Kristina is officially a TEENAGER!!!

Thirteen years ago our sweet eldest child decided to enter this world. Granted she was 2 1/2 weeks early she gave us an idea of what life would be like with her! Kristina has been such a good kid with such a funny personality. She is usually kind and sweet but her teenage hormones tend to take over her every now and then! We are so grateful for her in our life!

Sorry about the blur but I had to show the child's Twilight obsession!

Since her birthday fell on a Sunday we celebrated yesterday with a yummy lunch at NYPD Pizza. One of our favorite places. Grandpa Richie and Grandma Junie happened to be in town so we were lucky enough to have them join us. We also brought Kristina's best bud Ryleigh along because those two just love to hang out together. After lunch we headed to the mall to see what treasures she could buy with the birthday cash that was burning a hole in her pocket. Time was running short and the younger siblings were getting bored so we didn't get to spend as much time there as she would've liked. I guess I will have to take her again. Then today for her actual birthday we had Ma and Grandpa come over to have cake after church. I think she had a pretty good day and just want her to know that we love her moods and all. She is such a sweet girl and I'm glad that she is a part of our lives!

Kristina and her partner in crime Ryleigh! (I hope I spelled your name right!)

Coyotes and their breakfast

For the past few days we have had a poor dead cow behind our house. Since we have state land behind us the ranchers sometimes rent the land and let their cows out back there. The other day Matt opened the blinds in our room and saw a dead cow. We had been calling the county and the state to have it removed before it started to smell and to be honest who wants to look at a dead cow! The past couple of nights the coyotes have discovered the cow and have been feasting upon it. The night before I was woken up by the stupid coyotes all thru the night as they ate and howled. Aargghhh!!! This morning as I was getting the kids ready for school I heard them making a ruckus outside which is unusual since it was sunny outside. I looked out the window and saw about 3 having breakfast on the cow. Eeeewwww!! (of course though I had to get pictures!) I called the kids upstairs and they totally loved watching wildlife in action. I know the pictures aren't the best cuz 1: I am not my brother the photographer and 2: the sun was still coming up and the lighting stunk. I did think it was kind of fun to share the pics though and hope you do to!

Picture tag

This is kind of a fun "picture tag" - you just go to the 4th picture album on your computer, and post the 4th picture in the album.

I tag whoever wants to do it:)

Riley's Do!

Since there was no school on Monday we decided to tame and straighten Riley's hair. She loves to have it done because her hair is so pretty but it takes FOREVER to do! I am also severely hair challenged and impatient to do all those fab hair-do's. Enjoy the pics!

Happy Birthday Riley!!

It's hard to believe that 10 years ago our little Riley decided to enter this world. She wasn't due until the 16th but I guess she decided we really needed a Valentine's baby. This sweet girl has blessed our lives so much and I am thankful for the sweet spirit she brings into our family!

We started the day off by finally getting to sleep in. Well I should say I got to sleep in but Riley was to excited to sleep too late. She awoke and patiently awaited till we were all dressed before she opened her presents. I think she made out rather nicely:)

Here she is with her dad and Sam. Kristina decided to spend the day at the zoo with friends and we missed her. Mean mom that I am I only do parties on the big birthdays but the kids don't seem to mind so much.

After presents we loaded up to go to the San Tan mall. Riley had a wad of cash that was totally burning a hole in her pocket. The main store she wanted to visit was any bookstore. Luckily there is a huge Barnes and Noble at the mall and she was excited to go! She totally cracked me up when we entered the store because it is two stories and that is two stories of bliss for Riley. Right when she entered there was a "Whoa" coming from Riley and she was in HEAVEN!!! This kid is a total book worm. (She has the most AR points from reading in the entire school!) She had found 5 books to take home and read right away. She would've bought more but wants to save some of her money for a DS game coming out next month. Then it was off to Build a Bear because she got a birthday gift card from them for her other bears. Note to all the readers, NEVER GO TO BUILD A BEAR ON VALENTINE'S DAY!!! Talk about insane craziness in there!!! She found a cute doggie and now all is right with the world:)

We picked up Kristina on the way home and had Riley's meal of choice for her birthday, TV dinners. The kid is a little strange:) That is now our official Valentine's dinner. I know you are jealous, right?! Grandma and Grandpa headed over for cake to end the day. It was such a fun day. We love you Riley and are so grateful to have you in our family!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SWEET GIRL!!