Cahill's Party of Five

Reese and Riley

2011-01-13T15:28:00.000-08:00

I don't think I have posted much about my beautiful twin nieces. Twins!! Oh, what fun we have!! Here are few photos we took while touring the Hotel Del at Christmas time.

Rachel and her babies....

Aunt Leila with Reese.

Christmas at the Cahill's

2011-01-13T15:21:00.000-08:00

I think this was our best Christmas yet! So much fun. The kids were so happy. And, we were able to share it with so many loved ones! The only sad part was to see it all end....

Sunset Cliffs

2010-11-23T07:41:00.001-08:00

We are on Thanksgiving break and had a quiet day yesterday. I decided to take the kids to the cliffs and watch the waves. I also got some pretty great photos.

Pumpkin Carving

2010-11-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

ARRGH! I am already a bit behind on my new commitment to blog. Oh well, if you had been following me around the past few weeks, you would TOTALLY understand. I know everyone is busy, and I am not trying to float my "busy boat," but here a few things that happened the past few weeks:

1. Practiced and preformed our Primary Sacrament Program. If you have never been Primary President, you can't fully appreciate the feeling of having this little ditty checked off the "to-do" list!

2. Halloween. Halloween class parties, Halloween Carnival, Halloween cake contest, Halloween concert, and oh yeah, trick-or-treating. When did Halloween turn in to a week long celebration?

3. Todd's Birthday. Happy Birthday sweetheart.

4. I threw a baby shower for my sweet friend Leann.

5. Sick. I've been super sick. Lost my voice and everything. Yuck.

Ok, here are the pumpkin carving photos I told you about....

Stay tuned of costume photos. Sure to up by Christmas. :)

Hmmm...

2010-10-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

It's been a really long time. I'm not sure that I know why I stopped blogging. Well, I didn't stop blogging really. And, I guess I do know why... I mean, I know why I stopped blogging HERE. I found this blog to be a bit unsatisfying. It felt like a journal, but knowing that it was open to anyone wanting to view it made me uncomfortable. I couldn't really SAY the things I wanted to say. I mean, what would people think? My thoughts can be a little wacky. So, what did I do, you ask? I went "underground." I started a new blog. A closed blog. An "invitation only" blog. And, here's the kicker, it has ONE invited reader: me. That blog has been very therapeutic. So many of my happy times, sad times, insecure times, and joyful times have been recorded on that blog this past year.

Now, I find myself missing this blog. And, I think I'm ready to give this kind of blogging another go. So for starters, here are my children and my nieces dressed in Disney costumes. We have two Minnie's, a Mickey (sans ears), Snow White, and Cinderella for your viewing pleasure. Let it be known however, that Courtney and Beckett did this AGAINST their will. He prefers to be Darth Vadar (stay tuned), and she prefers to be cool. And we all know, dressing up like Minnie Mouse... not cool. However, I think she just made it look very cool, don't you?

Happy Easter - at the Cahill's

2010-04-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

Courtney is a Young Woman!!

2010-03-25T15:29:00.001-07:00

I decided a LONG time ago that when my children turned twelve, I would take them on a little trip. Alone. Just Mom, Dad, and our twelve-year-old child. Well my friends, time moves faster than you think, and the day came (way before I was ready) that I had an actual twelve year old child.

So, last week, Courtney, Todd, and I headed to my favorite city on the planet - San Francisco.

Todd had to work most of the time we were there, and we missed him - sorta. But, the city, it was ours. Just Courtney and I. We shopped, rode the cable cars, took a bay cruise, ate some delicious food, and even had a "spa night" in our hotel room. We made memories to last a lifetime.

Long time, no ... blog?!?!

2010-03-24T15:10:00.001-07:00

Here is a bit of what I have missed blogging about....

Eleri turned 8!!!

She was baptized by her dad.

Todd turned 37. Yikes!

Halloween. Two eighties girls and Batman.

Merry Christmas!!

Beckett celebrated turning 3.

Courtney officially became a young woman and turned 12.

A fine farewell.....

2009-09-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

Today is our LAST DAY of summer break. It has been a great summer. Sea World Camp, swimming, visits to LA, Wicked, swimming, sleep-overs, the beach, swimming, sleeping in, eating ice cream, swimming.... BUT, we are ready for school! Good-bye lazy days, hello routine!!

Forgive the bad photography. These were all take with Todd's phone.

post-edit: Let me clarify. Todd is NOT a bad a photographer. The phone just doesn't offer the quality pics we are used to with our camera. Sorry babe!

We took a little trip to LA and enjoyed a French Dip from the place it was invented. YUMMY!

Then, we stopped off at Union Station to see the trains. GORGEOUS train station with so much history. I wish I would have taken a few shots inside. Anyway, Beckett loved seeing the big trains!

San Francisco

2009-08-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right ladies and gentlemen. Todd and I went somewhere BY OURSELVES. Great city. Great week-end.

Wicked

2009-08-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

If you have not seen Wicked yet, I highly recommend it. Courtney, Eleri, and I enjoyed an afternoon out. It was a GREAT show.

Boyz and their Toyz!! Check out Todd's latest....

2009-07-13T14:17:00.001-07:00

Something new...

2009-07-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

The girls and I decided to try making something new each week this summer. We have things on our list like Chicken n'Dumplings, Banana Cream Pie, Quiche... etc.

Here is our attempt at Red Velvet Cake. It was fun to make and tasted great!

Joe-Joe and Beckett resting after doing "GUY stuff"

2009-06-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

The Picture Says it All!

2009-06-09T14:35:00.001-07:00

Who says boys don't like to play dress up???

Meeting a mentor...

2009-06-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

Nearly 16 years ago, I was at a low in my life. I was homesick, worried, and lonely. My testimony in my church, and my faith in God was wavering. I was given a book. "Lighten Up" written by Cheiko Okazaki changed my life. Through this amazing book, I was able to find my faith again -- not only in my God and my religion, but in myself.

The years have passed quickly. Sister Okazaki has written several more books. All of which have filled me and taught me more than the one before it. Because of these fine books, I am a better mother, a better wife, a better friend, and a better daughter of God. I have read each book, taken notes, and worked to apply Sister Okazaki's happy attitude and simple faith into my own life. Truly, she has taught me much.

On Saturday, I was given a gift that few people ever get. I met my heroine in person. I sat and listened to her speak. And then I met her, hugged her, and thanked her for all the wonderful things she has taught me. It was a sweet moment for me. And once again, Sister Okazaki inspired me, encouraged me to find joy and give it to others. She reminded me that its the simple joys in life that bring true happiness. She encouraged me to be content, find happiness and peace where I am at, and then to share it with others. Her life has been one of a true saint. And me? Well, I can say I met her. Right now, I can't ask for much more.

My "GUY"

2009-06-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

Beckett has taken to calling everything he considers "manly" a guy. He eats guy ice cream, does guy work, rides in a guy car, and just forget about the excitement when we see a real guy around town! Sometimes it is a fireman, or a construction worker, or a gardener. Here is Beckett doing some "guy work" while we were installing an ice maker....

Memorial Day

2009-05-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in LaVerne celebrating the long week-end with Todd's parents. We went to movies, the park, swam in the pool, and BBQ'd some great food.

But surprisingly, the kids seemed to have the most fun just hanging out in the ally. Yes, I said the ally. So much to explore, and playing ball or riding a bike, there was even an old truck parked back there. The ally is fun....

Blessings.... in the one pound variety.

2009-04-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

I have a friend. Her name is Kammy. We met about 34 years ago. I have memories of eating mustard sandwiches in my big orange beanbag and of playing "Donny and Marie." I know she was a good friend, because she always agreed to be Donny.

We have been there through happy and sad, - sickness, death, marriage, divorce, births of our children - we have seen it all. There have been long periods of time (too long) that we haven't been there. But, right now, we ARE there.

Kammy had a baby (her third) on April 5, 2009. His name is Austin Shawn. He was born at 27 weeks gestation. He weighs 1 pound, 1 ounce. He has Downs Syndrome. As I was sitting in the NICU with Kammy and Austin yesterday, I realized that no matter where this journey leads Kammy and her family, Austin is remarkable. He is a blessing. Her road will be long for sure, it will also be painful. But, there is no escaping the fact that God's hand is in this. I hope for a happy ending. But, right now, that seems so very far away. Thoughts and prayers are always helpful. So, if you are reading this, please send some for Kammy, Austin, and their family.

The Perfect Saturday

2009-04-07T14:00:00.001-07:00

Years ago the "Perfect Saturday" would have included sleeping in.... and, I mean SLEEPING IN. Followed by a quiet, easy breakfast, a late shower, lunch at a cute restaurant with cute friends followed by shopping in cute stores with same cute friends. And finally, it would all end with an evening alone with my dream guy.

While that all still sounds great....

Things have changed! Last Saturday was the PERFECT SATURDAY.

We were up at 6:30, showered and out the door by 8:00 am. We started with breakfast. I got to sit next to Beckett who prefers throwing his breakfast at his unsuspecting booth neighbors to actually savoring or even tasting the toasted to perfection bagel. To the relief of Panera's management and other breakfast patrons, we moved on quickly to our next activity. We hit Mission Trails for some hiking. Of course, Beckett insists on walking, so we kept the hike short and easy. But, it was so refreshing to be out in the open. I don't know how long it had been since I was out of the city. Too long. Once Beckett had sufficiently soaked himself in the stream and the girls had their fill of climbing rocks, we climbed back into the car. A long scenic drive home and and an easy lunch together was next. Then, while Beckett napped and my dream guy studied, the girls and I took in a movie. We ended the night with a quiet dinner at home...dream guy included.

PERFECT.

Miracles

2009-03-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

Update:

My step-father is fine. Yes, fine. I might not believe this story if I had not lived it. After a massive heart attack, being clinically dead for a few minutes, life flighted in a helicopter, put in a hypothermic state for two days, unconscious for several more, my step-father is FINE. He is walking, talking, eating, joking, and happy. There is no brain damage. We will find out for sure tomorrow, but we think his heart can be repaired easily.

I have never witnessed such an amazing come back. The doctors and nurses are amazed. Many that cared for him in those first few days have come to his room to meet him because they never had a patient in such bad shape wake up, and they needed to see him for themselves. After being told he would certainly die, and if he did live it would be with some brain damage, our family is simply in shock and grateful. Prayers are heard and answered.

Whew... what a week...

2009-03-04T12:34:00.001-08:00

Bryant, my step-father, had a massive heart attack on Friday, February 27th. He was life-flighted from Farmington, New Mexico to Albuquerque where he remains. Our family is still waiting to find out what kind of damage has been done to both his heart and to his brain.

It has been difficult to be so far from home and from my family. Daily updates and multiple phone calls keep me in the loop. However, I just really need to give my mom a hug.

Thanks for the prayers and well wishes. We will just have to see what the Lord has planned for our family. Bryant is a strong man, and loves my mom dearly. I know he is doing his best wake up and get better. I hope he can.

Disneyland!

2009-02-24T13:33:00.000-08:00

We went to Disneyland on Saturday. It was a great time. The weather was perfect and we had so much fun. It REALLY is "the happiest place on Earth!"

Happy 11th Birthday to Courtney!!

2009-02-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday beautiful girl!

Eleven things I love about Courtney Rachel:

1. Her smile. It is gorgeous!

2. Her ability to do everything and do it well. She is smart, funny, athletic, and musically talented. She can do ANYTHING she sets her mind to, and do it better than almost anyone else in the room.

3. She is such a loyal friend.

4. She loves good music.

5. She loves to shop with her mom. We have so much fun together.

6. She is so responsible. This is very lucky for Todd and I as she is our oldest and we can trust her with almost anything.

7. Courtney has a HUGE heart. She is kind and loving to everyone.

8. Courtney is a great big sister. Eleri and Beckett are very lucky to have someone so fantastic to look up to. I never have to worry when I leave the kids with a sitter. Courtney takes care of everyone, even the sitter.....

9. She doesn't give up. When something doesn't come easily (and this isn't often) Courtney works and works until she gets it. The best example of this is her extraordinary cartwheel.

10. She always has a clean room. As her mother, this is at the top of my list. What kid always has a clean room?!?!?

11. Her testimony of Jesus Christ shows in all that she does and says. I am so, so proud of this.

A LONG week for Beckett...

2009-01-30T11:54:00.001-08:00

Since celebrating his second birthday, things have gone downhill for Beckett. He started the week with the stomach flu, and finished it in the Emergency Room. Thursday morning, he fell and hit his head on a rocking chair. The chair left a huge gash in his head that needed some medical attention. At Children's Hospital he was glued shut and given some Bob the Builder stickers. He also got to see Daddy at the hospital. All in all, I think he thought it was a pretty fun outing. Mommy on the other hand, did not enjoy it.

Oh, the joy of having a boy....

Look who's Two!!

2009-01-27T12:12:00.000-08:00

Beckett turned two on Friday, January 23rd. What a big boy! We had so much fun showering him with gifts, eating cake, and riding the local train. Happy Birthday Beckett!!

Two things I love about my boy:

1. He is a boy!! All boy. He loves trucks, rocks, trains, tools, and pirates. He loves to play ball, climb, and make a mess.

2. He is mine, all mine. Right now, the only woman in his life is MOMMY! He cuddles and loves me like he will never love anyone else. Of course, I already have some heavy competition (Courtney, Eleri, Aunt Rachie, Grandma Karen, and Grandma Kathy) -- back off ladies. HE IS MINE!!!

Happy, Happy Birthday baby boy.

Uh-oh

2009-01-26T13:50:00.000-08:00

I have not blogged in some time. And there is only one person to blame: Stephenie Meyer! Up until December I had avoided the whole "Twilight phenomenon." And then, Courtney came home hoping to read the books. Of course, I needed to read them before giving her the thumbs up. Well, Courtney will have to wait until she's older to read the books, but I was totally swept away. Easy to read, fun, and romantic. I love all four books. But now, on to real life....

A look back....

2009-01-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

First, thank you Marissa Mullen. I LOVED the recent post on your blog. I have been considering goals for the upcoming year and rolling around ideas for a post along those lines. I love that you took a look back at 2008 and listed your accomplishments, your favorite moments, and your blessings. I am going to follow your example and do the same.

My favorite things about 2008 were:

My oldest child, Courtney, turned ten years old. Wow! I have been a mom for an entire decade. What a joy Courtney has been to me. I can't remember life before she was in it. She is beautiful, talented, and wonderful in every way.

My baby had his first birthday. Never, in my wildest dreams did I think I would be blessed with a third child. To make the experience even richer, I have son. Wow.

This list would not be complete without mentioning my little El. She brings me laughter and happiness every day.

Todd went back to school this year. His long time goal of getting an MBA is in the works and I could not be happier or more proud of my intelligent, funny, handsome husband.

My preschool entered its sixth year of being in business. I have made so many good friends through this little class. I love my work and I am grateful to welcome such fantastic families into my home each week.

Finally, finally, finally, I got the hang of reading scriptures daily. This has been a blessing to me and I have been enlightened and blessed by it so much.

2008 was filled with challenges for so many people. I cannot be more thankful for the blessings I enjoy each and every day. I am looking forward to a fantastic 2009.

A VERY Merry Christmas....

2008-12-27T14:52:00.000-08:00

Coldplay

2008-12-05T08:34:00.000-08:00

Todd and I went to the Coldplay concert in Los Angeles last week. What a great time. It was such a great show. I have to admit that we realized we are getting older. Our ears were ringing for the entire day after the concert!

Corny... but SO FUNNY!

2008-11-25T09:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

I have been reading the Conference issue of the Ensign lately. Yesterday, I read Elder Bednar's talk on prayer. In it, he suggests just trying to thank the Lord for our blessings and ask for nothing. I decided to try that all week. It has been so eye opening. I find it comes natural to thank Him for something, and then head right into asking Him to improve it in some way. An example? I tend to thank Him for my children and then ask for patience or the ability to parent well. It has been inspiring to simply be thankful for them, and not worry about my short comings as their mother, or any of the other silly things I tend to worry about. It is nothing short of amazing that in my effort to only be thankful, I am being blessed even more. Blessings that I didn't even think to ask for are being granted. Through these "thankful prayers" my perspective changes, answers come easily, and I feel a lightness I did not know I was seeking.

A copy of this great talk can be found at:

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-14,00.html

Perspective

2008-11-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

Gosh, in my never ending quest to be a better mom... I still drop the ball from time to time. This morning, I lost my temper. Beckett has officially entered the terrible two's. Sparing the details, I will say that I had a lot going on this morning, I needed the kids to cooperate. By the time Courtney was dropped off and we were at Eleri's school, I was frazzled. This is when Eleri decided to hug Beckett. Over and over again. This is fine, except that Beckett was sitting in his stroller and didn't want to be hugged. So, here I am, already frazzled, with a seven year old bear hugging a screaming nearly two year old. I couldn't push the stroller, or even walk. I was frustrated. And finally, after the upteenth hug, I just pushed the stroller forcing Eleri to stumble and causing her some embarrassment. She simply waved good-bye to me and was off. I felt so bad. Should she have listened to me the million times I asked her to stop? Of course. But, losing my temper and causing her embarrassment wasn't right. I am the grown up here.

Anyway, I guess I am posting in part to get this off my chest. And also in part, to say that it is ok to be human. We all get frustrated. We all have our not so glorious moments. But, recognizing that, and changing it --isn't that what its all about?

I am sorry Eleri. I love you.

A week-end in Arizona

2008-11-17T19:26:00.000-08:00

We took a whirlwind trip to Arizona last week-end. The biggest hit of the trip, aside from meeting up with Grandma Kathleen, was horse riding. Todd and the girls took a trip from the hotel into the desert on horseback. They had a great time. We also got in some shopping and some relaxation at the pool.

Masterpiece Moments

2008-11-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

This story is taken from "Being Enough," by Chieko Okazaki:

"It was a hot afternoon, and my eight-year-old son, Zeb ran off to play with his friends Mike and Devin. What walked into the kitchen a couple hours later was a body Zeb's size covered with mud. In his ears, his nose, his hair, around his eyes, the stuff was all over him.

"Although my mouth dropped open, words momentarily failed me. When I found my voice, I asked in amazement, 'What did you do?'

"'Oh, we were just playing in some mud,' Zeb answered with classic understatement.

"I wasn't sure if I should lecture him or laugh. So I drew him a bath instead, hoping the wisdom of an appropriate response would come to me soon.

"As the tub was filling, Zeb said, 'Mike was in big trouble when his mom saw him.'

"'What did she say?' I asked, feeling a kinship with Mike's mom.

"'You get in here right now!'"

I stifled a laugh.... Devin was being cared for by his grandma that day, and I asked how she had responded to the awful sight. Zeb smiled... 'She said, "Wow! You're a masterpiece!"

" And suddenly it was my heart's prayer that, before he's fully grown, I'll ... respond to my son's childhood as wisely and as lightly as Devin's grandma. At least, occasionally."

"If we don't have time for masterpiece moments, the very reason we came to earth is being wasted on us."

Beautiful thoughts? Don't you think?

Happy Halloween

2008-11-04T09:39:00.000-08:00

We had a great Halloween. Courtney was the best garden gnome ever! Eleri was a very cute Wendy from Peter Pan. Beckett....where's Beckett?!?! Oh, that's right. He was the one rolling around on the floor screaming because he hated his costume. He ended up trick-or-treating dressed as a grumpy toddler with a gnome hat and half a beard (the rest was left on the carpet). Sorry, no pics of that masterpiece! Once he figured out candy was part of the deal, he was all in. Too bad I didn't think to dress him up after hitting a few doors!! Oh well, live and learn.

We had a great time celebrating this time of year. I love fall!!

Beckett and his favorite friend...

2008-11-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

I took these photos during our preschool class. These two sit together every day in this spot. It is so darn cute, and puts a smile on my face every time I see them. I am just so glad I got it on film.

Happy Birthday Todd

2008-10-31T13:37:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Todd's birthday last night. He chose to have a simple dinner at home and a cake made by his favorite girls. Eleri mixed and baked, Courtney frosted. It was a quiet, easy night. Just like he wanted.

Todd is a great dad and a wonderful husband.

I love you. Happy birthay.

Courtney

2008-10-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

Isn't she beautiful?

Just Hanging Out...

2008-10-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

Goodness! It has been a few weeks (nearly a month) since my last entry. There have been several days that I considered posting. However, I haven't been able to think of anything clever or fun to write about. We have simply been living our lives. Busy. Like everyone, we are busy. But, after watching General Conference last week-end --- I better take a quick break here to explain that our church holds a conference every six months. The conference takes place in Salt Lake City and is televised all over the world. Members of our faith stay at home or go to the church building to watch the meetings. Our prophet, Thomas S. Monson, among other leaders of the church address us. It is a fabulous and spiritually uplifting week-end, every time. Ok, so after watching conference, I've been pondering a lot over what President Monson had to say. He encouraged us to live our lives to the fullest each day, to enjoy the journey that our lives take us on. He reminded us that time is ticking for everyone and that if we are always focusing on tomorrow, all we have in the end is a lot of empty yesterdays. He spoke specifically to parents of young children, and mentioned how quickly the time goes. He said we would miss the fingerprints, piles of laundry, and crazy schedules before we knew it. While I enjoy my role as mom, and I am NOT in any hurry for my kids to grow up, this had quite an effect on me. I even took the time re-watch the talk on the internet this morning. I am so thankful for these kinds of reminders and for this wonderful advice. Advice from a prophet. It helps me to make my life a richer and more meaningful journey. And through that, I hope I am giving my kids the best childhood ever.

Here are few photos I took of Beckett this morning while we were hanging out in the backyard. Isn't he cute?

Happy Birthday Eleri!!

2008-09-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

Eleri is seven! We celebrated with a camping slumber party in our back yard. We also went to Balboa Park to ride the train and carousel. We finished our day with El's favorite dessert... Chocolate Pie!

Seven things I love about my seven year old:

1. Eleri ALWAYS has fun. She loves life. She is always happy and ready for a party.

2. Eleri is artistic. She can make an art piece out almost anything ... bubble wrap, a baggie, old socks, bark off a tree, oatmeal....

3. Everyone is a friend of El's. She makes friends easily and quickly. Boy, girl, tall, short, shy, outgoing.... she loves everyone!

4. Eleri is FUNNY! She loves to make us laugh, and often does!

5. Eleri is brave. She believes in herself and her abilities. She is not afraid of a challenge.

6. Eleri is not afraid to think "outside the box," she wanted s'mores instead of a cake at her party. It was a camping party after all. She is a very clever girl.

7. Eleri, you have made my life richer and more fun just by being you. I love you and I am so proud to be your mom. Happy Birthday sweetheart. I love you!!

A few random thoughts....

2008-09-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about happiness lately. What makes you happy? Whatever it is, I think you should add more of it to your life. I have been asking myself what makes me truly happy. My family for sure - my husband and my kids. They bring me true joy. I love going places with them. Watching my kids experience things for the first time is so exciting.

My home also makes me happy. I love it. It is just what I always wanted in a home. We live a great neighborhood with sidewalks and street lamps. I know it sounds odd, but I lived in such a rural area as a child, this was always a dream of mine. I also love that my house is old. It was built in 1945 - it has history. Others loved this house before I did. I often think about the woman that had this house built. What did she love most about it? Is she happy to see our family in it now? I love the details she added, little cubbies and great tile.

Sometimes that just needs to be enough. I find myself always looking for more. I always feel like I should be doing more, going more, making more money. More, more, more. Today I don't need more. Everything is great just like it is.

We are off and running!

2008-09-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well the first week of school went off without a hitch. I am so proud of my girls.

Courtney has handled middle school like a champ. She is making new friends and navigating her new school with ease. She is taking math, science, PE, social studies, language arts, and orchestra. What a busy fifth grader. It is a big school and I am so proud of the way she has found her place in it. She's not a little girl anymore!

Eleri loves first grade. Her teacher, Mrs. Cook is fantastic. We are looking forward to another great year at Sunset View. I feel so blessed to have my kids in such a spectacular school. It makes me happy to take her there each day and know that she is getting the best care and education that I can give her. She comes home with a smile every day.

AFTER his first day of preschool...

2008-09-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

Beckett is a bit young, but because I teach preschool out of my home classroom, he joined the group. He did great and had a fantastic time playing and learning with the other children. But, he was one tired boy when it was over. He didn't even make it through lunch.

Boys and their Toys!

2008-08-29T08:31:00.001-07:00

Does he look happy or what? You would think he died and went to heaven. He has been waiting a long time for the "perfect grill." It makes cooking a lot easier for me, so I am all for it!

On a side note, we went on our first date 14 years ago today. So, it is an anniversary of sorts for us. What a terrific 14 years it has been. If someone would have told me after a Mexican dinner and dollar movie that we would be here today, I would not have believed it. But, I'm sure glad we are here. I love you Todd!

Back to School

2008-08-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year. New pencils and paper. Lunch boxes. Establishing a bedtime again. Ahhh....the joys of routine.

Last night I had my back to school BBQ. We do this every year. All of my preschool families come over to meet each other, get familiar with my little classroom, and just have fun. It is always so stressful to plan as I feel everything has to be perfect. But then they come, and I have so much fun. This year, I have such a great group of people. They are all so different, from different places, doing different work. I have a lawyer, a doctor, a professional football player, a family that lives on a boat, a contractor, and list goes on. Opening the preschool out of my home was one of the best things I have ever done. Hopefully people feel a spirit of warmth and love when they are in my home. The children become such a big part of my life and I love them all. I am truly blessed to have a job I love and never takes me away from home or my own little kiddos. Beckett will be joining the class this year. I am so anxious to see how he does.

Courtney and Eleri start school next week. We have all their school supplies, new clothes, backpacks, the works. We are ready.

I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!

Friends that inspire...

2008-08-18T16:46:00.000-07:00

It is amazing where and how you can find a friend. A new friend of mine inspired me to create my first floral arrangement. It looks great on a shelf that has been lonely for the last four years. Thanks Andrea. I look forward to your "Errand of Angels" blog. I am sure I will continue to be inspired and uplifted by you.

Now on to long time friends.... Last Saturday Holli, Connie, Adrianne, and I took a "girls day out." Our wonderful husbands agreed to watch the little ones and we were off! Our first stop was the temple. I have never been to the temple in the morning and it was so beautiful with natural light. I left feeling inspired, happy, and relaxed. Then, we had lunch at a great restaurant on the beach. We followed that up with some home decor shopping and finished the day with some ice cream. What a day. I was uplifted and and refreshed by these wonderful ladies. It was a fantastic day. Thanks girls!

Happy Summer Days...

2008-08-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to have a Fudgsicle.

Eleri's pierced ears!!

2008-08-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

Eleri has been talking for months about getting her ears pierced. Along with her friend Emerson, we finally got them done on Friday night. We had so much fun! After getting the ears done, we went to Nordstrom cafe and had chocolate lava cake, what a night!! Courtney and Roxanne (Emerson's mom) came along for the fun. It was such a special treat to be out with the just the girls.... and Eleri looks beautiful!

Home Projects

2008-08-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I have a list that covers an entire notebook page front and back of little (and big) projects that I want done around the house. We have finally committed ourselves to working on them. I started recovering our dining room chairs today. I have never done this before, so it seemed quite daunting. I have to say, it is not as hard as I thought. And, my first chair turned out pretty good. The photos are not great quality, but here are the before and afters.

Michael Beckett

2008-07-31T16:07:00.000-07:00

How cute is this guy?

It's All About the Girl

2008-07-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

Todd and I have started taking turns with the girls each month. We try to do something fun and special to them. It has been a great way to spend some one on one time with each one, and they really look forward to their turn. Anyway, it was my month with Courtney. Since her little sister has been dying to try out the new store "Its All About the Girl," Court asked if we could have a double date this month. I thought it might be fun,so the girls got make overs and then we enjoyed some dinner. Here are the results. Aren't they glamorous?

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

2008-07-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

For the first time in a long time, we woke up with nothing to do. The girls didn't have camp and I didn't have preschool. Yahoo!

Since we weren't in any kind of hurry, I decided to treat the kids to chocolate chip pancakes. They loved them. Especially Beckett. He was so cute picking out the chocolate chips and throwing the rest of the pancake to the side. As I was watching them enjoy their yummy meal and looked into my wreck of a kitchen, I realized that this is what life is all about. At that moment I didn't want to be anywhere else doing anything else. I just wanted to be with them. Cooking for them, making them laugh, and enjoying a slow, happy morning.

Still needs work

2008-07-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

Well, this thing still really, really needs work.

I am amazed at how great other blogs look. I thought, "how hard can this be?" Well, let me say that it takes more than the 10 minutes I wanted to dedicate to it. I am not at all pleased with the templates offered. Where do you get the cute ones? It took me almost an hour to figure out the music thing. Gosh, I need to dedicate some real time to this thing....

On a happier note, I made my own flour tortillas for dinner tonight. I realized I was out and did not want to run to the store, so I made them. Being from New Mexico, I have done this before, but it has been years. In fact, I think my mission in New Zealand was the last time. At any rate, they turned out so warm, soft, and yummy. They made our simple dinner so much better. I think I will make them myself from now on.

Ok, now better get back to work on making this thing look better..... stay tuned!

Hmmm...I don't know about this...

2008-07-08T16:07:00.000-07:00

I have never considered myself a "blogger." However, after reading so many inspiring blogs, I believe it is time for our little family to give it a shot. To begin, I am Leila. I am married to the adorable and wonderful Todd. Together, we share three terrific children, Courtney, Eleri, and Beckett. We are proud members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and believe that our incredibly blessed lives are a direct result of the standards and principles we have have adopted into our lives from the teachings of the gospel.