Surprise! He's a Master!

Steven finished his Master's in Education a few weeks ago. He worked really hard so I wanted to do something to let him know how proud of him myself and the girls were. I decided to throw him a surprise party to celebrate. I invited our closest family and friends and with the help of his good friend Chris, who took him golfing for the day, managed to pull it off!
It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Since Steven handles all of our finances its hard for me to sneak purchases without him knowing about it. For that reason, I had to wait until he was out golfing the day of to do all the shopping...with the girls, in the rain! Due to the rain, Chris and Steven's round of golf was short lived, but thankfully Chris pulled out all the stops to keep him out of the house until his anticipated arrival at 5:30. With the help of two of my best friends, Briana and Michelle, and my sister-in-law Annie, we managed to get everything done it time! The party was a success! Steven was surprised and everyone had a great time! Congrats babe, we love you!

     Our decorating skills

Everyone waiting for Steven's arrival. 

Grandma & Grandpa Clark w/ Brooklyn

Cousins

The Boys

Grandpa Mike & Maddie

Steven's Arrival

Party Time!!

Our Family!

Steven and Culprit Chris

The Amazing Ladies who helped me!

Steven & Nick

Brothers

Sister-in-Laws

 

Silly Shot With Melissa's Broken Foot

John & Mom w/ the Master

Roy & Dad

Playtime with Baby B!

Steven & His Proud Parents

Congrats Master Steven!

Happy 30th Birthday Annabelle!!

This past weekend was jam-packed! On Saturday night, we celebrated the birthday of my sister-in-law, Annie, at Rock the Keys Piano Bar. I am so thankful that God not only gave me 4 sisters of my own that I love and adore, but also 3 amazing sister-in-laws! We had a blast singing the night away and even won a bucket of beer for being the loudest table! Happy 30th Lady A! We love you!

It Snowed in Chino Hills

Last Friday, the Shoppes in Chino Hills had their annual kick-off event to get everyone in the city ready for Christmas...or better yet, all of the shoppers ready for "Black Friday." Although I'm not all for jump starting the Christmas season before Thanksgiving, I knew it was an event we couldn't miss. Here is a recap of the night: Maddie and Brooklyn met Santa's elf and had some fun, we hung out with my cousins and their adorable kiddos, waited a LONG time to see Santa, saw Santa-Maddie even got to give him a high five, and it snowed! There is nothing like seeing that look of innocent excitement on their little faces. Baby B didn't make it to see Santa or the snow, but all in all it was a fun night!

Family Pictures

A few weeks ago I decided it was time to take pictures as a family of four. I knew it would be challenging getting an almost three year old and six month old to cooperate but I REALLY wanted to update our family photos to include Baby B. So, I called the amazing Edna, who has become kind of like family in the past four years. She photographed my sister Ashley's wedding, our engagement/family pictures and wedding, and then Steven's brother David's wedding all within three years. We met at the Orange Circle and couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day! The girls did great, we bribed Madison with a "puffcake" from the bakery down the street when we were finished and my sister, Ashley was able to meet us to help get the girls smiling. Here is a small glimpse of the photos she got! I loved them all....the hour of chaos was definitely well worth it!

Madison Rae

Tonight we were at The Shoppes in Chino Hills watching the annual lighting of the Christmas tree, accompanied by Santa and California's version of snow and I couldn't help but watch my oldest baby and think....she isn't such a baby anymore! She is so adorable, sassy, funny, smart, and independent.  Every day she amazes me. Steven swears she's a mini version of me! She is feisty, stubborn, a bit of a perfectionist, and strong-willed.....I guess just a little like her mommy!

She cracks me up with our nightly routine, it has to be EXACTLY the same, EVERY night.  We brush her teeth, read 2 books in bed (usually the same 2 books for weeks at a time, even though she has hundreds), say our prayers, and sing songs (3 songs, in the same order, every night).  First, its "You are My Sunshine" I sing it, then she sings it.  Next, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" again I sing first, and then her. And lastly "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" which is our favorite-we even do the hand motions. Then we talk a little bit about our day and what fun things tomorrow has in store.  She is so precious.  I thank God for her every day.  I don't know where I would be without her to constantly challenge me and make my days so much brighter.

I love you Miss Madison, and can't believe my little blue eyed baby girl is almost 3 years old!

My First Blog!!

Yeah, we finally have a family blog! One of my 2011 New Year's Resolutions was to create a blog that would chronicle our fun-filled, busy life! Here it is....about a month and a half shy of 2012 but I made it! I hope you enjoy reading about our life!

I'll leave you with a picture of daddy's little Trojan girls!