My Great Green Day

Ben's teacher gives the kids a green bracelet when they have a good day at school. We are so proud that he has come home everyday so far this year with his bracelet.
I also had a great green day on Saturday. It started with a small shower of close friends and family. I was so spoiled by everyone and enjoyed the treats and great company. Thanks to everyone who came and put everything together.
Then followed lunch with Kim and her girls while our husbands transformed my kitchen:
My new tile backsplash! I am in love with my new kitchen. It is not even close to being done, but it already looks so good.

The before picture, I can't wait until the last of the "faux" rocks made of paint and strips of wallpaper are gone. As we were peeling we realized the original owners had actually put the wall treatment up BEFORE the cabinets went in. Really?????

This trim around the windows is my favorite. I was going to wait until it is all done to post, but I am just way too excited.

The boys had a great day also, Ben scored his first goal of the season at his soccer game and got to play with fun friends.

The kids were so great all day and played so well with eachother while the daddies worked.

I can't thank Matt and Kim enough for sacrificing their entire Saturday to makeover my kitchen. Brian, my Dad and Dave also worked so hard all day long, watching kids and cutting tile. Some women get jewelery or flowers when they have a baby, I got a new kitchen. A diamond blade wet saw really is a girl's best friend!

Something New For Baby Four

So we all know the stigma attached with "maternity photos" and our husbands. When my friend Stacey emailed me and asked if she could take some for her website, I didn't know if I could convince Brian. However, Stacey was great and we love the final product. I am so happy I took this opportunity once in four pregnancies. It was such a fun time with the boys and out of 500+ shots we got some keepers. Here are a few of my favs and here is her website if you want to see more or check out her other work http://www.staceyjim.smugmug.com/ . Thanks so much for the fantastic memories, Stacey.

Baby Olivia

I couldn't resist posting this sweet picture of my new little niece. Olivia Lucille was born last Monday and I got to be there for the whole thing. It was amazing to see her come into this world. She is such a precious little thing, she makes me so excited to meet my new little man.
Congrats to my sister and her family, you sure make gorgeous children!

(I must admit I cried the day she was born when I went shopping for some girly clothes and flowers for her hair. Then when the sales lady at Ribbons and Lace told me my total was $42...I was struck with immediate gratitude for my little boys!!!)

My Cup Runneth Over...

Last year I spent my 30th birthday with Brian in Disneyland, a little tough to top! This year there were no lavish parties, no trips or big gifts, but I had a great day none the less. However, there is something not quite as exciting about turning 31 as there was about turning 30 last year. So, instead of counting the years anymore (especially with another BIG birthday now in sight!), I will just count my blessings. 1. I am grateful that I got to spend the day with my boys. We ate at Red Robin for dinner and had fun singing and getting balloons.

2. I am grateful for a husband who loves me and my boys and works so hard to make sure we have a great life. He also was very thoughtful and got me the new Martina McBride CD, since I can't find the IPOD he gave me for Christmas two years ago!

3. I love that Lukey likes to squish up my face and then....

give me a big kiss.

4. I am so grateful that Jeffey is part of our family and that despite a rough start he is healthly and hilarious!

5. I love that Benjamin is our first born and is such a great example to his brothers and such a wonderful helper to me.

6. I am grateful that I got to go to lunch at my favorite Joe's Farm Grill with some of my best friends, Tiffany and my sister and all our little monkeys.

(Couldn't you just eat her?)

7. I am grateful that my dad's gift to me was covering over three of the ugliest colors of paint (besides my bedroom) that I have ever seen. I am in love with all my new walls.

(The before picture of our guest bath, army fatiques should never serve as inspiration for a room!)

(The "Black Wall"????????????)

"Ahhhhh"

8. In addition, my "school friends" took me out for dinner spoiled me with gifts, my VTs brought me a GAP giftcard and my facebook was covered with well-wishes. I am lucky to have such great friends that make me feel special.

Even though getting older is not as much fun anymore, I am so happy with my life, my family, my home and all the other blessings that I enjoy at 31. My mom turned 31 eight days after she had me, and I will have a new little boy in less that four weeks. I can't think of a better birthday gift. Happy Birthday to me.

Eavesdropping

I was in the laundry room and overheard Jeffey and my niece, Avery, having the following conversation:
J: Ave do you want to play penguins?
A: No I am a princess and I have to get married
(Jeff goes and puts on his knight costume)
A: Now you are a handsome prince, I can marry you, I am going in your room and shutting the door, knock for me, I won't answer the first time
J: (After knocking twice) This is the last time I'm going to knock!

How quickly they learn the all too complicated world of men and women!