!

 Thomas loves to be super competitive with his friend Sarah.  Whatever she does, he wants to do too.  And he always HAS to be the one to answer the front door.

 Some of my favorite things this boy says...

"Could be fun though... it could be!"  (from Studio C)

Poo poo 'gain!

My birthday came around again!  Gabe and the kids gave me lots of special treatment.  Gift certificate for a pedicure, Gabe made me waffles and hamburgers, and I got the biggest present I have ever gotten... a new car!!!

So we had to say goodbye to our trusty old Kia Sedona.  It has been a great car. 

And hello Toyota Sienna! My favorite features are the blind side auto, keyless entry, and back up camera!

And I will end this truly random post with two truly adorable faces!

Blessing Day

We blessed Eliza in church on Sunday, January 7th, the first Sunday of the new year.  Here she is in her blessing dress!  It was made for her by Rosita (Gabe's grandma) and it fit her perfectly.  She looked so pretty in it.  I love the dress.

We had many extended family members in attendance.  My parents were there, along with many of Gabe's relatives.  Vonn and Myriam, Andrew and Morgan, Tio Benito, and Yvette.   

In the blessing, Gabe mentioned that Eliza would have a strong testimony and stand as a daughter of God in all times and in all places, that she would know of her divine nature, rely on her faith in times of trial, and that she would have a close relationship with her mother.  It was a very special blessing. 

After church, we had all of our extended family over for lunch and a big cake for dessert.  I didn't notice how much cake my kids were eating, until Ashlee pointed out that Sam had eaten 5 pieces of cake.  Sam replied, "It's okay, because I am going to be baptized soon."  Obviously in his eyes this made perfect sense. 😆

We tried to take family pictures afterwards, but couldn't fit everyone in the picture at once. (Of course someone had to take the photo...)  So we took multiple shots.

By this point Eliza had had enough of all this partying, and was ready for a nap.  I don't blame her.  Sunday afternoon naps are the best.  😀

Hernia Operation

I was scheduled to have a hernia repair surgery on the 28th of December.  I was pretty nervous about it, especially the night before and that morning.  I felt weak and thirsty (because I was not supposed to eat or eat or drink anything after 11 pm the night before), and it was so hard not to drink anything that night (especially since I am breastfeeding).  

The kids spent the night and all the next day at Grandma Black's, so I didn't have to worry about them.  So early that morning, just Gabe, Eliza, and I made the early morning trip to the hospital.  

I felt a little out of it, partly from fear, lack of water, and so early in the morning.  The nurse tried to poke an IV into a vein, but had trouble getting a good vein.  This in turn freaked me out a little, and I felt like I was going to faint.  Hospitals and Doctor Offices have that effect on me.  

Well, the IV thing was actually the worst part, because after that they took me to the operating room and knocked me out, and the next thing I remember, I woke up in recovery with Gabe and Eliza at my side, and a big bandage over my belly button.   

You want to see something really gross?  My bruised and swollen stomach after childbirth and hernia surgery.  Yep, not too pretty.  (But I am kind of proud of this picture anyway... I call it "The Sacrifices of Childbirth.")

My parents came to help out the day after the surgery.  It was great having them around.  They never stay too long at our house, so having them stay a week and a half was a real treasure for me.  

My mom is like a baby whisperer.  She is a natural with kids.  I loved having her around.  We sewed a little while she was here too.  We finished a quilt for Eliza, as well as a couple more Christmas stockings (for Thomas and Eliza).  She also made me another blanket too.

I loved having them here!

Piano Competition at the Broadmoor

Ashlee played a piano duet with her friend Gabriele at the Broadmoor USIPDC (United States International Piano Duo Competition).  They played beautifully!  I was so proud of them.