"PEOPLE"

I so often find myself being grateful for people.
People who help hold one of my children at church while Adam and I are otherwise engaged, people who stop and say hello when we see each other "out and about", people who leave their carts behind to help me with my sometimes unruly children at the store, people who offer great tips or share their bits of wisdom when I need it -and even when I think I don't, people who call to "check in" or chat the afternoon away, people who drop by unannounced just to say hello (or even bring a treat), people who send a random letter or birthday card, people who offer an understanding smile instead of a critique, people who compliment or encourage, people who love. I am so grateful for these kinds of people, so many of whom, are you! I've moved around a bit in my life, allowing me the opportunity to meet a lot of new people along my way. I only wish I could keep them all with me wherever I go. (This is not meant to suggest I am going anywhere new anytime soon, it's just a comment.) I miss the friends I've left behind and can't imagine leaving the new ones I've met. I suppose this train of thought has been spurred by all the help we've received with our new baby (how anyone raises a child without "people" like those I've mentioned, I will never understand!) as well as that we are excited to spend time with old friends in Utah this coming month, wish we could spend time with friends in AZ, and will miss the ones we will be away from in July. To all of you...Thank you for being my friend!

Just playing around

Allie and I were having a little fun with the camera the other day taking some pictures of her. She is just so happy, I can't help it! (Yes, I know the sheet is wrinkled. Like I said, it was just for fun and in my book, fun does not involve an iron!)

Allie loves Alexis. All Lexi has to do is walk past her and Allie will smile...but of course, since Lexi likes Allie too, she usually stops on her way by for a visit or to tell her a story or sing. So sweet!

Aubrey loves to play, play, play. Here she is playing "peek-a-boo."

If we ever catch her holding still, we can still capture that somewhat serious expression that she's had ever since she was a baby, just like this picture of her on her blessing day.

Swim Days!

I'm so glad for "summer swim days." Last summer, the girls and I went swimming almost every afternoon at our friend Janey's house. The girls loved being in the water on those hot afternoons and it was fun to have something to look forward to everyday. This summer we have been going to the "ward" swim days. Each Thursday throughout the summer, a different family in the ward hosts "swim days" and anyone is welcome to come and join in the fun. It works out great to have lots of arms willing to hold little Allie while I jump in the pool with the bigger girls.

Summer Vacation!

We are so excited for our mega-summer vacation! Adam has agreed to take all of his girls up to Utah for the entire month of July to play with our friends and family there while he comes back to Fresno and will be busy working. We head up on July 3rd. Can't wait to see all you Utahns soon!

a few pics of Allie

Allie is two months old now! She smiles all the time and is starting to laugh. She's outgrowing her cradle and already wearing size 2 diapers!

a little help with Eczema please

Just wondering if anyone has a great treatment for eczema. Aubrey has flare ups off and on and at present, the stuff the doctor gave us is only providing temporary relief but not really fixing the problem. If you have a great tip or a preferred type of lotion that's worked for you, I'd love to hear about it and hopefully avoid another trip to the doctor. (It seems like we are there every week between the three girls and me -our doctors are all at the same office!)

Fancy Nancy

For anyone out there who hasn't heard of the "Fancy Nancy" series, you must check out this link! These books are adorable; I can't imagine a little girl that wouldn't love them. I giggle every time I read these and the pictures make me laugh as much as the story, if not even more. I would highly recommend them to anyone!

Alexis' Four Year Old Picture

Here she is! Practically all grown up already (at least she thinks so)!

My brother Bobo

My brother, Miles, or as we lovingly refer to him "Bobo," has been serving a mission in Toulouse France for a whole year now! He will return on June 3rd 2009. He has been giving great service to the Lord and loves the people there. We miss having him near but love his letters and e-mails. Alexis talks about him everyday. They fostered a rather special relationship the year he lived at our house before his mission. She write oodles and oodles of "letters" to him and tonight drew this picture. It was so cute, and in honor of Miles' halfway mark, I thought I'd share it. We love you Elder Bobo! See you in one year!

By the way, if anyone out there wants/needs to write letters to a missionary for FHE or just because, Miles really loves mail! It brightens up his day. His address is posted on the right side of my blog and more info and updates about his mission can be found at www.eldermarsala.blogspot.com

She's All Smiles!

Our little Allie will be eight weeks old tomorrow! I can hardly believe how fast time has been going; we are trying to relish every moment. It's not hard when you have a sweet little one like Allie. She has been such a wonderful baby (hooray for having a baby that doesn't cry all night and day! Been there and done that...twice!) Allie is learning to smile and we love catching her gazing whenever we get the chance to try and catch one of the precious toothless grins. Adam even got a full out chuckle out of her the other day. What a joy she is!