...life with riley

no picture.

2009-12-28T13:23:00.002-08:00

Riley is now officially at that age where she doesn’t want her picture taken. Boooooo!!!!!!!!! She see’s my camera coming for her, and she says, “no picture.” What’s worse, is she says it with a frown! So, it looks like I am going to have to take her picture when she’s not looking….like today.

so thankful...

2009-12-28T13:23:00.000-08:00

There are so many things to be thankful for this year. Thankful we have all have stayed healthy, that we have a place to call home, all of our friends and family who constantly love and encourage us and touch our lives. Thankful we have cars to drive, and jobs. Thankful we both love what we do. Marky gets to talk surf for 8 hours everyday at HSS, and I get to take pictures. Thankful for my friend Kimee, who has guided me on the road to photography. Thankful for Riley’s spunky personality, and for all her joy she brings us, and we’re sometimes thankful for her fits she thows…. mostly cause it brings us laughter. We are mostly thankful AND blessed to children of God. Thankful He is our Savior, and that He loves us for who we are. We pray that God will continue to bless us just as much next year.

Here are the 4 grandkids on Thanksgiving…

and this year, Hannah asked that everyone dress up as a Pilgrim or Indian for Thanksgiving….so here’s a picture of those that dressed up!

my flower girl...

2009-12-28T13:21:00.000-08:00

A week from today, Riley was Isaac and Victoria’s little flower girl. She did soooo good! She walked down the aisle with Bethany, holding hands. I was sooo nervous that she would throw a fit and cry and scream if she was alone, and saw everyone staring at her! HA! She did great with Bethany, and she even had her very own mini bouquet! For now, here are a few of Riley. I will definitely post LOTS and LOTS more of the wedding soon!!

woody...

2009-12-28T13:19:00.000-08:00

Riley’s new fave thing to watch is Toy Story 2. She LOVES Woody. And I LOVE the way she says it! This week Marky took Riley to Disneyland for a few hours in the morning while I can get some work done, and she came back with a huge woody drink. haha… it is Riley’s favorite thing to drink out of! haha.

Last Month

2009-12-28T13:16:00.000-08:00

Here’s Riley at 21 months…

Her little Oshkosh B’Gosh overall dress…

and i love how her hair falls, and frames her face in these next two.

these boots are made for walkin'...

2009-12-28T13:13:00.000-08:00

Riley was supposed to be a LadyBug for halloween. BUT she would NOT wear it! So I had to look through her closet and piece an outfit together for her that wasn’t costume-y at all. So I came up with a cowgirl. I am SOOO glad she was a cowgirl; it’s MUCH more fitting for her than a LadyBug :) Let me tell you, as soon as I put those boots on her feet, she was FEARLESS! She walked all over, and I just followed her the ENTIRE day! She was always looking down at her boots as she walked…it was soooo cute. We went with Riley’s Mai Mai and her Aunties to Calvary Chapel Pacific Coast for the little festival where Riley played golf, bowled and did a bean bag toss. THANKFULLY she wasn’t really into the candy. When she got it, she would just give it to me to hold. After the church function, we headed downtown to see Daddy and walked down Main St. After Marky got off, we headed to my parent’s house. BUSY day for a cowgirl!

besties

2009-12-28T13:11:00.000-08:00

The day before Halloween, I got to visit with my best friend, Sarah. Our babes were dressed in their cute Halloween shirts, and of course we had to snap some pictures of these two besties!

The girls playing with some Monster Candle Holders

Riley, get your butt out of my face! haha.

I love this! Riley, you are too sweet!!

Riley what’s that? Can I have one?

Oh Charlotte, you have the bluest eyes ever, just like your mama, and your daddy’s one eye.

"bun-kin"

2009-12-28T13:06:00.000-08:00

Last night we had a little family date night! :) We bought a pumpkin (bun-kin), Riley drew on it, we carved it, made pumpkin seeds, drank some apple cider and watched Charlie Brown’s Halloween movie. Riley was so loving her pumpkin. After it was carved, and put a candle in it, she kept trying to pull to top off to look at the candle, then blow it out! haha….here are some pictures from our night

14 days

2009-12-28T13:02:00.000-08:00

4 days from today, is Victoria’s BIG DAY! Just 14 days. This week I was able to take her out to dinner and just hang out, alone. It was so nice, relaxing and something I will always cherish. Our sweet time we spent together, just days before her wedding! :)

i love you victoria, and am sooo excited for you….14 days, you beautiful bride!!

french braids

2009-12-28T13:01:00.000-08:00

When I was little, my mom ALWAYS put my hair in 2 french braids. I loved it! Well Riley has so much hair, that it’s nice to do that side braid I do, so all the hair is OUT of her face! But she’s gotta be in a good mood, and occupied. Last week my mom asked if her hair would fit in 2 braids…never tried. Until yesterday. Her hair is totally long enough for 2 french braids! Although…her hair is sooo soft and sooo fine, that it wans’t as tight as I would have liked. But I still LOVE it, and it makes her hair look soooo long!!

Wow!

2009-12-28T12:59:00.000-08:00

My husband is SO good looking!!!

Yeah, you’re right….He’s SMOKIN’ HOT!

white girl can jump!

2009-12-28T12:57:00.001-08:00

sneak peek of Riley's costume...

2009-12-28T12:56:00.001-08:00

I love...

2009-12-28T12:55:00.001-08:00

when Riley sits indian style in her carseat. hhahaha

God is GOOD!

2009-12-28T12:54:00.001-08:00

God is definitely at work here in our home…In the past few days, God has shown us so much, and we have never leaned on him as much as this week! We have received a handful of blessings and lots of prayers. All I can say is GOD IS GOOD!

Spaghetti

2009-12-28T12:53:00.000-08:00

Riley LOVES food, but mostly beans or pastas. Today it was pasta….

happy 34 years!

2009-12-28T12:51:00.000-08:00

This weekend, my mom and dad celebrated 34 years of marriage!! THIRTY FOUR YEARS!?!?! yowza! We went out to Buca di Bepo (wait, is that how you spell it?) in Huntington Beach, with all the kids, and grandkids! It was one TIGHT booth!!! Here is a few pictures that Sally took…

my sister's getting married!

2009-12-28T12:50:00.000-08:00

…IN SIX WEEKS!!!! Yes, Victoria Rose will be saying ‘I DO’ to her Isaac in six weeks!! She has actually only been planning her wedding for six weeks, so she is now at the half way point! This weekend we celebrated her, by having an English-themed bridal shower. It was beautiful, and Victoria was glowing!! Victoria is getting the most elegant dress made, where Isaac just may faint when he see’s how stunning she is!!!!

SIX WEEKS, Victoria will be moving into a new life. A new last name. A new city. A wife. As she will embrace being a wife, she will be adjusting to a new city. Isaac bought Victoria a house up where he is from; Sonora, Ca. In six weeks, I will be missing her…missing not seeing her each week.

SIX short weeks until Victoria will be a Dominick, and she will be Isaac’s sweet and loving wife!

feet

2009-12-28T12:48:00.000-08:00

I love Riley’s little feet. I can still remember kissing her little feet while I nursed her when she was just 30 minutes into this world. Riley’s feet are always so soft, and she actually likes to play with them too! We have come to the conclusion that she has Marky’s feet. My favorite part of her feet, are the way the last 2 toes kinda bend toward the rest. Oh, I love it!

lots of updates!

2009-12-28T12:47:00.000-08:00

Lots has been happening these last few weeks….so here are some updates, not really in order, but pictures to go with!
Last week I got to babysit my niece, Scarlett for a few hours. Riley LOVED it. She was definitely playing the ‘big sister’ role. When I laid Scarlett down on the mat, Riley immediately went and grabbed her very own blanket, and put it on Scarlett, then went and grabbed Handy Manny, and tried to give it to her. It was so cute!

As we headed to dinner at Dukes this week, I was amazed by such a beautiful sunset. I always keep my point and shoot camera in my purse, so I was soo happy to have gotten this shot! When we walked 5 minutes to a different angle, it already wasn’t nearly as bright!

A few weeks ago we went to Alhambra with Marky’s family to visit his grandparents who have been placed in a very loving home. It was so great to visit them and see all they do each day. We spent the afternoon in the sunshine and breeze, which felt so good. There was a huge tree with a ton of leaves, which Marky taught her how to gather them up and throw them. She had a BLAST!

This weekend I was visiting my best friend Sarah Rebecca Jolly Witt, and picking up some of her delish cupcakes! (She is the best of the best! Her baking skills are awwwwesome!) Riley and her sweet 5 month old daughter, Charlotte, are best friends. Riley even let her pull her hair! Now that’s a BFF!

This past sunday was Grandparents Day. During the week, we managed to get all 4 grandkids over to the park to take some sneaky pictures for my mom and dad. It was so much fun! These are my favorites…

and lastly…can her eyes get any BIGGER?!?!!?

20 months

2009-12-28T12:37:00.000-08:00

Today marks my baby 20 months old. Oh where did the time go?? I can still replay the 24 hours of my labor. Each step in the process, hour by hour, being anxious for Riley (baby girl Pesce, at this point.) to make her grand appearance and when I can finally hold her in my arms, so close to my heart. That special day was 20 months ago.

Riley has been eating a TON this past few weeks. Seems like she is always hungry! Now mind you, she’s not a big eater. She’s a snacker and needs to have something little every 2 hours. But this week, it’s all day long! Looks like a growth spurt is coming! She weighs 23 pounds; so tiny and still wears her 12 month clothes!

Her new favorite things to do are, playing with the hose, jumping on our bed, using her potty as a chair to read her books, brushing her teeth, coloring which ALWAYS ends up on the walls (dodgers=color in her language) and loves bugs!

Riley's Coach purse

2009-12-28T12:35:00.000-08:00

uh-oh. Looks like Riley found a new love…a coach purse. Its actually my coach wristlet that Marky bought me a few years ago, but it Riley’s perfect size!

…sometimes she gets flexible and puts her foot on the handle! haha!…and yes, she is sitting in her ‘doll stroller.’ She pushes it to where she wants it, then sits in it and watches TV.

camping

2009-12-28T12:33:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we headed down to San Onofre with the Pesce’s (and Martinez’s) for some summer camping!

Riley LOVED playing in the dirt. I have never seen her as dirty as she was this weekend!

She had SO much fun just playing inside or right next to the tent.

Trying to be a beach model or something here.

The Pesce Fam:

A father-daughter walk along the beach.:

Marky surfing.

Her SCREAM. From beginning to end. She likes to do this when she’s isnt getting the attention she wants. It’s HILARIOUS!!!

Scarlett McRae

2009-12-28T12:28:00.000-08:00

I had such a BLAST taking some pictures of my niece, Scarlett. She is now 4 months old, and is such a happy little baby! She sits up for about 1o seconds, then slowly tips over. She is fascinated with her hands, and is now an official thumb-sucker!

Gina’s favorite:

i love her chunky hands!

oh those sweet toes!

Whatcha' lookin at?

my 2 favorites of mommy + scar…

I love this babe! and I love her cry…it so sweet!

what a difference a year makes.

2009-12-28T12:22:00.000-08:00

family shoot

2009-12-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we had the pleasure to have Kimberlee West take some family pictures of us! We had a BLAST! Here are a few images that we L-O-V-E!!!!!!

and these last ones I just love so much…Kimee was able to capture the little moments that I get to witness EVERY DAY! Riley just loves her dadda so much, and I love to see the interaction between the two. I love that Kimee caught the little moments I live with :) Marky is such a hard working and loving Dadda, and Riley is so blessed to have Marky as her very own Dadda! :)

Thanks again Kimee! You’re pretty much the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.

toys galore!

2009-12-28T12:15:00.000-08:00

before:

after:

aahhhhhh…SO much better!!

sportin' a braid

2009-12-28T12:14:00.000-08:00

Disneyland

2009-12-28T12:13:00.000-08:00

We went to disneyland the other night, and we took Riley to see the Muppets 3D. When we would hold the glasses on Riley’s head, she would stick her arm out and try to grab what was in front of her! It was AWESOME! Then we headed to the Monster’s Inc. ride. She loved it, and it made me miss that movie, so we watched it yesterday, and today. :) After that ride, we went to A bugs life show, then the ride.

I love how she totally made herself comfortable and layed on the ground while we were waiting for the Muppets show to open the doors and let us in. hahaha….We were cracking up!!!

my cowgirl

2009-12-28T12:10:00.000-08:00

Oh I just love her!

'crying-it-out'

2009-12-28T12:07:00.001-08:00

This is the part of being a parent that’s no fun! Letting your baby cry it out? Well, I’ve always been against putting my child on a schedule. If she’s tired, she’ll let me know, then I will put her to bed. No need to force them to sleep if they aren’t tired. But over the past year, I’ve had a change of heart. Putting your kids on a schedule IS a good thing. Good for the mamma’s sanity! So better late than never, right? Well, tonight was DAY 5. She missed her afternoon nap, but her bedtime rolled around; she cried for only TWO minutes. I felt proud, and accomplished. Tomorrow’s a new day. But keep us in your prayers…it’s not easy! Especially when she can say, ‘Peeeease! Mama!’ while she’s crying. Breaks my little heart. I’ll leave you with a funny picture that popped up on my computer screen tonight and it made me laugh…

Here she is at 2 months old. Another crying picture. Is there something wrong with me that i LOVE crying pics??

happy 18 months, monkey!

2009-12-28T12:06:00.000-08:00

Riley turned 18 months yesterday. I think it’s time for an update on what little Riley has been up to.
She has 16 teeth. (No, it’s not normal.) We can’t go anywhere without her blanket, or else we’re screwed!! She likes to sit in her very small baby stroller and watch TV, or be pushed around. She likes to hit you if she’s frustrated. She likes to throw her food on the ground if she doesn’t want it. She is very polite and says ‘peeease’ for EVERYTHING. She has picked up on Marky’s code word for poop; which is ‘blllauugghhh’ (pronounced as a fake-vomit sound.) and says that if she has poop in her diaper. She always wants to go outside. We have had to put a baby gate on our front door, cause she will help herself, and walk right out side. If she’s crying in her crib, she gets mad and will bite her paint off her crib. Her mouth will have white paint chips all over it. Apparently her Auntie Bet did this too. If her hair is not clipped back, she always pushes it back like such a girl. She says Elmo like ‘Ellow.’ She knows if a book is upside down. If her hand gets dirty, she’ll show me and say ‘whatsthat’ and wait for me to clean her. She’s not a big eater. She eats VERY LITTLE portions but frequently throughout the day. Loves dancing to music. I have lost count to how many words she says. Her new ones are flower, bear and bubbles. She holds her blanket with her feet like a monkey would. She asks to go into her crib; she likes to sit and read books. And her newest trick is throwing fits. If she doesnt get her way, she goes crazy. Screams. Bangs her head on the floor. Hits. Kicks. I think the ‘terrible twos’ are creeping up on us.

Here’s her 18 month picture I took today….

This week both my brothers had birthdays. Eddie turned THIRTY and Jeffrey turned TWENTY-ONE! I cant believe my baby brother is 21! Weird. And Eddie, 30?? Crazy. Tomorrow we are celebrating their birthdays at the pool
This week was also my last week at HSS. Very bittersweet. I have loved being apart of the HSS family these last 3 years; but am so excited to double my hours with Kimberlee West! I will be at home more; working, but still will be at home with my little Monkey.

boo day

2009-12-28T12:04:00.000-08:00

Me and Sally had a date this week. Just her and I. No kids. No husbands! We had a yummy dinner (pei wei’s) , an even better dessert with some coffee (Cheesecake Factory) and ended on a tear-jerker of a movie (My Sister’s Keeper)! I haven’t laughed that hard with you in so long! I love you boo and thank you for such a special night. I love being able to share my hopes dreams and prayers with you!

and then there were desserts and coffee…

happy 4th!

2009-12-28T11:57:00.000-08:00

Summer!

2009-12-28T11:55:00.000-08:00

I love that we live exactly ONE mile from the beach. I love that we can ride our bikes or walk there. I think it’s called spoiled. Here are some pictures of Riley last summer at her first actual beach day. (actual meaning feet in the sand, feet in the water, bronzin, etc.) Expect some of this summer’s beach pics soon! oh, and just to warn you, the next few blog posts will probably be all beach pictures. Oh, and to warn you again, if you scroll down, you will see some chubbiness. :)

fathers day, continued.

2009-12-28T11:52:00.000-08:00

Tonight we met up with my parents and brothers, and their families. We ate at this awesome bbq place called The Beach Pit BBQ in Costa Mesa. Thanks to the recommedation off of our friend Alyssa’s blog. Great food, but also an awesome place for the kids to play. Then headed to some yummy Golden Spoon yogurt afterwards. Here are some pictures we took after we ate.

all 4 grandkids

Poppy and Nana with their grandchildren

and the 4 dads in the family.

so typical of the boys!

The McRae's

Me and my dad:

Us 3 kiddos:

Me and Sally:

and oh, the laughter...always!

Happy Fathers Day Dad, Eddie, Jeffrey and Marky! You guys are all such great fathers!!

fathers day

2009-12-28T11:44:00.000-08:00

I love fathers day. I love celebrating my dad. I now love celebrating my husband, and my brothers! Father’s day is such a special day and I love to make them all feel special!!
To my dad: You are such an awesome dad. I have so many special memories with you that I will always treasure. I couldn’t have asked for a better dad. I love how sweet and caring you are. I love your generosity, your kindness, toughness and all your love. Thank you for being the greatest dad. I love you so much!

For Marky: Thank you for being such a loving and Godly daddy to our little Riley. I love watching the 2 of you together. I love how much she loves you, and I love seeing little personality traits come out of her that remind me of you. Happy 2nd fathers day and I love you so much!

This morning I dressed Riley in a shirt I had made with a picture of the 2 of them (one of my faves of the 2 of them!) on her shirt. The smallest they make was a Youth Small, so it is HUGE on her…so she’s a little 80’s this morning with it tied behind her back, and the sleeves rolled. Marky loved it when she came out of her room wearing it! Then we headed to Woodys in Sunset Beach for a nice breakfast. No one was there, it was great. Good food too! At breakfast I gave Marky his present. Last month I asked Kimberlee West to take some pictures of Riley and I to give to Marky. They turned out awesome and I put them in a custom album for him…he was SO impressed that he had no idea, and that we kept it a secret! I was so happy to give it to him!

chili cook off.

2009-12-28T11:41:00.000-08:00

yesterday my mom and dad joined us as we walked main street for the chili cook off…Riley figured out how to work those party favor things that you blow in (i have no idea what they’re called!) Anyway, enjoy the pics!

bath time

2009-12-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

and check out how long her hair is when its not all flippy.

my faves.

2009-12-28T11:38:00.000-08:00

One and a half: Next month Riley will be one and a half. This is my new favorite age! Her independence. Her LOVE to just be outside. Her talking. Her running. All her words!!! And her memory….it blows me away!! I am so in love with this age…all the things you can teach her and how she remembers it so fast! Love love love one and a half!
Disneyland: We just got our passes, and we are LOVING it! My wonderful precious and fabulous late Aunt B used to get us passes each year as kids. Being there takes me back to being 10 again! Now bringing my daughter there, and seeing the excitement in her eyes; its awesome!
Etsy: one word. HOOKED. I have fallen in love with this website. I can seriously be on it for hours just browsing through everything. For those of you who have never heard of etsy; it’s a website that sells all handmade things. Anything from purses, clothes, jewelry, fun bags, barrett’s, anything! Check it out, andif you find some cool things, email me and tell me! Who doesn’t love to support people who hand-make things?!
Tori & Dean:You may disagree with me, but i love their show! I have watched it the previous 3 seasons and it just gets better and better. Tori Spelling is just like us, except lives in a HUMUNGUS house and has a nanny, and throws elaborate parties…ok, maybe not just like us. But she shares the same day-to-day troubles which is pretty cool to see. Im also currently reading her 2nd book, Mommywood. I have a new grown respect for her! Check out her show. Tuesdays, on Oxygen.
My NEW fab job: For those of you who don’t know, I have been working for the talented Kimberlee West! I started with her in April and I am loving every SECOND of being Kimee’s assistant! Next month I leave HSS to work for her with more hours! I have already learned SO much and I feel SO incredibly blessed to have this opportunity-but also to be learning from HER! Kimee = complete AWESOMENESS!
Redbox: $1 to rent a movie? Yes please.
June Gloom: As much as I am looking forward to these SUMMER months…this 70 degree weather is quite nice. But I am looking forward to the miserable 90 degree weather.
Bike Rides: A few nights ago the 3 of us went on a FUN bike ride! I love it! Riley’s in her little trailer hooked on Marky’s bike. She loves to look around and giggle and play with her toys! We rode a mile to the park, played, then rode back…such a treat!
Wahoo’s ‘teriyaki’ fish tacos: Marky discovered, then introduced to me, that you can order TERIYAKI instead of just blackened or spicy fish. If anyone knows me, knows how much me (and my mom) LOVE anything teriyaki! So this is definitely my new FAVE!
My husband: Not necessarily a ‘new’ fave, but my ‘all-time’ fave. I don’t even want to think what my life would be like if I never married him. I love our life together, I feel so blessed to live this life. To be married to a man who loves me unconditionally. Married to a man who has a heart for others, and loves our Lord and Savior with everything he has. Marky is the man of my dreams, the man my heart desires, the man I have been praying for when I was little. He’s my everything, my rock andmy best friend. Thank you for asking me to be your wife 4 years ago. It was the best YES I’ve ever said.

now leaving you with another fave…an oldie fave.

Bubbles!

2009-12-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

just like mama

2009-12-28T11:33:00.000-08:00

I found her with my headband on! ha. Love it!

She LOVES her strawberries!!

keys

2009-12-28T11:31:00.000-08:00

So if anyone knows Marky like I do, you’ll know he’s always forgetting something, or losing things. It’s his funny habit. Normally it’s his sunglasses, or wallet. Well, this week it was his keys. The last time he used them was Monday. So this week we looked all over the place! In the laundry, in my car, in Riley’s toy box, our patio. Nowhere to be found. Then yesterday Marky decided to go through the 2 trash bags that I placed in the dumpster that morning. Guess what he found; keys! PRAISE THE LORD! So it looks like its very evident that Riley’s at that ‘put things in the trash’ stage. Oh goodie! Do they make trash lids with a LOCK on them? If they do - I’m totally up for buying one!! :)

On a cuter note; here’s Riley asleep on the couch…so precious!!

the Shockley's

2009-12-28T11:30:00.000-08:00

I had the honor to do a photo shoot with Nichole and Matt Shockley. They were celebrating their 3 years of marriage, and wanted to do so with some pictures! We headed back to the exact place they got married, Crystal Cove. I had such a blast shooting them together! Here are a few of my favorite ones…Thanks again Matt & Nichole!!

Happy Birthday!

2009-12-28T11:27:00.000-08:00

June 4th was such a special day! Marky’s special day! Weird to think that when I met Marky, he was 19. Now he’s 28! I feel so blessed to have Marky as my husband! He is the one that God picked out for ME! So amazing to think back on our Biola days, all our hang outs, long talks, building our tight friendship - not knowing we’d spend the rest of our lives together! :) God is sooo Good!

So Marky entered his 28th year by golfing with his dad, then spending the day with his girls at Disneyland! Here are our fun Dland pics!

Here’s the 2 of them inside Mickey Mouse’s Clubhouse; waiting for the show to start!

This one’s hilarious. Looks like she’s pouting, but she’s totally not. She thinks it’s funny. She’ll come up with a huge smile! haha

In California Park, there’s this awesome water park for kids in a Bugs Life. We came prepared, and brought her rash guard and extra jeans.

Here’s she’s trying to lick the water! ha. it was awesome.

After we left California park, we headed over to Disneyland…it was so empty…it was crazy! So we walked around, and Riley fell asleep in her stroller. Then we saw the line for Its A Small World…like 10 people. So we grabbed Riley and jumped in line. She stayed asleep the whole ride. Until our boat docked, she woke up, so we went back in line to do it again. This time we had the entire boat to ourselves! That’s how dead it was! Riley LOVED it….her eyes were so big the entire ride!

I have fallen in love...

2009-12-28T11:21:00.000-08:00

…all over again with my Husband and my Daughter! First off, let me tell you - i LOVE surprises! Whether it be flowers from my husband for no reason at all, a sweet ‘just because’ card, or even a surprise phone call! I love them all! Well today I had a GREAT surprise! On Sunday I was sick and spent most of my day laying in the bedroom; while Marky took care of Riley. Often times I would hear them laughing together and the sound of that puts a gigantic-sized smile on my face! The surprise. I grabbed my little point and shoot digital camera to bring with my tonight as I spent some time with friends. I turned it on to shuffle through the pics…. Oh to my surprise…

Now do you see why I have fallen in love?

Olives

2009-12-28T11:19:00.000-08:00

Plate

2009-12-15T20:40:00.001-08:00

It's a little late; but for Mother's Day, we went to Color Me Mine and Marky made me my own plate! It was so fun! I loved being able to be apart of it. Marky traced my hand, and then traced Rileys. I have been using it for just about every meal!

a little bit of Riley

2009-12-15T20:39:00.001-08:00

It's so weird to think that in July, Riley will be a year and a half! Crazy! This last week Riley has been on her A Game! She is NEVER full! She wakes up going the 'more' sign and saying "peeease." All day she eats. After she's finished eating, she see's me or Marky eating, she eats all of our food! It's hilarious! Then it's her talking. If you say a word to her, she will do her best to repeat it. Words like; water, apple, nana, mai mai, duck, cat, blanket, baby...and the list goes on. Oh, and she KNOWS if she says Please, she'll get whatever she wants! Smart girl! haha. We are loving how much she is growing, and to see her little personality shine more each day.

Hannah!

2009-12-15T20:38:00.001-08:00

Marky's 3rd youngest sister is graduating High School next month. Hannah Joelle Pesce. She has so much heart, spunk, and character than anyone I know. I feel so blessed that she is one of my many sisters!!! A few months ago she asked me to take her Senior Pictures for her; and we finally did them on Friday. She was feeling under the weather, but still didnt want to cancel. Here are a few of my favorites.

LOVE going to the park!

2009-12-15T20:36:00.001-08:00

We have had some awesome weather these past few weeks; which sends us down the street to the park! Riley has NO fear and heads down the slide on her own, no matter how steep it is, or if I am at the bottom to catch her or not. She loves the swings too, but I think mostly; her favorite thing is EATING the sand....mostly rocks. Every single time, I have to fish at least one rock out of her mouth!

Angel Game

2009-12-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

Thursdays are Marky and Riley days. It's his one full day off with her. He always takes her on fun adventures. Whether it be the beach, the park, or Disneyland. Yesterday he took her to the Angel Game! Riley's first game. 2 of Marky's sisters; Victoria and Hannah went with them. Apparently they stayed until the 11th inning! Marky said that she's not heavy enough to sit in her own seat. The seat folds. When the crowds start clapping and yelling; she gets scared. Other than that he said she had fun! Here are a few pictures that they took.

HSS buds!

2009-12-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

Last week a group of my HSS friends all got together for a dinner and a movie to celebrate 2 birthdays. Carrie and Carol. We all had such a blast catching up, since it's been so long since all of us were together at once. All but 2 are Ex-HSSers; but we all are so happy that we've remained friends.

Boo Day!

2009-12-15T20:30:00.001-08:00

Sally and I's birthday's fall exactly 2 weeks apart; so this year we decided to celebrate together; just the 2 of us. We planned this back in January. We saved up, so we were able to go shopping, have dinner and go to a movie. It was soo awesome! The funniest part, is when we met up after I got off work, we were wearing VERY similar outfits! ha....a pink top with black leggings! We had so much fun together, and when it was time for a movie; we just picked what fit into the timing. Only ONE movie fit our time slot. The Hannah Montana movie! hahaa...we were the ONLY one's in the theater! But it was awesome! We didn't have to be quiet, we could get up and dance...anything! :) But in all honesty, the movie was MUCH better than I expected! I kinda even want to see it again!

Had so much fun with you Boo! Can't wait for the next BOO DAY! :)

Sicky girl

2009-12-15T20:29:00.001-08:00

Smiley Riley has been not-so-smiley these days. She's had this on-going fever for over a week. Plus not eating, and throwing up for the past few days. This week the Dr said if the fever is still there by Thursday, then to bring her back in. So Thursday was Dr. day. Unfortunately, I wasn't home to take Riley, so Marky had to do it. This is the one appointment I wish I was there for... They needed a urine sample. They started the catheter, but then she started to pee, so they were able to catch some in a cup. YEsss...! Then they needed blood :( 5 viles. They couldnt find her vein..took 3 tries! Marky said she was crying-screaming saying "peeeease!!!" (Please is her new word.) Oh so sad! Turns out she has an infection; possibly a bladder infection. She is now on antibiotics, and already doing much better.
Last night was the first night she didnt throw up in a couple of days, she slept much better, ate breakfast and hasnt been sleeping the majority of the day!! She's even trying to get up and walk! We miss her happy smiley self, and we are looking forward to getting her back!!!

Here's a picture of Riley this morning eating her breakfast. I actually caught her semi-smiling.

Riley is ready for Summer

2009-12-15T20:26:00.000-08:00

Today Bethany calls me at work telling me about these really cute sandals...so as soon as I got off work, I bought Riley 2 pairs of cute roxy sandals. Tonight i put one pair on and she loved looking at them and walking all over the house. Here are a few pictures.

Sorry if they are a bit blurry...I was working on my manual focus. Have not mastered it yet!

2 weekend pictures

2009-12-15T20:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of Riley this weekend in my parent's front yard.

and here is Riley and her 2nd cousin, Davia.

little Riley...

2009-12-15T20:20:00.000-08:00

So here's the latest with our little monkey...
-She is 15 months, 20 pounds.
-we created (well, Marky did) a little play area on our patio for Riley, and she LOVES it. If I say, "Let's go outside" she runs to the sliding door, and gets so excited! It will be a perfect place to hang out in the summer.
-She got her first 'baby' this month. I took some video's of her 'interacting' with it, so once I finish putting all the pieces into one video, I'll definitely be posting it.
-She LOVES to brush her teeth...we are PRAYING that it continues throughout her life! ha. If she hears the bathroom sink water running, she literally RUNS to the bathroom saying "eeeeeee" (When we first started brushing her teeth, Marky taught her to say 'eeeee' so she will open her mouth and show her teeth.) Then she gets mad when we tell her to 'rinse'
-She is getting her 13th tooth!!! This one will cut any day now. Her last of the 4 molars came through a few weeks ago, and now another tooth! She got her first tooth at 8 months, and it has been 7 months of TEETHING! Which means for the past 7 months she hasn't slept through the night. Oh when will the teething STOP?!
-Her rash is gone but we still never figured out exactly what she's allergic to.
-She is NOT a picky eater! She will eat pretty much anything.
-She says a handful of words...hi, bye, mama, dada, dog, balloon, eyes, please...and I know there are more, but Marky and Riley are still sleeping, so I can't ask him.
-If she doesn't know where something is, or a ball goes under the couch, she puts her arms out as if saying "I don't know"...its soooo cute!
-She loves to dance when the music is on, and claps when she hears clapping.
-Last week she got pink eye. She would wake up to her eye crusted shut for a few days...it was so sad. But once we put the eye drops in, her eye immediately got better!
That's all I can think of for now...but everyday gets better than the last. Parenthood is such a joy and we love every minute of it! Here's a picture of her pink eye...this is when it started to get better...

Happy Birthday to ME...

2009-12-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

This week I got old. Older. I'm an old mom. haha. 27 years old. Poor Riley woke up to a 103 temperature on my birthday! Our plan was for Marky and I to spend the day ALONE at the Happiest Place on Earth! Thanks to Sally who watched the sicky girl while we got to go to Disneyland! We had so much fun!! I love how Dland lets you go for FREE on your birthday! It's awesome! Here's my birthday coffee cake with all the kids... all 3 are staring at the cake!

Easter

2009-12-15T20:09:00.000-08:00

Easter was AWESOME! But it started out not-so-awesome. We woke up to go to Sonrise Service... and Riley woke up to diahrea and a rumbling stomach. As she layed there waking up, more diahrea happened. So much where it exploded out of her diaper....oh yay! I love giving her sink baths and ripping our soiled sheets off our bed at 6am! haha. But the day did get better.
The service was awesome! There's something about being up so early, and sitting in the park, with God's creation learning about Him! After church we headed down to Downey for an awesome breakfast. Thenwent outside for a beautiful Easter Egg hunt. Thanks to Auntie Hannah, who stayed up super late Saturday night, coloring eggs for her niece. Here are a few picture from the egg hunt...

then Grandpa taught her some golf techniques.

Then she played outside with the hose…it was such a BEAUTIFUL day!

After a fun afternoon, we headed over to my grandma’s house to celebrate Easter with my family. We all had a fun time playing outside, then we had a fun Easter Egg hunt with the kids.

Such a sweet picture.

These 2 cousins love eachother SOOOO much!

Sweet Scarlett

2009-12-15T19:55:00.000-08:00

Here she is at just 2 days old.

Proud...

2009-12-15T19:40:00.000-08:00

Proud Parents:

Proud Grandparents:

Proud Uncles:

Proud Aunt Boo's:

And a proud BIG cousin:

and jeff, we are so proud of you! i love this picture.

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-12-15T19:06:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Eddie, Sally and I took the kids to Central Park here in Huntington Beach, for an Easter Egg Hunt. They all had a blast. Makenzie was very selective on the candy she put in her basket, which was so cute! Isaiah & Riley cared more about tasting the candy and putting the candy in OTHER baskets. It was so much fun!

Scarlett Flesia McRae

2009-12-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

It's true. After a little over 12 hours of labor, at 10:30 this morning, Jeff and Winter FINALLY got to meet their daughter, Scarlett Flesia McRae. She is a whopping 6 pounds & 8 ounces. She has blue eyes and lots of dark hair. She is so tiny, I always forget just how tiny they are! She has a small head just like Jeff! ha. When we were let in the room...there Jeff was, sitting in a chair holding his daughter! HIS DAUGHTER! so crazy! But it was such a precious moment to see. You can see how proud he was, and how calm he was. Here's a picture in the meantime. More coming...i promise.

update on my new niece

2009-12-15T18:48:00.000-08:00

I got word early this morning that Winter is at the hospital, in labor! I talked to Jeff at about 6 this morning, and said she is dilated to 6 and has the epidural and is SLEEPING! (thats the one thing i DIDNT do. now I know better.) Looks like we will be welcoming little miss Scarlett today. Ill post delivery update with some pictures! Stay tuned.
Sidenote: my good friend Sarah Witt, who is an amazing baker/cake designer (check her site out here) also went into labor this morning!!! Lots of new precious GIRLS this month! :)

my little shopper

2009-12-15T18:44:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Riley went and had her picture taken by Kimee. (if you don't follow her blog, you should...she is SUPER talented, and takes such fun and unique photos. Click here to follow her blog.) Anyway, she took the pictures just outside this awesome Children's Boutique called Under My Umbrella, in Newport Beach. Here are a few pictures from the shoot.

If any of you loyal blog readers want to book a session with her, please contact me so I can help set it up. You will be AMAZED! I mean, come on...look at that face!

Allergy?

2009-12-15T18:35:00.000-08:00

It's time for a little update on Riley's rash. Well, remember how I called the cream that the Dr. gave us miracle cream? Ya well I take it back. It worked for a little bit, but then it came back SUPER blotchy all over her belly and sides. Then that finally went away after a few days. Then the cream would go on the rash. Then the next day where I put the cream on, was very faint. But there were more spots in a different area. This went on for a few days, then frustration laid in. Back to the Dr. we go! This time they said it's an allergy. Possible food allergy? No more cream. Now its oral allergy medicine. It's been one day, and again the spots have lightened tremendously! Whoo Hoo! Hope this time it continues to work!
Tomorrow Riley goes in for her 2nd dosage of shots and blood test. I guess the Dr. is requesting an allergy testing with that blood test. I'll keep you all updated!
Meanwhile Riley has an obsession with her feet. If she finds a crumb on the carpet (I promise, I DO vacuum!) she will sit down and take the crumb and press it into the bottom of her foot. She does that with crumbs, tape, food, anything. She will literally sit there for 10 minutes making the food stick. Then keeps her foot in the air and watches it until it falls off. Here are a few pictures I took of her yesterday putting her raisins to her feet.

Goodbye Vandoobie!

2009-12-15T18:29:00.000-08:00

This morning the back of Marky's car caught on fire! He was on his way to work when the brakes became stiff...then it caught on fire! All within a matter of seconds. So it looks like we will have to say goodbye to the beloved Vandoobie.
Thankfully the fire was just the back of the car. No one else was in the car, and that he wasnt on a freeway or a street where he could have spread the fire, or hurt someone else. Here are a few pictures I took after the tow truck dropped it off.

Something kinda fun...

2009-12-15T18:26:00.000-08:00

8 SHOWS I LOVE TO WATCH
1. Grey's Anatomy - Bethany got me hooked on this show a few years ago. Started watching it a few seasons in, but I caught up with the first few seasons on DVD. FAITHFUL FAN.
2. The Office - Love this show! HILARIOUS!
3. Amazing Race - This show is so fun to watch and to follow.
4. The Bachelor - I'm hooked. I am obsessed with this show. The odds are pretty much, well they dont ever last, but I still have to watch it. I love picking a favorite from the minute they step out of that limo...but its so funny how UN REALISTIC it is. How can 25 women fall in love with the same guy in a matter of weeks? It's a game. But its awesome!
5. Big Brother- I love this show. I love how it's on 3 times a week when it's on. I love the challenges. I love the drama. I love it all.
6. Dancing with the Stars- I love all the dances they do, and how fun it would be to learn the routines.
7. American Idol- I love judging the singers! haha... and seeing their transformation as the weeks go on.
8. LOST- I was a hard-core fan from the beginning, then 2 seasons ago I was sick and tired of it. So this season, Im back!...and I love watching it together with Marky.
*a side note, whether he admits it or not, Marky watches every one of these shows with me. I love it! I love sitting on the couch together watching all our shows...especially like bachelor and DWTS. His opinion always makes me laugh.
8 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
1. Islands- my hands-down-all-time-favorite!
2. Lazy Dog Cafe- this is a meaningful restaurant. Marky and I ate here for a late dinner on our wedding night. Then when we celebrated our 6 month wedding anniversary, we ate their. Then again for our One Year anniversary...this is OUR place to go.
3. Round Table Pizza- delicious!
4. Mexican- ANY mexican restaurant will do. Breakfast. Lunch. and Dinner.
5. CPK- i love their garlic chicken pizza. If I wanted to, i could probably eat the whole thing.
6. Corner Bakery- Marky calls it girly food. Maybe that's why I love it. ha. Chicken Pomodori sandwich all the way! (had it yesterday!)
7. TK Burger- oh my gosh, YUM!
8- In-N-Out- I know its not really a restaruant, but i dont care, its always a good choice.
8 THINGS THAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY
1. Went to lunch with some great friends.
2. Saw Erin's CUTE baby bump.
3. Told Marky I loved him.
4. Did some work for Kimberlee West
5. Had a hard time letting Riley 'cry-it-out'...45 minutes of it. I caved.
6. Went to an Engagement Dinner for our good friends Travis and Nichole.
7. Wore heels. It's rare.
8. Went to bed waaayyyyy too late catching up on my shows with Marky.
8 THINGS I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR
1. Falling even more in love with my husband.
2. Holding my new niece in a week and a half.
3. Turning 27 in 2 weeks.
4. Learning a whole LOT from Kimee
5. Giving Riley a sibling! HA! (no, im not preggers)
6. Riley going into the ocean this summer.
7. Celebrating Mothers and Fathers day for the 2nd time.
8. Learning more about my Lord and Savior.
8 THINGS ON MY WISHLIST
1. A new lens, laptop and photoshop.
2. Get out of debt!
3. Riley to grow up to be a strong, intellegent God-fearing woman.
4. My brother to stay sober.
5. My fridge to have an endless supply of hummus.
6. That I could stop drinking coke.
7. That I would enjoy running.
8. To always remain thankful for all the blessings in my life.
now, since a post always needs a picture...

11 days

2009-12-15T18:22:00.000-08:00

In 11 days we will be another Aunt and Uncle to our sweet little neice, Scarlett. Jeff and Winter will be such great parents, and we are so proud of you guys! We can't wait to hold and kiss our new neice. I'm crossing my fingers that Scarlett decides to make her grand appearance on the 16th, so we both can share our birthdays. :) Ill keep everyone posted on the birth. Here's a few pictures of Winter I took this week.

Makenzie

2009-12-15T18:18:00.000-08:00

Happy 3rd birthday MAKENZIE! We love you so much!!! We cant believe you are THREE years old! We love your funny faces you make, your love that you are such a good big sister, and big cousin, we love how much you love Micky Mouse Clubhouse, and we love the way you pray. Ü Have an awesome and fun day!!

Rash, Day 3

2009-12-15T17:33:00.000-08:00

So awesome! Look at the HUGE difference between today and yesterday. Wow, that cream is MIRACLE CREAM! Such a relief!

the verdict?

2009-12-15T17:30:00.001-08:00

VIRAL RASH!!! I got nervous this morning driving to the Dr. office. So when I pulled up and parked, I turned around and grabbed Riley's hands and prayed. Prayed that the Dr. will deliver good news. I got nervous because when she woke up this morning, there was MORE bumps, and some even doubled in size. But the dr. delivered the good news. Just a viral rash, then some cream to put on them to help them go down. Even better news was that they aren't contagious! PRAISE THE LORD! This was the very first time I had to take Riley in the the dr, other than her well-baby appointments. So here is a picture I took this morning.

Rash?

2009-12-15T17:29:00.000-08:00

So we noticed a rash on Riley today. She has more spots on her body tonight than she had this morning. Mainly its on her belly, and sides. A little on her back, and a few on her thighs. I'm taking her in to the dr. in the morning, so hopefully we can find out what it is. Flea bites? Chicken pox? Food allergy? Here are a few pics.

Park with the Cousins

2009-12-15T17:23:00.000-08:00

Sally and I usually meet up and take our kids to the park at least once a week. Last week I took my camera with me, and had so much fun taking pictures of the kids. I think I took over 100 pictures, but these are my favorites.

We MOVED...

2009-03-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

...our blog to a new home! Blogspot has been a good home for us for almost 16 months, 170 posts and every milestone in between. We will no longer be posting on this site...for now on, PLEASE go to www.pesceblog.com where our new home is. Please dont forget to 'bookmark' or add this new address to your 'favorites!'

see ya soon!!

xoxo,

Marky, Becky & Riley Rae

a little Saturday Suprise

2009-03-21T23:07:00.001-07:00

Hair Cut.

2009-03-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

Riley had her VERY FIRST hair cut by Nichole last night. Riley did pretty good. We kept her pretty distracted, which helped. Now her hair looks so much thicker in the back. Check out the pics!

Thanks Nichole!!

ALL DONE!

and yes, I saved a few of her LOCKS. :)

Kimberlee West video

2009-03-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

This weekend we got the PLEASURE to have Kimberlee West take some more awesome pictures of Riley. Click here to see the video of the shoot. Riley had a blast and was so serious pushing her shopping cart all over!

If you have facebook, you might have already seen this video as Kimberlee has posted it there as well.

Enjoy!!

Bath & Boo-boo

2009-03-13T09:52:00.001-07:00

Riley got a boo-boo this week. As I was unloading groceries, running inside and outside, she fell on our steps outside and scraped her nose. :(
But also, check out those eyelashes!! Lucky girl!

This is her 'Im tough' look. Nose scrapes don't phase my daughter.

Sunday Funday

2009-03-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

we had a fun sunday last week hanging at the orange circle. We walked around and went into a ton of cool antique shops, then let Riley run around afterwards.

Static

2009-03-07T17:24:00.000-08:00

Last weekend at Winter's shower, the static from the balloons got the best of Riley.

update.

2009-02-27T08:32:00.000-08:00

So last weekend while I was playing with Riley, making her laugh, I thought I saw something in her mouth, way back there....i tickled her again, so I can get a better look. Sure enough it's a MOLAR! Ohhh...so that explains her sassy-ness lately! Poor baby!! (i tried to get a picture of it, but its not easy!) That night, and a few after she was not herself... fever, crankiness, restless, waking up at night. A few days later she was back to normal, happy and playful. Then Wednesday night I didnt give her any tylenol, since she seemed back to normal with no fever. 1:30 am hit. Crying. (since she's in our room, we cant hide from her, and let her cry back to sleep...she can see us!) So we brought her in our bed, and she would NOT fall asleep! RESTLESS!...then it was making us restless...anyway, somewhere around 4am she fell asleep!...it felt like she was a newborn all over again!!! So that next morning (yesterday) we had to wake her up to take her to her 12 month well check up. No fever, She is super healthy, weighs 19 pounds....then tells us, that at her last appt, when she was about 8 months old, shes was right in the middle, 50% on everything. This appointment, her overall percentage droppped to 25%!!!!!!!!! (dr claims its very normal, since they are walking, playing, being active, and eating healty foods) So, she tells us to start giving her FAT!...hahah...FAT?!??!?! yep, feel free to give her fatty foods....YIKES! anyway, while I was trying to swallow that, the talk of shots came up. Up to this point, we have decided not to vaccinate her....yet. Our plan was to talk to the Dr. and explain that we are thinking about starting her shots, and pick and choose which ones. So as we are discussing it, she says, "Ok, so which ones are we getting today????" "TODAY??" i did NOT prepare my heart for this!!!!! So she got 3 shots!...her shots she should have gotten when she was 2 months old. It was the saddest thing!!!!...BUT she did so well. about 4 mintutes after it was over and got her dressed, Marky got her laughing!!!!!!!! we got ourselves a TOUGH one!

Tthere's her MY LITTLE PONY bandaids!...but also check out those legs!... they are totally SMALLER! :( im already missing her chunkiness! oh, and look at that cute belly!

This next picture was taken yesterday, and pretty much her mood these past few days.

or maybe she's crying cause her hair is messed up. DIVA?

Like Mommy, Like Daughter

2009-02-27T08:22:00.000-08:00

19822008

a few months ago, my mom found this picture of me...then up in our attic, she found the dress!!! My grandma made it for me back in 1982, so I just HAD to take a picture of my daughter wearing it!! :)
im 6 months old in my picture, and Riley is almost a year in her's.

All GIRL!

2009-02-19T15:31:00.001-08:00

update!

2009-02-13T13:59:00.000-08:00

update. ok, as some of you know, and some probably dont know, I am starting a photography business! Children, lots of children. (well, eventually...no. not MY children, photographing children.) I have always had a passion for photography, and I was always (always will be) one of those crazy people that carry her camera with her wherever I go...and take pictures of everything...so with a little push from my WONDERFUL sister in law, (ok, maybe a big push. maybe not even a push, maybe a kick in the rear!) I am in the starting process. Domain has been purchased (i will share with you once my blog/website is up and running), bought a host, but now am stuck. It will probably be a few weeks until the site is launched, but is great, cause I have time to get help, and set it up exactaly how I can picture it.
I have already learned so much, and with each shoot I do, I excites me to review and critique myself and take notes on how to 'fix' for next time.
I have taken a million of Riley, and Riley's cousin Makenzie. I am in the process of setting up a few shoots for the next few weeks.
I am still SOOO nervous of doing this. Afraid my clients wont be to thrilled with the outcome. Im ready to fail...but most importantly, I am ready to get back up and keep trying.
These images were taken a few weeks ago and Sally and I had such a blast!!
Thank you again Sally for the kick to my rear to follow my dreams, and for ALL the help you have already given me, and for the support.

*i think I should explain a bit....i love it when a little girl is dressed sooo girly. It shows some innocence about them and being true to themselves. So thats what we did...head to toe girliness! And I love how the railroad is dark and wet, and so your eyes focus on the extreme amount of color. precious.

i have a valentine!

2009-02-13T13:35:00.000-08:00

Tuesday night Marky came home from work with these beautiful flowers for me and asked me to be his Valentine!... uh-oh, he has the hard job, having 2 Valentines!!...especially since one of them loves to give wet, open mouth kisses :)
check out these beauties..

.

Yesterday...

2009-02-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

Looks like someone beat me to it! Fine Marky, you can have Riley as your Valentine. no hard feelings :)

convo...

2009-02-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

So last night as we were laying in bed, here's our conversation...

me: So what should we do for Valentines day?
Marky: You can't ask me that!
me: What?-why not?
Marky: Cause I havent asked you to be my valentine yet! :)

awww...so sweet. hahaha.
im crossing my fingers in hope's he'll ask me! :)

i love you my handsome husband

HAPPY EARLY VALENTINES DAY!

ps, marshmans, this is at your fabulous wedding! :) 2003

my little walker...

2009-02-03T14:26:00.000-08:00

...and soccer player
my little walker from Becky Pesce on Vimeo.

my girl

2009-02-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

is a happy girl.

Steelers!!

2009-02-02T11:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry...

2009-01-29T10:37:00.000-08:00

Almost 2 weeks have gone by without a post..Sorry I haven't been blogging.
I have been busy. Busier than usual. Lots of catching up with old friends, lots of laundry, lots of cleaning, lots of printing pictures, and lots of family time. Starting a business is time consuming, with a vision and lots of research. I'll leave you with this picture for now, and I promise lots of posts coming!

ps- Riley is on her way to becoming a WALKER!...I give it until Sunday.

my first cake

2009-01-18T18:54:00.000-08:00

So Riley had her first birthday party!! whooo hooo!! It was such an amazing day. Riley did so well, and enjoyed every one who came. She powered through the whole 6 hour 'open house' and took one small nap towards the end...she was such a trooper! The best part of a one year old party is the cake. First of all, take a look at the cupcakes! (Cupcakes were done by Sarah Witt. Click here to see more of her sweet creations.)

So Riley was such a little lady when that cupcake was sitting right in front of her. She wasn't sure what to do, while everyone was staring at her. She only put her fingers in it at first, until we forced her to take a bite, then marky came out with more frosting (cool whip) so she can get dirty...she was still very dainty about it. Got some really cute pictures though.

Thank you for everyone who came to help up celebrate our ONE YEAR OLD!
Riley loves you! :)

JANUARY 17, 2009

2009-01-17T07:40:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RILEY RAE!!!

Riley was born at 2:31 am last year...I can remember every single detail as if it happened last week. Every single minute of that 24 hour labor was WELL WORTH IT! This morning when she woke up, I cuddled her and told her the story of her birth (hahah...like she knows what Im saying! haha).
I tried sitting her on our scale yesterday to let you know how much she weighs, but the batteries were dead. Bummer! Today we are throwing Riley her birthday party with all of her family, and I am so excited! Lots of pictures to come... here's Riley's pictures on the day she was born, and then the other 2 I took this morning.

2008

2009

One year ago...

2009-01-16T17:27:00.000-08:00

One year ago today at 2:30 am, I woke up with contractions!!!...so much emotion happened at that time! do i try to fall back asleep? do i wake up marky? do i call my dr? i went with falling back to sleep. Glad I did, since it was a LOOONG day! Finally headed to the hospital at 4:30pm after getting some Jamba Juice. It's so weird that one year ago today Riley was making her way out...didnt come out, but all the action was on the 16th.

3 years ago...

2009-01-16T17:19:00.001-08:00

ONE of the best days of my life. I remember being so eager for the ceremony to start, and not wanting the day to end! I love everything about that day....especially the small moments. Like reading our vows, Stephen's amazing first wedding, Eddie singing Amazing Love, Joshua our little ring bear, jumping across the aisle instead of walking down the aisle, the feeling as Marky slipped the wedding band on my finger, and of course the first kiss. Thank you Marky for taking care of me, being a Godly husband, and loving me unconditionally. Looking forward to celebrate our 50th!

3 Year Anniversary

2009-01-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

On the 14th, we happily celebrated our 3 years of marriage! Yeaaa!
We took 2 days this week and headed for some time in Catalina with out Riley. :( We were so blessed on this amazing little getaway! We took 200 pictures!...yes 200! But dont worry, I wont post ALL of them, haha.. just half.

Here's the awesome Sunrise that we saw while we were in the boat!

We had the blessing of some locals (Loyal customers of Marky's who live on the Island) who took us to the other side of the Island--I had no idea there was life other than the city! So he drove us 15 miles and we stopped at an amazing private beach where the Ocean was as Blue as Hawaii!...me and marky did some exploring, hiking, and then Marky did some surfing.

January 8, 2009

2009-01-09T16:28:00.000-08:00

a HUGE congratulations goes out to my very sweet sister-in-law, and soon-to-be-brother-in-law Victoria and Isaac!! Isaac took Victoria to the Summit House for dinner, then they walked on a grass area where there's a gazebo, sat on a tree just talking, then...Isaac got on one knee asking Victoria to be his wife!!

Victoria now has a BEAUTIFUL and PERFECT diamond ring on her left hand!
We couldn't be happier!...Congratulations!

I love you Nana

2009-01-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Love, Riley