The Rex Family

Mommy WOW... I'm a BIG boy now!

2010-10-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

Koa is almost 2 1/2 and is growing up WAY TOO FAST! Although he knows how to milk me and pretends to be my baby, he definately is NOT a baby anymore! He is 100% potty trained and I am SO proud of him. About 6 weeks ago he decided he didnt want diapers anymore and so he would go on the potty... the first 5 days were rough... he would have 3 or 4 accidents a day, but after a week NO MORE ACCIDENTS! Kaile potty trained really easily so I though Koa would be my tough one... I was wrong! He is such a good boy and I love him so much!!

I had to throw in a picture of Kaile! She is almost 4! She is so cute, SASSY, and very sweet. I love her to pieces!
(Side note... I accidently buzzed his head! OoOPPs! No more late night hair cuts outside, in the DARK. Hes still a doll though!)

Life...

2010-10-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

The past 2 years have been quite the experience for our little family! I was very hesitant to move into Glenns parents home while they moved to Hawaii for 2 years. I worried about what "people would think"... I worried about losing our privacy... honestly, I cried when we left our little home! We have definately had our ups and downs but it has been such a blessing for our family! Glenn was able to finish his bachelors degree, took up to 21 units at a time, works more than full time and always makes time for myself and his kids! He does it all with a smile on his face and he has never once complained about being overwhelmed! I admire him for being so motivated by us! He wants to give us the best and HE HAS! I feel so blessed that he has had such a great job in this unstable economy! We have been able to pay for all of his schooling and have no debt! We have also been able to save money for a down payment on a house and Glenn is even starting his masters program! I am glad that we were able to feel "helpful" here by taking care of his parents home and rental units. We are so looking forward to his parents return in less than 6 weeks! Packing and moving will keep us busy and hopefully the time will fly, we have missed them so much!

Stay tuned for more blog posts! I'm BACK!

"Kaile Taylor Swift" Take 2

2010-06-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

My gal LOVES Taylor Swift... here she is singing song 2!

FINALLY!

2010-06-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

Friday May 21, 2010 was one of the BEST days EVER! Glenn graduated and I am SO happy to have my man back! The last few semesters were crazy with Glenn taking 18-21 units and working full times (and overtime)! It was definately rough for a couple of years having 2 little ones and a husband with a packed schedule but Glenn always managed to find time to spend with us! I will forever be amazed at how hard Glenn works and he NEVER EVER complains about it! Somedays he'd only get a couple hours of sleep and he still managed to put on a happy face! I LOVE him so much for that!

Me with my GRADUATE!

Congratulations babe!

Froggy Party!

2010-06-08T14:11:00.001-07:00

Koa and 2 of his cousins, Matthew and Jaxson, all turned 2 within a few weeks of each other so we celebrated with a "TOADally Awesome" frog party at Froggs Bounce House and it was SO MUCH FUN!

Koa on his birthday... I need to find a picture of all 3 of the Birthday boys!

The banner and gift table...

The chocolate frog sucker centerpieces and froggy confetti (I went a little psycho with the details!)

The Frog Cake that my cousin Heather and I stayed up until 3am making! It was SO worth it though!

2.

2010-05-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

My BABY is 2 and I love him SO much!

Isn't he adorable!

We are in paradise...

2010-04-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

Getting SUPER excited over PINK pineapple (so excited that we forget how to open our eyes... bless her cute heart!)

playing in grandma and grandpas backyard... (this is really their backyard!)

playing old hawaiian games...

being transformed into sand mermaids...

Making new friends...

building princess sand castles...

watching the waves...

chasing away unwanted friends...

learning new tricks...

eating fresh pineapple...

bailing ourselves out of jail...

and we are enjoying EVERY SECOND of it!

I don't want to come home!

Easter Weekend

2010-04-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

Saturday we headed to the local park for the annual easter egg hunt. It was CRAZY but the kids had fun!
Kaile with her basket!

Koa was in heaven! He just loved carrying around his basket!

Later that afternoon we headed over to our nieces preschool party and the kids go to meet the easter bunny! Kaile was a little freaked out so this is the best shot we could get!

We headed home and decided to dye our eggs... instead we dyed the kids! Glenn accidently dyed Koa (and the kitchen floor) blue and while we were cleaning that up Kaile dyed herself and my ottoman yellow! Hopefully next year turns our a little better...

Koa with a few presents from the easter bunny!

Koas loot! The bunny brought him a bunch of mickey stuff (hes obsessed with mickey lately), some new spring/summer clothes and board shorts for our trip to hawaii (we are going to Hawaii in 2 weeks), a toy motorcycle (his fav), a mini skateboard, and a few other goodies!

Kaile was all smiles!

Kailes loot! Kaile got new jammies, some new clothes and bathing suits, flip flops, minnie stuff, jasmine figurines, The Princess and the Frog and a few other goodies!

Happy Easter!

"Kaile Taylor Swift"

2010-02-17T14:19:00.000-08:00

Kaile LOVES Taylor Swift and she even asked me to call her "Kaile Taylor Swift." She is too funny!

Happy Valentines Day Jodi!

2010-02-13T02:03:00.000-08:00

This picture was a few days after our first valentines day together. I remember I was so exited to finally have a girlfriend on valentines day that I dragged my best friend and sister our to the mall to help me pick something out. They couldn't believe that I was willing to spend the last of my tiny paycheck on a present when I still had a week and a half till payday. But I did and haven't regretted it since. Happy Valentines Day Babe!

Koa the Lawnmower and Kaile the Ballerina!

2010-01-30T15:15:00.000-08:00

Santa got Koa this totally awesome lawnmower for Christmas and today he put it to good use!
He was SO proud to be mowing the lawn with daddy and I was DYING over how cute he was trying to keep up with his dad!

Kaile started ballet today and she was SO excited! She was thrilled to go shopping alone with mommy to buy her new ballet slippers and tap shoes. I LOVED seeing her get so excited! Glenn wanted to go with us... he said there was NO WAY he was missing his babys first dance class! When Kaile was nervous Glenn totally went into the studio and DANCED WITH HER! All of the other moms about DIED! They were so goo-goo gaa-gaa over a dad dancing with his daughter. My heart totally melted! He is seriously the BEST DAD EVER! He will do anything for his kids... he doesn't have too much pride to bust a few ballet and tap moves and I love him even more because of it!

Isn't she a doll?!?!

Road trip!

2010-01-24T20:19:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we took a little road trip to Northern California to visit with family and celebrate Calleighs 3rd birthday! (my cousins daughter)

The kids did SOO great in the car! They painted, watched movies... and made cheesy faces for the camera...
Poor Kaile got sick and was throwing up in the car but she was still such a good girl and just rested and painted when she felt up to it... I just love her!

Koa looked so cute napping with his leg up! The kids were SO happy when they were able to get out of the car and play!

they built forts...

and PARTIED!

All before heading back home in the CRAZIEST storm ever! The drive back home SUCKED but we had such a fun weekend!

Rain, Rain, GO AWAY!

2010-01-21T16:07:00.000-08:00

Are we in like Seattle or is this Southern California we live in?!? Cause SERIOUSLY I am confused! I about had a mini panic attack yesterday when I looked out of the kitchen doors and saw Lake Elsinore on the patio! Luckily my, handy dandy, hubby came to the rescue... trashbag and all! We have drains on the patio that he opened and "wahhhlah" the water was GONE!

Bad Blogger!

2010-01-20T19:54:00.001-08:00

I know, I know! I've been a horrible blogger! I totally skipped over the holidays and haven't blogged "a real blog" for a while. Over the holidays we were busy with friends and family and Glenn has been taking winter classes so I am always kept busy with the kids! I'll do a quick recap of the past month...
Glenn won a 50" plasma at his work christmas party for not calling in sick or missing a day of work in 2009...
We hosted our annual "Wright" family Christmas party at our house...
Had company stay with us for a few days before Christmas...
Santa came and totally hooked us up...
Brought in 2010 with family...
Went on a mini vacay to Northern California to celebrate Calleighs 3rd birthday and spend time with family...
That is what we've been doing the past month! I am SO ready to get back to the daily grind and get back to blogging!

day 4 of 2010...

2010-01-04T09:26:00.001-08:00

day 4 of dealing with sick kids!

O (PINK) Christmas Tree...

2009-12-15T20:59:00.000-08:00

Kaile asked several times for a little Christmas tree for her room... (One just her right size, as she put it). I found this ADORABLE pink tree that I knew Kaile would L-O-V-E since she is obsessed with anything and everything pink! Grandma beat me to the punch and bought it for her and she was soooo happy!
Kaile trying to get Koa to pose with her.

I just LOVE these two cuties and am really enjoying creating special traditions with them as they get older!

Picture time!

2009-12-08T14:39:00.000-08:00

My precious Koa!

Glenn got the kids to take a decent picture...

I have come to terms with the fact that it's IMPOSSIBLE to get a decent picture of our family!

I am NOT sure what I am doing here (maybe an Alyssa/Mayra face??)

Koa... picking his head...
Now if only we could get one with all 4 of us?!

Koa's 1st Haircut!

2009-12-08T14:11:00.000-08:00

Today Koa got his 1st Haircut! It was MUCH needed! I've been putting it off in an attempt to keep him my baby F-O-R-E-V-E-R!
He did SO good! He was a little confused but just sat there calmly!

Almost done!

Koa with my hair dress of 11 years! I LOVE her! Hopefully now we can let his hair grow out and it will be nice and even! My baby is growing up way too fast! STOP IT KOA, RIGHT NOW!

I am thankful...

2009-11-25T22:30:00.000-08:00

For...

The Savior

Love

Family

The Atonement

My Husband

Kaile

Koa

Pumpkin Pie

Friendship

Siblings

Parents

Chocolate

Diet Coke

Faith

My Church

Nordstrom

I have SO much to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Kailes Cupcake Party!

2009-11-10T21:19:00.000-08:00

My sister Rebecca took tons of pictures for me at Kailes Cupcake Party and already blogged about it... so check it out!! http://xoxorebecca.blogspot.com

Kaile is 3!

2009-11-01T08:44:00.000-08:00

Kaile and mom... 8 months
kaile and mom.... 1 1/2 months

kaile and koa... summer 2009

kaile and dad... 3 months

3rd Birthday photo shoot!

kaile... just born!

kaile... spring 2009

(excuse the out-of-order photos)

My baby girl is 3 today and I cannot believe it! Kaile was the sweetest baby! She slept through the night starting at 2 weeks... NEVER spit up... NEVER cried, literally NEVER... she was ALWAYS sooooo happy! I am so thankful for Kaile! You are so sweet and fun and SOOO full of personality! You are such a good girl Kaile and Mom and Dad LOVE you so much!

Jasmine and Aladdin

2009-10-27T12:12:00.000-07:00

Last night we took the kids to the Disneyland Castmember Halloween Party and they had SO MUCH FUN! My moms friend works there and got us tickets! Thanks so much! Kaile had a special tram ride back to the car... she was sitting next to the girl who plays jasmine at disneyland! She had asked if Kaile would take a picture with her. It was so cute!

My mom bought Kaile her Jasmine costume at disneyland and Kaile REALLY wanted Koa to be Aladdin... of course there are NO Aladdin costumes out there so my aunt whipped up Koa's adorable costume in 1 day! They looked SOOO cute and had such a fun time trick or treating and dancing!

Life is sweet...

2009-10-07T20:52:00.000-07:00

(fyi... Koa DID NOT eat half of that ginorm sucker... him and Kaile were saying "CHEERS!" and hitting their suckers together and his broke)

Koa enjoyed some Disneyland fun too! He is just the sweetest little guy! His favorite part was "A Bugs Land" in California Adventure and his lolli that his sister bought for him with her "chore" money! She is such a nice sister!

The past few weeks...

2009-10-06T18:38:00.000-07:00

Have been filled with lots of fun trips to "The HAPPIEST place on earth!"

I LOVE Kaile's age. Disneyland is truly "magical" for her these days! She is in HEAVEN while visiting the place where all her princess friends live! I am SO glad that we can create all these fun memories!

Where did she come from?

2009-09-21T17:40:00.001-07:00

Kaile is FULL of personality! She is happy, loving, smart, and I never know what will come out of her mouth next... Tonight we had lasagna for dinner and it can be a little messy so I decided to take Kailes white tank off. She started crying hysterically after I took it off and so I asked her what was wrong. I definately didn't expect the answer I got...

In a totally dramatic voice she answered

"now everybody can see my nipples!"

Ummm... is she 2 or 20?! What 2 year old worries about being shirtless at home?!
This is one of the many reasons I LOVE her SOOO much! She totally cracks me up every single day!

My little Doctor...

2009-09-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

I think Koa needs a blue dr. kit!

Conversations with a 2 1/2 year old...

2009-09-06T15:07:00.001-07:00

Grandma: "Kaile, what color are your eyes?"

Kaile: "Brown, just like Diet Coke!"

She definately is her mothers daughter!

4 years...

2009-09-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

Happy 4 year anniversary to my best friend! I love you so much and look forward to loving you FOREVER!

(seriously... how did I get such a hottie?!)

16 months!

2009-08-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

Koa is 16 months old and has definately turned into a little man! He is HILARIOUS and is the best entertainment EVER!

RUNS everywhere

he wants to do EVERYTHING that his sister does

he LOVES his doggy blankie and his baba

still such a MAMAS boy... but also LOVES grandma and my brothers and sisters

Is talking A LOT these days (not nearly as much as kaile did as his age, but hey, he's the 2nd child, and a BOY)

LOVES playing basketball and anything that invloves a ball

is such a CUDDLER and LOVES giving kisses (this totally melts me into a ball of mush)

is outgrowing his size 6 shoes and is wearing at least a 2T (he is a giant baby)

LOVES driving Kailes pink jeep and has MASTERED climbing (which I HATE because he will jump onto beds/couches etc and want to JUMP off...)

I am so in love with my little koie and am glad that I "accidently" got pregnant with him!

Becca... I LOVE these pictures!

Happy 25th!

2009-08-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday big sis!
I love you and look up to you! Thanks for being such a fabulous sister!

forgive me for these pictures... they are the only ones i have downloaded and my scanner is being crazy!

by the way... whats up with you having me in a headlock in both pictures!?!

Shine Classic 2009

2009-08-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday August 8, 2009 was the 2nd annual "shine classic" (a surf competition/family bbq in memory of Glenns grandpa)

Kaile LOVES playing in the sand!
Koa couldn't get enough of "sand surfing" Daddy cannot wait to get him out in the water on a surfboard!

Koa giving me a sassy look with his BFF "baba"
Kaile cheering on daddy
Daddy tearing it up! Go babe!
Still looking good after hours of surfing!

The kids have been LOVING the beach this summer...
Me... keepin an eye out... Koa hamming it up for the camera
This kid ate SO much watermelon!

We LOVE summertime!

Thanks Coleen for taking such fabulous photos!

Kaile

2009-08-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Kaile's age! 2 1/2 is SO much fun. She is hilarious, sweet, fun, girly, fiesty and so full of personality! She is the best big sister... she loves her "king baby" (her nickname for Koa). She is growing up so fast and it is so fun to watch her change as she grows. I love her so much!

Summer...

2009-07-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

Since we got back from Hawaii we have been pretty busy! Glenn started school and is once again MIA... when he does have free time we go to the beach... Glenn surfed in a 70's style surf contest... lots of chick fil a play dates... chuck e cheese when it gets too hot... lots of playing at the park... and so on... sadly, I have no pictures to post because I lost my camera?! I am DYING without it but am hoping that Glenn might surprise me with the Cannon Rebel that i've been wanting for a long time *hint*hint* Hope you're all having a fabulous summer! We sure are trying to! Until next time...

The cutest baby girl EVER!

2009-07-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

(my little cabbage patch doll... Kaile at 2 months)

I didn't enter the "blogging world" until I was 9 months pregnant with Koa, so you all didn't get to witness Kaile as a baby! She was the chubbiest, happiest, most precious little thing! She started sleeping through the night at 2 weeks and NEVER cried! She was honestly like the perfect baby! I really miss my teeny tiny little chubby Kaile! I cannot believe that she will be 3 in just a few months!

14 months!

2009-07-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

I miss doing monthly posts about my little man! He is growing up WAY TOO FAST! He is just the sweetest little guy ever! He is so affectionate and loves giving kisses! He loves the beach... popsicles... his doggy blankie... his mama... and his baba!
Boys are so much fun and are just so sweet! I am so in love with him and although he is already huge... i am trying desperately to keep him my baby for as long as possible!

Hawaii Part 2

2009-07-03T23:54:00.000-07:00

We just got back from Hawaii! It was my first time... definately not my last! We left the kids with my mom and sisters for the week and we had such a great time (minus a couple of "panic attacks" about being away from the kids.... I am not used to that, it was my first time EVER leaving them for more than a few hours). We stayed at Turtle bay... it's one of the only resorts on the North Shore and it is BEAUTIFUL! We decided on Turtle bay because it was the closest resort to Glenns parents house (they are serving a mission at the PCC).
The view from our room! It was gorgeous! I highly recommend Turtle bay...

We did some hiking... Glenn at Waimea Falls

We also did a lot of exploring in the Jeep we rented... Glenn LOVED having a Jeep in Hawaii.

The REAL reason we went was to attend Glenns sisters wedding! Mailelei and Bryan were married on Saturday June 27th... it was a gorgeous beachside wedding. They both looked so happy and beautiful!

The reception was off the hook! They had fire dancers, slap dancers, hula dancers, drummers, knife dancers, a singer, and yummy food! It was such a fun reception! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Penn! We love you and are so happy for you!

Hawaii!

2009-07-03T23:47:00.000-07:00

Glenn and I just got home from a funfilled week in paradise... Glenn somehow convinced me to leave the kids home while we spent some time together (we don't get much of that these days)! Glenns parents are serving a mission at the PCC and Glenns sister Maile got married there last weekend (more pictures to come)... but we were SO excited to see Glenns parents! We hadn't seen them for 8 months! We miss them so much and are so happy that we got to spend some time with them!

To my baby daddy!

2009-06-21T08:31:00.001-07:00

You made the best choice of your life by picking lucky me to be your wife...

Then, being as "righteous" as we are... we decided to "replenish" the earth!

and out popped Kaile and Koa....

Making you the BEST DAD EVER!

We love you hunny! Hope you're fathers day is full of love!

Aunty Bee-Kah...

2009-06-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

ALWAYS TAKES THE CUTEST PICTURES OF MY BABIES... AND I HAVE TO STEAL THEM FROM HER BLOG!

Good ol Bellflower!

2009-06-09T21:20:00.000-07:00

I love our neighborhood... it's one of the few neighborhoods in the area that allow horses! We always have people on horses riding up and down our neighborhood. Today Glenn was outside playing with the kids and a sweet man let the kids sit on the horse. They both LOVED it! Besides the poooo that sometimes gets left in the middle of our street (most people pick it up, but not all) I LOVE the horses and the nice people who let the kids enjoy them! (by the way... excuse my childrens "ghettoness..." they had been playing outside all day... the bathtub was black tonight!)

So true... for all the "mormon mama's" out there...

2009-06-04T19:49:00.000-07:00

The Girl in a Whirl" By Dr. Sue (aka Vickie Gunther of Redlands, CA)

Look at me! Look at me! Look at me now!
You could do what I do if you only knew how.
I study the scriptures one hour each day;
I bake, I upholster, I scrub and I pray.
I always keep all the commandments completely;
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.
I help in their classroom! I sew all they wear!
I drive them to practice! I cut all their hair!
I memorize the names of the General Authorities,
I focus on things to be done by priorities.
I play the piano! I bless with my talents!
My toilets all sparkle! My check books all balance!
Each week each child gets a one-on-one date;
I attend all my meetings (on time! never late!)
I'm taking a class on the teachings of Paul,
But that is not all! Oh, no, That is not all.
I track my bad habits' till each is abolished;
Our T-shirts are ironed! my toe nails are polished!
Our family home evenings are always delightful;
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.
I do genealogy faithfully, too. It's easy to do all the things I have to do!
I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;
I know all the names of each youth in the stake!
I read to my children! I help all my neighbors!
I bless the community, too with my labors.
I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;
My visiting teaching is done the first day!
(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.
It's the least I can do for my cherished ward Sisters.)
I chart resolutions and check off each goal;
I seek each "lost lamb" on my Primary roll.
I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all.
I write in my journal! I sing in the choir!
Each day, I write "thank yous" to those I admire.
My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!
My kids got straight A's! and their bedrooms are clean.
I have a home business to help make some money;
I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.
I go to the temple at least once a week;
I change the car's tires! I fix the sink's leak!
I grind my own wheat and bake all our bread;
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.
I make sure I rotate our two-year supply;
My shopping for Christmas is done in July!
These things are not hard; 'tis good if you do them;
You can if you try! Just set goals and pursue them!
It's easy to do all the things that I do!
If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!
"It's easy!" she said and then she dropped dead

Picture Happy!

2009-05-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

I had to add a few precious collages of my babies!

Check out my photographer @ heathermariephotographie.blogspot.com!

We love straws!

2009-05-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

A silly picture of Kaile... she is a total ham for the camera!
My kids LOVE when daddy gives them drinks like this... it was hilarious!

Koa enjoyed "wawa" and would laugh HYSTERICALLY after each sip. I love the simple things that make them so happy!

We had a low-key memorial day weekend... I really just enjoyed having TIME with Glenn! We went out to dinner one night... did a little cleaning... and had a nice bike ride together! The time I get to spend with my hubby is cherished deeply!

And the winner is...

2009-05-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

*****BRITTANY*****

congrats on winning my 1st ever give-a-way!

What is your fav color?

Do you like contemporary dishes or a more traditional style?

I am so excited to "create" a cute dessert stand just for you!

Sickies, Smartie, and a give-a-way!

2009-05-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Both of my little love nuggets are SICK and it's so not fun! I feel SO bad for them! They have just been laying around the past couple of days... I cannot wait until they get back to their crazy, fun, active selves (although, I love that they are EXTRA cuddly when they are sick). Get better little lovlies so we can get out of this house and play (I haven't been to target for days... ugh)! By-the-way... I must brag about my totally hot and smart hubby... 100% on todays final... 1 more to go! This semesters GPA is like a 3.75!

So... in my 100 posts I have not done 1 give-a-way (I am totally ashamed of myself)! It's definately time! I have been a bit obsessed with cute/funky cake/dessert stands... so I have decided to share my love of platters with one of you! Wednesday I will pick one "commenter's" name out of a hat and personalize a cute stand for you! Good luck!

Photo Shoot!

2009-05-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

My BFF/Cousin/Personal Photog was in town for mothers day so we did a mini photo shoot of the kids. It was a little stressful, but fun! I had to get some pictures of them in their little hawaiian clothes that Grandma Deena sent from Hawaii. Check out Heathermariephotographie.blogspot

"I really miss my dad..."

2009-05-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

I absolutely ADORE my husband! He works so very hard and always says that myself and the kids make him want to work even harder. I love him for having such ambition because I know he wants to give us the best (and he does). Lately Glenns schedule has been CRAZY and we really miss him! 12 hour shifts at work... 7pm-7am... sleep til noonish... go to school... come home in time for dinner... then back to work to do it all over again! We miss you hunny, so much! Today I had a conversation with Kaile that went a little something like this...

Kaile: "mommy, I really want my daddy cause I really miss him"

Me: "I know hunny, but he's working"

Kaile: "all daddy does is school and work, school and work"

My heart totally MELTED and I felt really sad for her! She just loves her daddy and doesn't understand why he's not around all the time like mommy. We love you hunny... and really appreciate everything you do for us! WE MISS YOU... cannot wait til you're done with this crazy schedule! XOXO

Mothers day...

2009-05-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

I am eternally grateful to my mother for all that she has done and continues to do for me and my family...

Thanks for giving me life

Thanks for kissing my boo boo's when I got hurt

Thanks for always keeping me fed and warm

Thanks for not killing me when I was a teenager (although, I am sure some days you wanted too)

Thanks for being there for me while I was getting ready to be a mom

Thanks for being the "best grandma ever"

Thanks for setting a great example of what a mother should be

Thanks for all of the little things you do that make a big difference in my life!

Thank you to my MIL Deena for being such a loving and caring person! We love you so so much and miss you dearly... can't wait to see you this summer! Thanks for raising Glenn to be such a hard working, loving, compassionate person! I am so grateful for all that you do for us!

Princess Kaile...

2009-05-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

Kaile is OB-FREAKING-SESSED with "Princesses" so when Aunty A asked if she could take Kaile to Disneyland how could I say no?! Kaile was STAR STRUCK!

She had such a great day! Thanks Aunty A... I think it's time for me to get my pass!

He was out of it...

2009-04-29T21:14:00.000-07:00

Koa was really tired and when he is really tired he thinks EVERYTHING is funny! I guess he is just excited he's 1! Happy 1st Birthday "sweetie"

(he totally passed out for the night right after I took this video... long, fun, tiring, birthday!)

Time flies...

2009-04-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

April 29, 2008 was one of the happiest days of my life... I cannot believe that it has already been a year!
Koa is so sweet, happy, handsome, and he totally melts my heart every.single.day.

He has always been a mamas boy... and I LOVE IT!

There isn't many moments that he doesn't have a smile on his face!

This month Koa...

started WALKING

got a couple more teeth

says "ball" when he sees a ball

(still says mama, dada, baba, hiiii, no no no no no... and a few other words)

LOVES ALL KINDS OF KISSES! air kisses, blows kisses, kisses my hands, feet, leg, face... he just crawls up to me and makes kissing noises until I pick him up and he attacks my face (and I melt inside every time)!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the best son a mom could ask for!

Palm Springs

2009-04-19T12:52:00.001-07:00

This weekend we enjoyed some fun-in-the-sun in Palm Springs. Kaile enjoyed "swimming"
and Koa caught up on some sleep. It was such a relaxing weekend of lounging, shopping, and sleeping! I need more weekends like this!

Thanks Aunt Cory and Uncle Bruce for letting us stay in your beautiful vacay house!

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T14:14:00.001-07:00

This was Koa's first easter and the easter bunny showed him some love! (Super cute, and super CHEAP shirts and ties from Childrens Place... $5.00 per shirt and like $2.00 per tie, go there NOW)
Kaile must have been a good girl! Thanks bunny! (Her fav, and mine, is the color wonder coloring book, those things are so sweet).
On Saturday morning we headed to the park down the street from our house for the annual bellflower easter egg hunt. It was so much fun!! (Koa and Jaxson... they both turn one this month)!

Kalie with her cousins Malia and Meleana!

Happy Easter!

(we need a family picture ASAP)

Overall our Easter was great! We enjoyed good food, good company, and a great sacrament meeting!

I think I have a problem...

2009-04-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

Today we went out to lunch with my mom and little brother Blake... while we were waiting for our food my mom was talking to Kaile and asking her questions....

My mom: "What does Grandma always say to you?"
Kaile: "Hi Muffin" (because my mom always says calls her muffin)
My mom: "What does Koa say"
Kaile: "Koa says gooo gooo gaaa gaaa."
My mom: "What does mommy say?"
Kaile: "I need a diet coke."

So maybe I drink too much diet coke... maybe it helps get me through days after sleepless nights... Kaile knows that a diet coke always makes mama feel better!

11 months!

2009-03-25T14:33:00.000-07:00

Koa will be 11 months old in just a few days! I cannot believe that he will be one next month! He is such a sweet and happy little mamas boy. He is growing up so fast! I am so in love!

New this month...

Says "hiiiiiiiiii" and waves

Says "no no no no no" while wiggling his hand at me (wonder where he sees that?)

Weighs 30 pounds (but no longer outweighs Kaile... she weighs 31.5 lbs.)

Still not walking on his own but he's getting close

Is becoming quite the picky eater

wearing mostly all 2T clothes

LOVES taking off his pajamas... not sure why but EVERY NIGHT he takes his pants and shirt off before he falls asleep (and I of course have to put them back on... he's funny)

I cannot believe my BABY is going to be one in just a month! It's crazy but exciting! Koa is such a good natured, happy baby and I often wonder how we got so lucky to have him as our baby! Love you Koa, you're the best!

Kailes "big girl" room and Koas "corner"

2009-03-23T14:27:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I am a bit of a FREAK! I cannot sleep without Koa close by but I refused to have another kid sleep in my bed so Koas crib is right next to "my side" of the bed!
I LOVE his crib! We've had it for a long time but I finally took a few pictures. I was so proud of myself with this purchase! They wanted a lot for this crib but I got it for half the price by buying the floor model that had a few scratches... you can't even tell!

Kailes "play area"

Every 2 year old needs their own LCD TV right?!

Kailes "big girl" bed. We converted her crib into a toddler bed a while ago and now converted it into a full bed and she loves it! She says she's a big girl now! I really loved her room at our apartment... it was the ultimate pink little girl shabby chic room. I like her new room now that it's all decorated!

It's been a few months since we moved into Glenns parents house while they are on their mission and we are FINALLY starting to feel at home now that i've gotten the kids rooms situated! I am getting used to living in a big house and have realized that maybe I don't need a huge house when we go to buy our own... more to clean!

She said what?!

2009-03-19T21:15:00.001-07:00

Kaile is 2 years and 4 months old. She didn't walk good until she was probably 14 months, she didn't get her first tooth until after she turned one, but she was an early talker and communicator. By 9 months she would tell me "more" in sign language and by 18 months she could say basically any word. Around 20 months she would say full blown sentences and by 2 she could have a whole conversation with me. Not only does she say a lot, but she says it well. She annunicates (is that a word?) very well. Everyday she says funny things, but today she said RUDE things! I really don't know where she gets some of these things! I guess she just soaks in EVERYTHING that she hears (but I swear, I don't say this one)...
Scenario: We had just finished eating lunch... I was cleaning up the kitchen, Glenn was around, and I offered Kaile a popsicle. She, very happily, accepted and she sat down at the table and I brought over a popsicle, took off the wrapper and asked her what color the popsicle was, she said RED. It indeed was red so I praised her for being the smartest little thing ever and gave her the popsicle. I went back to doing the dishes and she sat and ate her popsicle.
The problem: A few minutes later I noticed that she was rubbing her popsicle on the kitchen table.
Me: "Kaile, please stop making a mess. Just eat the popsicle."
I then went back to doing the dishes.... a minute or so passes and I notice that she was now smashing the popsicle on the table...
Me: "Kaile, mommy said STOP MAKING A MESS. I am not going to give you... (I am then cut off)
Kaile: "I DON'T HAVE TO FREAKING LISTEN TO YOU!"
Me: (trying to contain myself, telling myself Jodi she's only 2! She's only 2... wondering what shes going to be telling me at 16 if this is what she is telling me at 2) "GLENN HANDLE HER!"

Honestly she is such a sweet girl, but today was not a good day!

My turn

2009-03-17T04:20:00.000-07:00

Ok so my wife has been talking about the family and describing all of us, so I figure it is about time that I discribe my wife. I met my wife in the singles ward right when I got home from my mission. Right when I saw her I was immadiatly drawn to her. It wasnt just one thing either. This girl was the whole package. She was hot, had a great smile, and she had great style. I was just getting off my mission so what ever game I ever had was long gone. So it was a good thing that Rebecca was there to introduce us. I was way nervous when we first started talking but Jodi is so easy to talk to that we just sat in the cultural hall and talk all though class, untill I finally asked her to come with my to one of the dances, that way if she said no, it was her saying no to the dance. So we went on our first date to the dance and then to a movie. Form that point on I just knew that Jodi was someone that I could be with forever.

Sick of Sickness!

2009-03-08T19:46:00.001-07:00

Sick but still happy!

For the past couple of weeks Koa has been pretty sick off and on. Fever, coughing, runny nose, and last night he gave up quite the scare! At 3am I heard him moving around in his crib so I went to check on him and he was very very pale and cold and panting... like he was having a hard time breathing. I took Koa to Glenn and we decided that we better take him to the ER... he was shaking like he was freezing. My dad came over and him and Glenn gave him a blessing before we took him to the hospital. (thanks dad for waking up at 3am and staying with Kaile). Of course his breathing sounded much better when we got to the hospital but when they took him temperature it was 104.6! WAY TOO HIGH! I had been giving him motrin and tylenol but his fever was out of control! I of course freaked out! They did an RSV swab and it came back negative. Then they did some chest X-rays because his breathing was coarse and the X-rays showed he has a respiratory infection. Basically there is nothing they can do unless it becomes phenomia (ummm okay so I just wait til my kid has phenomia to help him out?!) So they gave him some "extra strong" medicine to get his fever down and we were on our way. We made it home around 7am and our kids were nice enough to sleep in until 11. I hope my little guy gets better soon! I cannot stand to see him suffer!

Thanks to Aunt Beca and Uncle Jaime for playing with Kaile all day today so mommy could take care of Koa! Thanks dad for the late night house call!!

Pretty Pretty Princess

2009-03-01T20:06:00.000-08:00

If we are at home this is what Kaile looks like. She always has to have on a princess dress! I love this little girl! She makes my life so fun and she keeps me on my toes! She is sweet, gorgeous, and most of all she is my little BFF! I wish she would stay like this forever!

I know all of my post have been about my kids lately... but they are my life! Hopefully I do something exciting soon!!

SHUT UP, my baby is 10 months old!

2009-02-27T08:32:00.000-08:00

Koa and his auntie Becca... he just loves her!

So... Koa SHOULD turn 10 months on February 29th, but since February only has 28 days Koa will NEVER turn 10 months old and he will stay 9 months FOREVER! YAY! A mothers dream... If only he really could stay 9 months forever!

Koa Stats:

29lbs+

Walking like a champ with the assistance of his "walker" (he will probably be walking anytime... SCARY!)

Still sleeping 12 hours (most nights)

Loves Yobaby yogurt... his favorite is Raspberry Pear with fruit and cereal

LOVES his sister! He cannot help himself when she comes into the room... he instantly gets super happy

Is becoming more and more of a "mamas boy" by the second... I love this and hate this at the same time!

Has mastered climbing our stairs (SCARY, but I only let him when I have the patience to follow behind)

Loves his backyard swing

Loves to talk, goo goo gaa gaa along with music, and dance

I feel like my baby is turning into a "little boy" and it scares me! He has the sweetest personality and he brings so much joy into our family! Before I know it he will be 1!

Kissie Kissie!

2009-02-24T20:44:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I was watching this video and I was a bit embarassed with my voice! I may get a little carried away with my "baby voice" but I just can't help myself when it comes to this little hunk! He cracks me up every single day! He loves his mama and his mama loves him!

Out of Commission!

2009-02-24T08:20:00.000-08:00

Being a mom, especially of 2 little ones, requires a lot of, let's call it "interaction." A lot, of holding, a lot of carrying, a lot of running around, and for me lately it's been involving a lot of PAIN! I am dying here! For the past month or so my back has been hurting but I just assumed it was from carrying around my 28lb. 9 1/2 month old. The past few days have been horrible though! The pain has gotten way worse and even when I lay down it hurts. I don't have a choice when it comes to carrying Koa, but the pain is worse than LABOR people! No joke (well, I mean, I did get an ephideral, but still, you feel pain)! I do have one guess at what may be contributing to my back issues... (we'll call them DeeDee). DeeDee didn't exist AT ALL until I got pregnant with Kaile... and after losing all of my pregnancy weight, DeeDee stayed. Then Koa came and DeeDee got even bigger (I did not think that was even possible)... and DeeDee doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. My posture is HORRIBLE these days and I don't want to turn into a hunchback at 22! I cannot workout, I can barely WALK and no, I am not exaggerating! I think I am pretty tough when it comes to pain (not one scream out of me during either child birth, and with Koa the ephideral was NOT SO GREAT). Any moms out there have any tips that may bring relief? I'll try anything! I CANNOT be OUT OF COMMISSION!

Stair climbing baby and a little airtime for Kaile

2009-02-23T16:57:00.000-08:00

Koa discovered the stairs a couple of weeks ago and he made it all the way up (with me, paranoid mom of the year, following very closely behind him of course). We've had a gate at the top of the stairs for a while but didn't bother putting one at the bottom of the stairs because Kaile goes up and down freely and Koa couldn't crawl up them... until now that is. Time to bust out the gate for the bottom! Why is my baby growing up so stinkin fast?!

I know it's not the most exciting video ever but I felt bad for not having recent videos of Kaile up. She was a little more interested in Dora at the time but I got a few things out of her! I thought grandma Deena would appreciate it at least!

The Cheesiness is really flowin today!

2009-02-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

I love my kids!
I'll leave it at that!

NICER WEATHER & SAY "MAMA"

2009-02-10T19:15:00.000-08:00

I was starting to get cabin fever with all of the rain the past week so I was so glad today was nice enough to take a walk down to the park to let the kids play!
Santa brought Koa this swing for Christmas and he just LOVES to swing. The other day Glenn was washing the cars and watching the kids outside. Koa was swinging and just fell asleep. It was the cutest thing ever. He stayed asleep even when I moved him to his crib. I wish I could sleep like that!

Koa first said "mama" and "mom" at 7 months... he would call me when he woke up, just yell "MAMA," and cry for "mama." He started saying "dada" a few weeks ago and now he says "dada" way more than "mama" and it's killin me! I get SO excited when he calls me "mama" totally melts my heart!

Dang kid kept saying "dada."

I <3 my valentine

2009-02-08T16:33:00.000-08:00

My two mini Valentines!

This year we celebrated Valentines Day a week early and we had so much fun! I planned our special day this year and I took Glenn to the Supercross. He was SO excited.
The last time we went we were dating and poor so we bought the cheapest tickets and sat way up at the top... this year I splurged and bough tickets in the bottom level and our seats were GREAT! I love going to the supercross... it brings out the 909 in us all. The downside to the night was that it started POURING right as the race was ending and we totally forgot where we parked and spent ONE WHOLE HOUR looking for our car in the pouring, freezing, rain. I wanted to cry! I was wearing leather boots! Being the genuises that we are we kept pushing our car alarm button on our keys to find our car... well this morning we go to start our car to go to church and our car won't start because the chip in the key was soaked. We put the car seats in Glenns car and went to church and LUCKILY my key worked once Glenn dried it out. All in all we had a great Valentines day... Oh yeah, check out my Valentines gift...
Glenn got me an absolutely GORGEOUS new diamond ring and I LOVE IT! Thanks babe... you are the best Valentine ever and I am one lucky girl! LOVE YOU!

Miracles.

2009-02-04T12:46:00.000-08:00

So I have been debating for the past couple of days whether or not to post about this but I decided that this story truly is a MIRACLE and shows the power that prayer and priesthood blessings have... so here we go

On Sunday afternoon Glenns brother Byron and his wife Amy were at a superbowl party (as most of us were). Everyone was in the house when my nephew Preston walked outside and found his little brother Xander (3 years old) in the bottom of the pool. Preston did the right thing by running inside and yelling for help. Glenns brother Byron ran outside and pulled his son out of the pool. They immediately did CPR and called 911. Xander was transfered to Saddleback Memorial Hospital in San Clemente and was in critical condition. All of the family rushed to the hospital to show our support. Since Saddleback is a smaller hospital they decided to transfer Xander to CHOC hospital in Orange. Xander is such a fighter and was trying to breathe on his own and would not give up. The doctors wanted his body to just relax so they sedated him and let machines do all of the work for him so his body could get over the trauma it just went through. Everyone was worried that there may be brain damage because of lack of oxygen to his brain but MIRACULOUSLY the catscan showed no damage at all! On Monday afternoon the doctors took him off of sedation and took out his breathing tube and IV's and he woke up and started breathing on his own! Yesterday he was released from the hospital and he is doing great and will make a FULL RECOVERY! I know that he is okay because of all of the prayers and priesthood blessings he received. As a mother myself I cannot imagine going through something like that with one of my children. It really is a wake up call because this can happen to anyone! We are just so happy and relieved that Xander is okay!

They were on FOX 11 news last night telling their story. Here's the clip if you want to see Xanders miracle!
http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/OC_Toddler_Rescued_20090204

The life of a 9 month old!

2009-01-25T15:51:00.000-08:00

Koa will be 9 months this week and it is absolutely CRAZY! Time flies when you're having fun!
9 month stats...
Randomly falls asleep... no matter where he is!
Crawls like crazy
Gets into stuff (woo hoo)
Pulls himself up to anything and everything and TRIES to walk around the furniture
Has added "DADA" to his vocabulary... he has been saying mama for a couple of months
Laughs super hard (especially at Kaile)
He is super happy and such a cuddly, loveable baby
Weighing in at over 25 lbs and wearing 18-24 month clothes (he's HUGE)

I can't help but just squeeze those lucious cheeks a million times a day! I absolutely love this little boy and everything about him!

Our Roadtrip....

2009-01-16T09:51:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday morning we headed to Northern California to celebrate this sweet little things 2nd birthday! Calleigh is my cousin Chads daughter and she is just a doll.It was our first road trip with both kids and I was a little nervous. I was prepared with plenty of snacks and toys... I didn't even have to bust out my reinforcements! The kids were PERFECT! I got to sit back and relax while my cute hubby drove the whole way... (thanks babe).

We arrived literally 30 minutes before party time... just enough time to change and beautify ourselves after a long car ride. The party was at a place called Miss Donnas Kindermusik. It was a lot of fun! There were big slides and toys all super baby and toddler friendly! My kids just loved it!
The kids were so happy to be out of the car and enjoyed playing with all of the toys!
The mini trampoline was one of Kailes favortie toys! She also loved the bounce house and the ball pit! Does anybody know of a place around here like this for kids to play at?
The day after the party we had an in-n-out picnic at the park and Calleigh and Kaile played together. Kaile had such a fun time playing with someone her age! We also took a little trip to the Jelly Belly Factory! They do tours of the factory and have a gift shop with every flavor of Jelly Bellies! There are hundreds of flavors! They have every kind of candy imaginable. Unfortunately I forgot my camera but we did end up with lots of goodies to bring home to our family! We had a fun roadtrip and I am just so glad my kids were saints on the drive! It made all the difference!
(excuse Kailes booty in this shot... I tried to crop the picture but it didn't look right...)

Potty training...

2009-01-14T20:34:00.001-08:00

I am so over potty training! Before I had Koa, Kaile was semi potty trained and she was only 18 months! She would go "#1" sometimes in the potty and would "#2" in the potty every time. I really thought I was only going to have one child in diapers... but NO! As soon as Koa was born she would not go anywhere near the potty! Now she's 2 and 2 months and I am WAY beyond over changing her nasty diapers! It's totally grown up pooo! Today I buckled down and when she woke up with a dry diaper this morning I put her on the potty and she did her business! I was so happy! I totally over exaggerated how great she was and gave her a "potty treat" and put her Dora undies on and said "NO GOING PEE PEE ON DORA!" She was like okay mom okay. I asked her every 5 minutes if she had to pee... a little while later I turned on the bath water to give her and Koa a bath and she was standing next to the bath tub as we were waiting for the water to get warm and she freaking peed on my foot! It was gross... to make myself feel better I told myself that she only peed cause the water was running... after her bath I put on Hello Kitty undies and said "NO GOING PEE PEE ON HELLO KITTY!" She went on her way and was playing in her room when Glenn came across a potty training DVD for toddlers. It was the perfect day to watch! A few minutes later I walked into her room to watch the movie with her and she peed on the DVD... she freaking peed on the potty training DVD! I am feeling a little helpless at this point because I know she gets it and she is totally working me! UGH! I am just glad we have a washer and dryer to clean all of the stuff she going to pee all over these next few weeks of potty training...

My Kaile!

2009-01-09T14:59:00.000-08:00

Kaile did a little photoshoot last month for a lady who makes dresses and sales the patterns. The dresses were all just adoreable and I wanted them all! Kaile did so great on the shoot. She LOVES the camera and totally knows how to work it.

I may be a little bias... but isn't she so precious!? It must be because she looks just like daddy! I just love this little girl! She is FULL of personality... a true Rex gal!

Check out KariMeAway.com

Photo fun...

2009-01-03T22:03:00.000-08:00

My sister introduced me to this totally fun and totally FREE website... it's picnik.com and you can edit your pictures for free! I am obsessed already! Thanks bec for finding this site!

my DIRTY girl and my 8 month old!

2008-12-27T21:45:00.000-08:00

Kaile has made yet another mess... (story of my life these days). This time it was HOT FUDGE! So stinkin gross! Glenn got some ice cream from Golden Spoon (they have yummy non fat ice cream with fat free fudge) and left his extra fudge on the counter and Kaile, ever so quitely, poured it all over herself... as I was taking pictures of her she kept yelling "DELICIOUS! DELICIOUS!" Luckily she didn't get it anywhere besides all over her!
This little cutie is going to be 8 months in just 2 days! He is so precious and I love him so much! He is always happy and loves to cuddle... He enjoys swinging on the swings... Loves "real" food... Can pull himself up in his crib... crawls backwards better than forward... now says baba and MAMA (every time he calls me mama my heart totally melts.... I LOVE it!)... wears size 18-24 months(he's HUGE)... and is just the cutest thing ever!

I love you Kokie Dokie you are such a good boy!

Christmas 2008... I got spoiled!

2008-12-27T21:28:00.000-08:00

Every year we open presents at my parents house at 7am. Glenn and I always bring all of our gifts over so we can open them with my family. We sit in a huge circle and open presents one at a time. This year it took us almost 3 hours to open them all but it was so much fun!

Just a few of the presents....

This was probably Kailes favorite present! She LOVES Dora and was so excited for Santa to bring her a Dora bike! It was so fun to watch her! She was thrilled but didn't care too much about anything besides the bike... next year maybe she just needs one sweet present...
I got totally spoiled this year! I really wanted Rock and Republic jeans with the "R" on the pockets (for REX)... and Glenn hooked it up with super cute ones...
I also got 4 pairs of shoes! These are 2 of the totally cute boots I got! (Thanks babe) I also got that super cute zebra print area rug for our bedroom!

My new Betsey Johnson Diaper Bag! I absolutely love it!

I also got lots of fun scrapbooking stuff! Another fav of mine is the Garmin Navigation I got! I am so excited to drive somewhere I have never been!

Thanks Glenn and Mom and Dad for all of the great gifts!

(I told Glenn I have NO EXCUSE to shop for a VERY LONG LONG TIME)

My little talker and family christmas fun!

2008-12-22T21:21:00.001-08:00

Sunday evening we had our family christmas party! It was so great to see all of my cousins from my moms side! This is the first picture I have with all of my cousins from my mamas family! It was such a great party! I love celebrating the holidays with family!
My babies all ready for church on "Christmas Sunday."

Koa's first word... "baba!" Although I have been coaching him to say "mama" for quite some time I think his first word is very appropriate for his chubby goodness. He sure loves him some "baba." I love him and all of his chub!

Christmas Time at DISNEYLAND!!

2008-12-18T18:19:00.001-08:00

I love Disneyland in December! The decorations are gorgeous and you totally feel the "holiday spirit." I told Glenn I want a tree like this and he just laughed at me! The tree is huge and perfect!

The kids had so much fun! Kaile kept saying "I want to see mickey mouse"... She's been to Disneyland before but I think this is the first time she actually got how fun Disneyland actually is. It was Koa's first time and he was so happy and such a good boy...

he did a lot of this which meant that mommy stayed off most of the rides to sit with him while daddy and Kaile had all of the fun!

Kaile on the storybook cruise. She loved getting eaten by the big whale.

Thanks to sis Profit for hooking us up with FREE TICKETS! We had so much fun!!

I love this little girl!

2008-12-15T22:39:00.001-08:00

My 2 year old, Kaile, is a riot! She says the funniest things and I decided I needed to blog a few sweet things she has said to me the past couple of days...

On Sunday morning I was getting ready for church and, as usual, I was trying on a billion things. I put one dress on and walked over to the mirror to take a look and Kaile said "On my goodness mom, that dress is BEAUTIFUL."

Today, we were just walking down the stairs and she said, "You are the most beautiful mommy ever."

Kaile is my little BFF and she is good for my self esteem!! I recommend a little girl for everyone... they are so sweet!

Snow day in Huntington Beach!

2008-12-13T17:19:00.001-08:00

Today we headed to Huntington Beach to have some fun in the snow! Every year a park in HB bring in snow machines and makes snow for the kids to play in! They had 2 different slopes for the kids to sled down and little patches of snow for the kids to play in. Kaile had fun going on the sled with daddy and playing with her cousins! The park was crazy crowded but we still had fun!
Koa enjoyed watching all of the kids play! It was chilly so he stayed bundled in his stroller.

(Excuse my shakey filming... I was preoccupied...)

One of THOSE days...

2008-12-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

I absolutely ADORE my little girl Kaile. She is beautiful, happy, and has a HUGE personality... but every once in a while she drives me INSANE. Today was definately one of those day! First she found a sharpie that I was using to write on the tags of my christmas presents and she colored all over one of the presents I had just wrapped and she colored all over her hands... (this was maybe a 2 or 3 on my insane meter, no big deal... I can handle a little sharpie action) then I left to run a few errands and I came home to find (what I thought to be) sharpie all over her face... after doing a quick scan of the room I realized it was my inks that I use for scrapbooking... (this put me at about a 5... luckily the inks wipe right off, because they were all over the tile floor) Glenn got a little lecture that went a little something like this

Me: Babe I told you to watch her!

Glenn: I was.

Me: OBVIOUSLY YOU WEREN"T WATCHING HER.

Glenn: Oh, sorry.

(He is IMPOSSIBLE to fight with)

Then my sister Rebecca came over to help me do a few things around the house... (She has been a HUGE help to me lately) and we noticed that Kaile was being a little too quiet in her room and I went in her room to find this...

She snuck some of my makeup into her room and colored her whole freaking face and her pink minky chair! (this put me at about an 11... I was PISSED)... I just nicely asked Rebecca to give her a bath so I could take a breath or 30! After calming myself down I went into the bathroom to have a little talk with Kaile and she proceeded to tell me that she was just trying to do her eyebrows! She cracks me up... I couldn't be mad at a girl just trying to hook her eyebrows up... but she definately knows not to touch mommys makeup anymore! Maybe I better find a "safter" place for it! She never usually gets into things so 3 in one day definately put me over the top! She is just trying to live up to being in her terrible 2's!

A Time for Thanks...

2008-11-26T20:14:00.000-08:00

Today I decided to take a break from all of the holiday shopping and fun that the holiday season brings to just sit back and think about the real meaning of Thanksgiving. The turkey is yummy and pumpkin pie... Fab, but I have SO much to be thankful for! This year I was blessed with a BEAUTIFUL and sweet little boy Koa. I am so thankful for his little life and for the opportunity I have been given from Heavenly Father to be his mother! He amazes me everyday!
I am also very grateful to be the mother of this little fireball! I love my Kaile. She is talkative, sweet, and has a HUGE personality! She is definately a Rex! I love her more than I thought possible. She is so precious!

I am grateful for all of these people... my family! I have great parents who have done so much for me and my family and who have set such a great example for us! I also have great brothers and sisters who I just adore! I have great in-laws as well... I love all of my extended family and appreciate all they do for us!

I am SUPER thankful for my amazing husband! Glenn is such a hard worker and the best dad ever! He works full time and goes to school full time all to give us a great life. He is so giving, loving, understanding (of my shopping addiction) and fun! I love him dearly and am thankful to my Heavenly Father for giving me such an amazing husband!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Hair cuts and Girls night out!

2008-11-22T09:49:00.001-08:00

Last night we had a "Girls night out..." It was really my first time out on a Friday night since Koa was born. It took some convincing to get me out but I had a lot of fun! I went with my sisters and 2 friends to see Twilight. I am pretty sure I was the only person in the whole theater who hadn't read the book. I did think it was a great movie regardless. My sister made me a Twilight shirt... It's Edward Cullens family crest. It turned out really cute! I also got my hair done. I LOVE changing my hair. I have been pretty much every hair color (normal hair colors that is)... Blonde... Black... Brown... Red... highlights... I've had really short hair and really long hair and many different hair styles. I love going dark for the holidays. It's fun!
Kaile got her first hair cut and look how cute it turned out! She doesn't have long hair, but it's super curly and sometimes get super CRAZY!

I took Kaile with me to my hair dresser and she did such a great job... I saved a few locks of her hair for her baby book.

Kaile before her hair cut! She did such a great job. She sat still and just looked in the mirror the whole time. It was so cute!

Kaile is 2... and Koa is 6 months!

2008-11-15T18:13:00.001-08:00

Kaile got this sweet pink jeep for her 2nd birthday and she HATED it at first but now she LOVES it... it totally has a real radio and she always changes the station when slow songs come on... she loves RAP! She changes the station until a rap song comes on and she totally starts dancing in her jeep! I am scared to see her at 16 when she gets a real car!
Koa (left), cousin Jaxson (middle), and cousin Mathew (right). They were all born within 2 1/2 weeks of each other. Koa turned 6 months and is such a happy baby! He is such a flirt. He smiles at everybody... has 3 teeth, is trying to figure out how to crawl, and is still sleeping like a champ and is off the charts for his size weighing 22 pounds! I love my chubby bunny!

Kaile had her 2nd birthday party a couple weeks back and it was so fun! Minus the random downpour we had a blast! I cannot believe my little girl is already 2! She is so grown up! She talks SO much! She totally has full blown conversations with me! She is just the sweetest little girl!

Kaile and Hannah Jones... Kaile totally looks up to Hannah and it's the cutest thing ever. Kaile loves to dress up in princess dresses and "twirl" like Hannah.

Kaile had to ditch the party dress for a warmer outfit due to rain! She enjoyed her cupcake!

I am the luckiest mom! I have been blessed with 2 gorgeous and happy babies and I am so grateful for them!!

Fall Fun!

2008-11-15T18:01:00.000-08:00

Koa the firefighter with aunt becca the pirate on Halloween
My little 50's girl... she won "most adorable" in the church halloween costume contest! She is most adorable in my book!

We went to the pumpkin patch the week before halloween to take a break from moving and unpacking... the kids had a great time. Koa LOVED the animals in the petting zoo... they probably didn't love him though, he just pulled their fur!

Kaile went on a pony ride but cried the whole time... the guy wouldnt let glenn walk with her as she rode so she was not happy!

My 2 precious pumpkins!

ALOHA!

2008-10-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

The Rex kids... It's not everyday you get a shot of ALL EIGHT of them!
Glenn and his mom! This is where he got his good looks!!
Koa and Papa!

Glenns parents left this morning to the MTC in Salt Lake City where they will learn the "proper missionary conduct" for 5 days and on Saturday they are off the Hawaii for 2 years! We are so very excited for them! What a great experience that will be for them! It's about time they do something for themselves (well... they will be doing service so it's not really doing something for themselves...). We are going to miss them terribly but we are so happy for them and excited to visit them next year! A little about Glenns parents... They are 2 of the best people I have EVER met. They are so giving and do EVERYTHING for their kids and grandkids and us in-laws and I we greatly appreciate everything they have done for us (like letting us stay in their house while they are gone so we can save up for a house of our own)! They are the type of people who give their time, money, and whatever else to help their kids and extended family. Deena is just the sweetest person ever and Kenny is so funny and so talented! I feel so lucky to have such great in-laws! Thanks for raising Glenn to be such a great and loving person! Anyways... I'll stop with the cheesiness... we had a "farewell" dinner at BJs Friday night and it turned out SO great!

We'll miss you! Let the moving begin...

It's been a while...

2008-10-13T20:05:00.001-07:00

The past couple of weeks have been CRAZY! We have been trying to pack and go through all of our stuff so that we can start moving next week! It's so overwhelming! The kids and I also were sick for a few days and I always fear being "out of comission." Luckily Glenn and my mom helped me out for a couple of days so I could rest and get better faster! Last night "aunt beca" came over and we took a little walk down to Yogurtland. It had been a while and Kaile LOVES it so it was time for her to get her treat for being such a good girl! She insisted on wearing her sun glasses even though it was 7:00pm and totally dark.

It is less than a week now before Glenns parents leave and I think it is starting to sink in a little more and it's CRAZY to think they are going to be gone for 2 years! I cannot believe it but we are so happy for them! They are going to be staying in an apartment right on the beach... literally their back door opens up to the sand! Sound like a VAYKAY to me! It's so exciting but we are going to miss them so so much! The next few weeks are definately going to be hectic trying to get situated over there... wish us luck!

MY HARD WORKING HUBBY!

2008-10-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

I just adore my husband! He is such a great person and a hard worker! He works so hard and is so motivated to provide for his family and give us a good life... and I really do appreciate it! He works full time (11 hour shifts all week this week) and he goes to school full time! I think we are all a little sleep deprived these days and Glenn can fall asleep anywhere! I can't sleep sitting up... it just won't happen and I thought it was so cute when he crashed on the couch, mouth open and all!

also, Glenns parents got their mission call today! They are going to Honolulu, Hawaii and leave in 2 weeks to serve a 23 month mission! We are moving into their house while they are gone and we are going to miss them terribly... but we are excited to have a good excuse to go to hawaii! SO EXCITING!!

A teething baby and a sick toddler = a CRAZY day!

2008-10-01T19:49:00.001-07:00

Even though Koa isn't my first baby I feel like I never really had to deal with a "baby" teething since Kaile didn't get any teeth until after she turned 1! She was easy because she would just reach for the teething tablets when her gums were hurting... but poor little Koa just SCREAMS! Since he isn't much of a crier these days I immediately bust out the teething tablets when the tantrum begins and they quickly ease his pain! Today I let him have a "teething biscuit" and he LOVED it! He chomped away at it until I got nervous because he would bite off HUGE chunks! He was in heaven for the 5 minutes the biscuit lasted! He is so cute...
Last night as I was getting Kaile ready for bed her nose started running and it hasn't stopped since! It is so gross! All night she whined in her sleep because she couldn't breathe through her nose. She even woke up at 6:30 this morning not feeling well... it is VERY unusual for Kaile to be up that early! She usually sleeps until I eventually have to get her up so I can get out of the house and do what I need to do. She was such a good girl today even though she was sick. She was still happy and sweet but she was a lot more relaxed than usual! I feel so lucky to have kids who are happy even when they don't feel so well!

(notice Kailes "shiny" face... um, thats snot that she smeared across her face! SO DISGUSTING!)

MY BABY IS 5 MONTHS OLD!!

2008-09-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Koa is 5 months old! The time really has flown by! He is the sweetest and happiest little boy. He loves to put anything and everything in his mouth... including his hands! He is working on his bottom teeth! He drools like i've never seen! I swear he goes through 5 shirts a day. He smiles non stop because he loves the attention it gets him! He rolls all around and sleeps 12 hours at night like his big sister... Koa is GINORMOUS for his age! He is 20 pounds... there is a 2 year old at church in nursery with Kaile who is only 22 pounds! His 12 month clothes are getting a little snug! He is the fat version of Glenn... I cannot believe how much both of my kids look like their dad! He LOVES toys. I am totally putty in his hands and I am pretty sure he already knows that I am a sucker for him!

Embarassing moments...

2008-09-29T11:01:00.001-07:00

WE ALL HAVE THEM... RIGHT?! WELL I FINALLY STARTED WORKING OUT SINCE HAVING KOA AND IT'S FEELS REALLY GOOD... UNTIL TODAY WHEN I WAS DOING "STEP UPS" WITH A WEIGHT ON MY SHOULDERS (ONLY 20 LBS) AND AS I STEPPED DOWN MY ANKLE TOTALLY ROLLED AND I ATE IT. SURPRISINGLY MY ANKLE FEELS FINE BUT MY BACK IS KILLING ME! IT KNOCKED THE WIND OUT OF ME AND OF COURSE THERE WAS A FEW FIREMEN WORKING OUT RIGHT BY US WHICH WAS SUPER EMBARASSING! ONE CAME OVER TO SEE IF I WAS OKAY AND I WAS TRYING TO CATCH MY BREATH... HE WAS LIKE WE SHOULD TAKE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL... BUT I HAD MY KIDS IN THE DAYCARE AT THE GYM AND DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE THEM... RIGHT WHEN I AM GETTING INTO THE GYM ROUTINE I HAVE TO PULL A BLONDE MOVE! I THINK I JUST NEED A COUPLE OF DAYS OF REST... HOPEFULLY! THANKS TO MY "GYM FRIENDS" FOR HELPING ME WITH THE KIDDIES!

KAILES FIRST TATTOO...

2008-09-24T18:34:00.001-07:00

SHE LOVES HER TATTOO!! I TOLD GLENN THAT WHEN SHE WANTS A TATTOO AT 18 IT'S HIS JOB TO TELL HER NO!

Oh GLENN!

2008-09-23T17:26:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Glenn went camping and hiking in Owens Valley for his geology class and he came home with "presents" for the kids... Tattoos for a 22 month old and a 4 month old?! I love my husband because he is so dang funny. I think he doesn't want to be the only one in the family with a tattoo and since he knows I won't go anywhere near a tattoo needle, he's making our kids get tattoos! No tattoos yet, but I think he will probably sneak a few onto them the next time I am away for a minute or two!

BUSY WEEKEND!

2008-09-14T16:53:00.001-07:00

My sister in law Kaila was having her work picnic at Knott's Berry Farm this year so she hooked it up with tickets to Knott's, a parking pass, and even food vouchers! We decided to take Kaile so that she could spend some time with just mommy and daddy and no Koa. We woke her up from her nap so that we could meet up with Glenns family for the picnic and she was not happy to be woken up! The whole way to Knott's she cried for "wassie" (her pacifier which she still wants when she is tired or sad). She was mad that I refused to give it to her! SHE'S ALMOST 2! She doesn't need a dang passy...
As soon as we got there and she saw her cousin Malia her mood totally changed! She was all smiles from that point on!
Kaile had so much fun on all of the rides! This one was her favorite! She had the cutest little scream every time the car would speed around the corner. It was SO cute!
She even went on the huff and puff ride and did a good job of making herself move on the tracks by moving the handle back and forth. We had so much fun at Knott's but we were SO tired from a long day of fun!
We picked up Koa from my sisters house (thanks again Auntie for watching him) and when we got home he kept coughing and coughing (he had a cough for the past few days but it got really bad last night). He was up for a lot of the night coughing until he would throw up and he had a fever that got pretty high. This morning I couldn't take it anymore so we took him to the ER. He turned on the charm for all of the nurses and doctors! I am pretty sure every nurse came in to see him because they said they had heard that "the cutest little butterball" was in room 6. The doctor did some X-rays because she was concerned about "sounds" in his lungs but luckily, the X-rays were normal! Luckily I got to nap for a few hours when we got home from the hospital! This weekend seemed SO long!

I had to throw in this picture of Koa! He loves to sit in his bumbo chair up on the counter or table when I cook! He is so precious!

My little skater girl

2008-09-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

Kaile always wants to skateboard by herself so Glenn was teaching her how to bend her knees and balance and she was actually doing pretty good going down a little hill at Grandma Deenas house. It makes me totally nervous because she wants to stand by herself on the board... I am such a paranoid mother!

BACK TO REALITY....

2008-09-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

(Koa started eating baby foods the past couple weeks and he doesn't know how he feels about it... and I know, I sound like a total wierdo talking to Koa...)

Glenn took the summer semester off of school this year and it was the best thing ever! It was so nice for me to have him home a lot after having a new baby. Glenn works the night shift (7pm-3am) and would come home from work and relieve me of Koa if he was having a rough night! Now that school has started again things have gotten crazy again! Luckily, Koa sleeps great now (well... most nights). When Koa does have a rough night Glenn tries to help but now I have to tell him "go back to sleep babe" so I don't feel bad for depriving him of sleep (I mean who needs sleep while working full time and going to school full time)?! I felt so spoiled having Glenn home so much this summer and am sad that we have to get back to REALITY...

Another little update... The kids went to the doctor yesterday... Koa needed his 4 month checkup and a round of shots and Kaile got her flu shot. I have to say that my kids are HUGE! I was looking at their "growth curve" and Kaile is in the 75th percentile for both weight and height she is right under 29 pounds and is 35 inches tall. Koa was 18 pounds 11 ounces and 24 1/2 inches putting him OFF THE CHARTS for weight and in the 50th percentile for height! haha my little chubby shorty! Kaile was the same way as a baby and is now pretty tall for her age. I was SO proud of Kaile for not crying AT ALL for her shot... it wasn't until Koa got his 4 shots that she freaked a little bit because he was screaming bloody murder. Kaile is so protective and sweet with Koa and it's so fun to watch her love him!

For the sake of journaling...

2008-09-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

So I was kinda mad at Glenn on Wednesday (our actual anniversary) for not planning anything since this year was his turn... he kept telling me that he had plans for Saturday since he had to go to work and school on Wednesday. I said "SURE" (maybe with a little attitude) because Glenn is more of a "last minuter" when it comes to planning surprises (usually he is surprised too because he kinda just drives somewhere and acts like he was planning it for weeks). Well, to my surprise, he actually really did have something planned for Saturday and it was the sweetest and cheesiest thing ever (which was PERFECT). We dropped the kids off at my moms and then he drove me to the huntington harbor where a gondola was waiting. Haha yes, he took me on an hour gondola ride complete with a singing gondoleer in his little striped shirt. It was so much fun! He even had flowers, cheesecake (my weakness), and sparkling cider waiting for me! So, I have to give him credit for actually planning something in advance and for thinking of something that we had never done before! I was pretty sad that I didn't have my camera with me!

OUR 3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

2008-09-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that we have been married for 3 years! It has gone by so fast! The past 3 years have been the best ever! I am SO lucky to have Glenn and am so thankful that I have such a loving and caring (and totally hot) husband and daddy for my kids!
I love you babe and look forward to an eternity with you! You're stuck with me FOREVER mawhahahaha!
Our reception was so much fun and turned out to be beautiful! My mom planned pretty much everything! I told her I love pink and black and didn't care too much about all of the details... I just wanted to get married! My mother in law made the gorgeous flower arrangements that I wish never died! I didn't want to leave my reception...
This is why Glenn married me... I am CRAZY and happy!
This is why I married Glenn... he loves to have fun and do random things... He is ALWAYS happy and has such a positive outlook on life and has such ambition yet he is laidback and calm (me... not so calm all the time) I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!

4 months old!

2008-08-30T15:15:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that Koa is already 4 months old?! He has gotten so big and so CHUBBY! He is the sweetest little boy and totally loves mama. He loves his bumbo chair... going in his swing... playing in his exersaucer... and he constanly tries to get my attention. He is such a happy baby and laughs so hard that his eyes start to water. It's so funny! I love him so much!
(Poor thing has his first cold/flu compliments of his big sister... it's not fun with 2 sicklings!)

DANG KIDS!

2008-08-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

So next week is me and Glenns 3 year anniversary so a couple of months ago I got some Jack Johnson tickets for a concert tonight down in San Diego and I made reservations at The Melting Pot down in San Diego. We were planning on leaving early this afternoon so we had some time to walk around downtown and shop a little and stuff... sounds fun right?! I was looking forward to getting away and had babysitters lined up. (I haven't really gotten away for more than an hour or 2 since Koa was born). Of course JUST MY LUCK both of my lovely kids are really SICK! I have been feeling pretty crappy too, but I have been trying to tell myself "you can't get sick, you can't get sick..." but I am! So no Jack Johnson for me and I am SO SAD! I would probably go regardless of how I felt but I definately can't leave sick kids with sitters :( so as Glenn enjoys the concert I will enjoy being puked on! The joys of motherhood...

A few "new discoveries"

2008-08-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

Kaile was such an easy baby, therefore I never had to buy anything but the basics for her... she was totally happy either in her swing or just laying on a blanket. Koa on the other hand needs "things" to make him happy. He loves sitting up but since his huge head doesn't allow sitting up to happen quite yet, I bought him a bumbo chair and it is so fabulous! He absolutely loves it and it's fun for me to get to buy all of these random things that so many of us moms these days couldn't live without! I don't know what they did before all of these great things were invented! I also never had a boppy pillow for Kaile because she was fine just laying flat... Koa LOVES his boppy pillow. I always thought all of these extras were unnecessary before having Koa, but now they totally help me out! Koa is definately my "high maintence" baby and sometimes I catch myself thinking things would be a lot easier if he was more like Kaile was as a baby... but honestly I am grateful for his "needy" personality! He is definately a better form of birth control than Kaile was (obviously!)