Cake, cake...who wants cake?

One of my birthday presents was three cake decorating classes by Anniece Barker. The picture here is one of her cakes. If any of you remember, I've wanted to take cake deco classes for a long time but I've never just done it. I guess my sisters got tired of me trying to talk them into doing it with me because they gave me this gift. Its been so fun! I've had two classes and next week will be my third and final class. I have learned how to make a delicious marshmallow fondant (WAY better than regular fondant) and my favorite buttercream recipe to date. I've learned how to stack cakes. And last week we practiced some simple decorations styles like basketweave, beeding (or is it beading?), and star flowers. Next week she's going to teach me how to make sugar flowers. I'm so excited. I want to make this cake in the picture. I just want to see if I can do it. I don't think I even minutely comprehend what it means to make this cake but I want to do it. But I don't want to have it sitting around to eat. Maybe I should just make it and send it to work with Steve....haha. I offered to make my niece, Ellie's birthday cake but that's not until the end of May. I need to practice though. Anyway....a whole lot of cake is going to be going on pretty soon. Thanks Ev and Mae!

List

1. My friend Kelli and I packed up our kiddos plus one Waldron kiddo and headed off to the Great Park for one of their big balloon rides. We got there and walked right on after getting our "tickets." This is a picture of the entire gang after our balloon ride - Max (1), Jake (7, I think), Ethan, Chloe (3), Luke and Maxwell (4).

The balloon went up about 400 ft. We stood and watched our world get smaller and smaller as we got higher and higher. It was a perfect day for it too, so clear. 2. The boys, well actually Ethan and then Luke by default, have been invited to three birthday parties within the past week. Here they are at one extremely fun party at Pump It Up. Thank you, Lauren, for such a fun time! We have another one to go to in a couple weeks and then it will be Ethan's birthday. I wish I could find a group like my friend Jessica found here. I could not believe everything she got for her little Miah's birthday party. I would NEVER find that here in SoCal.

3. Ok, so this is probably the most exciting news I have to share....Sadie got her ears pierced. I took her to the Piercing Pagoda last Friday afternoon. I just couldn't wait any longer. I packed up the boys and left. We got there and I chose her earrings, sat her on my lap so I could hold her arms down, and bang! bang! pierced ears...voila! While I was choosing her earrings the nice lady working there told me "She will cry, Momma." My reply to her was, "I know. I might too so don't worry about us." She did cry. She probably cried for a few minutes. I should have brought a bottle to comfort her with but I didn't. She didn't even want her paci for a couple minutes. I felt like a bad mom but I'm over it. She's fine and I'm glad I did it now. This picture is in the car when we were headed home.

Here she is moments before the earrings went in.

4. Steve and Seegmiller Johnson played soccer this year. They went from being 4th place (I think it was) to winning the tournament in 1st!!! Way to go guys! The kids and I would go to any of the games that were at 7 and cheer our dad and team on. I didn't know how good Steve is at soccer. See what I mean? Another hidden talent Steve chose not to show me. I swear he doesn't want me to know how cool he is....but he's not foolin' me. We can't wait til the next soccer season. I did not take this picture and this is the best I could get the red eye with my VERY limited photoshop skills.

5. I have to say my two cents about Octomom. You may hate me for it. Don't read it if you don't want to know it. I'm so sick of hearing everyone berate her. Come on, people, get over it. Haven't you ever made a stupid mistake? Even a really big stupid mistake? I know I have. Don't get me wrong, I don't agree with it but you know what? Who cares? Those 14 kids deserve all the help her mom can be given. Even if she were married she would still need all the help she could get. Stop sending her hate mail and threatening to kill her, that just doesn't help anyone now does it?

6. Sadie is a green monster. I don't mean anything related to St. Patrick's day. She's got boogers galore. They are coming out her nose and they are coming out her eyes! What is going on?

7. Obama's coming to my town. He'll be right around the block from me. Maybe I should go see what change looks like....or something.

8. I went to Kindergarten orientation last week for Ethan. I still can't believe he's going to be in Kindergarten in the fall. I got to tour the school, meet the principal and PTA president. I wasn't very excited about Ethan attending this school for the longest time but I have to admit my attitude is changing. They have this really cool program called Jump Start that they do a couple weeks before school starts. One parent gets to bring their kindergartner to school for a few hours for 4 days. This way they can meet all the teachers and meet all the new students and make some friends. I think its such a smart idea. I think I might have to join the PTA....there's a thought.

Sadie's four months

I'm a couple weeks late taking this. Yesterday I was going through her closet and looked at the size on this dress. I had thought it was a six month size but its 3-6 month! Phew, what a relief that I caught it before she outgrew it. If she would have outgrown this without wearing it I would be so sad. She has had a fever for a few days but I think she's over it now. She's a good eater. She drinks 5-6 oz. every 3-4 hours. She screams bloody murder when she's hungry. She is becoming gloriously chubby. I think her ears are ready to be pierced (now that she's over her fever).

She's looking up at her dad who is standing behind me. I ordered these shoes for Sade from Aurelia and Annalise and I can't wait for them to get here!

Birthday Bash

I had a spectacular birthday! The day of my birthday Steve took the day off and we played. Sadie got sick so we didn't party too hard but I had fun going out to eat (twice) and seeing the play "Noises Off." Steve wrote a list and gave it to me. Read it and weep (because it made me weep). So I thought that was that and I was happy. Little did I know all the scheming that had been going on. I get this vague note about being taken out on the town for a double date with my sister Ev and her hubby. Ok, sounds innocent right? I call her and tell her she has already given me a gift she doesn't have to do this too. She coyly says she's looking forward to it and needs a date night too. Saturday rolls around and Sadie gets sick. I call Ev and talk about canceling. She tells me its up to me. Then I decide Sadie only has a fever so we're safe. We show up at my sisters house and SURPRISE!!! Its a party....what sneakers. The outdoor decorations were beautiful, especially at night. Coin toss anyone?

Ooooo, she's a hottie.

My parents babysat for us but the kids got to make an appearance at the end of the party. Here they are in their pj's.

So pretty I almost don't want to eat it....almost.

Mmmmm....I'm a kid in a candy store and I can have ANYTHING! Its great to be 30.

It was a carnival theme. We played coin toss, bean bag toss, and jousting. We ate corn dogs, popcorn, buffalo wings, candy, cotton candy, cupcakes and churros (much more). I blew out my candles with candles that never go out. Everyone passed a cupcake around and said something nice about me. I think we will be eating leftover candy until I turn 31. We seriously have grocery bags full of it. Thank you to every one that came, it was SO FUN to see you there. I missed those of you who weren't able to come. Evelyn and Mae, you two are masters of party planning. You also are two of the best sisters, and best friends, a girl could have. Thank you for the party. I love you both.

Looking Back

I'm feeling nostalgic today. Its my last day in my 20s. That's right, tomorrow is my 30th birthday. You're probably assuming I'm feeling old or something like that. I'm not. I'm feeling good. My 20s were good. I experienced so many milestones in my 20s. 1. I met some of my most favorite people in my 20s. We had a blast figuring out what life meant for us. I loved, LOVED my years at BYU and I know they wouldn't have been the same without Regency 43, S.I.N. nights, DT S Hall, and Shar. 2. I got married in my 20s, 22 to be exact. That was the most important day of my life so far. Without that day so many other days would not have happened. I married an incredible man. I can still remember how I felt kneeling across the altar from him in the temple....goosebumps.

3. I got my Bachelor's in my 20s. That was such an accomplishment for me. I couldn't believe I was done. And now I can't believe its been 7 years since then already....what the?!

4. I had three children in my 20s. Each of those days were pivotal, life altering days. Each child that came into my life expanded my heart and made me grow more than all the other achievements I had accomplished on my own.

I don't know what my 30s have in store for me. I don't even know what I'm doing tomorrow (Steve's in charge and I'm so excited to see what he's planned). Looking back, its been a good life. I would never have predicted it the way it happened. It was so much better. I'm excited to become 30. I'm anxious to figure out myself as a mature 30 year old. I think there is so much I'll leave behind (like maybe my phobias that hold me back) and emerge even more aware of what this life is all about. Or.....maybe I won't.....either way, I'm sure it will be one heck of a ride. Happy Birthday to me.

Love letter #4 Steve

Dear Steve, I love you. I love how much fun you bring into my life. I love your goofiness. I love that you can keep a straight face when you're teasing, half the time I have to ask you if you're for real. I love your brilliant brain. You know what to do and how to do it. Even when you don't, you pull it off spectacularly. I am constantly amazed at your abilities. I think sometimes you keep them hidden just so I don't expect too much of you...haha. I love the strong sense of self you have. I love watching you and the boys together. You are a great father. You are a pillar of strength to them and to me. When I struggle you support me and give me strength to see it through. When the boys need a firm hand you don't over do it. I love watching you express your feelings to them afterwards. I love watching you with Sadie. She's such a tiny bundle in your arms. I love that you hold the priesthood. I love trying new things with you. You are the ultimate partner in crime. I remember when you took me to a Philippino restaurant to try balut. I turned green and couldn't do it but it was fun anyway. Then there was the time we drove down to Goblin valley for the day. We had such a fun time exploring and then got caught in an awesome thunderstorm on the way home. I love going out with you.

I love holding your hand. I appreciate your guiding our family. You do so much for our family, for me. I wouldn't be able to stay home with our children without your support. When I ran my first half marathon you brought the boys to cheer me on. You went to three different spots to cheer me on which meant carting the boys to each spot and waiting. It meant so much to me to see you three there. Then you brought me home and made breakfast for me. But all that wouldn't have been possible if you weren't willing to support me during training. You support me whenever I tell you some new thing I want to do. I love you for that.

Thank you for being my husband. Thank you for taking such good care of me and the kids. Thank you for loving me even when I'm a brat. I love making memories for our kids and you are my favorite person to do this with. Thank you for keeping me sane. I love you forever.

Camilla

Love letter #3 Sadie

Dear Sadie, I love your cheeks. I love your smell. I love to make you smile. I love your blue eyes. I love how you just started talking to us with your gurgely, bubbly baby talk. I love it when we make eye contact and you instantly smile in recognition of who I am. I love that you are a little girl, you bring a new dimension into this house. I love putting a headbow on you whenever we're about to leave. It doesn't matter what you are wearing, you get a bow. I'm taking advantage of it as long as I can. I laugh when I find the bow over your eyes after being in the car. I know you probably don't appreciate it very much but its cute to me. I love holding you close. The minute the doctor put you in my arms after you were born I fell in love with you. You were beautiful and you seem to just get more and more beautiful every day. You were a little miracle, just like your brothers. I love that you were bigger than them at birth. You also had your own timetable for being born too.

I love that you always have to have something in your mouth; fingers, pacifier you'll take whatever you can get. A nurse at the hospital got upset with me when I asked them for a pacifier. They explained to me that the hospital was a "baby friendly" hospital and that they don't promote the use of pacifiers or bottles in order to help mother and baby establishment breastfeeding skills. Well, I kindly informed her that this is my third child. All three of my children have had strong suck to soothe reflexes and I am not inclined to be attached to you when you weren't eating. I love you, little girl, but I would go crazy if that were the case.

I love how much your brothers love you. They took to you right from the start, no problems, no jealousy. They are still learning the art of being big brothers, I think that lesson will be neverending but don't doubt that they love you.

I love that your dad knew you were coming before I did. He knew we were having a girl. He has correctly predicted each of our children's genders. I love seeing him hold you. He is lost in this world of girl but he is in love with you too. He knows true beauty when he sees it...haha.

You are only three months old, almost four but I already can't imagine what our family would be like without you. Thank you for joining us. I'll love you forever.

Your Mom

Love letter #2 Luke

Dear Luke, I love you, number two. I didn't know I could love another child but you came and that fear quickly left because my heart melted. Just like with your brother, from the minute you entered my life I just wanted to care for you. I wanted to hold you and cuddle you. I had my hands full but I wanted you with me every step of the way. I love your big personality. You are you and no one can take that away from you. Sometimes your dad and I go bonkers with how independent you are already. I love that about you, though. You amaze me at how much you know yourself. You know what you want and you stick to your guns. Doesn't mean you always get it but you deserve credit for being self-assured enough to stick to it. You love to be goofy. You have such a zest for life. You don't know your own strength but you go for it 100%. I remember there was a time in your life when you used to hit your head against everything. You would cry like crazy because it usually hurt (the tv was a repeat offender) but that describes you - full steam ahead! You have always been so big, personality and body. Every doctor appointment amazes me that you are still topping the charts. Sometimes you are even over the top. Everyone that sees you is shocked to find out that you are only three years old. You are so intelligent. I love that you have always been a great talker. Your vocabulary has always been beyond your years. We know that you understand.

I love how much you love your brother. You are right there with him in all he does. You two are practically inseperable. I love watching you play together. I love how you are fearless. One day at the park I turned around to find you climbing up a ladder. I held my breath, hoping you would make it all the way to the top. Unfortuneately, you fell at the top. It was a high fall but did that stop you from going back the next time we were at that park? You have yet to break a bone, thankgoodness.

I love your face. You look at me and I can see that you look into me. I love hugging you and kissing you. You hardly stay still long enough for me to do it but I grab the chance whenever I can. I love it when you tell me you love me. I love how quickly you forgive me too. I hope you can always do that.

I love finding you in your room cuddling with your "peta" and blankie. I know that we need to get you to give up your peta soon but for now its cute to see you sneak those quiet moments alone. I love hearing your prayers. You say such good prayers, always with so much you are thankful for. I love how you are so anxious to say a prayer too. I hope you always retain that quality. I love hearing you repeat your scriptures. You and Ethan have really impressed me with how quickly you memorize them and retain them.

I love being your mom. I love looking at you at night, after you've fallen asleep. I love watching you grow and learn. I love seeing you smile and hearing your laugh. I love that when you are hurt you seek comfort with me or your dad. I know that one day my arms won't go all the way around you but I'm gonna hang on as long as I can. You are my favorite Lukey. Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for teaching me. I will always love you.

Your Mom

Love Letter #1 Ethan

Dear Ethan, You were born and you changed me forever. The minute I became your mother I wanted nothing else than to care for you. I knew what I was supposed to do. I was happy doing it. I was more than happy, for the first time I felt like I was doing something with myself. You gave me purpose. The momma bear instinct kicked in with full force. I love how you are so active. You definitely keep us on our toes. Ever since you learned to crawl you have been on the move. You love to run, bike, walk, swim, explore and I love that part of you. I crack up when I see you walking around the house with all your pads and helmet on. I remember that you used to run back and forth between the couch and the sliding door, like you were doing sprints or something. You have always loved the beach, running right into the water no matter the time of year. Last summer I watched you swim in the pool with your arm floaties and you were so proud. I wish I had your energy. I love your imagination. You do a good monster face. You have walked up to kids at the park and growled at them because you wanted to play monster with them. I had to talk to you about how that might not be the best first impression you could make. You love to play pirate in the backyard or wear your Superman cape and run around pretending you are saving the world from the next evil doer. You have always loved to paint. I love hearing you tell me what your pictures mean. Now that you are in preschool you bring home so many art pieces, they are my favorite. I can see your mind at work. You are so intelligent.

I love your smile. I love your gentle nature. When you were a baby you used to rub my arm when I was holding you and I loved that. You are my first child which means you have had to be the pioneer and experience things first. Sometimes you jump right in and do it. Other times you cling to my leg and need a little push. I know what its like being the oldest. Sometimes I wish I could take that away from you so you wouldn't have to experience everything first. But I've seen that you are the best suited for it. I can see how your younger brother looks up to you and you are a good example. Your dad and I can explain something to you then let you choose and you, generally, choose the best option. You are even tempered. When Luke is upset you like to cheer him up. You are full of compliments lately.

When you were a baby I loved that you loved your pacifier. I thought it was so cute. You would walk around with one in your mouth and one in each hand. You would suck on it upside down or sideways. If you were upset we could just give you your "peta" and you would be happy. Then when you were three you gave it up happily. I was afraid of the fight we were going to have to endure but you didn't put up much of one.

I love how curious you are. Sometimes it drives me crazy but I love it. You love to ask where things come from. If I know the answer I will tell you. If I don't then I tell you I don't know and most of the time you are ok with that. I thought you would inundate me with whys but you don't, or maybe you haven't yet. One of the best parts of being a mom is watching you discover the world around you. I want to keep you from the ugly and hurtful but I hope to give you a strong sense of self that you can face it and see the good in everything. You make the world around you a better place.

I love that you like to eat. Not only eat but you are pretty good at trying new things. A couple nights ago I gave you some steamed green beans with your dinner. As soon as I tasted my own green beans I wanted to remove them from your plate because they were gross but I didn't and you finished them. You have always been a good eater. You have complimented me a couple times at dinnertime and its adorable. I aim to please and its great to be appreciated. I love you for that.

You are my favorite Ethan. I love to hug you and kiss you. I love being your mom. Thank you for being my son. Thank you for teaching me about true love and charity. I'll love you forever.

Your Mom

Our little beauty

My sister Mae snapped these photos of my darling baby girl. Isn't she adorable? Look at those blue eyes - they sparkle just like her brothers'. And those cheeks, now can you see why I just love kissing those cheeks? They are so yummy. She's gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.

Thanks, Mae, for the wonderful pictures. I just can't stop looking at them.