New Toddler!

Just this past week Jessica has started choosing to walk rather than crawl. She is getting really good. Here is the first video. I am sure more are to follow. Please don't pay attention to my messy house!

Cailyn's trim

I have been wanting to trim Cailyn's hair, but for whatever reason have been scared to try it. BUT, I did it. I trimmed it and even styled it a little bit. I am not sure you can tell by the picture, but we cut about 2 1/2 to 3 inches off. I layered the top and couldn't be happier with the result. I think that it frames her face perfectly. Of course anything would be cute on Cailyn, she is beautiful. I will probably get better with time, but I am going to continue cutting it myself.

Meme and Da's Fun Backyard

Just in the past few weeks Meme and Da(my parents) have put some really cool stuff in their backyard. Cailyn and Jessica have loved it. It was a whole lot of fun for Jessica until she started eating the sand. I guess it was good because she just kept eating it.

What is more fun than mud or wet sand. It just feels so good under your nails and in between your fingers.

And, of course, rolling around in your mouth.

They had such a good time.

She looks so big standing there doesn't she?

I love it when they play well together.

A change in my side bar

I found myself with a few extra minutes the other day so I clicked on the "Ask Anything Blog" link on my side bar. I have missed many posts because of recent events, but just thought I would catch up a bit. I usually find it quite informative or entertaining. However, this time I found it crude and offensive. There have been many questions posted that I don't read the comments because of the content, however this time there was only ONE question out of about 10 that didn't offend me. Usually the question is pretty vague, but the comments turn R-rated. But not this time.
Ever so slowly the questions and comments have started to attack my Faith. I was sitting there reading a post that directly attacked my religion and Faith and got this very strong impression that I needed to leave this site and never return. I KNOW that the Spirit was speaking to me, so how could I ignore. I instantly removed the link from my site, but then felt that wasn't enough. I needed to apologize to everyone for having a link on my site that could invite evil into your homes(it did start out very clean and appropriate).
I don't want to become too preachy, but I just want to share what I have learned from my experience the other day. I want to testify that Satan is smart and conniving. He looks for opportunities to seep into peoples lives and homes. He saw that blog and took advantage of the innocent bloggers seeking help from one another. He works so slowly that we don't even notice the change until we are trapped or addicted to his evil. I really think that it helped me to have been missing the posts on that site for so long, because then I could notice the change more easily. It is really scary how easily Satan creeps into our lives. I thought that I was being safe on-line from Satan, but I realize now that I need to be more cautious and live really close to the Spirit to recognize the subtle evils. I hope that I haven't' offended anyone, but I feel very inspired to share this with you.
I know that my Savior lives. I know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God. I know that the Gospel is true. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God who leads and guides us. I know the scriptures are true. I know that Heavenly Father loves each of us and He is aware of each of us individually. I feel the Spirit comforting me and helping me to make correct choices. I pray that I can always be worthy of His companionship. I love you all for your friendship and prayers for me and my family.

On December 17, 2004(one month and 10 days after Cailyn was born), my mother, Becky Gropp, had brain surgery, beginning her war with a glioblastoma tumor. Coming out of her first surgery, the surgeon announced that she probably had about a year to live, due to the aggressive nature of this type of cancer. For 3 1/2 years now, she has battled taking radiation, chemotherapy, an additional surgery and more chemo, all the while being a fabulous mother, grandmother (AKA Meme), teacher, CES Missionary, daughter, sister, friend, and wife.

Last Thursday she had her last MRI and the doctors discovered that the tumor has grown substantially. It is now the size of a baseball and has grown 3 smaller tumors in different areas of her brain. After hearing advice from many doctors, serious thought and many prayers, my parents(with full support from their children) decided not to do another surgery. They(the "experts") say that we might have 6 months with her, but we are probably looking more at weeks, maybe even days. The funeral arrangements have been made and we are cherishing each moment with her.
I can honestly say this is the hardest thing that I have ever had to do. I never thought that I would have to say goodbye to my mother before I turned 30, but here I am, trying to thank her for everything she has taught me and sacrificed for me, and for all the love I have felt from her over the years. She has always been supportive of me(even through my stupid decisions). Mom has always had a perfect balance between tough love and holding me through my struggles. I pray that she knows how much I love her and look up to her. If only I could be even half the mother, wife, daughter, and friend that she is.

Mom, I love you completely and will miss you terribly!

Do I miss Junior High kids?

I decided this morning that I didn't care what chores needed to be done, I absolutely HAD to get out of the house(and my yard was not enough). So we loaded into the van to head to the City Park. For those of you who read my sister-in-law, Rachel's, blog you can go ahead and prepare yourself for a complete disappointment when it comes to parks. We live in a run-down little town that desperately needs a new park(and more for that matter). When we drove up we saw dozens of Junior High kids. My first thought, "No way, we are not staying here!" So off we went to a different park. The problem was that I don't like the neighborhood that the other City park is in, so I wasn't about to go there without Jason. What did we do? We headed off to my Visiting Teaching companion's apartment complex, unannounced, to play there. She was nice enough to escort us to the park and sit and watch Jessica while I played with Cailyn. I love this Sister. She is such a loving person and always willing to serve. Thank you Jan, we love you!





Cailyn ran to the motorcycle first, just as her father would have done.

Jan had her hands full trying to keep Jessica from eating the dirt and sticks.

I really didn't want to go home and have cheap frozen pizza for lunch for the 4th time this week, so instead we headed over to the Golden Arches for lunch. We usually don't go in, but today I thought it would be nice to let Cailyn play for a while. Boy was I wrong. There were, again, dozens of Junior High kids. What is going on? There were people everywhere. I should have turned around and left as soon as I saw them, but I didn't. We stood in line, ordered food, and went outside to the play place to wait for the food to be done. About 5 minutes after we sat down outside, I look over to the door when someone says, "This little girl has lost her Mommy, does anyone know who she is?" Wow, I am the worst Mom of the year! That is Cailyn with the manager looking for me. I call to her and she comes running. Then the manager comes to verify that I was the neglectful mother who didn't notice that my child was missing(that is not what his words said, but it was clearly in his eyes). Cailyn and I talked about staying close and making sure that we had a spot to find each other. I hope that never happens again. We probably won't go in again, at least not when there are un-attended Junior High kids all over the place. We go in to get our food, which is cold because it has been sitting there for so long. Then we can't find a high chair for Jessica, so she had to sit on top of the table. All in all it was a disaster. I only have 2 children, why can't I go to McDonald's without the world coming to an end?
We are safely back home and the girls are both laying down for naps. I will get a quick work-out in and lay down too, if I can and hopefully we can have a safe, disaster-free afternoon.

Random pictures and a video!

This is what Jessie looks like when she wakes up from her naps.

How could anyone resist picking this little Angel up with that smile?

This was Cailyn's original 'cheesy' face.

She improved greatly, don't you think?

The girls just chillin' in their pretend house.

I just want to squeeze her all day long! Wouldn't you?

We were just sitting playing today and when I looked up Jessica was walking. I jumped up, fast as lightning, to get the camera. To my surprise she was still walking when I got back and this is what I got. I guess she was pretty hungry because she didn't even put down her bottle to practice her walking. She is so funny! And then of course, as you will see, Cailyn has to come by and throw off her balance. What are big sisters for, huh?

After bath time tonight, Cailyn wanted to pose for pictures. She is such a little ham. I don't know why she was wearing the gloves. She cracks me up! I love having her around. She brightens my day! It is silly moments like this that make me feel like I am already in Heaven.

Good Night!

The baby butterfly

Well, I guess it should be called a caterpillar, but calling it a 'baby butterfly' made Cailyn way more interested in this little hairy crawling thing in the garden this morning. I don't think that I have seen a caterpillar with this much hair(that wasn't on TV). It was so cool to see it move we had to take some pictures, and of course a video. I realize that I am a dork, but who cares. I am either family or your friend so you either have to or you already do love me.

I hope you enjoy our nature lesson today!

The Vaughnster

It dawned on me that I have never posted pictures of the kids I watch. Wow, I wonder why. They dominate my life when they are here, they really should be dominating my blog many days. So today I am dedicating this post to "The Vaughnster".

Things I have learned about Vaughnster the Monster:

1. He doesn't know how to fuss. He goes directly from happy to screaming.

2. His drool is constant and EVERYWHERE!

I seriously find puddles on the floor all the time. Gross!

3. He has almost all of his teeth, yet he prefers to eat from a bottle(jar of food mixed in with his formula was the instruction I received--I am currently trying to train him to eat from a spoon).

4. He only wants a toy if it is currently being played with by another child.

5. Bathrooms are his favorite place and can sense if the door is open from across the house.

6. He loves to tackle other children and occasionally bites.

And most importantly. . .

7. He has a contagious smile.

I will eventually learn all the tricks to this kid, but in the meantime,

I will try to focus on his smiles.

Spring Flowers!

Flowers in the Spring are so beautiful aren't they? Here are a few examples of that beautiful gift from our Heavenly father that we caught on film.

You don't usually see Bluebonnets by themselves, but this one was so

beautiful standing tall and alone in this big field.

I love this one. Jason took it in our front yard.

Roller Coaster

I had a great day yesterday. The girls and I were productive and happy. We went grocery shopping in the rain, prepared a meal and got Family Home Evening ready without any complications. We played and giggled. I got to have about a 15 minute nap that was just enough to keep me going and motivated on my goals, but too long to make me groggy. Cailyn was a great helper and Jessica was happy and smiley.
Then today hit us. There was a loud thunder storm early this morning, so the girls ended up in my bed. Jessica wouldn't sleep more than 20 minutes at a time all day long. Cailyn was hyper and loud all day. She couldn't slow down enough to listen to me, much less do what I had asked her. I had an extra baby today who would start to cry before his bum even touched the ground(NO EXAGGERATION!). He did take a nap in my arms for about 10 minutes, but as soon as I bent down to lay him in the crib he woke up and refused to go back to sleep. This prevented Cailyn from receiving a nap(and me--which I so wanted), so she was a very tired, hyper 3-year old(if that makes sense). Jason had previously told me that he was staying late at work to do homework, so I was anticipating that one. But that doesn't really make it easier, just expected. Needless to say, I never got a shower today. I don't know why, but that just makes me feel like a lazy person. Not that I am, because I certainly did plenty today, but I never got myself ready. I am literally still in my pajamas. It really bothers me when that happens, because it just keeps me down all day.
So I guess my point is I am confused that I can go from the happiest person on this Earth one day, to totally depressed the next. How is that possible. It usually takes a while for me to be this down after a day like yesterday. My emotions(probably hormones) are totally random and strong. There really isn't any middle ground. I feel either complete joy or utter despair or raging anger. Not much gray. Is there something wrong with me, or are my hormones just trying to level out after having Jessica and nursing her for 10 months? I am not really wanting an answer, just thinking out loud.
Sorry for the downer post, but I need to unload and I don't want to burden Jason any more than necessary. He is currently off with Cailyn to get a pizza(we never do that, but I requested it and he obliged) and Jessica is already in bed. So, I am using this spare time to release my frustration from the day.
On a positive note--Jessica's record right now for the most steps taken without holding on to anything is 5 steps. She is constantly trying to walk to things now. It is very exciting!
Again, sorry for the sour mood.

Jessica's walker

Last night we gave this little walker to Jessica and this was what happened. This was literally her first time using this thing. Needless to say we are even more excited for her to walk than before. She is pretty good at it now. She used it many times last night and basically sprinted(extremely fast crawling) to it this morning. Obviously she doesn't know how to turn it yet, but by the time she can do that she won't need it anymore.

Cailyn was a bit jealous of the attention Jessica was recieving and started demanding some for herself. We are going to have to work on that. Any suggestions? We give her lots of one on one time, but when Jessica is getting the attention she forces us to look at her or talk to her. I am not sure what to do. I feel that Jessica deserves just as much attention, but I don't know how to include both girls without Cailyn thinking it is all for Jessica(like if I ask Cailyn to help her or play with us, etc.).

At the Car Wash!

The girls and I went to the track today to run/jog, but there were people everywhere setting up for Relay for Life that starts this evening. I don't jog well in front of a lot of people(if they too are running then they don't pay attention, but these people were not and I was the only one using the track). It was not my best workout. We came home earlier than I thought we would, and we needed to do another activity to kill time before Jason got home. So we decided to wash/clean out the van. It was a relatively warm day and the water was quite refreshing. Cailyn and Jessica had a great time playing in the bucket of water and occasionally being splashed by mommy with the water hose. Cailyn even got me a couple of times. We just giggled and played in the water together. Cailyn probably would have stayed out there all day if I would have let her. But Jessica, on the other hand, was miserable after a while and had to practice her patience until I was ready to take her in. She did a pretty good job. Overall, it was a very nice day.

Before we got soaked.

At the beginning Cailyn was a great helper

Jessica trying to cool off. She dumped the bucket several times.

Cailyn a little distracted from the purpose. At least it was in the grass though and not on the driveway.

Cailyn trying to get warm afterwards and Jessica wanting to pull hair. Since she has none of her own she has to pull Cailyn's.

Article of Faith #4

Obviously this one took a little longer, but here it is. She needs a bit of prompting to get started, but I think she does a pretty good job. I am so proud of her. There are times when I am doing a chore and I hear her in the other room practicing all of her Articles of Faith. What a smart little girl.

Don't you just love her bracelets. They remind me of Madonna or Cindy Lauper in the 80s. Cailyn cracks me up. :)

Insurance Claim

Yesterday the insurance adjuster finally came in response to our claim on the roof. We had a roofing company come to make sure he saw everything. I think it went well, but the guy from the roofing company said they aren't going to pay enough, "10 years ago it would have been enough, but not today. " But, to our advantage, the roofing company said they would do the work for whatever the insurance company would pay. The only thing we have to do is meet our deductable. I am not sure how much that is, but I do know it is considerably less than the price of a roof(including labor). Jason and I are still trying to decide if we are going to upgrade to a metal roof or not. We know that they last longer and it would increase the value of our home. I guess the time to do it is now, when we will have help paying for it. I will keep everyone updated on the progress of our hail damage repairs. In spring it is important for it to be done sooner than later, so I hope the paperwork will be done quickly. I am sure that the insurance people are working as fast as they can because damage to the inside of the house can be considerable in a Texas thunderstorm with a bum roof. With that said, they do have a lot of claims to cover right now, so I will try to be patient, but when the next big storm comes that patience will be in short supply.

For all of you that we asked to help us replace our roof, send a thank you out to our Heavenly Father because now you don't have to help. We are certainly thanking Him for this because it is more of a blessing then a burden.