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2010...So Far

2010-08-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

In February, we took our first family trip to Disneyland! It was a huge hit.

It made it all the more fun to share it with our good friends, the Odoms.

I think it will have to become a yearly tradition. Bummer!

In March, our baby turned 5! She had a fun family-and-friend-filled birthday party!

March was also a month for hanging out with Uncle Stu and Will at their Tahoe cabin.

April found us celebrating a beautiful Easter morning with our neighbors and family.
We also were able to celebrate a true legacy of love.
Great Grandma & Great Grandpa Celestre celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

April was also the month we watched Ben participate in his first Taekwondo belt testing.

May was filled with Aunt Heather & Uncle Jake's wedding, a fun Mother's Day dinner (put on by our amazing men) and our 12th anniversary, as we hiked around

Muir Woods and Mt. Tamalpias.

June was a wonderful month as we celebrated Lauryn's baptism with family and friends. It was such a special day for her. We also had a fun trip to Sutter's Mill with the McMindes.

In July, our house was filled with the wonderful chatter of cousins!

We camped, swam, and took our favorite trip to The City!

So there are a few highlights from our year so far.

It has been a fun one, full of time spent with family and friends, just the way we like it!

Winter Wonderland!

2010-02-01T09:06:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, we made the trek up to the snow. We travelled up Hwy 50 to Icehouse Rd. and found a little spot off the main road. We went up with the Martins and McMindes. Even Grandma Funny Farm joined us! We were blessed with beautiful weather and a gorgeous view - a perfect day!

Our beautiful view!

Miss Christy and Taytum getting ready to venture out into the snow!

I just had to get this view from the bottom. Ellie and Ben made their own trails, apparently ours weren't long enough. They made this trek I don't know how many times. I made it once!

Cooking up some yummy chili and hot chocolate. Mmmm...

Ellie's Snow Angel!

After a few runs down the hill, Lauryn complained she wasn't feel so good. I felt her and she was pretty warm, so she spent the rest of the afternoon resting in the truck. I felt to sad for her, but since she's not the super adventurous type anyway, she was just fine staying cozy and warm. Later I realized her brother had been smuggling her Resess's. Thanks, Ben!

All dried off and ready to watch a movie!

Some Creepy Guy that showed up. (J/K Uncle Paul)

Lauryn dabbling in the snow!

Ben the Snowman!

Ellie the Snowbug!

Pinewood Derby

2010-02-01T08:50:00.000-08:00

It's that time again! Ben did a great job - placed 6th - and was so proud of his car. Ben and Ryan spent several evenings at a friend's house (thanks, Chris!) & worked super hard on "The Shark."

Tooth Down!

2010-01-16T09:37:00.000-08:00

Almost 2 yrs. ago, Ellie tripped and hit her front tooth on a door frame. It eventually died, but they didn't want to do anything with it as it held the space for her permanent tooth to come in. So this Christmas break, imagine how sad we were to find it was developing an abscess on the gum just above the tooth. So we took her in and they pulled it right away. She wasn't expecting anything to be done that day, so it all came as quite a surprise, but she did so well. I love our kids' dentist office. It has been such a blessing considering all of Ben and Ellie's issues. So, one tooth down and many more to go.

She was so happy to put her tooth under her pillow for the Tooth Fairy. However, the Tooth Fairy must have been really busy that night because it was 7am and she hadn't shown up yet! So Grandma Funny Farm laid in the bed with the girls (Ellie and Taytum) holding them close as they waited for the very busy (slacker) Tooth Fairy. But all went well because they actually heard and felt the Tooth Fairy come, who (I'm sure out of guilt) was quite generous. It's funny - she's never forgotten before, however, we did find out one weekend that the Tooth Fairy doesn't come on Sunday mornings. Figure that one out!

Girl's Day in the City

2010-01-05T11:54:00.000-08:00

Due to the fact that I have the best husband ever & pretty much raised the sweetest brother in the world, Mom, Tiffany and I were able to spend a day in San Francisco. What a great way to spend New Year's Day! We did the traditional Pier 39, Ghiradelli Square, and Union Square. I think I can safely say Tiffany's favorite was Union Square with all the big department stores, however, the tide quickly turned as soon as we stepped into the elevator at the St. Francis Hotel. Now, Mom plays ignorant, but apparently, Tiffany's terrified of heights and I guess we just assumed she would find it as exhilarating as we do everytime...glass walls, perfect view of the city, what more could you ask for? The panic began as she realized we were going into the elevator and there were 32 floors to ride! The problem wasn't so much the 1st time up, but perhaps the 2nd, or 3rd time did it for her. It really wasn't our fault! The elevator kept going down, and we thought, okay, this is it. But then it would stop at some random floor as if someone had called it, and then instead of continuing down, it proceeded back up! Three times! Needless to say, on the last ride down, Tiffany was pretty much a puddle on the floor. So here we are, oozing with compassion, I'm trying not to laugh (without succeeding much) and Mom's snapping pictures! One day we'll look back on this and laugh. Right, Tiff?

Christmas

2010-01-05T11:40:00.001-08:00

I just love having family close. It's something I missed growing up, so seeing my kids playing with their cousins and spending the holidays with family is priceless to me.

Snow in Orangevale!

2009-12-22T17:18:00.000-08:00

What a treat to wake up to!

Half Marathon

2009-12-22T17:09:00.001-08:00

It's such a blessing to have the American River so close. I think it's been an inspiration to Ryan as it provides so many running opportunities. These are pictures from his second 1/2 marathon this year. He's done so well, like he's been a life-long runner! He beat his time by 2 minutes!

2009-11-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

This is Ellie's first year of soccer and she's loving it! A few of her preschool friends from last year are there as well, which makes it a lot of fun. The coach is awesome and does a great job teaching the kids, but keeping it fun. Ellie's definitely more of a contact sport player for sure. The shirt says it all!

Lauryn's New Smile

2009-11-06T10:10:00.001-08:00

Here she is! Braces and all...she's been so nervous to get her braces, but she did great. The transition is a little difficult - she just realized she can get food on them! Now there's a lot less slurping (thank heavens!) and she's getting more and more comfortable talking.

She's still our Lovely Lu!

Kayacking on the American River

2009-07-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun Memorial Day with our Fawson friends, kayacking on the river, near Folsom. It took Lauryn awhile to loosen her grip on the side, but eventually she began to enjoy it as much as the rest of us. Ellie, however, had a blast hanging off the side and getting wet!

Our Tennis Summer

2009-07-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

This summer has found us each day at the tennis courts. Ben's coming up on his 3rd year and Lauryn just began this summer. (Ellie was devastated to have to wait another year.) Ben has also began competing in a summer League and has really enjoyed that. It's been a great experience for him and we've enjoyed watching both their progress.

I Love My Kids!

2009-07-27T16:47:00.001-07:00

So this is what I woke up to the other afternoon, following a much-needed nap! The whole house was picked up and vaccumed, dishes put away, floor mopped, bedrooms cleaned - so what was a mom to do? Go back to bed! Nah, we went and had a Jamba Juice!

WICKED!!

2009-07-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

Lauryn and I had the best time seeing Wicked. It's by far one of the best plays ever! It was an absolutely amazing cast. Lauryn was singing along to some of her favorites (Popular, Defying Gravity) and completely enraptured the entire time and I found wishing I could return for the next show! Thanks to Aunt Babe, we had the amazing seats - 4th row center. Pretty awesome experience. I wasn't sure, however, which Lauryn was more excited about when we left - riding BART into the city or seeing the show!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ June 21st Edition

2009-06-21T23:55:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed at how busy life seems to get and wish I were better at taking time to think and read and play with my kids and really communicate with other people and my Heavenly Father. I was intrigued by a link to The Simple Woman's DayBook, I've included the link below.

Outside my window...it is dark, but I'm enjoying the cool night breeze.
I am thinking...of how all the things I have to do tomorrow.
I am thankful for...my husband and my children ~ they are my life.
From the kitchen...I see a small flower pot. I love having flowers around the house (even if they aren't real!)
I am wearing...a black and white top and black dress bottoms - probably my most comfortable outfit.
I am creating...math pages for the kids for tomorrow.
I am going...to end my day reading The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
I am reading...several books of very different genres. From the above, to Jane Austen (Northanger Abbey) to Dean Koontz's Forever Odd. Very interesting combination.
I am hoping...I can be more soft-spoken.
I am hearing...My kids' bedroom fan.
Around the house...all is quiet, except for the above-mentioned fan.
One of my favorite things...is a quiet house at the end of the day, when all the kids are in the beds with a good book. That's very comforting to me.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Try to keep up with our schedule without running myself ragged.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

I love when my kids are lost in thought...I often wonder what memories they will take with them into adulthood.

Follow the link to discover this wonderful website: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/2009/01/taking-part-in-simple-womans-daybook.html

Lauryn's on Two Wheels!

2009-06-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

So our kids aren't the most daring, and yeah, maybe it takes them a while to get going, but man, once they do, there's no stopping them! Ryan spent several evenings outside with Lauryn teaching her to ride her two-wheeler. The funny thing is that she's so determined. She'd be outside playing and come inside all tuckered out. I'd ask her why she was so tired, and she'd been trying to ride her bike. She was out there alone practicing and we had no idea. She sticks to something and doesn't get discouraged. Ryan was so patient and she picked it up in a few days. Now she's solid and can be found many an evening in the company of her new-found friend!

R Ranch Trip

2009-06-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

Ryan's parents are part of a Ranch Association in Napa that we enjoy every so often. This was back in February, but I'm trying to get caught back up. So here it is! The kids love going there, and the cabins are so much fun. I think Ryan was out of town, so the kids and I headed up for a couple of days.

Hiking in the hills

Our first sight when we opened our cabin door.

Reading before Bedtime

Journey to the Top of the Mountain

2008-10-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

I've got some great friends who, I'm still not sure how, talked me into joining them on a pretty intese hike in South Lake Tahoe. Mt. Tallac is 9700 ft. above sea level and, from the summit, one of the most beautiful views I've ever seen. I read that, overall, the route we took is 6 miles in distance with an elevation gain of 3,200 ft., but I have to give it to these girls, they were very patient and encouraging. The view and satisfaction of reaching the summit made it all well worth with, though I found myself repeating the mantra I have for my own kids, "You can do hard things!" Several times I felt like the little blue engine, "I think I can, I think I can..." But we did it, in just over 4 hours, I believe. So here are a few pictures from our resident photographer, Debby. Thanks again, girls!

Mom's Graduation

2008-08-21T01:10:00.000-07:00

We are so darned proud of you, Grandma!! Way to go!

Our Fun 4th!

2008-08-21T00:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know this is very late, but I had to post about the great week we spent with my sister and her family in Washington. We love to be up there in the summer - it's such a wonderful break from the incessant heat we get down here. We spent most of the time at their little cabin on the lake. Good times...

10-Year Anniversary!

2008-08-03T23:17:00.000-07:00

Yeah! This year for the "Big 10," we went down to Monterey for the weekend. Grandma McMindes, lovingly, offered to take the kids to the Ranch, which is always a treat for them. So, knowing the kids were happy as clams, we headed for the coast. It was strange to be in the car together and be able to talk without comments from the peanut gallery. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. One of the perks of Ryan's jobs is that since he has to travel so much, he earns points for hotel stays. So after a little calculating, he landed us in The Clement, which is arguably the nicest hotel there, right in the center of Cannery Row. We realized this was our first time staying in a hotel without kids since our honeymoon!

Bubba Gumps for Dinner

Evening Stroll

View from our deck - the Central Plaza

Ocean View

Petting Stingrays at Montery Bay Aquarium

Ben's Baptism Day

2008-08-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

Finally! Here are some pictures from Ben's baptism. I felt so proud of my little man, not only because of his decision to be baptized, but of his preparation. He really took it seriously and was so excited, he told everyone he came in contact with, from schoolmates, to teachers, the principal, store cashiers, it was so neat. When he met with the Bishop prior to his baptism, the bishop came out and said, "He'll be interviewing us someday." He loves learning about the gospel and has always had such a sensitive heart. I tell him all the time he's going to be the best missionary, husband and father. I'm so proud of my boy!

My Guys

Great Grandpa and Great Grandma with Aunt Babe

Four Generations of Handsome Men

Our neighbors, Connie and Fritz were so sweet to come and support Ben.

Ben really loved having his friends there.

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-06-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

One of our family's favorite things to do is be outdoors, surrounded by nature. We really don't do it often enough, but we have the best time when we do. So this weekend was a "Nature Vacation." Ryan had some work to do in Redding, so we stayed with him in his hotel, which the kids think is the coolest thing ever. The first picture is fast becoming a staple in during our Redding adventures. Burney Falls has a great hike which we just found leads to a beautiful lake (see picture of Ryan and Ben.) The middle pictures are from a hike we took to Castle Crags State Park in Dunsmuir, just south of Shasta. It was breathtaking. At the end of the hike, before we turned back, was a little stream that the kids really enjoyed. We were really proud of them, since we literally hiked or drove for three solid days. The loved it, though. Very few complaints, which is quite huge!

Dear Friends

2008-04-03T23:29:00.001-07:00

I'm just amazed to know so many wonderful women in my life. These are a few dear friends from Vacaville I visited with while they were in town. Mandi, Christy, Judy, and Tricia. Each one plays a part in my history, from different periods of my life and I feel so awed by them, what great mothers and women they have become. I'm blessed to know them.

Toothless!

2008-04-01T12:56:00.001-07:00

After a few weeks of anxious wiggling and painful apple biting, we have an official lost tooth! Lauryn was so excited to have her tooth finally come out. This was that morning's conversation:

(Ben and Lauryn had been sleeping in his tent)

Lauryn: My tooth hurts. I think it's almost out.

Ben: Try to move it.

Lauryn: I'm trying to, but I can't feel it.

Ben: Where is it?

Lauryn: I don't know. I was just wiggling it. Hey, I think I feel something.

Ben: Let me see!

Lauryn: Yeah, it's my tooth!

Ben: Mom!! Lauryn's tooth came out!

It was hard to tell who was more excited, but she definitely came out beaming. And it seems we have a very generous Tooth Fairy! Initially the Tooth Fairy thought $1 was perfect, but the Tooth Fairy's husband thought that wasn't sufficient to celebrate a 1st tooth! So the next morning, this was the conversation:

Ben: Mom, what was that you were writing last night with Lauryn's name on it. It looks like the Tooth Fairy's note.

Mom: (shooting the former a dirty look) Well, I don't know why.

Lauryn: The Tooth Fairy gave me $5!

Ben: Hey, I think the Tooth Fairy only gave me $2 for my first tooth! (Shooting a dirty look my way.)

Oops!

Dillon Beach

2008-03-20T19:34:00.001-07:00

We spent a few days with our friends at Dillon Beach. It was freezing and windy, but the kids had a fabulous time!

Ellie's 3!

2008-03-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

We have this tradition in our family, dating back to my childhood, of being awoken to a sleepy rendition of Happy Birthday. Then we were presented with a single wrapped gift, our favorite (sugar) cereal. That was the only time all year we were allowed to have sugar cereal, so birthday mornings were quite a treat. My favorite was (and still is) Honeycombs. My birthday just isn't the same without it. Ellie has decided her favorite is Fruit Loops. This is her 3rd year opening her little box and watching her get so excited makes me so grateful my mom made such a point to create little traditions like this. (I have to say, however, that I have tweaked it slightly over the years. We buy the small, individual boxes so there are no leftovers! This way, the other kids also get to choose from what is left in the packet of cereals, so it's fun for them, too!)
Happy Birthday, Darling!

Gettin' Down and Funky!

2008-03-11T00:03:00.000-07:00

Our friends, Matt & Christy, brought over Dance Revolution the other night. It's seriously addicting! You keep thinking, I'll get it this time, no, really. I don't even know what time we got the kids to bed, but it was late. Ryan actually busted quite a move, reverting back to his old single days when he was the hottest thing on the dance floor.

Well, we thought it might be too difficult for our little white kids to really get, but they sure proved us wrong! They each had their own style - Ben was more thoughtful and gentle, and then there's Lauryn beating the heck out of the pads!

(Sorry, I had a hard time getting the video to work, so I've added it to our other website (www.easysite.com/mahoneyfamily5). Feel free to visit and see the kids gettin' down and funky!

The Hicksville Twins

2008-03-10T22:52:00.001-07:00

Okay, this picture was too cute. They were having so much fun being silly. To save my brother and sister-in-law's reputation, though, Taytum is always dressed adorably - matching clothes, shoes, hair done, the whole bit. Now I know that sounds like normal life for most of you all, but in our family, it's a miracle if we can keep clothes on our kids. And then to try and get those clothes to match, well, it's just too much for me. So when Taytum comes over, she has to blend in, of course. She just becomes one of the kids. So, sorry Paul and Tiff! This is really what happens when she's at our house!

Sense and Sensibility

2008-03-08T23:47:00.001-08:00

For those of you who know Jane Austen characters, I'd have guessed I would have been Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice, but alas, I'm the mature, sensible Ms. Dashwood. Though I'm not complaining, if you know who she gets in the end!

Take the Quiz here!

Super Monday!

2008-02-04T14:22:00.000-08:00

After the Church's press conference this morning, announcing President Monson as our new prophet, I was listening to a Q&A with Marlin K. Jensen of the Seventy. He mentioned how ironic it was that we've just had 'Super Sunday' (Super Bowl Sunday), Tuesday we'll have 'Super Tuesday', and today we have 'Super Monday'. He commented on how interesting it is this is only the 16th time we've had the succession of a new prophet, since the Church's restoration 178 years ago. It really made an impression on me how amazing it is to watch this and it's significance to the world, though so many have no idea this is happening.

I found a really great website I used often for Nursery ideas, which has a link for FHE ideas. The website is sugardoodle.net. One idea was to make a scrapbook page in the kids' scrapbooks about the things they remembered about President Hinckley and some of the things he helped bring about, ie. temples, Perpetual Education Fund, more worldwide media exposure, etc. I think we'll do that tonight.

At the press conference, I was so impressed by President Monson's response to a question about how he felt when he knew he would be the next prophet. He said he went straight to his knees. I guess I imagined him to talk about how overwhelmed he was and possibly nervous by this great responsibility. But he didn't. His unwavering faith was evident in his response. It also hit me that this is a man who truly knows the Lord and knows He will guide him as he leads His church. My own faith was strengthened by his quiet, sure response. It also reminds me of the need to take my worries and concerns to the Lord, trusting Him to guide me in my life.

Lilly's Big Day by Kevin Henkes

2008-01-25T10:47:00.000-08:00

Kevin Henkes authored these adorable books about a group of mice friends. Each has its own personality that almost any kid can identify with. Lauryn's favorite is Lilly. She oozes drama and I think Lauryn likes her because she's brave enough to do all the things she wishes she could do. However, seeing what her poor mother goes through, I'm grateful for my Lulu!

Winter Wonderland

2008-01-24T14:44:00.000-08:00

We had the best day with our friends, Matt & Christy, enjoying the wintery outdoors. We drove about an hour east and found the perfect spot. (Thanks, Matt!) I couldn't believe how brave the kids were. Both Ben and Lauryn are my nervous Nellies, so I was pretty amazed they took to it so quickly. They literally sledded a good hour and a half, taking only the necessary snack/hot chocolate breaks here and there. And when the adults were too tired/sore/cold, they found new paths on the other side of our hill. Even after several nasty spills, they kept on going. It really was a perfect day. Feel free to visit our family website for more pics and some video!

What better way to spend a Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday! Actually, I felt a tad guilty that we hadn't made mention of the purpose for the holiday (though they're very thorough at school), so on the trip home, I mentioned how grateful I was to have spent the day with my family and how blessed we are to be free - thanks to so many before us who had to fight to pave the way so that everyone could enjoy freedom. Reveling in my eloquence, I was interupted by Lauryn's insightful comment, "Yeah, we already talked about that." Thanks, Mom!

Ellie the Ogre

2008-01-15T09:57:00.001-08:00

Ellie was an "Ogre" playing in the mud. I didn't have the heart to get mad at her, but it was sure a lovely mess.

2007-12-16T15:58:00.000-08:00

Okay, I've finally succumbed to the "blogging buzz" and we'll see how it goes!