Lea Land

It's A New Year!

2011-01-04T01:49:00.002-07:00

DUHH! I suppose you noticed! I guess i should spend a few moments updating my life here on occasion instead of wasting time on Facebook, but i think my format is going to change a bit. Yes I will share a picture or two when I take them but I think this will become my online story. Truth I think. Fiction maybe, but something to let go of my energy when I'm alone at night. I'm not so sure that whatever I have to say is interesting but maybe it will be to me. Well here goes nothing....

Baby Quinn is here!!!!

2009-05-23T19:23:00.002-07:00

Baby Quindalyn Rose Dawson

Born May 8th 2009 at 1:43pm

6lbs 13oz and 20" long

Quinn at home in Granny's Arms

They look so good togther!

Getting some much needed rest after the big event...isn't she tiny!

Before the trip to the hospital...I'm as wide as I am tall!

Oh the dreadfull pregancy is finally over and now that it is behind me I'm so deeply greatful I was able to endure the torture. Quinn in such an added blessing to our family. Doug and I always had a goal that we would someday have a large family....goal accomplished! What do we do now?! I'm so greatful for our sweet family and friends who helped us through this adventure so far and I'm looking forward with hope and wonder for what's next! I love you all and miss you tons!

Love Lea

This week in LeaLand

2009-01-09T12:14:00.004-07:00

Temple Lights adventure...Brendan jus loves to have his picture taken and we are so glad!

The Dawson Family at Chelsey's wedding

Ok So I haven't written or posted anything in a while and it might be because I'm too lazy to just walk over to the old house and do it or that I'm just plain too busy. So tell yourself whichever you belive and we can move on! I would like to say that I have been busy, packing 3 kids and a prego baby belly around and I dont' have a ton of spare time. That might change here in the near future if I keep having this silly contractions. If I' m not at work or busing kids around most likely you will find me in bed with my feet up, trying to keep out of labor. This pregancy is proving to be a difficult one. My body is already tired and I have 19 weeks left! We just found out that we are having a girl. I'm excited now, but I have to admit we were really hoping Jacye would get a brother. We do know that we make beautiful girls so we will survive! Doug and I can't seem to agree on a name so if you have a fabulous suggestion let me know. So far he hates everyone I have come up with. It's a tricky one because it needs to be unique but not to weird and that can be a fine line! Anywho, I love and miss you all! I hope that we can see eachother soon!

Love, Leabug

Small Picture Update

2008-12-23T15:55:00.001-07:00

Jayce Loralei and Ellianna

Just Before Chelsey's wedding...Brendan, Ashleigh, Elli, Loralei, and Jayce

My Handsome Boys and Chelsey's Wedding!

The Stauffer's: Sarah, Mike Ashleigh and Brendan

C.G. Improv

2008-08-05T15:34:00.002-07:00

This is my newest endeavor to take up time...Improv. I know I know, this is suppose to be a trip update, but the pics are on my other computer and it won't hook up to the net. Back to the subject of the picture. We had our first performance on Friday July 18th and it went great. This is only part of our cast, but we are smokin hot! From left to right...Ken Jeffers (the funniest eye doctor ever), Troy Row (college kid/improv prodigy), Ken Ferguson (our fearless leader), Me (Drama Diva part 1), Cheryl Davis (Drama Diva part 2), and Curtis Davis (resident tough guy). Aren't we beautiful???!!! If you are remotely interested in watching us perform, head over to the Paramount's website and sign up for emails. www.paramount-theatre.com
They will let you know when we are performing! Anywho, I'll be updating again real soon with pic from our trip, which was super wonderful! Oh and I'll try to post some pics of the house....it's almost finished....cabinets are moving forward, (who knew that would ever happen???!!!)

Love

2008-06-15T21:57:00.003-07:00

It's Father's Day....and Doug is finally home! Scooot (Scout) Camp is Over!...(the clouds part and the angels sing)! Woooohooo! Although he is home, he's been out working on the house most of the time. Soon enough we will be done with the build...on to the move....then renovation of our old house. The list goes on and on! However difficult all this has been, it's fun to have a project to work on, a common goal. Doug and I really are a good team. We are learning each others strengths and weaknesses and really lifting each other up! Marriage is such a difficult, wonderful journey. We will have our 8th wedding anniversary Tuesday. Crazy stuff! I can't believe that he has put up with me for that long, yet it feels like we haven't ever lived apart! Yep, I'm a hopeless romantic....maybe not hopeless, just a romantic! Off to bed for me now! Hope this little letter finds everyone feelin loved...if not know that I love you!

Lea

An Update

2008-05-20T09:44:00.003-07:00

Elli wearing my shades....so matter of fact!

Doesn't every boy just love to eat dirt?!

This isn't the best picture, but this is loralei's self given haircut....she now has a chin length bob. It's cute but I miss her long hair!

The Dawson Clan has been super crazy busy! The house is very close to being done, but still it seems too far away! We were suppose to get cabinets oh....2 weeks ago...they still aren't here, but we are painting anyway. This last part is stressful! The rest was a piece of cake! I just finished up a directing and staring in a play. It was a difficult challenge and I'm not totally sure I would ever do it again, but I had fun and learned a lot about myself!

On a serious note...

About 2 months ago I realized that I wasn't quite myself. My family didn't think I was being weird, but I just didn't feel right emotionally. I set up an appointment with a counselor and she evaluated me. She felt that I was suffering from post pardum depression. I was confused, how was that possible? Jacye was a year old! I should be over that by now! But I listened to her non-the-less! I found a support group and continued counseling. Wow! I am so glad I got help! Looking back, I was in a very dark place! I'm still figuring out who I am again, but I am so grateful my family supported my decision to get help. I don't want to sound like an after school special, but sometimes the best thing a family can do is notice. How was I so tortured on the inside and no one knew? I guess I'm a good actress?! Anyway the good news is that I'm feeling a lot better...I have my life back!

Well, what do I say after that? Chelsey's here! Oh my what fun we are having! I don't want her to leave!!!! We are going on a girls trip next week sometime....we're kind of wingin' it! Doug has been looking for another career opportunity. He applied for a job at the county and is thinking about striping a bit more. I just want him to be happy in his work. I'm going to start working a little bit more this week maybe 3 full days...well we'll see. We both like the idea of me working more, but the reality is that it's hard to make the time!

I hope this post finds everyone healthy and happy! I miss you and love you all!

Love, Lea Marie

Our Wild Weekend

2008-01-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

The view from Jayce's Room

His room #1504

Picture outside his room...each room had a theme and they all had a picture like this one.

This was the barn room.

This was the playroom tree. Cool huh?!

Jacye in his baby jail and with his IV

Daddy helping Jayce in his wagon

Ok I like the tree. (I couldn't get rid of it once I posted it!) Hope you like it too!

This is Jeremiah. He lost his life in Iraq. He was always sending home for toys for the kids in Iraq so when he died his parents set up a foundation at the hospital. Every kid that stays at this hospital gets a free toy in Jeremiah's honor. (Jeremiah's Coral)

This is Daryl...he wasn't expectin this picture! He was our aide and loved Jacyers!

Let's go back in time to Thursday night 11pm Jayce wakes up. I give him a bottle he goes back to sleep...sort of. Wakes back up at 12am, then at 2:30am so I take his tempurature...104.5! Yikes...this boy is sick! Off and on all night we continue waking up. Conveniently Doug is Las Vegas and he isn't coming back until Friday night. Finally 8:30am roles around and I call the Pediatrician. We get an appointment set up for 11am. (the doctor is in Chandler so we have to have time to get there). At this point I'm a little freaked out. I was suppose to clean the house all day and here we were heading off to the doctor. I figure we can make it back in time to at least pick up before Doug gets home, but if not oh well it's just a mess! Jayce has been screaming since 7am and we need to do what we need to do. So off to the doctor. I'm hoping it will be quick so I can get to work at home....not quick. The tells me we have two choices...go get an x-ray, wait for it, and then you have a ticket for his stay at the hospital, or go to the ER and get one...they will admit him from there. Let's just say these were not the words I expected to hear..."RSV and Pneumonia" Here I am with three kids trying to figure out how to get 2 home and one to the hospital with no Doug. Fortunately my mom was at work in Casa Grande and she left and came to get the girls. Meantime Doug had called his best friend and he and his brother came up too to give Jayce a blessing in the ER. Wow! That hospital was packed! There were so many sick kids! When we got there there were 4 families in the waiting area...within a half hour there were 20. They were very efficient though. Get a breathing treatment..go back to waiting room...get xray...go back to waiting room....get iv...go back to waiting room. Derrick (Doug's Buddy) took the girls to my brother and sister in laws house for us and mom stayed with me. I love her for that..it was very stressful! Finally at about 5pm they decide that they are going to admit him due to pneumonia. (he wouldn't eat or drink and he was having a lot of difficulty breathing). Bad news though...the hospital didn't have any beds. So we got to go on our first Ambulance ride together to another hospital. I was so scared, but it turned out to be a great thing! Doug met the ambulance at the entrance. I felt so bad for him! He was just torn apart having to wait like that so see the boy and I. (He didn't even get to see his girls until Sunday night) The new hospital was beautiful...it did kinda looked like the Hilton and it wasn't crowed like the other one. Our floor 10 rooms I think and it wasn't full until Sunday. Well, Jayce had breathing treatments every 3 hours and they did suck out his lungs once. He responded very quickly to the anti-biotic, but he's still a little anemic. He finally was released Sunday night. We left the hospital and went to get prescriptions...the target pharmacy was closed...I finally lost it! Cried like a baby from Target almost home (and we stoped at another pharmacy before we came home). A long difficult weekend yes! But I know how truly blessed our family is! We are grateful to all our friends who went out of their way to help us and our family for all their help with kids and cars. I'm so glad my baby is ok! The joy that fills my heart when he smiles is indescribable! I couldn't be happier to be home in my messy house...still waiting for a good cleaning)! Weird little thing...Doug had his camera from the trip so we took a few pictures...the hospital wing was way cool, he loved wagon rides, and we have a good pick of him in his baby jail Anyway, That was my weekend. Hope that everyone else's was a little less exciting!

Love, Lea

Picures of the new house

2007-11-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

Nice hat Elli Lou!!!! What a ragga muffin, but we love her!
Pictures of the new house under construction: Trusses
Trusses mostly done
Annabell out on the job
Loralei and Elli helping build the walls in thier PJ's

the back side of the house...or part of it
The new house is finally a reality! Doug has been working on it quite a bit and lovin it! It's just so exciting, I don't have much more to say! Love ya all!

Love, Lea

The Odd Couple the Female Version

2007-11-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

"We can just leave her in there crying all by herself?!!!" "You wanna go in the John and hold her hand?" (Sarah's expression in this pic is awesome!!!!) "Do you want me to tell Florence to wait a minute?" (I really have my face screwed up in this pic!)

The Dawson clan has been super busy as usual. We finally started the house and that is taking up a ton of Doug's time! I've been in this play with Sarah and it's taking what time we didn't have, completely up! The kids are doing great! They started going to a preschool/daycare one day a week a few weeks ago and it has been going really well. Loralei asks every night to pray for her school. Elli doesn't even complain when I drop her off she just runs right in! Jaycer's just goes with the flow all the time so he loves all the attention he gets while he's there. Individually lets see....Loralei is the glue that holds us all together, she is so positive and always a big helper. Ellianna is going through those terrible 2's. Yikes!!! We had to call poison control 2 times in 4 days for crap she's managed to ingest, but fortunately no hospital runs so far! Jayce is over ambitious! He's crawling and making the beginning steps for walking. I think I still have a month or two until that happens but he's pulling himself up and trying to walk behind things. Ouch! Lot's of goose eggs on the noggin! I guess that's the long and the short of it. I'll try to post a few more pictures when I get the chance! Hugs and Kisses to you all!!!

Love, Lea Marie

The Odd Couple

2007-10-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Arizona!!!!!

The Odd Couple the Female Version is coming to the Paramount Theatre in Casa Grande!!! (I'm in it you should come!)

October 26th and 27th November 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 17th
Doors open @ 7:30pm Show starts @8pm

Also Matinee November 4th

For ticket info and Reservations (which you should make!!!!!)
Call 520-316-9290

Visit our website www.paramount-theatre.com

Come and see me act silly and you'll laugh your heads off!!!!

Ps. If your not there...yes my feelings will be hurt!!!

Our Quick Visit to Oregon

2007-09-20T21:53:00.000-07:00

Oh, how we miss the Northwest! It was so beautiful while we were there. It made Arizona seem even more like a wasteland!

Uncle Dan and Jayce

Elli coming down the slide at Stewart Park

Aunt Sarah Hurt and baby Jayce

Ben and his boys at his 75th birthday party

All of Ben's children and Grandchildren at his 75th Birthday Party

Kacie and the girls at camp

Aunt Delores and Baby Jacye

Good ol' family pic. Mom, Dad and the son's families.

The Dawson's. Aren't those kids having a blast!

All of the Grandchildren with Grandpa Ben!

Well, I didn't get a trip itinerary out quite like I wanted to. It all happened to fast! Things certainly haven't slowed down any. Sarah and I made it into a play here in town. "The Odd Couple" the female version. We are having fun there. I got a new calling at church. I'm now in charge of the women's activities. Before I just helped make it happen now, I have to plan. Poor Doug, I'm in meetings all the time. Doug is back leading in the Boy Scouts and loving it! Boy oh Boy we are busy, but like I tell my Dad, I wouldn't have it any other way! Well, I need to be off to bed. Hope ya'll like the pictures! Oh, I almost forgot.....we started the house! We are getting our 1st inspection tomorrow!!!! Woooooo HOOOOOOOO!!! Love ya all!

Lea

Catch up!

2007-08-08T23:26:00.001-07:00

We did go to Mexico...oh it was wonderful. Beach bummin' would be a great life! The kids did great while we were gone and maybe had more fun without us around! I haven't written in a while mostly because life has been super non-stop! I've been doing Luau's, improv, and I went back to work. Each in it's own right would be time consuming, but together it is outrageous! I wouldn't have it any other way! The salon is going great! We painted the back wall fuchsia and it is gorgeous! I've been busy when I work and that makes it worth the time and effort, hopefully I will be able to pay off my credit card. The Luau's have been interesting. I love dancing, but it has been kind of tough making it to practices and performances. It's so fun though to learn about island culture and movement! Improv has been great! I really have found a new art that means a lot to me! It's opening new doors in my personality and I'm learning to be a better person too! Sounds silly I know, but it's helping me to be more agreeable, friendlier, funnier, and a better listener. It seems like this summer has really helped me grow a bit. I have to give Kacie a lot of that credit. Without her, most of these crazy activities would be costing me a small fortune, not to mention a giant headache in worry over who will be with my sweet babies! We've been having such a fun time with Kacie, and we are going to miss her so much! I know the girls are going to be super sad to see her go! Hopefully she'll visit us again after this. Three little kiddo's is quite intense at times, but she seems to handle it well! For all of the Oregonians out there. I'm going to be in your area at the end of the month. We aren't going to be in town long, so I'll try and meet up with ya if I can. If not I'll catch ya next time! My next post will have a more detailed agenda for my visit so we can get all of our stops in and... make it a vacation. I best be off. Much love!

Lea

Wish us Luck!

2007-06-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

Doug and I are going to Mexico this weekend without the kiddos! Mom is watching Jayce and the girls are going to our friends, Mark and Cammy. Mark and Cammy always spoil the girls like crazy when we are gone, so they might not want to come home with us when we get back. I am really ready for a kid break my day's are a little intense. Last night I had my Improv class and it was so much fun! I am really beginning to enjoy not being scripted. It is a challenge, but it's never the same and I love that about it! Anyway, last night I left a little early to class to get some last minute items for my salon opening. I should be able to move in today sometime! Wooohoooo!!!!!!!! But while I was gone last night Elli fell off the bed at Mom's house. I think she broke her nose. Everyone else just thinks it's just swollen, but non-the-less it is hurting her pretty bad. Oh, I feel bad for her. She is defiantly my bruiser! I'm just hoping that the little colds all of our kiddo's have will be done and over with by Friday! Wish us Luck! Viva Mexico!

Our 1st Campout of '07!

2007-06-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

We went camping the weekend after mother's day. It was so much fun, but a lot of work! We barely fit the family and all the gear in the van, but we managed! This campground was so beautiful and cool, oh so cool! The day we drove out it was 67 degrees and 10am. It was 107 degrees when we pulled into Phoenix and 6pm that night. We took our time on the way home and drove the back roads and saw the sights. One of the families we went with are from California so they haven't seen much of Arizona so we took them through Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Jerome, and Prescott. It was fun, but we were mega tired! The kids handled the drive better then expected...what a blessing! Lets see...whats new??? We decided not to build the basement house. Yuck, but it's for the best. We were having such a horrible time getting it finaced. The aprasers don't like it because it is too unique. So, we are going to build a smaller house first and maybe in a few years our dream home. It will be best even though it's hard. The girls are doing great. Loralei is loving painting and playing with her cousin Ashleigh. Everyday she says something new and makes us laugh. Ellianna is talking more now too! It's so sweet to hear her little voice and understand it. Although Elli is rough and tumble she is my snuggler. We spend a large sum of time suggling. Jayce is growing fast! Too fast! He has already started to kind of giggle. He seems to young, but I can't tell him not to! He is interactive a bit now, so that's fun! Doug is working too much again! All day and night. It's hard, but he has to work when the work is here. I'm coming into a new chapter in my life. I'm starting my own salon in a couple of weeks. It's just a one room shop in a beauty mall kind of thing. I'm only going to work 1 day a week and for special appointments so it should be a nice get away for me, not to mention, the cash flow will be nice. I'm also starting a improv class tonight for six weeks. I'm super excited about that! I guess that's all that's happening around here....Love you all!!!!!

Love, Lea

Loralei loves to sing and dance...She is so precious!

Doug and his baby dog Annabelle. She's going to be 1 year old this month!

Who knew a place this beautiful was in Arizona?!!! Doug did! What a nice choice!

A little break from the drive to camp..."Let me push you sis!"

Camping is Elli's element! She loves the outdoors and it seems to like her back!

Loralei gathering firewood. "See what I have?"

Jayce doing what he does best...sleep! Although he didn't sleep too well on this trip!

Elli looked like this most of the weekend...head to toe dirt! Why try and clean her? She looked like this 30 seconds later everytime.

2007-05-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

The Dawson's Easter 2007

Ellianna, Jayce and Loralei

This pictures are pretty blurry, but hey, I do what I can!

Easter was a few weeks ago and we all got dressed up for the big Egg hunt! The kids had a blast. Looking at this picture makes me realize how fast they grow! Jacye seems so tiny there! Hope this holds everyone over for the next batch of pictures! Love, Ya!

Ps. I'm going back to work in July. The good thing is that it's only one day a week and the shop will be a mile from the house...heck I could ride my bike to work! How cool is that?!!! We decied that it won't really be work for me, it will be an outlet! I'm mega excited!!!!!

I've been tagged! Are you next?

2007-04-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

I've been blog tagged by Sharon! I have to name 10 weird things about myself.

1. I only wear flip flops and I wear them year round.
2. I hate having dirty feet!
3. I love animals but I hate being around them.
4. I love reality tv. (guilty pleasure!)
5. I would rather wash the dishes then unload the dishwasher.
6. I love romance novels.
7. I love salsa, but I hate tomatos.
8. I like to clean my kid's rooms, but hate to clean mine.
9. I love it when it rains.
10. I have a hard time finishing any project, because once I've figured it out...I'm bored!

Ok, now I'm tagging Doug S., Sarah Stauffer, and Lisa.

Ps. Hopefully you'll still want to be my firiends after reading this!

What's up in Lea Land!?

2007-04-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

What a handsome boy. Ok not his best picture, but my camera isn't doing the best job!

Aunt Sarah, Ashleigh, Ellianna and Loralei, don't they look cute!

Smile Ellianna! She's already a poser!

Chelsey took this picture! I think it's an award winner!

Sometimes you just wanna sit on a rock!

3 munchkins can be a bit challenging, but fortunately I'm not doing it all alone! To those of you mothers that are doing it alone, you rock! Things are going well around the Dawson home. We are much closer to getting our construction loan for the new house! That would be nice to have! The girls are starting to learn to be gentle with their brother. Ellianna is kissing him and sitting on him and stuffing his Binky down his throat. Loralei is a bit more helpful, but she is very concerned that "Jayce is poopy"!!! We are going to the doctor today for Jayce. He has a bit of acid reflux like Loralei had. Good news is that they grow out of it and we already are treating it so he's not grumpy now. He's starting to sleep at night a bit better. He's given us 4 hours straight, followed by 3 hours straight, 2 nights in a row! That's 7 hours of sleep! I feel alive! Well, I best be off! I'm working on getting better pictures of Jayce. I haven't figured out how to get pictures off of Dad's new camera, but I will soon! Love you all and miss you tons! Also my heart and prayers go out to the family and friends effected by the shooting at Virgina Tech! If you are a person of faith let us pray to our maker for their peace and understanding in this awful time of tragedy!

Love, Lea

Jayce is FINALY here!!!!!!

2007-03-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

The Dawson Children!

Our newest addition! Jayce Daniel

Our first day home lovies!

Chelsey, Loralei and Jayce. She is such a great big sister when supervised!
Baby Jayce joined our family on March 23rd 2007 at 11:50 am by Cesarean Section. His first hours were a bit rough. He had a lot of fluid on his lungs and it wasn't coming up so they sucked them out. The doctors were concerned that his lungs were to weak and so he was injected with some kind of medication that helps the lungs expand. He was then hooked up to oxygen. Much to his dismay! He was ornery from the get go. Doug said he was trying so hard to take all the stuff off of himself. This made life for the doctors and nurses a bit stressful. Little Jayce is a fighter! He only got better from that point on. Those first few hours were really rough for me. I wasn't able to get out of bed until I had been out of surgery for 8 hours. So I didn't get to see him right away I had to rely on what Doug had to say. Fortunately the doctors and nurses really took time to explain what was going on to me when they had the chance. One doctor even came in on his day off to see the little man in our room. I was really impressed with our care at the hospital. We came home Monday Afternoon. The girls had two very different transitions. Loralei was so excited. And still is! She is always saying "I love him"! "My baby Jayce"! She is constantly wanting to hold him and love on him, but sometimes a little too much! Ellianna on the other had is afraid of him! And a little angry, but we knew it was going to be hardest on her. She's starting to come around though. Today she wanted to hold him too! She seems really interested in him, but in a cautious way. It won't be long and she'll be tossing him around I'm sure! The adjustment to coming home has really gone much better then I expected, and all thanks to Chelsey! Grandma Dorleen, do to the recent illnesses, had to cancel her trip. Fortunately Chelsey was able to take the time off of work and come out here to help us. Holy Cow! She has just jumped in and is the best Nanny ever! I've actually be able to nap and recover. She has just taken care of the girls as if they were her own. Wow! I don't know what we are going to do when she leaves tomorrow! No to mention the fun we have had together! Long story Short...We are doing really great and we are so blessed to be parents to such wonderful children! Stop by his nursery baby book and drop him a line.

http://www.chandlerregional.org/intradoc-cgi/idc_cgi_isapi.dll?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=5001435&vnMode=details&bId=18371&sDate=2007-3-1&eDate=2007-3-31

If that link doesn't work you kind find him at www.chandlerregional.org and just look us up on March 23rd.

Thank you to all that prayed for us and cared for us! We know that your prayers were answered. We felt peace in our times of difficulty, and strength in our times of weakness during this delivery and the days thereafter!

We love you and miss those of you that we can't see often, but do know that we feel you around us! I'll try and keep up on pictures! Ta Ta for now!

Love, Lea

It's been a year!

2007-03-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

My first pictures on this blog where of this event last year! Arizona City Daze! WooooHOOoo!

Boy have our girls grown!
Loralei likes to be on the ground, Elli is our thrill junky!
Loralei: "Get me off of here DADDY!!!!!!" Elli: "Shut up Sis! I'm having fun!"
What a cute picture of these two together! He's such a good Daddy!
Look Close. It's Asheigh onthe right in blue enjoying the spinny rides! Talk about a hard to take picture!

Next pics will be of our new addition, wish us luck!

Our Crazy Life!

2007-03-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! A lot has happened since my last note. Chelsey came to visit the first weekend in March. The day after she arrived Doug got a phone call that his Dad was in the hospital in Roseburg. Heart trouble. Next day Chelsey and I went to my salon and got spoiled for a few hours. Meanwhile Doug booked a flight to Oregon. Saturday when Doug arrived in Oregon we got word that his mom was now in ICU two beds from his Dad. She was bleeding internally. Chelsey and I were in a improvisational comedy class having a blast when we got the call. Next was my Baby Shower. It was so beautiful but super hard to enjoy. Sarah, Kathy, Tori and Launi set it all up! They really know how to make a party pretty! I have such a great group of friends and family! They really helped me take some of that stress off my mind for a few hours. Sunday Chelsey went home. That was a hard one! I didn't want her to leave! Fortunately I wasn't alone. Mom and Dad hadn't left for Safford yet and Mike and Sarah really helped out with the girls. By Tuesday I was back at work and Doug and his Dad in Portland waiting for his surgery. Dorleen got out of the hospital and was recovering well! We are so grateful! This was my last week at work and I was so tired! Doug's Dad finally went into surgery Wednesday but unfortunately things didn't go as expected and the surgeon abandoned the operation. His arteries just weren't in the best condition so they had to look into other options. Friday they put a stint in and he his recovering nicely. Friday was also my last day at work. Oh was I done?! Yes! It has been very bittersweet, but I know that my babies need me and I need them! It's hard for me to believe I'm not going back, but I know it's best for us right now. Doug finally made it home on Saturday. The girls and I couldn't have been happier! This week has been a little more organized and laid back. Doug's Dad made it home on Monday and was already trying to do junk he shouldn't, so I guess he's going to be OK. My Mom and Dad started their new adventure this week. They are spending the weekdays in Safford Arizona and the weekends here. I guess they only had one house to box so they are coming home tonight and they only left Wednesday so it hasn't been that long without them. Everyone has been worried about how I'm going to survive without my mom. I don't think it will be that hard, I'll just miss having someone to talk to too all the time. She's always there. But now she's just a phone call away instead of twenty steps. I'll live. I think that we are almost ready for the baby. I hope we are anyway. He'll be here in 8 days. Oh, and due to Dorleen's medical conditions she won't be coming down to help us. We are super sad about that! The girls and I were really looking forward to her visit, but we are just glad that she is feeling better!!!! She'll visit us when things mellow out around there. Since she can't make it, I called in the reinforcement crew. Chelsey is coming back to help us out. I hope she won't hate me after that week. I warned her that after the baby gets here I might be a bit out of my mind, but she said she'll love me no matter what. We'll see....heheheh! Well, this might be my last entry for a few weeks. I gotta go have a kid. Wish us luck! We're going to need it!

Love, Lea

The Arrow of Light

2007-02-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

We are helping Daddy with his Arrow of Light for Cub Scouts Blue and Gold Banquet Tomorrow. Doesn't she look helpful!

Ellianna Likes to hangout in the wings a little more then her sister! We are sad that Aunt Nita didn't get to come visit us, but we understand how airports work so hopefully she will get to visit us after Jayce is born. 30 days left Yikes! We are excited that Grandma Dorleen is coming to stay with us for three whole weeks! I know she will be a ton of help for our family! And Hopefully she won't be too tired of us! We are a lot of work! My work Schedule is winding down. I only have 5 more work days...ok maybe 6. But a couple of them are 1 client visits. I gave myself a little attitude adjustment Sunday and I've been feeling a lot better since! OH and I almost forgot..HOw could I???!!! Chelsey is coming a week from today! WoooHOOoooo! Well, I best be off hope you enjoy the pictures!

LOve, LEa

Happy Valentines Day

2007-02-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

"Elli Like Candy!"
Who Knew Valentines Day Could Be So Much Fun??!!!! Get These Things Off Of Me Mom!!!
Good Morning Lovies!
Things are going a bit better around here these days. We are anxiously awaiting Aunt Nita's arrival! All of my tests that the Doctor took two weeks ago came back normal and I've been trying to not be so frustrated with taking it easy. I cut back my hours at work, (hard to believe that they could be cut back and I'm still working)! Everyone at work has been understanding of my circumstances. Since I've slowed down I feel so much better! Loralei is using the potty a lot more lately, I still feel like she will be 21 in diapers! Ellianna has grown more devious. It seems as though she looks at the world as something to conquer. "Hummm, what can I destroy in the least amount of time.."?!!! Overall though I'm feeling more ready for baby and ready to be an at home Mom. Anyway as always, I love you all and miss you tons!

Love, Lea

This week in Lea Land

2007-02-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry don't have any pics this week. I lost my camera, it'll turn up I'm sure! This week has been kind of a rough one. It started off great. Doug and I went to Snowflake for the weekend and did nothing. It was great! We ate food, went to the Temple and slept in. We stayed at this cute little B&B and just enjoyed each other for the weekend. We came home Sunday and had to snap back into reality. So I've been feeling really tired and weak lately and after work I've been having a few contractions. I figure no big deal I've done this before. Unfortunately the doctor doesn't agree. He is just so cautious. Long story short he wants me off my feet more. How am I suppose to do that? He told me I could work this week, but this might be my last. Oh, it makes me want to cry. I was ready to quit working in March but I'm not ready to quit now. I'm just not ready to see the end of my career for a while any sooner then I was expecting. I know that the baby and my body are the most important thing, I just don't want my heart to hurt so much about it. Mom keeps reminding me that I'll do fine and that everything is going to be great and I know she's right, but the hard stuff is easier said then done. I did get a delivery date though. March 23rd. I'm happy about that! Also I got a much needed call from my cousin Chelsey and she is coming to visit at the end of the month. I can't wait to see her! And Aunt Nita will be here in a few weeks...oh the fun we will have! So I guess I shouldn't be sad, I'm going to be surrounded by the ones I love for the next couple of months and I will have the best gift of all a sweet new child! So it could be much worse! I hope this letter finds you all in good health and spirits! Tons of Love, Lea

Update Photos

2007-01-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Elli Loves Veggie Tales!

Mama and Loralei self pic. Don't know why I like this one so much!

This is where Doug spent his Christmas.
Loralei's big gift from the man with the bag. We are just now learning how to use it!

Ellianna's big gift from the man with the bag! Sister was much more interested in it, but everyone likes it now!

The Angel placement ceremony. They look so cute together!

So here are some of the pictures we've taken in the last month or so. Hope you enjoy looking them over as much as I did! Things are about the same around here right now. Soon to change! Baby will be here late March ahhhhhh 9 weeks away! We aren't ready by any means! Doug's work load has slowed down a bit but it hasn't died like we were worried about! We are going to Snowflake this weekend for an adults only vacation. Most likely the last one of it's kind for a while. We're going to go to the temple up there for the first time. Needless to say we are excited. Anyway Love ya all tons! Hopefully my next pictures will be of us in the snow!

Tata for now!

Christmas 2006

2006-12-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

Well, a bit has happened since the last post. We visited the doctor last week with colds and we thought everyone was healing. Just kidding! Elli kept getting worse and worse. To add a cherry to the top of the sundae she started with explosive diarrhea. Apparently it's a virus that is super common in our area. So she quit eating. I finally argued with Doug enough to take them back to the doctor. Yup the cold is now pneumonia for both of them and Elli has like two other viruses. What a trip for Ben and Dorleen! The girls are sick and Doug won't stop working. HOHOHO Merry Christmas. Heck, Christmas is Monday and our tree is still in the front yard, no decorations are up. What scrooges! My poor girls! The good news is that the girls are starting to feel better and Doug promised that after the new year he's taking me on a 3 day vacation to get away from it all before the baby gets here. We hope everyone is having a little better holiday than us! Merry Christmas!

This Christmas!

2006-12-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

Doesn't Aunt Nita's hair look fabulous! We worked so hard to make it nice!

Our First encounter with Santa...A little scary! He did give us candy though!

I think we are done now!

Well, I know it has been more than a week since my last update, I guess I bit off more than I could chew! Things have been crazy around here trying to get ready for company and both of the girls have been sick. Little Elli broke her first tooth last week and the 2nd one is on it's way. Poor girl is so miserable. We had a quick visit from Aunt Nita last weekend, it was so much fun! We miss you dearly! Next time bring everyone else ok?! Grandma and Grampa from Oregon are going to be here today and we are soooooo excited! The girls are going to have a blast! I'll try to keep up a bit better but no promises it's the holidays! Merry Christmas Everyone and I've almost finished our Christmas cards so hopefully I'll have them out this week! Love ya!

The Pictures I Promised, (I can follow through if I put my mind to it)!

2006-11-12T22:32:00.000-07:00

Pimpin' aint easy! Poor baby!

Halloween night, Daddy, his girls and Grandma Kathy

Little Loralei in Mommy's hat and her Country Fair Dress. Isn't she Adorable!

Opps we tossed out our little girl! Don't let her make it to the dumpster!

Well, I know I'm not the best about updating my blog, but I'm trying! I'm starting to be a picture taker, but it isn't natrual for me! I will admit it is fun to capture some of these silly moments in time! Well, I love you all and miss ya tons! I'll try to do this once a week if possible!

Love ,

Lea

It's a baby

2006-11-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

We are having a boy! Doug is so crazy excited! What a interesting day! It started a little earlier than planed.. About 1:00am with food poisoning. I thought I was going into labor, it was mega cramping followed with a stream upset stomach. So I figured it out right away that it wasn't labor. Mega fun! Later in the day, about 11:00am, Doug went to town with Derrick and submitted our houseplans for permit! Wooo HOOOoOOOOO!!!! They gave him an estimated pickup date of 12/7/06, that would be so wonderful! Then we got the news about our little boy. We are so happy! We really wanted a boy! Now, I'm just trying to recover from the icky's. What a fun crazy, crappy day! I'll have some more pictures a.s.a.p.

Tons of Love to ya all!

More Adventures in Lea Land

2006-10-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Big Yawner! We are going to be a delicate flower for Halloween! The costume fits!

In the true spirit of Halloween..."Why can't I cover my whole body in blue sharpie marker mom?"
Loralei is going to be a Unicorn for Halloween, but she thinks she's a pony.

Let us pose together. This was the best I could do. Is Loralei trying too hard possibly?

Boating with the Dawson's

2006-10-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

We went camping a few weeks back and we went for a little boat ride. It was fun, but it was difficult. It is fun being a family of 4! Soon to change so we oughta enjoy it! Belive it or not we traveled south about 15 miles away from Mexico to go camping. Patigonia Lake is a lush brake from the scorching desert! It was a fun place to visit, but the campground was a little packed. Doug called it appartment camping. You could have wizzed on the neighbors tent from the door of our tent. hehehe. It would be more fun if we had more people and campsites cause you could really create a comunitee to live in! Anywho, I'll try and post a few more pics from the last few days. Loralei got ahold of a sharpie marker.....

A few new pics

2006-09-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

Well, hello there! That camera looks interesting!

We don't like to stay very still!

She's going to kill me for sharing this picture when she's 16!

Daddy took us all for a walk! He deserves a gold metal!

Our Little Roller Coaster

2006-09-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

Busy Busy Busy! We had our first doctors appointment for the pregnacy on the 24th. That didn't go so great. They told us that they thought we were losing the baby. We came back the next day and everything looked great, but they put me on bed rest for a week. The baby looks good and we got our first picture of he or she. I'm 10 weeks along so 2 more weeks and we will be out of the mega worry time. I think that I'm going to space out my work days a bit to avoid future bed rest. Sometimes bed rest sounds good but when it's forced, it sure is torture! Especially when there are two little ones wishing you could pick them up and play all day, since your home. Anyway, Doug is in Idaho building a fence with his buddies. I've only spoke to him for a few minutes at a time in four days. Man I can't wait for him to come home. He should be home tomorrow night. I hope not to late! The girls are doing great. Ellianna has found a new love...The toilet! Every mothers dream! Loralei is testing my patience daily, yet I'm having the best time with her. She's constantly gibber gabbering. Well, that's a slice of our life! Hope you all are doing well!

Much Love, Lea

Anabell...Our new addition!

2006-08-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

My last post I'm sure had all of you questioning our sanity, funny we've only gotten more crazy! Loralei turned 2 a week ago so we went and bought her a puppy. She's a sweet little border collie. She's 9 weeks old now and a bundle of energy. She's already chosen her favorite family member can you guess who???? Elli gets the majority of her attention! It's so cute, I even wonder if they are speaking the same language and we're the one's to stupid to get it! Needless to say our nights have been a bit restless. We are having fun though. Doug is finally drawing up our house to be. I'm so scared to have three children and a puppy in this house. We out grew it before we had Loralei, but I'm doing my best not to complain. We have been very blessed to have a house at all! With prices so high we are very grateful that we jumped into the market so early! Things around here are so much fun and so exhausting, it's worth every minute! Miss ya all!

Love, Lea

We're Back!

2006-07-31T14:42:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Oregon was so much fun! As always we forgot to take pictures. Sharon where are they??!!! Anyway. We didn't get as much sleep as we would have liked because the sun is up forever and we had to make use of all that sunlight. We were able to visit almost everyone. If we missed you sorry! We'll be back again. The girls loved the ranch and being with all that family. Can you say spoiled???!!! It was so awesome! We were able to bring Leisha back with us and that has been a bunch of fun! She's such a cool kid and she's grown up so much! I hope we will get to see her a little more often now that the wounds of divorce aren't so fresh. Since we came home it's been cooler than usual. Which is great! We've had lots of rain and tons of mosquitoes...Ouch! Now we're gearing up for the next event! Loralei is turning two on Aug 11th, we don't know what we're going to do about that but it will be fun for sure! Then it's Ashleigh's birthday on the 19th. Oh, and one more announcement...You guessed it...We're expecting again! We we're kinda hoping to get pregant in Oregon and we did! So here we go again!

Lots Of Love, Lea

Sizzilin' in the Desert

2006-06-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

"I think that I got it! That fly is a goner!"

(sorry about the cleavage, but I have been blessed!)

"NO it's your turn!"

"I'm comin''! It might take me a few months but I'm on my way!"

Life has been full of swimming pools, eye appointments, hair cutting and vacation planning. Next summer we aren't planning for so much activity! The good part to all of this is that we are never bored, there aren't enough hours in the day to be! Brendan and Ashleigh have been with us during the day and that has been a lot of fun. Ashleigh and I watch Passions in the afternoon and she helps me with the girls a lot!!! Brendan helps with the yard work and occasionally goes with papa or Mike to work. He is totally obsessed with making money to buy more video games. We are all looking forward to our trip up north. It's hot here!

Redneck Campout

2006-06-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

We went camping this weekend. It was OK. Everywhere in Arizona was hot! We were at 7,000 feet and it was 100 degrees. So we are all sunburnt and tired. Not excatly relaxing like we excpected. We weren't able to have a fire at night either because most of Arizona is on fire already. To top off our not so relaxing trip we blew a tire on the freeway coming home. That was crazy stressful! Doug was changing the tire Elli was screaming and cars were passing @ 85-90 miles an hour, not to mention it was 113 outside on the hot asfalt.

The good news is that camping was super fun for the girls. They both just love nature. It's so amazing how concted to Earth they already are. It seems to put them at ease. So all in all it was worth every minute to see them so happy. We're looking forward now to our trip home. After that camping trip we just know the girls will love it!

Swimming lessons start this week! Papa is going with us for the first three days. Then Doug can go on thursday, but after that Granny and Papa will rotate. Doug is getting Lasik on friday and he can't swim for a month. Bad choice in timing for Arizona weather huh! Anyway thats what's up here. What's up with you?

Just Another Day In Lea Land

2006-05-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

We LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE mamma's make-up!!!

We didn't know where else to put her. The bathtub seemed like a logical answer.

"I'm such a delicate flower!"

Ellianna just loves her swing and for some reason that flower!

Things are about the same here! Loralei thinks it is super fun to find anything she shouldn't have and put it to it's worst use. She really has a knack for mischief! Ellianna is really starting to think for herself. She loves to pull your plate, cup, spoon, fork, napkin, anything you thought was important, right off of all surfaces. We've got the grab and yank action down pat. Look out hair! I'm missing small patches on most of my head. Knock on wood, I haven't lost a earring hole yet! Elli's head has also become a war zone. She knocks it into everything, mom knocks it into everything "Look Out! Crap! I'm so sorry!" and her sister thinks it's a great big ball to bounce. Poor thing! She has battle wounds all over her melon. Every day is an adventure in Lea Land!

Viva La Mexico!!

2006-05-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

We have returned from Mexico and are back to reality! Too Bad!!! We did miss the girls, but it was nice to have a weekend away. Our marriage really needed the time. It was like we were 17 again. The beach is so beautiful down there! I expected it to be dirty, but it wasn't! It was so great! We went with 2 other couples that we are friends with from church. One of the couples has a local house down there so it was pretty authentic.

The girls are doing great! Loralei is so friendly and fun. She said "Mike" the other day, so uncle mike is happy! We are starting to use the potty chair at night now. She has become quite the nudist! It started with taking our shirt off. Now every time we potty all of our clothes are gone before Mom knows what's happening. It can be rather messy! She still isn't growing much, but her personality is!

Ellianna is a joy! She has really started reaching for things and we're starting to feed her real food. She has a big appetite. Something has been bugging her lately. We're not sure if it's her teeth or what but she's be a bit grouchy. We're really close to sitting up on our own. It's crazy how fast they grow!

Work is going good! Doug is starting to slow down to a manageable speed now. That is a blessing. He found someone to help him out a bit. Fortunately that has been going well. I've been toying with starting my own salon, but I don't want to to it if my girls are going to suffer. So we've put our trust in the Lord and when and if it is suppose to work out it will. We continue doing research so I'm sure our answers are just around the corner.

That's about that here in Lea Land. Until next time,

Lea

California or bust!

2006-04-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

A few new pictures of Dawson adventures!

The girls with Matthew and Chanelle

"I'm all tuckered out ma'!!!"

Silly little lady

"I don't know about this dad??!!!"

"Take the picture! Quick!"

"Just chillin' with my cuz'!"

2006-04-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Pictures just as I promised! Enjoy!

Don't we look festive?!!! This is at the Luau on Saturday. Isn't Loralei adorable?!

Granny and Ellianna. Smiles for miles!

Daddy Doug and Elli at our little party a few weekends ago.

Me shakin' my thang at the luau on Saturday. Jenny Craig here I come!

'round here

2006-04-08T08:53:00.001-07:00

Now that everyone is feeling better...We're on the go again. The big Luau was Saturday. We were preparing like crazy! Doug did a dance too!! It's a warrior dance called the Haka. Getting ready for the Luau was so much fun but the last few days of relaxation have been long overdue.

unfortunately for Doug, he has been working too much! Poor thing! There wasn't any rest for him! But we're leaving town on Tuesday and we'll get a little family time away from home.

Our trip should be fun! We don't have a lot planed just visiting as far as we know. It's going to be so nice to see the Ocean. Maybe it will keep me from begging to go to Hawaii a little longer.

The girls are good. Elli is finally getting some hair. It's red! She's up to 15lbs! Can you believe it???!!! Loralei is 20 months now and she only weighs 21lbs soaking wet! They really are different. Loralei said a new word and her mom is so proud..."Booger"! Isn't that silly??!! Next post I'll try to add some pics!

The Hospital Wing

2006-03-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

Again it has been too long since my last post. I had a rough week. The Luau is finally over and the next one is on April 8th. We've been practicing a ton and getting everything ready. It was so much fun! Unfortunately I was sick with a fever for the whole thing and I'm still trying to recover from whatever that was!

The girls haven't been feeling so hot either. Loralei has pink eye and an ear infection. Poor thing! I think Elli is coming down with it, she's been a little testy. We'll keep our eyes open.

Doug as always is working entirely too hard. 7am to 10pm Monday threw Friday and at least 8 hours Saturdays. The good part is it should start to let up soon, and if it doesn't we're leaving town anyway in April.

Well, not much else to say. I miss all of you!

Love, Lea

Our Unlikely Visister

2006-03-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I got an email from Chad Hendy. Suprise! He came down to Phoenix to play some baseball. Doug and I saw it as a great opportunity to get out of the house and watch some ball! We had such a great time chasing girls and getting to know his teammates parents. It was also super cool to see Chad. We hadn't seen him in 8yrs. Crazy! He's taller and an adult...imagine that!!! Loralei warmed right up to him and even gave him a kiss goodbye! Ellianna liked him a lot too! If I remeber correct she gave him a few smiles. All in all it was so fun to see him. So much has changed in our lives but it's fun to remember where we came from and who helped us get here

My Little Engineer

2006-03-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen such pride?! Papa was sure proud of her!

My Stupid Survey

2006-03-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sharon over at http://chroniclesofthekidlet.blogspot.com/ I have been tagged for the first time. Here goes nothin'! Sorry it took so long Sharon, but I'm new at this!

1. What is your occupation? stylist, mom
2. What color is your underwear? White
3. What are you listening to right now? The news sports report
4. What was the last thing you ate? doug's elk jerky
5. Do you wish on stars? Yes
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Violet your turning Violet Violet
7. How is the weather right now? Dry and cool
8. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Mom
9. How old are you today? 25
10. Favorite drink? Dr. Pepper
11. Favorite sport to watch? Baseball, or Hockey
12. Have you ever dyed your hair? every 4-6 weeks
13. Do you wear contacts or glasses? glasses at night
14. Pets? 4 part time cats they live with my mom more
15. Favorite month? August in Oregon, Febuary in Arizona
16. Favorite food? Pizza
17. What was the last movie you watched? In America
18. Favorite day of the year? Thanksgiving
19. What do you do to vent anger? Laugh
20. Hugs or kisses? hugs
21. Cherry or blueberry? Blueberry
22. Living arrangements? own a home in the desert with my little ladies and husband don't forget mom and dad next door
23. When was the last time you cried? This evening
24. What is on the floor of your closet? dirty laundry, shoes, and folded laundry
25. Who is/are the friends you have had the longest? Luke Franks since birth
26. What did you do last night? practiced samoan dance followed by watching American Idol
27. Favorite smell? Doug's smell
28. What inspires you? My girls, and The Lord
29. What are you afraid of? living longer than my family
30. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? cheese
31. Favorite car? Jaguar
32. Favorite dog breed? Border Collie?
33. Number of keys on your key ring? 8
34. How many years at your current job? almost 1 but 4yrs in the industry
35. Favorite day of the week? Sunday because I can loose track of time
36. How many states have you lived in? 2
37. How many cities have you lived in/name them? How about cities and towns?...Glide, OR; La Grande, OR; Tempe, AZ; Phoenix, AZ; Arizona City, AZ
38. What was the last book you read? The Chronicals of the Cheysuli
If you blog and have read this...TAG! It's your turn. :)

Where's my grass skirt?!

2006-03-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

As if belly dancing wasn't enough, I'm now learning some Polynesian dances. I'm on the relief society Enrichment committee (translation: I help plan activities for the women at church) So we got a new family in our ward and they are from Hawaii which means we have to have a luau. Woo Hoo!!!! So the mother of the family Ruth is helping us have a authentic experience which means dancing!!!! Right now we are practicing a Samoan dance. It is so fun! I think next week we will start the Hawaiian dance. It's so graceful and fun I love it! Anyway, think of me when you hear an ukulele!

2006-02-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

So too top off our great visit with Aunt Nita we went to Arizona City Daze. This was my first year to attend and I was surprised how big it really was! There was a parade in the morning and then we went back and walked through booths. Then we took the kids to the carnival part and Loralei got to ride her first carnival ride. She had a tons of fun stomping through the moon dust (that's what the soil is like out here. It's like walking in red baby powder). Anyway it was super hard to say good bye to Aunt Nita. We really look forward to heading up north to see her and the rest of you guys in July! Back to reality this week lots of house cleaning! We're expecting a few visitors in march so we need to do spring cleaning. (March is the visiting month for some reason)

Lots of Love, Lea

This week

2006-02-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since I have posted but I did say "whenever I get the chance" didn't I!!! Anywho, My Aunt Nita flew into town on saturday and we have been having a blast!

I sang in church on sunday and that went preety well. Then Doug did me a huge favor and watched the girls on monday so that I could go on a little road trip with Aunt Nita and Mom. We drove to Sedona and Jerome. It was funny they made me stop and a thrift store and we drove in circles a bit. Despite the crazy stops it was everything I needed! We had such a giggling good time!

The girls are doing great! Loralei has been on a sugar rampage and she's finally starting to come back down to reality. We switched Elli over to soy milk and she's a different kiddo. Translation...we get sleep now! Elli is yackety yackin' all the time now just like her big sis. They are such a blast!!!

Well, that's what's up this week I'll try to write a little sooner next time.

a picture or two

2006-02-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend

2006-02-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

So this weekend was fun. Doug surprised me and took me to a dinner theater. We saw Oklahoma! It was great! He did such a good job surprising me. I had no idea.

Loralei decided to take her first shot at biting those around her. I felt really bad because the fist bite was a 9 month old named Morgan, a friend's daughter. Then she bit Ellianna, and her last attempt was Granny. Fortunately it seems to have stopped today. But I won't hold my breath. I'm sure it will come back again when I least expect it.

Elli is starting to find her personality. She's smiling and giggling a bit. It's so fun! Doug saw her roll onto her side for the first time a few days ago. It seems like just yesterday she was barely moving. It happens so fast!!!!

I'm going to try and post some pictures next so wish me luck!

Lea

My First Attempt @ Blogging??!!!

2006-02-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

So this is my effort to keep up with all of my friends. Sharon you inspired me! I so look forward to ready your blog each day so I thought it would be easy for me to post stuff about my family every now and again. So here it goes....