Top 10 Things I am Thankful For

I got this idea from Stephanie Nielsen's blog, and decided it was a great idea. These are in no particular order. I am thankful for...

1. A little girl who lets me do her hair, sometimes for over an hour.

2. Family that comes to visit us all the way down here in Tehas!

3. That this astounding man asked me to marry him almost 9 years ago.

4. For all the men and woman and their families, that sacrifice so we can live in a free country.

5. For a husband that relishes being a daddy.

6. My sis-in-law. There aren't words to describe how much I admire and love this woman.

7. That my kids love each other so much. Even when they fight (which is often), they are best friends two seconds later.

8. A 21 month old who is already very interested in potty training.

9. For these wonderful people, who make my life better then I ever thought possible.

>10. For the temple, where families are sealed, for time and all eternity.

Please don't feel left out if you are not on this list. You are on my internal list, which I think of often. I promise to make a better effort in letting you know how truly thankful I am for all of you, and the service that you bless me and my family with, and the love, and friendship you offer us. Thank you.

All my love,

Christina

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Hermine

Hermine came by for a visit a couple weeks ago.

It was crazy how fast it all happened.

And then was over in just a few hours. These pics are right in front of our complex. I was afraid we wouldn't be able to get out to pick the kids up from school, so we stayed at a friends house until we had to pick them up, and by that time this was all gone. Crazy Texas weather.

Quinn's First Day of School

My Quinnie started school last week. He loved it, I disliked it immensely. Matt had to fly on his first day, so I had to go it alone.

Here he is as we are walking to the school (we had to park at a friends house and walk because the parking lot was full).

Looking for his seat (check out his shoe laces).

Getting his name tag.

He was so excited to get to have lunch at school, he even picked out a cool Star Wars lunch box. It's kinda funny, because one of the few things I remember from Kindergarten was my Muppets lunch box, and the way it smelled like ripe banana's. To this day I still love that smell, and it takes me right back to that time.

This is Ethan today after church. I took this picture because, 1- he's so stinkin' cute, and 2- he looks so much like his cousin Jacob it's kinda scary.

She's Crafty (sung to the beat of "It's Tricky" by Run DMC)

I know, I'm showing my age. I'm trying my hand at refinishing random items, and making headbands. So here's my first go 'round.


My step mom gave me this old mirror and matching shelf. I instantly saw lots of potential.


Step 1- Primed it (my step dad would not be happy if I had forgotten this step).

Stage 2- Painted it Calypso Sky blue.

Finished it off with a light whitewash. I am very happy with the outcome. Now I just have to find something small, pretty, and unbreakable to go on the shelf.

Here is my first try at a fabric flower head band. I have a lot to learn, but I'm happy with my first try.

I threw this one in, because we wanted to show you where you will be sleeping if you come to visit us! J/K, though it is comfortable. The kids love their new beds, and I love how much more room they have in their room. Great find Daddy!

Ok, let's play a quick game of catch up....

I have really gotten into doing Ava's hair. I've been following a couple hair blogs (see side bar) and I am learning so much.

WAY easier then it looks.

My goofballs after church today.

Three out of four of my beautiful angels.

This was Ethan's first Sunday in nursery, he loved it, and didn't cry at all. He's getting way too big, way too fast.

Strut your stuff baby!

We spent about seven weeks in Seattle this summer (it's way too hot in Texas this time of year), and we visited the Seattle aquarium. Effey the Octopus!

Ok, I want to know something, is there a skater gene that some people are born with, because I couldn't get Ethan off this skateboard, and he naturally has a skunk tail. I can't remember how many people asked me if we cut Ethan's hair into a mohawk on purpose. FYI, NO we did not. It's completely natural!

Relaxin'

Matt, Ethan, and Quinn on the double innertube. Ethan loved it! I was surprised, I thought he might be a little scared, but no, he didn't even want to get off.

This is the house my Dad was working on when he passed away. The whole bottom part is brick, and he designed it and built it. He is so talented.

Swimmin' in Lake Sammamish. Good times, good times.

Cutie Patuties!!!

Well, we wore Ava out! That's not easy to do.

Already drivin' the boat:)

Grandpa and Quinn, goin' for a ride on the innertube.

Ahhh! It must be love. Check out that amazing view behind us. This was up near Anacortes, WA. Beautiful!

What a good lookin' couple.

Matt and Quinn doing some tubin' on the Columbia river. This is were I spent most of my summer's growing up. One of the best places on earth (if you ask me).

Ava and baby Audrey. She's such a sweetie.

Christopher and Quinn had so much fun camping up at Larrabee beach. They become good buds.

Ethan, Xochitl, and Ava at Larrabee beach.

Ava and Xochitl stiking a pose for the camera.

My mom came up to Seattle while I was there, and surprised me with going through the Temple for her first time. It was awesome. This is me with my mom, and grandma, right afterwards. This is also the same temple I took my endowments out at, and Matt and I were sealed in.

Hmmm, I think I'm thinking, but not sure what about.

My nerdy sister, I think she may be a vampire, she didn't take her shades off, and it's not even sunny. That's Snoqualmie falls in the background.

Ava, Ethan, and my sister Emma.

Oh, my little cutie pie!

When I was in Seattle I got to go to Derek and Natasha's wedding. It was so much fun.

Mommy and her baby girl.

We were also able to attend Lucia's baptism when we were in Seattle.


Matt did the confirmation.

I love my Emma, but boy does she have a stubborn streak!

Another hair do from the blogs I follow. I love having a guinea pig to try these hair do's out on, though I don't think she likes it all that much.

Top view.Front view.

My mom came down to Dallas, and of course I had to take her to Joe T. Garcia's, and if you want to come visit us we will take you there too.


This was my Mother's day dinner. Steak, lobster, shrimp, corn on the cob. It dosen't get much better then that.Matt turned 31 in April, he's almost catching up with me!


Ethan sure enjoyed the cake!


This picture cracks me up of Matt's dad chatting with a little girl at Quinn's school. Totally Mike:)

For Quinn's special day we got to go to his class and bring treats, and read some of Quinn's favorite books. It was so much fun, and Grandpa and Grandma got to come too.

Grandpa reading one of the stories.

Quinn with Daddy.

Diane and Joanne came through Dallas on their way to Germany, but ended up getting stuck here because of the volcano in Iceland that was erupting. We had fun with them though, this is Diane and Ava playing under the blanket.

Diane was such a good sport letting Ava do her hair. She ended up with a round brush stuck in it.

My sister Trisia and her two kids came down to visit. This is us at the Fort Worth zoo. It's a great zoo if you ever get the chance to go.

Koda, Jazzy, Quinn, Ethan, and Ava. I just love these kids.


We also made a trip to Utah. These three guys have been joined at the hip since birth (literally). It was so fun to see them all together again.

Ethan and Henry lovin' their bath time. Thanks Uncle Tyler!

We celebrated Ava's 4th birthday while we were there. My little Sher-bear is in the background. She is so stinkin' cute, and sassy, I love it!

We also visited the three apartments that we lived in while in Utah (all in the same ward, not easy to do in Provo).




Quinn's preschool class, he had a blast.




The mandatory picture with the elephant at the Fort Worth zoo.

And, I had to add this awesome picture of Matt cutting my baby's hair when I wasn't home. He did need a little trim, but he took too much off. Luckily it is growning back quickly. (Luckily for Matt that is ;).

I guess that wasn't really a quick catch up. It's pretty stinkin' long, but if you made it this far, you deserve an award. So go buy yourself one!