I love Dorothy, Mama.

Tonight was a very very special evening for me. Jordan and I took both girls to see "The Wiz" put on by Life Christian Acaedmy (where I used to teach choir and coach cheerleading.) It was Raegan's first show, and I had been looking forward to it all week. I went in with low expectations on her since it was late, etc. But I was blown out of the water! Let me back up a bit... Earlier today I was explaining to Raegan that we were going to go see a musical. I went on to share with her that mommy was in many musicals and how much I loved that piece of my life. And also how Grampa would always cry when mommy performed, and of course, I got all teared up and instead of pulling myself together and walking away, I looked at her and she looked into my eyes and it was like she got it- this was special to mommy. She didn't know why yet. But she knew it was.

So, after dinner I gave her the option of getting dressed up or wearing pjs (since it was going to be very late) and I was surprised to hear that she wanted to wear a dress! She picked out her bright yellow butterfly dress, sparkly shoes, and headband and was giggling with excitement. "Daddy, are you ready? Mommy, come on let's go!"

Before the show started I walked her up to the "pit" to check out the instruments and see the stage, and as soon as the music started it was as if somebody had sprinkled magic dust on her: She was utterly captivated. She did whisper lots of questions to us, trying to understand the plot, but it was almost a 3 hour show, and she was angelic. One of my favorite moments was when she leaned over and said to me, "Mommy, I just want to sing." That's exactly the way I feel when I see a musical. I just wanna sing! She did her best to hum along and she shamelessly bopped to the fast songs! That's my girl:)

After the curtain call she met the cast! Can you imagine how amazing this was for her? (And me. My "middle schoolers" were now all grown up!) She was a little afraid of the Lion, but wanted to talk to him so baldy. High-five Lion! And we searched for the Scare-crow until we tracked her down so that Raegan could see her up close and tell her what a good job she did. The tin man got a high-five too... But most importantly, we met Dorothy! As we walked up Raegan opened her arms and fell into a huge hug with my sweet friend Julie, who rocked the part of Dorothy. It was a very special moment. Raegan's eyes were just huge as she looked up to them all. The car ride home was just as cool. She totally talked my ear off! "Did you like Dorothy?" I asked. "I LOVE Dorothy, Mama. I love her SO much," was her immediate response. Something happened tonight. I shared my passion with my daughter, and she enjoyed every minute. My heart is overflowing. Oh, and Anabelle was just perfect! She slept mostly, stirring during the loudest songs, but blessing her mama by staying quiet and snuggled in. Thank you Lord for my daughters. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Potato Art!

Looks like a plate of potatoes, doesn't it? But why would potatoes make my beautiful girl grin like this? Because those aren't lunch~ they're stamps! Ah, good ol' potato stamping...

I cut them in half, carved fun shapes into them, and squirted paint onto a paper plate. They are big and easy to hold onto for a toddler, so it was a fun and easy way to start the morning with a smile! And here's an "R" for Raegan.

She smiled!

She smiled back at me. A sweet toothless grin. Perfectly pure. Adorable and so fulfilling. Anabelle, you have my heart wrapped around your tiny pinky finger.

I waited a few days before trying to capture her smiling. I just wanted to soak them all up myself for a while before I worried about trying to get a picture... these photos are unfocused, but look at that face! Now Mommy can get a smile out of her almost every time I try!

My sweet tulip.

Bubbles with Gramma!

Simply the best.

The caption says it all. That's MY mom in the newspaper! And she simply IS the best! Ever wondered why I became a teacher? Well, there you have it folks:

My mother was just named "Ellensburg School District Teacher of the Year!" Wow. I mean, we all knew she was the best, but now the secrets out of the bag for all to celebrate! The crazy thing about being a teacher is that you sign up because you love it, knowing you'll give give give. On top of all the fun stuff, you work long hours, clean up after kids, deal with hard situations, take work home with you, etc etc, but you hardly ever receive credit for any of it. You know that going in. Yet you couldn't imagine doing anything else- and you truly love it. So, it's never about the praise, and that's why this award is SO COOL! My mom's been teaching for many many years, and she is so deserving of this honor. She really is the best. Being a student in her class is like getting up and going to Disneyland every day.

Love you mom. We are all so proud of you!

sprinkles

Funfetti cupcakes with tons and tons of sprinkles- a little girl's dream. Well, my little girls dream. For today anyway. I'm not gonna lie, it's been a stretch having 2 kids and minimal sleep. Raegan is extremely active, and there's only so many square feet of fun space and creative play ideas inside when it's rainy and cold. So, today when she said, "Mommy. Let's make cupcakes. Can we?" I paused, and said, "Yes. Let's make cupcakes!" Why not!? I have 4 dozen mini cupcakes now with all kinds of crazy sprinkles. Some we ate, some are boxed up to deliver to friends tomorrow, and most of them will probably get thrown out at some point. It wasn't about the cupcakes though; it was about our time together. While Anabelle snoozed, we had a giggly fun time in the kitchen baking, eating way to many little cupcakes, licking the frosting knife (it was a tiny butter knife, ok! I'm not usually such a bad example.) and making a big mess! She thought we were getting away with something- just Raegan and mommy. It was our little secret:)

at home.

A day at home with my daughters:

Jesus is Alive!

Happy Easter!

I haven't been getting out much, so having a "project" to do with my active 2 year old is often the key to a great day. Friday morning was egg-dyeing day. I must admit, open bowls of permanent dye and my bright-eyed, hands-on Raegan combined with a fussing infant almost put me over the edge, but it was worth it!

And look how beautiful they turned out to be!?

The fun continues...

On Saturday, my Aunt Carolyn from California was up for a visit, and we tackled... THE MALL. My first time using my double stroller, my first time at the mall with two children, and Raegan's first experience with the Easter bunny. (We stood in the photo line for probably 40 minutes just to end up giving the guy in the bunny suit a high five. No matter how potentially adorable, I have vowed never to force my child to sit on the lap of a stranger, so "High five man!" and off we went with our sucker)

Easter Morning!

Raegan usually wakes up and says, "Mommy! Mommy!" but on the weekends she calls for "Daddy! Daddy!" because he's the one getting up early with the girls (Thanks honey!)... So, on Easter Sunday it was, "Daddy! My Easter basket! Daddy! My Easter Basket!" I thouroughly enjoyed playing the Easter bunny this year. My parents taught me well: a few cool gifts and some candy! I left it right outside of her door, and she was so excited!

And after nap... A hunt for 3 dozen plastic eggs filled with M&Ms and Jelly beans! Raegan's eyes sparkled when I told her that her job was to find every hidden egg.

We went to church for the first time as a foursome on Easter Sunday. The girls had bright coordinating cotton dresses and pink bows in their hair. Thanks Gramma. Nothing super fancy, but I think they were (are and always will be) just adorable!

Funny faces :)

I think this first shot might be my favorite "baby face." Both of my girls had/have it down to a T, and there's just something cute, yet giggle-inducing about this face:

4 weeks old.

Happy 4 week birthday yesterday, Anabelle!

She's still pretty sleepy, but when she is awake she is so alert and beautiful! Until last night, the longest she had gone between nursing was about 4 hours. Totally normal. But last night, she started off her night by going 6 plus! Oh yeah, baby! Mommy is so thankful:) What a gift this child is to our family. Cheers to surviving the first month!