Soccer Season

We had lots of fun watching Cade and Annie play soccer this fall. Cade has played with most of the same boys for the last 3 years. It is fun to see how far they have come! This was Annie's first year, I think she enjoyed dancing/daydreaming on the field more than the actual game. She was entertaining/frustrating to watch! She did score 2 goals, both were for the opposing team. Oh well, take what you can get!

perfect soccer pose
Annie always had a huge smile on her face!

super soccer smile!

Trying hard to defend against a man. I mean boy.

Cade did really great this year, he scored several goals and really improved his skills. He is an aggressive player and is not a fan of losing!

Sept. 23, 2010

Molly Violet Randall

9/23/08

5 lbs.

18 in.

Our tiny girl has turned two! I can't believe how quickly the last two years have gone. We have loved having Molly-pop in our home, she keeps life interesting/entertaining. She loved the baby and stroller she got for her birthday. It is so sweet to watch her snuggle her baby and put her to bed. Two fun Molly facts................#1 she has only gained 18 lbs. in two years #2 she will answer to, Molly, Molly-pop, Molly-kalekemaka, Boo, Mollsers. Aunt Kristen continues to try to get Grand Teton Molly to stick, jury is still out. We love you lots Molly! Happy Birthday Baby!

self-discipline

Misbehaving at home?
Nose to the corner.
Apparently Molly has seen the consequence of naughty behavior a little too often. The other day I told her "No Molly!" and she went immediately to the appropriate spot. Self-discipline.....I'm guessing it won't last!

Back to School

I have to admit, I was not ready to send the kids off to school this year. We had such a fun summer and I enjoyed having them around. I did shed a few tears during our final "summer" weekend. Cade was ready to go back, he loves school! He started 2nd grade and is lucky enough to have one of his best friends in the class. Poor teacher. Annie started kindergarten! She was a bit nervous and had a few rounds of tears but is loving it now. She goes all day on Mondays and Wednesdays and every other Friday. Hopefully I can keep her schedule straight! Molly is enjoying the peace and quiet and lots of mom time.

Lemonade/Cracker Stand

I LOVE our neighborhood, it is the ideal place for little kids. We have so many great friends next door and around the corner, playmates are almost always available! On one of the last days before school we had am impromptu lemonade/cracker stand. It was so fun to watch the kids set things up and charge each other for drinks and food. They had a great time!

Rules of Childhood

Each of us has a set of rules we choose, or choose to not live by. There seems to be several "rules" all children live by. Unless of course it is just those children that live in my home!

1. Always eat your ice cream cone from the bottom up. The messier it is, the better it tastes!


2. If you would like to color, NEVER choose a color book, it is simply not done. Always choose a wall, furniture, a sibling, or the best choice, yourself.

at least it appears she was trying to put on make-up

May 30, 2005

May 30, 2005
5 lbs. 5 oz.
18 in

I remember like it was yesterday. Annie entered this world in slightly less than favorable circumstances, a prgnancy that only made it to 32 weeks. I remember how small and fragile she looked, a tiny beautiful face. I remember holding her for a couple of minutes and thinking how perfect she was, an angel sent from heaven. The next 3 weeks were filled with lots of ups and lots of downs. Many times I would sit in the NICU, holding my sweet angel, and realizing how many miracles I had witnessed. I get to see that miracle every day, and I love her more every day. Happy birthday sweet Annie Jane.

5 Annie facts

1. she is always smiling and happy

2. she still loves to snuggle

3. she loves to do make-up and fix hair

4. she is a great sister

5. she loves to color and make crafts

the month of May(be) a little behind

I realize I am a little more than a little behind. if you aren't laughing at that check your humor button
Spring was very busy at our house, highlights include: baseball, dance recital, preschool graduation, trip to Utah and Annie's 5th birthday to name a few.

Annie graduated from Cloverdale Christian Day School, next stop.....Kindergarten! She loved school, her teacher and her friends. She worked hard and learned a lot!

The proud parents with the graduate
Annie and Miss Denise

Annie and her best friend Bailey

We also got to see Annie in her very first dance recital. She was a little nervous but pulled through and did fabulous. We are so proud of her!

Beautiful Ballerina

Annie and mom after the performance

More updates to follow!

announcing.....

I had a funny phone call yesterday, I was in the library (embarrassed to have my phone ring while in such a quiet place) I heard a voice that sounds just like MLR...
boy: Hey
me: hey....totally whispered....boys voice gets quiet
boy: we are having a baby
me inside my head: WHAT? That can't be...how....when...IMPOSSIBLE
me speaking: Shut-up...(totally freaking out)...and then....DUH!
It was my brother-in-law. Jill was having the baby NOT me! Heart rate slowly begins to decelerate.
I feel so blessed I got to spend the day waiting for the sweet new arrival. Jill did AMAZING! The whole time I kept thinking about how this little person was just waiting to take her first breath and how unbelievable the female body is. How amazing that just moments before entering this world she was with angels. It was one of the most incredible moments, thank you for letting me be part of it Luke and Jill.
Violet Elizabeth Randall...........5 lbs. 7 oz. of pure beauty.

Farwell

It has been two weeks since they left American soil and I am finally feeling stable enough to post! After a 24 hour travel ordeal they arrived in Cebu City, Philippines. Jess said it would be at least 2 years before he could even think about getting on a plane again. Deb is a little bit tougher, good thing she is there to take care of "princess" as Erika calls him. It was hard to say goodbye but we are so proud of them and know they will do a great job. Here are a few of the things I will miss.......in no particular order.
*having dad call and check on the weather, and us.....weather first!
*having mom call and ask if I could look up a phone number for her
*watching Annie "style" grandam's hair and do her make-up
*playing the Wii with Jess, he bowls a mean game
*having them come and visit and going shopping
*having them visit and Jess making breakfast......he should think about a career as a cook
*just knowing that they are only 4 hours away
It's a short list and I could go on, but my emotional stability is leaving me. I love you mom and dad!

sounds part 2

baby jabber

momma, whoa, dadda, dade (cade), aaan (annie), no, nigh-nigh (night), bubble, pees (please, said while patting chest)

happy sounds from a happy girl.

no fat lip.

Sounds

I am currently listening to the sounds of a crying baby. She did not want to go to bed, I needed her to. The unintended head-but she gave me was the final straw.
bath time
stories read
hugs and kisses all around
prayers
blankie and hippo
I can't wait for quiet to begin.
And Biggest Loseer.
And for tomorrow when Molly will be happy.
And hopefully my lip will not be swollen.
Good night.

laundry day & dad's influence

The joy of laundry.........nothing like warm fresh smelling clean clothes.
The joy of Micah's influence.............nothing like catching your child with skivy's on her head.
*they really were clean, I promise

anything for Hilary

I hate being "tagged" it reminds me of playing "tag" and of the fact that I was always "it", never much of a runner I always got caught. Although if Erika was playing I could usually manage to stay away from her. She and I are NOT athletic, (love you Erika!) Anyway, I was "tagged" on a friends blog so, TADA, I will comply! First folder, 10th photo. Enjoy! Love you Hilary!

Cade, 3 years

Annie, 1 year

Just looking at this is reminding me of how quickly time goes by, I think I will reminisce for a while, end up crying and eating something that is not very good for me. Thanks alot Hilary!

Dear Kristen

I saw this on my sisters blog and decided to respond.

Dear Kristen,
Of course you are not heavy, it feels like a feather is floating on my back as we cruise down the mountain.
Snowboard

Dear Kristen,
Even if we invest in the lift, you will find something else that makes you nervous. We do try to keep the birds away for you.
Sundance

Dear Kristen,
We know we have been bad phone talkers. We apologize. You are the treasured sister.
*stop being a suck-up Lindsay
Sisters

Dear Kristen,
Be serious, when was the last time you washed me?
Hair

Dear Kristen,
I thought we had a good thing going. You always look amazing, hence I am amazing.
Wardrobe

Dear Kristen,
Stop pretending you missed me. I KNOW you didn't watch opening or closing ceremonies. Your sister Andrea is a true fan.
Olympics

Dear Kristen,
I am coming. Don't be scared of pastels, they have nothing against you. Try for bold brights.
Spring

Dear Kristen,
Nobody loves me like you. Always and forever.
Diet Coke

Dear Kristen,
Seriously? You want to know about how the stockings go over the boot? We for sure thought you would ask how we even accomplish staying on two feet.
Ice Skaters

Dear Kristen,
You must watch 2, 652 episodes to get the badge. We hear you are close, keep up the good work.
Law & Order

Dear Kristen,
Who are you?
Gym

Dear Kristen,
Tonight we will redeem ourselves. The baby is coming.
The Office

THEY'RE HERE

2010
B.C., CANADA

The moment I've been waiting for, the OLYMPICS HAVE ARRIVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am a HUGE fan of the Olympics, summer or winter and I can't wait for all the action to begin.

Olympic Viewing List
1. schedule of all events check
2. DVR set to record the late night action check
3. Athletes bios/inspiring stories check
4. USA flag proudly waving in the front yard check
5. Costco pack of Kleenex check

I'm ready, are you?

Monica?

As per request....................kristen, this is for you

Remember the "FRIENDS" episode where they all go to the Caribbean for a conference Ross speaks at? You know, the one where Rachel and Joey hook up, the one where Phoebe gets engaged? And who could forget Monica's hair. Not me. The first 10 min. of the show the hair is fine, sleek and straight. Then comes the humidity and her hair gets bigger and bigger. It ends up looking like brown cotton candy and she goes for tiny braids all over. I could have used that look in San Diego. Humidity + my hair = one MAJOR bad hair day. At least we had a good laugh about it!

This photo was taken at the beginning of the night, trust me, it kept growing and growing

A side note, I am the best at the "FRIENDS" trivia game. My favorite part in the above mentioned episode is Monica playing ping pong. Classic.

I just realized that my smile looks like my moms in this pic. Love you mom!

magical.

One word describes our last week. MAGICAL. We had such a great time doing the so. Cal. tour, the beach, San Diego/Sea World and my favorite part of the trip, DISNEYLAND!! It was a blast to see it all with the Byram family and to make such great memories. Here are the major highlights......................

Randall Family

*Molly didn't make the trip, a HUGE thank you to Aunt Suzanne and Aunt Jill

My favorite photo.....walking to get on space mountain

Annie and Kate with Mary Poppins

we saw her later that day, I said "girls look, it's Mary Poppins!" Mary responded, "Hello Katelyn, Hello Annie."

I almost cried.

Collecting shells at the beach in San Diego

Grandpa & Grandma and all the kids

I did cry while taking this photo. G & G will be leaving in May for the Philippines as temple workers

Trying hard to remove the sword in the stone

Aunt Kristen, Kate and Annie

For some odd reason I didn't take photos of Sea World but it was great! I did tear up during "Believe" the shamu show. Gets me every time!

Annie was the no-fear girl. She went on Tower of Terror 4 times! Later, after a small roller coaster in TOONTOWN I asked what she thought.............."um, it was kind of lame" She loved the thrill rides! Cade was super excited he was tall enough for Indiana Jones. 5 different workers ended up checking him at various points, but he made it! The princess lunch was also a great day, I didn't have the camera but Annie wore her Cinderella costume and loved seeing all the different princess's come to our table. I managed not to cry but was reminded by my beautiful sisters about the last time we went. Yep, cried like a baby! I can't help it, there is something so wonderful about Disneyland. I think it is the sheer joy I get from watching my kids have the time of their lives. I love walking down Main Street and hearing the music, seeing the castle, smelling popcorn, corn-dogs, and churros. It just puts a smile on my face! I am counting down they days until we can take Molly! I will remember to pack Kleenex!

queen bee

Talk about the queen bee......Molly has a tendancy to rule things around here. She is so cute we let her get away with it!

classy

We try real hard over here to be classy. What, may I ask, is more classy than a toilet in a bedroom? Talk about one stop shopping! Don't worry, we gave Cade specific instructions not to use it.......so far so good!

don't worry, it is only in the bedroom while we re-do the kids bathroom, it is NOT a permanent fixture.

dreamland

I hate to brag......but it has to be done. All 3 of my kids have been fantastic sleepers.....good naps and 12 hours at night. Molly has turned into the grand champion of sleep. Last night I put her down at 6:00 as usual. Generally she is awake by 8:15............this morning drumroll please
9:40!!!!!!! WOW! She woke up totally happy and completely ravenous! What a fabulous start to the day!