The Toddler's Creed (our life right now )

If it is on, I must turn it off.
If it is off, I must turn it on.
If it is folded, I must unfold it.
If it is a liquid, it must be shaken, then spilled.
If it a solid, it must be crumbled, chewed or smeared.
If it is high, it must be reached.
If it is shelved, it must be unshelved.
If it is pointed, it must be run with at top speed.
If it has leaves, they must be picked.
If it is plugged, it must be unplugged.
If it is not trash, it must be thrown away.
If it is in the trash, it must be removed, inspected, and
Thrown on the floor.
If it is closed, it must be opened.
If it does not open, it must be screamed at.
If it has drawers, they must be rifled.
If it is a pencil, it must write on the refrigerator,
Monitor, or table.
If it is full, it will be more interesting emptied.
If it is empty, it will be more interesting full.
If it is a pile of dirt, it must be laid upon.
If it is stroller, it must under no circumstances be
Ridden in without protest. It must be pushed by me instead.
If it has a flat surface, it must be banged upon.
If Mommy's hands are full, I must be carried.
If Mommy is in a hurry and wants to carry me, I must walk alone.
If it is paper, it must be torn.
If it has buttons, they must be pressed.
If the volume is low, it must go high.
If it is toilet paper, it must be unrolled on the floor.
If it is a drawer, it must be pulled upon.
If it is a toothbrush, it must be inserted into my mouth.
If it has a faucet, it must be turned on at full force.
If it is a phone, I must talk to it.
If it is a bug, it must be swallowed.
If it doesn't stay on my spoon, it must be dropped on the floor.
If it is not food, it must be tasted.
If it IS food, it must not be tasted.
If it is dry, it must be made wet with drool, milk, or toilet water.
If it is a carseat, it must be protested with arched back.
If it is Mommy, it must be hugged.
I am toddler!

We love you Joshua Tucker!

Fieldtrip Fun

I went with Lizzie's class on a fieldtrip to the Hillmar Cheese Factory. It was pretty cool. The kids were able to make their own ice cream and sample Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese. They had a nice outdoor picnic area with a waterfall where we enjoyed our sack lunches. We even were able to purchase squeaky cheese. Yum!

Enjoying the ice cream they made.
Wyatt, Lizzie and Brandon
Checking out the waterfall.
All off the canisters were on an scale, so Lizzie is pushing on them to make the scale move.
Dressing up as a worker.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was a nice relaxing day. Kevin made a fabulous breakfast, we enjoyed a great church service and then came home to relax with my parents and the Regier family. Unfortunately, in the afternoon Tori's temperature shot up to 103.8 which immediately alarmed us because of her seizure history. Thankfully, we were able to get it back down, but it began a week of fevers and sore throats for all three kids. All-in-all, it was a great day.

I feel truly blessed to have not one, not two, but three children call me mama.

Birthday Parties

We celebrated both girls' birthdays in April. Lizzie turned 8 and Tori turned 4. Since, I'm a little behind in posting, so I'll let the pics do the talking...

I'm FOUR!

Tori thought her new jammies from grandma and her new swimsuit made a dynamite outfit!

Our new sun hat.
Love my Tina.
mmmmm, fresh strawberry shortcake!
Here's another birthday girl
Wyatt at Lizzie's party...a little muddy.
Colby shows off his muscles.
The victorious birthday girl.
Michael's summer physique.
Josh and cousin Alyssa check out the slip'n'slide at Lizzie's party.
Thrilled parents watching at Lizzie's party
Brandon's extraordinary exit off the waterslide.
Nothing says birthday party like John's Incredible Pizza!
Lizzie's best buddy, Destyni and Joshie

Now?

Yes, Tori, now. When Tori woke up this morning I grabbed her, and held her tight and told her "Happy birthday, Tori!" She looked and me and said, "Now?" "Yes, honey now." "Now I'm four?" Yes, honey, now, you're four."

Happy birthday Victoria Melody Joy. We love you and enjoy every day with you. You bring so much joy and laughter into our lives. We can't imagine what our family would be like without you.This photo was our first introduction to Tori. Tori is apx 6 months old here. We brought her home when she was 8.5 months old.

This is our beautiful girl now...4 years old! What a blessing she is!
Here are some fun pictures of Tori from this last year. She was a very busy three-year-old!

Phase 3

Kevin has the kitchen in pretty good shape. Cabinets are in, the countertop is poured, appliances and the sink are in. He has done a beautiful job, it looks great!

My way cool farmer's sink

Love this faucet!

The island

Sink side

The cooktop

Close-up of the countertop

We still have to complete the floors, paint and do some finish work, but, all in all, we're very pleased.

In Between Phases

During the chaos of the kitchen remodel, the kids particularly enjoyed the chaos. All three kids would play hide-n-seek in the cabinets, or peek a boo with a towel and a stack of laminate flooring. They were pretty creative!