Friday, March 25, 2011

2011 Pan Jiu Jitsu Tournament

This weekend is the 2011 Pan Jiu Jitsu Tournament in Irvine. Doug and his brother both competed this year - Doug in the Blue Master Medium-Heavy and Dan in the Blue Master Medium Division. Doug had a tough first match and unfortunately lost by 3 points. Dan won his first two matches by points but went out in his third by tap out.

Although the tournament did not turn out as well as the guys would have liked, both of them fought good fights and had some tough competitors. The guy who beat Doug ended up placing 2nd out of the 29 guys in their bracket, and the guy who beat Dan ended up placing 3rd out of the 43 competitors in their bracket. All-in-all, it was a good learning experience (what is it they say? There is no such thing as losing...you either win or you learn...) and an even better bonding experience. The guys had a blast spending some brotherly time together and the girls sure loved having their Uncle Dan around. Here are some photos from the tourney...and once I get hold of Doug's phone, I'll be sure to post some photos from the past week.

The cutest little cheerleaders around...and NO...despite what you may think from the photos, we were not facing blizzard conditions that morning...just a little rain.
  
 
 
The Contenders area...this place was packed...I took the photo just to give a better idea of how many people compete at this tournament.
The mats (obviously)...just a random photo - neither Doug nor Dan were competing at the time I snapped this
   
 

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Park Days...

 
We love park days...absolutely love them. Aiden's favorite things are still the slides and swings...even though it has gotten more and more difficult for her mom to push her. Reilly has recently branched out and conquered the monkey bars; she simply can't get enough of them.

Park days make the girls happy...and happy girls make for one happy mama. I am so grateful we live in a neighborhood with so many different parks/playgrounds to choose from.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Two Peas in a Pod...

Twins? Yes...but these two girls couldn't be more different from one another.

Reilly loves skirts...and skirts with shorts attached (girl shorts as she likes to call them) are even better. She is very particular about matching colors and patterns, and accessorizing has become a must. Even if it's just for a short walk around the block, Roo likes to add a purse or necklace or something "extra" to her outfit. Clothing preferences aside, Roo likes to play with her zhu zhu pets and dolls...she is very particular about how their homes get decorated. She loves to ride her bike and is fine playing by herself or with other kids...no preference, as long as she is having fun. Reilly likes to do her own thing on her time. If you ask her to do something, she'll get around to it when it's convenient...and if it's not convenient, she has no problem telling you so (or trying to delegate the task to someone else).

Aiden has turned into my t-shirt and jeans girl. She is kinda picky about the jeans, and almost always rolls them up at the cuff, but she'll pick jeans straight out of the wash before she chooses anything else. Unlike her sister, she's not too picky about color combos or patterns...if it fits and it's comfortable, she's happy. Aiden also likes to layer things...she'll put on a couple of shirts at a time and add a sweatshirt or sweater...guess she picked up the layering habit from her mama. Aiden loves, loves, LOVES to color and draw and practice writing her letters. If she's playing outside, she prefers to have someone to play with...outdoor play is more than a one-person activity in her opinion. Aiden is always willing to lend a helping hand...if you need something done, she's the gal to go to. Whether I'm folding laundry or washing dishes or cooking dinner, her first question is "Mama, can I help you with that?"

Differences aside, I love both of these girls so incredibly much. They make me smile every day and make me laugh even when I don't feel much like doing so. They have become such good friends, wonderful sisters, and I am so lucky to have been blessed to be their mom. I love you Reilly! I love you Aiden!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Things to Remember...

Since my memory fails me often (even more so during this pregnancy), here are a few recent conversations/events/happenings that I want to remember for years to come...

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(Occurred at the park the other day, while I was pushing Aiden on the swing...Reilly was busily trying to conquer the monkey bars)

Aiden: "Mama...are you going to marry daddy again?"

Me: (a little surprised by the question) "Well, papa and I are married now...usually you don't get married more than once to the same person."

Aiden: "But, that's not fair."

Me: "Sweetie...I'm confused. I'm not sure I understand what you mean..."

Aiden: "Mom, I want to be able to go to your wedding. I want to be at the temple with you and dad, and me and Reilly can wear beautiful dresses just like you did. Can we do that?"

Me: "We can walk around the temple anytime you want...and when you're older, we can go inside together as a family."

Aiden: "And the wedding party....can we have a party and dress up and dance like you and papa did?"

Me: "We'll have to see what we can do about the party, okay?"

Aiden: "Okay. That sounds like a good plan."

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The other night, after we said good-night and tucked the girls into bed, they decided to stay up and talk for a while. I went in after about 20 minutes and discovered that Aiden had climbed out of her bed into the top bunk with Reilly. "We're just telling stories to each other, mama...it's okay. We're talking softly." Since the rule is they can talk softly after prayers as long as they stay in their own beds, I helped Aiden down and tucked her back in.

About 30 minutes later, the girls were still talking so Doug went into the room. "Dad, we're just telling bedtime stories to each other. It's okay...we're in our own beds." Doug laid down on the floor and asked what the stories were about....the girls then hopped out of bed, grabbed some blankets and pillows, and joined Doug on the floor. The three of them snuggled together and told bedtime stories until the girls finally fell asleep. Yes, it was a late night...but totally worth the time that Doug got to spend with his little girls.


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(Said by Reilly...this was a recent wish on a wishing flower...)
"I wish, I wish....that dad would come home right now and that we could have lots and lots of money so that I could have my daddy back and he wouldn't have to work...but not that he would get fired, because that's not very nice."

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(Reilly whispered this in my ear while we watched Tangled at the cheap-o theater...it was during a part where the old lady was being particularly cruel to Rapunzel)

Reilly: "Mom - please don't ever be mean to me like that. She is not very nice for making her cry."

Me: "Don't worry...I don't ever want to make you cry."

Reilly: "Thanks mama. She's not like you, at all...she's not a good mom. I really love you."

Me: "Thanks, Roo...I really love you too."

(Yup...that sweet little girl made me cry right then and there. I don't deserve these girls...they are so sincere and genuine, and they have such big hearts...I learn a lot from them and their examples)

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Every night, after we say prayers and get the girls tucked into bed, Aiden hugs my belly, gives it a kiss, and whispers good-night to her baby sister. Reilly loves to snuggle up to me during the day and pat her hand over my belly....she usually nuzzles in and whispers "hi."

Although each girl is demonstrating different traits/characteristics/reactions to this baby girl growing in my belly, I have no doubt that BOTH are going to be a wonderful big sisters. Aiden is very excited to help with bathing and feeding and changing diapers (she says that now, but I'm sure it will change once the baby comes) and Reilly cannot wait to share her clothes and teach her to ride a bike and swing on the monkey bars.

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Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patty's Day...

Our day started off with a little bit o' luck....Lucky Charms, that is (Aiden loved them, Reilly not so much...they were too sweet)

We had quesadillas in green tortillas for lunch, followed by a tasty shamrock shake (i.e. sprite and lime sherbet...both girls loved it). We also painted our nails in some festive colors.

 

And for dinner we tried spinach fettuccine, broccoli, and garlic bread...with a bit o' green kool-aid to wash it all down.

I know I am NOTHING close to Gordon Ramsey when it comes to cooking, but I have to say...I'm glad St. Patrick's Day only comes once a year. Trying to think of creative, tasty, and healthy green food options just about did me in...and although the girls were good sports, none of the meals made it to their top 5 list.

And...just for kicks...here are some photos of the girls on their day o' green. Reilly informed me she wasn't going to wear green because it didn't make her look pretty. Can we say diva? Anyway...she settled on the green nail polish and decided to wear a necklace with green beads just so no one at the playground would have reason to pinch her. My silly, silly girls...oh, how I love them!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Scrap Haps

Between fighting a relentless cold that won't go away and trying to organize things around the house to get ready for baby, it's been a while since I posted any scrapbook pages on this blog. So - here you go...I hope you enjoy the pages I scrapped in February! I've listed the credits under the photo, but all pages are linked to their appropriate gallery as well...so feel free to click away!

Using Happy Inniversary by WM[squared] at ScrapMatters

 
Using Great Expectations by Amy Stoffel, Itty Bitty collab by Erica Zane and Britt-ish Designs (block alpha),
In My Life by The Design Girl and Jennifer Fox Designs (date circle and journal strip), Bug Catcher by Chelle's Creations (corduroy button), More Than Just Curves by Happy Scrap Girl, Just the Basics: The Bundle by Trixie Scraps - ALL available at ScrapMatters

Using From My Valentine by Jady Day Studio and Doodles: Frame and Mat It by Chelle's Creations - available at ScrapMatters

For the Birds by Erica Zane, Love Happens by Erica Zane, Just the Basics: The Bundle by Trixie Scraps -
ALL available at ScrapMatters

Flutter by, Butterfly by The Design Girl, So Transparent Alpha by L Drag Designs, and Creatively Inspired Templates Vol. 2 by Andilynn Designs - ALL at ScrapMatters

My Everyday Kit by Mye De Leon and That's My Kid Embossed Paper Pack by Mye De Leon at ScrapMatters 

That's My Kid Kit by Mye De Leon, That's My Kid Embossed Paper Pack by Mye De Leon, My Everyday Kit by Mye De Leon (stitching), So Transparent Alpha by L Drag Designs, Creatively Inspired Templates Vol. 3 by Andilynn Designs (altered), True Beauty Word Bits by Stolen Moments (love definition), Faded Columns: Single Sentiments by Plum Dumpling Designs - ALL available at ScrapMatters

Icey Cream by Lauren Reid Designs at Two Peas in a Bucket, Ice Ice Baby by Jennifer Barrette 

Hearts of Winter by Sir Scrapalot Designs at Funky Playground Designs, Resolute by Pixie Perfect Designs at Funky Playground Designs

Hoo Loves You paper pack by Dianne Rigdon Design at Two Peas in a Bucket, Vintage Carnival by Sahlin Studio and Jennifer Barrette at The Lily Pad, Rejuvinate by Sahlin Studio at the Lily Pad, More Than Just Curves by Happy Scrap Girl at ScrapMatters, Cherish by Ju Kneipp (stitching), A Beautiful Beginning by Michelle Batton (ribbon) at Funky Playground Designs

  
Secret Recipe collab by Mye De Leon and Connie Prince at ScrapMatters (and yes...I cheated by using the same layout for both girls...terrible, I know...but it worked for the photos)

Better Days Ahead collab by Stolen Moments and Jady Day Studio, Spray Dot Alpha by WM[squared] - ALL at ScrapMatters

Birds of a Feather paper pack by Digital Paper Press, Ring Tailed the Papers by Pretty in Green (white embossed paper),
Tayla: General Girl by Brine Designs (not a DSD kit - white w/pink polka dots paper), Painted Love Alpha by Chelle's Creations, Sew Crafty by Chelle's Creations and Erica Zane (staple), Layers of Paper: R2 DS Freebie by Haynay Designs - ALL available at ScrapMatters (some are FREEBIES as part of the SM 2011 Design Star Contest)

Thanks so much for stopping by!! To be honest, I'm not sure how much I'll be scrapping these next two months, especially since I stepped down from the ScrapMatters CT for their spring/summer term. That being said, there are a few things in the works so please check back occassionally to see what we've been up to!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Another Freebie...

I decided to play along for Round 3 of the ScrapMatters Design Star Challenge...the assignment was to create an element pack that coordinated with my Round 2 Paper Pack (see HERE). You can grab it from box.net by clicking on the links below.



I will admit that papers are much easier for me to create than elements....that being said, I hope you enjoy what I created. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated...and if you scrap or make something using my kit, I would love to see what you create!! Feel free to link it here in the comments so I can leave you some love!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Silly Girls...

What's a mom to do when her two little sidekicks start the morning off by asking "Hey mom...will you take our picture?" Well, the best thing is to simply grab the camera and start snapping away...pretty shots, silly shots, blurry shots...take whatever you can get and just have fun (and maybe even snap an unexpected and silly shot of your pregnant self...it's guaranteed to get some giggles from the little ones)!!

 
   
   
  
 
 
 
 

Hope your day is filled with giggles, laughter, and all sorts of silliness!!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Monday Monday...

Because it happens so RARELY...this small and simple victory made my day THAT much better. Yippee for starting the week off with a clean and empty sink!!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Out of This World...

Apparently, our front sidewalk has become a landing strip for all sorts of extraterrestrial beings.  The girls spent the better part of their afternoon making chalk drawings of planets and rocket ships and even a few little martians. They had a blast.

 
  

Thank you Megamind for spurring this recent interest in outer space...I have no doubt this intergalactic mural will be added to by the end of the week.

DigiScrap Freebies

So, in case you aren't aware, ScrapMatters is currently hosting a Design Star Challenge. I didn't have the cajones to sign up for it by the deadline, but decided afterward that I wanted to test my designer savvy and see if I have what it takes to make a cute kit. That being said, I am now playing along with the challenge to get some practice...which means, I'll be offering my creations as FREEBIES for you!! Yay!!

I know I still have a LOT to learn and practice when it comes to designing, but it's something I have been considering for a while and I figured there's no better time than the present to get started. The prompt for Round 1 was to create a mini kit (3 papers, 5 elements) using a pre-determined color swatch. I got a little carried away on the papers, but had fun using my own doodles to create the elements. Here is my FIRST attempt at a mini-kit...I hope you enjoy!

 
DOWNLOAD at 4shared OR box.net

The prompt for Round 2 was to create a paper pack including 5 patterned and 3 solid papers, using a color swatch of my choice. Here is what I came up with (again, there's an extra paper in there...good thing I'm not actually participating in the challenge...I think my inability to stay within the requirements would pose a problem and get me disqualified...ohhhh, I feel like such a rebel!).

DOWNLOAD at 4shared OR box.net

I had fun making these, and hope that you enjoy them as well!! If you happen to use any of these in a scrapbook layout or project, please provide the link in a comment to this post so I can see your wonderful creation!! As these are my first attempts at digital designing, and everything I do is the result of self-training and trial and error, I would greatly appreciate any and all feedback!!

Oh...and don't forget to visit the ScrapMatters Design Star Gallery to grab all the other freebies created for this contest...there have been some seriously awesome creations so far!! You definitely DO NOT want to miss out.

Thanks so much for stopping by!!