Hustead Family

Delta Kappa Psi's 100th Birthday

2010-06-01T16:36:00.000-07:00

My sorority turned 100 years old the beginning of May. Of course we know how to celebrate in everything Purple!! It was so fun to see so many people I haven't seen in a VERY long time!

Me, Jillian (my sometimes roommate), & Tara (my roommate)

Sisters in life & in Delta!!

The other half of our table!

Delta alumni & actives hanging at the house

The Butterfly in "The Nanny Goats Gruff"

2010-05-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

The cutest little Butterfly!

Her Fans!

Mrs. Belko-her teacher

Mrs. Charles

Easter in Lake Tahoe

2010-04-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

This year we spent Easter in Lake Tahoe. It was SO different from the sunny Southern Cali weather we are used to, but it was SO much fun! We had fresh powder Easter morning!!

EASTER SUNDAY

Big family = lots of Easter Baskets

Waiting to open our baskets!

The Easter Bunny brought spring toys!

Summer shades!

Yep, I've got him wrapped!

The Lambert Family

The Jarvis Family

Our First family picture in the snow!

Hunting for eggs!

It's camouflage!

Chad's always wanted to shovel the driveway!

Slater LOVES the snow.

Out of all the toys, this is the one she like the most!

PLAYING IN THE SNOW AT THE HOUSE

Slater catching snow balls

Our Little Snow Bunnies

Waitin to make a snow man

Going for a ride.

Ready for our ride down the stairs

SLEDDING AT THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN

Daddy's Little Girl

"If all of the snow drops were lemon drops and gum drops, oh what snow it would be!"

"It's snowing in my face, it's 14 degrees outside, and you want me to smile??"

Mama's little girl

Hitchin a ride back up from sledding.

Finally, warm feet!

CHAD, LINDSEY & ROXI SNOWBOARDING

Heading up on the lift for our first ride.

Our first snowboarding picture.

TEAGEN TELLING SLATER TO "SIT"

Maya's day at the Hospital

2010-02-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

Maya was so brave on Tuesday going to the hospital to get an EEG done to determine if she has petite mal seizures and the severity. After staying up until 11:00 pm last night and then waking up at 3:00 am. We were so glad to get a little nap there and then come home for a longer nap! She did amazing and didn't even need to be sedated! Here are some pictures from her adventure!

This is at about 4:30 am. It's been a LONG night for all of us!

Maya shared her Hannah Montana stickers the nurse gave her! What a good Daddy!

Gettin' all hooked up!

Just a few more....

There's that silly sense of humor we LOVE!

Daddy gettin' comfy for a little nap.

Snuggle time!

Was that so hard?? Time to take all the goop off!

What do you think? Is it me???

Nothin' better than IHOP's Chocolate Chip pancakes for breakfast

YUMMMM-O!

New Year... New Beginnings

2010-01-13T13:38:00.000-08:00

Teagen decided that she didn't want to sleep in her crib. So, after a little help from Maya, she figured out how to climb out.

After a few nights of being put in her crib and either climbing out or being pulled out by her sister to sleep together, we decided it was time to say bye bye to her crib.

T's last time in the crib

Maya and Teagen's bed!

Maya's First day of 1st Grade

2009-12-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

August 24

It can't be true that our baby is in 1st grade and going to school ALL DAY!

Maya giving her best pose! She's a natural!

Sisterly Love

Gotta show off the new back pack.

Bryson & Maya

Maya's Classroom

Maya's desk

Waiting in line with some friends from last year!

Saying by as Mrs. Belko says something!!

Ice Cream Fun

2009-12-02T11:25:00.001-08:00

On the way to Uncle Eric & Auntie Sissy's wedding, we stopped to get some ice cream!

Teagen, Maya, Bryson & Bowyn

Maya & Teagen

Good thing they are going to Papa & Gigi's house!!

Bryson & Bowyn

Yep, we'll be in a tux in a few hours!!

Back Yard Camp Out

2009-12-01T18:02:00.001-08:00

Maya had been wanting to "camp" in the yard for a while... and we needed to put our tent back correctly since we used it last... in 2005. So just before Maya went back to school we decided to pitch the tent ... I mean mansion. We couldn't fit it in our back yard, so we had to put it up in the front! I'm sure the neightbors were as excited as Maya was!!

The Beginning

Maya helping out

Make sure that puppy doesn't fall!

Finished product

Ready for bed

Wish they would have stayed like that when the slept.

This is more like how it ended up!

Vacation Bible School

2009-12-01T14:57:00.001-08:00

Maya had so much fun this year at VBS. She was really able to get into it, learning the Bible verses and all the sons with the motions. She especially liked the carnival after the program and playing with her friend, Emily!

Maya is singing in the very front row and in the middle. This was her favorite song of the week.

Emily & Maya waiting SO LONG and PATIENT to get their hair colored!

Vail Lake Camping

2009-12-01T14:38:00.000-08:00

We went camping for our friends birthday at the beautiful vail lake.

The birthday Boy

Someone gave the kids ice cream... can you tell they LOVED it?

Relaxing at the camp site.

Teagen woke up from her nap and wanted make sure we knew it!

The Dodge brothers

Happy Birthday, Bobby.

Sleepy girls! This is the first time they have ever slept in the same bed!!

Long Time Comin'

2009-12-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

We're finally back! To blogging that is. I never realized life could be so hectic with two kids, work, 1st grade, and all our other activities! I have given the blog a face lift. Now, as soon as I can get Teagen fed lunch and back down for a nap (instead of on my lap) I can actually post some pictures of what we have been up to for the past, uh, 4 months. This may take a while! Thank you to those of you who haven't given up all hope in us!

Lake Tahoe

2009-07-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

The Hustead girls had a blast in Tahoe! Poor Daddy had to stay home and work. Maybe next time he can come!

The drive out in the ol' Yukon! It was a tight fit with Papa, Gigi, Maya, Teagen, Lindsey, and the newest member of the Jarvis clan... Slater.

Day trip to Northstar Resort. We played in the sand box while Papa & Gigi shopped. Then we saw some chairs and suddenly we were craving Ice Cream!

We went to Squaw Vally Resort for Jazz night. It was VERY WINDY and VERY COLD. But Papa and Maya seemed to keep warm with some dance moves.

Ski beach was great. We stationed ourselves between the beach and the play ground. What could be better??

"What? Do I have something on my face? Where?" Gotta love yogert!

It was a hairy ride down the Truckee River... okay so it wasn't hairy, but we did get stuck on a rock or two.

Our last day on the boat. From the tube picture, you would never believe us that 45 minutes later we were stuck in 5 foot swells! There was a run in my bathing suit with a puppy in one hand and Teagen in the other to the trailer, us picking up Sheena and Roxi on the road, a car trip down the road to Sand Harbor -- and back, then finally getting my parents and the boat on the trailer and on land. God is good and protected us! Unfortunately we don't have any pictures of that ordeal because we were too focus on getting everyone on dry land SAFE and FAST!

Nothin' like finishing off a trip with some good ol fashioned horseshoes!

Teams1: Steve, Jedeen, & Maya

Team 2: Lindsey, Sheena, & Roxi

Team 2 took the game where we played to 21.

Team 1 took the game where we played to 8...had to get to dinner!

Maya actually score more points than her Gigi! She's a natural!

Rematch??

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have a fun and safe time celebrating our nation!

Love,

Chad, Lindsey, Maya & Teagen

Not just any picnic

2009-06-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday we were given the gift of tickets to a wonderful event called "A Time For Heros" in Los Angeles which raises money for the Pediatric AIDS Foundation. It was so much fun. It was like a carnival where kids could play games hosted by different celebrities where everyone wins! You play a game...you get a prize. They had a huge slide, story time where celebrities read stories, a place where you could paint on jeans, shirts or "red ruby slippers", They had tons of booths for food and drinks then you just sat down on the grass and had lunch with a bunch of famous people. In the beginning Chad and I would lightly tap each other and nod in a direction, but after a while every where you turned there was someone. Other people were going crazy walking up to people asking for autographs in the autograph book that was handed out at the entrance. We were star struck, but not that crazy. The most important reason Maya was there was for

. . . a Miley Cyrus performance.

Maya played a few games and we walked around. She got to meet Tony Hawk, get an autograph for her boyfriend, Bryson who is a HUGE Tony Hawk fan.

Maya's main thought was to be right in front when Miley performed, so she pretty much stayed by the stage for an hour and a half before to stake her spot! Luckily they had music and games at the stage to play with and to entertain Teagen. Teagen was a hit with all the people around. they loved watching her dance. She's a little character! Maya was even asked to come up on stage to dance because she knew the High School Musical Dance so well, but she got a little stage fright! We got a wee bit lost on the way up, so I wish we would have had more time to walk around and do more.

Learning a dance...waiting for Miley

Then the big moment arrived and I have never seen so many people, women and children alike, go so crazy to be as close as they can. Two very tall teenyboppers crammed their way right in between Maya and I. Maya had waited so long, I wanted her to be able to stay right up against the gate that was between the people and the stage! What a fun experience for Maya. She was in awe the whole time, rockin out to the songs! How this girl knows these songs is amazing! (She naturally has that talent to hear a song and know it!) Miley was awesome, she played 6 or 7 songs. Maya literally was either holding her hand out, just in case Miley could go-go-gadget her arm the 5 or so yards we were away, or waiving at her hoping to get a wave back! We stuck around a bit after the concert to see if she was going to sign autographs, but the security guard told us she wasn't coming back out so we headed out.

This is how close Maya was to the stage.

The walk way went all they way behind Maya's right shoulder .

The camera on no zoom

Maya liked her microphone stand!

Maya's arm stretched out

Maya watching Miley

Maya singing

You can see Maya trying to waive at her!!

Sorry about the scratchy noise, we were close and it was LOUD!

As we were leaving we saw these two girls who are on the Suite Life of Zack & Cody on Disney. Maya recognized them immediately. They have cute accents!

It was a fun day, a dream come true for Maya! Chad and I realized how fun it was to just watch Maya and see her in total amazement. Thanks, Brian, again for the tickets. We really can't ever thank you enough!! You can tell by the last pictures, the kids played hard! Especially since both of them took naps on the way there!

Sleepy heads!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAYA!

2009-05-25T21:00:00.001-07:00

Happy 6th Birthday to our Sweet Maya!

Today we celebrated the day we were made parents. It's hard to believe we have a 6 year old daughter! We are so proud of our little princess. WE LOVE YOU BABY GIRL!

Maya's room was decorated while she slept, so she woke up on her birthday to a SURPRISE!

Our traditional breakfast in bed! (Donut & Chocolate Milk....YUM!)

Make a wish!

Last weekend we had a few friends and some family join us for a camping trip in San Clemente! Maya's word were . . . "This is the BEST day EVER!"

The decorated trailer

Our beach babe

Maya and her cousin Taylor

Bryson showing off his BMX biking moves

Bowyn getting friendly with Gus

Evie enjoying her lunch

Maya's cousin cooper watering the dirt!

Teagen's helped her big sister blow out the candles

WE LOVE OUR CUPCAKES!

The kids showing off their lovely faces!

There were so many pictures that were SO cute. I had to attach a slide show of them! (See them all to the right!)

Easter Pictures

2009-04-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

There are certain times of the year that we get annual pictures taken of the girls. I love looking back at the previous years' pictures in the frame. Here's our annual Easter Picture of the Hustead girls!

Teagen attension span is only so big. This is at the breaking point!

Sisterly LOVE!

America's Next TOP Model

2009-03-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

Sunday the Jarvis family and some friends went to a Fashion Show at The Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, featuring my sister, Roxi's, National Charity League class. It is an amazing fundraiser that their NCL chapter puts on annually where they have silent auctions, raffles, tons of fun activities. After all the bidding and raffles are closed, everyone heads into the main room where they enjoy a fabulous lunch and the main even . . . a fashion show . . . where the girls wear clothes from local stores and boutiques. We had so much fun and Roxi was AMAZING. She did such a great job. Look out Tyra, you may see this girl in front of you some day . . .

Work it, girl!

Check out the pose!

Cute beach dress, too bad it's $400

Formal wear

Maya was SO into it. She wants to know when she can do it!!

Can you tell we're close???

Fun Mother-Daughter time!

Roxi in action!
(It gets a bit hard to see her when she's at the end of the runway, but she comes back out of the light!)

. . . AFTER

2009-03-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

It's not the greatest picture of either of us, but at least you get an idea!

Before . . . During . . .

2009-03-15T09:27:00.001-07:00

Maya and I have done a little spring cleaning . . .

. . . Stay tuned for the results!!

Here we go, Maya, Here we go!

2009-03-04T17:20:00.000-08:00

Maya had her very first softball game Tuesday night! She has been going to weekly practices with her team and a few practices here and there with good 'ol Dad & Mom. As I was explaining what was going to happen, I told her she would be hitting off of a tee. She said, "But I don't like the tee, I want them to pitch it to me!" I guess those side lessons with Chad and I are paying off (and with a little help from Papa and the bucket of balls he let us use! Thanks Papa!) She is #4, just like her Daddy was playing soccer when he was a boy!

Our girl in action!

Batter up!

Runnin' the bases

Check out that fielder

"When is it my turn?"

She did a great job. She even had a great throw from third base all the way to first! She can't wait till her next game!

Into YOUR Hands

2009-03-02T09:19:00.001-08:00

Richard "Dick" Lambert

May 13, 1922-January 9, 2009

Saturday we said our final good-byes to my wonderful Grandpa. Although he went to be with the Lord almost 2 months ago, the sadness is still very fresh in all our hearts and minds. We know he is in a better place and we will see him again, but we all miss him so much! I am so thankful of all that he has taught me throughout my life, to love God, to work hard, to love what I do, to be humble, to be the best that I can be. I can't even begin to count how many times he told me how proud they are of me. That means the world to me.

I had the pleasure of scanning a bunch of photos for the incredible slide show my sister, Kendra, put together that was shown at the reception after this service. I thought I'd share some with you. I just LOVE looking at picture of my family when they were younger!

This is my grandpa in his Letterman's sweater! (My mom still has the sweater)

The new Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lambert - December 25, 1943
They just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past Christmas Day. An amazing testament of what love is!

My grandparents with my on my wedding day-December 8, 2002

The most recent 4 generation picture we took last Easter day.

I love you, Grampy, and miss you more than words can say. "I'll see you again someday"! So into GOD'S precious hands we release you.

Chick-fil-YEAH

2009-02-24T17:16:00.000-08:00

Let me just say how much I LOVE:

1) the wonderful ladies in my Bible study

2) playdates

Yesterday those were both combined with a fun lunch date at Chick-fil-a. I was the only one who had never been to a Chick-fil-a before. Apparently it's HUGE. Now I know why. It was delicious! We had a blast. Some of us have little ones who are not in school yet, or not in all day. They had so much fun playing together while the mommies got to chat!! Thanks, girls, for a fun time. Can't wait to do it again!!

All the kiddos
Maya, Anna, Teagen, Bella, Mayley, and Mary Jane

Teagen and Bella (born 3 weeks apart)

Bella, Anna & Mary Jane

Sisters: Anna & Mary Jane

Bella and Mayley playing

The New Mr. & Mrs. Jones

2009-02-23T14:41:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we had the honor of watching our friends David & Monique get married in Dana Point. It was so fun to see two people so in love and starting their new lives together! David was so calm and taking in every moment. Mo was absolutely beautiful! Sorry, David, she stole the show! Thanks, you two, for allowing us to be apart of your special day!

Of course our family can't get away without taking a family picture, especially with the gorgous background of the Dana Point Harbor behind us! (Thanks, Chart House).

Me and my hubby . . . check out his new suit!! Sorry ladies, he's taken!

The Jarvis sistas

Family Pic

This is the whole fam-damly, laughling like usual!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

Maya and Teagen got to open presents too!

How the lips of the hat were perfectly by Maya's is totally accidental!!

WE LOVE EACH OTHER!

What a fun Valentine's Day we had! Maya had softball practice in the morning, so while Chad was with her there, I made heart-shaped chocolate chip pancakes and bacon. The rest of the day was a good 'ol fashion family day . . . with a family nap (our favorite). We took an evening walk, fed the kiddos and then put them to bed. That's when Chad started on his Valentine's Day present . . . cooking me dinner. A candle lit dinner, no less. It was amazing: wine, steak, scallops, salmon, salad. It was FANTASTIC!

I've Been Tagged!

2009-01-21T09:48:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by The Francis 5 (who will have to change their name because they will be the Francis 6!!) That means we had to post the 4th picture in the 4th file from our pictures . . .

And the funny thing is -- it's a picture of the Jarvis Family on the 4 OF JULY way back in 2005!! (How appropriate!) We were getting ready to enjoy a seafood and veggie spread that was cooked by my dad in a big ol pot. The best part is you just pick out what you want and eat it with your hands!!

So, part of being tagged I have to tag 4 other people. So I'm tagging:

1. The Dixon Family

(and maybe get her back up to blogging!!)

2. The Gratton Family

3. The Lewis Family

4. The Perley Family

The Rules:

1. Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer

2. Select the 4th picture in the folder

3. Explain the picture

4. Tag 4 people to do the same. No cheating

December Catch Up

2009-01-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

Life got a bit too far ahead of my blog! I got so wrapped up in Christmas that I was a total slacker on the blog thing. We did SO much in December I can't wait to share it the moments and pictures with you. So before we change our background, here it is . . .

DISNEYLAND!!

2009-01-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

We finally took the family to Disneyland! It was Maya's first time there. We had an absolute blast! After a lot of insider information from my good friend Sarah who has season passes and my sister Kendra who had gone the week before, so we were able to hit a ton of things! But it didn't start without a bit, I mean a TON of rain.

We had planned it all out so that after Maya got out of school on a Tuesday at 11 am we would head up to my parent's house so I could work, we'd spend the night and the head straight to Disneyland first thing the next morning. Well, we woke up Wednesday morning to complete downpour! We decided to skip Disneyland that day head home because Maya had to go to school on Thursday. Thursday after school we rushed back up to Disneyland and didn't leave until 11:00 pm!

Maya got to go on her first roller coaster and then after that we couldn't slow her down. That girl went on Matterhorn-twice, Splash Mountain-twice, and Thunder Mountain-twice! She also got to learn how to act like a lady with the Princesses. Then she got to meet three princesses, Cinderella, Snow White, and Ariel, where she got to talk to them, get their autograph, and take a picture with them!

Teagen got to go on rides too! Just her and Mommy went on Winnie the Pooh while Daddy and Maya were on Splash Mountain. Teagen also got to go on It's a small world once with just Daddy and another time with all of us! One of our favorite rides was Pirates of the Caribbean. But we loved the parade, the light show and especially the SNOW!!

The infamous first Disneyland picture

"Mom, why do you have to take so many pictures"

On our first ride!

Maya's favorite princess

"It's a Small World" ride

Watching the parade

Big surprise . . . Maya made friends with the people in the front row. (You'd think getting there 45 minutes early would be enough, but apparently not!)

In front of the beautifully lit Cinderella's castle with our new hats

Father and Daughter- hand in hand

Celebrating the ALL the family

2009-01-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

My side of the family picks a day for all of us to celebrate since our families are multiplying like crazy! It is so much fun for all of us to get together to chat, hang out, eat . . . drink . . . and be merry! This was the first year, since probably any of us can remember, that EVERYONE was there! A miracle I know!!

The Steve Jarvis Family

Teagen, Chad, Lindsey, Taylor, Maya, Brian, Sheena, Roxi, Jedeen, Steve, Cooper, Kendra, Scott

The Steve Wilson Family

Sara (Wyatt in the belly), Kristen, Kevin, Cynthia, Maddie, Noah, Steve, Danielle, Carlos, Brody, Trevor

The Skip Jarvis Family
Parker, Marilyn, Shelby, Skip

A drink for the Ladies
Aunt Cyndy, Sheena, Jedeen, Aunt Marilyn, Shelby, Kendra, Me

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009-01-19T12:28:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas! We celebrating with all of our family! (makes for a crazy few days!) But we loved every minute of it. And so did the girls. I tried to only pick a few pictures so you won't be bored!

CHRISTMAS EVE

Steak dinner: our new tradition!

Maya & Teagen in their new Christmas jammies by the tree

A plate for Santa and a plate for us!

CHRISTMAS MORNING

The girls coming out for presents

Teagen opening a present

"Mr. & Mrs. Clause"

Presents from Santa

Chad's present from Santa

CHRISTMAS WITH CHAD'S FAMILY

Kohl, Maya, Teagen, and Kaden (Brady was sleeping)

Maya rocking out as Hannah Montana

Our gifts to the Ford people (so they feel better about owning one!!)

Maya with her new buddies, Pat & Susan

CHRISTMAS WITH LINDSEY'S FAMILY

Maya & Teagen, Taylor & Cooper in ther jammies!

Playing with Cooper's toy!

Teagen is jealous that her cousin has more hair than her!

We double in kids

2009-01-19T12:19:00.001-08:00

We had the wonderful joy of my sister and her family coming down for the night. Then we shoved Kendra and her husband, Scott out the door to have a fun night at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa for a child-free night. That meant us having a 5 year old, a 2 year old and two 1 year olds! We had such a fun time with the kids, but of course not as much fun as the kids!! Needless to say we had our hands full, so this is the only picture we took!

Taylor as Hannah Montana and Maya with Belle hair!

Christmas Fun

2008-12-24T02:04:00.000-08:00

We took the girls to see Santa about a week ago. It was so much fun. They were all dressed up in their Christmas outfits looking so cute. It seems we went early enough because the line was VERY short, only a few people in front of us.

So we got pictures of the girls on the bench . . .

Some in front of a pretty Christmas tree . . .

Both girls were looking at Santa smiling and getting so excited to go see him. It was out turn. We march right up there . . . still smiling. Maya was first to get to Santa and sat right on his lap. I leaned to put Teagen down and this is the picture we walked away with . . .

After rescuing Teagen from the oh so scary Santa, Maya had a little time with him to give him her wish list. Apparentely she didn't want us to know what it was and wanted to make sure Santa could really hear her over all the mall noise!

That seriously melted my heart!

Maya also had Ruldolf day at her school. They did a bunch of activities with all the kindergarten classes. This is her at the end of the day!

More Christmas Tree Adventures

2008-12-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

Okay, I finally got the video working. Here is Maya and Chad cutting down our tree!! I also had to add a picture to show off my husband a little bit!! Hehe! And one more Griswald . . . I mean Hustead Family Christmas Tree picture for all of you Christmas Vacation movie lovers . . .

Little full . . Lot of sap . . .

Tis the Season

2008-12-06T16:01:00.001-08:00

This is my most FAVORITE time of the year. For me it all starts the day before Thanksgiving and and lasts for the next six weeks! I love just walking around the malls and stores (even more so when I don't need to buy anything), hearing the Christmas music and seeing all the of festive items for sale. I love the celebration of the birth of Christ and watching all of the wonder and amazement in my kids eyes. I love watching the girls as they look at Christmas lights and get excited. I love decorating my house with decorations ranging from Chad and my childhood to ones we got for our wedding, and ones Maya has made at school! I just love it all.

Today we added something to our Christmas season. We had a Hustead (some may know it as Griswald) Family Christmas day. Yes that's right, we went to CUT DOWN our Christmas tree. It was so fun. There was even a moment while driving that I had to say in all seriousness, "I don't want to spend the holidays DEAD!" (For those of you who have see Christmas Vacation, you know what I'm talking about. Okay, you may not know it verbatum like our family, but you know the part. For those of you who haven't seen the movie, um, where have you been and you must go watch it immediately!) The girls had so much fun, it was well worth the trip! Definitely something special we will cherish forever. So here are some pictures and some video of the event.

Peek a boo . . . I see you!

Maya giving it a try.

Chad with the girls.

They even had some animals. Maya was a little hesitant at first, but Teagen wanted in to play with them!

(Video is coming soon, I'm having some problems with it. But check back soon!)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

Hope you all have a wonderful day. We all have so much to be thankful for!

P.S. This was A LOT more work than I planned in my mind! Why I thought a one-year-old would have the patience to do it is CRAZY to me now! Teagen SCREAMED until Maya and I teamed up. I would paint Teagen's finger and Maya would slip her a piece of a Nutri-grain bar! Yes, that's right, I bribed my child with food!

Happy Halloween

2008-11-06T14:02:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I really have some catching up to do! I thought I HAVE to get this in before Thanksgiving!!

We had a GREAT Halloween. Very action packed, though.

Thursday night we carved our pumpkins. This year we only had three because Chad was helping Teagen carve hers! Maya decided she wanted her pumpkin carving to be Cinderella. So with a little help from Mom I think we may have succeeded. With my pumpkin, I decided to capture Teagen's smile and teeth in my jack-o-lantern. Teagen's, well, it was just too small to try to carve anything crazy, so Chad made a good ol fashioned "H".

Friday the kids at Maya's school all dress up and they have a Costume Parade. It was absolutely precious! Here is Maya walking with her class and also a picture with her good friend, Megan.

After Maya got out of school we went up to Orange County to meet my sister and her kids. We dressed the kids up, took some pictures and headed off the the shopping center by the house so the kids could do some Trick-or-Treating. It was so fun for Maya to be with her cousin! Especially since Teagen isn't so excited about the whole thing just yet!

After the bags were full (and even a few in Teagen's for Daddy & Mommy) we were off the see my sister Roxi cheer at her first Homecoming game as a Varsity Cheerleader. And what made it even more interesting is that her school (Dana Hills High School) was playing my Alma mater (Aliso Niguel High School). It took a lot to sit on Dana's side, but I did it. Good thing I had the support of my sister, Sheena and her boyfriend, Brian who both went to Aliso. Fortunately Dana won their homecoming game, unfortunately they CRUSHED Aliso. Sheena, Brian and I did cheer, however, for the ONE touchdown Aliso scored. (Sorry Rox!) It was really fun to watch Roxi in action. Teagen had fun eating the whole time. And Maya LOVE watching all the cheerleaders, the halftime show and especially meeting the dolphin!

Party Like A Rock Star

2008-11-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

Teagen was fortunate enough to celebrate with her family and friends in Escondido and again in Laguna Niguel. She was a little cranky for the celebration at our house. She completely used the "It's my party, I can cry if I want to" to the MAX. But who could blame her, she broke three teeth later that week! She had an absolute BLAST at the park in LN. Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate! You can see the slideshow if you scroll to the bottom!!

Teagen's Birthday Present

2008-10-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

For Teagen's first birthday we bought her first piece of jewelry . . . and a little pain to go with it!

Before & After

Yep, we finally got Teagen's ears pierced! She is such a champ. She cried for about a millisecond and then was totally fine! She looks so cute with her birthstone earrings!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Baby Girl

2008-10-22T06:05:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEAGEN MAE! I can't believe a year has already gone by and our little baby is now one! It has been so fun watching her grow into her little fiesty personality. She is a little ham! And she absolutely adores her big sister. Watching them play together is one of the best parts of my day.

But I can't help and think about this exact moment a year ago. I was nursing my barly 18 hour old baby not knowing that in about an hour the doctor would come in and tell me that he'd like to release us from the hospital (yes with a baby that is not even a day old) so that we wouldn't get stuck at the hospital due to road closures from the Wild Fires. And not a mere 2 hours after that we'd find out that our neighborhood was being evacuated. Boy am I glad that were home . . . in a house that is still standing . . . and safe.

Teagen's birthday started with our traditional breakfast in bed. She was just starting to wake up when we (Chad and I) came in singing "Happy Birthday." Her special breakfast in bed was chocolate milk. (if she was eating real people food it would have been easier, but I refuse to feed her baby food over her crib!) She thought she had died and gone to heaven, having a drink in her bed! She laid right down and sucked down that milk!

Unfortunately I had to work on her birthday, so we hung around the house and played while I answered the business phones. She was hammin' it up for the camera! After work we did do something fun. But that will be a surprise for the next blog!!

So Happy First Birthday, our Sweet Baby Girl!

Our Pumpkin Pies!

2008-10-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

One tradition we have as a family is going to Bates Nut Farm. It is a pumpkin patch close to here. They have hay rides pulled by a tractor, pony rides, petting zoo, games, the list goes on and on. And they have GREAT food. We always get their corn on the cob! YUM YUM.

Then we go searching for the best pumpkin in their dozens of piles of pumpkins. The tradition continues with a picture of the girls in the middle of the pile. (My favorite!!)

This year was Teagen's first time at a pumpkin patch. (Last year it looked like I was trying to steal a pumpkin under my shirt!!)

Maya took picking out a pumpkin VERY seriously. She checked every pile, I think, to make sure she got the best one! And she even carried it all by herself.

Some times my parents are able to join us. They have been getting a BIG pumpkin for many years now. This year they couldn't make it so we picked out a pumpkin for them. Here are the girls sitting on one of the prospectives!

Teagen even got her own little pumpkin!

After a long day, with not very long naps . . .

. . . we had one crying

and one dog tired!

Thought it would have been the other way around, huh!!

Tahoe Fun

2008-10-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

We had an absolute BLAST in Lake Tahoe. After a busy summer and avocado season, we all needed some time to just be away from the hustle and bustle. And what better place to do it in than Lake Tahoe!

My sister, her husband and their two kids were up at the house with us for the first week. It was a great chance for the kids to plan non-stop! We had some fun times at the lake, fun (and crazy) times on the boat (we got caught in some bad weather. Good thing my brother-in-law trained to be a boat operator for the Long Beach lifeguards!!), great times at Squaw Valley Resort, and above all, quality family time!

Maya, Taylor and Teagen looking out to the front yard.

Taylor thought she should do some homework while Maya was doing hers. Thank goodness for a fax/copy machine at the house!!

The kids at Squaw Valley

Best buds!

After my sister's family left, we had some quality Hustead family time.

We also got to stop on the way home to see a friend of our, Josh, from college, and his family! They have two girls, so all four of them had a great time playing. It was a short visit but well worth it!

WAY BEHIND!!

2008-10-10T17:27:00.000-07:00

I have been a total SLACKER on blogging. We actually just got back from our family vacation in Lake Tahoe. MUCH NEEDED time to spend with family and just relax. I will post pictures from the trip soon, but we did have MAJOR news about one thing that happened in Tahoe that I couldn't wait to share.

Teagen was taking a few steps before we left, this was about the middle of the trip. Now she is standing up by her self in the middle of the room and walking EVERYWHERE! That's until she realizes that she can still crawl faster than she can walk. It's the beginning of the end, I guess!!

Can you tell who's who?

2008-09-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

Can you tell which is a picture of Maya and which is a picture of Teagen?

I found this sleeper suit and put it on Teagen and tried to "recreate" the same pose Maya was in. Scroll down for the answer.

Maya is the bottom left, Teagen is the top right!

IT'S FINALLY HERE!

2008-08-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

That's what Maya woke up yelling in excitement. Today was her first day of Kindergarten! She has been so excited about it. Yesterday we gave her "the first day of school outfit" and let her pick what she wanted for dinner. She picked . . . noodles, ribs, and salad. (We have NEVER cooked ribs in our house, so she must have gotten the idea from her grandparents house!) This morning we fought the traffic and got Maya off to her first day of school. She did all the things her teacher told her to do last Friday when we met her. She sat right down in the middle of the rug (probably because the front row was taken or she would have sat there) and waived bye to us! Chad thought she looked SO old compared to the rest of the class, but it's just that our baby is not a baby anymore. I must admit my eyes were a little watery when we left, but no tears running down the face and it only lasted a second! Phew! Well, I will post more about how her first day went, but Aunt Kendra was so excited and asked for pictures early!!

Ready with her snack and folder

In front of her classroom door

Sitting on the carpet in the middle (look at the posture!)

On A Sunday Afternoon . . .

2008-08-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

Our boat has been broken for what seems like FOREVER, but really has only been a year and a half or so. After a lot of research, Chad found the part that we needed so we went to go pick it up this week. Chad and his brother have been working so hard every day to get it running and finally today we were able to take it on a test run! What a beautiful day to be on the lake! So here are pictures of us along with Jason (Chad's brother) and his kids at Lake Hodges. (We also met up with some friends and their boat!)

Chad showing Teagen the ropes

Uncle Rob & Uncle Buder's boat

(with our kids driving it!)

Maya with her cousins, Kohl & Kaden

Captain Chad

Chad playing peek-a-boo with his nephew, Brady

The front of the boat

Maya chillin on the front

Catching Up To Do

2008-08-22T17:03:00.001-07:00

We have been SO busy lately. Chad has finished avocados (we think) so we've been craming in family time along with some last minute summer activities. So . . . here's what the fam has been up to!

Teagen's 10 months Old

2008-08-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

Teagen is 10 months now! She is a Daddy's girl through and through! Now that Chad has more time off, Teagen is ALL ABOUT DADDY! She also LOVES to be doing whatever Maya is doing. If Maya is in their room playing, Teagen wants to go. If Maya is watching TV, Teagen is playing right there. And Teagen would LOVE more than anything to run around with Maya outside.

Teagen just started waiving hi (and sometimes bye) at the beach this week. She is giving kisses and to Mommy she gives Eskimo kisses, shaking her head and all! And as of today . . .

. . . apparently standing by herself! Chad has been practicing with her behind my back. I know it won't be long, but when I'm around, there's no standing-by-herself allowed. We're going to stretch crawling out as LONG AS POSSIBLE!!

Old Man's Beach

2008-08-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

We finally got in a family beach day! We met my sister's family and some friends at Old Man's beach near San Onofre for a PERFECT day at the beach! Chad even surfed for his first time! He used to body board all the time when he was younger, but never surfed. He's a natural! He got up his first time!

Getting his spring suit on

Heading down to the water

Paddling out

Catching the wave

And he's up!

Maya watchin' Daddy

And I'm spent!

Teagen enjoying the beach

(but not her hat, so much!)

Maya's Cheer Camp

2008-08-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

Maya went to cheer camp for 4 days in Orange County with the Surf Cheer All Stars. Roxi was one of her instructors. It was so much fun for her. The last day they had a performance for all the parents to show off their cheer/dance they had been working on all week. (Maya is all the way to the right)

Maya and Coach/Aunt Roxi

Soccer Stud in Action

2008-08-11T16:53:00.000-07:00

Here's the video I promised of Maya scoring (with lots of help from her teammates)!!

Soccer Stud

2008-08-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was SO fun. Maya had her first soccer game! Her team, the Ladybugs, did such a great job. (How we ever scored the pink uniforms is beyond me, but it made Maya a very happy camper!!) Chad and I are the assistant coaches, so yesterday I was on one of the fields helping the girls. Maya did such a great job, scoring 3 goals!! She LOVES being in the front and dribbling to the goal! We have to master the concept of not taking the ball away from our teammates when they are dribbling!! Maya even had a cheering section -- her Gammie (Chad's mom), her Auntie Sheena, Auntie Roxi, and of course her biggest fan--Teagen! She can't wait to play again!

Maya (#10) and Coach Mommy

(Coach Daddy had to meet us there inbetween work!)

GO LADYBUGS!

Hi-5 for Maya!

Half time oranges.

We're ready to go!

(Maya is in the very back looking at the camera)

Maya (#10) getting ready to score.

GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLL!

(We'll post a video of her playing soon!)

Beth & Lewie's Wedding

2008-08-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had the pleasure of watching a good friend of ours get married. It was a beautiful wedding and a great reception. It was really fun to have our whole family together, with no kids!

The Bride and Groom talking to the table (that's Chad's head in the middle)

Beth & Lewie (it's the only clear one I got of them!!)

Us at the reception

Steve & Jedeen dancing

Kendra & Scott at the table waiting for dinner

Roxi and I on the dance floor!

Beth, the bride,'s cousin is Phoenix on American Gladiators. She sat next to Sheena and Roxi at the table for dinner and they totally hit it off. But I am very proud to say that my sister . . . Sheena Lyn . . . beat out an American Gladiator for the bouquet!

This is Sheena (white dress) next to Pheonix (pink hair and the guns...arms) with Roxi behind them (blue dress)

Here's Sheena up in the air with Pheonix. Way to get some hops, Sheena!!

A Sad Good Bye to My Brother

2008-07-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

Woody

April 26, 1997 - July 30, 2008

My family's very beloved dog, WOODY, passed away last night. To us he was a member of our family. All of us sisters taught him everything we knew . . . like how to squat to pee. Woody came on family trips with us. Yes, all 7 of us squished in one van. He went on walks and runs with us. He swam in the pool with us. And when the kids wanted to explore on him, he would let them crawl all over him, poke and pull at him, and he'd just sit there looking at us with a face saying, "Really guys? You're going to let them do this to me?"

We will miss him SO much. It just won't be the same with out Woody barking to greet us at the door when we walk up.

Me with Woody the night we got him

May 19, 2007

We got to take care of Woody when my parents were away.

Maya with Woody July 2005

Teagen playing with Woody and Papa in Lake Tahoe July 2008

Maya the Mermaid...and Teagen too!

2008-07-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

Last week Maya stayed with my parents for 4 days to have swim lessons in their pool. This is her third year with the most WONDERFUL swim teacher (who also happens to be Kendra's teaching partner) Jill Brick. Thanks to "Ms Jill" Maya has been pool safe for about a year, but this year she learned how to do the breast stroke and the back stroke! She even tredded water for 20 seconds! She is a little fish, that's for sure!

Jill teaching the class (Maya is all the way to the right)

Maya doing the floating on her back

Ms Jill even got her little swimming hands on Teagen. We learned a few things to practice over the next year so that next summer Teagen will get swim lessons too and she'll know what to expect.

Teagen with Jill

Thanks again, Jill. You are the BEST!

Home Away From Home

2008-07-14T08:48:00.001-07:00

Pictures from Lake Tahoe

Teagen's mohawk - getting ready for the boat

Maya driving the boat with Papa

Teagen at the beach

Maya on the Bonzai with Auntie Sheena and Uncle B

Teagen asleep in the tube on the beach

Teagen and Aunt Sheena

Cousin Brody (Lindsey's Cousin's Son)

Maya in the lake

Mommy helping Maya use the "outdoor" bathrooms

Aunt Roxi and Maya in the tent Papa built

Lindsey: hard at work on the deck

Maya and Gigi on the raft going down Truckee River

Teagen in the raft

Our last night - out to dinner (Teagen is slept the ENTIRE time!)

The Latest

2008-07-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

Here's what we've been up to in Lake Tahoe:

Today was a lazy day.

We have been teaching Teagen sign language for the last couple weeks. She has picked up the sign "more" so fast. Maybe that's a sign. She is quite an eater! (Guess it runs in the family, Kendra!) We finally got her signing this morning.

After my dad finished working we headed to Northstar to cruise around and check out all of the building they are doing there. They had a bungee trampoline for Maya, which is one of her favorite things to do up here. Last year she was doing flips and this year was no different!

The Adventure Begins...

2008-07-06T20:09:00.000-07:00

It the time of the year again for Lake Tahoe. My parents were taking their summer trip to their house over the 4th of July for two weeks, so the girls and I decided to fly up and meet them on the 5th. We were leaving on an early flight so that we could get up there and have the whole day to "play". Well, during the day on the 4th, Maya came down with the flu that has been circulating through the family. FABULOUS! I still had some packing to do so luckily Maya slept most of the afternoon. Chad came home from work and we bar-b-qued some good ol' American hamburgers and corn on the cob.

The next morning we got up early, loaded up the car and headed down to the airport. A few exits down I realized that we forgot my suitcase. So we made a quick turn off the freeway and headed back to the house and got the suitcase. Finally back on the freeway we made our way AGAIN to the airport. Chad was able to take us and help me get all the suitcases checked and bag up Teagen's carseat to be checked. Thank God he was there to help because, as usual, we were running late. Chad walked us to the security check where we said our good-byes (which with me always includes tears). That's where the horror continues.

It is my first time traveling on the plane with a baby. Maya was a year and a half when she flew for the first time. So she could at least walk. And with all of the security now, it was ridiculous. I didn't know about having to put all lotions, sanitizers, etc in a plastic bag. And I also didn't know that you can't have any of that stuff in a regular size container, they all have to be travel size. Well I had sunscreen and diaper rash cream in my diaper bag. I also had filled up bottles with water for Maya and if I had to make a bottle for Teagen, which you are no longer allowed to have either. The security lady was SO rude, telling me at least 5 times I wasn't allowed to have it. I said after the first couple time "just throw them out then, I'm going to miss my plane." She also told me quite a few times she would have to check with her supervisor to make sure it was okay. Really, do I look like I'm going blow up a plane? Also a new thing, I didn't know that you had to put your stroller through the X-ray machine, not just push it through the metal detector. So with my eyes welling up in tears, waiting for a couple captains and crew member to go in front of me through security, and some nasty looks at the security lady, I made it through. I walked straight to the counter and just handed them my ticket apologized for crying uncontrollably. The very nice lady said in a very quite voice, "That plane has already left" and quickly started working on finding the next plane out. There was another plane . . . leaving in 5 hours! Great, put me on it. We'll just walk the airport for a few hours to pass the time. And even better news . . . it was in a different terminal, meaning, WE GET TO GO THROUGH SECURITY AGAIN!

Well, we made it through. The girls were FANTASTIC through the whole thing. Teagen even took a nap for about an hour and a half. We made it on the plane, a non-stop one, and made it to Lake Tahoe to open arms from my family. But not before capturing some pictures. Can you tell how happy I am in the picture Maya took? And I was able to get a picture of Teagen on her first plane ride.

Teagen, so happy!

Maya, watching the planes

Can I tell you how I really feel?

It almost time to get on the plane

Getting ready for take off

We've finally landed! YEAH!!

Let's Go ANGELS

2008-07-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

There is an ongoing "fight" within our families on what sports teams to cheer for. Football season is always agreed - Chargers. Basketball season is always agreed - Lakers. Baseball season is where the fight comes out. The Jarvis clan grew up huge Angel fans with some Dodger in there too. Chad growing in in San Diego was always a San Diego fan, but not a huge Padre fan. (In fact, together we've been to about triple the amount of Angel games then Padre games.) So the grandparents always battle on who is better and tries to get Maya to say "Let's go Angels" or "Let's go Padres". I am all about supporting the team where I live, but when it comes to baseball, my heart will always be with the Angels.

We are lucky enough that my parents have season tickets to the Angels, so Maya has been to quite a few games in her life time. But last night was Teagen's first time at an Angel game. With 2 (yes TWO) Angel shirts on, she was ready to go. The drive up was a little rough. Teagen is teething and she makes sure to let EVERYONE know it! We got there and the girls and I sat down and got adjusted while my parents went to get the food and drinks. There's nothing like the usual at a baseball game: hot dogs, sodas, peanuts, licorice, cotton candy, a round of "Take Me Out To The Ball Game". The girls even made it onto the jumbo-tron (big TV in the outfield). By the 8th inning, Teagen had had enough. She finally fell asleep just as Garrett Anderson hit a 2-run home run putting the Angels in the lead and eventually, to win the game!

Cutest Angel's Baby Fan!

We're all ready to go.

Can you tell how excited Teagen was about wearing her hat?

Papa, Gigi, and the girls

(notice there's no hat in the picture!!)

"...for it's one, two, three strikes your out..."

Dancing Queen

2008-06-30T13:53:00.001-07:00

Sunday Maya had her ballet recital. She was so excited to perform ON STAGE! She has been talking about it for weeks! On Saturday they had their dress rehursal, so Maya got to where her costume to that along with her hair in a bun AND make-up!

Maya was so lucky to have so many people there to support her: Us (of course), Papa & Gigi (Lindsey's parents), Aunt Kendra, Taylor (cousin), Cooper (cousin), Aunt Sheena, Aunt Roxi, Gammie & Grampa Scott (Chad's mom & her boyfriend), and Kohl (cousin, the other cousin Kaden had the flu. They had to leave eary so no pictures). Maya did a GREAT job we are so proud of her. She is already asking when she can do it again!!

Maya after her recital

Maya with Papa & Gigi

Maya with her Auntie's

Maya and Taylor

Maya and Cooper

(I'm trying to upload the video but having problems. I'll post it when I can.)

Spa Day

2008-06-25T17:44:00.001-07:00

So in the last post I mentioned that I took Maya to get her fingernails and toenails painted. Well, there is a story that goes with it all. (As there usually is with Maya).

I asked Maya if she would like to go get her nails painted with Roxi and I. She thought it was a great idea. So off we went. Adventure #1: Roxi drove us to the nail place.

When we got there we told the ladies what we wanted and Maya picked out two different polish colors: one for her fingers and one for her toes. Maya was just getting her nails painted and I got a manicure/pedicure. So the ladies went to work on me while Maya sat in a chair right next to me.

All of the sudden Maya's face went blank. I asked her what was wrong, she said she wanted to leave. Um NO! I asked her why. She said she didn't want them wearing masks (reminding her of doctors!!) I told her that the ladies painting her nails wouldn't be wearing masks. The VERY SWEET lady working on my manicure saw that Maya was a bit upset so she said that Maya could sit in my lap. REAL RELAXING MANI/PEDI! While I was soaking they started taking off Maya's nail polish and getting them ready to be painted again. I looked at her and TEARS are running down her face. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN AND RELAXING!! They quickly painted her nails and toes at the same time and everything was better once she got a flower on both her thumbs and big toes. I also calmed her down by telling her I would switch my nail polish to the same color as hers. I guess she was just scared because she didn't know what they were going to do. Once she was done she talked to everyone who looked at her showing off her nails and explaining what she was doing that night. Now she CAN'T WAIT till she can get her nails done again. Go figure!! Check out our pretty MATCHING toes!!

Weekend of fun

2008-06-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was my 10 year high school reunion in Orange County. I can't believe it's already been 10 years. I was on the planning committee and we had a meeting Friday and set up on Saturday, so the girls and I decided to go up early. Well, with gas prices being outrageous we didn't want to have 2 cars up there. Maya has been wanted to go up to "Papa & Gigi's" house (my parents) on the train, so I thought this was the perfect opportunity. That way Chad could finish up work Friday and Saturday and then meet us up there.

So on Friday our friend Erin dropped Maya, Teagen and I off at the train station here in town along with my suitcase, Maya's backpack, Teagen's carseat (and base), Teagen's stroller, diaperbad, and my purse. (I was smart enough to take the kids' suitcases up to my parent's house on Tuesday when we went up to work.) We actually got there just in time for the earlier train, so we hopped aboard. All was fine and dandy for the next 50 or so minutes while we rode to Oceanside. We then had to change trains and get on the Surfliner (Amtrack) to heat to OC. First we needed our ticket, so I hawl everything into the ticket station to get a ticket. I thought we would have to wait about an hour for the next train, but I guess we got there early, so we could catch an earlier train that was leaving in 5 mintues. We hurried over to get onto the train. As soon as it pulled up it was a mad dash BY EVERYONE to get on. With the stuff we had, there was no mad-dashing! We got on, with help from a very nice old Asian man only to find that there are NO SEATS ANYWHERE! I collapsed the stroller, put the diaperbag on the ground for Maya to sit on with Teagen in her carseat next to her while I stood the whole way up to San Juan Capistrano. There we waited for my mom and sister to pick us up.

Saturday Maya took one more step to being a girl. She got her nails done AT A SALON for the first time! We're trying to get the picture, but we are having technical difficulties. I'll post it as soon as I can. The rest of the weekend was spent laying around the pool and going to the reunion. It was so much fun to see people I haven't seen in SO LONG! We definitely had a great time. Good thing for Sunday, though. . . church, naps, pool and double burgers at my parents house. Here are some picture from the weekend.

Maya waiting to get on the train.

Waiting for Gigi and Aunt Roxi

Chillin' by the pool - Nap time for Teagen

Down the slide I go

DOUBLE BURGERS!!

Baby on the loose

2008-06-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

From Army Crawl (June 10) . . .

. . . to crawling (June 19) . . .

. . . to STANDING!!

Father's Day 2008

2008-06-19T22:50:00.000-07:00

Chad setting up the slip and slide

Maya patiently waiting

Slip Sliding Away
Reaching to the end

Teagen's grin

Daddy with his girls

Silly face time

What a great Father's Day we had. It was Chad's first day off in . . . well we can't even remember the last day he had a day off, so it's been at least a couple months!

The day started out with the the whole family going to Church. Teagen is finally old enough to go in the nursery, and Sunday School is out for the summer, so it was fun sitting with Chad AND Maya during the service instead of by myself! (That is when I'm not sitting with my wonderful friends from Bible Study!!)

After Church we took Chad to a surprise lunch. Let me start by giving you some background. There is this little Mexican market off the 78 freeway. Literally every time we drive by we see a huge cloud of smoke coming off the bar-b-que and it always smells so good. EVERY time we drive by Chad says, "I really want to go there one day and try it." It has become a joke now and we try to see who can say it first. So the girls and I took him to lunch. We walked through the market and it was FABULOUS!! They had some really great things inside. We ended up leaving with some civiche, guac, a soda, horchata (or chachata as Maya likes to call it) and a killer steak sandwich. Chad couldn't resist and had to stop next door to boomer and kill a dollar worth of tokens playing games with Maya!

We got home, scarfed down our food and it was family nap time! We all laid down and slept WAY longer than we were planning! It felt so good to get some much needed rest, for all of us!

After nap time it was still in the 90's here (at early evening time) so we broke out the slip and slide for Maya (and a couple of neighborhood boys). It was so fun to just sit back, cocktail in hand and watch Maya go.

Dinner included bratwurst and the Laker game. How much better could it get?? What a fun day with the fam!

Graduation Day

2008-06-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I'm a little bit behind. Maya graduated from Grace Lutheran Preschool last Wednesday. It was such a neat ceremony. The kids sang a couple songs and the teachers called up each child individually. Previously the kids were asked the following: What their favorite thing to do at school is; their favorite Bible story; and what they want to be when they grow up. Maya's answers melted my heart and reminded me A LOT of me! (Click below for her answers)

One of the songs they sang.

PICTURES OF THE GRAD

Flower's from Maya's boyfriend-Bryson

Maya & her cousin's-Kaden & Kohl

Maya and her teacher-Mrs. Henry

Maya and her teacher-Ms. Jaylin

Maya and her best friends-Lilly & Hailey

Maya and Ms. Matos

Maya by her graduation class sign

Family picture with the Grad

Maya & Teagen

Maya with the Jarvis Family

Maya with her Gammie

Maya with Chad's brother's family

Our Baby Turned 5 Years Old

2008-05-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl is not a baby any more. Maya turned 5 on Sunday! It can't be true! I honestly don't know where the time goes. She is so grown up.

The day started with breakfast in bed. Maya got her favorite: a doughnut! It's a tradition that was started in my family, one we LOVE to keep doing. Then all the girls headed off to church. Maya even had a birthday celebration in her Sunday School class! So special. That afternoon we had some friends and family over for the big day to help Maya celebrate. Every year is is blazing hot on her birthday. So this year we decided to do a water theme with a big blow up pool, a kiddy pool with a slide, sprinklers and a slip-n-slide. Of course it would be the one year to rain the same weekend as her birthday! But God is good. The sun came out off and on Sunday so the kids were still able to play in the water! What a fun day it was, but we were exhausted at the end of it!

We are reminded again this year of how blessed we are to have such a bright and wonderful little girl. I always new I would love my kids, but I never knew I could possible love a person so much! Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!

(You can see a slideshow from the day to the right!)

7 months old

2008-05-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

Look what I can do now that I'm 7 months old!

Sisterly Love

2008-05-19T14:38:00.001-07:00

As I was driving home from Orange County one day, I looked in my mirror and I saw something so precious I had to take pictures of it. Maya and Teagen fell asleep holding hands. I just whipped out my camera and starting snapping away. So yes, I am driving, and yes, I am on the freeway. But we are fine, no accidents, no one beeping their horn. There was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity to capture the sisterly love between my girls. It literally melts my heart! I pray that they will always deep down, love each other like this. I'm so glad that they will always have each other to lean on! I can't wait to watch their relationship grow.

Could It Really Be?

2008-05-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Could it really be time for my sweet little baby girl to go to school . . . everyday. . .at an elementary school? It feels like it was just blink from the day Maya made me a mommy until today.

Yesterday Maya had her kindergarten assessment. This is so the teachers know where each student is at and they can prepare for them and create the classes to match what is best. I absolutely LOVE her school. There were a couple of the kindergarten teachers there and they all see so wonderful. The teacher who assessed Maya said, "Boy she's sure wants to come to kindergarten, doesn't she?" I told her Maya would be just fine starting tomorrow if she could. Maya is so excited about her school, meeting new friends, and she's really wants to learn. Right now she is learning how to spell a few words, but when we are talking in a conversation she will say something like, "Hey mom, do you want to get a d-g-a-h-e-j-n?" She just throws out letter thinking she is spelling something. I am amazed everyday at how intelligent my little girl is.

So we have a couple more months until Maya is officially in "elementary school". Part of me wishes I could keep her small forever, and the other part of me dreams everyday of the person she will become, the places she will travel, and the people she will meet. For now I cherish this time and try and soak it all in!

Our Crazy Kids

2008-05-07T17:03:00.000-07:00

"I've fallen (asleep) and I can't get up"

"I'm stuck under the table, I'm crying, and all mom can do is take pictures??"

And the grand finale... Maya singing "Peace Like a River" or in her words..."Pee like a river". (Both meanings work, right??)

Family Time

2008-05-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

Sunday started off with Chad going to work and the girls and I going to Church. It's always hard when Chad works so hard and long 6 days a week, and then Sunday he has to have meetings, make some deliveries, and make sure the packing house is ready for Monday morning.

When Chad got home yesterday we had the special treat of getting some Mexican food for lunch. Then we just laid in bed all day and watch fishing DVDs! It's not very often that we have a couple hours to just burn, but Teagen to an EXTRA long nap and Maya went back and forth between fishing movies and Hannah Montana.

Chad got a hold of these DVDs that have fishing off of Cabo San Lucas (his stomping ground) and also off of the Los Suenos (Costa Rica/Panama) coast. It made us miss fishing so much! They were catching a ton of marlin, dorado (mahi mahi) and tuna. They even showed a grand slam, which is a blue marlin, a strip marlin, and a sail fish. I was lucky enough to get that on my first day of fishing ever! (I'm told people pay thousands of dollars to try and do that. But I had the best captain and deck hand around . . . Chad and his dad!!) Watching these took us right back to when we were in Mexico! We can't wait to go back, hopefully this fall, and have Maya experience it all. At the end of the day, the kids were in bed, and we had to force ourselves to turn off the TV and go to sleep! WE'RE ADDICTED!

Following in our footsteps

2008-05-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

We have been waiting for this day for a long time! It was a rare day that Chad was able to be home early from work ("when the sun was still out"!) We had dinner as a family and then made the journey to . . . AYSO soccer sign-ups.

That's right, Maya is following in her Daddy and Mommy's footsteps and starting soccer. She has been very excited to play. Every weekend there are soccer games going on at the middle school that we drive by and she is always asking, "when do I get to start playing soccer?" It doesn't help that her Papa (Lindsey's dad) is always asking that same question about Maya. So Maya (and Papa) finally got their wish.

And even more exciting is that Chad is signed up to be her coach (if they need him!). He was a little weary about signing up. All it took was for Maya to say, "Please Daddy, I really want you to be my coach. It will be so much fun!" Those string tugged on Daddy's heart and he agreed! Only of course if I helped. So in August the Hustead clan will be at the soccer fields running after the bee hive of kids chasing after the ball. We'll have to see if Maya is like most kids in the bee hive, or like her Mommy (and auntie's) who would be the smart one on the outside of the hive, wait for the ball to pop out, dribble down and score!

Milestone Week

2008-04-28T10:04:00.001-07:00

Last week was a HUGE and very exciting week for Teagen! Monday started the week off with her 6 month birthday. We are still so amazed that she is already 6 months old. Where did the time go?? We feel like it FLEW by!

Wednesday her first tooth FINALLY broke through.

Friday was a big day. Teagen was fed rice cereal from a spoon for the first time. We started off with just a little bit because we didn't know how much she would eat. Well, we may have an oinker on our hands because we had to go back and put more cereal in the bowl 4 or 5 times!

That night was the first night for Teagen to sleep in her crib. (I know, seriously over due!!) But her bedding is finally finished, so now she won't bump into the sides. (Maya's matching bedding is done too, but the room is not quite complete. You'll see that soon!)

Saturday Teagen had her first day at the beach. She LOVED it! She loved putting her feet in the nice cold sand and even standing in the water. That night her second tooth broke through. Now we know why we were up three times a night with her screaming in pain!! We are looking forward to some night FULL of sleep.

You Know When

2008-04-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

You know you normally get home late from work when . . .

. . . you daughter says to you, "Dad, how come you're not home when it's dark tonight?"

Classic Maya-ism

Ballerina Maya

2008-04-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

For about a year, Maya has been begging to start ballet. Today was her first day and she has been talking nonstop about it. Yesterday evening she came to me before Chad got home from work and said that her ear hurt. She reassured me it was just the "outside". She said it again when Chad came home so we examined it one more time. We were trying to find out, in a four-year-old way, where it was really hurting. Again she said it was just the outside. So the parents-of-the-year that we are, we said we'd just watch it. We gave her some Tylonol before she went to bed and that was that. This morning she said that she felt ALL BETTER! As I was putting her down for her nap I saw blood drops on her sheets. I realized that the blood drops I found earlier on our sheets had to be from Maya. I looked all over her and then saw dried blood around her ear. I put Maya down for her nap and after a couple calls back and forth with the doctor's office we had an appointment set for 3:00. OH NO . . . Her long awaited ballet lesson was to start at 3:15. WHAT'S A MOTHER TO DO? We ended up going to the doctor's office a little bit early to try and get in as soon as possible. It still took a while, but we only missed a little bit of her ballet class! Whoosh! Now, ballet class is another wonderful story! Teagen was so fussy. Which is very out of charater, but she's teathing. I was literally stuck behind someone in a closet barely able to see past this lady! At one point I had to leave because Teagen was SCREAMING, the teacher was starring me down, I started tripping over what I guessed was lost and found stuff. The picture of Maya dancing was all I could capture from the class. Sorry it is so dark. But we did get pictures of her in her ballet outfit in the yard. Maya is very excited about her ballet class. She gets to be in a dance recital in June and she even gets to wear a very pretty costume!! I can't tell you how excited I am to crawel into bed and just close my eyes and rest! It's been ONE OF THOSE DAYS!

On a little side note. We have family friend who's son, Jordan, passed away over the weekend. His memoral service is tomorrow. Please keep the entire family and all the friends in your prayers.

Jana Alayra Concert

2008-04-04T17:02:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was a day Maya had been looking forward to for a very long time. Her FAVORITE singer, Jana Alayra, was going to be in concert at our church. Jana Alayra is an amazing woman who has a true gift of witnessing to children through her music. Maya got Jana's first video about a year and a half ago and watches it along with her second video non stop! We have all learned the songs backwards and forwards. It is so neat to see Maya singing along at home and it was even more special seeing her at the concert. This is Maya's second time seeing Jana Alayra in concert and probably not her last. It was even more fun this time because Maya's cousin Taylor came too! ( You can see Taylor and Maya dancing along in the picture!)

When we got to the church it was already full of kids just waiting for the concert to start. Of course Maya was not shy and somehow managed to squeeze her way into the front row. (That's my girl!!) Maya waived at Jana as soon as she came out on stage and Jana waived back. (See picture.) It was a proud moment when Maya was picked to go on stage. She belted out the words and was doing all of the hand motions. She didn't even have to watch Jana to follow her. Maya's favorite part of the concerts is when Jana brings her microphone out into the audience and points it to one of her adoring fans and they are able to sing ALL BY THEMSELVES into the mic. (Maya loves doing this at home with her babies, she of course plays the role of Jana.) At the concert Jana pointed the microphone to Maya TWICE. Maya was thrilled to sing all by herself! I must admit, I was very excited for her too.

These videos are just a clip of Maya singing on stage. The first one Maya (in the orange shirt next to the little girl with the headband) and Taylor (right next to Maya in the red sweater) are in the middle of the stage. The second video you can see Maya in her orange shirt just pass Jana. (You may want to hit pause on the music to the right so you can hear the video better.)

After the concert Jana stays and talks to every child who wants to see her. We stood in line (for what seem to be forever) and finally Maya got her chance to give Jana a hug and get her autograph on her t-shirt. Jana's website is www.janaalayra.com. We highly suggest the videos and dvd's. They are great for kids!!

A picture with Jana

Maya getting her shirt signed

Maya's signed shirt

Baptized into the Family

2008-04-02T16:33:00.000-07:00

"... you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:5

Sunday was a very exciting day as Teagen was baptised at our church. We were surrounded by our loved ones to help us celebrate such a wonderful moment in her life. Teagen is so lucky to have 3 Godmothers (and I don't mean fairy) to love her and support her: Kendra, Sheena, and Roxi. Thank you so much for all who celebrated with us. You can see the pictures from the day on the slide show to the right!!

We also had a couple other activites that do that day. Jana Alayra, a kids christian singer, did a concert at our church later that day. We will post some pictures of Maya and her cousin Taylor from the concert along with some videos of them singing on stage!!

Teagen looks like . . .

2008-03-26T13:05:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Maya looks like . . .

2008-03-26T12:58:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

Easter Blessings

2008-03-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful Easter we had. Our morning started off bright and early at the Sunrise service (and by sunrise, we mean it was dark when we got to church and the sun rose during the service.) It was so wonderful to hearing the the words from that first Easter morning as the sun is rising around us. When we got back, the kids . . . Chad, Maya, and Teagen . . . all took naps while the Easter bunny made his visit. The kids opened their baskets and then we were off to Papa & Gigi's house for a very fun day of eating, chatting and of course the annual, and very competitive, Easter egg hunt! We still have to remind the older kids . . . Sheena (age 24) and Roxane (age 15) . . . to only look for the hard ones! The kids played outside with the neighborhood kids and we even got to take a dunk in the pool.

The reason why the only picture of the girls in their Easter dresses is the professional one is because my batteries dies before they got into their dresses. We had a good friend/neighbor come to the house to take generation pictures which included the great-grandparents, grandparents, girls, and great-grand children. (Our friend/photographer is so talented. Check out her website at JenniferCochranPhotography.photoreflect.com) We will show those pictures off when we get them. So needless to say the dresses had to stay in prime condition for the pictures.

Here are some pictures from our day.

Maya on the hunt

Teagen's smile

Taylor found an egg under Woody the dog

It's a baby choo choo train. Watch out, Teagen, Cooper might think you are a teething toy!

Nap Time

2008-03-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Maya had a hard time taking a nap. We had just gone with her class on a fieldtrip to go see the movie "Horton Hears a Who". (Fabulous movie- by the way). I think she was just still so excited about riding the "big kid bus" and being with all her friends. I'm sure the sprite, M&M's and popcorn didn't have anything to do with it. Anyways, she finally fell asleep. When I went in to wake her up this is what I saw.

That bump in the bottom right corner is Maya about to fall off the bed.

This is her as she is falling.

And she's down for the count!

"Hey, what happened??"

Bed head!

And of course I happened to take some snapshots of Teagen sitting in her bouncer watching me bake! It's just too cute not to add.

The Easter Bunny Visit on St. Patty's Day

2008-03-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

Today we took the journey to the mall to see the all exciting EASTER BUNNY! We first had to to get Teagen's Easter dress. I have been looking and looking for dresses for the girls and I'm am so dissappointed in the selection this year. Either they are just a cute sundress or they are outrageously expensive. And of course I'm the mommy who wants them to match. We finally found something for Teagen and I thought I should look for something for myself while we where there. Maya is a pretty well behaved little girl, but when she knows she's going to be able to do something, she asks every 3 seconds if it's time. So the ENTIRE time we were shopping all I heard was, "can we go see the Easter bunny now?" . . . "Is it time yet to go see the Easter bunny?" . . . "We're going to go see the Easter bunny now, right?" . . . and on and on and on it went. I KNEW she was SO excited to see the Easter bunny and thought she'd run right up to him, give him a big hug and sit right on his lap. As she got up there she decided that she didn't want to sit on his lap but rather next to him. We had to literally move her closer because she was sitting as far as she could away from him. She cracks me up. We were the only ones there so we were able to take our time. oOnce we got Maya all situated the boy (this kid seriously couldn't have been more than 18 years old) who was taking the pictures just kept clicking away. The girls were so good just smiling away. As we were leaving Maya decided that the Easter bunny should be her new best friend and said good-bye to him about 50 times. What an adventure!

Photo Shoot

2008-03-13T21:29:00.000-07:00

Maya thought it would be a fun idea to take some pictures of Teagen today. After a lot of begging and a lot of waiting she finally got her chance. Some images are dark and hard to see because we haven't perfected the art of light . . . and staying out of it! Here is the outcome!

Sweet Prayer Hands

2008-03-06T18:28:00.000-08:00

Okay, is she in deep prayer or sleeping?? I just had to capture this precious thing Teagen does. She has done it since she was born and I LOVE it! She truly is a gift from God and we are so blessed to have her.

One month late

2008-02-27T11:10:00.000-08:00

I found these pictures (can't you tell I'm so good at updating pictures around the house!) and I just had to share them with you. These were taken in January for Teagen's 3 month pictures. It was also a way to get Chad out of the house for his surprise 30th birthday. I had to figure out a way to have him gone for a good amount of time but also in clothes that weren't "work clothes". What a great excuse to capture a beautiful picture of the three people I love so much. When we got home from taking them (to a house filled with family & friend) I just stuffed these away and started celebrating. They were just too cute not to put on here.

I'M 4 MONTHS OLD TODAY!

2008-02-21T17:03:00.000-08:00

We have had the joy of watching Teagen grow and change the last 4 months. She is so very much like her big sister, Maya, yet different too. She LOVES to smile especially at Maya. They are good company for each other in the car. Maya is always saying, "Mom, watch this. I can make Teagen smile when I do this." I try and watch when I can, but I'm sure you'll all be glad to know my eyes are on the road and most the time I'm just agreeing to see.

Today Maya and I took Teagen for her 4 month well-baby check up. Both of the girls have had a cold, so I was worried that we wouldn't be able to get Teagen's shots. Now, just so you can fully understand, let me paint you a picture. Maya is DEATHLY afraid of doctors, dentists, nurses, or anyone in that sort of uniform. When we were having Teagen, a nurse would come in to check me and Maya would make a bee line for the bathroom where she would hide only to peek her head out asking if "they were gone yet." So expaining to Maya that we had to take Teagen to the doctor did not go over well. The exact reason why I try and take Teagen when Maya is in school, but it didn't work out this time. Maya was very concerned about Teagen getting shots. It was apparent as she repeated at least (and I wish I was exaggerating) 50 times before the doctor even came into our room. Explaining that Teagen needs these shots so that she doesn't get really sick didn't seem to matter to her. So I tried the "Brave Big Sister" approach -- she wasn't having that either. She was literally trying to hide between the chair and the wall in the room. I have to say, though, Maya really pulled it together when Dr. Rosenfeld came in. She did great. Teagen was very brave as well, but the poor little thing is not only teething at 4 months (a month and a half earlier than Maya did), but she has double ear infections. What a way to spend her 4 month birthday. She did get her shots and much to my surprise as soon as Teagen started crying, Maya was such a great big sister and told her it would be okay. She didn't try to hide or cry or anything! I KNEW she had it in her!

Here are some pictures of Teagen. Right now she really likes to do crunches. I'm not kidding! The video is of her doing her crunches. She just started to roll over both from her back to stomach and from her stomach to back.

Enjoy!

Animals SO close

2008-02-20T16:08:00.000-08:00

Saturday we went to the Wild Animal Park with our good friends, Becky, Bryson (Maya's boyfriend) and Bowyn (Teagen's boyfriend). It was so much fun. We haven't been since before Teagen was born.

(Bowyn & Teagen in the car)

(Bryson & Maya looking at the giraffe's)

It was a very crowded day, but the animals we did see were great. They were all so easy to see. Maya's favorite animal is the giraffe. As you can see by the pictures they were eating so close to us. I didn't even have to zoom on this picture!

The lions were also very fun to see. For their viewing inclosure there are two parts. One side has just a piece of very strong glass inbetween the people and the lion. You can literally touch one side of the glass and the lion can be touching the other side. REALLY FREAKY but very fun. The other side of the inclosure have a deep valley and barbed wire inbetween the people and the lions. They are further away, but still very easy to see. When we were there, one lioness was right up against the glass. I got a picture. but it was hard because there were SO MANY people trying to do the same. On the other side, the male lion was sitting on top of a jeep that's in the inclosure while seven, yes SEVEN different cubs played, slept and trampled all around. There was so much action we stayed and watch for so long.

(The female lion up against the glass) (The male lion on the jeep) (One of the cubs looking for trouble)

For those of you who don't know what the Wild Animal Park is, or haven't been there, it's sort of like the zoo, but the animals are roming in a big wild space that they try to keep as close to their natural habitat as possible. If you are ever in the San Diego area it a MUST! But you have to come see us on your way, since it's in Escondido!

Needless to say it was a fun day, but we were very tired at the end of the day. We can't wait to go back soon!

Maya's Morning Workout

2008-02-16T10:57:00.001-08:00

This morning Mommy and Daddy decided to go for a run. I got to sit in the green jogger with crazy-driver-Daddy pushing me and Teagen was in the black one with Mommy pushing. When we got home I wanted to do a Kettlebell workout (my daddy is really into it right now.) So after little conviencing, I ran and got my 5 pound weight and then Mommy's 10 pound weight from the garage. Mommy and Daddy were worried that I was going to drop them on my foot, but I knew what I was doing! I thought I'd share our work out routine with you. I think I'm going to be a little sore, but probably not as sore as my Mommy and Daddy because I took a lot more breaks than they did!!

Under the leg circles

Two handed lift

Shoulder press

15 sit ups

15 push ups (see Daddy in the background??)

Squat-shoulder press

I think that my workout was the easiest. All I had to do was swing and watch!

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-15T13:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm not a big Valentine's Day person. I don't believe that a company should tell people what day to say "I love you" and when to be romantic. I do think it's a good excuse to have a dinner alone, just Chad and I. Something we love to do, but don't get to do very often.

Much to our surprise we woke up on Valentine's Day to LOTS of rain! It rained all day long, even hailing at some points. We still had a fun day. Maya's school celebrated with passing out valentines, a sugery snack time filled with cupcakes, cookies, juice and candy, and then they made necklaces! Then the afternoon was spent running errands as a family. Maya got dinner early and had the special treat of laying down in our bed to watch TV while Chad and I had what we thought would be a romantic dinner.

The candles were lit, good food on the table, Teagen asleep, Maya in the bedroom, things were looking good (as you can see by the picture above). Apparently Maya didn't get the "memo" about our dinner alone because our romantic dinner turned into Maya coming in every few minutes with "one more question". Dinner ended much sooner than either Chad or I wanted. Teagen needed her last bottle of the night, Maya needed to be put in her bed, dishes needed to be done. The day that is supposed to be romantic and full of "I love you's" turned into me seeing how much I really love my family, I love being a family and I love spending time with my family. I wouldn't trade the busy life and the "one more questions"s for anything.

Here are some pictures of Maya and Teagen in their Valentine's Day outfits and sending you a special message. Teagen wanted to put in as much say as Maya. Hope your Valentine's Day was just as special.

What team? . . . WILDCATS

2008-02-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

Maya LOVES to watch the movie, High School Musical "2". It has quickly become her new favorite and begs to watch it over and over. It has played so many times that Mom & Dad have even learned parts of the songs. (Yes, that's right. Chad actually knows some of the words to some of the songs.) Teagen loves watching it with her big sister and gets a kick out of the kids singing and dancing.

Here's a clip of Maya singing part of a song from the movie with Teagen in the background. Maya has been working really hard to learn the dance moves. So we hope you enjoy!

Precious Moments

2008-01-31T14:20:00.001-08:00

Friends, there is nothing more precious than seeing my husband with my kids. He is such an amazing husband and father. I will treasure these pictures of Chad sleeping with Teagen and they will FOREVER be eched into my heart. I know that I have some of the same pictures of Chad with Maya (those were in the film-camara days) so I have to find those, scan them and I will share them with you when I get a chance.

Yee Haw!

2008-01-28T15:36:00.000-08:00

What an amazing night! We were given Garth Brooks tickets for Christmas from my sister, Sheena, and what a GREAT present.

Garth Brooks was my very first country music concert. In fact, he is the reason why I fell in LOVE with country music (and then passed the "disease" onto my family!!) When I was 16 years old I lost a bet (can't remember now what the bet even was), but because I lost I had to go to a Garth Brooks concert. Before the first song was even over I was hooked. And I vowed to go to another Garth concert. Well, of course it would happen that he retires shortly after. So my wonderful sister, knowing my LOVE for Garth, gave Chad and I tickets and we are so grateful.

Garth has so much energy and makes you feel like you have front row seats no matter where you sit in the audience. We were at the concert that was broadcast on TV for the first hour. There were fabulous guest appearences by his beautiful wife, Trisha Yearwood, and also an appearence by Huey Lewis!!

These are pictures of us before we left the girls at my parent's house and then a picture of us at the concert!