Nuclear Family

Lola starts Pre-school 2's

2011-09-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

Lola started her first day of school today.

Instead of taking Hayden & Ava to school it was just Lola and Hailey. Round two of CCDC! So sad!

Lola was cute, she wanted to carry everything. I did forget her nap mat and had to return with it later.

In front of her class. Ready to start the day.

Look at her. She cant wait to get away and meet her new friends and play with all her friends. She didn't even say bye. Let's see if she's this confident on Thursday.

Sweet Otto waiting patiently for his private day with momma!

Night before Preschool

2011-09-05T21:01:00.000-05:00

Lola was so cute getting ready for school the night before. She was taking it all in and was so quiet!

Ava was a proud sister as always and had to get in on the picture!

Otto's Blessing

2011-09-04T16:25:00.000-05:00

Otto received a very special blessing from his father today. It was perfect having the family here to celebrate this special day. In the circle blessing him were Wesley, Jeff, Rob Westover, Jeff Watkins, Steve Cramer, Jamie Ayres, and Ben Dolezol.

Otto's Birth Announcement

2011-08-30T16:26:00.000-05:00

Ava's first day of School

2011-08-22T16:28:00.000-05:00

The night before Ava put her clothes out and laid beside them for her picture. Just like daddy did every year.

Ava started kindergarten. It was a big day for us all. I was fortunate to have Andrea spend the night with us the night before. She stayed home with Lola and Otto that morning so I can take Ava to her class. Ava surprised me and was such a big girl.

When you enter Wallace there is this bulletin board. It changes monthly but this month it was composed of pictures of Wallace students. You just had to submit your child's picture. Ava got two pictures of her on the board. Take a look.

Here is the hospitality group of the PTA. Serving water, coffee and muffins on the first day of school. Such troopers to start this at 7 am! It's already hot and it's not even 8am yet!

She found her seat and took a look at what she was to start doing. Color!

She didn't cry, she didn't even hold on to me asking me not to leave. She said bye and slowly looked around her classroom, taking it all in. I took one last look back and so did she, but not to look for me. I was a little sad but so proud of her. I surprised myself by getting a little emotional on the way to school. Glad I pulled it together and didn't cry in front of the other moms. Everyone else seemed fine!

Reverchon Park

2011-05-05T14:33:00.000-05:00

I went to Reverchon park with the family to scout out the location for a future photo shoot. We had a fun time on our urban hike. It had rained that day and was threatening to rain some more. Luckily it just drizzled a little. In the end we ended up with some memorable shots of the girls.

CHRISTMAS 2010

2010-12-25T10:05:00.000-06:00

California, a day at the beach

2010-10-04T13:27:00.000-05:00

A day at the beach with the Stowell family. It was the perfect little beach. So beautiful!

Lola loved the look of the beach.

She just didn't love the sand or the water. Experiencing the beach was not fun for either of them.

Our Texan girls stood out among all the Californians.

After we calmed them down a big wave crashed into them.

She let Claire console her here.

Clara showing the girls how it's done. She was a little timid to get in after watching shark week!

My once little sunbeam, Avery, all grown up!

I love these curls!!!

What a great trail and leading up to someone's house! Lucky!

Love her sweet footprints here.

Elyse, Brian's favorite girl. He always hoped he would have girls as cute as her. Now she too is all grown up!

Sun setting, looking for crabs.

Ava enjoyed the calm tide coming in.

California, day 1

2010-10-01T16:46:00.001-05:00

My sweet friend Claire invited us out to stay with her and see CA. We were thrilled to visit and see her girls. With a free place to stay and free flight (thanks Andrea) we set off for CA.

This is how we found the girls in the morning. We had them dressed and ready to go the night before since we had to get up super early to catch our flight. They slept all the way to the airport.

That first night we jumped in their hot tub. It was perfect. The pool was a little cool for us Texans, but the Stowell girls loved it.

Pumpkin Time

2010-09-29T14:15:00.000-05:00

Went to the Dallas Arboretum to enjoy the pumpkins with some fellow photographers. The weather was perfect and it was the first time I got to enjoy the arboretum without the kids and really look and enjoy all it has to offer.

Bike riding with peacocks

2010-09-27T16:34:00.000-05:00

We decided to take Ava for a bike ride in a nearby neighborhood with peacocks. She loved riding down the fast hill and seeing all the peacocks running around.

Tea Party

2010-09-15T11:07:00.002-05:00

Ava was invited to her first tea party at her friends Lexi's house.

Her mom, Chambrae, put so much effort into this beautiful tea party. As soon as we entered the girls were invited to dress up in Princess dresses. She made them butterfly shaped sandwiches with pink lemonade, cupcakes, cookies and cotton candy ice cream. All the perfect colors for a princess tea party.

She even made this stand for the cookies and cupcakes.

Lola wasn't very lady like and helped herself to this pink and blue ice cream.

In fact there were a lot of non lady like (but oh so cute) activities happening.

The girls had so much fun.

Jaxon even joined in on the fun towards the end.

After the tea party the girls went outside to play.

Lola gave Lexi some loving.

My silly girls

2010-09-14T16:31:00.000-05:00

Ava with straight hair

2010-09-11T16:26:00.000-05:00

Ava let me flat iron her hair today. I was curious to see how it would look with out those precious curls. Even more curious to see how long it really is!

Stick Horse Rodeo

2010-09-10T17:26:00.001-05:00

Today we had a Stick Horse Rodeo. Put together solely by this girl:

This is Jami. She is awesome. She is amazing at so many things such as cooking, sewing, felting and is just plain creative!

These are the boots of her son Rhus and my Lola.

Here Lola is modeling Ava's stick horse.

This is Rhus, he's one cute kid.

Lola and Rhus have a love/hate relationship. Lola was trying to convince Rhus that this swing is hers. Rhus wasn't buying it.

A few kids let me photograph them on Jami's saddle. My kids did not.

The kids soon noticed a secret trail leading to the creek. Luckily we talked them out of this adventure.

Oh yes, Ava was here, she was at the top of the (play structure) castle playing nicely most of the time and avoiding my camera at all costs. Plus it was too hot and too humid to take as many pictures as I wanted.

Labor Day

2010-09-10T15:36:00.004-05:00

This year on Labor day we went swimming at a Cameron's mom's house. It felt like the last day we'll swim this year. We shall see though! After an afternoon of swimming and grilling we went home for naps. Then off to have dinner at the Ayres. Jamie grilled up some delicious burgers while we dipped into Jeff's guacamole. All the while we enjoyed watching the guys on the ramp Jamie built in his backyard.

Check out this girl. She totally loved Landon's glasses, I was digging them too!

Enjoying the rewards of grilling out.

Jeff amazed us all on the first day he ever skated. He's a natural! He made all the other guys braver.

What's a backyard grill out without a DJ? Brian was dropping the beats and all the guys agreed it helped with their skating!

This is Ben and Kelly. Yes Kelly from Society Bakery. Yes Kelly the one who makes all my kids amazing birthday cakes!

Every now and then the men would take a break and let the kids slide down the ramp. They loved it!

There were some pretty awesome falls. Jeff was fearless for being in med school. Maybe he thought he could take care of any of his injuries.

Lola even enjoyed the board.

While Ava enjoyed picking apples from the apple tree.

Fun dress up

2010-09-08T15:02:00.002-05:00

Girls had fun dressing up at the house and being goofy.

Yard work

2010-09-07T22:20:00.001-05:00

A lazy Sunday afternoon turned into an afternoon of yard work. YiYi and PaPa came over and out of nowhere yard work ensued. The kids even joined in on the fun.

Fun day sround the house

2010-09-03T14:28:00.000-05:00

Bowen visits

2010-09-03T13:42:00.011-05:00

This is Bowen.

I had the pleasure to care for him today. He is 2 1/2 and an absolute dream. He was so sweet and I was ready to keep him and never give him back. He arrived at 7:45 that morning and by 10 we were at Society Bakery to meet Carrie and her brood of 4 kids. She walked to the bakery. She's insane (strong) that way. Me? Not so much, that's why I'm stopping at 2 kids. Anyway after getting the kids a healthy snack of cookies and cupcakes from our favorite cake designer, Kelly we headed to Carrie's home. She walked with the 4 kids and I drove with my three. I did pickup her oldest half way home though.

This is Addie, the oldest at 5. I love her sense of humor.

This is Gus. He is the 2nd born Westover. He is 1 week older then Ava.

This is Harvey. He's 2. He has the most beautiful curls and check out those lashes!

And last (well not really, cause I'm sure Carrie will have more) is Eloise. She is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Look at those eyes, gorgeous. I love this family!

They always welcome my unexpected visits and gave me a place to sleep while I visited Dallas while I lived in Longview.

Well after intruding on them today we left to go to the park with some friends from church. The kids had such a wonderful time playing around the dry creek bed then at the actual park though. As long as we were in the shade the weather was perfect!

Best of buds today. They were inseparable!

Penelope is a tiger. Her mom was encouraging her to smile but instead stayed in character.

After a long filled day of playing poor Bowen didn't get his nap. He was a trooper and we had a lot of fun having him with us.

Marcus at 7 months

2010-08-30T14:09:00.000-05:00

Jeff & Jill asked me to take Marcus' 7 month shots. He was a cutie and a great sport!

Ice Blocking

2010-08-25T13:59:00.000-05:00

For our mutual activity we went to Flag Pole Hill and ice blocked. It looked like a lot of fun. I just took the pictures, I didn't attempt to try. I was proud of the girls for being brave enough though.

Lola enjoyed the snacks all the YW gave her after the activity.

Playground in Forney

2010-08-25T13:41:00.002-05:00

While with Buffy we decided to talk the girls to a local playground that they love. They had a fun time and the weather was great!

Trip to Gilmer

2010-08-23T15:57:00.004-05:00

We needed a much needed trip to Gilmer to visit family and friends. We enjoyed it so much we weren't ready to leave.

Ava wanted Lola to sleep with her but after a few minutes Ava decided she wanted to sleep by herself. As Ava said, "Because Lola keeps kicking me".

We enjoyed a trip to see Nanny at her new home in assisted living. She doesn't enjoy it much but knows it's where she needs to be. Ava asked to sit in Nanny's lap and gave her some loving.

Lola even snuck in some loving too.

A trip wouldn't be complete with out a visit to my best friend in Gilmer, Jaime. All of her kids started school the day before so Jarom was bored and was ecstatic to have Ava over to play.

Of course Ava introduced Lola to her makeup. Lola loved getting a makeover.

The DJ booth

2010-08-22T13:49:00.000-05:00

Craig, our architect and carpenter built Brian a DJ booth in our home.

The girls helped...

Craig proved it was a sturdy table for Brian's equipment.

Dallas Science Museum

2010-08-20T13:34:00.001-05:00

We got a family membership to the Dallas Children's Science Museum this year to get away from the heat. There are a lot of fun things to do. Their favorite is the farm where you get to milk a cow!

First day of Preschool

2010-08-07T16:21:00.001-05:00

This year Ava started Preschool 4's. Her teachers are Mrs. Hopkins and Mrs. Brockmehl. She is going to school with Hayden again and she's excited to have her in her class. Her best friends in her class are Jack, Margot, Lauren and Payton.

The Fourth

2010-07-20T15:19:00.001-05:00

Yep, the Fourth of July has come and gone and I forgot to post about it. It was fairly an uneventful weekend. No fireworks were seen by my families eyes, no grilling out and no spending it with family. Just a quiet weekend at home. We missed going to Gilmer with the rest of the Bishop family. Also missed going to FW with my family. It would of been nice to visit my dad down South if we had the time, but we didn't. Instead we spent the time with each other and it was nice and peaceful.
We did make plans to go to Lone Star park on Saturday the 3rd with our friends the Brown's. It was cool and cloudy with a 60% chance to rain and oh did it rain. It poured about 20 minutes after we got there. It was coming down for a good hour. After seeing the horses in their stables inside we went where we spent the hour hanging out and perusing the gift shop where no gifts were purchased but played with. Once the rain stopped we walked to where the family area was and saw it had all closed down because of the rain but would open within the hour.
Ava got to play some carnival games and won some prizes. Then she rode her first pony. She loved it and was a little bit scared. After the pony ride we went to the petting zoo where she got to pet and feed some farm animals. We spent a lot of time in there and the kids loved it.
It was the perfect day even with the rain it was nice and cool and made it nice to be outside.

When Lola woke up from her nap she was wearing this tutu under her dress. She was so cute we left it on her.

This sweet goat took to nibbling on Lola's skirt.

My new haircut

2010-07-17T13:30:00.002-05:00

A quick picture of my new haircut, I love it!

Mini Shoot

2010-07-07T14:14:00.001-05:00

One night when the rain finally decided to stop for the day we decided to go for a walk as a family. An urban hike at Reverchon park. The girls had so much fun and it was nice being outside exploring.

Rainy Day

2010-06-30T16:46:00.000-05:00

The rain this day didn't deter us from playing outside. The girls loved it. They had so much fun splashing in the puddles and feeling the rain drops on their head.

Kinsey Faith

2010-06-29T18:39:00.000-05:00

I have a new niece. Born only 2 days before my birthday. She weighed 8 lbs and 13 ounces and was 20 inches long. We finally got to meet her when she was five days old. She is absolutely beautiful and so cuddly to hold.
Her big brother Beck was so cute and would tell his mom to put it down when she was holding her!

Her Princess room

Bluebonnets everywhere!

2010-05-15T18:39:00.003-05:00

We finally made it out to Ennis for pictures with the bluebonnets after weeks of procrastinating. I'm so glad we did! It was nice to finally take time to take pictures of my own kids.

Mother's Day

2010-05-15T18:34:00.000-05:00

This year we spent Mother's Day at my mom's house. We arrived Saturday night after our ward party and spent the night. The next morning we joined my brother at his church. They were doing family portraits and had a slideshow during the church to honor the mothers. It was nice, plus Ava and Lola went to nursery thanks to Jayleigh, my friends 12 year old daughter.
After church we had lunch and I gave my mom her card with pictures of the girls in the bluebonnets.
Brian gave me a card from the girls, it was so cute. Brian wrote what Ava said:
I love you mommy. (Drawing of a horse) I made you that horse. I'm outside. Thank you for my toys. Thank you for carrying me in your belly. I give you this card cause it's Mother's Day and you're the best mommy in the whole wide world. Love you, Ava.
From Lola: Ba ba ba eeek ma ma, then she scribbled her name.
So cute, I loved it.

Brian gave me his own card which was so sweet. Ava then handed me a box which was beautifully wrapped. It was a purse that I wanted and had on hold at Dillards. Unfortunately Brian had such a hard time finding it. For some reason they could find it on hold. Brian even enlisted Nicole to find out more on the purse in hopes in finding the purse on his own. After 4 trips up there he finally broke down and confessed everything. After talking to me he went back up there and they finally found the purse, on hold! However it was no longer on sale, the sale has since ended, since they couldn't find it the first time we had to buy it at full price. So, I'm taking the purse back. I'm so mad they didn't admit their mistake and honor the sale price. I'm so happy with my husband for going through so much trouble though. He sweet and says he will buy me a bike with the money from the purse.

I'm so happy to be a mother to my sweet girls. I couldn't imagine my life without them and thank Heavenly Father for blessing me with these little girls. They make me laugh every day and love when they give me a hug and kiss from out of nowhere. I'm so blessed they have a father who loves them and teaches them, and helps me at every chance. Thank you Brian for being the best husband, and wonderful father, more then I could have hoped for. I love you.

Bye bye pacifier

2010-04-20T17:18:00.000-05:00

Yep that's right, no more pacifiers as of Thursday night!
Brian & I were talking and we decided that Ava needed to go down without a nightlight again. Since we knew it might be a little hard on her we decided to go ahead and let Lola go to bed with out a pacifier. That way they can both cry it out. After about 5 minutes of crying from Lola she was out. As far as Ava she kept getting out of bed as usual and asking for this and that and finally fell asleep. Five days later and Lola is doing great without the pacifier and I couldn't be happier about the decision. Of course I miss the ability to quiet her with a simple handing over the pacifier but know down the road it would of been a lot harder.

So here is my sweetie today asleep in the car seat without her pacifier. I love this girl!

Easter

2010-04-20T17:16:00.000-05:00

This morning Kiki recovered some from her stomach virus and we celebrated Easter with a little egg hunt. Here are the girls Easter baskets, complete with real grass.

Marcus was our little Easter bunny this year.

The three hunters this year.

Ava with her surprised face at what the Easter bunny brought this year.

Jill holding on tight to her bunny, who fell quick to sleep all snuggled in.

Poppy giving Ava inside tips on where the eggs are hidden.

Lola getting the hang of this hunt.

Easter Weekend

2010-04-20T17:00:00.000-05:00

So excited and look at those poor eyes, she had such bad allergies that weekend.

Beck plopping his egg in the dye.

Lola's just observing this year.

One out of the 3 carton of eggs.

Marcus decided not to color eggs too this year.

Later, making bubbles for the girls.

Beck is Two

2010-04-13T00:07:00.003-05:00

Ava asking Uncle B to bury her.

Rest of the kids making rock angels.

Lola wants in on the action and gets buried by her sister.

Then Beck joins in on the fun.

Backyardigan party, cupcakes by momma Sheri.

Beck quite certain he doesn't want this cupcake.

Wondering why I don't understand, he doesn't want the cupcake.

Ah, blue, you wanted the blue one, now he's a happy 2 year old.

Beck batting away at Pablo.

Ava taking her turn, and a little dangerous.

Of course Brent had to get in on the fun and beheaded poor Pablo.

Dallas Zoo

2010-04-13T00:05:00.000-05:00

This year I bought a family pass to the zoo and we have made a weekly trip since. This visit we went with the Cramer's, Smith's, and even Brian was able to join us.

The girls rode the camel this trip thanks to a free coupon in the mail. Ava decided at the last minute to not go so Nicole took her place

Their favorite place is the playground area with the water to run and play in.

Lola always stops to try on shoes, big or small they are hers to try on.

Crawfish Boil

2010-04-10T23:49:00.000-05:00

Today we went to our first crawfish boil. It was interesting and fun. Laura was kind and peeled a few for me and I immediately ate some corn. It was so spicy and was later told it was the spiciest in the pot. The garlic was so delicious, even by itself.

The chef lounging.

Ava happily holding her new friend.

Hayden holding for a quick photo-op.

Ian the power ranger and Riley the magical princess.

Still peeling crawfish

Lola walking onto the basketball court ready to play with the men.

Live crawfish going in for the next batch.

Sweet Riley.

Peyton, always ready for the camera.

Ava found loving a strangers puppy.

Hailey enjoying a rest.

First day of Spring...

2010-03-21T17:16:00.000-05:00

and a happy birthday to Andrea!
On the first day of spring (and Andrea's birthday) we woke up to a beautiful view of the backyard covered in snow. Right away we bundled Ava up in her ski bibs and outside we went.

Sushi Night

2010-03-19T16:57:00.000-05:00

We have been trying to plan a sushi night with Sarah for about 8 years, seriously. We finally scheduled a night and no cancellations came up, and we had some tasty sushi creations.

This was Nicole's creation, she was the first to give it a go. Crab, avocado, cucumber, and eel sauce. It was yum.

Sarah's husband, Ben made a giant sushi roll, and was a pro at it. Well after he remembered to put the seaweed down, he started putting rice directly on the bamboo mat. We thought it wasn't going to roll he had so much stuff in there but he proved us all wrong and made a nice looking roll.

Brian won with most creative, he crushed up some cashews and added them to his roll. Surprisingly enough, it added a nice cruch and was quite delicious.

New home

2010-01-14T14:41:00.002-06:00

Updated our progress on our new home on our Sealuxe blog. So go take a look!

Family Home Evening

2010-01-11T20:42:00.000-06:00

Monday nights are reserved for Family Home Evening in our church. Church leaders have instructed members to set aside Monday night as "family home evening." This is a time for families to study the gospel together and to do other activities that strengthen the family spiritually, create family memories, and increase unity and love. Well, we haven't been so good at doing FHE in a very long time. Honestly we have only had FHE twice, in Longview. Now with the new year and a new sunbeam we decided to make it our priority every Monday, starting with today. I finally realized it doesn't have to be super long with a lot of fun activites. As long as we read at least one scripture and give her a simple gospel message I feel we have succeeded. I hope she will soon come to ask if today is FHE just as she asks if today is school, ballet, or church. I want it to become a weekly routine for her growing up and to have memories from just as her daddy has memories of his FHE as a child.

Today she learned she is a child of God. I had made a special handout for her. At the end of the lesson I gave her this to color. She was super excited and instantly sat down to color.

Ava, Lola and one room

2010-01-07T13:11:00.000-06:00

The girls have been sharing a room for one week now. The first night we tried this we ended up moving Lola's bed back to her room. The next time we tried we put Lola to bed first then 30 minutes later sent Ava in there. I guess Lola wasn't fully asleep because as I soundlessly opened the door her cute little head popped up. I proceeded to put Ava to bed and and hour later I could still hear Ava and Lola laughing and playing in there. As long as they weren't crying I was fine with that. Well 30 minutes later we hear the crying coming from Lola. Brian goes in to check things out while I tend to Ava who came out of her room. As Ava returns to her room she quickly is sent back to get me from Brian. I go in there to find this:

This wasn't here when I put the girls to bed. It's a combination of clothes, books, toys and blankets. All of which were just removed from Lola's bed. Yep, all of that you see on the floor was in sweet Lola's bed. Lola was standing in one corner of her bed with no where to go.

After everything was put away and the girls back in bed we didn't hear one peep. I guess they finally tired themself out. I wanted to snap a picture but convinced myself it wouldn't show much, probably just the beds and a brief outline of the girls snuggled under the covers. Honestly I think I was too afraid the sound of the camera would wake them up.

A few times during the night I heard coughing from Ava, but it didn't bother Lola. Sometime later I would hear a brief cry from Lola, which Ava successfully slept through. So it looks like this might work out after all!

Ava is a Sunbeam

2010-01-03T23:16:00.001-06:00

Today Ava became a Sunbeam. She was so excited to leave nursery and go into the big kids class she was running around screaming, I'm a sunbeam, at home. It was so cute and we were so excited for her as well.

Sorry, both these pictures are so alike, but I love the expression in both of them.

I'm sure I was disrupting class but I had to take a picture of her in class. She was so grown and didn't care in the least I was leaving her.

Happy to have her friend Scarlett in class with her. Who by the way insisted on wearing a tie to church today just like daddy!

Gift from Aunt GG and Uncle J-Ray

2009-12-31T20:26:00.016-06:00

Ava's Aunt GG and Uncle Jody went to Mexico and brought back a couple dresses for the girls. They are so beautiful, Ava absolutely loved hers.

Little Chef

2009-12-31T20:19:00.000-06:00

I had to make banana pudding one night and of course my little helper was right by my side assisting. Lately every time I'm in the kitchen there she is also doing whatever she can.

By far her favorite job that night was licking the banana pudding off of the mixer.

Of course it was all Lola did and she wasn't prepared to stop.

Daddy puts Ava to bed

2009-12-29T20:12:00.003-06:00

Every night when we put Ava to bed one of us will lay with her for a minute before leaving her room. After a few minutes of not seeing Brian or hearing anything I knew what had happened. I snuck into her room and saw this.

Ava and Lola share a room

2009-12-28T20:10:00.000-06:00

KiKi (Brian's mom) offered to keep Ava a few nights when we were leaving the day after Christmas. Of course we said yes. With Ava gone Lola slept in Ava's room in her pack and play. She usually sleeps in Brian's music room wedged into Brian's desk. Now with Ava home I asked Ava if she wanted Lola to sleep in the same room with her. Ava was so excited. Now 20 minutes into it, Lola is crying and Ava keeps singing Jingle Bells to her in hopes to make her happy. As soon as Lola stops crying so does the singing. Once Lola starts up again, the singing does too. Sweet Ava is trying to keep her sister happy. I'm not sure if this will work, I hope so because I really need them to share a room in the new house in a month!

Christmas in Gilmer

2009-12-25T16:57:00.030-06:00

This year we drove to Gilmer on Christmas day. It was great having the entire family there. All the children played so well together and Ava was happy to see everyone.

Jill started off our family home evening by playing Silent Night on the piano.

We enjoyed our White Elephant Christmas night, Brian was happy to steal the gift he brought, candy, and lots of it!

Sheri was not happy to have gotten Bop it

Brian loved getting a 2 year subscription to Atomic Ranch (his fav mag) from his mom

Sweet momma Ava soothing Lola

Our group picture of the kids in their Christmas jammies

Lola joined in on the friendly poker game

White Christmas in FW

2009-12-22T20:03:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday we drove to FW to begin our Christmas celebration with my mom and Brad. Andrea met us that night and we went to a local Italian restaurant. Unfortunately Rusty, her dog left behind at my mom's house, set off the motion detectors and Brad had to rush home to disable the alarm. The next day, Christmas Eve, we stayed indoors watching the snow fall. Ava decided to brave the snow and went to throw her first snowball. She quickly returned indoors to warm her freezing hands, but was always ready to return outside before any of us were. My brother and his girlfriend, Sarah were to join us for dinner that night after their church service. By this time the roads were icy and with nightfall hard to see. Luckily they made it safely there an hour later in what usually takes 15 minutes. Mom made steak kabobs and snow crab legs. I was ready to eat. Afterwards we opened presents and Ava was ecstatic to see that YiYi and PaPa got her the doll she saw in the commercial. We were to leave FW that night however with the weather we stayed and headed to Gilmer the next morning once the roads thawed out. We enjoyed our visit and the girls loved spending time with their YiYi and PaPa.

Lola preferred looking at the snow instead of being out in it.

PaPa bravely grilling our dinner.

Sarah braving the snow in heels

The first picture is of the both being on Facebook at the same time!

Ava opening her first present, a jewelry box with necklaces and bracelet that I made for her.

Mom with a pendant Brad "got" her. Brad with his mustache comb!

Ava enjoying the box her baby came in

Worn out and asleep in YiYi and PaPa's bed.

Ava at dance

2009-12-16T16:32:00.000-06:00

Today was Ava's last day of dance this year. So they decided to have an "open house", meaning the curtains that usually separate the moms from the girls are tied up so there is no separation. It was quite fun to have the girls see us. I don't know if Ms. Amanda thought the same though.

Swimming in December

2009-12-16T00:06:00.000-06:00

Yes, swimming in December. Zac turned 4 and wanted a summer birthday party. Meaning he wanted to go swimming. Having an awesome mom like Amber she went to work and found this awesome Natatorium and we all went swimming in December. The water was a cool 84 degrees and we were all a little bit of a baby and complaining it was too cold. However it was fun and the kids enjoyed it.

Ava singing at school

2009-12-15T16:53:00.000-06:00

On Ava's last day of school this year they had the kids sing some songs before we picked them up. This was the first time Ava participated in any production and I was so proud of her. I was waiting and watching to see her walk up the aisle toward the stage. When I saw her I could tell she was looking for me too. She was so happy to see Lola and I there. I taped the entire thing, so you get the pleasure (if you so choose) to watch 4 videos.

Home...well very soon

2009-12-07T15:13:00.000-06:00

On November 13th we closed on our first house. I absolutely never thought this day would come! It has been a very trying and stressful search for our first home. After countless offers on many different homes, 5 contracts (3 of which were of the same architect), 3 homes that were knocked on with the hopes they would be interested in selling, and one who said yes! However that yes didn't make it easy on us and a couple months later we have the keys to our first home. Detailed story coming soon. Follow the progress of the transformation of our new home here. Plus see the interior pictures.

Halloween Portraits

2009-11-16T15:34:00.001-06:00

At our ward Halloween party this year I took pictures of some of the children in their great costumes...and a few adults. I got the idea for the backdrop from Ashley Thalman's blog. Take a look at the great work she does.

Many many more on Flickr

Lola sees everything

2009-11-13T11:12:00.000-06:00

We finally moved Lola into a forward facing car seat. She is so tiny in this big seat and so cute. She looks like she doesn't know what to do. I love looking back there and seeing her sweet face.

My little frog

2009-11-06T13:22:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of my little frog on Halloween, isn't she adorable? Ava the alien to make an appearance soon.

Lola, this year and last

2009-10-29T23:54:00.000-05:00

Lola is ONE! It's a crazy thought, but true. I was looking for a picture for a friend that I took last year and noticed this one of Lola and couldn't believe it. So I decided to post it of her with one taken this year. She has grown so much!

Take a look at my nephew Beck with his this year and last year pics from Halloween!

Playtime with the boys

2009-10-03T08:37:00.000-05:00

Every night Ava asks me where are we going when I wake up? This day we went to a local park with her favorite boys, Zac and Landon. Amber brought bread for all the kids to feed the ducks. She had a friend, Tiffany in town with her 2 boys who were too cute. The weather was perfect after so much rain, and Lola even allowed me a quick picture of her in the grass.

Zac, where are you? I didn't get a single picture of you this day, except for the race down the slide. I'm sorry!

Jelly Pop Photography

2009-09-21T22:58:00.002-05:00

I have been in love with photography since I was in high school. I loved taking pictures of architecture and basically anything that surrounded me. Lately what surrounds me are my children. I love taking their pictures, even though they tire of it quickly. So I turn to their friends and photograph them at play. In turn their parents have asked me to take their family pictures. Out of this Jelly Pop Photography was born. I'm excited to announce I have started a blog dedicated to Jelly Pop Photography. My amazing logo was designed by Ben with very little direction, so thank you Ben!

Larman Family

2009-09-20T10:34:00.005-05:00

Ballet

2009-09-08T22:17:00.001-05:00

Ava chasing the bear with her class, too cute.

You either have to watch or skip to the end to see Ava do her back bend!

Lola claps

2009-09-08T09:29:00.000-05:00

Every time Lola wakes up Ava runs to her bed. She climbs in and plays with her Sodsri (pronounced So-See, her middle name). She calls it her job. If she doesn't hear Lola I will tell her Lola's awake. As she runs toward where Lola is, yelling, thank you mommy for telling me Sodsri awake, I no hear her!
Today as I go in to retrieve my two girls Lola looks up to me as she is climbing all over her sister. She raises her arms and begins to clap, smiling as if so proud of herself. This is the first time I have seen her clap. I'm not sure who taught her, maybe it was all of us. As we happily clapped when she started waving and maybe, just maybe held up her little finger announcing she is 1, when asked how old she is.
I'm just sad her daddy missed this first, and by a mere 3 minutes.

First day of school

2009-09-03T15:48:00.004-05:00

Ava started school this morning, well Mother's day out. It's every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 2:30. Here are pictures of Ava in school this morning, not too happy. I had to leave her in her teachers arms crying. It broke my heart. I was so busy assuring her everything would be OK and forgot how hard it was going to be on me! My friend Nicole's daughter is in the same class and she dropped her off after Ava. She sent me a text saying Ava was happy and playing, that made me feel so much better.

Last night, continuing a Bishop tradition. Kathleen has pictures of all her kids lying down next to their first day of school clothes. It's fun seeing their styles change year to year in these pictures and see how they themselves change.
So last night we put Ava clothes down with her favorite giraffe and took her picture. All after she gave herself a makeover with some makeup daddy bought her. She doesn't quite get the less is more.

Finlee, 6 months old

2009-08-30T00:43:00.005-05:00

My childhood friend asked me to take her daughter's 6 month pictures. I snapped some of her big sister, Baylee in her favorite tree and of course Andrea had to get in on the action.

Baylee's and Finlee's cousin, Max

Happy Birthday Noah

2009-08-29T12:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Noah.
We wish we were with you to celebrate this day with you.

Play time again

2009-08-28T15:00:00.004-05:00

What's to be expected...

2009-08-27T10:33:00.003-05:00

of Ava in her new ballet class.

Beats R Us

2009-08-22T19:23:00.002-05:00

Aimlessly roaming with the family

2009-08-22T18:14:00.005-05:00

A day spent aimlessly roaming stores. Ava picked her favorite store, Froggies.

Lola enjoyed playing there today on the piano.
Ava enjoyed the vintage stores, and tried out a lot of chairs.

Towards the end, she declared, I'm taking a break!

Library Park

2009-08-22T18:01:00.002-05:00

A quick play at the park before story time with Zac & Landon.

Bubbles

2009-08-22T18:00:00.001-05:00

Bones

2009-08-18T20:32:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I couldn't decide which expression I liked most.

Ava the ballerina

2009-08-18T20:24:00.004-05:00

We signed up Ava for dance class. We're so excited that Amanda, a friend from church, is going to be her teacher. Ava is not as excited as us. I'm not sure if it's the word class, but just in case we decided to call it play day with Penelope (Amanda's daughter), where they get to sing, dance, and play. Some days she happy about it, other days, not so much. Either way she is super adorable in the outfit!

Gilmer Weekend

2009-08-08T11:41:00.006-05:00

Bishop Family Photo

2009-08-04T00:07:00.003-05:00

We were all in town to visit with Jennifer, Jody, and Noah as they make their move back to Texas. So what better time to get a family photo right before church.

In the rain collage

2009-07-28T21:24:00.000-05:00

Playing in the Rain

2009-07-28T15:05:00.003-05:00

Ava enjoyed playing in the rain today. I was surprised at how she didn't mind it sprinkling on her face.

Whatcha talking 'bout YiYi?!

2009-07-25T22:07:00.000-05:00

Creatures

2009-07-13T21:38:00.000-05:00

Ava and daddy had a great time creating these creatures.

Pilcher's Sealing

2009-07-11T13:57:00.005-05:00

I was honored and a little bit scared when Bonnie asked me to take pictures for her Sealing. Here are a few of my favorite from today.

Last day of swim class

2009-07-07T15:22:00.002-05:00

Last day of swim class and I am so proud of what Ava has learned. She can swim underwater, hold her breath for 10 seconds, and climb out from the deep end. If she chooses she can float on her back for 10 seconds, but it's not something she willingly does.

Fourth of July

2009-07-05T11:53:00.003-05:00

This year we went to Cameron's parents house to celebrate the fourth. We had a lot of fun, and being in the pool, made the day not so hot.

Madeline loving the water, she kept jumping off the diving board, one brave girl at the age of 4

Ava doing her "happy" face wearing her Elmo hat at the Lake Highland's Rec Center

First crush!

2009-07-02T15:29:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Kiki

2009-07-01T10:50:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Kiki, we love you!

Giveaway!!!

2009-06-28T19:11:00.003-05:00

My friend's over at 2 little mamma's are having their first giveaway. Go take a look at their great products, leave a comment for a chance to win. I already have one and use it everyday!

Day 9 of swim class

2009-06-25T16:06:00.001-05:00

Here are 2 videos of Ava on day 9 of swim class.

Walk to the lake

2009-06-23T21:56:00.003-05:00

a walk to the lake...to escape the house

Blueberry Picking

2009-06-23T10:21:00.003-05:00

Ava enjoyed picking blueberries. She quickly learned which ones were the "good" ones. She even came to my basket to help pick out the yucky ones. I think she enjoyed throwing the berries on the ground for the birds, she would say.

New Love

2009-06-22T19:26:00.006-05:00

My wonderful husband surprised me with a new camera for my birthday, and I absolutely love it! I was so surprised when I saw my present, it was more then I expected. Brian was so wonderful to me on my birthday. He sent me to Hotel Zaza for an amazing pedicure and took me out to a delicious restaurant, Screen Door. Despite the fact the service was lacking, the restaurant choice was a good one, and all the better since some good friends joined us.

Here are some of my favorite pictures taken with my new camera since Saturday. It's still a learning experience trying to learn a new camera, but I've never been so excited to read a manual!

2 little mammas

2009-06-19T09:04:00.003-05:00

I met this super creative girl, Buffy, at a trunk show and when she heard I was in a photography class she asked if I could take pictures of her products. Her and her sister make super cute stuff for moms and girls, they're called 2 little mammas. I was very hesitant, but I was happy to help. Here are a few of my favorite shots.

I met this super creative girl, Buffy, at a trunk show and when she heard I was in a photography class she asked if I could take pictures of her products. Her and her sister make super cute stuff for moms and girls. I was very hesitant, but I was happy to help. Here are a few of my favorite shots.

Swim Class

2009-06-17T17:27:00.002-05:00

Ava has her class following twin boys of a friend. Ava lovingly calls them the boys.
They have seen Ava's videos and asked where's mine.
So without further adieu, here are the boys.
Michael swimming:

Tyler Swimming:

Lola's Crawling!

2009-06-17T17:25:00.001-05:00

That's it, no video, no picture, just a post saying Lola's crawling. Because she is and I've been meaning to post this for about 3 weeks, and haven't. So before my memory fails me about when she started to crawl, I'll have it here to remind me.
Oh, and it's not so much a crawl as it is a pull herself forward with her cute tiny arms.
She's really getting around though!

Ava on Day 5

2009-06-15T21:31:00.001-05:00

Ava at swim class on day 5. I couldn't believe she floated on her back for 10 seconds!

Lola swims

2009-06-15T21:30:00.002-05:00

The teacher wanted Lola to get in the water with her. Since we weren't prepared for this, Lola went skinny dipping!

Love this little face!

2009-06-15T16:58:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday mom!

2009-06-15T16:45:00.006-05:00

To celebrate my mom's birthday we went to my brother's ranch and grilled out and stayed late to watch all the fireflies.

The boys enjoyed shooting their guns while waiting for the food to be ready.

Ava enjoying the heavy red hunting light

I call this Jacob's cabin (Lost), out in the middle of nowhere.

Got some crazy shots of Ava with the red light shining on her

Ava on day 4 at swim class

2009-06-13T21:32:00.000-05:00